Eco-Friendly Cafes + Hangouts Around San Diego (That We Love)

At Myco Threads, we’re all about low-impact living—whether we’re hiking the trails, climbing at the crag, or just hanging out with friends. Luckily, San Diego’s full of spots that make it easy (and fun) to keep things green. From zero-waste coffee shops to community hubs that prioritize sustainability, here are some of our favorite eco-friendly cafes and hangouts around town.

1. Communal Coffee

Locations: North Park, South Park

With its plant-filled patios and local artist collabs, Communal Coffee feels like a natural extension of San Diego’s laid-back vibe. They focus on sustainability by offering discounts when you bring your own cup and by partnering with local makers for goods that keep dollars in the community.

2. Better Buzz Coffee

Multiple Locations

Better Buzz has become a staple for coffee lovers—and while it’s grown, it keeps sustainability in focus. They use ethically sourced coffee, offer compostable straws and cups, and have rolled out a growing selection of plant-based bites.

3. James Coffee Co.

Location: Little Italy

Housed in a cool industrial space, James Coffee Co. roasts small-batch beans and serves everything with a minimalist, no-fuss style. They’re all about reusable and recyclable materials and encourage customers to bring their own mugs to cut down on waste.

4. Trilogy Sanctuary

Location: La Jolla

More than just a cafe, Trilogy Sanctuary is a rooftop wellness space offering plant-based eats, yoga, and stunning ocean views. Their kitchen is 100% organic, vegan, and gluten-free, and everything—from the food to the building—is designed with sustainability in mind.

5. The Mighty Bin

Location: North Park

Okay, technically not a cafe, but we had to include The Mighty Bin—a zero-waste grocery store where you can stock up on package-free goods, including local snacks and coffee beans. It’s the perfect stop if you’re serious about shrinking your footprint.

6. OB Beans Coffee Roasters

Location: Ocean Beach

A community favorite, OB Beans keeps things simple: ethically sourced coffee, eco-friendly packaging, and a commitment to giving back (they donate part of their profits to ocean-focused nonprofits). Plus, it’s just blocks from the beach—hard to beat.

The Bottom Line

Supporting eco-friendly businesses helps create the kind of world we want to live (and play) in. Whether you’re fueling up for a hike or meeting friends for a chill catch-up, these local spots make it easy to keep your choices in line with your values.

Got a favorite sustainable hangout we missed? Drop us a line—we’re always down to discover new places that care about people and the planet.