We’ve all been there. You need a caffeine jolt, but you’ve got a sleeping baby in the backseat. Or you’re in a rush and don’t have time for an all out stop at a coffee shop with the kids. Or maybe you just want your cappuccino quick and contactless. Fret not, because we’ve got your fix at these drive-thru coffee shops. Read on for where to get your motor runnin’.
Cuppa Cuppa Coffee
Grab a latte, cold brew, blended mocha, blended caramel and more delicious coffee drinks at this favorite coffee stop among locals. Add a bagel with spread and make it a meal. We like the Smokey Jo Latte, which is made with creme brulee syrup and smoked sea salt. The perfect blend of sweet and salty.
6606 Mission Gorge Rd.
San Diego, CA 92120
619-852-4959
Online: cuppacuppacoffee.com
Better Buzz Coffee
With several locations all over San Diego, you can pull into a nearby Better Buzz drive-thru no matter where your local travels take you. When we swing by the Miramar location, we get the Rose Water Latte prepared with espresso, rose water, and steamed milk topped with creamy foam and dried rose petals. They also serve plenty of other coffee drinks, smoothies and teas as well as sandwiches and an acai bowl.
Click here for multiple drive-thru locations including Miramar, Escondido, Pacific Beach, Point Loma and San Marcos.
Online: betterbuzzcoffee.com
S3 Coffee Bar
Treat yourself to a handcrafted golden chai or a white mocha or a Vietnamese cold brew to really perk you up. Grab a portobello mushroom flatbread and some S3 coffee beans to go. They offer homemade almond milk, oat milk, soy and coconut milk alternatives too. Pictured here is their Blue Island latte. Also on the menu: a detox cider as well as seasonal drinks and drink specials to keep your rotation fresh and unique.
6225 Mission Gorge Rd.,
San Diego, CA 92120
619-693-5333
Online: s3coffeebar.com
Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii
Say aloha to this seriously 'bad ass' coffee: 100% Kona Coffee from the Kona region in Big Island, Hawaii. You'll be spoiled for choice between the Lava Java Mocha, Haole's Menehune and Onolicious Mocha and more creatively named drinks that are as delicious as they are fun to order. On particularly drowsy days, opt for the Jitter Juice which boasts a Lungo shot of their packed-with-flavor signature espresso and steamed milk paired with dark chocolate and Irish cream flavors. Bottoms-up!
9878 Carmel Mountain Rd.Ste C.
San Diego, CA 92129
858-240-7077
Online: badasscoffee.com
Cafe Bella
Hit up this favorite Ocean Beach hot spot for gourmet coffee, a large selection of reasonably priced acai bowls, bagels and fresh pastries (they even have gluten-free pastries). People rave about their drip coffee, but they also sell a wide array of espresso drinks, teas, healthy smoothies and ice blended drinks. If you really need some pep in your step, order the hammerhead which pairs espresso and coffee.
4984 Voltaire St.,
San Diego, CA 92107
Online: cafebellaob.com
Cooper Top Coffee & Donuts
The decadent donuts made from scratch every thirty minutes are the icing on the cake at this drive-thru coffee shop. Add The Cooper Top donut to your drink order. It's sure to please with its salted caramel espresso glaze, maple frosting and espresso grinds. The cute drink menu is divided into categories like: soccer moms, coffee snobs and health nut jobs, so you can order accordingly by opting for drinks like a copper rose latte, a red eye or a some kombucha. If the afternoons have got you in a slump, don't miss their $2.50 Happy Hour on all coffee drinks Mon.-Thurs. from 2-6 p.m. Swing by!
101 W. Washington St.,
San Diego, CA 92103
Online: coppertopcoffee.com
Gladly Coffee
You'll surely be 'glad' you drove to Gladly Coffee for a premium espresso drink. They also serve blended cold brews, hand scooped shakes, smoothies and tea. Grab one of their classic breakfast sandwiches too, to start the day right. Tastebuds up for an adventure? Try the Dirty Harry latte which is made with real butter, brown sugar and sea salt.
9631 Campo Rd.
Spring Valley, CA 91977
619-433-8913
Online: instagram.com/gladlycoffee_sd
SHAKA Coffee
Hawaiian coffee and acai bowls are a combo that will keep you going. We love the Coconut Waimea bowl for an added energy boost. But it's the SHAKA Thai Mocha latte that puts the wind in our sails. Order up the POG Hawaiian smoothie to please your pint-sized passengers.
6137 Balboa Ave.
San Diego, CA 92111
858-541-2444
Online: coffee-hawaii.com
Coffee Corner
Coffee Corner whips up classic espresso drinks like mochas, lattes and macchiatos, drip coffee, cold brew, chai tea lattes and matcha lattes, hot chocolate, as well as signature drinks with a twist served hot, iced or blended. The Genieva boasts Heath and English toffee, the California features white chocolate and caramel, and that's just the beginning. They have an array of caffeine-free blended frappes and real fruit smoothies for the little ones too. People rave about their acai bowls that you can customize by adding seasonal fruits and toppings like bee pollen and cacao nibs. Careful, you may get addicted to coffee runs to Coffee Corner.
9608 Carlton Hills Blvd.
Santee, CA 92071
619-725-2307
Online: santeecoffeecorner.com
––Beth Shea
RELATED STORIES:
San Diego’s Most Kid-Friendly Coffee Shops
12 Sweet Spots for Hot Chocolate
Secret Picnic Spots Paired with the Best Nearby Takeout Food
Need some fresh ideas?
Related reads
