The Mental Bar
The Mental Bar
Cali Americano puts a fresh twist on a classic coffee drink by blending rich espresso with creamy avocado and hot water. The avocado adds a smooth, nutty flavor and lush texture while tempering the espresso's inherent bitterness. The result is a wholesome, antioxidant-rich Americano-style coffee drink with notes of chocolate and bright citrus underscored by the avocado's savory, buttery undertones. It's a delicious new way to enjoy your morning coffee.
Cali Latte is an innovative coffee drink that brings together creamy avocado, rich espresso and steamed milk. Blending velvety avocado with espresso tames the coffee's bitterness and enhances its cocoa notes, while the milk provides sweetness and a luxurious texture. Hints of nutty, buttery avocado shine against the coffee's roasted flavors for a satisfying latte experience. It's the perfect feel-good, antioxidant-rich twist on the traditional cafe latte.
Escape to paradise with each sip of the Coconut Paradise. This tropical coffee drink combines bold espresso with the natural sweetness of coconut and the creamy richness of coconut milk. The coconut milk tempers the espressos bitterness, while real coconut flakes add texture and emphasize the drinks signature coconut flavor. Hints of toasted nuts and warm vanilla perfectly complement the coconut and coffee. Its a taste of island bliss in your cup.
The Dynamic Latte pairs invigorating ginseng root with rich espresso and steamed milk for an energizing coffee drink. The earthy, bittersweet ginseng complements the espressos bold flavor and provides an extra caffeine boost. Milk adds creaminess while smoothing out the herbal notes. Perfect for times when you need focused energy and clarity, the Dynamic Latte is a medicinal twist on the classic latte that awakens your mind and body.
The Ginger Pop Latte blends the brightness of ginger with the richness of espresso and steamed milk for an invigorating coffee drink. Fresh ginger adds a tangy, peppery kick that pops against the espresso's nutty flavor, while the milk provides a creamy, soothing backdrop. Hints of caramel and citrus shine through for a gingery latte thats both comforting and energizing. It's the perfect pick-me-up when you need a little spice to start your day.
Matcha is a type of green tea made from leaves ground into a fine powder, allowing you to consume the nutrient-rich leaf. Valued for its natural caffeine, antioxidants, and amino acids, matcha has a vegetation, umami flavor with a pleasant bitterness. The powder is traditionally whisked into hot water for tea or added to foods and drinks. Matcha provides sustained energy and focus without jitteriness, along with the health benefits associated with green tea consumption.
Iced Cali Americano puts a fresh twist on a classic coffee drink by blending rich espresso with creamy avocado and cold water over ice. The avocado adds a smooth, nutty flavor and lush texture while tempering the espresso's inherent bitterness. The result is a wholesome, antioxidant-rich Americano-style coffee drink with notes of chocolate and bright citrus underscored by the avocado's savory, buttery undertones. It's a delicious new way to enjoy your morning coffee.
Kombucha is a fermented tea drink prized for its natural carbonation and refreshing tart flavor. Made by fermenting sweetened tea with a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast, kombucha develops probiotics, organic acids and vitamins during fermentation. The end result is a lightly effervescent beverage with notes of fruit and a bright, tangy taste. Kombucha makes a healthy alternative to soda, providing beneficial gut bacteria along with antioxidants from the tea.
The Sunset Latte is a warm, aromatic latte featuring ginger, cinnamon, black pepper, and turmeric blended with steamed milk. The blend of spices adds a depth of flavor with notes of citrus that evoke the colors of a sunset. The milk provides a creamy base that perfectly balances the spices' vibrant kick. Sip this soothing, golden latte and feel warmth radiate through your body like the fading light of an evening sky.
With its mild, well-balanced flavor, Colombian coffee is a popular Arabica variety praised for its approachable taste. Grown in the Andes mountains, Colombian beans have a light to medium body and brightness with notes of caramel, nuts and citrus. The mild acidity and hint of sweetness make it perfect for coffee drinkers who want a smooth, easy-drinking coffee that can be enjoyed black or complemented with milk and sugar to taste. It's a crowd-pleasing coffee perfect for any time of day.
Grown in the mountains of southern Mexico, Oaxacan coffee is a rising star among specialty Arabica coffees. The high elevation, cool climate and rich soil of Oaxaca produce beans with depth and complexity. Oaxacan coffee strikes a balance between acidity and body, often carrying flavor notes of dark chocolate, brown sugar, fruit, and spice. With its layered flavors and round mouthfeel, Oaxacan coffee brews up into a bold yet smooth cup worthy of sipping straight.
An americano is a classic caffeinated beverage made by adding hot water to a freshly pulled shot of espresso. The hot water softens the espresso's bold flavor and increases the drink's volume, resulting in a more well-rounded coffee experience. Though less intense than straight espresso, an americano showcases the rich crema and complex notes of espresso while providing a similar caffeine jolt as drip coffee. It's a popular morning drink for those seeking a happy medium between espresso and regular brewed coffee.
A cappuccino is a beloved Italian coffee drink made by topping a shot of rich, dense espresso with steamed and foamed milk. The foam is the signature feature of a cappuccino, with baristas expertly pouring the steamed milk to create a thick, luxurious layer of microfoam. Underneath lies the espresso, which provides a strong coffee base. The ratio of espresso to foamed milk is lower than a latte, creating a beautifully balanced beverage.
A cortado is a Spanish coffee drink that artfully balances the bittersweet taste of espresso with the creamy texture of steamed milk. Made by topping a solo shot of espresso with an equal amount of steamed milk, a cortado is smaller than a cappuccino and lacks foam. The milk tempers and softens the espressos acidity while the espresso cuts through the milk's richness. The end result is a harmonious coffee experience in a petite serving size that highlights the flavors of both components.
Workaholic is The Mental Bar's Cold brew coffee. It is a refreshing, sweeter style of coffee made by steeping coarse-ground beans in cool water for 24 hours. Unlike traditional hot coffee, cold brew is never exposed to heat, allowing the water more time to draw out the beans' naturally occurring oils and sweet flavor compounds. The result is a smoother, less acidic coffee concentrate that can be enjoyed chilled, over ice, or flavored with milk, sweeteners, or spirits.
Espresso, served European style, is a small but potent cup of pure, concentrated coffee made by forcing steam through finely-ground coffee beans. If served in the cafe only it comes with a small glass of sparkling water.
An americano is a classic caffeinated beverage made by adding hot water to a freshly pulled shot of espresso. The hot water softens the espresso's bold flavor and increases the drink's volume, resulting in a more well-rounded coffee experience. Though less intense than straight espresso, an americano showcases the rich crema and complex notes of espresso while providing a similar caffeine jolt as a drip coffee. It's a popular morning drink for those seeking a happy medium between espresso and regular brewed coffee served over ice.
Smooth Operator is The Mental Bar's Nitro cold brew coffee. It is cold brew coffee infused with nitrogen gas to create a drink reminiscent of a stout beer. The nitrogen bubbles give the nitro cold brew a cascading, foamy texture and smooth, creamy mouthfeel. Flavorwise, the nitrogen helps mellow the coffees naturally bitter notes, amplifying its inherent cocoa and caramel flavors for a sweet coffee sip.
Pour over coffee is a manual brewing method that allows for a refined, flavorful cup. Hot water is carefully poured in a circular motion over coffee grounds in a filter, then seeps through to produce concentrated coffee dripping into a cup or carafe below. Unlike batch brewing, pour over allows control over variables like water temperature and flow rate. When executed properly, the resulting coffee showcases subtle tasting notes and clarity, highlighting the natural flavors of the beans.
A red eye is a caffeinated beverage that combines drip coffee and a shot of espresso. The coffee provides the base, while the espresso boosts intensity and richness. The combination results in a bold, aromatic drink with more caffeine than regular coffee that can provide an energizing jolt to start the day.
Brown Sugar Latte blends the cozy sweetness of brown sugar with fragrant cinnamon and rich espresso. Steamed milk provides a smooth, velvety texture, while real brown sugar lends notes of caramel and molasses that complement the nuttiness of espresso. A dash of cinnamon adds warmth and a subtle spike, infusing the drink with aromas of baking spices and vanilla. Its a perfectly balanced latte made extra indulgent by the brown sugar and cinnamon pairing.
Caramel Latte is pure Mental Bar delight - espresso meets steamed milk with the added indulgence of sweet caramel sauce. The bitter notes of the espresso balance beautifully with the buttery, vanilla-laced caramel, while the steamed milk lends a velvety texture and sweet creaminess. Each sip features the rich, multifaceted flavors of caramel, enveloping the robust coffee base. Frothy and smooth with just the right amount of sweetness, the Caramel Latte is a cozy classic.
Chai Latte starts with a concentrated chai powder blend of black tea, cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, and other aromatic spices. The rich, spicy chai concentrate is combined with steamed milk to create a cozy latte layered with flavors like vanilla, cloves, and pepper. The milk provides a creamy canvas for the chai spices to shine.
Dirty Chai Latte amps up the classic chai by adding a shot of rich espresso. It starts with a concentrated chai tea blend and steamed milk for a creamy, spiced canvas. Then freshly pulled espresso is incorporated, lending its cocoa and caramel notes to the aroma of ginger, cardamom, and cinnamon. The espresso adds depth and balances the chais sweetness. Frothy, spicy, and enhanced by coffees signature bitterness, this dirty take on a Chai Latte gives you a gentle jolt of caffeine.
A latte is a Mental Bar staple that pairs fresh espresso with steamed milk for a smooth, creamy coffee drink. The espresso provides a rich, intense coffee base, while the steamed milk adds sweetness and a velvety froth. The milk is aerated to create a light foam topping the drink.
Lavender Chai Latte infuses the warming spices of chai with the floral aroma of lavender. It starts with a robust chai concentrate blended with aromatic lavender for a smooth, calming flavor. This floral chai mixture gets combined with steamed milk to create a creamy latte bursting with notes of cinnamon, cardamom, vanilla and fragrant lavender. Customize your preferred sweetness and warmth up with this soothing floral twist on chai, perfect for cozying up on chilly days.
Indulge in the sweet and salty flavors of our Salted Caramel Latte. Expertly pulled espresso provides a strong, bitter foundation, while steamed milk lends creaminess and velvety froth. It's then artfully layered with caramel, bringing notes of buttery toffee and a hint of salt that cuts the rich sweetness. Every sip features the interplay of bitter and sweet, toasted and creamy, for a soothing latte that satisfies any caramel coffee craving with a kiss of salt.
Vanilla Latte combines rich, freshly pulled espresso with steamed milk and aromatic vanilla for a quintessential Mental Bar treat. The bold espresso provides a cocoa base, while the steamed milk lends sweet creaminess and frothy texture. Vanilla syrup adds a fragrant, floral note that infuses each sip with sugar cookies and custard flavors. Its a classic latte crafted to bring out vanillas inherent sweetness and complement coffees roast for a deliciously comforting beverage.
Sweet vanilla flavors mingle with the bitter notes of our Workaholic cold brew, made even more indulgent by rich, buttery caramel. Whipped into the blender for a frozen, caffeinated treat that satisfies any coffee and caramel craving.
Our Chai Frappe is an energizing twist on your usual blended coffee drink. We blend The Mental Bar's own Workaholic cold brew coffee, known for its ultra-smooth yet strong coffee flavor, with spiced chai powder and ice. The cold brew provides caffeinated oomph, while the chai powder adds aroma and a warming kick of ginger, cardamom, and cinnamon. It's an invigorating chilled blend you can feel good about sipping.
The Dark Chocolate Mocha amps up your regular coffee run, blending rich dark chocolate with freshly pulled espresso and steamed milk. The bitterness of the espresso balances beautifully with the sweet intensity of velvety dark chocolate. Steamed milk provides a creamy canvas while foam tops off the drink. Each sip features layers of chocolate, coffee, and vanilla for an indulgent mocha experience enhanced by premium dark chocolate.Indulge in the bittersweet flavors of chocolate and coffee with our Dark Chocolate Frappe. We blend the Mental Bar's velvety Workaholic cold brew, known for its cocoa notes, with real dark chocolate sauce and ice for a creamy chilled coffee treat. The cold brew provides a smooth caffeinated base, while the dark chocolate adds swirls of rich, roasted flavors. It's a frosty, refreshing remix of flavors to power your day.
Our Mexican Mocha is a unique espresso drink featuring the warm flavors of cacao and cinnamon. It starts with freshly pulled shots of espresso over real Mexican chocolate powder made from cacao with a touch of cinnamon. Steamed milk is then poured over it, lending its signature velvety texture. The chocolate powder adds rich chocolate sweetness and aroma, while the espresso provides bitterness to balance. Its a cozy mocha layered with the traditional flavors of Mexican chocolate.Our Mexican Mocha Frappe is a flavorful chocolate and cold brew coffee blend. We combine the Mental Bars velvety Workaholic cold brew with rich Mexican chocolate powder made from cacao and a hint of cinnamon. The cold brew provides smooth caffeination while the chocolate powder adds creamy, chocolatey sweetness. Its a refreshing chilled twist on classic mocha flavor using real Mexican chocolate.
The White Chocolate Mocha pairs rich espresso with sweet white chocolate and steamed milk for an indulgent Mental Bar treat. Fresh shots of espresso provide a strong, bitter base, while velvety steamed milk lends creaminess. The sweet white chocolate adds notes of vanilla and caramel, tempering the espressos bold punch. Frothy and ornately topped, its a mocha that celebrates the inherent sweetness of white chocolate and quality espresso.Our creamy White Chocolate Mocha Frappe blends The Mental Bar's Workaholic cold brew with sweet white chocolate and ice. The ultra-smooth cold brew provides caffeine, while the white chocolate lends vanilla sweetness. Frothy and chilled, it's an invigorating Mental Bar-style blend of bitter and sweet, topped with ice. A refreshing mocha twist!
Our Blueberry Lavender Lemonade is a delightful fusion of vibrant blueberries and soothing lavender, crafted to elevate both your taste buds and well-being.
Our Strawberry Lemonade is more than just a delightful treatit's a health-conscious choice. Packed with antioxidants and essential vitamins, this vibrant elixir is designed to boost your overall well-being. Each sip unfolds a symphony of natural goodness, promoting hydration and contributing to a sense of revitalization.
Our Watermelon Lemonade is a delicious blend crafted to invigorate your senses and support your overall well-being. Watermelon is rich in hydration, aiding in replenishing your body's fluids and keeping you revitalized throughout the day.
Blue Dream is a captivating blend of Black Tea Rose, Blue Mallow, Marigold flowers, and natural & artificial grapefruit flavoring. The dry leaf is a harmonious combination of floral and citrus notes, creating an enticing aroma. The blend's unique combination of caffeine and L-theanine in black tea may enhance focus and alertness. The synergy of these compounds has been studied for its positive impact on cognitive function, making Blue Dream an appealing choice for those seeking a flavorful and invigorating tea.
Mentalitea is a delightful blend crafted to rejuvenate both the mind and body. The dry leaf reveals a harmonious mix of mint, eucalyptus, and chamomile, creating a caffeine-free infusion that is not only vibrant but also refreshingly smooth. The eucalyptus and mint contribute invigorating notes, while the chamomile imparts a soothing sweetness, resulting in a well-balanced and enjoyable tea.
Radiant Slopes is a delightful tea blend that combines the natural sweetness of kiwi, strawberry, apple, and other fruit pieces to create a delicious and refreshing experience. This caffeine-free infusion not only satisfies the taste buds but also offers a high dose of vitamin C, making it a healthy choice. The blend is proudly certified Kosher, ensuring quality and adherence to dietary preferences.
Sun Beam is a delightful tea blend that captures the essence of sunshine in every sip. Comprising lemon verbena, lemongrass, spearmint, lemon myrtle, ginger root, and hibiscus, this harmonious combination creates a refreshing and summery flavor profile with a zesty kick. Whether enjoyed piping hot or over ice, Sun Beam is a versatile infusion that caters to all seasons. Its caffeine-free composition makes it a perfect choice for any time of day, and its kosher certification adds to its appeal.Lemons, a prominent component of the blend, are renowned for being an excellent source of vitamin C and various beneficial plant compounds. Known to potentially lower cholesterol, aid digestion, and provide relief for sore throats or coughs, lemons contribute to the overall wellness aspect of Sun Beam.
Our Chocolate Milk is a delightful and indulgent beverage that combines the rich, creamy goodness of milk with the irresistible flavor of dark chocolate.
Hot chocolate is a comforting and indulgent beverage that transcends seasons, providing warmth and satisfaction in every sip. This velvety concoction is made by blending rich dark chocolate powder with steamed milk, creating a lusciously smooth and creamy drink.
Our Mexican Hot Chocolate is a rich and indulgent beverage that captivates the senses with its unique blend of flavors and comforting warmth. What sets Mexican Hot Chocolate apart is the infusion of aromatic spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg.Our Mexican Hot Chocolate offers a unique and flavorful twist on the classic cocoa experience.
Milk is a rich source of essential nutrients, including calcium, vitamin D, and protein, making it a vital component of a balanced diet.
Multigrain toast, avocado, cotija cheese everything seasoning, and balsamic vinaigrette
Strawberry or blueberry jam
Toasted brioche, butter, cinnamon, and sugar
Toasted brioche, peanut butter, maple syrup, almond slivers, and chocolate syrup
Strawberry or blueberry jam
Vanilla ice cream and two shots of espresso
Tortilla, sausage or bacon, cheese, potatoes, and eggs
Croissant, bacon, and egg
English muffin, bacon, and egg
Cream cheese, avocado, red onion, tomato, lettuce, and Cheddar cheese on multigrain
Mayo, red onion, bacon, tomato, and lettuce, on sourdough
A chicken avocado sandwich without the buns.
Avocado, lettuce, red onion, and chicken breast on a brioche bun
It has chicken breast, bacon, tomato, lettuce, and onions served with a choice of dressing
Butter, provolone, mozzarella, mild cheddar cheese on sourdough
Lettuce, tomato, shredded cheddar cheese, and red onion
Your choice of bread, turkey, provolone cheese, tomato, lettuce, and red onion
Your choice of bread, provolone cheese, and turkey breakfast croissant sandwich served with your choice of sausage or bacon with one egg and Cheddar cheese
Coffee mural
Food menu
Iced matcha with oat milk and vanilla
Iced Matcha, Iced Sunset Latte, Radiant Slopes Iced Tea
Avocado Toast
Outdoor patio
Back to the grind
outside
Cortado
Seating Area
Peanut Butter and Syrup Toast
Iced Cali Latte (I added caramel drizzle)
Counter
Mental Bar drinks
Inside seats
Seats at the coffee bar
menu, crepes
Cute vibes
Outside
Wu-Tang Clan & the card ladies
Iced Brown Sugar Latte and Hot Brown Sugar Latte
Courtyard
Rebecah C.
Jun 4, 2024
This place is fantastic! So many wonderful coffee and tea options that it makes it hard to choose just one. They offer milk alternatives as well.You can tell a lot of attention to detail was put into the drink and food menu. We ordered breakfast burritos that were the perfect size and delicious. They offer turkey sausage and turkey bacon for those who don't eat red meat. The space is welcoming, has beautiful art on the walls and from the ceiling. Definitely a space where you could have good company or even sit and work for hours.The staff were so friendly and helped introduce us to the menu. Love this place! You should go!
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Maynard O.
May 22, 2024
This is legit a hidden gem in SouthEast SD. Even though it's street parking only with limited spaces, I never have an issue finding a spot. The inside is so cozy and doesn't look or feel like you're in Encanto anymore. There's always a couple people in there on their laptops working or studying. I usually get the breakfast sandwiches (either English muffin and on croissant), and it legit tasted like how the OG Tiger Muffins did at Morse from back in the day (Class of '06 babyyy). Try the Coconut Paradise with oat milk. Trust.
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Kim R.
Mar 24, 2024
Have been here a couple times and had a good experience. Being new to the area I look for coffee shops to grab a healthy bite. Happy to find the mental bar. I ordered a matcha with almond milk very tasty. Also have had the breakfast bagel and avocado toast both great options to have. My husband got the breakfast burrito which he also enjoyed. Service was great, you are greeted with a smile and they are happy to tell you the story behind the quotes on the wall. Being a rap fan I love that! Parking is a bit tough since it's street parking. Seating area inside and outside. The have merch for sale abs other local items on display. Will be back to try out lunch items. If you're in the area this is worth a try.
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Africa A.
Aug 25, 2024
Food was good service great cool laid back place with good vibes. This is us come support our local coffee shop The mental Bar! Come clear your mind!
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Deirdre M.
Jun 21, 2024
What a lovely black owned coffee shop to find on Juneteenth! Parking in the area is a little tough but this place is definitely worth it. The staff is very kind and they gave us a great rundown of the menu. I highly recommend branching out and getting a coffee from their wellness drink menu. I got the ginger pop latte and my roommate got the Cali latte (both iced) and both were fantastic. For food we got a BLT, spicy wings (which were incredible) blueberry muffin, chocolate chip coffee cake and a gluten free lemon bar. We loved every single thing but especially the wings and baked goods. The cafe relatively small but there's additional seating on a back patio and in the front. Their playlist inside is fire and it seems like a good place to work remotely as well. If you're anywhere near the area, definitely check it out!
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Morgan W.
May 7, 2024
Delicious place. Coffee is smooth with no bite to it (coffee folks know what it is). I ordered the BLT and the Brown Sugar Iced Latte. Both were fabulous and I would order again. Lots of options here that are non-traditional from a coffee house perspective. Milk and powder alternatives to add to your drinks. Staff is super friendly and the shop itself is very cute. Parking can be challenging. I went off peak hours and found a spot right up front. I'll be going here more often.
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Guinevere L.
Jun 23, 2024
I love this place! Their wellness drinks are spectacular! Service was great, I'm so grateful for the personalized recommendation Hallie! I can't suggest this place enough. It's fantastic.
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Liz A.
Oct 18, 2023
5 stars hands down! I've been wanting to check out them out for a while so I went in this morning about 10am and was able to find parking in front of the building. I didn't see a parking lot for them but there was plenty of street parking. As soon as you walk in you feel a sense of calmness and fun vibe. I love all the song lyrics on the walls referencing coffee! Very very fun!EVERY, SINGLE, STAFF MEMBER was beyond kind and friendly! Not once did they make you feel you're a bother to them. They are warm and inviting. I love love love all the neighborhood names they used for their different ground coffee. If you grew up in the southeast you will be able to relate. Their muffin and cookies will make your tastebuds do a little dance and their drinks will make you forget about all your problems - just keep sipping. There was a few tables and chairs inside but I needed a quiet space and avoided the music by seating outside where it was clean, calm and the morning air was crisp fresh. Shoutout to Bianca for being so kind to my son in I and helping answer our questions. Can't wait to see more locations open up!
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Beverly L.
Aug 18, 2024
Great vibes with food and drinks. Service was quick and friendly. Everyone should check out the Mental Bar.
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Ashley P.
Sep 2, 2024
I was visiting San Diego and was looking for a coffee shop that was delicious and not expensive and that's exactly what I got over here. The cashier was very informative and friendly and the coffee was amazing aswell as the food. The place was a vibe and very clean. I would definitely go back when I visit again I highly recommend the Cali latte and the dirty chai was also delicious. Everything that was purchased was delicious and the whole experience was a 10/10 if you love delicious coffee and food that's worth your money this is the place for you!
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Rated: 4.5 (109 reviews) · $
Coffee & Tea, Breakfast & Brunch, Coffee Roasteries
