The Living Room-A Flash Back

Rarely do you find a place that throws you back fifty years. At a time when Baby Boomers were just in college these places were more common and dotted college towns. The decades have reduced the mom & pop coffee shops and converted them to chains with only a small reflection of their once counter-culture existence. The Living Room located near Shelter Island offers a historic charm and place to gather. 

In the 60’s style The Living Room offers a retro décor with their vinyl record covered walls and true coffee house experience. The furniture is old and dusty just like an academic would want. Each crack, scrape and nick on the furniture offers a snap shot into a person’s life story. Generations of people may have sat on some of chairs and wrote on some of the tables. 

 

It is a great place to lounge and catch up on your work while still being in the public. Light rock music fills your ears while the smell of cappuccino permeates your nose. You can sit on the large deck, on the main floor or up on the second floor. There are plenty of nooks and hideaways to get your work done. 

Being only a few blocks from Shelter Island and just a few miles to Point Loma the Living Room finds itself in a central location to multiple places. You might congregate there after fishing off of the public pear or an afternoon of sailing. Perhaps you will want to stop in for a sandwich before going down to the waterfront. 

The Living Room

1018 Rosecrans Street

San Diego, CA 92106

A Casual Cup at Pannikin

Pannikin’s is an old world coffee shop that offers a unique atmosphere as well as great coffee. Located within stylized buildings in Encinitas, La Jolla, and Del Mar they provide a great atmosphere for only a couple of dollars. Started in 1968 as a family owned business it has grown to icon status in the small communities where they are located. With a zooming Internet and comfortable seating you are able to enjoy working, socializing, or reading a book. The business has plenty of street traffic and new visitors. 

Located a few blocks from the beach and down the street from the local’s weekend farmer’s and artist’s market you will find the location convenient and in the center of bustling activity. The coffee shop is inside a converted house between a used book store and a Maserati dealer so you won’t miss it. Within the immediate area are a number of quaint craft, art, dance, and other studies.  It is worth the effort to walk around a bit.

You will first notice the cozy atmosphere with a small fireplace and 1960’s style décor. Local art dots the walls, and simplicity fills the room. Some are reading books, students are studying, wives are having sandwiches, and the elderly are browsing over the newspaper. On cool summer days customers clamor around the fireplace to drink coffee and watch the flames flicker while they engage in other activities. 

Staff demeanor and style fits the retro style. They are an artistic crew from all walks of life. Pannikins is about self-expression and standard uniforms appear to be banned. Handwritten menus, old magazines, and vegan bars are more at home here than any level of technological advancement. It is a casual place where people who finished working out, playing at the beach, and browsing the local shops seem to congregate. 

The shop offers a variety of coffee from the Americas, Africa, House Blends, Espresso, Fair Trade, Organic, and Indonesian and the Pacific. For those who are more tea lovers Pannikin also offers Black, Green Oolong, Fruit, Breakfast, Chair, Earl Greys, White, and Fair Trade kinds.  They also have specialty caffeinated drinks like mochas, sodas, pastries, hummus and simple sandwiches.  You may purchase fresh ground coffee bags from their website.

7467 Girard Ave.
La Jolla, CA 92037
858-454-5453
Mon-Fri 6am-7pm
Sat-Sun 6:30am-7pm

http://pannikincoffeeandtea.com/

Krakatoa Coffee Shop on Golden Hill San Diego

Krakatoa in Golden Hill California offers an eclectic atmosphere where local artists and students gather to talk, work, and study. With plenty of seating, many bakery options, and a huge patio it is one of San Diego coffee shop patrons favorite places to spend time. Located a few blocks from Balboa Park and within a few miles of the Naval Hospital, zoo, and downtown it gets lots of visitor traffic.

The establishment is a coffee shop and café all mixed in one. They have a large selection of muffins, cookies, scones and other goodies that are simply delightful to try. Other items on the menu include exotic names like Vesuvio (egg sandwich) and Pinatubo(toasted telara). Perhaps you are interested in something healthier like hummus and pita or a mixed berry smoothie.  Their food selection is large enough for most interests.

Prices on their caffeinated drinks are affordable and under the costs of many competitors. A standard large coffee is $2.25 while a large mocha is also reasonably priced at $2.25. Add that to a $7.25 sandwich and you still fall under the $10 rule.  You can view Krakatoa’s beverage and food menu. http://www.krakatoacafe.com/menu.php

The atmosphere is relaxing in terms of seating options, aroma, and Internet access. It is possible to find couch seating, in-door seating and outdoor patio seating. Like many coffee shops, there is use for more plugs. Therefore, make sure you have a battery or are willing to wait for a place where you can plug in your computer.  Background music is light but lively so it provides additional mood enhancement for guests. 

Krakatoa appears to be trying to provide this artistic feel and design as a matter of strategy. You will notice the colors on the wall are bright and Southwestern in orientation. The building itself is a converted house which adds to the overall décor. Music and products have an exotic appeal that enhances its servicescape. One gets the impression they are in a tropical and exciting place. When positive feelings are associated with a business, it is likely to increase the overall customer satisfaction level. 

Krakatoa

1126 25^th Street,

Golden Hills California, 92102

619-230-0272

http://www.krakatoacafe.com/

Monday-Saturday 6:30 AM -8PM

Sunday 9:00AM-6:00PM

The Eclectic Adventure of Lestate's Coffee Shop

Lestats Coffee Shop is a must see for those who are interesting in the eclectic and trendy social setting. The shop offers significant eye candy that tantalizes the eye with art, knick knacks, and every manner of self-expressing visitor. Upon arrival one will be drawn to the café style patio that affords a European setting on a busy street. The scene doesn’t change once stepping inside as walls filled with art, a fire place, and mismatched furniture draws the eye. 

Wherever one’s eyes set they will find a gargoyle, a few dusty books, or art for sale to ponder on. Even walking around the coffee shop there will be a level of excitement as you take in the various colors and patterns of local artists trying to make a few dollars off of their hard work. A visitor won’t find the carbon copy cleanliness of your local Starbucks but will enjoy the eclectic styles of the local bohemian community.

In the middle of the night, after a hard evening of adventure, or in the wee hours of the morning rushing to work Lestat’s is open 24 hours a day and seven days a week. During the daylight hours it may be hard to find a table but in the late evening the crowd becomes a little sparser. To your amazement you might find a young couple who doesn’t want the night to end or an old hipping singing a tune to himself in remembrance of the days of social love. 

Food and beverage choices are cheap due the desire to price products within the range that local college students can afford. Most items are under 10 dollars and offer sandwiches, pasta salad, bagels and quiche.  Five to six different coffees are available under $2.00 and blueberry scones for less than $3.00. This is a place for quick food and conversation so visitors shouldn’t expect a fine dining atmosphere. 

With the discount price comes hours of internet access and lots of ear filling commotion. On one side of the room will be students studying statistics while on the other side there may be a young mother telling her new boyfriend how much she dislikes her husband. Just about anything goes in a place like this. Tie to t-shirt everyone appears to be welcome and accommodated. 

For more information you may view Lestate’s website at http://www.lestats.com

Hours of Operation: 24/7

Address: 3343 Adams Ave, San Diego, CA 92116

Music Nights: Calendar

Price: Coffee and Scone $4.50