Is The Template just a coffee shop, or is there more to it?

It's both—and that's why people keep coming back. Yes, you can grab excellent coffee and creative drinks (ask about their Kava options), but The Template is really an arts and community space in Ocean Beach with games, shared tables, and a calendar full of events. It's a work spot in the morning, a hangout in the afternoon, and somewhere with actual nightlife energy in the evenings.

Can I work here for a few hours?

Absolutely. The space is specifically designed for people to stay—there are dedicated work tables, comfortable couches, and the vibe is genuinely welcoming to laptops and notebooks. Just order something and respect the rhythm; it's not a library, but it's not a turnover joint either.

Is there parking in Ocean Beach nearby?

Ocean Beach parking can be tight, especially on weekends, but The Template's location on Niagara Ave is walkable from street parking and closer to residential spots than the beach itself. Plan accordingly during peak hours, or go early/late to avoid the hunt.

Yes, the spot is pet-friendly with outdoor seating, so bring your dog along. It's one of those neighborhood joints where animals feel welcome.

Do I need a reservation, or can I just walk in?

They take reservations and accept walk-ins. For groups or if you're planning to stay for an event, book ahead. For a solo coffee or casual brunch, walk-ins work fine, though peak weekend mornings may have a short wait.

What should I order on my first visit?

Start with one of their creative beverages—the Kava drinks get real love from regulars. The menu has solid vegetarian options and breakfast is a strength. Ask your server what's special that day; The Template rotates offerings and treats the menu like it's part of the creative experience.

Is this a good spot for kids or groups?

Yes to both. The space is designed for people to gather—shared tables, games, and a genuinely kid-friendly atmosphere. It works for birthday celebrations, group hangs, and families. The vibe is boisterous but never hostile.

What's the best time to visit?

Weekday mornings if you want to focus and actually work; weekend afternoons if you want the full community experience with more people around. Check their event calendar (posted in-house and worth asking about) because evening events are where the spot really transforms.

The Template — San Diego

“The Template is Ocean Beach's living room experiment—half café, half community arts space, fully committed to the idea that coffee shops should do more than caffeinate.”

Where Little Chef serves takeout necessity and Mike's feeds the taco line, The Template operates on a different frequency entirely. This is the spot building something closer to a cultural hub than a caffeine pit stop—couches arranged for actual conversation, event calendars dense with open mics and art shows, kava drinks sharing menu space with espresso because the goal isn't consistency, it's possibility.

The beverage program leans experimental without tipping into performative mixology—drinks like "Shine" blend kava with house syrups that change based on what the staff's testing that week. It's the kind of menu that rewards regulars who track what's new and forgives tourists who just want a decent latte. Mornings lean mellow and laptop-friendly; evenings pivot hard toward whoever's hosting that night, whether it's local painters hanging work or musicians running sound checks near the back tables.

The space itself does heavy lifting—high ceilings, wide-open floor plan, seating that ranges from work-appropriate tables to sofas deep enough to disappear into for hours. Games stacked on shelves, art rotating on walls, a vibe that signals *stay* instead of *order and leave*. It's the OB café model scaled up and sideways, trading quick-turn efficiency for the kind of sprawl that lets people actually use the space.

Practical notes: parking on Niagara is easier than Newport but still Ocean Beach parking. The work-friendly reputation is earned but evening events can flip the energy completely—check the calendar if you're counting on quiet. Vegetarian options exist beyond pastry-case backup plans. Pet-friendly patio means dog traffic during beach hours.

This isn't the spot for a quick grab-and-go—it's built for lingering, whether you're burning through a deadline or just killing an afternoon watching the neighborhood rotate through.