The Template
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The Template

5032 Niagra Ave, San Diego, CA

★★★★★4.8(293 Google reviews)

Crema's Take

This Ocean Beach gem transforms the traditional café into a creative community hub where you're equally welcome to linger with a laptop, sip innovative drinks like their signature Kava "Shine," or stay late for meaningful conversations and events. The space itself feels intentionally designed for connection—cozy yet spacious, with couches and shared tables that invite you to settle in—and the staff's genuine warmth makes regulars out of first-time visitors. Whether you're drawn by their creative beverage menu or the undeniably good vibes, The Template is the kind of place that becomes part of your routine.

What to expect

Matcha & teaLaptop friendlyLate nightsSpecialty drinksSlow sitTraditional drinksSignature drinksMeetings

Google Reviews

m c
★★★★★2 months ago

Great space & incredible people! Creative beverages, and chill atmosphere during the day, and delightful and deep connections and events in the evenings. This is so much more than a café (though it’s a great café too); it’s an arts-space, that welcomes and celebrates creativity: visual, musical, performance, individual, corporate, and interactive. Go check out their open-mic every Tuesday for a taste (6:30 pm-9 pm). Thank you guys for all you do and create!

Jakelina Hernandez
★★★★★2 months ago

If you’re looking for a comfortable and inspiring place to get work done, the template is the perfect spot. It has couches, yummy drinks, and a vibrant vibe. I got one of their Kava drinks “shine”

siri gowtham
★★★★2 months ago

This is your classic OB café, and I mean that in the best possible way. The staff is incredibly warm and welcoming, and the space itself is super cozy, instantly making you feel right at home. There are tables set up for studying or working, along with comfy cushion-style seating that’s perfect for relaxing and hanging out. It really feels like a community-focused spot, great for group meetups and they even have a small podium stage, which adds to the charm and makes it feel like a hub for local events. I ordered a croissant and a latte, and both were delicious. Highly recommend this place, and I’ll definitely be back.

DejaAlex
★★★★★3 months ago

A beautiful surprise. An extremely creative, colorful place that truly sparks the imagination. The space is wide and inviting, designed for people to stay — with games, shared tables, and large, comfortable sofas. There’s also a calendar that’s worth paying attention to, clearly aimed at attracting and supporting local artists, which adds even more soul to the place. The food menu still feels a bit limited, though it seems to be in a phase of innovation and expansion. The drinks offered, however, are outstanding. I had a hot matcha with lavender, and it was delicious. I also want to highlight the person who attended us (possibly the owner): truly spectacular — kind, humble, present, and thoughtful in his interactions. He deserves real recognition. The care and intention behind the place are very clear, and of course, he has no control over how people choose to engage with one another in the space. Each one in their own bubble. Even in a creative space like this, there is no exchange of looks, no exchange of smiles. Thank goodness for dogs! Still, a place full of potential, beauty, and intention — absolutely worth visiting.

Misty Mountain Collective
★★★★★4 months ago

Adore this place. We’ve visited SD from CO twice now, and both visits include SEVERAL stops at the template. The drinks are rad, the menu is diverse, the location is stellar, and DUDE THE VIBES CANNOT BE COMPARED TO ANYTHING. It’s a unique experience every single visit, from the lovely staff to the eclectic journey through the space. It’s one of the biggest inspirations for our own business, and one of the few places we’ve ever been to that made us think “yeah, maybe a dream is worth following.”

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