Civic Center Cafe

1200 Third Ave #408, San Diego, CA 92101, United States
+1 619-458-9339
$$$ cafe
(48 Reviews)
Price Range $1–10

Welcome to Civic Center Cafe, your hidden gem in the bustling heart of San Diego! Nestled on the 4th floor of the Civic Center, this cozy cafe is a delightful escape from the city’s fast pace, perfect for a leisurely lunch or a quick coffee break.

The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with friendly staff ready to greet you with a smile as they serve up a medley of fresh, delicious food. The cafe's compact size exudes charm, embracing a minimalist yet cozy vibe that encourages you to relax and savor your meal.

Indulge in their innovative lunch menu, where each dish reflects a commitment to quality and flavor. Start with the Smoked Salmon Salad – a vibrant mix of mixed greens, smoked salmon, blueberries, and crunchy walnuts, all drizzled in a honey chia vinaigrette that perfectly balances sweet and savory. Or, try the popular Tunacado on Squaw Bread, a crowd favorite that artfully combines tuna and avocado in every satisfying bite.

Don’t overlook the Classic Turkey Sandwich that Michelle raves about; it's a true classic made with care. And if you're in the mood for something lighter, the Asian Ginger Salad is a refreshing choice, packed with flavors and textures that will awaken your palate.

For those looking to pair their meal with something refreshing, the cafe offers an array of cold-pressed juices like the Beetox Cold Pressed Juice or the nutrient-packed Green Alky Cold Pressed Juice. These drinks are not only delicious but provide a wholesome boost to complement your meal. The Island Bliss Smoothie, a fragrant pina colada twist, is another fantastic choice, promisefully ready to refresh your spirit after a busy morning.

What truly sets Civic Center Cafe apart is the outstanding service. Customers consistently rave about the friendly and attentive staff—it's clear they take pride in creating a welcoming environment for everyone who walks through the door. Reviews speak volumes, with Albert Hernandez praising the best customer service, while others highlight the cafe's commitment to freshness and quality.

The prices are incredibly reasonable, making it the best value in the area for a satisfying meal. Klarysa mentions that it’s the best-priced food she found on Google Maps—giving you no excuse not to stop by!

Whether you're stopping in for a quick bite or planning to relax with a pastry and coffee, Civic Center Cafe promises an experience that will leave you wanting more. Consider it a delightful addition to your San Diego culinary adventure!

Service options
Delivery
Takeaway
Dine-in
Highlights
Fast service
Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Coffee
Comfort food
Healthy options
Organic dishes
Quick bite
Vegetarian options
Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Catering
Dessert
Seating
Amenities
Toilet
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual
Crowd
Family friendly
Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

07:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Tuesday

07:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Wednesday

07:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Thursday

07:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Friday

07:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Saturday

Closed

Sunday

Closed

48 Reviews
Albert Hernandez

31 Aug 2025

Let me start by saying 1.Love the coffee 2.Best customer service. 3.I really recommend this Place to everyone! 4.God bless your business

Nydia Flores

21 Jun 2025

Fresh & delicious lunch meals. My fave is the Tunacado on squaw bread & the Buffalo Chicken Ceasar Spinach Wrap. Yum!

Colleen Kelly

15 Jun 2025

Very kind staff and all food made fresh and delicious

Michelle Lyman

04 Jun 2025

Don’t let it’s small size fool you. This small cafe delivers big with a wide variety of fresh, delicious food. The staff is very friendly and helpful. I recommend the fresh baked peanut butter cookies and classic turkey sandwich!

Klarysa Crape

28 May 2025

Great little hidden cafe! Located on the 4th floor inside the civic center (must enter building). Tucked away in the back as you enter the 4th floor. Very decently priced food (best priced food I could find on Google maps for breakfast/lunch in the area) and nice options!

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