Upstart Crow Bookstore-Coffee

Category:	Book Store
Address:	835 W Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
Phone:	+1 619-232-4855
Site:	upstartcrowtrading.com
Rating:	4.2
Working:	9AM–9PM 9AM–9PM 9AM–9PM 9AM–9PM 9AM–9PM 9AM–9PM 9AM–9PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 27

Becky Charms

Cozy and quaint with a well-rounded variety of genres and writing styles, this two story bookstore is a benchmark of Seaport Village and Im proud to say, a participant in Shop Small Saturday. When you shop at Upstart Crow Bookstore & Coffee House, you are supporting a local small business. They have a delicious coffee bar brewing fresh mugs of caffeinated heaven and mixing amazing lattes and mochas which fill the air from aisle to aisle. Upstart Crow sells small gifts and knick knacks, perfect for a quick gift idea. The childrens section is upstairs. Dont be afraid to make the trek up there. There is additional seating on the second floor, which is really great to mix and mingle over your newest literary delight. This bookstore supports other local artists, and even invites live musicians to play.

holly morgan

I love this store!!!! I live in England so only manage to get to San Diego once a year, and the Upstart Crow is always one of the first places i visit. Its an absolute gem, the staff are so friendly, the coffee shop area is so wonderful and quirky- check out the tables! It has such a lovely welcoming atmosphere, with a good mix of gifts, the only critisism is that the fiction book section could be a lot better. This is the only store in downtown San Diego that sells books now and they could really make a killing on this. Having said that, im looking forward to returning here soon : )

Sarah Faxon

Been coming to this coffee shop bookstore for most of my life (27 years young.) As a former barista at a small variety of coffee shops, and after sipping coffees on my travels around the world and United States, Ive always considered the Crow the best. It has a unique flavor, not just in its caffeinated treats, that makes you feel like youre home. The Crow recently almost shut down, but due to the outpouring of support from the community, the doors remain open. If youre in Seaport Village, the area where tourists and locals go, its a must-visit. (And they validate parking!)

Corinne DeLutis

If this is indeed the same company that was Upstart Crow in the early 80s, I have just happened upon a favorite memory of mine! It a nice place to start your day! They had wonderful sandwiches and great coffee! As far as books, yes you can peruse the latest and greatest....they never said it was an antiquarian bookstore. Add to the fact you can stroll around Seaport Village and take in the sights, other shops and the harbor. If your there on the right Saturday...the MG Club used to commune there. San Diego is an amazing place and Upstart Crow is a gem!

Brigette Bustos

Excellent coffee; friendly people; eccentric (adorable) surroundings; interesting book options. A wonderful place to spend an afternoon writing, visiting with a friend, or reading. Only thing that would make it better: more electric outlets for charging up. And a few more protein type snacks (lots of pastries) would be good for those of us who cant take in so much sugar.

Sarah Messenger

WHAT HAPPENED TO THIS PLACE??!? It used to be a cozy, quirky spot to read and buy gifts and books. It has become a novelty store!! It really shouldnt be called a bookstore anymore. Its a gift shop with books. And coffee, which is pretty good. The kids area is completely changed. Now there are a few giant games and no books to speak of. Really disappointing.

A Private User

This is not a bookstore that you would want to spend any amount of time traveling to. i sought it out after reading these reviews- it sells local junk and new books. it is more of an airport bookstore than a real, traditional place. no used books, or sale books you would be interested in, unless you were an older tourist!

Mariia Stepantsova

Lovely store with lots of extraordinary books and gifts. And besides a cafe - you can enjoy a latte with a piece of carrot or double-chocolate cake, or snack on some sandwiches, or several different shortbreads while watching some funny show on TV (Mr.Bean it was today), or reading a book or just browsing the shelves

clémentine Poquet

What a nice place! Certainly one of my favorite in SD ... So quiet but also full of nickknack everywhere to buy or just to look . Beverages are very good especially the coffee ! Staff is very helpful and always friendly ! Highly suggested if you want to read or just relax yourself outside with the bird songs !

Charles Cuthbertson

Many of the books looked like they had been on the shelves for years, with sun-damaged covers and yellowed pages. The SF section contained Xena novels, which may give you an idea of how recent the selection is. On the plus side, this was one of the only semi-interesting shops in the entire plaza.

vempriex

Another one of my favorite places to be. Love being surrounded by books and glad that you are allowed to actively read any books of interest before purchase in case later on the regret sits in. To boot to even enjoy either a hot or cold beverage of choice along with desserts and snacks plus.

brookeerol

I love this bookstore and coffee shop. There is no place like this in San Diego. This is one of the last bookstores with the great environment left in town. I highly recommend it. Try to sit at the table next to the 2 french windows overlooking at the green lawn.

John Chester

Wonderful Old Fashion 2 story wooden bookstore and coffee shop, live local music, and much more. Very sadly closing on December 31st 2016 after 35 years ib business. They reopened in March 2017 due to popular demand! They have a 2 year contract now..

A Private User

The terrible selection of books is poorly organized. Im not sure what this place is supposed to be, other than a trap for tourists who have never been to a book store or a coffee shop.

Miguel Mejia

This is my favorite spot to visit in Seaport Village. The iced mochas are strong and perfect for hot days by the water. Ive found some small and wonderful gift options here.

Jaron Daugherty

Great Bookstore and Coffee Shop. There is a really cool upstairs section that overlooks the rest of the store. It is a good sized shop and the owner Bobbie is very nice.

Nathan G

Better coffee than [insert commercial Seattle coffee chain]. Ample seating and good atmosphere. Espresso was great! Drop coffee was a little like warm.

Anthony Campuzano

Less of a bookstore and more of a tourist trap that happens to have a few books in it. Youd be better off going to a real bookstore somewhere else.

Joey Heck

Great coffee shop with many unique trinkets. It has 2 floors of knick-knacks and books. Its a great place to find a gift for anyone in the family.

Eric Clark

Very cute but awful book selection. Another commenter nailed it by comparing the selection to an airport bookstore. Dead on.

Chris Knaffle

Small cramped store full of tourist junk. Seriously terrible coffee. So bad I threw it away. Go elsewhere for coffee.

Brian Bennett

I stumbled on this place by accident. Great atmosphere and fantastic coffee. Ill probably be back before I leave town.

Vance McAlister

Surprisingly good coffee in a great atmosphere. Live music on the weekends.