Public Square

Public Square was hands-down the highlight of my trip! The live band had everyone on their feet, the energy was contagious, and brunch was just as amazing,fresh, flavorful, and served with the kind of warmth that makes you want to stay all day. I left already planning my next visit! 10/10

The coffee was absolutely amazing! I had an iced vanilla latte, and it was perfectly smooth and flavorful. The cookie was so delicious that I couldn’t even stop to take a picture, just had to enjoy every bite! Highly recommend both!❤️❤️

Phenomenal. This is truly a hidden gem given that it's a bit east of downtown San Diego. Not far but definitely not in my area. Anyhow, well worth the drive. I will be making the drive out there very often. The spot is super cozy, offers a variety of seating options from a large couch with equally large coffee tables to wall facing bar top stool seating, regular 4 person table seating and outdoor seating. The pizza was delicious and the Cesar salad was special considering it had tomatoes in it. I'm a Cesar salad enthusiast and I liked the different taste with the tomato. I will be back many times. I did some thrifting next door to this coffee shop. Oh yeah, they offer tomato soup but it's before 4pm. Came for the tomato soup, stayed for the pizza.

Had a great time visiting Public Square. We ordered the scone plate with an assortment of flavored butters (the Guava is a must-try). What a treat! Highly recommend!

Their gluten free scones and butter selection are the best I’ve ever had. Friends who have gotten the non gluten free one say it’s pretty similar and actually liked the gluten free one better! Love the coffee art and the little spark of joy notes too.

This is one of our favorite spots in all of San Diego. Their coffee is great, the food is awesome, and everyone is super nice. Highly recommend the biscuits and gravy, the breakfast sandwich, and the Carnnitas sandwich. The scones and house made butters are incredible! Great coffee house atmosphere and music.

Great atmosphere and vibes for studying, sketching, or just enjoying an afternoon. I got their gluten free scones (last 3 of the day!) and they were delicious when paired with their special butters. Not dry at all. The iced tea was pretty standard, but I'd love to try the coffee next time!

Literally my favorite cafe, everyone who works here has been amazing to me. The scones and coffee are bomb and they always do the most beautiful latte art <3 couldn’t recommend more.

I have tried Tomato Bisque soup from different cafe's and resto but Public Square has the best. It's creamy and not sour... just perfection!

Public Square is a must try! If you're a scone lover, you need to try theirs. They're perfection, and served with a selection of sweet butters that are the ultimate indulgence. It's a must-have combo, trust me. Their lattes are a whole experience, too. They come with beautiful, intricate designs--almost too nice to drink. (What's it called? Latte art? Whatever it is, it's magical!) For heartier fare, the Not So Old-Fashioned Biscuit and Gravy is comfort food at its finest. The biscuits are fluffy, the gravy is rich, and it's just the right balance of savory goodness. And the Shakshuka Baked Egg and Tomato Dish is a flavorful, satisfying option if you're craving something savory, but on the lighter side. They also have a happy hour I haven't tried yet, but the deals look promising. Overall, Public Square nails the welcoming vibe with food and drinks you'll want to come back for. Highly recommend!

I got a black sesame latte and my husband got the pandan latte (iced). I really appreciated that the drinks come in a glass cup/mug. It looks so nice, especially with the latte art. I did find myself wishing that the black sesame flavor was more pronounced in my latte. I think I preferred the pandan latte. We also got 2 scone flight with all 6 butters. The flavored butters were good. This was a unique offering and very pleasant. I do think it's a little weird that the "cash discount" is just removing a charge for using a card. That's not exactly a discount, right? It's just not getting charged a fee for something that wouldn't apply anyway if you were paying cash. I also think it's pretty hectic and loud in there because it is such a popular spot even on a Wednesday morning. That's not the cafe's fault at all, but I'm just noting that it's not a very relaxing atmosphere.

*Updated review to 3 stars after the response and I did call out that I must have just come in on a bad day because I clearly see many great reviews but I personally came in for coffee and I didn't have a great experience. Original review: Came here because of the reviews but we didn't like our coffee and maybe it's because there was an issue today that isn't normal? Our coffee was very bitter. It seems like the espresso machine isn't working right. We just moved to La Mesa and are looking for our go to coffee spot. We were hoping Public Square was going to be that spot because it has a lot of food options, but we won't be coming back for this coffee. We literally threw it away and are on our way to another business. Leaving this review here because I'm hoping to hear that there was something wrong so we can try it again.

Nice cozy coffee shop located in downtown La Mesa. Customer Service is great. The coffee here is delicious and strong. Perfect for my taste. I haven't tried the food yet but I'll have to try that next. There's a lot of street parking. No parking lot but I always find parking pretty quick.

Met up with a friend Friday morning to get some work done here and had a great experience! There is 2 hour metered parking on the street (.75cents per hour). There is indoor and outdoor seating but we chose to sit indoors to utilize the outlets for our laptops. Service was great , everyone is super friendly! I got the pandan latte and it was delicious but a little more on the sweeter side , which is expected. I did not get food today but they have yummy options. They have a bathroom for customers which is super clean and even had a wholesome message for parents!

Met up with another couple here for an afternoon double date. We sat in the front patio that was spacious and shaded which was great since it was a warm day. We ordered both food and coffee and thoroughly enjoyed both. Food was good quality and the coffee was excellent. I loved getting a man affirmation with my coffee! The team was so friendly especially the girl at the register. She provided some great recommendations that I enjoyed.

Found Public Square on yelp! I ordered: -signature breakfast sandwich $9.95, a bit on the smaller side -pandan latte with oat milk, half sweet $6.50 including $1 oat milk surcharge, interest drink! It took some time to wait in line to order. When I checked the receipt, there is a weird 4% delivery fee when I ordered to eat in person.. There is quite a bit of seating inside, but it can definitely get packed. Outdoor seating as well. Metered parking right out front...but if you park a few blocks out, you can find free parking!

I've been here twice but today's experience was so great! The staff member who took our order was super friendly- she did a great job. We ordered their scone flight and their scones and butters were divine! I'm still thinking about them! We also ordered the shakshuka and the biscuits and gravy. The shakshuka was ok, I wish it had more egg, it was too much tomato for me. The biscuits and gravy were good! I really enjoyed the gravy. It was a beautiful day so we sat outside. The outdoor seating was fairly clean, the music they were playing was great though. The ambiance was pretty busy. We also noticed that the bar stand where people go pick up their to go coffee orders looks like it's about to fall- it may need some repair. Overall I had a great experience and would recommend this place to others!

Public Square only has a 4.5 star rating?!?! THEY SHOULD HAVE 5 STARS!!! I'm always on the lookout for cafes I can work out of, enjoy beverages/food, and have an overall pleasant experience. Public Square is the SPOT! It is so dreamy.. something most of us cafe lovers hope to find someday. I'm not over-exaggerating, but rather, expressing my joy for having found a space whose aesthetic I adore, drinks I love, and a layout that suits my remote-work setup. Where to even begin with this review? The ambience and aesthetic. I love that there are designated "laptop free zones", where folks are encouraged to go unplugged and connect in a non-digital manner; whether that be having conversations, reading a book, or simply sitting in the deliciousness of the community-oriented and plant-ful environment. There are also plenty of spaces to setup your laptop and ample receptacles to plug-in if your gadgets and gizmos need a charge. The aesthetic and decor is what I dream of incorporating into my living space; an open and well-lit space with simple, yet beautiful wooden tables, chairs, and furniture, plants GALORE, a workflow supporting playlist gently bopping in the background, and thoughtfully placed/beautifully unique light fixtures. Can I just package this place up and put it in my home!?!? I'm only 20 minutes into my Public Square experience and I am giddy with JOY. Now onto the menu items I INDULGED in. 'twas only a handful, but these two simple items I ordered had my tastebuds doing backflip. I ordered an iced pandan latte with oat milk and it was SO delicious! The beverage was beautifully handcrafted and had a light dusting of (what I assume is) activated charcoal. Nutty, smooth, sweet, and refreshing. This is definitely a latte I want to learn how to perfect and replicate at home! I'm about to order some scones with a flight of butter and will be updating this review to reflect my sensory and tasteful experience as soon as I've had it! I don't live in La Mesa - but I absolutely would make the drive to work here, even if it means going out of my way. Exceptional. Cozy. Overall? I HIGHLY recommend this spot to folks who love cafes, plan to work remote, or simply want to sit in a serene and community-centric space that is full of coziness and good vibes.

TL;DR: super friendly service, excellent scones, decent coffee, skip the entrees Ordered: - Scone with ube, guava, and fig butters (5/5): The scone was delicious! So light, airy, and flaky. Of all the butters, the guava was honestly the dark horse winner! We loved the ube one as well, but skipping the fig one since the flavor was less pronounced and just came off one-note sweet. - Shakshuka (2/5): skip. Not a traditional shakshuka in both preparation and in flavor profile. Honestly regret ordering this since it felt like I overpaid for some eggs/tomatoes thrown into a ramekin and into an oven. Even the bread that came with it was difficult to eat. Coffee: - Dirty chai (3.5/5): felt like I was drinking chai flavored water. Really missed the coffee punch and flavor - Latte (4/5): definitely better option Love the little positivity cards the staff serve with the drinks. Really brightens the day :) Dog-friendly, both indoor and outdoor seating, chill ambience Will be back for the scones and butter - cheers, Public Square!

Quaint modern coffee shop with some fun items to try. Stopped by on a weekday around 8am and there were plenty of places to sit and no line. Scone flight is delish and highly recommend! Pandan latte was different yet tasty. Didn't love the dirty chai and would've preferred more milk and sweetener. It's usually my go to drink for new coffee ships since I find it fairly consistent. I would return to try more items and definitely get another scone flight.

The vibe is so chill, I love all the live plants plus they have them for sale! I had an iced pandan latte and it was absolutely delicious. Perfect amount of sweet and nutty. 10 out of 10 recommend. When I got my coffee, there was a nice little card with it that truly brightend my day.

Ambiance and service were 5 stars right away. Our cashier/server gal was super bubbly and helpful. Like she had more energy than me on my most energetic day, haha. My brown sugar latte was so delicious and great price, not sure if it was a 2pm happy hour or something? I'm happy though! Finally, the food was delicious! The avocado hummus toast (no egg) was perfect. Delicious bread! We will probably come back when we're back in town. Oh good kefir soda too!

Cute ambience with plants hanging everywhere. coffee is good! Not too strong and have fun flavors. I tried the mushroom coffee and I loved it!!! Service is pretty quick and friendly, although they charge a 1$ delivery fee for dining in. THE SCONE AND BUTTERS ARE BANGING. This is a must try if you go into this shop. So many different flavors and the scone is crunchy and soft at the same time. A must try Would come back!

Great menu, friendly service. Creative & delicious. Drenched Toast is 11/10! Add bacon!

There is impossible parking situation on weekends. Ended up giving up and went somewhere else :( (Reply to owner's comment: Dear owner, the location and accessibility matters for any business and I count those, when evaluating a business. If I cannot even enter the shop due to the limitations on parking, the two star fairly reflects my experience.)

Located in a cute local shop/restaurant street. Parking meters can be paid using Park Smarter app $0.75/hr. Super cute place and easily accessible wifi if you're looking for a place to do work/study. Got the Pandan latte iced which the ice amount was just right not overly filled. The flavor was perfect for the Pandan and a great size for the price. Worth coming back to try the other unique flavored lattes Psa: if you get the Pandan latte it has this black drink for decor, it can get on your mouth lol. I ended up walking around with a stain on the corner of my mouth while walking in public haha

I stumbled upon this place while looking for a spot to grab my morning coffee. Oh man, am I glad I did! I was very impressed with the service, coffee, and overall theme of this place. They believe in cultivating deeper connections and encourage social interactions. There are a few laptop-free tables reserved for people who not plan to work or study. Their coffee was great! Ordered an iced vanilla latte and an iced black sesame latte. The coconut cream in the black sesame latte was delicious. They both had the perfect balance of espresso, milk, and sweetness. Wish I lived closer to this place but I'll definitely be back!

Whipped butter and scone flights! What's not to love? They have seasonal flavors for the whipped butters and I gotta say, there has yet to be a butter I didn't love! :)

Was happy for all of the previous positive Yelp reviews! This place was gem delicious coffees and breakfast fare. Trendy, plant filled spot with a chill vibe. My brown sugar latte(extra sweet) was perfection and also ordered the breakfast sandwich which was YUM Very friendly service, but don't be in a rush cause' good food and drinks take a few minutes to prepare but it was worth it!

Our experience at Public Square Coffeehouse was awesome! The coffee was really good. I ordered an iced vanilla latte, and it was rich and flavorful, not too sweet or bitter, just perfect. We also tried a scone with an off-menu fruit compote, which was also tasty. The avocado toast was fantastic with fresh avocados, arugula, radishes, and feta on sourdough.It was a bit messy to eat so get extra napkins. The breakfast sandwich on a ciabatta roll was good and was a little spicy, I guess from the smoky aioli. It too was also really good. The vibe is cozy and relaxed, and the line moves quickly. They even sell plants! Definitely worth checking out if you're in downtown La Mesa.

Unexpectedly stopped in on a little walk in La Mesa. Love this area and there are so many great shops around. Public Square is a perfect place to stop in for a quick bite or a coffee. They have a very creative menu that has many great choices. The dish had great flavor. The mocha latte was top tier. I love drinking my coffee out of a real cup versus a disposable to go cup. Really takes it up a notch. Also bonus points for the little heart in my coffee. I love all the details of the space. Great place to sit with unique parts.

Came back and tried some food this time as well. We came on a Sat around 7:30 expecting it not to be too busy but it was bustling! We were still able to find seating pretty easily since they have a bunch of indoor and outdoor seating. Also note that you get 3% off your bill if you pay in cash. We got the infamous scone with peanut ube butter and a breakfast sandwich. Honestly both were a bit of a let down. The scone wasn't that flaky or flavorful. The only saving grace was the peanut ube flavored butter which was much lighter than I thought it'd be and a nice flavor. My partner said the breakfast sandwich was decent. I also got a cappuccino that was well made. Only street parking.

QUICKIE REVIEW Start your day off with a fresh scone from here. FOOD This is what I tried: -Scone with guava -Signature Breakfast Sandwich -Dark chocolate mocha latte The scone was sooooo soft. They say they make them every morning and you can tell. Sandwich was also good. Nice, soft, and crispy. Although, after having both, I would be more inclined to go with the flight of scones and just trying different flavors next time. Scones, without a doubt, is what they do. PARKING No, street parking. SERVICE Order at counter and they will deliver your food to you. PRICE Around $40-ish for two TIP/OTHER THOUGHTS I showed up around 0930 on a Sunday morning and found free metered parking (Sunday special). There was only two people in front of me. 30 minutes later, line was out there the door with no parking to be found. I recommend you show up at 0930 or earlier. Also like to note all the positive messages/energy found around inside the business. It was cool to see.

Love the coffee house interior design, very organic. Customer service is awesome. They are all pleasant. Why do I always go here? Organic COFFEE!!! This is what you call real coffee. Love their hot dark chocolate mocha, chaga mushroom latte sugar-free and the pandan latte! My all time favorite is the dark chocolate mocha latte. It's a perfect blend of bitter-sweet latte. Don't forget to try their scones with their different flavors of their homemade butter. My favorite is the ube and the original flavor. Of course, their original drench toast. You're trip here is not complete without trying these two! Everytime I am around La Mesa, I make sure I pass by to grab my coffee! Highly highly recommended!

I've been here a couple of times already. I don't think it matters which day of the week you go, it's always filled with people studying or catching up with friends. The signature bfast sandwich is always a good go to. I recently tried the grilled cheese sando with the tomato soup. The sando was good but small and didn't have enough cheese for the amount you're paying. I didn't think it was worth it, but the tomato bisque soup was really good and I liked the texture of it. My husband got the carnitas sandwich and it was good but not amazing. For the drinks, I've gotten the black sesame and the pandan latte on different occasions. Both good and nutty, but I prefer the black sesame. I enjoy coming here bc it has good drinks and food that's not too much. Good amount of seating and service is standard.

This has been my coffee shop for many years. The ambience is always a vibe. The customer service is always welcoming and the quality of the food and coffee is top notch. I know I'm always going to get some tasty carnitas and really good biscuits and gravy.

Nice people great drinks. I tried a Pandan latte, love it. Very peanut buttery tasting. I like the cash discount idea but the last three times I wasnt given it? Just 3.5% but still...today I was paying more attention and corrected her-but why should I have to pay that close attention? Also had the scones, cappi, french toast and they were all good.

Stopped by here to meet up with friends and my daughter in law. Walked in and the place had a great welcoming vibe. The tables were nice sized and I noticed lots of outlets. I went and asked the barista for recommendations and went with the scones and butter flight. They were absolutely amazing. I also got an ice tea that was refreshing - and not too sweet. Absolutely delightful and I can't wait to go back!

This La Mesa gem seems to be a local and visitor favorite. There's always a lot of buzz at this spot and all within good reason. The environment is perfect for catching up with a friend or reading a book. As I've mentioned, it can get quite busy so the inside might be too loud for working/studying. I tried the pandan latte and I haven't tried any other drink since having that latte! I always come back to that. I've also tried the coffee rubbed carnitas sandwich. It's absolutely delicious but a little small.

Had a lovely brunch here with my husband. The whole atmosphere is really cool and fun. The outdoor seating, while adjacent to the road, is separated and feels cozy. The servers are friendly although I quite didn't understand why they expected me to walk inside and pick up my coffee in heavy, breakable cups and walk back to the table when they bring the food to the table. Talking of food- both the breakfast sandwich and the scones with flight of butter were really nice. The dark chocolate mocha was good too. Overall had a lovely time and won't mind coming back if we are in the area,.

It's been a few years since I've been here for breakfast. The inside is nice and cozy. You line up to order at the counter. If you order food they give you a number, otherwise they call your name for drink orders. The place was fairly busy for a smallish cafe and unfortunately they didn't have a lot of staff to handle the amount of customers. The barista was 5-6 orders behind so it took a while to get our drinks. They also weren't hot when we did get them. They were ok lattes, but honestly not that different from standard coffees you could get anywhere. The food came out slightly after the drinks. The "Biscuit" and gravy was good however it was very petite. I've always thought biscuits and gravy were supposed to be a hearty filling meal, and this was a single small biscuit and a fried egg. The breakfast sandwich was even less satisfying. It was cold and pretty boring except for the chipotle aioli. The place could be better if they had more staff to accommodate the demand. Everyone seemed so rushed and spread thin, they were missing the details about what makes a good breakfast cafe experience. Overall, it was just an ok breakfast. For the time it took and the price, I think there are other places with better value.

Absolutely love this place but it definitely fills up. Order inside and grab a table either indoors or outside. They've also got mobile order for pick-up at the window which seems to be the way to go since the line does back up. Loved their Pandan latte over the Black Sesame. It had a delightfully light coconut and floral flavor. Their breakfast sandwich was also pretty good. We opted to add arugula and chili oil for a little freshness and spice. They're well-known for their scones. There's a 2 scone/6 butter deal that allows you to sample all their butters and their crisp but moist scones. Faves were peanut butter ube and maple cayenne butters. Super walkable area with lots of spots to eat and shop. Another fun brunch spot for the rolodex and in a really charming part of La Mesa.

- spacious shop along a line of cute local shops, it's in a great area to walk around! - there's a plaza down the street for parking - came to grab a quick coffee but seems like a great place to study! plenty of seating and outlets too - there was a line on a sat morning but it moved quick and service was prompt and nice - the dark chocolate mocha was delicious! such a rich chocolatey flavor (they use 85% chocolate) but the espresso was still strong and flavorful

Best pizza I've had in a while 10/10 Flavors, bread - WILD. Can't wait to come back don't underestimate it. It's unreal.

The go-to spot for a cute coffee date or just simply meeting up with friends, Public Square is cute as hell and arguably has the best coffee in La Mesa. I love coming here, ordering a delicious latte, and hanging out on the patio with my dog to just people watch and chat with folks shopping along La Mesa Boulevard. It's in a great location and really nails the community vibe that I cherish so much. As I mentioned earlier, the coffee here is some of the best I've ever had. Granted, I don't have the most refined coffee palette, but my wife who was a barista for almost 20 years tells me that they do coffee right. Their espresso is smooth and not bitter, giving every drink a velvety texture. Their scones are also an absolute highlight. Cooked fresh constantly, these scones come out warm and soft, with one of their amazing seasonal butter flavors. If you're feeling extra adventurous, you can order a whole flight full of wild and inventive butter flavors! Pro tip, anything with cayenne pepper in it is an instant win. Trust me. Spiciness and the sweetness go hand in hand in amazing ways. The other food options on their menu are super tasty, but the portion sizes tend to be a little small, especially for the price. That said, for a date or an extra special weekend treat, this is the perfect place to go bright and early. Be warned, however, this place fills up very quickly and can go from nobody in line to a line out the door in a matter of minutes. They've also recently updated their hours and are open much later, now serving pizza in the p.m. and let me tell you guys, that pizza is out of this world. Whoever's baking this stuff really knows the ins and outs of dough, because these pizzas come out softer yet crispier than any pizza I've ever had. I don't know what kind of Wizardry is going on in the kitchen, but I need more of this in my life! If you're looking for a fun place to hang out, enjoy a really solid cup of coffee, and watch the weirdos of La Mesa wander by, then Public Square is definitely the place to be. Check them out, especially during the non-busy hours LOL

Always interested in cafe spots that have charcoal infused coffees so I got the black sesame latte. Very balanced drink where you can taste the coffee beans but also the other infused flavors such as the coconut cream and maple syrup. The barista was really cool and assured me the sesame flavoring wouldn't be overbearing. Nice spot to study, meet with friends, or even just to pop in for a grab and go like I did.

Came in one weekday morning wanting to try their gluten free scones but unfortunately they were sold out. We opted for the signature bfast sandwich and a cinnamon latte. It was delicious we will definitely be back to taste the scone flight! There are tons of seating options as well. Great place to get some work done.

Public Square Coffee was rated as a favorite among locals in La Mesa and I can definitely vouch for that. I've always walked past them every year during the La Mesa Oktoberfest and have wanted to try their coffees and their popular scone and butter flight. I came on Sunday for a little pick me up coffee and their scone flight. I immediately fell in love with their scone. It had a crunchy shell and broke apart softly. Dusted with some powdered sugar and warmed up from the oven made it so delish. In order, my favorite butters were the Maple Cayenne, Cranberry Orange, and Guava. I already love anything butter so these were a hit for me. Definitely would order another scone as it was not enough for the trio of butters. For drinks, The Pandan Latte I had stood out to me as I love this unique Asian flavor. If you never had Pandan, it is similar to coconut and vanilla. I could taste the espresso and pandan flavors in the entire drink. I'd love to come back to try some more goodies from the menu. They mix it up and offer pizza + beer on Fridays-Sunday after 5pm in collaboration with Pierre's Pizza Place. There's a lot they offer at Public Square and it was a great experience for some morning goodies!

I love to get the Chaga latte and the sandwich are so good. I also like the simple set up on the plate. The vibes are always busy when I go, there is usually only a table or two open when I get there around 11. I've gone a few times and they are consistent with service, food and drinks.

Wow! This place is amazing! The scones and butter are absolutely delicious!! The only thing that can be tricky is finding a place to sit during weekends or busy hours. The staff are super kind and attentive!

DRINK: latte milk options are only normal or oat, the drink was pretty good but not anything special and not very sweet. I think I'm bias with the sweet aspect because I like mine overly sweet FOOD: The food here is amazing, especially the breakfast sandwiches I definitely recommend trying! AMBIANCE: CUTE interior and exterior but limited seating so be prepared on the weekend if your going to do work!

I've been wanting to come to this location for a while now but parking definitely can be tricky. Most of is street parking or in the back there is a small area for parking. On a Friday at 11-12 o clock it was packed and had to park kind of far and walk to the shop. The brown sugar latte was perfectly and really enjoyed it. The espresso carnitas was also super delicious and I would definitely get it again. The space is great for homework, lots of plugs and variety of seating at tables or chairs or couches. They also have a table set aside that isn't allowed for laptop usage, and is mainly there for conversation and talking or eating which I think it's really really great. They also have an outdoor space as well that is shaded.for all my parents, they have a kids menu and some kid friendly options like apple juice or apple sauce pouches. Overall! Really great job! Would like to return again!

i RARELY give out 5 stars to coffee shops just because i'm quite particular when it comes to my espresso and lattes but this one without fail goes above and beyond each time. everytime i visit (which has been 15+ times) i ALWAYS have an above average experience with all the workers, they are so kind and friendly!! the atmosphere is beautiful as well, lots of seating, chargers (even on the sofa spots) and cute plants everywhere. the latte's themselves are great and so are their food options. they even have a happy hour from 2-4 on their drinks which is such a plus. my FAVORITE part are the cute little message notes that come with every drink you order; they're always so positive and it's something small but adds such a nice flair to their overall personality of the place. 10/10, will always recommend as a san diego local!!!

Packed Saturday morning for brunch! Tables are first come, first serve after ordering. We ordered-- -Americano ($3.95) & Green Tea ($4.25): classics but everso satisfying -Scone & Butter Flight ($10.75): soft, dense crumbly cake-like pastry enclosed by crispy biscuit-like shell. comes with 6 uniquely flavored butters (cinnamon, maple cayenne, peanut butter ube, pandan-colada, cranberry orange, and guava). this is a great sharing appetizer! thought the butters had subdued flavors & texture not as thick/ creamy. -Avocado & Hummus Toast ($12.95): tasted fresh w/ addition of creamy hummus & fried egg resting on thick sourdough bread -Coffee Carnitas Sandwich ($12.95): carnitas was a bit dry and couldn't taste much of the espresso rub, but was enjoyable combined with the chipotle aioli & pickled onions nestled between fluffy, chewy focaccia bread! I've been here a few times previously to do work and would sometimes have a hard time finding an indoor table due to its popularity. Always bustling, positive vibes (they give small cards with inspiring msgs!) & welcoming community! Overall a solid local brunch & coffee spot, would return! (minus 1 star due to additional wait for beverages at counter after ordering, as staff do not bring to table. not a big deal, but inconvenient after waiting in long line & our table being outdoors. also bc lattes from previous visits & foods, though enjoyable, could use minor improvements/ not memorable)

My first time at public square coffee house was around noon on a Wednesday and it was busy! Parking was a bit difficult since everyone's shopping and enjoying the holiday season. The cafe itself is big and makes a great place to hang out and possibly study if you don't mind loud music. The customer service was great and the baristas make delicious drinks. Kate was very sweet and didn't mind giving me personalized recommendations for drinks and pastry pairings. I ordered an iced pandan latte with oat milk and an iced chaga latte with oat milk. Both drinks were yummy and not too sweet. The espresso flavor in both lattes were masked by the syrups but were still very good. I would definitely come back.

Updated review from 7 years ago! I ordered: CHAGA LATTE - I loved this! Not too sweet at all. I haven't seen any other coffee spot have this option so it was a treat. VANILLA LATTE - This is your typical vanilla latte but I definitely enjoyed the CHAGA more. This was too milky for my liking, not as coffee-y. CUSTOMER SERVICE / OVERALL - This place is pretty busy especially on the weekends so it's probably not the best spot to get any studying in. The workers were pretty friendly overall & seemed like they had a good system going.

Delicious! Get the pandan latte!! I always get pandan whenever I see it on a menu. I don't even really know what the flavor is...but I know I always love it! It's sweet but not overpowering. I also got a scone with the peanut butter ube butter. It was pretty small for the price, but I was on vacation so whatever. The scone itself was very soft so I enjoyed it. The peanut butter ube was good, but didn't stand out that much. Metered parking out front, but we parked in one of the neighborhoods and just walked over. Most of the seats were already taken in the morning, but they had outdoor seating available.