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Welcome to Ryan Bros City Heights

Nestled in San Diego, CA, Ryan Bros City Heights is a cozy coffee roastery known for its innovative espresso flights and holiday-themed drinks. Offering a unique experience, their espresso flights feature flavors like eggnog latte, gingerbread, and tiramisu - all crafted with attention to detail. The friendly staff and festive decor add charm to the ambiance, making it an ideal spot for a coffee date or solo visit. While some dishes may not hit the mark for all customers, the standout tiramisu latte steals the show with its rich and unique flavor profile. Overall, Ryan Bros City Heights is a must-visit for coffee enthusiasts seeking a memorable and flavorful experience.

Ryan Bros City Heights: Reviews & Ratings

Tracy N.
Tracy N.

I came here because I wanted to try the christmas espresso flight and really liked it. I forget the exact names of the drinks but my ranking from best to worst was eggnog latte, candy cane, gingerbread then tiramisu. The egg not was my favorite since it was the sweetest, so if you're into sweet coffee you'd probably like this one

Liz G.
Liz G.

Went to Ryan Bros for the holiday flights. My husband and I tried the expresso flight and the hot cocoa flight. The staff members were pretty welcoming, and when there was a miscommunication with our order they were quick to fix it. When we asked whether they had a dark roast, the cashier told us "I don't really know about he roasts but those are the ones we have l" and pointed us to the bags of coffee for sale. It was a little disappointing that there wasn't more knowledge about the coffee since we were first time visitors. Both the hot cocoa flight and the expresso flight showed a lot of attention to detail in the presentation. I wasn't a big fan of the drinks in the hot cocoa flight (some of them tasted really watery) but I think that one is more geared toward kids anyway. The expresso flight was good. It was fun to try the different flavors. My favorites were the gingerbread latte and the eggnog latte. I also ordered a plain croissant that wasn't very good. Decorations in the cafe were very festive, and there was a lot of seating. It wasn't a perfect visit, but I definitely think the service, the decor, and the tasty expresso drinks earned them a solid 4 star rating.

Alma G.
Alma G.

I saw their espresso flights on IG and wanted to check this place out. It's a small shop, so seating is very limited. After we ordered, my friend and I were sat on their counter next to their work area and got to see the magic happen. We ordered 2 espresso flights which consisted of: tiramisu latte (my fave), eggnog latte, gingerbread latte, and spiced candy cane mocha. All of them were so good! I also ordered a Jack's Pig sandwich on a croissant. SO GOOD. The employees were very attentive, always asking us if we needed anything. I cannot recommend this place enough! Just be mindful of the wait time since it's a busy location with limited seating.

Sabrina S.
Sabrina S.

Went here for the Xmas espresso flights. I guess I was expecting hot drinks but they were all iced! None the less, still good flavors and fun! My favorites were the peppermint and the eggnog latte. The gingerbread was pretty good but one of the spices was a little strong for me. The last one- I liked to dip the cookie in but I didn't finish it..just not my jam. All very sweet. I ended up getting a hot latte afterwards which was also good. The ladies working were super nice. Small place, not too many tables. Anyway, fun experience and first time at Ryan's bros coffee and would go back.

Katherine K.
Katherine K.

As soon as I saw the holiday latte flight on Instagram, I knew I had to have it. Not just for the aesthetic but the ability to try all of the holiday flavors and pick your favorite to go full size for your next trip??? It's a genius idea. The mastermind behind that deserves a raise. I got mine iced with almond milk - just as a note. The peppermint - I wasn't a huge fan. But that's my fault. Nowhere in the description did it mention being a peppermint mocha but I was still expecting it. It wasn't bad by any means, but would've been better with chocolate. The eggnog - dear god almighty. Never in my life did I ever expect to enjoy anything with eggnog. I honestly considered asking to substitute it with two peppermint, but I'm glad I didn't! This one was my second favorite. It was so creamy and amazing. The gingerbread - insane. I also don't love gingerbread but I was blown away by the richness and warmth it still brought even being iced. The tiramisu - the STAR OF THE SHOW. Please keep this on the menu all year round because I could drink a gallon of the with a side of lady fingers all day long. It was so different than any specialty coffee drink I've ever had. Simply amazing. I didn't get any food while I was here but everything looked and smelled amazing. Service was fantastic; everyone was so kind. The inside is a little tight on space so it's probably not great for a large group. But it's perfect for a casual coffee date with a friend or s/o - or yourself!

Daria P.
Daria P.

I've had Ryan Bros a few times and it always hits the spot. This time, we went for the Christmas Flight, featuring mini versions of their holiday drinks. My favorite were the peppermint mexican mocha and the tiramisu. It's a small space but we were able to sit down at a table. The service was friendly and efficient, explaining each drink in detail and helping with seating arrangements.

Krysta R.
Krysta R.

If you haven't made it in yet, you need to try the hot chocolate flight. It is absolutely adorable and equally delicious. My favorite actually surprised me, it was The Grinch. I honestly thought I would not like this one and shocker, my favorite out of the flight. My friend enjoyed the smore's one the most but truthfully, all are delicious. I also ordered a turkey sandwich and an iced tiramisu latte. They also have an espresso flight. You must dine in if you are ordering a flight.

Jennifer S.
Jennifer S.

10/10. Servers were very accommodating and cleaned up our table fast. Prices were absolutely reasonable. Hot chocolate flight exceeded expectations on presentation and taste. Tiramisu iced coffee coffee was amazing as well! Place was very cute decorated for Xmas. Decided to also order avocado toast. It came with bacon on it. Great to have a source of protein. It was my first time having bacon on this food item. The tomatoes were so fresh and delicious with a dash of salt and pepper on the sourdough. Parking was down the block as there is construction on the street in front of the shop. Bring your walking shoes just incase.

Lindsey K.
Lindsey K.

What a cute quant place! It's not on the best side of town, but it is a little gem. The employees were nice and helpful. I got the Christmas Espresso Flight, Fabi's Sandwhich, and my husband got the Mexican Mocha and chocolate croissant. My espresso flight was amazing. The drinks weren't too sweet. My husband actually liked them, also. The sandwich was good. I'd probably try a different one next time. We will 1000% be back for more coffee.

Ginger P.
Ginger P.

This place has coffee flights! I love that. Very date-like experience to split one with your love (or your friends I guess haha). At $16, it's pretty steep though, because the portion sizes are very small. In the flight today (from left to right in my photo) we had an affogato with a haagen-dazs milk chocolate almond bar, a Mexican-inspired latte with horchata and cinnamon, a passionfruit espresso tonic, and a strawberry latte. My ranking from best to worst: affogato, horchata latte, strawberry latte, passionfruit tonic (which tasted pretty awful like medicine). Service was friendly and the space inside was nice, but they really need to turn up the AC as it was a little stuffy and hot in there! One other thing, we came ~2 hours before they were about to close, but it smelled STRONGLY of cleaner (reminiscent of pine sol)-- I really don't like when extremely strong smells are in the air when I'm about to enjoy something aromatic like coffee. Maybe they can reserve using such strong cleaning products closer to closing time.

Location

Welcome to Ryan Bros City Heights, a cozy coffee shop located at 4465 University Ave in San Diego, CA. This charming spot offers a variety of coffee and tea options, as well as delicious breakfast and brunch items. With convenient amenities like takeout options, wheelchair accessibility, and free Wi-Fi, Ryan Bros City Heights caters to a diverse range of customers.

Customers have raved about the holiday espresso flights, with flavors like eggnog latte, gingerbread latte, and tiramisu delighting taste buds. The attention to detail in presentation and the festive decor create a delightful atmosphere for enjoying your favorite coffee creations. The staff at Ryan Bros City Heights are welcoming and attentive, ensuring a pleasant experience for every visitor.

One standout feature of Ryan Bros City Heights is the espresso flights, allowing customers to sample different flavors and choose their favorites. The tiramisu latte has been particularly praised for its rich and unique taste, making it a must-try for coffee enthusiasts. Additionally, the diverse menu includes options like Jack's Pig sandwich on a croissant, perfect for a satisfying meal during your visit.

If you're looking for a fun and flavorful coffee experience, Ryan Bros City Heights is the place to be. With friendly service, tasty drinks, and a cozy ambiance, this coffee shop is sure to become a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike.