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Vinaka California

Vinaka’s roast is the toast of the California coast. Strategically nestled just yards away from a java giant chain store that shall remain nameless, Vinaka is a sweet and very inviting coffee shop that is bound to be the highlight of your day. Vinaka means “Thank-You” in Fijian. Vinaka does a fine job of saying just that to their customers.

When you step into Vinaka’s, you feel as though you’ve just been invited to your best friend’s home. With it's cozy and familiar atmosphere, Vinaka beacons you to stay a spell with an assortment of magazines, unique periodicals and a stocked library of board games. If the internet is more your style, you’ll get that here, gratis.

The coffee speaks for itself since Vinaka has roasts ranging from mild to wild for the traditional-style coffee drinkers. The Sno Cap is the house specialty. This sumptuous blend of cappuccino crunch ice cream, a shot of espresso and milk all blended together will send you off to the beach in style. The Vinaka favorite of our group was the chai tea. This delectable blend was a little cup ‘o heaven and had a slightly spicy flavor and a very smooth, velvety texture that was the perfect ending to our Carlsbad stay. If you happen to fall madly in love with Vinaka and make it a routine stop, be sure to hang your very own coffee cup on the lattice-work pegboard appropriately labeled, “Regular Joes”.

Vinaka has a yummy assortment of 100% natural ice cream, scones, fresh pastries and some unusual cakes and pies. There is also an assortment of light food fare if you happen upon Vinaka at the noon or dinner hour.

Cheers to Vinaka...it’s a delight to see a locally owned and operated shop that got it right from bean to brew. The only thing that might be better than the outstanding coffee and tea is the stellar customer service. The gal who helped our bunch was very accommodating, answered our questions and even made sure to ask the kids if they liked the ice cream that they had each chosen. Vinaka alone is reason enough to make Carlsbad a stop on your annual vacation to the California coast. It is located at 300 Carlsbad Village Dr. "Sweet" 211, Kitty-corner from The Carlsbad Inn.