Starting Fresh with All The Perks

All The Perks Expresso Cafe - La Mesa
8046 La Mesa Blvd, La Mesa
619.465.6505


I was fortunate enough to be invited out for the grand opening of All The Perks Espresso Cafe in La Mesa. Full disclosure ~ one of the owners is a friend and used to be a coworker of mine.

This java-jamming gem is nicely tucked away in the quiet La Mesa Springs Shopping Center in between such local spots as Jolt'n Joe's and one of the few remaining Round Table Pizzerias in existence! With its comfy couches and simplistic decor, All The Perks isn't trying to be something it's not. From their amazing selection of sandwiches and blended drinks to their delicious pastries and variety of coffee, this little corner coffee shop is simply a great start to your day.

My cohort that day was none other than Professor Xavier ~ a gourmand with a serious knack from finishing everything on the plate. When asked if he wanted to try out the cafe, Xavier jumped up like a superhero on call.

"Thought you'd never ask!" Xavier claimed.

The staff was super friendly from the moment I entered the door, showing me around the menu and making sandwich suggestions. There was definitely a charming sense to the whole ordeal, as I was probably their tenth customer since opening and their cadence hadn't been perfected yet. But I'm sure all the wrinkles have been ironed out as of this writing.

I ordered the Ham-A-Lot sandwich. As you can imagine, this little toasted devil on rye came with a monumental amount of ham. Like, a lot of ham! Banana peppers, deli mustard, and a thin blanket of cheese dressed up this ham hero. From the first bite to the last, this savory sandwich satisfied my lunch time appetite.

From the moment we sat down until our very last bite, there was an overwhelming sense of relaxation going on. The hustle and bustle of the Coffee Shops with Big Bucks can be an in-and-out ordeal that makes the customer feel rushed and unconnected. All The Perks is the opposite of that, providing the customer was a moment of zen not normally found in the day. Xavier, a man of few words, agreed.

"Not a bad spot."

Snapped a picture with the owner Ariadna, my old friend, and wished her good luck with her venture. However, if the Ham-A-Lot is any indication as to the rest of the menu, it's not luck she'll need... it's a bigger place!


RATING: 7 out of 10