Better Buzz Coffee

Rapidly expanding in the San Diego area, Better Buzz Coffee is spreading up the California Coast. Each of the locations scattered about the San Diego region offers an open and relaxed environment with fantastic coffee, delicious bites, and friendly staff.

The Pacific Beach cafe looks similar to other locations: a sidestreet shop with some table or bar seating and, surprisingly, no windows. Each store we’ve come across embraces the natural elements by having open fronts that allow customers to feel as through they’re sitting outside while technically dining indoors. On the cool morning that we visited, the slight breeze through the cafe made our hot coffees even more enjoyable. We tried an on-tap Italian blend that is mellow, smooth, and served in a cup much bigger than we expected to receive for a regular. They definitely don’t skimp on quantity; our specialty eggnog latte was more comparable to a Starbucks Venti size than a regular. This seasonal drink is filled with holiday goodness, plenty of warm milk, and a cinnamon finish.

The breakfast menu is not extensive, so it was easy for us to pick something quickly. We knew we couldn’t go wrong with a slice of classic avocado toast. The thick multigrain slice of bread has fresh avocado mash heaped on, with poppy seeds and a lemon wedge to add flavor. It is almost too big to finish, but the perfect choice for an avocado lover. Almond butter and jam toast is also available if you’re not a fan of California’s staple green fruit.

The bacon breakfast sandwich countered with a different array of flavors than the toast, but we were not disappointed. This sandwich is pressed like a panini and stacked with melted cheese, chewy bacon, and house-cooked eggs. The fact that the eggs are not pre-frozen patties makes a huge difference. The toasted and pressed bread pulls the whole meal together. It’s clear why this breakfast sandwich is the most popular item.

We walked out with a buzz from the coffee and a friendly wave and smile from the baristas. We’ll be back soon, and we might even see a Better Buzz pop up near us. Keep an eye out for these guys; their coffee is definitely worth a stop.