Holy Grounds Cafe - Escondido

This is my neighborhood coffee shop and I love it. Sit inside or outside and you feel like you are in a zen garden. A lot more on the menu than just drinks and there is a full menu for lunch, it's amazing. But let's talk about the coffee ;

I felt the need to make a visit to Holy Grounds since it was a Sunday! : I've been wanting to try this place for some time and I really wanted to like this place... However, this place left me feeling like my coffee was missing flavor and caffeine. I left thinking I needed another coffee and that's not a good thing since I added an extra shot... ouch! The 3 stars is just for the ambiance. I love coffee and I don't know if it's what I ordered but I wasn't a fan... It was a HOT Sunday afternoon so I decided to get an ice blended horchata latte with an extra shot. However, the blended drink did not taste of an horchata latte or seemed as though there was an extra shot. After looking at my friends drink, I wished I had just got it iced. Mine tasted like watered down coffee and I would not recommend it. On the flip side, this coffee shop is really adorable. The decor is a mixture of Spanish influences along with local artists. They also seem to have a private area that they rent out. Overall, I would come back just to try something else...

Horchata Latte in El Sereno, Los Angeles, California... After a dimsum brunch, Ed, Tim, Lisa, and I searched our Yelp app for coffee shops. We found Holy Grounds. I liked the name of the place and the reviews seemed promising. We found free street parking and entered the cozy shop. I really liked the bookshelf outside on the sidewalk donate a book/take a book. Inside, Holy Grounds supports local artists by featuring their artwork available for purchase. The friendly, helpful cashier's name was Mayo. He knew the menu well and made great suggestions! I ordered the iced horchata (cinnamon rice water) Latte with oat milk. It was deliciously refreshing! We sat outside in the courtyard because it had a beautiful fountain, colorful tile decorations, comfy sofas, and healthy plants for sale. The gentle breeze kept us cool while the umbrellas overhead shaded us from the sun. For sure, I'd return if I was in the area! Next time, I'd like to try the iced chai latte or the Mexican Hot Chocolate!

So I really love this place and highly recommend the cafe de olla. But recently I went and there was a a fly in my drink. :

A hidden gem off of Mission. Great service. Solid coffee bfast sandwich. Warm and inviting space. Dig the art and thoughtful decor.