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Lightbulb Coffee
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Lightbulb Coffee
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Lightbulb Coffee

Bagel, coffee shop, sandwich · La Mesa

4.3 · 550 reviews Google
www.lightbulbcoffee.com

About Lightbulb Coffee

Lightbulb Coffee, located in La Mesa, is a women-owned cafe dedicated to providing quality coffee and tea. We offer a diverse menu including breakfast and lunch options, catering to a variety of tastes. With a rating of 4.3 stars from 550 reviews, we strive to create a welcoming environment whether...

Lightbulb Coffee, located in La Mesa, is a women-owned cafe dedicated to providing quality coffee and tea. We offer a diverse menu including breakfast and lunch options, catering to a variety of tastes. With a rating of 4.3 stars from 550 reviews, we strive to create a welcoming environment whether you choose to dine-in, takeout, or enjoy our outdoor seating. For your convenience, we are open seven days a week from 8 AM to 6 PM and offer curbside pickup, no-contact delivery, and standard delivery services.

What Customers Say About Lightbulb Coffee

Lightbulb Coffee is a popular spot known for its great coffee, friendly staff, and nice atmosphere. Customers enjoy the sandwiches and pastries, though some find the prices a bit high and have noted cleanliness issues. Some have complained about extra fees.

Popular Dishes

Turkish coffee Turkish hazelnut latte croissant (4) chicken Muenster sandwich lox bagel avocado bagel

Best For

Solo Dining Couples Business Casual

Tip: This is a great place to meet someone, have a coffee, and chat, or to study with good WiFi. Be aware of potential extra service and credit card fees.

Features

📶 WiFi 🌳 Outdoor 🅿️ Parking 🚗 Delivery Accessible 🌅 Breakfast 🍽️ Lunch 🌙 Dinner 🥗 Vegetarian Coffee
🎯 Casual 🛋️ Cozy Trendy 👨‍👩‍👧 Family 👥 Groups

What to see nearby

Porter Park
A 685m

Porter Park

parque

View details
MacArthur Park Recreation Center
A 829m

MacArthur Park Recreation Center

parque

View details
MacArthur Park
A 835m

MacArthur Park

parque

View details
Collier Park
A 888m

Collier Park

parque

View details

Data from Wikidata

Explore the area around Lightbulb Coffee

Lightbulb Coffee is located in La Mesa, surrounded by cultural and historical points of interest. Here are some of the most notable places nearby.

Parks & Gardens

  • Porter Park (A 685m) — park in San Diego County, California, United States of America
  • MacArthur Park Recreation Center (A 829m) — park in San Diego County, California, United States of America
  • MacArthur Park (A 835m) — park in San Diego County, California, United States of America
  • Collier Park (A 888m) — park in La Mesa, San Diego County, California, United States of America

Data from Wikidata

Frequently asked questions about Lightbulb Coffee

Lightbulb Coffee is located at 8138 La Mesa Blvd, La Mesa, CA 91942, La Mesa.
Near Lightbulb Coffee you can find points of interest such as Porter Park, MacArthur Park Recreation Center, MacArthur Park, Collier Park.
Lightbulb Coffee offers bagel;coffee_shop;sandwich cuisine.
Lightbulb Coffee has regular opening hours. Check their profile for updated schedules.
Lightbulb Coffee offers the following services: dine-in, takeaway, delivery.
The most recommended dishes at Lightbulb Coffee based on customer reviews are: Turkish coffee, Turkish hazelnut latte, croissant, chicken Muenster sandwich, lox bagel.
Lightbulb Coffee is ideal for solo dining, couples, business dining, casual dining.
Lightbulb Coffee is a popular spot known for its great coffee, friendly staff, and nice atmosphere. Customers enjoy the sandwiches and pastries, though some find the prices a bit high and have noted cleanliness issues. Some have complained about extra fees.
This is a great place to meet someone, have a coffee, and chat, or to study with good WiFi. Be aware of potential extra service and credit card fees.
550
Reviews

Lightbulb Coffee La Mesa Reviews

4.3
550
5★
71%
4★
12%
3★
6%
2★
5%
1★
7%
Reviews (40)
J
Jesse

This place is super rad and their pistachio croissants are delicious! Life changing, is an understatement! If you are in downtown La Mesa, then you need to stop by and grab one of these little slices of heaven!!

M
Morning Owl Fine Art Photography San Diego CA

I originally came here for Turkish coffee. Served authentically. Over the years they did away with it. Prices have increased but I have always loved the lox bagel, the hot sandwiches etc. Always taste fresh and clean! My go to drink these days is a Turkish hazelnut latte. The thickness is perfect and oh so tasty. Service is a hit or miss for friendliness but drinks are always perfect and so is the food. I've never had to wait too long for an item. This is not a coffee shop where you can expect latte art in your latte but you WILL love the taste.

R
Rin Ryu

really good study cafe, the WiFi is good and there are plenty of tables. food is on a bit pricier side but the sandwiches and the bakeries were delicious

M
Makayla Mckenzie

Came here because my friends at work told me about it and so I had to try it when I walked in it was beautiful the set up was amazing atmosphere was great. I got a latte and a croissant and they both taste amazing I’m definitely coming here more

E
Evelyn Dogmom

Very nice and clean coffee place, they have good music and a good vibe. Will definitely be back!

J
Joshua Wilson

The smell of coffee fuming with the sound of music and open space. I ordered the milkshake Oreo. The staff is friendly and fast and sufficient. It's very earthy in here it has a homage type of coffee feel to it. The menu is very easy to read and write enough to be completely understood. Parking could be a problem if you have a big vehicle.

س
سعود

You can't go wrong with the chicken Muenster sandwich – super tasty! The coffee hit the spot too. Great vibes and good food!"

Morning Owl Fine Art Photography San Diego CA
Morning Owl Fine Art Photography San Diego CA

I originally came here for Turkish coffee. Served authentically. Over the years they did away with it. Prices have increased but I have always loved the lox bagel, the hot sandwiches etc. Always taste fresh and clean! My go to drink these days is a Turkish hazelnut latte. The thickness is perfect and oh so tasty. Service is a hit or miss for friendliness but drinks are always perfect and so is the food. I've never had to wait too long for an item. This is not a coffee shop where you can expect latte art in your latte but you WILL love the taste.

Makayla Mckenzie
Makayla Mckenzie

Came here because my friends at work told me about it and so I had to try it when I walked in it was beautiful the set up was amazing atmosphere was great. I got a latte and a croissant and they both taste amazing I’m definitely coming here more

Rin Ryu
Rin Ryu

really good study cafe, the WiFi is good and there are plenty of tables. food is on a bit pricier side but the sandwiches and the bakeries were delicious

Evelyn Dogmom
Evelyn Dogmom

Very nice and clean coffee place, they have good music and a good vibe. Will definitely be back!

سعود
سعود

You can't go wrong with the chicken Muenster sandwich – super tasty! The coffee hit the spot too. Great vibes and good food!"

Jorge De León
Jorge De León

A really quiet place, ideal for a coffee date or just to enjoy a coffee, they have differents options of food, really good place, clean and the staff really kind

Joshua Wilson
Joshua Wilson

The smell of coffee fuming with the sound of music and open space. I ordered the milkshake Oreo. The staff is friendly and fast and sufficient. It's very earthy in here it has a homage type of coffee feel to it. The menu is very easy to read and write enough to be completely understood. Parking could be a problem if you have a big vehicle.

R
Robby Palmerin

Go-to spot to get your morning coffee or a cold smoothie on a hot day. They also have an awesome selection of baked treats to choose from.

S
Sulia Logoai

The iced turkish coffee is rich and yummy. I like to order mines iced with oatmilk. They have sugar free options in lattes. Their acai bowls are pretty tasty. Cute shop and friendly staff.

Sulia Logoai
Sulia Logoai

The iced turkish coffee is rich and yummy. I like to order mines iced with oatmilk. They have sugar free options in lattes. Their acai bowls are pretty tasty. Cute shop and friendly staff.

Shafi Al Hyderbadi
Shafi Al Hyderbadi

My good friend Ziyad Jan recommended this place. Definitely good place is very home like. Please tell ziyad I said hi I miss him he hasnt called me back. He makes good coffee also. Pastry was good to.

Matthew Bryant
Matthew Bryant

Great coffee, friendly staff. The pastries looked really good but i haven't tried them yet. I will on my next trip Nice place to meet someone, have a coffee and a chat.

Cayanne Mcfarlane
Cayanne Mcfarlane

Love this la mesa gem. Turkey hazelnut coffee and avocado bagel were great. Everyone else's order was much liked. Great indoor seating area, love the inside vibe in music, nice outdoor seating too. Service was a little slow due to only two people working on a busy Monday morning, but well worth the wait. However would not expect to come here in a rush. Good things come to those who wait, and the light bulb coffee always delivers on great tasting drink and food.

V
Vlad Vedernikov

It's all taken up by people who like to work at a coffee shop table. There's a selection of desserts, nice croissants. It's comfortable. I didn't like the coffee itself, it was bitter and very hot

Vlad Vedernikov
Vlad Vedernikov

It's all taken up by people who like to work at a coffee shop table. There's a selection of desserts, nice croissants. It's comfortable. I didn't like the coffee itself, it was bitter and very hot

A
Abbas Rizvi

Light Bulb Coffee in La Mesa serves good, well-made coffee and is a nice local spot to grab a drink. That said, it is on the pricier side compared to other coffee shops in the area. I’m also not a big fan of the mandatory service charge, which took away a bit from the overall experience. Still, the quality of the coffee itself is solid.

N
Nai'lah Carter

I’ve visited a few times and the food menu is quite extensive! I only end up getting a croissant to go with my latte. Usually when I go, I drink my latte in a a ceramic mug because I love latte art … while I enjoy the ambiance. The decor is very cute and there are some vintage pieces that are to die for! As many times as I’ve visited, I only recently used the restroom. Now, compared to the rest of the facility I would see I was very let down by the condition of the bathroom. There was dust on the back of the toilet and the sink which let me know it hadn’t been cleaned in a while. Considering how long I often sit to write I probably won’t visit in the future.

S
Sergey

Who was the genius who came up with the idea of ​​serving food in takeaway boxes? Try cutting a croissant or a sandwich in that box. Semi-dry croissants for $7 Coffee was ok Nice decorations

Nai'lah Carter
Nai'lah Carter

I’ve visited a few times and the food menu is quite extensive! I only end up getting a croissant to go with my latte. Usually when I go, I drink my latte in a a ceramic mug because I love latte art … while I enjoy the ambiance. The decor is very cute and there are some vintage pieces that are to die for! As many times as I’ve visited, I only recently used the restroom. Now, compared to the rest of the facility I would see I was very let down by the condition of the bathroom. There was dust on the back of the toilet and the sink which let me know it hadn’t been cleaned in a while. Considering how long I often sit to write I probably won’t visit in the future.

Sergey
Sergey

Who was the genius who came up with the idea of ​​serving food in takeaway boxes? Try cutting a croissant or a sandwich in that box. Semi-dry croissants for $7 Coffee was ok Nice decorations

j
jen L

Just mid at best. The Vietnamese coffee was alright. Wasn’t bad but just a tad too much condensed milk for my liking. The vibes of the staff were weird. The setup of the store was nice and had a good amount of seating. The pastries were ok at best. I won’t be back.

jen L
jen L

Just mid at best. The Vietnamese coffee was alright. Wasn’t bad but just a tad too much condensed milk for my liking. The vibes of the staff were weird. The setup of the store was nice and had a good amount of seating. The pastries were ok at best. I won’t be back.

G
Ghada Alsudany

Atmosphere, drinks and service are good. Matcha was nice and bright green. Good place to study, music not so loud. But cleanliness is really disappointing with tables, chairs and floors filled with crumbs.

Ghada Alsudany
Ghada Alsudany

Atmosphere, drinks and service are good. Matcha was nice and bright green. Good place to study, music not so loud. But cleanliness is really disappointing with tables, chairs and floors filled with crumbs.

B
Bee V

Buyer beware of extra fees - 3.5% "Service charge" and 3% "Credit card surcharge." Neither of which were mentioned by staff and there's no signage warning about these extra fees. Too expensive for the quality of drinks. My lavender latte was mainly syrup and milk.

Bee V
Bee V

Buyer beware of extra fees - 3.5% "Service charge" and 3% "Credit card surcharge." Neither of which were mentioned by staff and there's no signage warning about these extra fees. Too expensive for the quality of drinks. My lavender latte was mainly syrup and milk.

C
Chasom was Here

Update: under new ownership. Clearly. Lost is cleanliness and order. Staff isn't as nice. They had everything in stock to make the peanut butter latte but won't make it. This place is a pass. Old post: I literally go out of my way to go to this place. The selection is massive and EVERYTHING is good. The coffee is unique and delicious. This literally is my new favorite coffee and sandwich place.

a
amanda montgomery

I like this spot but after waiting 20 min by the counter for my online pickup and moldy bread, I will probably never come back. Every time i do an online pickup, which is supposed to be an in and out process for people who are busy and cannot wait long, i am completely ignored and its like i dont even exist. You really have to take initiative and ask if your order is ready which is fine, but seems like the biggest burden to the people working there like it isnt part of their job. I wouldnt have wrote this review initially, until i got back home and saw mold on my sandwich. I used to look past the terrible service because their coffee is good, but after today i cannot handle how poorly run and miserable this place seems. Go here if you like to make the baristas life a living hell by asking where your online order is (they will literally let you sit there for 20 min without asking why.. like yeah let me hangout here for 20 min w no drink thats exactly what i wanted to do today) or if you want to get Foodborne illness:)

Chasom was Here
Chasom was Here

Update: under new ownership. Clearly. Lost is cleanliness and order. Staff isn't as nice. They had everything in stock to make the peanut butter latte but won't make it. This place is a pass. Old post: I literally go out of my way to go to this place. The selection is massive and EVERYTHING is good. The coffee is unique and delicious. This literally is my new favorite coffee and sandwich place.

amanda montgomery
amanda montgomery

I like this spot but after waiting 20 min by the counter for my online pickup and moldy bread, I will probably never come back. Every time i do an online pickup, which is supposed to be an in and out process for people who are busy and cannot wait long, i am completely ignored and its like i dont even exist. You really have to take initiative and ask if your order is ready which is fine, but seems like the biggest burden to the people working there like it isnt part of their job. I wouldnt have wrote this review initially, until i got back home and saw mold on my sandwich. I used to look past the terrible service because their coffee is good, but after today i cannot handle how poorly run and miserable this place seems. Go here if you like to make the baristas life a living hell by asking where your online order is (they will literally let you sit there for 20 min without asking why.. like yeah let me hangout here for 20 min w no drink thats exactly what i wanted to do today) or if you want to get Foodborne illness:)

d
d c

The coffee itself is ok, which is why I’ve come back more than once. Unfortunately, the experience around pricing has made me feel uncomfortable each time. On one visit, I was charged a surcharge without being informed beforehand. On top of that, there was an additional “ additional charge” added to the order. This was confusing and frustrating, especially since there’s no table service or extra amenities that would explain added fees. The second time I visited, the prices charged didn’t match the prices listed on the menu. When I asked about the difference, I was told the prices had changed and that the menu just hadn’t been updated yet but there was no notice or heads up before ordering. I don’t mind paying fair prices, but transparency matters. Unexpected surcharges and inconsistent menu pricing make the experience feel sneaky rather than welcoming. I hope they address this, because the coffee itself is solid, but the lack of clear communication makes it hard to enjoy coming back

Y
Yara Kassar

My friend and I had a bad experience here. The hijabi employee (didn’t catch her name) rudely told us to leave because we hadn’t placed an order yet, we came to study for an hour or two and planned on getting drinks before we left . Mind you, we come here a lot and order all the time, and she’s usually on shift when we do. If she had told us nicely I wouldn’t be leaving this review, but her tone and attitude is the reason for it. You just lost a loyal customer.

d c
d c

The coffee itself is ok, which is why I’ve come back more than once. Unfortunately, the experience around pricing has made me feel uncomfortable each time. On one visit, I was charged a surcharge without being informed beforehand. On top of that, there was an additional “ additional charge” added to the order. This was confusing and frustrating, especially since there’s no table service or extra amenities that would explain added fees. The second time I visited, the prices charged didn’t match the prices listed on the menu. When I asked about the difference, I was told the prices had changed and that the menu just hadn’t been updated yet but there was no notice or heads up before ordering. I don’t mind paying fair prices, but transparency matters. Unexpected surcharges and inconsistent menu pricing make the experience feel sneaky rather than welcoming. I hope they address this, because the coffee itself is solid, but the lack of clear communication makes it hard to enjoy coming back

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About Lightbulb Coffee

How to get there

8138 La Mesa Blvd, La Mesa, CA 91942

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Highlights

Good Rating
4.3/5 stars
💬
Many Reviews
550 reviews
💰
Budget Friendly
Price level
👨‍🍳
bagel;coffee_shop;sandwich
Cuisine type

Services

🥞 Breakfast
🥐 Brunch
🍽️ Lunch
🍾 Dinner
Coffee
🍰 Desserts
🥗 Vegetarian Options
🥡 Takeout
🚚 Delivery
🍴 Dine-in
🚗 Curbside Pickup

Dining Options

🍽️ Dine In
🥡 Takeout
🚚 Delivery
🚗 Curbside Pickup

Restaurant Info

Status
Verified by owner
🕐 Hours Today
8AM-6PM
Rating
4.3/5
💬 Reviews
550
💰 Price Level
$
⏱️ Typical Visit
People typically spend 10 min to 1 hr here
📞 Phone
+1 619-713-6578
🌐 Website
www.lightbulbcoffee.com
📋 Menu
View Menu

Amenities

📶 Free WiFi
🅿️ Parking
🌿 Outdoor Seating
Wheelchair Accessible
🚻 Restroom
💳 Credit Cards
📱 Mobile Payments
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The Neighborhood

Location

8138 La Mesa Blvd, La Mesa, CA 91942

📍 Explore the Neighborhood

Weather
19°
Weather updated hourly · Jobs and events refreshed daily
Porter Park

park in San Diego County, California, United States of America

A 685m
MacArthur Park Recreation Center

park in San Diego County, California, United States of America

A 829m
MacArthur Park

park in San Diego County, California, United States of America

A 835m
Collier Park

park in La Mesa, San Diego County, California, United States of America

A 888m
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