Located in the heart of City Heights, Cafeina Cafe is a charming coffee shop often referred to as a hidden gem. It's an inviting spot, noted for its vibrant atmosphere and friendly service. The cozy indoor space and beautifully designed outdoor patio create a perfect environment for anyone looking to study, work, or simply relax.
Customers rave about the unique and delicious drink offerings. Mira A.S. highlights the heavenly strawberry matcha and the delightful matchata, while Naomi Gonzalez appreciates the house-made horchata iced latte. The attention to detail in the drinks is apparent – from the bold espresso to the creamy mazapan latte, which adds a nutty twist to coffee. The café also boasts a selection of pastries, though patrons hope for an expanded food menu in the future.
Cafeina Cafe's relaxed vibe is complemented by ample WiFi and local art adorning the walls, making it an ideal spot for creatives and remote workers. Whether you’re sipping coffee with a study buddy or enjoying a quiet morning solo, the welcoming atmosphere ensures a delightful experience every time. A true treasure in San Diego’s coffee scene!
Amenities and More
Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Has outdoor seating
On-site services available
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
No delivery
Highlights
Serves great coffee
Has great tea selection
Has live performances
Popular for
Popular for breakfast
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Quick bite
Serves vegan dishes
Serves vegetarian dishes
Dining options
Serves breakfast
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has toilet
Has Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy
Crowd
Family friendly
Good for groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Planning
Doesn't accept reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
Has kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Somewhat difficult to find a space
Pets
Dogs allowed
Dogs allowed outside
Photos
Reviews For Cafeina Cafe
Mira A.S.
Jun 21,2025
A five star coffee shop! Interesting drinks menu, strawberry matcha is heavenly, matchata was also really good, and I'll report on the rest when I try more because I'll definitely be back. It's beautifully served in a nice well ventilated space. The outdoor patio looks great as well. Good people! They also have pastries. I wish you guys start serving more food in the future I could definitely grab a breakfast sandwich here or something like that.
My Le
Jun 1,2025
This Mexican cafe has been here for six years. This is what I would call a hidden neighborhood gem. It’s located on 46th street on the side of the super market off University Ave. it’s all street parking. We ordered: Horchata latte- the horchata is premade with milk and they just add coffee. Keep this in mind if you can’t have diary. Mazapan latte - had tiny nutty bits of the mazapan. We loved both of our drinks. Espresso was bold, I used oat milk on the mazapan for the creaminess. We wanted to try their bakery items but none was available. They changed bakery vendor and in transition until further noticed. There’s a cozy small patio in the back. Much more quiet in the back than in the front. The menu prices reflect 12oz, add 0.50 if you want the 16oz.
Meiling Yueh
May 30,2025
Cool coffee place in this area. Impressed. Had my coffee here and glad to find a nice place in this areas. Good coffee.
Naomi Gonzalez
May 11,2025
This little quaint coffee shop in the middle of busy City Heights. I love that I can walk here from my home, it’s a great environment to study and get some work done. The staff is friendly and I haven’t had one bad drink. First time there, I had the Horchata iced Latte and I love that the horchata was made in house. This time around I tried the Iced Matcha with strawberry cold foam, just what I needed to power through my work. The patio area is vibrant and perfect to bring my study buddy with me. Not once have they said anything about my dog, so very welcoming they even put out a bowl of water for your furry friends. I really like coming here and glad it’s so close to home. This place is gem.
Giovanna Mantilla
Apr 7,2025
Love this spot! The coffee is always great and the service is super friendly. It’s a relaxed, welcoming vibe with solid WiFi and cool local art on the walls. The hidden patio out back is a nice bonus—more seating and lots of plants. Definitely a favorite place to work or hang out.
Caitlin D
Apr 5,2025
Parked a block or so away, but as we walked closer there were some spots right in front of the cafe. They have lots of indoor and even back patio seating. The service was great as the owner was informative and helpful about the menu and drinks. He was patient as well. I ordered the 12 oz, Iced Honey Lavender Latte with Whole Milk, 6.50. The latte tasted very good with the perfect amount of milk and espresso. The honey was fragrant and the lavender wasn’t too strong. And my friend had a Honey Cinnamon Latte (Miel y Canela), 5.50. Located within the heart of City Heights is Cafeina Cafe! While the outside is dark, the interior is bright and vibrant. Since they were quite busy the day I went it took them a bit longer to make the drinks. But the quality of the drinks is what matters more than the wait time imo! I like that— the owner would come to the back patio to personally bring the drinks...if people didn’t hear them being called out at the bar (which was clean and organized!). I originally wanted to try a special they had displayed on Instagram, but since it’s March— they don’t have that anymore. If they have any future specials next time— I’ll most likely order that. Would recommend this spot for good coffee!
Iryna Yaresko-Linska
Apr 5,2025
While passing by Cafeina Cafe, I decided to stop in and try their coffee. I got a latte. Unfortunately, I was in a hurry and didn’t have time to fully check out the interior or menu, but I quickly looked around, took a few photos, and I liked what I saw. I really liked the graffiti on the walls, the interior design, and the service — the staff was very pleasant, and my coffee was prepared quite quickly. The latte itself was tasty and at just the right temperature. I definitely plan to come back when I have more time to explore the place, try more drinks, and maybe some desserts from the menu.
Jasmine Lopez
Mar 20,2025
First timer at this spot today, I got the mazapan iced and by far has been the best I've had. this definitely became my new favorite spot. workers are really welcoming and friendly, and the spot is such a vibe I recommend. 10/10 spot
Reviews For Cafeina Cafe