Working on a buzz

It’s 9 a.m. and I’m already a little buzzed.

Sorry to disappoint, but I’m not talking about the alcohol kind of buzz, but rather the black gold kind. And, because I’m not a huge coffee drinker, when I do indulge in a cuppa Joe, I admittedly get pretty buzzed.

According to the stack of cups in our office, coffee is “motivation in a mug.” This is apparent in my world, because, even with the daily hustle and bustle at local coffee shops, I seem to find enough stillness there to get some (motivating) words out for my monthly editor’s letters.

My usual go-to spot is Public Square (8278 La Mesa Blvd., La Mesa, publicsquare.coffee). I found out about this shop from a colleague who told me they serve flights of butter there. Yes, you read that correctly: FLIGHTS of BUTTER! I’m serious. The small shop on the main drag of downtown La Mesa has a list of six to eight different kinds of butters, some of them on seasonal rotation, which you can pair with fresh-baked scones or waffles. Make sure to try the maple-cayenne and add to your order an ice-cold cup of cold brew.

And, while ‘tis the season for everyone and their mom to fall all over themselves for pumpkin spice lattes, here are some shops and other mugs of motivation that have inspired me and are worthy of getting your buzz on.

S3 Coffee Bar

The Rainbow Latte there is sure to brighten up even the gloomiest of days (I should know, I went there on a rare rainy San Diego day) or help you kick off Mondays on the right foot. The honey rose latte is also sip worthy.

6171 Mission Gorge Rd., #102, Grantville, s3coffeebar.com

Brew Coffee Spot

Yes, another coffee shop in La Mesa, which is the town I call home these days and one in which is highly worth exploring if you haven’t done so lately (IMHO). Recommended buzz: Lavender Latte or nitro cold brew.

6101 Lake Murray Blvd., La Mesa, brewcoffeespot.com

Holsem Coffee

This is the shop I can credit with starting me down the path of cold brew obsession, which, as infrequently as I drink it, is usually my coffee order of choice. The Nutella and banana bread cold brews are dessert in a cup that are worth having to burn some extra calories for.

2911 University Ave., North Park, holsemcoffee.com

Better Buzz Coffee

The somewhat new Hillcrest location of this coffee shop is where I’m getting my buzz on today. I mean they totally encourage it here with a sign on the entryway floor that says “It’s time to get buzzed.” Who am I to go against that kind of a welcome?! And with an offering of the “Best Drink Ever” (yes, that’s an actual menu item of Americano coffee mixed with vanilla cream magic) how could my writing session not go well? And not only is this place totally buzzworthy, it’s also extremely Instagram worthy. Signs like “coffee first” and “morning drug” adorn the walls and the company’s signature hexagonal honeycomb designs can be found throughout the brightly lit space.

801 University Ave., Hillcrest, betterbuzzcoffee.com

So tell me, where do you find motivation to get your buzz on?

Sincerely,

Leslie Hackett

leslie@pacificsandiego.com