James Coffee, San Diego

There's coffee, and then there's coffee with a creative community. David James Kennedy is one of the family guys behind James Coffee, and you might recognize him as the guitarist from Box Car Racer or Angels and Airwaves. The ex-motorcycle racer got his start roasting coffee on a popcorn maker, and has been growing James Coffee in San Diego ever since. What started as an online store has since evolved into what is probably the coolest place to grab a coffee in town (and a haircut while you're at it).

A visit to James isn't just a visit to get coffee. Instead, you'll find a slew of independent shops all housed under one roof. We're down with this because it means more beautiful things to look at and discover, along with bringing a community of creatives together. Under the James Coffee roof you'll find Turquoise, a jewelry shop full of hand-picked turquoise from local artists and vintage finds from the southwest, the barber shop Urban Shave, and a few other local businesses.

You'll also find Ajax Shoppe, a menswear boutique for the design-conscious. The shop is themed around sounds, garments, and gear, and you're sure to find something amazing that you never knew you needed.

But back to James Coffee! Yes, there is delicious coffee here, and delicious chai to boot. They have an assortmenet of single-origin beans, along with their own James Coffee blends. The baristas are chill and friendly, and the entire space is a welcome escape from the ever-blazing sun of San Diego. Come to chill out, cool down, and enjoy caffeination, whatever way you like it.