Spring is the time for fresh starts, new places and coffee! Bold, light, dark, room for milk, hold the cream — there are countless ways to make your coffee just right, but nothing is quite as unique as your favorite coffee shop where you buy yours. From one right here in University City or close-by La Jolla, to a classic joint on the outskirts of downtown, one thing’s for sure, these places have personalities and tastes of their own.

  Pannikin Coffee and Tea is a local favorite for surfers and residents alike.  The staff probably is as much as part of the atmosphere as the place itself.  Seriously, all of them are interesting and make you feel right at home. Oftentimes, you can catch the owner dancing to whatever music is in the air or striking up a conversation with just about anyone. Pannikin has an old-school feel in a beachy town. In one room, leather booths line the back wall and in another,  a chess set is open. Plus, there is always art on the walls for sale that rotate every couple of months with different artists.  Lastly, there is a great outside patio area for when the weather starts to warm up enough to enjoy your coffee or even a book for a bit outside.

  They are open from 6 to 6, the perfect place to swing by before or after work (even both!). Pannikin states on its website, “We have been in the business of serving the community with all its coffee and tea needs since 1968. Our family owned and operated business roasts coffee daily to bring you the freshest selection of single origin coffees and proprietary blends from around the globe. Our tea list is notable and you will not be disappointed in the wide range offered here.” The welcoming and fun-loving staff and the overall environment of the cafe are only part of it. They also serve amazing coffee and food. Breakfast is served until 2 p.m. and lunch until 3 p.m. and there are always fresh pastries anytime of the day. It really does make for an all-around great experience (pannikincoffeeandtea.com).

  Senior Nicole Garcia stated,  “Pannikin has a small town, comforting, safe spot feel ,and Gelato Vero is really unique and is very open and inviting.”

  If you are willing to go for something a little farther  away, Gelato Vero Caffe is truly one of a kind.  Whether you are trying to escape for the day or want to catch up with old friends, the upstairs area is suited for just about anything. The cafe has been open since 1984. The pale green building is made of two parts; the downstairs is filed with an inviting staff, fresh gelato, and delicious coffee. It even has a shelf showcasing some books that were written there! A staircase outside leads to an upstairs area that overlooks the street with broad glass windows.  Sometimes, you can sit and watch planes take off or simply sit and watch people walk by.  It is beautiful at anytime of the day and I really mean any… The hours are 6 to midnight.  For any early morning or late late study session, Gelato offers a creative space to work, play or just lose yourself (gelatoverocaffe.com).

  So if you get tired of spring cleaning, waiting for summer or just the same old chain-store coffee shops, settle into one of these places or swing by for a caffeine-pick-me-up that is guaranteed to brighten your day.