Influx Cafe Little Italy — Restaurant in San Diego

This is my favorite little local coffee shop in Little Italy. Each time I visit, it's nice to know that the baristas there know me and can even complete my order as I start to say it. To give you an example of the vibe here, I went in a few weeks ago and they accidentally forgot to bring out my drink with food because they were slammed inside. I've been slowly moving to a new place since then, so I hadn't been in like 3-weeks - but I normally went at least once a week. Anyway, the woman at the register gave me a complimentary cookie because she remembered that the last time I was there, my drink came out super late. I guess it happened on her watch, and she felt a little guilty - but she totally didn't have to, and I was really touched by the gesture. I've never had anything like that happen at a certain major coffee chain (you know the one) -- not knocking them, but I just don't get that level of treatment there. Anyway, this is an amazing spot -- good drinks, good food, good people, good vibes. Check it out if you haven't already. I may bump into you on occasion there because even though I've moved to a new neighborhood - I still plan to hit up Influx if I'm in Little Italy during their...

Destroy those tables.

Hear me out for a second: when it's early in the morning, and you're looking for a good cup of coffee and maybe a croissant or bagel to snack on, you don't want to be forced to enjoy it in an uncomfortable chair at an awkward table. Sometimes, the décor and atmosphere can make (and in this case, break) your experience.

I've been to InFlux several times, and though I have nothing bad to say about the food and beverage choices (I'd actually prefer it to your corporate Starbucks of the world), I feel so awkward going inside. Why? Because the line to the counter stands in the way of people sitting and enjoying their breakfast and coffee, making you feel as if you're watching someone slurp their cappuccino. Or, you have the uncomfortable decision of sitting in one of these booths and starring at someone's crouch as they wait to order.

I've enjoyed many cups of coffee here, but the seating arrangements inside to use as your regular "neighborhood coffeehouse" usually persuades me to get my caffeine...

The traditional is a cold breakfast meal, and it looks simple yet delicious, and we liked it. The Turkey melt is a tasty warm breakfast, a little greasy with a good amount of Turkey and cheese. The Americano is average. I don’t recommend the matcha latte as it’s too sweet and barely matcha. Fresh fruit is always good, just overpriced.

This place is most suitable for a single party or small parties, as their standard table is for two people. Pets are welcome to dine with their owner at the outdoor seating.

It would be nice if the staff could clean the table sometime. A few tables were dirty, and we wiped down ourselves before seating. We didn’t see anyone clean the table...