About Lestat’s On Park
Lestat’s has three wonderful locations, but this post is more specifically about Lestat’s on Park on Park Blvd in University Heights, which we consider one of the best coffee shops in San Diego to both hang with your friends, or to be a recluse and knock out some work.
Open 24 hours (the only location that is) you’ll quickly notice the eclectic, quirky but cozy atmosphere with large velvety thrones placed about, and Classical or Renaissance themed art throughout the large rooms. They also provide tons of seating and tables, comfy couches, an abundance of outlets and power-strips, and free wi-fi for their patrons. Being such a key workplace in San Diego, it can get crowded with a variety of people including bloggers, freelance digital writers, online essayists…so mostly bloggers with a few “Magic The Gathering” nerds in the mix (relax, we love MTG). But even during busy times there is a good chance you’ll find a spot.
They have a large menu that includes breakfast and lunch sandwiches, salads, pizzas, smoothies, a variety pastries (our favorite is their sugar laden whoopie pie), and almost every cafe drink you can imagine. For something slightly different than our normal black coffee, we like their Wellness Tea, which is green tea, honey, and a splash of orange juice.
Great For
• Coffee
• Late night out
• Supporting small business
A Closer Look
Named after a character in Anne Rice’s “Interview with the Vampire,” co-owners John Husler and Jamie Gerkowski opened the first Lestat’s location in 1997 in the Normal Heights neighborhood, expanding to Park Blvd in University Heights in 2010, and then opening up their Hillcrest location in 2016.
Lestat’s coffee was created for the non-corporate, non-conformist citizen out there who wants to dissent from the big brands like Starbucks that saturate most cities. And this notion is clearly reflected in the loyal, alternative customers they’ve attracted over 25+ years of operations. Each location also serves as a venue for small community events and gatherings, with open mic nights, featured artists, comedy, music, and other community meetings. Check their site for what’s happening at each location.
It’s heartwarming to see an independent cafe that fights for it’s place among the corporate entities that can batter most businesses out of the neighborhood with lots of money and lawyering. And Lestat’s does this well, supporting their community and offer something unique for students, late night workers like doctors, cops and firefighters, early birds, gamers, bloggers, and any one who wants to feel welcome and safe in the neighborhood.
Stand up for the independent cafe in your community and visit Lestat’s.
