Jacob M.
Yelp
I've lived near La Costa for the better part of a year and have yet to try their food. I've had their matcha before and was impressed with how tasty it is (granted, I don't know much about matcha, just that it's blown up in popularity lately). There's usually a long, consistent line at La Costa on weekends, with people eating, studying, and drinking their matchas inside and outside.
The shop itself has a clean, minimalist aesthetic and sits in a great part of downtown (I might be biased since I live nearby), but it really is a nice area for a walk. It does get crowded, though; there's almost always a full house and a line out the door, so dining in can feel a bit cramped. If there's space, I would try to sit outside. The staff is always friendly and helpful, and in my experience, the drinks come out quickly.
Today, though, it was finally time to try their food. Honestly, my expectations were low: cafés aren't usually known for great meals, but the Mexican twist on the menu had always caught my eye. That said, the prices might put some people off (myself included), which is probably why I waited so long to give it a shot.
But I have to admit that I was wrong to judge. La Costa is serving some genuinely great food that's far beyond what you'd expect from a coffee shop. I assumed it would be overpriced, white-washed "Mexican-inspired" dishes, but I was pleasantly surprised.
We ordered three dishes to share: the chilaquiles, wild mushroom toast, and pan de elote, which came to about $42. That might sound steep for toast, a pastry, and a main dish, but both of us left feeling full and even had to take some pan de elote home. Considering how satisfied we were, $21 a head feels totally fair. Don't judge a book by its cover.
The mushroom toast looks simple, but it's quite special, a mix of fresh, sautéed mushrooms. The whipped feta really elevates the flavor and adds a wow factor. It's a real treat and a nice change from the usual avocado toast (which they also offer).
The chilaquiles were solid, topped with a spicy salsa verde, and everything tasted fresh. I wouldn't call them groundbreaking, but they were definitely on par with other good spots. I actually liked the soft-boiled egg on top, which is a fun twist compared to the usual sunny-side or fried egg.
Lastly, the pan de elote was a standout. If you've ever had the cornbread or corn pudding at Chevy's, it reminded me of that: sweet, crumbly, yet moist and perfectly held together. It was delicious, especially dipped in the leftover salsa verde.
I also noticed a La Esperanza truck delivering products while I was there, which is a great sign. La Esperanza has fantastic, authentic Mexican ingredients.
Sorry, I misjudged you for so long, La Costa. You're definitely more than just your matcha.