Lofty Coffee Company

Lofty Coffee in Encinitas is the perfect spot for a lazy weekend morning—amazing coffee, plenty of seating on both sides of the 101, and a great vibe to start the day right!

Lofty Coffee Company in Encinitas, California, is a gem for coffee lovers and food enthusiasts alike. The egg and cheese croissant was an absolute delight—each bite was an explosion of flavors, perfectly balanced and satisfying. Paired with their Ethiopian pour-over, which was light, smooth, and aromatic, it made for an exceptional breakfast experience. The ample outdoor seating is a great bonus, allowing you to soak in the lovely Encinitas vibe while enjoying your meal. Highly recommend for anyone in the area looking for a quality coffee experience with great food!

Lofty is a great spot for a laid-back morning. The matcha was refreshing, and my wife and I enjoyed the acai bowl and the Carlsbad poached egg plate—both simple, clean, and packed with delicious flavors. Everything felt thoughtfully prepared without being over the top. If you're looking for a relaxed vibe and healthy options that actually taste great, Lofty’s got you covered.

Lots of gluten free pastries - just ask! They are hiding in plain sight!

Nice coffee shop in Leucadia on the 101. The Wi-Fi is 100/40 but no outlets. Good seating in or out. Nice selection of coffee drinks and some good egg plates. Opens at 6:30.

Such a cute coffee shop! Our breakfast and lattes were delicious! Expect a long line on the weekend, but so worth the wait

SO yummy! Highly recommend! I always get the salted caramel latte, iced, and the turkey avocado croissant, and it’s consistently delicious. The avocado is always perfectly ripe, and they don’t skimp on it, which I love. The only downside is that it’s a bit pricey, but hey, it’s Encinitas!

A busy, convient coffee shop located on Hwy 101. Quality Coffee. Hard working, energetic employees. I had the Kyoto style cold brew- oh so good on a hot day. Any Coffee you order here is gonna be amazing. The food though... pretty pricey for a simple breakfast/lunch. Ordered a chocolate croissant but there was barely any chocolate in it ☹️

good donut. good coffee. good atmosphere. good people. came on a sunday and was surprised by how fast service was and clean the space was.

Got to come here for the first time with my friends! I had a cup of decaf coffee twas very fruity and cool experience! I like the vibe of this shop on the slight hill top! Friendly staffs are ready to serve you! Keep up the good work! Cheers

that was gross! I expect cardboard flavored coffee from starbucks but not a local shop! Ha you can see just how professional they are by their reply on here! Lowered it to 1 star instead of 2

Listen, something has to change here. I ordered a iced latte half calf. I sit down at my table outside in the server, brings it to me and slams the coffee down on the table and walks away without so much as a smile. This would be totally fine if I didn't already pay eight dollars for this iced coffee which I am drinking now and I must've tested is in fact mediocre. My friend on the other hand paid $30 for one sandwich and one coffee, which admittedly was delicious however it was $30.

Lofty Coffee is a great pick if you are looking for a spot with great views and great coffee.I got a cappuccino here and banana bread which both I recommend.

Yummy spot for coffee! The interior is really cute and I could see myself chilling here or studying if I lived nearby. I got the vanilla latte and it was not too sweet which I liked but if you like a sweeter latte it might not be for you. Or you could just ask them to add more sweetness. My bf got the cloudy with a chance of cold brew and it was also really delicious! They also had pumpkin version of the cold brew drink that I didn't get to try this time but would def try next time!

FOOD/DRINK: A great Aztec mocha. On the less sweet side, and definitely packs a punch with a spicy kick from the first sip. They have a large assortment of milks. Served in a really cute mug. Size is perfect. They have a few food offerings as well (toasts, pastries, cookies, acai bowls) if you're hungry. The only downside is the coffee is on the more expensive side (I think my mocha was almost $7)...but that's SoCal. VIBE: So much outdoor seating. It's a great place to relax and chill or hang out with a friend (I read for a bit and didn't feel rushed out at all). Industrial-feeling. Very open and spacious. Has a small parking lot attached, and is within walking distance to the beach (just on the other side of the street and down the hill). SERVICE: Staff was super friendly and helpful with recommendations. Coffee came out within ~5-10 minutes. No complaints.

If in the area, definitely need to stop by Lofty for a coffee or tea. I can't believe I didn't snap a pic of the menu but there is something outstanding for everyone. Some unique drinks. Seating is limited.

I really love the coffee this place has and the pastries are delicious. The atmosphere is extremely friendly and everyone is extremely welcoming. I definitely recommend checking this place out if you're in the area

Walked in greeted with warmth- they were very helpful on the menu options and the coffee- delicious we had the Aztec Mocha (spicy) mixed with regular calm it down- AMAZING! And the Açaí bowl so good, so fresh!

Sea salt latte was really good with oat milk. Nice coffee fix! (Parking structure available under the building)

Hands down the best açaí bowl and Turkish Latte in town. All of their locations are in a great spot with excellent customer service and very clean.

Excellent coffee, service, and ambiance! I love the outdoor space to enjoy good weather. I ordered a savory scone filled with spinach and caramelized onion. It is delicious! I brought home a sourdough loaf and it is excellent too! I highly recommend this coffee house!

Very meh The food was really bland and overpriced. Coffee was not good and, got attitude when i asked them to remake it

Stopped by to meet a friend in the afternoon. I think the fog today kept the tourists out in an otherwise pleasant day. Anyway, parking is either below in parking garage or on the street. Cappuccino was good and I enjoyed it. Still surprised at how much things cost these days. Service was also nice

I love stopping at Lofty about once a month after doctor appointment in Encinitas. But I feel like the prices have gotten out of control. I had one cup of regular coffee and one harvest muffin to have there (not to go). Coffee cup was really small. The total was $12. I looked at the board and saw that the small cup of coffee was $4, so I guess the muffin was $8. Seems very high.

I've been an avid fan of Lofty for many years. The first thing that caught my attention was their eggs. The flavor of their eggs was much better than most places I had gone to. I later found out that they used a very quality egg on their breakfast menu. But as of recently, I've gone crazy on their coffee. About 5 years ago I discovered their Aztec Mocha. Beautiful! But recently I started to experiment with making my own coffee with the aeropress. I absolutely love their Peruvian varietal. I had their pour over a while back. So I recently bought a bag of the "Peru El Romerillo." It's amazing. Notes of Persimmon, cinnamon, sugarcane and buttercream. It's lovely. Their staff is great. So kind and helpful. They obviously are careful who they hire. Lofty is both a tradition and a family to me.

The vibe and coffee and teas and pastries are all so good here! A must try! Order the Egg Tart! housebreweed Chai Tea latte (w/oat) is on point too!

Overall pretty good. The service was pretty fast and the matcha was good. The food was very simple (I just ordered the sandwich) so it wasn't anything next level but wasn't bad. Overall pretty nice spot to finish work or study so I would recommend it if you are in the area.

Lofty Coffee is superbly located - walk in the front and walk out the back to the beach. Even though there was a line, it went relatively fast. There were several friends meeting friends here, and chilling out in the warm morning sun. It is dog friendly. In fact, people inline were helping someone else's dog to the watering bowl on the sidewalk. Our Iced Coffee Mocha was rich, cold and refreshing for a walk on the beach.

Best coffee I've had on my trip. Thank you Kat for making it so pretty. My aunt brought me to this great place, I love it here. Everyone is so sweet.

When the people working make you feel like they're doing you a favor by serving you... just can't get on board with the mega yuppy vibe here. Can't knock the quality of food / drink tho in fairness.

The coffee is 'Aussie' standard. Whenever I have been in the USA over the last 9years I go here to get my fix.

Weirdest place I have been to... I ordered avocado toast and they gave me a half of an avocado, separately 2 slices of bread, a cooked egg salt and pepper in a cup... I did not go to a cafe to make my own breakfast. $13 for ingredients that would of been cheaper and better from the store where I would of did the same damn thing at home. So disappointed to make my own breakfast this morning at a coffee shop.

Ordered an iced latte and egg danish (good btw) "for here" latte came out in a glass, but egg danish that I would have preferred to eat with a fork came out in a Togo bag. I recently went to the Carlsbad location and the service was 5 star, I saw this particular egg danish come out on a wooden platter. I also observed a croissant come out on a wooden platter at Encinitas. the cost was around $15. Not sure if they were being lazy or it's just selective how things are served but was disappointed nonetheless. Carlsbad location was one of the best experiences I've ever had at a coffee shop. Encinitas sucked. The Coffee is good.

- WORST YELP REVIEW EVER - The worst Yelp review ever. So how bad did you expect? Makes no sense and not so clever, Just continues on, unchecked. Speaks not of value, size, or shape, Nor that of taste buds smitten. Surely you won't like its pace, Its form, its style, or rhythm. No pics or clips, or even quips, You won't be moved or inspired. No fine prose of amazing sips, A total waste of words retired. A dud, a flop, a total spew, Don't even try to commend it. Try to ignore this f'd up review, I promise I won't be offended. A worse review was never written, So l'll not whimper or whine. Won't get butt-hurt, stung or bitten, I'll just do better next time. Yet when I pull my thoughts together, Something does traverse my mind. Might there be some hidden treasure, within these vomit projectile lines? Pro tip: This review could easily be improved by deleting all the words above and adding new ones... but first I'll energize myself with a Lofty fresh-roasted pour. Whether in Carls, Encineato, Solana B, or Lit Italy... never had a bad coffee or bite. All open 7am to 4pm daily.

We tried this Place right before boarding the coaster for a trip to downtown San Diego. Service was efficient and staff friendly. Tried the lavender tea latte and it is now one of my favorites! We also tried the ube cookie. Told only two left as they sell out quickly (we were there around 11am) so we got them both. The cookies were a generous size and easily could have been shared by two or more people. My daughter got the dragonfruit smoothie. It was beautiful! We will be going back again.

If you drink your coffee black, this is your spot (nothing against people who love lattes and flavored coffee drinks, I just love a good drip or pour over)! The beans here are great and you can actually taste all the flavors/nuances. First time I paid almost $9 for coffee but I'd happily come back for some beans to take home.

Lofty is one of the coolest cafe shops in Encinitas. Roasting & Baking make a beautiful combination!! The staff are fantastic and coffee libations/eats amazing! To the local owners, it's all about quality so it's worth every penny. If you're looking to chill a bit, the outdoor seating is overlooking the famous 101 Highway...a great spot to unwind or catch up with friends. So come on... live a LOFTY life!

The pour over coffees are delicious and the food choices are yummy too. There is frequently a line and indoor seating is limited...but the ambiance of the place and the delicious food and beverages make up for any wait to order or to find a spot to sit. Highly recommended!

The staff was really nice.. the coffee drinks were overpriced for what you received and the coffee was not good at all. No one in our party could drink it as it was so bitter.... I would not go back.

Cute location, the croissant sandwiches are bomb too. Coffee is good, I had a matcha once that was subpar but overall a good coffee spot with plenty of space outdoors and shade if you want to bring your laptop to work.

Looking for coffee in Encinitas and drove past Lofty Coffee. An imposing presence on the top of a hill looking down on Coast Highway. Across the street is also Lofty Coffee, the cafe but I had to go to the big Kahuna on the hill. First impression was Crap! $12.50 for a breakfast sandwich....in fact my bill with the sandwich a coffee and a $1.50 refill was $20 with tip. But what a sandwich it was. A large croissant with two sausage patties, two whipped eggs, aged cheddar, some arugula and some jam that added sweet to the savory. Might be the best breakfast sandwich I have ever eaten. The coffee was good and the patio is pleasant as the coastal fog was just burning off. Four stars but not five. They lost me a little with the $1.50 refill, honestly, how many people even get a refill? And they do not have wifi on weekends, I get it, they don't want us to sit for too long taking up tables. Maybe that explains the expensive refill as well.

Super nice staff and if you like lemon cookies, theirs is the best!!! Great vibe and coffee selections.

Today I tried Ethiopian Betibiroti Sidama in espresso form. It was a rejuvenating aromatic blend of citrus and rooted earthy chocolate, with a touch of sweetness. The description reads juicy but I find plump or ripe to be more fitting. Lots of chocolate after notes. I recommend! But I'll be trying another in the future.

Great local roastery. I buy their organic Mirning Dove beans for grinding and brewing drip coffee at home. Lofty has a wide variety of beans if you're a home brewer. They also have a selection of locally baked goods if you're there for food as well. I have enjoyed my cappuccinos. The pulls were just right. No bitterness. Drip is a bottomless cup but only until noon. I've been disappointed by that a few times!! Enjoy!!

Very good coffee for the coffee connoisseur. The pastry had flies on it and the staff didn't seem to care when we asked about it.

friendly people working behind the counter - a little pricey but not abnormal around here, and everything is both pretty and tasty

Great variety of coffee, teas and specialty coffee house blends. They freshly roast their coffee beans across the street. Food varies from a small bakery case with numerous croissants, baked energy cookies, 1-2 "matcha?/green donuts"....maybe leftover from St. Patty's day?? Menu also has avocado hummus toast, croissant egg sandwich with chicken sausage, Acai or yogurt bowls, turkey avocado croissant. Service is nice, sit in or sunny outside. We had the almond and chocolate croissants, delicious but lacking in the fillings. Located on the 101 Encinitas, so street parking.

Saw this little coffee shop on the way up from San Diego and decided to give it a shop. I always love supporting smaller coffee shops instead of the big chain ones. Here's what we ordered: **Nitro Cold Brew: Tasted a bit on the sour side for me so I didn't enjoy it as much. Nothing special with their cold brew. (2.5/5) **Aztec Mocha: We were warned by the barista that this was going to be really spicy but it had a nice kick but nothing unbearable. The drink itself wasn't too bad either. (3/5) Nothing special here with the drinks but the ambiance is pretty nice.

Cool coffee hang out place with lots of out door seating. Coffee was good and the ambiance is great. Little pricey for the size but that's the norm now. Only complaint is they have 3 big vans and they park them in the 3 closest spots when there's limited parking. Not the best idea.

I stopped by here because it was close to my air B&B during my staycation. I wanted a small breakfast and I always want coffee. The cashier was super friendly when I mentioned that I had not been here before. She explained some drinks I may like based on my "not too sweet" preference. I landed on Turkish coffee with almond milk. It was perfect! A teeny bit of sweetness, but still had a strong bitter coffee taste that I craved. The break at sand which was absolutely divine! I ordered the egg, sausage and croissant sandwich. The croissant was delectable! Buttery goodness. Yum! The dab of jelly added a perfect amount of sweetness. Overall, it was a great experience. One side note: they have locally grown food and vendors they use and also they have recyclable containers. This is a big win in my book!

Takes forever regardless of how many people are working. Staff has been trained to ask how your day is as the tip screen is displayed. It's very phony. I say this because I've been in over 20 times and have never been greeted. I have only been asked questions as I'm presented with a tipping screen. Food is meh. Definitely not worth the price. Coffee and teas are good but not worth the wait or price. I'm sorry you don't like my review Eric.. but it is the truth. Not rude or uncalled for. Just my factual experience.

Good but not great coffee. Service was okay. Lofty is a kinda chain where you don't feel personal. Yet baristas are friendly.

Great location, plenty of parking. Looks great inside and outside. Lots of seating outside with nice umbrellas. Very close to the beach so usually busy for most of the time. Plenty of options, fresh roasted coffee, the aroma fills the air around the place, always great to have such pleasant coffee smell. I bought a regular coffee would have preferred they had more sugar options line Splenda etc, but not a deal breaker though. The coffee tasted fresh. There were fresh pastries coming out and loaded on to the display. Didn't have the appetite to try them, so not this time. However, great place to visit, very friendly staff.

Love this place, open and warm. The staff is great and very helpful. An all around good vibes type of place.

For over fifteen dollars with an up charge for gluten free bread, I'm surprised my breakfast sandwich featured eggs that tasted like they were microwaved (no flavor) cheese that also had no flavor and gosh maybe a teaspoon of the tomato jam spread out over the whole thing which didn't do much to add any flavor to other flavorless items. The gluten free bread- which looked like a bun- was tasty but in a sweet and spongey way... it's probably great with jam but doesn't bode well for savory flavors. I hear the coffee here is excellent and the service is good but I'm not sure why I would want to eat here when the food was so unimpressive and tasteless. I might come back just to get a gluten free bun like that but meh. They could also stand to wipe down the tables outside or provide something for folks to do it on their own.

THE COFFEE AND SERVICE WERE ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL! The barista named Brooks was very friendly and kind and seemed to have high spirits while I was there. I highly recommend coming here and enjoying some lattes.

i used to visit Lofty at least once a week when I lived in North County, but don't have that luxury anymore since moving further south. That being said, I still hit it up when I'm in Little Italy, Encinitas, Solana or Carlsbad. We swung by and grabbed a Mexican mocha and Matcha latte, both made with almond milk. As always, they're doing things right and making solidly smooth drinks. I miss it so much that I was tempted to double fist it and get a London Fog to go, but didn't want to be too gluttonous. See you next time, Lofty.

Great salted caramel latte, friendly customer service but be prepared to WAIT. And wait. And wait a while longer. Every time I come here I wonder why...