If you’re looking for a new coffee experience that’s speaks to your darkly romantic soul, then you should check out Manor Coffee Bar, located at 829 Washington Street in San Diego.
The intimate shop recently opened with a vibe that’s notably different than the usual overly lit coffee shops. Beans are displayed on ornate black shelving to match the raven-hued cafe tables. Gilt framed pictures hang on crimson walls, and chimera greet customers as they peruse the menu.
The shop is the brainchild of Kaitlyn Green and her husband Aric Archinal. With combined decades of coffee experience as both baristas and managers, they decided to open a shop that served amazing coffee in a unique, Victorian Gothic setting.
Saya Aric, “We love coffee shops of all kinds, and we envisioned a place that felt more welcoming to us and people like us that are into a darker aesthetic.” Adds, Kaitlyn, “Its a small, cozy shop but I think it adds to the charm.” The partners, both in life and in coffee, first tested the waters as a pop-up. After they found a warm reception, they decided to open a brick and mortar. They found the perfect space, and set out to decorate it with a combination of family heirlooms and found objects. “We wanted it to feel like a gallery wall. It’s going to be a never-ending project to keep collecting art,” says Kaitlyn.
Even more important was the coffee. The duo partnered with a few roasters — both locally and nationally — choosing the ones who really showcase the art of the bean, including San Diego’s own Torque Coffee , New Mexico’s Slow Burn, and Obscure Coffee Roasters in Brooklyn. Coffee partners are chosen both for their excellent product and their commitment to a transparent chain of production from the farmers to the roaster.
In addition to premium coffees, lattes, and espressos, Manor has offers some unique coffee drinks. “They’re not themed, but they take inspiration from Japanese coffee culture. They’re always approachable and offer unique and fun flavors that no one else has,” says Aric, adding, “some people just do a honey latte, but we want to explore coffees.” As an example, the Black Marble is a layered coffee drink made with black sesame, activated charcoal, a choice of milk, and topped with a black cocoa cold foam for a black sesame cookies-and-cream flavor. Rounding out the menu is a selection of pastries in collaboration with local bakery, Knead. “They make really good pastries and we’re excited to collaborate with them,” says Kaitlyn.
The shop is already gaining a following, says Kaitlyn, who adds that these first few weeks are all about meeting the neighbors. If you’re in the market for great coffee, curiosities, and conversation, stop into the Manor and say hello to Kaitlyn who adds, “We want to build a community for our alternative-minded friends. We also want to get people excited about different roasters and share our love of coffee.”
