Dang look at the old reviews and pictures from back when this place was popping. I feel it started to decline since before COVID. Lost that whole second room of seating so now it's a lot smaller but also some of the workers just don't seem very happy. Not like the other Lestat's at least. Food is really bad. And the place smells like a fart. I don't know if they have a plumbing problem but I basically always have to study outside. Maybe that's why the workers are unhappy?
Abby C.
Great place for coffee and to work/study. The also have an events board if you're looking for stuff to check out in SD. I had my usual a decaf iced americano with oatmilk and a croissant and did just the trick.
Nassrine ..
I was visiting from out of state and this coffee shop was just a few minutes from my Airbnb. Such a cool place with awesome staff and menu items. They have a cute little sitting area in the back. Definitely added to our mornings and stay :)
Aubrie K.
It's difficult to find a place that's open late. This was the perfect spot! Iced Yerba Maté Latte and Fruit Loops Rice Krispy Treats was the perfect ending to our evening. The Iced Yerba Maté Latte tastes similar to grass jelly just slightly less sweet but one of the most refreshing drinks I've ever had! The barista was great in navigating us through the lowkey intimidating menu. Overall, we are definitely coming back! *Just a tip: there's parking behind the cafe if you can't find any on the street.
Stephanie C.
I'll keep it short and sweet. Horrible customer service, horrible coffee. Skip this place
Erin T.
Visited on a Saturday around 6:30pm and was greeted by a super friendly staff and amazing desserts/pastries!
Teressa W.
This place is awesome no matter when you go. Everyone is always so nice, atmosphere is cozy and comfortable. The food is good. A wonderful place to enjoy some alone time or time with friends.
Matthew Thompson
One of my new favorite spots. Super friendly and great coffee.
Lindsay G.
I don't understand below reviews about bad/rude service, unless those reviewers were served by someone with whom i've never interacted. i've been here about six times, and every time the service has been friendly. they have the best vegan cupcakes i've had in san diego (including from bakeries that specialize in vegan goods). i don't know who bakes them or where they get them from, or if they come from a black hole vortex delivered by the gods, but THEY'RE SO GOOD. i can't have dairy but love cupcakes, a sad conundrum in this cold cruel world. at lestat's, i was able to have my first funfetti cupcake in years. FUNFETTI. last week, i tried some type of maple pecan concoction that was amazing even though i'm not usually a pecan fan. my dairy-eating fiancé equally enjoyed it. definitely continuing to come for those cupcakes.
Abe C.
When I got to Lestats, I had very high hopes. I had heard that Lestats had an excellent ambiance and good coffee. However, I was sorely disappointed. When I got there, it took me at least 15 minutes to have my order taken. There were two people in front of me and one person taking all orders and making all coffee. I ordered some avocado toast priced at $8.50. I was told it would take 12-15 minutes to be made. As I waited for 20 minutes, I looked forward to my avocado toast with crispy bread, creamy avocado: the minimum expectation for avocado toast that costs almost 9 dollars and takes 20 minutes to prepare. Once I received the toast, I was very dissapointed and disgusted. The bread was barely toasted and room temperature with a stale taste. The avocado was ice cold and had a watery, oily substance oozing on the top. The cherry tomatoes that sat a top the atrocity were also ice cold. Let's just say, the taste was not great--to put it nicely. I was extremely disappointed with the pricy and disgusting outcome of 9 dollars and a 20 minuted wait. Do NOT go here.
My nephew and I enjoyed the breakfast sandwiches here. They are larger than average with two eggs and plenty of cheese and meat. It's good enough for two meals for me. Plus, the in-house roasted espresso is quite tasty unlike the dominant major coffee house brand we all know and I typically avoid. Service is friendly and it's never been too busy early in the morning during the holidays. Life is good with a tasty espresso!
Jota Pe Q.
The service here has gone seriously downhill. This place used to have at least "passable" and inviting service. One would think that, after the hit everyone has taken during the pandemic, that they'd try to offer better service - not worse. The guys behind the bar are almost "trying" to do the least possible amount of work or movement possible. Come on guys... I paid, I tipped, I smiled. Now I'm obliged to schlep all my stuff up to the counter because your lazy a-- is too "busy" to hand it off at my nearby table? The lack of energy and "oomph" is almost palpable here. Wake the f--- up guys. Come on. Arghhhh.
Nicole S.
My partner and I wanted to study at a dog-friendly cafe and Yelp said this Lestats location welcomed dogs. An hour and a half AFTER we arrived, my dog started barking consistently. A few minutes later, the cashier walked up to us and said "for next time just so you know we only allow service dogs" and walked away without giving us a chance to respond. I saw TWO other small non-service dogs inside the cafe and not once did he mention anything to the owners. There are also no signs that say "service dogs only" or "No dogs allowed". I understand that barking is disruptive however, I'm annoyed because he could've asked us to go outside if the "no non-service dogs allowed" policy was that serious but he waited until my dog started barking to tell that to us and didn't mention anything to the other people with dogs.
The City Forager ..
Notice how all the bad reviews come from entitled customers, it's very easy to tell that they have never worked a day in customer service before in their life. Im not even a huge fan of this place but god those bad reviews have me heated enough to write something. Personally I find it such a breath of fresh air that Lestat's allows their workers to stand up for themselves, as somebody that's worked in the service industry INCLUDING the barista scene im a huge believer that the customer isn't always right. Sometimes they're huge d*cks. I don't understand why these people expect a robotic service and for these minimums wage workers to take your flack and attitude ? Grow up and just buy a coffee and move on with your life. How are you going to throw a hissy fit in the Yelp reviews because a part timer didn't smile and baby you when handing you your coffee? Jesus. Anyways, I've been living in the area for about a year now and I've come to learn that this particular Lestat's definitely has an unspoken rule about being deathly quiet. It's clear that people come here only to study and enjoy their coffee and I think it's cool how everyone respects that. It's seriously quiet in there you can hear a pin being dropped, chatting is more for the outside tables. Honestly my biggest critique for this place is that whenever I order drinks they're always too sweet for my liking but that can just be a personal preference. The vibe is nice the workers are chill I think it's nice that they allow local artists to sell their work here- if your expecting robotic starbucks customer service then don't come lol
Lisa D.
Not all items for sale are listed on the posted menu. (ie: bagels) Poor customer service No background music = too quiet BIGGEST CON= Occult ART COVERS THE WALLS OF THIS ESTABLISHMENT * see pictures (gargoyles all over shop) Posted menu has incorrect prices Food is below average for price (no craftsmanship in food)
Dang look at the old reviews and pictures from back when this place was popping. I feel it started to decline since before COVID. Lost that whole second room of seating so now it's a lot smaller but also some of the workers just don't seem very happy. Not like the other Lestat's at least. Food is really bad. And the place smells like a fart. I don't know if they have a plumbing problem but I basically always have to study outside. Maybe that's why the workers are unhappy?
Great place for coffee and to work/study. The also have an events board if you're looking for stuff to check out in SD. I had my usual a decaf iced americano with oatmilk and a croissant and did just the trick.
I was visiting from out of state and this coffee shop was just a few minutes from my Airbnb. Such a cool place with awesome staff and menu items. They have a cute little sitting area in the back. Definitely added to our mornings and stay :)
It's difficult to find a place that's open late. This was the perfect spot! Iced Yerba Maté Latte and Fruit Loops Rice Krispy Treats was the perfect ending to our evening. The Iced Yerba Maté Latte tastes similar to grass jelly just slightly less sweet but one of the most refreshing drinks I've ever had! The barista was great in navigating us through the lowkey intimidating menu. Overall, we are definitely coming back! *Just a tip: there's parking behind the cafe if you can't find any on the street.
I'll keep it short and sweet. Horrible customer service, horrible coffee. Skip this place
Visited on a Saturday around 6:30pm and was greeted by a super friendly staff and amazing desserts/pastries!
This place is awesome no matter when you go. Everyone is always so nice, atmosphere is cozy and comfortable. The food is good. A wonderful place to enjoy some alone time or time with friends.
One of my new favorite spots. Super friendly and great coffee.
I don't understand below reviews about bad/rude service, unless those reviewers were served by someone with whom i've never interacted. i've been here about six times, and every time the service has been friendly. they have the best vegan cupcakes i've had in san diego (including from bakeries that specialize in vegan goods). i don't know who bakes them or where they get them from, or if they come from a black hole vortex delivered by the gods, but THEY'RE SO GOOD. i can't have dairy but love cupcakes, a sad conundrum in this cold cruel world. at lestat's, i was able to have my first funfetti cupcake in years. FUNFETTI. last week, i tried some type of maple pecan concoction that was amazing even though i'm not usually a pecan fan. my dairy-eating fiancé equally enjoyed it. definitely continuing to come for those cupcakes.
When I got to Lestats, I had very high hopes. I had heard that Lestats had an excellent ambiance and good coffee. However, I was sorely disappointed. When I got there, it took me at least 15 minutes to have my order taken. There were two people in front of me and one person taking all orders and making all coffee. I ordered some avocado toast priced at $8.50. I was told it would take 12-15 minutes to be made. As I waited for 20 minutes, I looked forward to my avocado toast with crispy bread, creamy avocado: the minimum expectation for avocado toast that costs almost 9 dollars and takes 20 minutes to prepare. Once I received the toast, I was very dissapointed and disgusted. The bread was barely toasted and room temperature with a stale taste. The avocado was ice cold and had a watery, oily substance oozing on the top. The cherry tomatoes that sat a top the atrocity were also ice cold. Let's just say, the taste was not great--to put it nicely. I was extremely disappointed with the pricy and disgusting outcome of 9 dollars and a 20 minuted wait. Do NOT go here.
Restaurantji Recommends
My nephew and I enjoyed the breakfast sandwiches here. They are larger than average with two eggs and plenty of cheese and meat. It's good enough for two meals for me. Plus, the in-house roasted espresso is quite tasty unlike the dominant major coffee house brand we all know and I typically avoid. Service is friendly and it's never been too busy early in the morning during the holidays. Life is good with a tasty espresso!
The service here has gone seriously downhill. This place used to have at least "passable" and inviting service. One would think that, after the hit everyone has taken during the pandemic, that they'd try to offer better service - not worse. The guys behind the bar are almost "trying" to do the least possible amount of work or movement possible. Come on guys... I paid, I tipped, I smiled. Now I'm obliged to schlep all my stuff up to the counter because your lazy a-- is too "busy" to hand it off at my nearby table? The lack of energy and "oomph" is almost palpable here. Wake the f--- up guys. Come on. Arghhhh.
My partner and I wanted to study at a dog-friendly cafe and Yelp said this Lestats location welcomed dogs. An hour and a half AFTER we arrived, my dog started barking consistently. A few minutes later, the cashier walked up to us and said "for next time just so you know we only allow service dogs" and walked away without giving us a chance to respond. I saw TWO other small non-service dogs inside the cafe and not once did he mention anything to the owners. There are also no signs that say "service dogs only" or "No dogs allowed". I understand that barking is disruptive however, I'm annoyed because he could've asked us to go outside if the "no non-service dogs allowed" policy was that serious but he waited until my dog started barking to tell that to us and didn't mention anything to the other people with dogs.
Notice how all the bad reviews come from entitled customers, it's very easy to tell that they have never worked a day in customer service before in their life. Im not even a huge fan of this place but god those bad reviews have me heated enough to write something. Personally I find it such a breath of fresh air that Lestat's allows their workers to stand up for themselves, as somebody that's worked in the service industry INCLUDING the barista scene im a huge believer that the customer isn't always right. Sometimes they're huge d*cks. I don't understand why these people expect a robotic service and for these minimums wage workers to take your flack and attitude ? Grow up and just buy a coffee and move on with your life. How are you going to throw a hissy fit in the Yelp reviews because a part timer didn't smile and baby you when handing you your coffee? Jesus. Anyways, I've been living in the area for about a year now and I've come to learn that this particular Lestat's definitely has an unspoken rule about being deathly quiet. It's clear that people come here only to study and enjoy their coffee and I think it's cool how everyone respects that. It's seriously quiet in there you can hear a pin being dropped, chatting is more for the outside tables. Honestly my biggest critique for this place is that whenever I order drinks they're always too sweet for my liking but that can just be a personal preference. The vibe is nice the workers are chill I think it's nice that they allow local artists to sell their work here- if your expecting robotic starbucks customer service then don't come lol
Not all items for sale are listed on the posted menu. (ie: bagels) Poor customer service No background music = too quiet BIGGEST CON= Occult ART COVERS THE WALLS OF THIS ESTABLISHMENT * see pictures (gargoyles all over shop) Posted menu has incorrect prices Food is below average for price (no craftsmanship in food)