Bica Coffee Shop — Restaurant in San Diego

i was torn between giving this place 4 or 5 stars because their coffee/food and atmosphere knocks it out of the park, but their service is a little weird sometimes. i go here regularly for their tartines and have tried some other small plates on their menu. their flavor profiles, quality of ingredients, small variety of seasonal, but interesting options definitely keeps me coming back. there’s a lot of thought put behind the items on their food menu. additionally, their coffee is usually delightful. i’ve been in the coffee industry for 11 years and feel like i know how to spot a good cup. they use provecho roasters, a local roaster from san diego who does a phenomenal job from a roasting standpoint, so their sourcing is once again really great as reflected in their food ingredients. this roaster is palatable, never over roasts (sorry if you like darker roasts!), and offers very thoughtful selections of coffee. if you order milk based espresso drinks (i.e. cortados, cappuccinos, lattes), your beverage will range from decent to wonderful depending on the barista. the patio is so sweet and usually filled at peak hours on the weekend, so i suggest planning ahead to come here. now for service… as per any coffee shop, you can run into the barista that comes off as too cool for you every now and then, but on average they’re approachable enough and more times than not you can tell they are interested in making sure you have a good experience. there have been a couple of off-comments made or uncomfortable interactions that i can only deduce as some general individual awkwardness or service fatigue. the service doesn’t really strike me as anything special, but i am grateful for the couple of people they have on their team who really know their stuff and i have observed are diligently training the rest of the team. i gave this place five stars because despite smaller bumps in the road, i keep coming back and just love this place and the intentionality that’s put behind it. it’s a breath of fresh air in the industry and i’m really rooting for them to expand their business in all ways in the future. keep up the good work and thank you for bringing such a lovely spot to...

I am not usually one to write negative reviews. I usually go out of my way to rate and review small companies that are great to give them the recognition they work hard for!

However, my issue with bica is the service. I have been here multiple times now and have witnessed this each visit. There are multiple workers behind the counter and a long line out the door. Staff is very laxed and not friendly at all. They give me my coffee and I always will say thanks and the response back is always “Yup”. Almost as if I’m the inconvenience. They need to focus on and realize the importance of customer service.

At one point on a Sunday there was a long line out the door and four workers behind the counter and they were talking and not making coffees despite the multiple orders that had ahead of them. The girl at the register saw us and continued to talk to the workers about their personal life, which taking is fine however not taking orders or working on coffee orders just seems kind of not very nice to me.

Has anyone had a similar experience? I will always give companies more than one chance! This has been over multiple visits. But their...

Bica is a hidden gem for coffee lovers and food enthusiasts alike! This charming local coffee shop offers an exceptional coffee selection that caters to all tastes. From lattes to other espressos drinks, every sip is a delight.

Their menu goes beyond just great coffee, as they serve small dishes. We tried the wild-caught smoked salmon tartine. The combination of fresh, succulent salmon with a perfectly toasted tartine is a true culinary experience that you won't forget.

And let's not forget about their pastries! The display of pastries at Bica is a sight to behold, and each one is a delicious masterpiece. From morning buns to indulgent scones, you'll find it hard to resist trying them all.

Beyond the delightful treats, Bica boasts a cozy and welcoming ambiance, making it an ideal spot to unwind or catch up with friends over a cup of coffee and some delectable treats.

Whether you're a coffee aficionado or a food lover looking for a delightful experience, Bica is the place to be. Prepare to be impressed by their top-notch coffee, mouthwatering dishes, and...