Kaffa Coffee

Where University Heights' other coffee spots lean on pastry cases and laptop-friendly vibes, Kaffa runs leaner — family-owned, Ethiopian-sourced beans, and a stripped-down menu that puts the actual espresso front and center. The **iced latte** is the tell: strong enough that you taste the coffee before the dairy, no syrup required to make it interesting. It's the kind of thing regulars order plain and actually mean it.

The **Kaffa toast** shows up in enough reviews to count as a signature — avocado piled generous, a sweet-and-spice seasoning that doesn't just taste like everything bagel dust. It's two pieces, which means you're not walking out hungry if you pair it with coffee. The **Ethiopiano** (a spiced coffee drink that nods to the owners' roots) gets mentioned as the move for anyone tired of the usual latte rotation.

The space runs cozy without trying too hard — Ethiopian jazz on the speakers, family-style service that actually checks in without hovering. It's small enough that you notice the same faces most mornings, which in University Heights means it's doing something right. Outdoor seating exists but fills fast; early mornings or late afternoon are your windows if you want a table.

Parking on El Cajon is the usual gamble — street spots turn over quick, or you're walking a block. Worth it if you care about coffee that doesn't taste like every other third-wave shop in the neighborhood. No fancy pour-over ritual here, just good beans brewed right and people who remember your order by the third visit.