Torque Coffee — Restaurant in San Diego

Whether you’re a coffee snob or a casual latte drinker, Torque Coffee is a must-visit and the kind of place you instantly feel good about supporting. With high-quality coffee, genuine staff, and strong values, it’s quickly become one of my favorite spots in the neighborhood.

If you’re serious about coffee, Torque will impress you.The owners are coffee veterans who’ve done everything from roasting to importing, and their passion easily shows. If you’re like me and enjoy black coffee or espresso-based drinks, you’ll immediately notice the depth and complexity in their brews. They roast their beans on-site using their Primo Ranger roaster, so the coffee is as fresh as it gets. As for their espresso they use a Synesso Hydra MVP machine, paired with three Compak E8 On Demand digital grinders. This setup allows them to prepare and serve three different espressos at once, each dialed in with its own unique pressure, temperature, and grind profile.Their drip coffee is a standout—smooth, rich, and with a clarity of flavor that’s often missing in other shops. I can confidently say their coffee is among the best in the area.

One thing I really appreciate is how they cater to both coffee nerds and regular folks who just want a great cup. They offer a fantastic range of drinks, from classic macchiatos and lattes to more creative coffee options along with zero proof cocktails and curated wines. While I haven’t tried the non-coffee options yet, I have no doubt they’re made with the same care and dedication.

Pricing is another area where Torque shines. Despite their premium quality, the prices are super reasonable, especially for espresso drinks. If you buy their whole beans, you’ll also appreciate their transparency—20% of the retail price is prepaid to the coffee producers, which is huge for anyone who cares about where their coffee comes from.

Another standout for me is their commitment to sustainability. Their cups are fully compostable (a big plus for anyone looking to reduce single-use plastic), and their coffee bags are plant-based and biodegradable. Even their shipping materials are eco-friendly. They’ve clearly thought through the entire process, not just from a coffee perspective but in terms of environmental impact too, which is something you don’t see enough of.

The staff? Amazing. Welcoming, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about what they do. It’s refreshing to see a team that clearly loves the product and isn’t just going through the motions.

The only downside is that the seating is a bit limited, but that’s a small thing in the grand scheme of what Torque offers. The layout is cozy, and it’s a comfortable spot to hang out, whether you’re grabbing a quick coffee or planning to linger. If you’re local to Normal Heights, it’s a short walk, and parking is generally easy, so it’s super convenient to stop by.

In short: top-tier coffee, great prices, and a welcoming atmosphere. If you care about quality and a community-first approach, Torque Coffee is a place you’ll keep coming back to. I’ve been recommending them to everyone I know, and I’m confident you’ll do the same...

The velvety Banana-Bourbon Latte (with my chosen Ethiopia espresso) is mouth watering and will bring me back.❤️☕️ Flavors come through but are not overwhelmed by banana, which I was afraid was a possibility but wanted to try to see what the bourbon flavor was like. Very happy that I did! The bourbon flavor comes through subtly as well - perfect🏆 Can't wait to go back and try the Dark Chocolate flavor. I like that you can choose which type of espresso or coffee will go in your drink, so you can shape the flavor to your preference. 👍

Torque Coffee is hidden in plain sight - easily accessible on El Cajon Blvd, but also worth going out of your way for! Very appealing and inviting space. Comfortable seating including really nice counter seating looking out the window. Great place to go to read quietly, meet with people, or work. Really cool decor and retail as well - definite vibe 🙌

The buttermilk biscuit 🧈 has a wonderful strong buttermilk flavor, and a moist crumbly texture. This isn't a dinner roll and it's not a flaky pastry: this is a real biscuit. Served with a sweet rhubarb jam that is a perfect complement to the tangy buttermilk. Tastes like it's made with whole buttermilk - not the low-fat buttermilk you find in grocery stores now. Deeelish! 🙌

The GOAST Toast has artisan quality bread and a delicious intriguing combination of flavors: tomato jelly, Scratch House vegan “goat cheese”, & oak-aged balsamic. Delectable. Normally it comes with a Za'ataar spice but I skipped that. Everything here is fresh and tasty.

Staff/managers/owners are super friendly and helpful, enthusiastic about educating, and will help you make a selection to meet your taste.

Love the fact they have chosen to use sustainable, biodegradable, plastic-free, compostable packaging. My cup and lid are made w bamboo 💐🌳🌎💋

Legit award-winning coffees 🏆🙌💋

Can do mobile orders!!...

Wow! This place has it down when it comes to the science of coffee! They take coffee to another level with their creativity in flavors and are not afraid to step outside the box with this ancient drink. Conveniently located off the 805 freeway for on the go. If you have extra time, hang out in their nostalgic coffee shop with its chill vibes to sip your coffee. The customer service is warm and friendly! I can't believe this place has only been open for 4 months. They run it like pros! Great experience!

Ps: don't forget to try their home baked goods like the banana bread (it has a delightful twist to grandma's traditional banana bread-- not your ordinary banana bread). Also, if you're into the sweet and savory, try the vegan waffle egg taco.... yes, I said it, vegan! 😋 It's great to know there's vegan options out there that don't compromise on the taste!

This place is a must try.... beware, because you will want...