Ryoma Ramen

The vibe at Hillcrest location is immaculate, love the energy & the music, the baristas are great, thank you so much offering other suggestions from the menu, wasn’t aware they had grilled cheeses! so good! ❤️

Better Buzz Hillcrest continues to be my favorite location—and for good reason. The staff consistently go above and beyond to create a welcoming atmosphere. They take the time to learn regular customers’ names and usual orders, which adds a personal touch that truly makes you feel valued. Unfortunately, I experienced a distressing incident outside the store involving an unhoused individual. Candice, the General Manager, responded with exceptional professionalism and care. She immediately took my statement, initiated an incident report, and made it clear that my safety and concerns were taken seriously. Her follow-through and commitment to preventing similar situations in the future were deeply appreciated. Candice, along with Alyssa, Jammie, Tatum, and Janet, exemplify what outstanding customer service looks like. Thank you all for consistently making my visits to Better Buzz feel safe, warm, and genuinely appreciated. YOU ALL ROCK!

Alyssa truly went above and beyond in a way that deserves to be recognized. I placed an order through Uber Eats, and unfortunately there was an issue with my order. When I contacted Uber Eats for help, the situation was dismissed and no effort was made to fix the problem, which was incredibly frustrating and stressful. I decided to contact the store directly, and Alyssa answered the phone. From the very beginning, Alyssa was extremely kind, patient, understanding, and genuinely apologetic. Instead of brushing the issue off, Alyssa listened carefully and immediately worked to make things right. What made this experience truly exceptional is the level of care Alyssa showed regarding my specific needs. I am disabled and have many food allergies, which makes ordering food safely very challenging. Alyssa took the time to ensure my meal was not only corrected, but made accessible and safer for me. That level of compassion, awareness, and attention to detail is rare and deeply appreciated. A situation that started out frustrating was completely turned around because of Alyssa’s amazingness and kindness. Customer service like this makes a huge difference, especially for people with disabilities and dietary restrictions. I am incredibly grateful and thankful for Alyssa’s help, and this experience has left a lasting positive impression. Thank you, Alyssa, for truly caring and for going above and beyond. This is what 5-star service feels like!

Candice and Ariana were so sweet! I ordered a drink and didn’t know I could have it with matcha instead. I was casually talking to them about it, and had accepted that I’d be having coffee. They asked me if I’d like to try the matcha version instead and I am very appreciative! I come here a lot to study and it’s one of my favorite spots to do so!

I recently visited this location for the first time in a while. Elliot was very kind to recommend a few options and were really knowledgeable of the menu. I really appreciate their time but also being very welcoming. They also made my drink which was AMAZING! Horchata Ice Latte is a fave.

Better Buzz is a must-visit if you’re ever in San Diego, every time I go to the city I come here! Jesus especially is so friendly and good with customers. He makes every visit so memorable that I cross my fingers that he’ll be there every time I go. Incredible staff, great food, and great atmosphere

The coffee here is fantastic and the food as well! I go to this location all the time and love the way the staff connects with their guests! Kuno especially has always made sure I'm always taken care of, he has the most upbeat personality a barista could have.

Love the Lavender Tea Latte and caprese sandwiches. Pastries are yum and fancy too. Never know which one to pick but the barista (Elliot, I believe) always helps me to pick out a great one. The vibe is nice but sometimes a bit too busy and trendy, that’s when I try to find a cozy corner and reflax.

We love Better Buzz in general because the quality of the food and coffee is amazing and the customer service is always good. We had the pleasure of having Auston as our barista. She was knowledgeable and friendly and made our experience very enjoyable. We highly recommend visiting the Hillcrest store.

Great chill place to go to have a cup of coffee. Great coffee options. Quick service by the staff so that you can quickly hang out and chill or go about your day. The inside is always clean and always have space to sit and hang out.

MY FAVORITE CAFE SHOP. This location has helped me study a lot. I’ve been to this location 5 times this week studying for my finals and I’m always welcomed with amazing vibes. Especially from my favorite barista Jesus. He such an amazing personality that motivates me even more during my study sessions.

Everything here taste really good! I love how at better buzz it’s all looked at like a piece of art with every item including the actual store itself. Energy is high and the customer service is what keeps me coming back (:

Had a great experience at Better Buzz today! Effie was super helpful and offered different milk alternatives since I can’t have whole milk. He helped me modify my drink perfectly. Great service!

I usually hate banana flavor things. Barista Zoe was so sweet and so excited about the banana pudding drink when I asked her favorite that I tried it. And thank god because now I’m going to be thinking about that latte until the next time I visit. Thank you Zoe🫡

Lynette is an amazing barista at Better Buzz Coffee Shop. She always brings a great vibe that makes the shop feel welcoming and positive. Her energy is friendly and upbeat, and she makes customers feel comfortable as soon as they walk in.

I loveeee this place! Such a great vibe. Honestly, best part was the customer service (I’m pretty sure her name was Zoe?)! Her energy’s infectious! Great way to start my day. Coffee’s amazing btw

Candice and the entire Better Buzz team in Hillcrest are incredible! Their customer service is top-tier—so welcoming, kind, and attentive. You can really feel the positive energy the moment you walk in. Experiences like this are rare, and it’s why I’ll definitely keep coming back. Huge shoutout to this amazing team!

I recently visited San Diego and found Better Buzz in Hillcrest. The coffee and food was fantastic and the service was extraordinary! I enjoyed it so much that I went back for a second visit on my trip. On both occasions I had a delicious iced coffee and tried two of their breakfast sandwiches; super great. The Barista's name, that made my coffees, was Auston. She was very friendly and seemed to love her job. I will definitely go back whenever I'm in town.

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 bitter. Definitely one of the better matchas I’ve had. Great spot for a quick breakfast and a solid drink. I’ll for sure be back! Highly recommended

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

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 were so kind and were able to take care of my order. Great service and good drinks. My go to is the best drink ever ( 1/2 sweet).

Great cafe. Lofty atmosphere - great for work/study. Coffee was delicious. Can also recommend their cones

This location always has the best atmosphere and space available inside. The clean and smiling baristas help keep this place one of my favorite coffee spots.

After visiting the Carlsbad and La Jolla branches, I wasn't really expecting much from this location but am pleased to say that this is my favourite branch. Such an interesting building inside with plenty of seating on 3 floors. The coffee was served piping hot in a mug, and the zucchini loaf slice was absolutely delicious.

I’m in love with their yogurt bowl and only hope I can recreate this at home. SO very delicious and filling. 10/10 recommend!

I love coming to this Better Buzz. The drinks and pastries here are always delicious. I always come here to study. They have very good motivational music! Everyone here is super smiley, welcoming, and cheerful! It’s my go to place on the weekend!

Padma Renga

I’m in love with their yogurt bowl and only hope I can recreate this at home. SO very delicious and filling. 10/10 recommend!

Stella Naumer

I love coming to this Better Buzz. The drinks and pastries here are always delicious. I always come here to study. They have very good motivational music! Everyone here is super smiley, welcoming, and cheerful! It’s my go to place on the weekend!

Nejma Muhumed

Visiting from Minnesota and honestly the best matcha spot I’ve been to. Tried many other places and none of them came close. The service is amazing the scenery is beautiful and overall amazing vibes. Huge thank you to Pricilla and Jami for making the Experience so welcoming!

Victoria Roséa

Me and my husband love their food and coffee! Get the marshmallow cold foam! it’s amazing!!

Anton S.

Great cafe. Lofty atmosphere - great for work/study. Coffee was delicious. Can also recommend their cones

Adrian Padilla

This location always has the best atmosphere and space available inside. The clean and smiling baristas help keep this place one of my favorite coffee spots.

Syria Nadine

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

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 were so kind and were able to take care of my order. Great service and good drinks. My go to is the best drink ever ( 1/2 sweet).

Steve

After visiting the Carlsbad and La Jolla branches, I wasn't really expecting much from this location but am pleased to say that this is my favourite branch. Such an interesting building inside with plenty of seating on 3 floors. The coffee was served piping hot in a mug, and the zucchini loaf slice was absolutely delicious.

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. Great music playing at all times and a beautiful upstairs and environment to chill and get your work done. Highly recommend- favorite better buzz and be been to!

Absolutely loved this coffee shop! The coffee tasted delicious, and I was really happy with it. The café itself is beautiful inside—such a cool, welcoming spot to hang out. Zoe took our order and was incredibly kind and helpful. She even gave our baby a little “coffee” made of whipped cream, which was such a sweet touch. I’d definitely go back. Great service, great coffee, and a great spot!!

The staff is very friendly and attentive. I value a good coffee and I was so happy with the recommendation I received the first time I came, so I returned the next day for the same coffee order. That’s how you retain customers, good job! It is a pity I am not local and won’t be able to come by daily.

I love better buzz! Everyone is so nice, the atmosphere is very welcoming and warm. Plus amazing drinks and delicious food! Special shout out to Candace, Alyssa, and Jami for always being so awesome!

I’m from out of state and, until my visit to San Diego, had never even heard of Better Buzz. I was pleasantly surprised, as I’m not a big fan of other coffee places. As a matter of fact, I enjoyed it so much that I went back a second time in the few days I was in town. The design of the space made for plenty of seating options and the atmosphere was chill. The employees were very pleasant and appeared to be having fun. There was a clear camaraderie among the Baristas as they hustled to get orders out quickly. All were exceptional, especially Auston who greeted us with the biggest and best smile. In addition to the excellent coffees, I had the avocado toast the first time there and an almond pastry the second time. Both were excellent. I highly recommend Better Buzz. I don’t think you’d be disappointed.

I love coming to the hillcrest location because it’s so spacious and the service is fast. Today I experienced a lot of kindness from the employees as I accidentally placed my online order for a different location and instead of sending me out they made my order right there and then, in less than 5 minutes! I definitely recommend!

I am a frequent customer of this better buzz location and I can honestly say it has some of the kindest staff members and warmest atmosphere of any coffee shop in the area! I come early in the mornings and the baristas are always very sweet, especially Zoe. She always has a smile on her face and starts my day off right with her excellent customer service. Definitely my go-to spot from now on! :)

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Better Buzz Coffee – Hillcrest I had an amazing experience at Better Buzz Hillcrest thanks to their awesome employee named Effie. This was my first time at a Better Buzz and From the moment I walked in, he was friendly, welcoming, and genuinely enthusiastic about helping me choose the perfect drink. His customer service is outstanding, professional, upbeat, and attentive in a way that really makes the visit feel special. Effie’s drink and food recommendations were spot-on, I ordered the pistachio croissant and the snickerdoodle latte and my order came out perfectly. You can tell he takes pride in his work and cares about creating a great experience for every customer. Everything was fresh and the atmosphere was great. If you’re in Hillcrest, definitely stop by Better Buzz 😃

I had the best Barista experience ever! Zoe was so kind, so funny, and made a great coffee. It was such a kind interaction, she made my morning so much better, and I was having a rough day. She really cheered me Up, and gave me the confidence to take on the day. She deserves everything!

Claire Tablizo

I loveeee this place! Such a great vibe. Honestly, best part was the customer service (I’m pretty sure her name was Zoe?)! Her energy’s infectious! Great way to start my day. Coffee’s amazing btw

Colin Frothingham

I had the best Barista experience ever! Zoe was so kind, so funny, and made a great coffee. It was such a kind interaction, she made my morning so much better, and I was having a rough day. She really cheered me Up, and gave me the confidence to take on the day. She deserves everything!

Aubrianna Riddle

Absolutely loved this coffee shop! The coffee tasted delicious, and I was really happy with it. The café itself is beautiful inside—such a cool, welcoming spot to hang out. Zoe took our order and was incredibly kind and helpful. She even gave our baby a little “coffee” made of whipped cream, which was such a sweet touch. I’d definitely go back. Great service, great coffee, and a great spot!!

Victoria Lee

I am a frequent customer of this better buzz location and I can honestly say it has some of the kindest staff members and warmest atmosphere of any coffee shop in the area! I come early in the mornings and the baristas are always very sweet, especially Zoe. She always has a smile on her face and starts my day off right with her excellent customer service. Definitely my go-to spot from now on! :)

Van Ethan Levy, they

Alyssa truly went above and beyond in a way that deserves to be recognized. I placed an order through Uber Eats, and unfortunately there was an issue with my order. When I contacted Uber Eats for help, the situation was dismissed and no effort was made to fix the problem, which was incredibly frustrating and stressful. I decided to contact the store directly, and Alyssa answered the phone. From the very beginning, Alyssa was extremely kind, patient, understanding, and genuinely apologetic. Instead of brushing the issue off, Alyssa listened carefully and immediately worked to make things right. What made this experience truly exceptional is the level of care Alyssa showed regarding my specific needs. I am disabled and have many food allergies, which makes ordering food safely very challenging. Alyssa took the time to ensure my meal was not only corrected, but made accessible and safer for me. That level of compassion, awareness, and attention to detail is rare and deeply appreciated. A situation that started out frustrating was completely turned around because of Alyssa’s amazingness and kindness. Customer service like this makes a huge difference, especially for people with disabilities and dietary restrictions. I am incredibly grateful and thankful for Alyssa’s help, and this experience has left a lasting positive impression. Thank you, Alyssa, for truly caring and for going above and beyond. This is what 5-star service feels like!

JP

I recently visited this location for the first time in a while. Elliot was very kind to recommend a few options and were really knowledgeable of the menu. I really appreciate their time but also being very welcoming. They also made my drink which was AMAZING! Horchata Ice Latte is a fave.

A R

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Better Buzz Coffee – Hillcrest I had an amazing experience at Better Buzz Hillcrest thanks to their awesome employee named Effie. This was my first time at a Better Buzz and From the moment I walked in, he was friendly, welcoming, and genuinely enthusiastic about helping me choose the perfect drink. His customer service is outstanding, professional, upbeat, and attentive in a way that really makes the visit feel special. Effie’s drink and food recommendations were spot-on, I ordered the pistachio croissant and the snickerdoodle latte and my order came out perfectly. You can tell he takes pride in his work and cares about creating a great experience for every customer. Everything was fresh and the atmosphere was great. If you’re in Hillcrest, definitely stop by Better Buzz 😃

Stan Nelson

I recently visited San Diego and found Better Buzz in Hillcrest. The coffee and food was fantastic and the service was extraordinary! I enjoyed it so much that I went back for a second visit on my trip. On both occasions I had a delicious iced coffee and tried two of their breakfast sandwiches; super great. The Barista's name, that made my coffees, was Auston. She was very friendly and seemed to love her job. I will definitely go back whenever I'm in town.

Merrie Nelson

I’m from out of state and, until my visit to San Diego, had never even heard of Better Buzz. I was pleasantly surprised, as I’m not a big fan of other coffee places. As a matter of fact, I enjoyed it so much that I went back a second time in the few days I was in town. The design of the space made for plenty of seating options and the atmosphere was chill. The employees were very pleasant and appeared to be having fun. There was a clear camaraderie among the Baristas as they hustled to get orders out quickly. All were exceptional, especially Auston who greeted us with the biggest and best smile. In addition to the excellent coffees, I had the avocado toast the first time there and an almond pastry the second time. Both were excellent. I highly recommend Better Buzz. I don’t think you’d be disappointed.

The atmosphere was ok, plenty of places to sit. I didn't try the food, the coffee is quite dark, I don't like it. And the smell. It was like an old place or a secondhand store. Maybe there's some kind of warehouse in the neighborhood. Very strong odor.

+1

Was in the neighborhood and stopped by for something sweet. The cashier I believe their name was Elliot, was super nice and chill. They helped me decide on what to get since I couldn’t decide. I ended up getting a coconut buzz with banana and oat and was very pleased!

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'. The matcha latte was extremely sweet, so if you want it less sweet, it's best to ask for it.

T M

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'. The matcha latte was extremely sweet, so if you want it less sweet, it's best to ask for it.

I really liked the atmosphere of this coffee shop. There is a lot of space, two floors. Interesting style, not loud and pleasant music. Nice staff and delicious pastries. There are good teas. But the coffee was not good. It was bitter and too hot. The coffee is not very good quality for me.

Iryna Yaresko-Linska

I really liked the atmosphere of this coffee shop. There is a lot of space, two floors. Interesting style, not loud and pleasant music. Nice staff and delicious pastries. There are good teas. But the coffee was not good. It was bitter and too hot. The coffee is not very good quality for me.

Very nice cafe, people who attended were nice but my food to go was aweful. I usually go to PB and La Mesa Better buzz. I expected the usual thick multigrain slice that comes with the avocado toast mediterranean style but got a very thin slice of some kind of white toast, I tried but it threw off the flavor so bad. I did not request any changes when ordering.

They forgot to add the avocado I paid extra for to my bacon ciabatta sandwich. The eggs were cold and the sandwich overall was very bland but their coffee was great. The staff were very friendly. I just wish the food wasn’t so disappointing.