Lestats Lives on as San Diego's Best Coffee Joint

Words by Kristen Fogle

Boasting 24 hour service, where else could a San Diego caffeine addict go but one of the large, inviting Lestats locations? Both Lestats on Adams in Normal Heights and Lestats on Park in University Heights serve up fun, fresh faire with nightly entertainment and artistic treats daily.

In addition to snagging an iced or other tea/coffee treat on these increasingly summer-seeming days, there is also always an array of tasty pastries and delicious desserts available. (The raspberry cheesecake brownie is an explosion of gooey goodness). They also serve up sandwiches, salad, soup—even quiche—smoothies and snacks.

What differentiates Lestats from the pack is its authentic coffee shop appeal. (How the Starbucks—across the street from the original, Adams location—can compete is beyond me.) The couches are mismatched and fairly well worn (at least on Adams...Park's decor is a bit newer and even the antique touches are in the style, not the wear and tear). Outdoor areas at both locations encourage us pasty ones to see sun. Racks of magazines welcome clients to pour over the many free publications. Cabinets display sculptures and the walls are covered with paintings, drawings, and photos from local artists such as Surley Gurley, Amy Baca Lopez, Billy Martinez, Peter J. Guise, Bret J. Barrett, Michael Mahaffey, Dan Allen, and BD Dombrowski, to name a few. Best, it's all for sale, and you can score a piece in any price point—from $25 to $950.

The nightly entertainment varies—at the Adams location Mondays are Open Mic hosted by Chad Taggart, Tuesdays are comedy night, and the rest of the week is a mishmash of local and regional bands and solo acts. In May, Lestats hosts Ken Eng, Lisa Sanders, Tolan Shaw, and the Robin Henkel Band, among others.
Not only a good meet up for actors and artists (there is even a writers drop-in group that takes place Thursdays at five on Adams), the locations are so walkable that they’re a great starting place for those who just want to take in the neighborhoods. Many times the Adams location leads to Viva Pops across the street and then inevitably to the Blind Lady Ale House for pizza and brews. On Park, Parkhouse Eatery beckons with their amazing vegi smoked calzone and Small Bar sits with craft beer ready.

Come April 23, prices were raised (particularly on drinks), but Lestats is still one of the most vibrant, delightful coffee houses in all of San Diego. Not only do they continue to get my thumbs up but my business as well.

Lestats
3343 Adams Avenue, San Diego, 92116
4496 Park Boulevard, San Diego, 92116
www.lestats.com

To be published in Artsnfashion Magazine's June Issue