My favorite coffee shop in the whole Bankers Hill / Hillcrest / Mission Hills / North Park area (and believe me, I have tried them all!). I am confident I could expand this assessment to include even more of San Diego, but these are the neighborhoods I frequent most often on my walks. What I like about this coffee house is that they do the simple things well. If you want a nice espresso-based coffee drink or a cup of tea, this is the place. If you want to sip your drink in a place with unique and artistic character, whether inside or at one of the sidewalk cafe tables, you’ve come to the right place. And, even if you prefer the sterile and glaringly bright interiors found in the cookie cutter coffee chains, visiting friends might appreciate this coffee house, so put a bookmark on the map and thank me later. Anyway, people of all ages and backgrounds can be found here, and you are welcome whether working on your laptop or meeting with friends. Because of the proximity to Balboa Park (just a few blocks from the trailheads at Upas & 6th) and the Maple Canyon bridge/trail, it’s also a nice place to get your caffeine fix before hitting the trail, or while winding down afterwards. (It’s also adjacent to a dedicated bike lane, which makes it easy for a cyclist to drop in, and you can keep an eye on your bike from the sidewalk seating.) And, while I don’t often dine here, on the occasions that I have, the soups, sandwiches, and pastries were tasty. Plus, they also have a nice little selection of wines and beer, which visiting friends and I have taken advantage of on many a lovely San Diego afternoon. So, support a unique local business and check it out!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$1–10

Really happy I came across this little Cafe after a long day of work. I didn't have the opportunity to try any of their food or hot/cold drinks but I did help myself to a beer there lol. Believe me it was a long day. Overall really friendly environment and the staff were really great. The only critique I'd say I have would be the spacing of seating inside. Just feels like everyone can hear your conversation or your business by just being a foot or 2 away from them. If you're going to do any reading or work there, highly recommend having a pair of noise canceling headphones. I have a pair of Bose-QuietComfort II headphones that would be perfect for these types of spaces if you're wondering what to get. I wouldn't recommend indoor seating if you ever uneasy about claustrophobic spaces as it can feel a bit cramped in there when its full. In all, it's really a cozy spot to relax and hang out.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$1–10
Features
Dine in: Yes
Outdoor seating: Yes
Takeout: Not sure
Delivery: Not sure
Curbside pickup: Not sure

If i could choose six stars, i would. Bassam is awesome, very personable. His customers are always friendly and polite and ready to chat with a total stranger and i feel the warm, positive and family vibe Cafe Bassam gives home to is a big reason why everyone is so friendly and loving. There's only one other place I can describe like this and that is Fairouz Cafe over on Midway Drive in Point Loma (Fairouz serves the most delicious Greek food I've ever had and the walls are full of the owner's art, which is exceptionally beautiful). If you have a chance to visit either of these places, take it, you will not be disappointed. I highly recommend visiting both!
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

A real San Diego gem! Owned and operated by the same owner all these years. Imagine a classy, comfy coffee and tea shop with countless flavors & blends of tea and coffee, filled with antiques, and offering fresh healthy dishes for breakfast, brunch(!!), lunch, or a casual dinner. You will fall in love with this place: different languages, cultures, voices, and ages all blend together perfectly. The owner is often working in the cafe. chatting with customers and offering "a little taste" of this or that. Our party was treated to several middle eastern dessert pastry samples and variations of coffee drinks. The staff is hip, chill, and knowledgeable. This is a San Diego secret. Perfect, any time of the day.

If you're in the area, want to enjoy a cup of coffee, and unwind after a long day of work, this is the place to go. Got a hot white mocha and was amazing. Interior looks very old and dated; brings an abundant amount of character I was truly impressed with. One of the few drawbacks I would find in this place is the lack of lighting in this area, often that will either be of no concern perhaps in the summer, but around the fall/winter time this could be of concern. Another (unless I was not aware of this) was the lack of Wifi, not that it's a big deal but an addition of such would be nice. Overall, solid coffee shop. Come by and enjoy.

This is a super cute, unique little coffee house. The menu is posted on blackboards with little to no detail so take the time to get to know what's up with the friendly barista and enjoy the chill vibes in this quiet spot. Outdoor seating is available on both the north and east sides of the shop so catch some sun or shade depending on your preference. Definitely worth the stop if you're a local or visiting nearby Balboa Park or Hillcrest!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Brunch
Price per person
$10–20
Features
Dine in: Yes
Outdoor seating: Yes
Takeout: Yes
Delivery: Not sure
Curbside pickup: Not sure

It was fine? Decor was beautiful and vintage like many of the reviews have said but also very dusty. Definitely doesn’t feel like a place you would want to get food from because of this. Not a lot of outlets which was frustrating. I guess I don’t understand what this place is trying to be? It’s stuck between being really vintage and cool and being a practical place where you can go and get work done. 3 stars because everyone says the tea is great and I admittedly didn’t try it. Also the cashier was very rude and off putting, seemed like she dreaded being there but I’ll chalk that up to a bad day.

I recently went on a Tuesday around 11:30 AM. It was not crowded, and when we walked in the baristas didn’t acknowledge us at all. They just kept talking as if we weren’t there, even though we were at the counter waiting to place our order. We just stood there for several moments, and I ended up walking out while the person I was with got an overpriced iced Americano. The staff was just so needlessly rude and unprofessional, especially given how expensive it is for basic drinks. Would not recommend, especially because there are so many other spots.
Price per person
$1–10
Service: 1

Barista lacked any hospitality skills - didn’t greet us, was rude when I asked about a bagel (apparently I overlooked the signage that said they have no food now - it’s basically a post-it note on a huge food menu board), and didn’t thank us for the business. $9 for a mediocre coffee. Hard to tell if it’s lack of quality ingredients or poor preparation. Could be a cool spot because the atmosphere is nice but unfortunately a barista who makes you feel like you disrupted their day tends to make it unenjoyable.
Service
Take out
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$1–10

It so good to see a place in business as long as they have. I got the Vietnamese coffee for myself and a limoncello (cheesecake like) dessert for my hubby❣️He loved it and wanted to know when I was going back. They even sell wine by the glass. How unusual for a coffee/tea place. We'll be back❣️
Service
Take out
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$1–10
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Sweet Pastry
Dietary restrictions
I was able to get a drink w/o wheat, soy, or corn.

Love this place. It's calm, relaxing, good food, great energy, and friendly service. You can get food, wine, coffee, desserts, and teas here. Lunch is around $10~. 16oz iced coffee is $3.50. The ambiance is calm, with lively chatter, vintage decor, and a collection of all generations gathering. There is outdoor seating to. This place isn't for everyone, I think it is better suited for people who like old parts of Europe or have fond memories of your grandparents eclectic home, because it is full of memories and cozy. I love it, go see it.

The cafe has an antique feel to it with lots of wooden tables, mismatched chairs, some gorgeous lamps, and an array of teas on display. I got a matcha latte and it is actually one of the best I've had in a while! Just sweet enough to cover the dryness of the matcha powder without being overbearing. I met a friend here and the cafe was quiet enough for us to hang out and talk for a few hours. I always like such cafes. The girls at the counter were very nice too!
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 4

What a wonderful and unique cafe! The ambiance was excellent and there was plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. Robust selection of teas. Honestly might have had the best thai tea I've ever had in my entire life - very sweet, but also such a complicated and subtle flavor. I did manage to find an outlet - an entire extension chord in fact, which was awesome.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$1–10
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

My friends partner has had a terrible experience working here, as have many others. Owner is a narcissist and does not compensate for overtime work. The conditions behind the counter are also unsanitary and are not held up to standards. In addition, they sometimes serve the wrong kind of milk, which is unacceptable for those who are lactose intolerant or have other health concerns. I'd recommend doing yourself a favor and finding another cafe nearby with more quality service!

Such a warm and welcoming environment. Sometimes the staff can have an off day, but I've never had a drink I didn't enjoy from them. Any of the herbal teas and if you haven't tried the white chai, it is a game changer! My go to stop before I head back to Riverside after work or a zoo day.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 4
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Mini Baklava with Pistachio

I'm so glad I stumbled upon this beautiful cafe! I needed a good place to work and this is definitely now one at the top of my list! The customer service was great - the staff were friendly and I got both my drink and food promptly. I was happy that there seemed to be a good amount of power outlets, which was great for working on my laptop. I also appreciated that the music wasn't too loud or distracting - huge bonus to me! I will definitely go back again soon!

Came here to study and it is so cute. Vintage little coffee shop and noisy like other coffee shops but the ambiance is beautiful. The white mocha was great. Also, the cashiers I have dealt with have been kind
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$1–10
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4
Parking space
Somewhat difficult to find parking
Parking options
Free street parking, Paid street parking

The owner, Bassam, has a painting hung at the back of the shop of himself and what I overheard him mention to an older customer as his "slave" with a chuckle, The girls who work there, (it seems he hires exclusively white women) seemed overworked. I'd ordered an oat latte, and he instructed a new employee to discretely put only half and half inside the drink I dont know whats going on here but this coffee shop does not live up to what Ive heard.

I love the tea options available at Cafe Bassam, displayed in large glass canisters about the venue for you to smell each aroma and see the loose contents used to fill each tea bag within while selecting your choice. The ambiance is nostalgic with various antiques on display. I look forward to decompressing here after attending downtown events before heading home.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$1–10

Basam is an old friend of the cops at SDPD Central Division. He always took care of us, and he is a class act. Everything he does and offers is done excellently! I'm retired and still travel to see him.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$1–10
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Fruit Plate, Turkey Sandwich, Mexican Chocolate, Pesto, Cheesecake, Avocado Toast

I still remember the first time I went to Cafe Bassams several years ago. I ordered a Mexican Mocha- which was amazing. While I sat drinking I thought I was in Europe with the atmosphere and the multiple languages spoken from the patrons. I couldn't wait to go back with my wife. I know she would love it- which she did. Went there this morning. I got my Mexican Mocha and my wife got her Latte and for a few moments we were in Europe.

Super cute antique shop/coffee shop. The coffee is pretty good and the staff is super-friendly. They have Wi-Fi and plugs as well which is great for remote workers. I was trying to write an article that day and they were one of the only places open on Christmas Day. The vibe inside with the sunlight hitting the antiques is almost spooky cool. I loved it. The owner must have plenty of class. I felt fancy there. Love it.

A cafe with a lot of character! The antique furniture in the cafe give it the vibe of somewhere Oscar Wilde would hang out. The glass jars of tea and other things like cinnamon that are scattered around can be opened and smelled too. This is a nice place to work with a nice big table near the counter. Our waitress was also nice and friendly
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$1–10

This is a very eclectic coffee shop with some pretty wild decor. It's hard to tell if you're in a coffee shop or an antique store. Unfortunately, when I was there, there was only one person working both the register and making the coffee drinks, and once a high maintenance customer showed up and started monopolizing her time, it was a lengthy wait to receive the drinks after ordering. Otherwise, it's a good spot.

Great eclectic atmosphere for a cafe. Wide range of teas plus coffee, lattes, espresso, hot chocolate. Sit outside and people/traffic watch, or sit inside and soak up some of that atmosphere. Service simply depends upon who is in. Sometimes excellent, sometimes passable.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Brunch
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 4
Service: 3
Atmosphere: 5

I like that there was a lot of tea options that you can slowly browse before ordering. They also have a lot of drink choices, not just tea. Service was fast. Not a lot of seatings available inside and most them are only single seats. But there are smaller tables and seatings outside. The street decent parking at the meters.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$1–10

Not sure how you say this without sounding like I’m making this up. But dang it, this was the best mocha I have ever had. My wife and I both agreed this is probably the best baklava we have ever had. I don’t know who’s making it or where they get it from or they have an expert in the back making it, but it’s awesome. And this is coming from the guy who has been to the Baklava Factory in Glendale.

The minute you enter is like a new world or back in time like a museum and you feel this sense of calmness.I love this place. Its a hidden gem. their white chocolate mocha ☕ is the best. I have searched so many places to find this one particular drink. I am in love with this mix of modern interior design along with antiques. So amazing. The people all are quiet and enjoying themselves. .

Five stars for an unbelievable selection of teas, for uniqueness of the place, and for the owner’s hospitality and generosity. Have never seen such a selection of teas, and so many combinations of flavors. Tried the Mozzarella cheese toast which melted in my mouth. The atmosphere is great and one can choose a quiet spot inside or just sit outside. Pick up a hat while you are there!

They have a sign that says "no food sorry." I don't think they serve food. They had some cakes in a refrigerated display case. The best thing about this place is the ambience. Lots of antiques that involve tea and coffee. They have some cigars as well.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 3
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 5

The restroom was so dirty! The urinal was out of order. No towels. The tissue roll placed on the toilet, not in the holder (broken). The trash bin overflowed with trash. And no seat covers. We wondered about the kitchen if they took so little care of the restroom. The Americano has to be re-done because it tasted like filter coffee. We are not coming back to this place.

Great people and great for drinks, meaning an ENORMOUS selection of teas. Really love the atmosphere and a perfect place to just relax with friends. I had the white chai and I absolutely LOVED it. Even went back the next night (tonight--yesterday was my first time there) because it was so nice!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$1–10

The place gives you rustic vibes. The ambience is good but not worth the money. We got a latte( hot ) ,mountain tea and carrot cake . The latte wasn’t hot enough and didn’t taste great either . Mountain tea was decent and so was the carrot cake . Definitely not worth the money I would say
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$10–20

For years one of my favorite places to meet people for business or conversation. Comfy, quaint, yet modern vibe. Attentive service. I love the Mexican mocha & the Mexican hot chocolate.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$1–10
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Mexican Chocolate

I have been to many cities all over the world, visited hundreds of coffee shops and tea boutiques. Café Bassam ranks one of the top 10 on my list for best coffee, tea selection, exotic and delectable soft beverages and pastries. Very friendly atmosphere and welcoming staff make your visit very enjoyable. Frequenting this Café is a must.

Been here several times over the years, sad to hear they no longer serve food items. Why still have a food menu up though? Beside that a relaxing and comfortable place to hang, the owners always chilling there and the baristas are nice ladies. Decent coffee, the real star is the vintage decor, cozy ambience , and Mediterranean offerings

Worst coffee ever. We ordered 2 cappuccinos and they were big cups of warm milk and half froth (I know they're meant to have froth but not an entire cup worth). Could not taste the coffee. The espresso we ordered was burnt and over extracted. We couldnt do more than take a sip.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other

We dropped by for coffee before the museums open in Balboa Park. This was our first time in this cafe and it was close to the park. The inside of the cafe had unique antique decorations. The front person was friendly. The coffee drinks were good.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$1–10

Such a nice coffee shop we dropped into during our short stay in San Diego. The chai latte is legit, hot or iced, although I thought it came across better in the hot version that you could sip and appreciate more. As others have mentioned, the coffee shop itself is worth the visit alone if you are in the area.

Always great place to work and enjoy the Alex's
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$1–10
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommendation for vegetarians
Highly recommend
Parking space
Plenty of parking
Parking options
Free street parking

The atmosphere at the café is unlike any other. It's calm, relaxed, and welcoming with great energy that will keep you coming back for more! The food also tastes amazing, especially if your taste buds prefer something sweet or savory instead of just plain old breakfast cuisine like myself.

We’ve loved this Cafe ever since moving to San Diego in 2012. Eclectic atmosphere, with amazing offerings of coffee, tea, wine including port and lunch/diner fare. Our favorite is the baklava sprinkled with pistachio with an Americano and a glass of port. I highly recommend Cafe Bassam.

If you’re a tea lover, you’ll definitely love this place. It has a great atmosphere and vibe, with a great and wide selection of tea blends. Their blends are truly unique and fragrant, we tried the cinnamon + black tea and lavender + black tea. They also sell antique items and hats.

I like the variety of tea they have here and the decor is cool. It was annoying to have the owner using a blower to clear leaves and debris from the outside tables while I was sitting there. Kept blowing dust up into my drink.
Food: 5
Service: 3
Atmosphere: 4

Best chai latte I’ve ever had!! Seriously, please go try it! That’s the only thing I ever order so I can’t speak to the coffee, but if you like chai, you’ve got to go here. They also have tons of other loose leaf teas, and the vibe is really unique.
Price per person
$1–10

A very very impressive tea house, they curate some many different kinds of tea from all over the world. There’re many Chinese tea that I really remember but never seen at US before. I tried a rose tea which is quite nice. My husband had an espresso, it also tasted pretty nice.

My favorite coffee shop. Excellent coffee and hot chocolate. Huge selection of loose leaf tea. Eclectic atmosphere. Not enough indoor seating.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$1–10
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

The teas are the best. I love the vintage decoration and I could see the owner has very good idea. The service is ok because sometimes, they are friendly, sometimes they are not friendly but it's not a big deal. I go there for teas and to look at the antique items.

Nice, mellow cafe to sit and chat, with eclectic decor and high ceilings inside, and sidewalk tables outside. The service is friendly, and we only had drinks but the food menu looked good.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$10–20

Always good if not great coffee. The shop provides a great vintage atmosphere making you think of the way different beverages were served from different parts of the world. Lots of culture in this place. Take some time to enjoy the sweets. They're always delicious.

delicious tea and helpful staff. Really nice design and aesthetic. Art and decorations were clearly well thought out and curated. There is a 75 min limit on seating inside.
Service
Dine in
Price per person
$1–10
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

This place is very cozy, I really loved the decoration, music and customer service. If you want to go with family, to date or just go to read a book this place is the right one.
Price per person
$1–10
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Amazing service! Bassam even recognized my friend that had moved away for several years and was back living in SD. It's a truly special space that you have to experience. My caramel latte was so delicious!!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other

Beautiful little Café with character. A lot of tea and coffee options. Definitely worth a stop if you're in the area.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$1–10
Food: 5
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 5

Definitely the only shop like this around. Antique feel. Not a ton of seating but some (and outlets). Recommended only 75 min of staying inside at a time because of limited seating. Americano was good. They also sell plenty of wine and teas.

This cafe has a really great vibe. The antique furniture, the tea jars, and the music make it a really great space. The barista was incredible, she was very busy but got to everyone in good time and each customer was happy.

This is my new favorite cafe, it has this gorgeous aesthetic and the coffee and dessert is absolutely breathtaking! I rate this five star because of the amazing kind workers and owner, and the overall service of this cafe!

I’ve been coming here for years I love it here such cozy beautiful coffee shop. The owner bassam has been in the business for years and is very polite and welcoming. Gonna keep coming here cause it’s always been amazing

Great place to study/work and get a good drink. Excellent selection of teas. Place is clean and service is always with a smile. The owner has given me freebies after awhile (I guess I shouldn't say that).

Delicious coffee and a gorgeous environment and atmosphere. Chai and the dirty chai are yummy! As well as the Baklawa.
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

I haven’t been here for several years and it is exactly how I remembered clean eclectic delicious. It makes my soul calm everytime. Just invented a new go to iced tea, fruity rose with rose syrup.

Nice little restaurant with a great selection of coffee, tea, and sandwiches. Great for breakfast too. Great service. Small outdoor eating area and free wi fi. The root beer float was fantastic!

Had eggs and bagel with coffee in the morning. Service was quick and food was delicious. Only issue, too many tables inside. It was hard to move around without bumping into furniture.

Cluttered mess of a store. Food menu is posted but doesn't serve any food. Drinks were okay but certainly a clostrophobic vibe inside. Won't be my new coffee spot by any means.

Beautiful atmosphere and delicious drinks. The service was especially lovely and the server was so very careful with my annoying food allergies. All around fantastic vibes!

Got the Vietnamese iced coffee…it had the color of whole milk. It is honestly the worst viet iced coffee I’ve ever had—tossed it on the corner. Also…priced at $7??? …

Delicious Chai latte. Haven't tried the food. Lots of ppl with their laptops open and on their phones. 19911991 is WiFi password.
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Cozy little spot with vintage interior decorations and a very large menu. Had a vanilla milkshake that was delicious, would love to go back and try more of the menu!

Nice cozy place with multiple drink and snack options.. I especially liked the tea flavors.. wish If there was a way to meet other Arabs and get to know each other.

Such a beautiful spot! Feels like sitting at a cafe in Europe. Lovely, chic, cozy vibes.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

They advertise food, but do not serve it. Don't walk into Cafe Bassam hungry!
Food: 1
Service: 3
Atmosphere: 5

Don’t go there if you’re in a hurry. Go. Enjoy. Enjoy the cool antique atmosphere, the delicious desserts and amazing beverages.

I miss this place! My favorite cafe in San Diego, possibly the world? The ambiance is top notch and the drinks are also.

Same like coffee from Seven Eleven $2
Service
Dine in
Food: 1
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 2

Best cafe , the owner is very decent. He is so friendly.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Delicious iced chai!! Such a cute inside. Really vintage and unique. Really glad we came here during our visit.

Lovely space with lots of character - just a heads up they are not serving the food menu for the time being

Best Thai tea I've ever had
Meal type
Other
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Excellent European style cafe with a little bit of everything. Awesome tea selection

Totally eclectic coffeehouse! Don’t miss the avocado toast or bagel. Yum!