Influx Cafe: Golden Hill // Little Italy

Golden Hill
1948 Broadway
San Diego, CA 92102
(619) 255-9470

Little Italy
750 West Fir
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 255-0735

Hours: 6am-9pm Everyday
influxcafe.com
Free WiFi
Pastries: Homemade, baked fresh daily
Outdoor patio/ good shade
Daily Menu Specials
Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Dog-Friendly Outdoor seating

Influx Cafe isn’t quite like your stereotypical “coffee house“: Owner Jason Twilla wanted the design of Influx’s second location to be reflective of term “Influx” itself: An all-encompassing “sphere; “spacey” with a sense of meaning; welcoming an overflow of positive energy and an abundance of light. Influx is located in Little Italy’s new, likely-to-become the social epicenter of the neighborhood, building, the Q - whose gorgeous and innovative design has Jonathan Segal to thank. Segal brought to life his own envisions of a building reflecting a perceptiveness and sensitivity to space, and a thoughtful sense of “openness”. Thus, Influx’s new locale couldn’t be more perfectly suited to Twilla’s own vision.

The space reflects a sense of order: Clean lines, great natural light, modern decor – no mismatched pillows nor knapsacks here. No matter where you sit at Influx,  you can see everything: Far and away from your usual dark, nook-y, and eclectic coffee joint. Yet despite their lack of “trying to be indie” efforts, Influx is relaxing and cozy in its own right: A cool breeze runs through the spot, whether you’re inside and out. Comfy cushioned booth or bench seating line nearly all walls. The outdoor seating is thoughtfully arranged and uncongested.

And the impeccable service makes it twice as enjoyable, as plates and empty mugs are cleared immediately to prevent that sense of “clutter”; and eliminates that expected stoned sense of “whatever man” vibes.

Beyond just my outspoken awe based on my first eyeful of Influx, “at the end of the day” a coffee shop review should have it’s eye on the prize; The coffee. That being said, my Chai Latte was fantastic. But although it wasn’t exactly “coffee”, my “latte” came topped with a velvety foam — that any coherent individual capable of distinguishing mediocrity from expertise would tell you: This drink didn’t come from just any franchised “green-aproned” joint. The temperature at which my drink was served, in its very prominent mug nonetheless, was just right. And, taste-wise: Just the right combination of spicy and sweet. Delightful.

Pair your drink of choice with any of their pastry selections, knowing well that each and every croissant, danish, and muffin is homemade and was baked fresh earlier that same morning. A perfect way to justify that little indulgence.

With long hours from the wee daylight hours to the beginning of school night curfew, it’s refreshing Influx offers a selection of menu items beyond just pastries and bagels. Although, Influx’s selection of bagel sandwiches do look PRETTY delish as well….

Cruisin’ the health-conscious route? Go with the Vegan Bagel Sandwich: Topped with plain or spicy hummus, tomato, sliced cucumber, and red onion. Or go for a Bagel Scramble that comes with two eggs, your choice of Swiss or jack cheese, and select your own little meaty or faux-meat topper: Select from a combination of additions including bacon, black forest ham, or even veggie sausage. The Tuna Bagel Melt is topped with Influx’s own tuna concoction, tomato, and Swiss cheese.

If you long for all things decadent, then consider your search for the perfect soul mate to be over: Croissant sandwiches.
I considered it love at first sight when I saw the Croissant Sandwich toasted with tomato, basil, Brie cheese, with a Dijon mustard dip on the side. Sigh. Always seems to be the case when you know something is probably very bad for you — it makes you want it that much more…

If you can resist that rich bit of naughtiness, Influx also offers an assortment of salads including the Goat (pictured above): With fresh goat cheese, dried cranberries, candied pecans on a bed of mixed greens and a tangy balsamic vinaigrette and the Bleu: Bleu cheese, tomato, sliced red onion, toasted walnut, and bacon on a bed of mixed greens drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette. Both are lovely and very satisfying on their own.

If you’re like me and have an insatiable sweet tooth, then this sweet little tidbit will tingle your sugar fiend senses into high alert mode:
Cupcakes. Homemade, baked fresh every morning, deliciously dainty and decadent-cupcakes. Their everyday varieties include the Red Velvet, Chocolate, Coconut, Lemon, and White Cake. Their seasonal/occasional varieties include Vegan Chocolate, Pumpkin, Banana, Ginger Spice, etc. – Pretty much on the pastry’s whim. All cupcakes are topped with a cream cheese or a butter cream frosting, and a bit of fresh fruit. Is it OK to admit I’m both excited and terrified by how scrumptiously addictive these little guys are? OK good, because I’ve already ordered one and there’s no way I’m turning back now.

Stay Tuned: Like their first locale, Influx Little Italy will be offering a daily homemade soup special- all of which are vegetarian based and their own Bread-pudding.

Live in East Village or Golden Hill? Check out Influx’s first locale just as you enter Golden Hill off of Broadway.

By: TD