best coffee shops for remote work in San Diego + Struggles and benefits of not having a physical office
01.17.25
When we launched Triadic Design Studio, we decided to do things a little differently. Instead of setting up shop in a traditional office, we embraced remote life. Why? Because flexibility fuels creativity, and let’s face it, not having a fixed office comes with its share of fun, challenges, and unique opportunities. Here’s an inside look at what it’s like designing without walls.
Challenges we face without a place to call our own:
Create your own hours: While coffee shop hours don’t always match our needs, (there’s nothing quite like being mid-idea and realizing the cafe’s closing early…again), the flexibility to set our own schedule is invaluable. We can work late or start early, tailoring our day to fit our creative flow.
WiFi and availability: Reliable WiFi and comfy seating are non-negotiables, but finding them is sometimes an adventure. We’ve held meetings in gorgeous spots like Mission Bay or La Jolla but not everywhere has the connectivity or setup to keep us going.
Meetings: Without a dedicated office, hosting client meetings, or meetings in general, requires creativity. From renting out conference rooms to virtual presentations, we’ve adapted, but it’s not without its hurdles.
Design resource library: Managing fabric samples, brochures, and other design tools without a central storage location requires ingenuity. We’ve streamlined our library to prioritize portability and digital alternatives. Fabric samples, brochures, swatches—you name it, we’ve had to find a spot for it. Without a central storage space, we’ve gotten creative, prioritizing digital tools and streamlined kits for the essentials.
Benefits of living the nomad life:
Work from anywhere: From holding meetings at a park outside to working in new neighborhoods, we’ve turned San Diego into our office. This flexibility keeps us inspired and connected to the city’s vibrant energy.
Explore the city: Remote work has made us urban explorers, from North County to Imperial Beach. Every new location offers fresh perspectives and inspiration.
Coffee connoisseurs: We’ve sampled a lot of coffee, and yes, we’ve developed some strong opinions. We’ve turned into coffee aficionados. We’ve discovered countless coffee shops, sampling amazing brews and noting which spots have the best WiFi, ambiance, and late hours.
Cost savings… Sorta: No office rent? Huge win. But let’s be real—our coffee and snack budget has definitely grown. Still, it’s nowhere near the cost of an office space.
Get outside: There’s nothing like sketching designs with an ocean breeze or brainstorming under sunny skies. Being remote means we get plenty of fresh air and outdoor inspiration.
Networking Opportunities: We haven’t had a rom-com-worthy meet-cute yet, but we’ve met amazing photographers, baristas, and fellow creatives along the way. Every outing is a chance to connect.
Speaking of coffee connoisseurs…we’ve got some of the best recs (in our opinion) for ambiance, specialty coffees, necessities like wifi and seating, and the best spots that are open later…you name it! Check out our list below:
Top 5 (have wifi, good seating, delicious drinks and hours of operation are past 3pm)
Public Square in La Mesa- Open late Wednesday- Sunday till 8 pm. Great coffee! Especially love the Brown Sugar and the Black Sesame lattes. They have delicious homemade scones with a wide variety of flavored butters. Can’t say enough good things about this place. The only downside is their laptop-free tables. We get it, they want people to talk with one another but some of us are there to work :)
Communal on 30th in North Park- We have been going to the Communal Coffee on Texas Street in North Park since it opened in 2017. We are so happy that it’s gained popularity over the years but that comes with its struggles for us. It is always packed with other entrepreneurs like ourselves so the seating is limited. However, they have a sister coffee shop down the street on 30th that always has seating, wifi, and great drinks and food! It’s probably our favorite place to work. And they are open till 5 pm which is a huge plus.
Finjan Coffee Shop in Kearney Mesa- Great coffee, especially the Honey Cinnamon Latte and we have cravings for their Fava Bean toast with the cilantro tahini sauce. Available seating if you get there before 10 am. Wifi is great and they’re open until 5 pm.
Lovesong Coffee in North Park- Some of the most unique flavors and best lattes around! Love The Gentlemen and Old West, delish. They have wifi and are open till 7 pm. Parking can be difficult depending on if the market is in session and the seating is just okay.
Moniker in Liberty Station- Drinks and food are good! They’re open till 6 pm for the coffee side and 10 pm for the bar side. They usually have seating outside but outlets can be tricky.
Top 6 (Wifi is good, has available seating but open till 3 pm)
Perk Social in Kearney Mesa- They usually have seating but only a few outlets. Good coffee but limited food options.
Copa Vida in Torrey Ridge- There’s always seating, they have a decent amount of outlets, and the coffee and food are delish! Especially the Jerk Chicken Bowl.
Cafe Calabria in North Park- We love their pizza!! The only downside here is that they don’t allow laptops after 3 pm :(
Dark Horse Coffee on 25th Street in Golden Hills- In love with their coffee especially the Champ and during the holidays their Dirty Pumpkin latte (mocha and pumpkin). Mostly outdoor seating, though, with limited outlets.
PinPoint Cafe on UCSD Campus- Super hard to find parking that doesn’t have a time limit. The best view ever, yummy coffee but not a ton of outlets. And all outdoor seating.
Java Earth (Pacific Beach and La Jolla)- The Honey Vanilla latte is chef’s kiss! And their food is so good. Outlets are a hot commodity.
Honorable mentions (if there isn’t a blurp about it, doesn't mean we don’t like it):
Palmys in Pacific Beach- Nice and chill ambiance. Their food is good, too. Harder to find parking and they have a 1hour wifi password they give you so have to ask for another code each hour.
James Coffee in Bankers Hill- Their Honey Cinnamon latte is the best! They only have a few tables outside with no outlets.
Seven Seas in South Park- Great coffee but barely any tables.
Jaunt Coffee Roasters in Miramar- Only been twice but good coffee, had wifi, and some tables.
Invigatorium in Downtown- We liked the vibe but closes at 3 pm and the parking situation is difficult.
Bica Coffee Shop in North Park- Delish food and decent coffee but seating was hard and no outlets.
Bivouac Cafe in North Park- Cat liked their coffee and thought it was a good place to work.
Bird Rock in Torrey Pines- Small amount of seating but a beautiful view.
Superbloom in Mission Bay - no outlets but it’s outside and they have a yummy panini!
The Forum in Kearny Mesa- Always packed but we like their Matcha/Horchata drink.
Lofty Coffee in Little Italy
The Grounds Bean Bar in Pacific Beach
Encanto Cafe in La Jolla
Copa Vida in East Village
Mostra Coffee in Bankers Hill
Genteel Coffee in North Park
Muri Coffee in North Park- Pistachio Cheesecake, yum!
Holsem Coffee in North Park
Mingei Cafe (Dark Horse) in Balboa Park
Il Giardino Di Lilli in La Jolla
Cafe Madeline in South Park
Check some of these great spots out and let us know what you think!