Lestat's Hillcrest, located at 1045 University Ave, San Diego, is more than just a coffee shop; it’s a vibrant community hub. With its cozy atmosphere and generous seating, many have found it a perfect locale for studying or unwinding with friends. Customer reviews consistently praise the friendly staff, especially David, whose exceptional service makes a memorable impact. The menu is filled with gourmet coffee options ranging from a robust Americano to an indulgent Chocolate de Mexico. The Dirty Chai Latte—a delightful mix of chai, espresso, honey, and spices—stands out as a must-try. Lighter fare, like the refreshing Avocado Toast or savory Hummus Toast, complements the beverages beautifully, satisfying both health-conscious patrons and those craving comfort food. The décor, featuring an Egyptian theme and a secret upstairs door, adds charm and intrigue. Though parking can be tricky, the electric vehicle charging station nearby is a thoughtful addition for eco-conscious visitors. Overall, Lestat's Hillcrest is a blend of great coffee, inviting ambiance, and attentive service, making it an essential stop for locals and visitors alike.
Amenities and More
Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Has outdoor seating
Offers delivery
On-site services available
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Serves great coffee
Has great tea selection
Popular for
Popular for breakfast
Popular for lunch
Good for solo dining
Good for working on laptop
Offerings
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves late-night food
Quick bite
Serves small plates
Dining options
Serves breakfast
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has bar on site
Has toilet
Has Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy
Crowd
Good for groups
Popular with tourists
Popular with university students
Planning
Doesn't accept reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Paid street parking
Pets
Dogs allowed
Photos
Reviews For Lestat's Hillcrest
gen_
May 27,2025
David was fantastic and great help ( give that man a raise!), the food was great as well, overall atmosphere 10/10
Thomas Brushel
May 15,2025
Cozy spot! Been passing it forever and finally decided to stop in and check it out early in the morning. Vibes were good and so was the coffee!
Jon Hansen
May 9,2025
Hella drunk LGBTQ and transformers walking around but if you're not bothered by that, or a meeting place for communists (literally) and other modern mega liberal gossip clubs its really a great place.
Darren Chen
May 3,2025
Great place to study and chill with friends. The outdoor patio is quite nice! Parking is a challenge but there is good spots and an EV charging station across the street.
Lexie Edwards
May 2,2025
This place is HUGE. Never seen a coffee spot with more seating in my life. Really cute place, Egyptian themed and has a secret door that leads to additional seating upstairs. It's a nice place to study because they have late hours. The customer service was fabulous, and the coffee was delicious. We'll be back!
ryan wells
Apr 9,2025
Random pop in and I was pretty impressed with the space. I got my standard basic mocha and my wife got her espresso. Both were good. Wish I had a spot like this near me.
The Right Reverend Rex Flash
Mar 25,2025
I'm giving this five stars solely because of their courage in carrying on the tradition of neighborhood owned coffee shops. Service was good but nothing out of the ordinary. I ordered a Cobb salad. It was slow coming and consisted of a bed of greens from a bag, quite a bit of which were going bad. One sliced egg. 4 or 5 small rolls of that sliced turkey meat from the plastic pack. About one quarter sliced avocado. A few cherry tomatoes. A sprinkle of chopped bacon and blue cheese. And a packet of ranch dressing. 15. I ate the toppings and left the lettuce. 2 stars. The atmosphere is great and I may come back and try something else.
Raylex Viajero
Mar 21,2025
We love this place on University Avenue. Best Chai tea latte I've had in a long time. Their dessert s are so good and the prices are reasonable.
Reviews For Lestat's Hillcrest