I know what you’re thinking, “Oh wow! Another trendy coffee shop in San Diego… how original and unique!” Right? Well actually, we think it is. Sure, it has the standard line of eager hipsters spilling out onto the sidewalk pretty much every morning of the week. But once you make it through the door, you’ll see what all the hype is about! Spacious and modern with a stunning mix of fab finishes and eye-catching design elements, Better Buzz really IS better… at least in our humble opinion.
The ground floor offers a variety of unique, modern seating areas, including a communal quartz bar table installed around a wooden tree sculpture strewn with Edison bulbs. A “horseshoe” shaped central coffee bar produces both specialty drinks and local brews, from Seraphim pour-over coffee to several varieties of single origin espresso. Oversized, two toned hexagonal tiles adorn the façade of the bar in a seemingly irregular pattern that resemble spilled coffee beans. The main level also features a vintage German Probat machine, roasting up small batches sold exclusively at the Hillcrest location, and a glass walled conference room that is available for (semi)private meetings or events.
The mezzanine lounge offers additional guest seating, along with some of our favorite design elements. Colorful geometric porcelain tile provides a dazzling (and somewhat dizzying) focal point for this compact gathering place full of surprisingly comfortable mid century inspired armchairs with unique woven seats. However, the major swoon factor in this space comes from above in the form of spherical glass pendants and lush ferns delicately nestled inside macramé traceries. The second level is home to the new Better Buzz headquarters, as well as a training bar where cupping classes and other public workshops may be offered in the future.
Better Buzz Hillcrest is located at 801 University Ave (on the corner of University & 8th .) Go check ‘em out!
