INVITA Café — Restaurant in Carlsbad

Forced Politics with a side of coffee

I'm writing this review with a real sense of disappointment. I stopped in for a coffee today, and while the drink itself was okay, the experience was completely ruined by the shop's decision to use its packaging as a political billboard.

My cup was covered in stickers promoting a specific political ideology. That's off-putting enough when you're just trying to buy a beverage. However, one sticker in particular crossed a line from merely unprofessional to morally reprehensible. It featured the name and likeness of a public figure, praising them.

This is an individual who has publicly declared, “I can’t stand empathy, actually. I think it’s a made up term that does a lot of damage.” For a business to choose to celebrate and platform someone who openly brags about their lack of basic human compassion is astounding. It tells me exactly what their values are, and they are values I want no part of.

Whether you agree with their politics or not, using a customer's purchased item to promote a figure who proudly denounces empathy is a terrible business practice. It creates a hostile and divisive environment. I don't go to a coffee shop for a political lecture or to be told which morally corrupt individuals I should admire.

The coffee wasn't good enough to overlook the fact that my money was indirectly used to promote such a toxic message. I will not be returning and I cannot recommend this...

“Super cute.” Several family members of the female persuasion have been schooling me on the nuances of this phrase and my educational journey has led me to conclude that it applies to “Invita.”

Worthy of becoming another arrow in our quiver of unique San Diego coffee destinations, the White Mocha and Chai Tea were both excellent. While ordering I realized that I need to develop a look that conveys the only appropriate answer to the query, “Would you like whipped cream on that?” Either that or perhaps find a t-shirt with the inscription, “Uh, yeah!”

Although their storefront isn’t expansive, they have managed to deliver on their mission statement (see our pics) and the vibe they have created makes you just want to linger there.

Conveniently located mere steps from the Poinsettia Train Station in Carlsbad, this coffee purveyor has inspired a new series that we hope to launch by the end of ‘23, so stay tuned!

And that’s…Henry’s...

I love Invita Cafe! The coffee here is great quality and so flavorfu. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, and the staff go out of their way to treat you with kindness and professionalism. It’s clear they care about both their craft and their customers.

Unfortunately, this shop is currently being unfairly targeted with false, negative reviews that have nothing to do with their food, drinks, or service. These reviews are politically motivated and do not reflect the actual experience you’ll have when you visit.

I encourage readers to look past the noise of review bombing and judge for themselves. Step into the cafe, try the coffee, meet the staff, and you’ll see the difference between genuine experience and manufactured outrage.

As Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love...