Trader Joe's
Go early or go mid-week. The University Ave location gets crushed on weekends. Grab the flowers, the salsa, the frozen dumplings. The wine section has no bad options under twelve dollars. You're not shopping here, you're stocking up.
- Address
- 1090 University Ave Ste G100-107, San Diego, CA 92103, USA
- Find it
- Open in Google Maps →
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Mevan Coffee & Desserts & Brunch
5.0★Coffee · Local favorite
Get the cortado and a slice of their layered cake. Fourth Avenue gets crowded by 10, so come before. The back corner table stays quiet even when the line hits the register. Hillcrest locals know this is the real caffeine stop, not a photo op.
Divo Diva Cafe
4.9★Coffee · Local favorite
Get the homemade pastries and a strong coffee. Fifth Avenue foot traffic picks up fast, so claim a spot by 8:30. The regulars know this place isn't trying to be anything but good at what it does. You show up early or you wait.
Spruce Street Suspension Bridge
4.7★Walk · Heavy hitter
Walk across the wooden span at dawn before the neighborhood wakes up. The bridge is short but it commands the Spruce Street ravine. The view drops hard. Locals use it as a shortcut. Tourists stop halfway and take five minutes of photos. Be a local.