A cozy San Diego cafe serving expertly crafted coffee, wine, and light bites in a welcoming atmosphere.
Scrimshaw Coffee is a local cafe and wine bar on El Cajon Blvd in San Diego, offering a variety of coffee drinks, baked goods, and light food. Reviews highlight its delicious coffee options, including seasonal specials like the Santa Sleigh, and praise the kind, helpful staff and comfortable atmosphere for work or relaxation. While drinks are noted as well-priced and high-quality, some feedback mentions food pricing concerns. The establishment provides a range of beverages from classic coffee to flavored and sweet options, alongside items like bagels, sandwiches, and banana chocolate loaf.
5542 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego, CA 92115, USA
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Artisanal lattes, seasonal specials, and expertly brewed coffee with options for sweet or traditional flavors.
Fresh bagels, sandwiches, banana chocolate loaf, and other pastries to complement your drink.
A curated wine list available for evening enjoyment in a cozy cafe setting.
Comfortable seating with free Wi-Fi, ideal for studying, remote work, or casual meetings.
Unique limited-time drinks like the Santa Sleigh, blending coffee with tropical and festive flavors.
Overall rating
James Allen
Well in my quest to find decent coffee that isn't Starbucks or Phil's or Pete's, failure here. It was gross and tasted like metal bitter sour cyanide. The charming host and hostess were clearly forcing it. As a student I would love a job like this! So drop the attitude and fix the coffee. I wouldn't even call yourself a coffee place, you're more a sugar drink place. Just advertise as sugar drink. Cuz the coffee is not good.
chelsey schaffeld
Wanted more! Santa Sleigh was an amazing twist of coffee+fruit+tropics! Perfect for Christmas time in San Diego! Try it before the season changes!
Jorge “George” Mendoza
Drinks are amazing and well priced, the food is overpriced and not worth it. Don't get me wrong thre bagle tasted fine i was still a bit hungry when done, size of this thing was tiny and as of q3 2025 costed $13.5... like i understand lox are expensive... but come on $13.5? where on el cajon and 56th where supposed to be in the less expensive area! I love this place just wanted to give criticism. drinks are way better than any chain for almost price parody. so come here for drink and expect to pay a good bit for food
Client Services
Awesome!!! Don’t let the outside look fool you. Be brave, walk in and order! You will be glad. This local small business is what a real humble coffee and kitchen is all about! They serve Delicious just right coffee drinks and baked goods. We tried the Club sandwich and bread was so soft. The banana chocolate loaf is out of this world. The Gibraltar drink and latte art is incredible. Family atmosphere and super loving staff! Highly recommend Scrimshaw Coffee :)
ana
The best coffee shop I’ve been to so far! They have to the best coffee! If you’re looking for great coffee, this is the stop. They have several options, also if you like sweet/ flavored coffee they have options, but it’s not overly sweet where it’s overly sweet. Absolutely incredible service, the employees are kind, helpful and overall makes the experience better! The atmosphere is great, they have space where you can sit and enjoy your coffee, if you’re in town or live here you have to try it! Also such a great place to do some work!
