Vinaka Cafe — Restaurant in Carlsbad

Love, love, love this place!

I've been parking myself with laptop and book bag here for at least 10 years. This is one of the more unique and eclectic cafes in the north county coastal areas, especially since the closure of E Street Street Cafe in Encinitas.

Vinaka is located in the Village Fair retail center at the corner of Carlsbad Village Drive and Washington St. The beach is a short two-block walk away.

Parking can sometimes be a challenge as the lot has a 3-hour limit and spaces can be hard to come by during busy times.

It's difficult to put into words as to how and why this Cafe is special to me. It has a certain feel and unique vibe, I guess I'd say "it" factor that is very appealing.

There was a major remodel about three years ago that updated and modernized the decor quite a bit. But it did not lose any of its charm.

I've had the opportunity to meet several interesting people there during my time and had amazing conversations with people who before were complete strangers. I noticed that there appears to be a robust chess contingent they're if you're into that sort of thing.

If I could say one thing that I love, it's the fact that you can get, I believe, eight different flavors of ice cream there. I can't say that about any other coffee shop that I frequent.

There is also a chocolate-covered cocoa bean dispenser where you put in a quarter and outcomes a handful of the delicious caffeine balls. That's another thing that you'll probably never see anywhere.

There is seating at the bar, along bench- like seats along the wall, some high chairs and stools, and several tables outside with umbrellas.

And of course there's free Wi-Fi with a code that's delivered by the baristas.

There is one minor annoyance, and that's if you need to use the restroom you have to go outside the coffee shop and walk across to another section of the retail center with the key to get access. They usually ask for some type of small collateral to ensure that you returned with the key, something like a credit card, ID or such like.

Coffee shops can be different things to different people and everyone has different tastes. But I would definitely recommend stopping by here for a visit, it just might become your favorite as...

This place is the standard for which I hold all other coffee shops to be. Everyone is friendly, and they listen to suggestions too. If you like ice blended chai, this is my all-time favorite place to get it. They've had rice milk, soy milk, recently almond milk, so if you want some non-dairy options, it's perfect. They have power outlets all over the place, so if you need to power stuff, you're set too. I've been coming here regularly for nearly a decade now. I will mention, the most common complaint I ever see online is people who get frustrated because they didn't get service when they were standing way off to the side behind the taller counter. I don't know why people seem to do this. Order at the register, they can actually see you much more easily there, and process your payment right there, so you will even finish your...

I've been coming to Vinaka for a couple years now for "cafe days" where I do homework, read, do art, or chat with friends. I've seen them go through a lovely remodeling process that brings so much life to the already adorable cafe. They more recently got various sized mugs for in-house use which is a refreshing break from the constant plastic to-go cups you find elsewhere. Always friendly and lively folks behind the bar helping out too. What prompted me to finally post a review were the two lovely baristas who were so kind and made the most delicious sandwiches and drinks my partner and I have ever enjoyed here. It just reinforced all the reasons I love coming here! ** Seating can sometimes be difficult to find for 2+ people as Vinaka is justifiably popular! Lots of outlets/extension cords and outdoor...