La Costa Coffee Roasting

I love exploring new coffee shops, and this one has a delightful charm that instantly caught my attention. The cozy ambiance, with its soft lighting and inviting decor, makes it the perfect spot to unwind. Today, I decided to try the Hammer Head Coffee, known for its bold flavor and invigorating strength—just what I needed after a restless night. The aroma is rich and captivating, providing an immediate boost. In addition to the coffee, they offer an enticing selection of pastries, each one more tempting than the last, making it difficult to choose just one.

This morning, I enjoyed a coffee date with my wife at La Costa Coffee Roasting. This place was busy, and there was a buzz in the air. The ambience matches expectations. As you enter La Costa Coffee, you see a large blue coffee roaster. Furthermore, the warm decor delivers a coffee house feel; hence this place was busy. I enjoyed sipping a medium roast cup of coffee ☕. I had to dust off the table, but again there was much action. The indoor seating was too loud, so we stepped out onto the patio, where we delighted in the weather. Yes, I look forward to another coffee moment at La Costa Coffee Roasting.

It's fine. I usually order an Americano when I try a new coffee shop - hard to hide the quality of the coffee. Mine tasted a bit burnt - ashy. Seems like they need to adjust the extraction, clean the machines more, adjust the roasting process, or other. I'm sure the lattes and other drinks are fine.

My husband and I discovered this roaster when we were having an extended stay in Carlsbad. I cannot express how ridiculously delicious their fresh roasted whole coffee beans are. My husband and I have an espresso machine and we can ALWAYS tell the difference between a bag of fresh beans from La Costa and a bag that had been gifted to us by friends from somewhere else. Doug is the owner who is always working away making sure the beans are roasted to perfection and his high standards. Each roast has their own unique flavor profile and we prefer all his roasts black with no sugar or cream to fully enjoy each cup! We’ve now been ordering pounds of whole beans from here for over 5 years and make sure to ask for a punch card!! We have never been disappointed and tell all of our friends about the epic coffee from La Costa!

Came here because of the reviews. • Girl cashier wasn't nice. Not overtly rude, but not nice. • The food I got was stale. I tried to power through it because I'm hungry but I don't like eating hard bread. Can't finish it • Drink tasted okay but they forgot to do half-caffeine so I couldn't drink all of it. • Everything was pricey for the quality. I've been to better places, I will not return.

I was visiting Carlsbad and decided to try the coffee they had on the menu. The girl took my order; she said you're all set and I was hoping it will be ready shortly. I noticed people who ordered drinks after me were getting their coffee so I decided to ask one of the girls to check on my order. She asked me what it was, checked with the barista and came back to tell me they didn't have my order and just now working on it. She gave me my order with no apologies even after sharing how long I've been waiting. Very disappointing and I will probably never go back.

Everyone here is great. We only come down once in a while to visit our son and always go to lacosta coffee. But we always insist on going because it's such a great place for coffee and snacks and seating and atmosphere.

My Brother-In-Law gets his coffee beans here and recommended. I was able to see Doug at work roasting the beans. Our favorite local coffee roasters. Tried a hot espresso latte and it was very good. Ended up buying a small bag of Snickerdoodle coffee in a small bag and fired up the Moccamaster and home the next day and it was very flavorful. You will love La Costa Coffee Roasting!

1. The drink was well made! 2. The spot has fun casual vibes! 3. There are indoor and outdoor seatings! 4. The staff were friendly and timely with my order! 5. Parking lot can get crowded depending on time and day! Note: There is a single restroom for customers! Photo: Blended Mocha

Cute little coffee shop in a plaza. There's nice seating inside and cute decor. Loved the coffee bean grinder and the artisan mugs they sell. I got the iced vanilla bean americano and wow it was so delish! Was only visiting the area but it seemed like a great local spot. Lots of baked goods to choose from as well.

La Costa Coffee Roasting is an absolute gem for coffee lovers! From the moment you walk in, the aroma of freshly roasted coffee beans fills the air and sets the perfect tone for what's to come. The coffee here is nothing short of exceptional. Whether you're a fan of a strong, bold espresso or prefer a smooth, creamy latte, La Costa delivers every time. Their house blends are rich, flavorful, and clearly crafted with care. I also love that they offer a variety of single-origin beans, each with its own unique flavor profile. The atmosphere is cozy and welcoming--perfect for catching up with a friend or spending a quiet afternoon working or reading. The staff is knowledgeable and friendly, always happy to recommend a roast or brewing method if you're not sure what to try. One of the things I love most about La Costa is how it goes beyond just coffee. They occasionally host live music performances, which add such a lively and vibrant energy to the space. They also showcase local artists, with beautiful artwork displayed on the walls that you can admire (or even purchase). It's such a great way to support the community while enjoying a fantastic cup of coffee. Another highlight? They roast their beans on-site! You can see the process happening, which adds a special charm and guarantees the freshest coffee around. If you're a home brewer, you can even grab a bag of beans to take the experience home with you. La Costa Coffee Roasting is a local treasure and a must-visit for anyone who takes their coffee seriously. I'm already looking forward to my next cup!

They had many bakery items I didn't order because I just had breakfast . The server was friendly and funny . She said she needed her coffee. It was cute and cozy inside . You could sit for a bit if you'd like .

My favorite local coffee shop! The drinks are delicious and they have an assortment of giant pastries to choose from. The baristas are welcoming and friendly, too! There's limited space to work and even less places to plug in a laptop but it's perfect for folks who want to catch up with a friend, enjoy a good book or get a good cup of coffee. They can get busy but people tend to come and go fast. There's also seating available outside.

My husband and I discovered this roaster when we were having an extended stay in Carlsbad. I cannot express how ridiculously delicious their fresh roasted coffee beans are. My husband and I have an espresso machine and we can ALWAYS tell the difference between a bag of fresh beans from La Costa and a bag that had been gifted to us by friends from somewhere else. Doug is the owner who is always working away making sure the beans are roasted to perfection and his high standards. Each roast has their own unique flavor profile and we prefer all his roasts black with no sugar or cream to fully enjoy each cup! We've now been ordering pounds of whole beans from here for over 5 years and make sure to ask for a punch card!! We have never been disappointed and tell all of our friends about the epic coffee from La Costa!

Last few visits have been disappointing, especially weekend mornings. I called in the order ahead and instead of pick up counter like every other place they made me wait in the long line with those ordering. By the time I got to the front the coffee had gone cold. Also did not offer to heat up the croissant. Vanilla lattes were not good. I felt like I was inconveniencing the staff by being there. I don't mind the high prices if the product & service are there, increasingly not the case unfortunately.

Still ordering our coffee here for over 8 years now! We walked in and the owner was roasting beans. We asked for 8 lbs of the New Guinea whole bean. Freshly Roasted within 30 mins. They ship too! CONCLUSION: Great Roaster and Great Coffee!

A very good chocolate croissant. The coffee was pretty good. The smoothie was average so stick to the coffee

Hands down my favorite coffee place in town. Clean..staff is friendly. So many great drinks to try. Great place to meet friends and relax with coffee.

Mixed feelings for sure. Everytime I come here, the seating layout is confusing. Like, they have a giant open space in the middle of the facility while on the edges chairs are crammed in by the door? Very odd. That said! The staff are above and beyond every time and make me feel like they're talking to me as a person. The drinks are pretty expensive like all boutique coffee shops are these days, but they are tasty. Ironically I haven't tasted their flagship coffee, so not sure there! The pastries are also delicious. I like this place for a splurge treat, but not somewhere to sit snd hang out/work.

A HIDDEN GEM!!!! I really feel like this is the last place in North County where you can get an actual drink for under $5 like inflation has not hit them lol. I love coming here for the homely ambiance and the fresh smell of coffee inside because they roast it in house. There is a good amount of seating both indoors and outdoors, and it's right next to the Carlsbad Library, which sets up for a perfect day if you like reading or getting some work done. I have always ordered the iced vanilla bean americano, it usually comes out to about ~$5 after tip which is SO in budget. My dad loves the house brew and we just chill when we go in here because everyone is so nice and the coffee tastes so good.

Great service, great coffee, and great place to hang out--whether inside or outside. There's plenty of seating outside. My go-to here is the iced Americano. Flavor was great--ice did. It wash down the flavor of the coffee. My kid loves hot chocolate and they offer kids hot chocolate so it's not super hot. Thumbs up on that offering. Staff is super friendly and always offering kiddos stickers. Thumbs up and cheers to a good cup of Joe.

Coffee is good. My flat white left me, well...flat. It lacked the smoothness I expect. One of the staffers was kind and helpful, and the place was well populated on a Saturday. They sell quite a bit of coffee lovers' accoutrements. Cute place.

Friendly place with excellent coffee! Currently the Pumpkin Spice Latte is my favourite but there are so many to choose from! And they have a good selection of excellent loose leaf teas! My Mom says their hot chocolate is the best in the region!

I come here for my fix of coffee while waiting for brunch at Plumhouse. Very mom and pop feel, yet it's always very busy. Seats are always hard to find because people like to come with their laptops. There are also tables outside. The cool thing is they roast their own beans. Taste is hit or miss. Sometimes I get a great cup of latte and sometimes it tastes a little burnt. 3 stars for coffee, total 4 stars still though because it's a neighborhood gem and service always comes with a smile.

Wow! This is such a unique coffee shop in La Costa. Instantly taken to a cozy homey vibe, like being at a grandparents house. Most people have been coming here for many years and are loyal to the owner which says a lot! The inside has good seating, tables, booths, bar style window, and outdoor chair and booth seating. Easy parking. The coffee is so fresh they literally roast in house! Excellent menu and baristas are so sweet kind and friendly!!! Some of the best coffee I have had in SD!!! Lots of yummy pastries to choose from, for vegans some snack bars and fresh fruit are available. As well as milk alternatives. Charging available at some inside seating. Overall I would highly recommend this location!

It's packed on a Saturday but that makes perfect sense. Really friendly staff that were able to help us get a bag of beans. They weigh and pack them when ordered so nothing is sitting in bags too long. We love the low waste aspect of this system! The owner is essentially roasting beans every day, making sure people have fresh roasted beans always. They mainly do medium and dark roast coffees. The shot of espresso I got was good and would do well with a milk drink. Their pastry display did not disappoint. Packed full of croissants and cakes and other desserts, it made my mouth water. Everything seems well priced ($17 for 16oz of beans, $1 for a shot of espresso, $4 for a big coffee). It's a great local store that serves its community well.

Definitely a hidden gem in north county. Baristas are always so nice and truly is one of the best caramel lattes in SD County. Easy to work out of as well, just busy as expected on the weekends.

If you like fresh coffee for a movie you should consider here before you go next door.

If you want a good cup of coffee, this is the place. This restaurant had pastries too, man do I love pastries. The coffee went perfectly with their chocolate chip chocolate cake. Gave me the perfect sugar rush to begin my day. 5/5 stars!

What a cute spot!! I can definitely see how it'd be packed on the weekends. Iced honey vanilla latte was on the stronger side and soo good. Love the smell as soon as you walk in. Gentleman was so kind to even repour coffee beans into the roaster when he saw me recording! lol it's the little things!!

Looked cute from outside since I was near the library so decided to try it out. I ordered a no foam latte and my cup was only filled 2/3 of the way. Pastry (poppy scone) was ok. They seemed short staffed so wait time to order and get my drink took a while. Unlikely I'll go back.

So it's been 6 years since I updated my review so it's time to refresh, I think. I bought my own espresso machine at home before I knew how much of a skill and an art making espresso is; it's not an automatic process by any means. It's taken me some time to understand the basics. If you're new to brewing espresso, THIS is the place to buy beans. The owner/roaster was there and gave me a bunch of tips for home extractions and how to dial my beans. These beans make the best shots of any other in my opinion. They are always freshly roasted and have the best crema and balance to the coffee. I like how comfy the cafe is although the drinks are orettt heavily sugared considering they are brewing too notch beans. I'm sure if you got a drink without a bunch of sugar you can taste the magic in your cup. I like hanging out here and love buy beans for my next batch. Definitely make the drive and check it out.

I've been coming here for 7 years now and it's always been great! Their coffee is my absolute favorite, the pastries are always yummy, and the atmosphere is cozy.

Coffee was decent wish i would of told em half sweet it was a bit too much for me had the white mocha. Staff seemed nice as well

This place not only has seasonal but a good variety of lattes, cappuccinos etc. My go to place. Nice environment with patio area outside. Great scones, muffins, brownies. Highly recommend.

Great atmosphere and great workers! Malie made an amazing custom almond vanilla latte, highly recommend for artsy chill atmosphere :))

Unfriendly and disinterested staff. Coffee is burnt and milk was borderline spoiled in the "flat white" which they managed to turn into a cappuccino. Caramel cream latte was made iced without request and needed to be remade, did not taste at all like caramel - more like burnt almond milk. We discarded beverages after first sips. Will not be coming back. Inside of the shop seems like a nice place to read a book or study but doesn't redeem the poor quality.

Wonderful coffee shop in Carlsbad/La Costa the coffee is fantastic. The staff is wonderful and friendly. One could easily work from here with their great music and food. I almost don't want more people to come here but it's no secret to those who live nearby.

I've lived across the street from La Costa Coffee Roasting for 7+ years and visit a few times per month. It's a solid coffee shop. Worth 3.5 stars, but I can only give whole ones, so... The staff is usually pretty friendly and quick. There's ample seating both inside and outside on the patio. While the decor is slightly dated, the place is clean. When my family members go here, we get a variety of drinks: drip coffee, lattes, flavored lattes, and the occasional super sugary, desert Starbucks type drink. No one is every mad at their drinks, but I find that we're mostly just ok with them, specifically the drip coffee. We prefer a darker roast that's not acidic or bitter and too many times we haven't had that option. What they have is ok, but not amazing. The food stuffs are quite good if you're a bit hungry. I'm mostly a bagel and cream cheese guy and it's what I'd like out of a bagel. My niece likes the sweeter pastries and she's always got great things to say about them when we take her here. This is a good neighborhood spot for coffee but I feel with a couple of tweaks, it could be really amazing.

I got a cold brew, friend got a hot chai. Chai was good, sweet, not super hot temperature wise. Inside looked like a renovated coffee bean. Cold brew was not good. They had accidentally added an extra syrup in and weren't super helpful when I asked if they could remake it. It's just a cold brew!

I've always passed this place by and finally tried their blended mocha. It was rich in flavor and perfectly blended in cocoa and coffee.

This place is always busy and has a handful of regulars that give it some serious character. Large selection of drinks and teas, in-house roasted coffee for take home as well. It's like you stepped into a '90s TV show for a coffee, big leather chairs, and lots of wood accents. Luckily there is also a large patio to enjoy the sunshine and your drink on. They do have some pastries for snacks but not a place to grab a bite for lunch, just fresh coffee. We are thankful to have a place like this to call our local coffee shop.

I love this place!!! If a coffee roaster can make delicious decaf, they are in a league of their own. I live in Pacific Beach and will detour to La Costa Roasting just for the decaf--mine is a decaf with a splash of caf and it's so tasty. Wish you were closer but I'm grateful for you!

Everything you want in a local coffee joint. They fresh roast their beans in a beautiful roaster. You can see the bags of green beans stacked neatly, and feel "involved " in the process. The young lady who helped us explained the drinks, modified them to our liking, ground up my beans and brought them to me. There's copious numbers of tables with outlets so you can get that work done! I fancy plain black coffee and it was strong enough to revive flagging energy. Excellent work!

Always one of my favorite places to go, amazing energy from the environment alone as well as staff! Favorite study place thank god for the outlets lol

Great neighborhood coffee shop. Nice atmosphere inside and out. Try the maple pecan scone. It's the best.

Best coffee shop in North County, hands down! I grew up right down the street from this little coffee shop and have always been in love with them. From my childhood days of hot cocoa to all my coffee and tea orders today, I have never been disappointed by La Costa. The atmosphere is so cozy, and if you're lucky you'll catch a day when the owner is grinding the coffee beans in the shop or a live music night. What's there not to love? It's a neighborhood coffee shop that supports local artists, has friendly staff, an awesome owner to chat with, and delicious drinks! If you decide to buy some coffee or tea to bring home, I LOVE the Colombia Supremo and Guatemala Huehuetenango beans, and for teas you absolutely can't beat their Earl Grey. I am a huge Earl Grey fan and still have yet to drink a cup as tasty as one from here. A must have for any tea lover!! If you're in the area and craving a nice drink, you have to go to La Costa or you're missing out!

Excellent and friendly service, nice ambiance, tasty tea, felt at home here, seating is cosy

I thought coffee was great . I love that all the staff wears mask . The chocolate croissant I got was warmed up , taste wonderful but maybe a little to much chocolate for my me . The croissant itself was was soft and buttery, very lovely. Inside is nice and I love that there is an outdoor seating area . The only thing is , the wait . We ordered 5 drinks and there were at least 4-5 workers in the coffee area , took at least 15mins . Two blended drinks One mocha One iced latte One hot latte And we were the only ones in there .

Love their coffee -- always fresh roasted and delicious. The pastries are awesome -- especially the raspberry bars!

Food is great , service is great , unfortunately management didn't want to put 2 people on register during breakfast and lunch rush so I was stuck waiting 20 minutes for 1 caramel latte, while the woman infront of me ordered a super complex coffee bean order I just sat there dumbfounded :( will try again just sadly not during peak hours

They were packed to the gills on a weekday morning, mostly with locals. The place is kind of tucked away in a mini-mall and not easily seen from any major streets. There is plenty of seating both inside and out. They have nice food choices, including baked goods and breakfast sandwiches, but I didn't try any grub. My cold brew was perfectly fine. The counter folks were friendly and efficient. One minor complaint: the sugar/creamer stand is tiny for a place of this size and it's in an awkward location. Also, it was extremely messy during my visit but they really were very busy and, let's face it, people are pigs. Yes, I would return.

The coffee here is absolutely delicious! Clean café, large and will spread out with plenty of seating inside as well as out front. There is also plenty of parking on the lower and upper level, very easy to get to. Service was wonderful, they have an extensive menu and you can also purchase their coffee beans by the pound. I really enjoyed my mocha, it was made well. Highly recommended when in the area!

Love coming here after my Friday walks with friends. Staff is always really nice and the coconut crème cold brew is fire. There's a ton of seating outside which is great, but I do wish more of it was shaded! I burn easily, ha. Otherwise always a great spot to meet with friends and have an iced coffee or cold brew and just relax. Pros: - Coffee is tasty - Inside always smells so goooooood - Great staff - Punch cards for free drinks! Cons - Bathroom line is always long for some reason - Outside area (while HUGE) does get packed during peak hours - Not enough outdoor shaded areas

Always tasty beverages, friendly and helpful staff. GREAT jazz guitar on the patio from 10am till Noon by Twin Pics!

Delicious soy mexican mocha, great service and no line when we went around noon Friday!

The staff is so sweet and the white mocha was delicious! I would recommend. The almond croissant was a bit stale so I would come for the coffee not the pastry.