Necessity Coffee

Delicious espresso macchiato with perfectly textured milk. I really want to buy their beans to take home and try, the espresso flavor was that good! My wife liked the Heavy and Light, it was refreshing.

Outstanding coffee roaster Encinitas! Necessity Coffee knows how to roast and pour like a barista champion. There were three to four single origin beans for your espresso selection! And, they know how to dial them all in. There's a decent amount of space to do remote work or read a book.

This coffee shop is a hidden gem in Encinitas. From the moment you walk in, you are greeted by friendly staff and the place smells amazing. They have a few seats indoors and lots of seating outdoors. Their pizza pies were a surprise hit! Very fluffy, not too cheesy and filled with flavor. Their matcha was also really good - not too sweet not too earthy. This place is also super dog-friendly!

This place is hidden in an alley - read Some great reviews . It’s a cute spot in the corner with some parking in the front . Was greeted warmly as we walked in . After perusing the menu - seems like they had a lot of interesting eccentric drinks . Didn’t really want anything with too much stuff going on so we got their drip Colombian coffee . They don’t have half and half at all ? Found that a little strange - barista was kind enough to put some milk into our coffee . Overall probably not my taste overall but the drip coffee was decent enough .

The quality of their coffee is unsurpassed by anything I have had in Encinitas, let alone all of North County. The nicest people behind the counter and amazing owners! So much thought and care go into everything they serve. Their drink program is incredibly unique and constantly rotating, and their beans are often from niche farms that practice new and experimental processing techniques. Everything is consistently delicious. Necessity is IT!!!

One of the best coffees I had in SoCal. I am very particular about my lattes and roasting level of my coffee. I was very satisfied by the latte I had here. I tried one of their speciality (date latte) and it was fantastic. I can’t wait to go there again! I will be driving from out of town to try their lattes and it’s worth it.

This coffee is so good, every sip made me go "wow". It was recommended by my coffee connoisseur friend who said to check it out while I'm in San Diego, and it definitely didn't disappoint. Also there's a cute pottery shop attached and watching people work there so lovingly on their art made the experience extra dreamy. Thanks for the cookies, coffee, and good vibes!

Come for the coffee, stay for Jon, Curtis, & team. Not only is this shop beautiful to look at, but the folks behind the bar are true masterminds and care so deeply about the drinks they make. I love how experimental they are in their drink recipes and clearly aren’t afraid to try something new. 11/10 this is always on my recommendation list for coffee shops people need to try and love seeing more and more folks check it out. Yew! 🤙🏻

I was here when Lofty opened many years ago. And when Ironsmith opened. Encinitas is now a kind of coffee Mecca. There must be a dozen good shops. Necessity seems to be the new king. Impeccable vibes. Real care. Enjoy

Nope. I am afraid on four separate occasions, the coffee has been consistently "meh." I even asked them to remake a cortado, to see if there was a bad pull or something similar. No; the end product is less than impressive. Again, I appreciate the slightly industrial quality of Necessity and its surroundings; the staff are professional and knowledgable. But they seem incapable of pulling off a decent espresso drink. As I love the vibe of this place, I will ponder that question for a while. But I will be doing it an another cafe. Disappointing.

Ok so this place right here is exactly what you LOVE about Leucadia. Offbeat and AUTHENTIC while being still the highest quality. Bravo to these guys for doing something INTERESTING in the coffee space, which is straight up boring now with copycat investors reinventing the wheel ad nauseam. Necessity is a safe, friendly, approachable haven for fans of REAL coffee, and it's like a warm hug for refugees of the pretentious "cortado, cappuccino, americano -- that's it you better like it" style places that seem to be striving for some imagined aesthetic, and failing to create memorable experiences as a result. I didn't even have to ask where the cute little one-of-a-kind mugs were from--it's the potter studio next door of course! Do yourself a favor and try one of the 10 different concoctions you've never heard of ever before in your life down here, and reminisce of simpler times in one of the last geographical holdouts of old school coastal California vibes.

I came here on their 1 year anniversary. My first time at this coffee spot, my friend posted on Instagram about it and so I wanted to come try it out. It's supposedly around 2 hour walk from Del Mar/Solana Beach area. And while you're walking, you end up in a residential are and you start to question if you're going the correct way. Luckily they had this "COFFEE COFFEE COFFEE" sign that leads you into a dead end street. Necessity Coffee is on the left side all the way in the back. There's only 2 tables inside (typically seating 4 people per) and a few stools here and there. They had some tables outside as well but it was super windy and rainy. The workers are incredibly kind and lively. Will brighten up your day! - DATE CAPP ($6.50 plus sales tax so $7) and I got it iced. It is their Black Candor Espresso, date syrup, smoked rosemary, and Himalayan salt. I chose this because usually I'm a huge fan of flavors like rosemary, sage, etc. And dates are pretty delicious as well! As he called my name and put my drink out on the bar my initial thoughts were: That's it? For this coffee cup size? And that price? I don't know how I feel about this color...And I'd stand by that especially when I tasted the drink and I couldn't taste any of the flavors mentioned in the detailed notes of the menu-- besides the Himalayan salt. I'm a bit disappointed with that, but maybe this coffee shop is too complex for my tastebuds to really enjoy it. I'll give it 3-4 stars. I wouldn't come back here myself, but I have many friends that come here and love it! So, swing by and give it a try as well. Who knows, you could really enjoy it!

We finally got to drive up north for Necessity Coffee. I always see their beans in downtown coffee shops and I've been wanting to visit myself. The space is beautiful, full of light, and has an amazing energy. The share it with a ceramics studio which adds to the charm. They have some interesting coffee table books as well that you can browse while enjoying your coffee. The menu is a little bit hard to understand and can get kind of intimidating but the baristas were helpful in explaining it. I ended up going for my safe choice of just an iced vanilla latte and I like how they have some in-house syrups, I believe. Overall, found a new favorite! Coffee is decently-priced as well.

Honestly a really good spot...kind of a hole in the wall around the street from Lofty in Encinitas but worth stopping by. Locally owned, great coffee, some good places to sit both inside and outside. Check it out

Crazy little hidden stop in an industry/ residential part of town. Some table inside and a few seats outside. Great thing about this place is a working ceramics business that is connected to the coffee shop. Drinks are good and the staff is super friendly. You do feel welcomed when entering the property. Great people good drinks. Very cool spot that you need to check out.

This spot has been on my list for months so after having no weekend plans, I got the chance to visit. It's in a nice area, conveniently not too far from the freeway exit. It's a shared space with a pottery business. The menu is simple. The coffee was delicious. The staff was sooo friendly. Both baristas were so sweet to talk with.

Fantastic little coffee shop that is hidden within San Diego. Wanted to give it a try with hearing how the owners experiment with roasting their own beans, expanding the boundaries of typical coffee drinks (like my cappuccino), and so forth. The service was fantastic, and the baristas were so attentive with a half an hour conversation about the coffee industry, as well as life in general. Lastly, the coffee was fantastic! One of the best specialty cappuccinos I have had in awhile, with a great balance between sweetness from the shaven peaches and notes of the espresso. If you are in the area, come here!

Fantastic little hidden coffee spot a little off the beaten path. But great lattes and excellent, dedicated service. Absolutely recommend!

Owner provided excellent service at 7am! Very clean store. Surrounded by auto body shops in a cul-de-sac with plenty of parking. Chai Tea Latte is delicious. It is pricier than other establishments for a 6 oz cup. I'll need to remember this place for special occasions. Only a few small pastries but this place is known for their coffee and if that is your cup of Jo, find yourselves in good company!!!

One and done. I do not like reviewing after one visit but as someone that is coffee affcianado (no I don't visit coffee farms and do cupping taste tests in Colombia or Guatemala) I can hold my own really well depicting quality roasting and flavor profiles. Competition is the American way but come on. There are literally 8-10 coffee houses/cafes in a 1/2 mile to mile radius. Top it off at the dead end of 2nd street next to what looks like a I don't know what this business is but barely want to walk by it. The parking lot? 6 angle spots or so and the only way out folks is to put it in reverse and pray another car is not entering the single entrance/exit driveway. Not sure how this is city legal. There is street parallel parking if you manage to find an open spot. A few seats outside. Went at 1130am and the sun was beaming down on all the available seating. I think there is one umbrella table. I like the coffee menu and options. Easy to read. Ordered the "Draft Latte". It's not La Colombe draft latte. I asked for light ice. Thank God I did!!!! And thank God it was $1.00 off day. I get the drink for "here" and holy moly. I think it was an 8-10 ounce glass at most. Come on people. If I got the usual ice amount I am guessing maybe 6 ounces of product. It's an iced latte on tap. Not sure what kind of milk it had in it so I popped a lactase pill just in case. Thanks for disclosing that! The drink flavor was very good. Smooth and creamy but no froth (no froth promised anyway). You can taste the profile of the roasted bean and can honestly tell that this is a boutique coffee house.

Second time still a charm. If you haven't experienced coffee or charm, and want both--it's necessity, where coffee is not a commodity, it's a pathway to conversation.

Dear Yelp Community, First time visiting during December...and this place is unique! Coffee adjacent to a ceramics place! Not to mention this venue is in a quiet neighborhood, off to the side, with outdoor seating, as well. Friendly staff. I wish this venue very well. Sincerely, Anna

Everything about Necessity is A+. My wife and I are from Phoenix, so we have a really high bar for specialty coffee. The rotating specialty menu here is unreal, and their single origin options are always phenomenal. Necessity has to have the best coffee, service, and vibes of any coffee shop I've been to in the San Diego area. Can't recommend it enough!

Cute little shop that is a bit tucked away. drinks are really unique and tastes amazing! everyone is super nice and took the time to go over the menu and help me pick out something i would like

Great hidden neighborhood gem in Encinitas. Cute little place, well appointed in an urban vibe. Try it!

I love these dudes. best coffee in north county. always doing some new experimental drinks that turn out amazing. selfishly want to keep them on the DL bc I'm scared it's gonna get too bumping, but Jon and Curtis are too good of dudes to do that - more folks need to try this place.

Super knowledgable baristas, delicious coffee, and really interesting 'coffee alternatives'. Putting 'coffee alternatives' in quotes like that probably makes you think I'm talking about drugs... but I'm not. I'm just talking about fun coffee-adjacent drinks. Favorite new coffee spot in a long time and I look forward to visiting a lot.

This sweet vibey coffee shop should not be missed. It is tucked away on Second St and located next to the pottery shop. All dressed up in pink!!!! The coffee was beyond amazing. They carefully source their beans from small farmers that are attentive to the planet and produce their beans ethically. The aroma and flavor were delicious. My friend and I had the latte with clove and cinnamon. We also split a morning bun, yum fresh and tasty. Can't wait to go again and try out their other special libations!!

I'm deep into coffee, including roasting my own and using a La Marzocco espresso machine. And I can say without equivocation that I had the best cappuccino in many years today at Necessity. If you appreciate coffee a visit here is a must. Nothing I've had in San Diego county comes close to.

Tucked away is this Awesome place with great coffee and vibes. They add much detail to your experience as you order your coffee they explain to you what goes well with it as well and where it was derived from as well. When we went there was a market going on and we loved it, so much to check out and such good vibes as well.

Such a cute little coffee place hidden near moonlight beach. The coffee is delicious and the vibe is really nice. It's next to a communal pottery shop where people can come and make/fire their own pieces. Definitely recommend necessity!

Best coffee in North county!! Co-fermentations are my fav, along with draft lattes. John and Curtis have done an incredible job. Grateful to have this gem in the neighborhood.

Great folks with amazing coffee. It would be fair for them to be pretentious since the coffee is so good (probably the best in Encinitas!) but no pretention, just pure joy about coffee!

Great coffee and the friendliest service! Love the Mexican flavored syrup in an iced latte (Pilloncilo?). Really cute space also.

Stop reading reviews and just go to Necessity Coffee! I have visited dozens of coffee shops and this is by far my favorite. The owners are truly passionate about their craft and love to connect with the customers. They host movie nights and community events so even if coffee isn't your thing, there's another way to hang out with friends. I highly recommend their specialty drinks and they rotate in new favorites.

My FAVORITE coffee shop in North County and trust me I've been to plenty. Jon and Curtis are amazing, the coffee is roasted in house and delicious, and the tea options are creative and fun! Love the sparkling citrus. :)

Wow! Amazing coffee and staff. A must visit if you're in Encinitas. Tucked back on a dead end street, this place knows their coffee. The spiced piloncillo latte was amazing and highly recommend!

I've been coming here for a few months after discovering necessity coffee at a Thredspun event, and I cannot recommend it enough. The owners, Curtis and John are incredibly kind and knowledgeable about coffee. Watching and listening to them when they talk about beans, roasting, and tasting notes is a pleasure. They care so much about what they do and it shines through in every drink. 100% recommend you check this place out.

Hands down literally the best chai latte I've ever had & I've had many!! 10/10 recommend

So good! Taking craft coffee to a new level. Good service and great vibes! It's our new spot

This is the place to be. Do not come to Encinitas without stopping here for small batch delicious coffee and a laid back vibe. The owner is friendly and clearly takes pride in the work he does and the coffee he brews. Ask questions and try a few things because this place is delicious. I had the draft latte and it was delicious !

Beautifully roasted coffee with incredible care and attention to detail. I ordered the Coffee Soda. I know -- sounds weird. But man -- the pairing of a bright roasted coffee with tangy citrus, served over ice and sparkling water was truly a refreshing pick-me-up. Kind, wonderful, and knowledgeable staff. A quiet getaway right off the 101. In the crowded North County Coffee arena, Necessity is a standout!

This place is great I make a point of going here often. The coffee is easily the best in north county and far and away the best in Encinitas. Go here for coffee and good times, they really care, you can tell the moment you walk in. Their special drinks are also delicious highly recommend them.

An upstart independent coffeehouse that's hard to find, but worth the search. Run by authentic coffee, lovers, the owners serve you with care and concern for your complete satisfaction. In addition to the high-quality coffees, lattes, etc., they offer an interesting variety of teas; and don't miss their carbonated teas out of the tap! No paper cups here only the smooth, ceramic right-sized cup for your drink. Please skip the overpriced Lofty on PCH and find this comfortable corner coffee house. It is a "Necessity"!

Best coffee shop in San Diego! Amazing baristas and perfectly curated coffee. Make sure to try to plum cap!

Great coffee and service. My husband and I had two columbian pour overs that were top notch. We sat outside and unfortunately there's construction right now door so we heard some noise. Other than that, great experience. Our pour overs were serves with little cards that talked about the farmers who grew the beans. Super neat!

This is a stand out, unique place with serious coffee. Delicious pour over, very tasty, and a charming spot. Love it.

100% recommend checking them out! The staff was incredibly friendly and knowledgeable; the space itself is tucked away in a quiet street right off coast highway. I got the Moonlight white sparkling tea - unique, refreshing, and very tasty.

Drip coffee was on point and single origin espresso was excellent. Thanks Curtis for the delicious coffee and hospitality this morning! Looking forward to coming back again soon.

Great coffee and wonderful service. What a great way to start a quiet morning for labor day weekend. Curtis was chill and fun to chat with. Thanks for the great coffee and waffles!

Great coffee and great service!! Loved the unique "tiki-style" coffee and the decaf cap was tasty. Curtis was super friendly and personable! We'll definitely be back!!

This place has some AMAZING coffee! I tried the piloncillo latte, and it was so good that I wanted another. This isn't just a factory coffee shop. They really care about the excellence of the product. I would recommend anyone to come here and return!

Love this place for great coffee, Relic pastries, and friendly service. Owners Jon and Curtis make a point to ask for everyone's names and the shop is a fun and welcoming environment. You can't go wrong with the chai twist and potato danish, and their espresso is smooth and complex. Very welcoming to kiddos too. Will be back soon!

Cozy little shop tucked away, super nice interior and a cute patio. The barista working was very friendly and knowledgeable, willing to answer all of our questions. We got a pour over and a matcha, both of which were great. Hoping to come back soon.

Such a hidden gem One of the best oat milk lattes in Encinitas (and I'm a coffee snob)... EVEN better, it's included in the price! Cute outdoor area and 2 great guys serving it up. Thanks!

The cappuccino was exceptionally well-made, striking a perfect balance of rich coffee flavor and velvety froth. The matcha tea latte, on the other hand, was a true gem, flawlessly combining the unique matcha taste with creamy latte goodness. The service was efficient and friendly, making it a welcoming place for a beverage fix. I'll definitely be returning for more of these delightful drinks. A must-visit spot for coffee and tea enthusiasts.

Love, love, love, love and more love!!! This hidden hideaway gem is incredibly good! I almost don't want to share but that would be selfish of me. Go and try... you will not be disappointe.

Awesome new spot, great service, amazing selection of craft roasted coffee. Killer espresso, pour overs, cold brew! Don't want to miss this hidden gem, support local! Grab a bag to go before you leave.