Better Buzz Coffee Hillcrest

Better Buzz Coffee Hillcrest

801 University Ave, San Diego, CA

★★★★4.4(1,988 Google reviews)

Crema's Take

Better Buzz Coffee Hillcrest is a bright, spacious refuge in San Diego's Hillcrest neighborhood where serious coffee lovers and laptop warriors coexist happily alongside dog-friendly pals and pastry enthusiasts. The team consistently nails both their espresso-focused drinks and thoughtful pour overs, while their croissants arrive flaky and buttery—made with the kind of quality ingredients that taste noticeably fresh. Whether you're settling in for a creamy matcha, catching up with friends over excellent coffee, or claiming a seat for a long work session, the relaxed, high-ceilinged atmosphere and attentive service make it feel like the kind of place you'll keep coming back to.

What to expect

Espresso-focused, with a pour-over program, matcha and tea options too. A slow-sit, laptop-friendly spot, good for meetings. Pastries on the menu. Dog friendly.

Slow sitTraditional drinksLaptop friendlyPastriesMeetingsPour overMatcha & teaDog friendlyCraft espresso

Google Reviews

Yeadat Yeadat
★★★★★2 months ago

The croissant was perfect — flaky on the outside, soft and buttery on the inside, and tasted super fresh. You can tell it’s made with quality ingredients. The matcha was just as good! Smooth, creamy, and not overly sweet. It had that rich, earthy matcha flavor without being…

Jillian Burlingame
★★★★★2 months ago

I drop by this better Buzz quite frequently and have always been pleased with the environment and the service. My order is always made to perfection every time and every employee I’ve interacted with has been sweet and generous. The environment of this Better Buzz is amazing.…

Syria Nadine
★★★★★4 months ago

I visited Better Buzz Coffee Hillcrest and was impressed overall. The cafe has a bright, trendy vibe with plenty of seating — great for hanging out, working, or catching up with friends. But overall I love this place the employees bring out the vibe

Diana Sanchez
★★★★★5 months ago

I have been coming here since college great place to grab coffee and study/work. My most recent visit, I made a mistake an ordered at the wrong location, I called that location, so they wouldn’t make my order. I walked in to the Hillcrest location, I explained my situation they…

T M
★★★★7 months ago

I've always used the PB location, but this was my first time at the Hillcrest. I parked on the street. The spacious, high-ceilinged space is spacious and relaxing. It's amazing that there's a second floor too👍🏼I'd love to come again. The coffee is much better than Starbucks'.…

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