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Enjoy Brick & Bell Cafe - La Jolla Shores
Brick & Bell Cafe - La Jolla Shores is a cozy, welcoming spot nestled near the beach at 2216 Avenida De La Playa, La Jolla. Known for its expertly crafted coffees—including specialty brews like Mexican mocha and seasonal flavors—it offers a refreshing blend of hot and cold drinks, from classic espresso to Arnold Palmers and oat milk lattes. The menu shines with fresh, flavorful breakfast and lunch options, including standout vegetarian and vegan choices like the popular Sunrise Sandwich. With friendly staff, shaded outdoor seating, and a tranquil back patio, it’s the perfect retreat after a morning surf or a casual catch-up.
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Brick & Bell Cafe - La Jolla Shores
Nestled just steps from the scenic La Jolla Shores, Brick & Bell Cafe offers an inviting refuge where great coffee and thoughtful bites come together seamlessly. This local gem stands out for its warm, laid-back vibe and attentive service, making it the perfect spot to recharge after an early surf or a leisurely beach walk.
The espresso here ranks among the best in the area—bold yet smooth, with a variety of classic and adventurous flavors like the Mexican mocha and monthly rotating specials that keep each visit fresh. The cold brews and cappuccinos also command attention, delivering consistently rich and balanced cups that satisfy the discerning coffee lover.
Food-wise, Brick & Bell shines with its diverse, fresh menu. From the Sunrise Sandwich served on a flaky croissant to a range of vegetarian and vegan options like vibrant salads and hearty sandwiches, the cafe caters to many tastes without compromising quality. The pastries, especially the honey maple walnut mini scones, are a delightful complement to the drinks, offering just the right sweetness and texture.
Seating options add to the charm—while indoor tables are cozy and intimate, the shaded sidewalk and tree-lined patio provide a lively, sunny atmosphere perfect for people-watching or quiet moments. Bonus points for the hidden back patio, where one can enjoy some peaceful downtime amid chirping birds and gentle sea breezes.
Despite some mixed feedback on a few items, the overall experience at Brick & Bell Cafe is consistently welcoming and satisfying. The fair pricing makes it a genuine local favorite rather than a tourist hotspot, encouraging repeat visits and neighborhood loyalty. Whether you’re chasing that flawless cup of coffee or a fresh, wholesome bite, Brick & Bell in La Jolla Shores delivers both with heart and craft.
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“ Great espresso cafe… super chill — quick, kind customer service. Great prices (local not tourist prices). Tables inside and also- outside on a shaded sidewalk & tree-lined patio. A lot of drinks both hot and cold… (lemonade. OJ, Arnold Palmer, Frappuccino, etc. etc.) Breakfast, lunch—great vegetarian options (vegan too :). Salads, sandwiches, pastries… Great selection of coffees and teas— Oat-milk and almond milk options , protein shakes-smoothies, fruit and veggie juices... Great, chill local La Jolla treasure… Sit at a table and enjoy— or to-go.. parking is good —best before 10:00 am. Great neighborhood to park and walk to .. right up the street (2 blocks ) from a very cool kayak shop. ”
“ One of my regular coffee spots and always a solid experience. The staff is friendly, the coffee is good, and the breakfast is great. My recommendation is the Sunrise Sandwich. Indoor seating is limited, but there is plenty of outdoor seating, which works well with the beach location. Just know that weekends after 8 AM get very busy, expect a line and limited seating. Great spot after a surf session or a morning at the beach. ”
“ Wonderful cafe close to La Jolla shores. For coffee they have your basics in addition to a couple of fun flavors, like the Mexican mocha. They also have monthly rotating special flavors. The coffee is always great; I never have to peek in and check if "the good or bad barista" is in today like I do at other small cafes. It's always delicious! There's also a bunch of baked goods that are all great too, plus some savory options like sandwiches that are also good. The lines can be long on the weekends, but ordering moves quickly. Recommend budgeting at least 15-20 mins if line is out the door though. Always looking forward to coming here :) ”
“ Stopped by this afternoon to get my coffee fix. Couldn't resist the pastry cabinet. The cold brew was ok, pastry was great. ”
“ From the super fresh and delicious food to the friendly staff, we always love Brick and Bell. Killer cappucinos and mini scones - especially love the honey maple walnut but they’re all fantastic. The wi-fi is great and they have a cute “secret” back patio if you need a bit of quiet but really we love the cute birds who hang out in front (sparrows, finches, all sorts). On weekdays you’ll get all the local color from wetsuit-clad surf instructors to kayak outfitter crews to chatty students and business types peering intently into Zoom. Our favorite casual breakfast in La Jolla Shores (after 15 yrs). ”