Pannikin Coffe & Tea   

7467 Girard Ave
La Jolla, CA 92037
858-454-5453
www.pannikincoffee.com

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While the Pannikin Coffee & Tea group teeters on the brink of being (gulp) a chain, each of its locations strives to create and maintain an authentic local presence. This would seem an almost impossible task in La Jolla, where "pseudo-Euro" is the marketing concept of the day, but Pannikin has an edge over the annoying trendiness of many coffeehouses: It's been on the scene for more than 20 years. It just doesn't give a rat's patootie about demographic surveys or market buzz, and that's why patrons keep returning. The squeaky floor is genuine, and the '70s decor items are actual leftovers from the '70s, not purchased from IKEA. When Mike and Carol Brady left the kids with Alice and escaped for a romantic weekend in La Jolla, they had coffee at Pannikin. This is the best rainy-day coffeehouse in San Diego. Curl up beside the fireplace for a game of chess or a leisurely chat with an old friend. Coffee and tea are served strong; if you want your latte or Earl Grey to lean on the delicate side, you'd better speak up when ordering. The food is good, basic California cafe fare, but freshly prepared. One small warning: If you sit at one of the coveted outdoor tables, take care. The chairs are bolted down, and efforts to scoot them in with your feet will result only in sore tootsies and embarrassment.