Welcome to MOM's Café (aka Muir Woods Coffee House)
At MOM's Café, or Muir Woods Coffee House, nestled in the heart of UC San Diego, we embody a warm, inviting spirit reflective of a home away from home for students. Here, baristas serve exceptional brews sourced from Cafe Virtuoso, alongside delectable pastries like the beloved Crumbonne. Our cozy atmosphere, complete with study nooks and vibrant student art, invites connection and creativity. Known for friendly service and unique drinks like the “Self Love” latte, MOM's has become a cherished hub for relaxation and productivity. Join us to experience the love and community that define MOM's Café!
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9500 Gilman Dr, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States Hotline:
Welcome to MOM's Café, also known as Muir Woods Coffee House, a charming gem nestled on the UC San Diego campus at 9500 Gilman Dr, La Jolla, CA. This beloved coffee shop has earned its reputation as a favorite among students and staff alike, serving up more than just quality brews; it provides a cozy environment perfect for studying, socializing, or simply enjoying a moment of tranquility amidst the campus bustle.
What sets MOM's Café apart? Here are some of its highlights:
- Quality Coffee: Partnering with Cafe Virtuoso, MOM's boasts a rich array of espresso options that have delighted customers like Ricardo Bustamante, who lauds it as the best coffee spot on campus.
- Cozy Ambiance: Many patrons, including Nika Shlopov, rave about the intimate atmosphere filled with comfy couches and study nooks, making it an ideal retreat for razor-sharp focus or casual meet-ups with friends.
- Pastry Heaven: Indulging in one of the café’s pastries is a must. As Alex Mojcher puts it, you won’t find a better version of a crumb-like treat than their Crumbonne—a delightful twist on traditional monkey bread.
- Kind Staff: The student-run nature of the café shines through in its service. Friendly baristas like Edgar are always ready with recommendations, ensuring that your experience is both pleasant and personalized, as noted by satisfied patrons like dyyywen.
- Uniqueness of Offerings: From the one-of-a-kind specialty drinks aptly named “Self Love” and “Polar Bear” to the recently opened Curls & Swells Black beauty product store, MOM's continues to innovate and cater to every student need.
Beyond delicious coffee and treats, MOM's Café embodies a vibrant community spirit. With its laid-back vibe, adorned by student artwork, it serves as a gathering place imbued with creativity and warmth. Lisa Cantu King and Michael Berman appreciate the café not only for the coffee but also for the welcoming atmosphere where students can recharge or work on assignments. The interior has been thoughtfully designed to accommodate study sessions or quick breaks, with ample seating and charging outlets throughout.
The café even has its own little Easter egg—a time capsule nestled under a rock in the middle of the floor, adding a quirky yet sentimental touch to this student hub. Whether you're planning to grab a quick drink between classes or settle in to finish that daunting assignment, MOM's Café is more than just a coffee shop; it is a beloved institution that feels like home away from home.
As you sip on your beautiful TARO latte or explore an array of refreshing iced teas, you'll understand why MOM's Café is a perennial favorite among UC San Diego students. Come for the coffee, stay for the community—a true embodiment of college life at its finest!
One of the best (if not the best) coffee shops to get a quality espresso on campus. They use 'Cafe Virtuoso' and they have a bunch of different types of it. Recommended.
This is one of the best places to get coffee on campus. It's incredibly cozy, with tons of couches, chairs, and study nooks. The pastries are amazing and the iced teas are incredibly refreshing (and there are so many options). The staff is really nice and always has recommendations. This is a great place to study, meet up with friends, or just have a cup of coffee in the morning. Plus, you get a cute custom MoMs sticker with every order! :))
Had a phenomenal coffee and pastry from this classic example of a campus coffee shop. Bubbly college students behind the bar specifying the roast of the day, guiding me to the day-old pastry which I devoured... what more could I ask for? It was called a Crumbonne I believe and was essentially a muffin sized monkey bread, but 10x better than any monkey bread I’ve ever had.
Moms really opened up the space to have more tables and chairs inside. Great atmosphere to refresh or get some computer work done while on campus. My TARO latte was beautiful and yummy!
This is my favorite coffee spot on campus. I want to say thank you to Edgar! He was so nice to answer my question and gave me a good recommendation! Nice coffee taste :)
Ultra kind, cozy, and full of love With delicious beverages of all kinds and a large variety of pastries snacks and anything else a college student may need. With a spread of outlets and a variety of seating arrangements I'm sure M.O.M. will fit any college students needs (as long as it's not already full in there by the time you get in)
This is a great place on campus. The coffee is excellent, the people who work here are friendly and knowledgeable, and the atmosphere is homey, but not too loud. Depending on where your classes are, it is also conveniently located, so you can grab something on your way to or from class, meetings, etc.
MOM’s Cafe is perennial favorite among UC San Diego students. It’s the only student run cafe on campus. Feels like a true college cafe with couches, student art, laid back vibe. Some popular specialty drinks are designed by baristas with names like Self Love and Polar Bear. Curls & Swells Black beauty product store was recently opened in 2023. Easter egg: The Muir College time capsule is buried under a rock in the middle of the floor.