Zumbar Coffee & Tea

I stopped by Zumbar for lunch once since they are so conveniently located by my workplace. The barista puts a lot of care into making each cup of coffee. The art in every cup is a nice touch and definitely an added bonus to the already exquisite taste. The place is small, but very cozy. If you're looking for a spot to take someone on a small coffee date, Zumbar is the place!

I've been going to this spot for years. They've got top-tier espresso drinks and they bottle their cold brew in 12oz and 22oz bottles to go. They aren't playing the fake coffee game, so if you want a plethora of flavored syrups, this isn't your place. They've got little pastries and donuts as well, if you're starving in the morning.

This review is coming from a non-coffee-drinker, so please take this with a grain of...coffee grounds? My coworkers rave about this place. It is apparently an amazing coffee shop. For me, I'm delighted that they carry the absolutely mind-blowing almond croissants from Opera Patisserie, which is nearby, but Zumbar is more convenient. Something for everyone!
However. This place is so, so noisy inside. It's also not a great use of space. There are a few tables along the edge and a big open space in the middle, a couple tables outside. People who are waiting for their order are awkwardly splayed about. The machinery is really loud, so you probably aren't going to be talking to someone else much, anyway. I've taken a client here and sat outside and it was still difficult to have an informal meeting here because of the noise and the rickety chairs and tables. I feel like this coffee shop can't quite decide if it is counter service only or if it is trying to be a place people come hang out. What I would likely do, if anyone asked me (they won't) would be to put a thick piece of plexiglass behind the cashier, between him/her and the equipment, which is large and looks vaguely impressive. That way, if showing off said mysterious machinery is important, it can still happen, but contain the noise more. To me, the back area with all the things doesn't look particularly like something one really needs to show off to enhance the experience, but what do I know.
In any case, stop by to pick up an almond croissant or other assorted and delightful pastries, and even coffee if you are into that kind of thing, but save your ears and get everything to go.

Coffee is so delicious!! Coffee art ❤️!!

It's a very low key coffee shop that roasts their own beans. I ordered an iced decaf americano. Very tasty. Adequate seating space and a few pastry selection. One of the few coffee shops that serves good coffee in the area.

Best coffee roaster in San Diego. I love to pick up a roast to grind at home if I am nearby. Not my favorite spot to hang out, though. Often busy and is in a random strip mall. Still totally worth it.

Very good coffee. No silly flavors. Limited menu with everything done with excellence.

Fantastic coffee. This is a gem in San Diego. I was chatting with the owner the other day. They are from Seattle, where I have tried the best coffee. I am not a coffee drinker, but the coffee here makes me make an exception. This place is close to the Sorrento Valley Coaster Station (walking distance). It is so convenient...

Really cool place. Coffee is made to perfection, old school style which I really liked.

This is my favorite coffee place in San Diego. My go-to drink is a Dirty Chai Latte, which is their chai latte with a shot of espresso. I really like the croissants here as well (any flavor). They have chocolate, almond, and plain croissants. Since the coffee beans are freshly roasted, I always like to pick up a bag for the house - their beans taste much better than store-bought beans and it also supports a local company.