Chapters Cafe

1775 Dove Ln, Carlsbad
(760) 587-7072

Recent Reviews

Mika Ikeda

I did not feel welcome when ordering. I have ordered a couples times from here because it is convenient but never a friendly interaction.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 4

Service: 1

Kerim Tumay

I ordered the tomato basil soup. It was delicious! My friend who ordered the grilled cheese and tomato soup also loved the food. The owner and the staff were friendly and the service was timely. Highly recommended!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Tom R.

I had the French onion soup and the Cuban panini sandwich. Both were off the charts phenomenal. This is now my go to spot for lunch/ dinner. You can order ahead in case you are pressed for time.

Craig L.

I can't say enough great things about this place! First, I'll start by saying the food is absolutely delectable. They have a solid variety and are always trying new, wonderful additions to the menu.The staff is always so incredibly warm and welcoming. The owner is one of the nicest ladies you will ever meet and she genuinely cares about her customers. I've spoken with her countless times after regularly purchasing food/beverages there, and I am so impressed at what an incredible edition this is to the library. I highly recommend if you're in the area to stop by and check out Chapters Café, you won't be disappointed.

Aaron Bass

Truly a hidden gem! After moving into a nearby neighborhood, I came across Chapters while looking for a quiet spot for remote work. The outside patio is charming, the staff are wonderful and attentive, and the food/bakery items are SO good. Highly recommend!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Franklin Page

Chapters Cafe is a hidden gem tucked away in the Dove Library! Whether you're here to get some work done, or simply unwind with a good book, Chapters Cafe has everything to make your experience perfect. I've had the chance to try multiple items on their menu, and everything has been a hit so far.My personal favorite has to be the Paden's Special. The bread was so fresh, and the avocado was perfectly ripe—truly a delicious and filling sandwich. If you're looking for something else, their tuna on a pretzel croissant is another must-try; it's delectably fresh and comes out quickly. And don't even get me started on their mochas—absolutely divine!What sets this place apart is not just the food but also the outstanding service. The staff is always friendly and polite, making you feel right at home. Despite some reviews that mention slow service, I've always found the staff to be attentive and efficient. The owner is an absolute sweetheart and takes the time to ensure everyone has a wonderful dining experience.As for the atmosphere, the café has charming indoor and outdoor seating areas that are incredibly cozy, making it a perfect spot for both work and leisure. Plus, you can't beat the convenience of being located right by the library entrance.The prices are reasonable, especially considering the quality of food and service you're getting. A perfect spot for a meal that falls within the $1–$10 range per person.Ignore the naysayers; this cafe is run with love, not like a 'public employee-owned place' as some have tried to label it. Chapters Cafe is the epitome of what a community café should be—great food, excellent service, and a cozy atmosphere. I will definitely be coming back and recommend that you give it a try!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Anna R.

The location and availability of this venue is a favorite since it adds a positive experience to my library visits. The young lady that works at this cafe, is very friendly and informed regarding this business... hope to find more venues like this one.

Susan D.

Been going to this place periodically within the past few years since we go to this library often. It's located right outside the entrance of the library. We go for the convenience/location & mostly drinks. We usually go on weekdays but for the first time decided to go today (Saturday) since it's a beautiful day out and the patio area is a wonderful place to have coffee and chat. And there's ample seating. Our cheery mood was broken when an older lady with short, gray hair took our order. She wasn't friendly at all & answered a question I had with a curt, one-word answer. Then when my (adult) daughter asked about the blended drinks, she answered sarcastically as if my daughter should know the answer. Clearly we were inconveniencing her even though there was no one at all in line. I even tried to lighten the mood to try and get a smile from her but to no avail. It's pretty surprising because the young gals that usually work on the weekdays are friendly and nice. The coffee and teas are good, prices are fair. But now after this incident, if we see this lady again at the cash register we're skipping and will head across the way and go to La Costa Roasting Co. instead where it's consistently a good experience with both customer service & coffee.

Lola Reads

Have only tried the mochas but they are so good and the staff is always very friendly.

Lissa K.

This place might be overlooked because of its location, but it's got great coffee options and a nice selection of Boar's Head sándwiches and pastries. Spacious patio with tables and prices are very reasonable. Wish they were open a bit later!

Bree G.

I've been there a few times for a sandwich and a latte since Im at the library often and it's convenient. The lady that runs the place is rude, every time. The food is decent but overpriced. I ordered a croissant breakfast sandwich with only sausage and egg, avocado on the side, and it was $11.04. And let me just say I opened the sandwich to inspect the stuff gooping out that looked like cheese, to discover it was a huge glob of uncooked egg *yuck*. I took it up to the counter to show the rude lady and her response was "it's the grease from the sausage".... lol what? No it's not, it's a disgusting puddle of uncooked egg. She took the sandwich to the back (I'm pretty sure just scraped off the uncooked egg) and handed it back to me. This was the last time I'll be eating there.

s bright

Public employee owned (library) coffee shop. If you like a place run like the post office with employees trying to avoid doing any work and hate their customers this place is for you.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 4

Izzy L.

This cafe is owned by the public library so the service is what you would expect from the a typical public do nothing entity like the DMV. The woman who work here are often rude and the service counter is frequently unstaffed with everyone "working" in the kitchen likely hiding from customers. This is typical of government owned services, i wish they would lease it out to a private business

Michelle T.

Lisa, the owner, is so kind and you can tell she absolutely loves what she does! My hubby and I are vegan and I love that there are yummy options for us! The latte is amazing and perfect for a pick me up! Also loved these vegan bars!

Ivan D.

The library is awesome but then it comes to this Cafe. The customer service is bad. I ask for a Fork and the over weight white lady gave me some attitude. Saying " it's for customers only". I mean come on it's only a fork. So, I ask the coffee shop across the street. They where wayyyy nicer.

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