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Eric Feigenbaum

This Growing Coffee Maker Is Serving More Than Just a Good Brew

Its flagship location provides a transformative experience centered around safety, community and creativity

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Photography: Ash Leandro Woo

IT’S GOOD TO BE on the road again in search of those hidden gems that take you to another place, another time and, perhaps, even another state of mind. By nature, San Diego is such a place, but, more specifically, when I crossed the threshold of Communal Coffee in the North Park section of this halcyon city on the Pacific coast, I was transported, not only in body, but in spirit and soul, to a calmer, softer, more inspiring place.

Founded by creative owner Jen Byard in 2016, Communal offers its customers a full craft coffee and drink menu along with a selection of seasonal food. All offerings, from vegan egg frittata sandwiches to Turkish eggs, gluten-free pastries and vegan desserts, are made with fresh ingredients. Inclusivity is also on the menu, serving safe-to-order dishes for a wide range of people with varying needs.

The plentitude of handcrafted offerings that accommodate any dietary constraints or desires is not the only transformative element offered by Communal. The welcoming sign on the facade of the building announcing, “Coffee and Flowers,” clearly sets the tone, and the mission proudly states, “We are making our people inspired and cared for through quality craft coffee and food, creatively-designed spaces, fresh flowers, and curated goods.”

As the intoxicating aroma of fresh brewed coffee fills the air, customers are greeted by a comfortable coffee counter featuring a birchwood top and terracotta facing. White hexagonal tiling on the backsplash completes the look as round marble-top tables display a wide range of merchandise offerings. An assortment of curated merchandise includes coffee mugs, soy-based candles, candle holders, jewelry, T-shirts, jumpsuits, children’s wear, soaps, body oil and a collection of books on everything from vegan recipes to wine, and food to interior design. All product offerings are curated to include local artisans and are made of sustainable materials. Communal also proudly serves Sightglass Coffee. An independent coffee company based in San Francisco, Sightglass uses small production methods and direct trade practices to attain a perfect roast.

“A palette of neutral colors comes together to create the gift of a welcoming environment,” says Cannon Graber, cafe manager. “There’s good energy at Communal. We’re always busy, it’s a real community feeling, serving great food and coffee, hand selected curated merchandise, and creativity.” Live flowers grace every table, suggesting a feeling of freshness and sustainability, while a specimen cactus adorns a full-length corner window, and groupings of live ferns and philodendrons dress the shelf behind the coffee bar.

The creative placement of regional flora cleverly reflects California’s unique plant life and wondrous landscapes. “Our floral arrangements are wild, whimsical and airy,” says onsite florist, Brystal Marks. “Not very structured, they’re pieces never seen before that provide a natural feel. They bring the outside in.”

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Marks explained that she uses three different and distinct colorways throughout the year. She refers to the first as the “Fresh Palette” consisting of neutral, muted tones, peaches and white. The second is the “Vintage Palette” featuring a more moody antique feel with darker tones. Lastly is the “Seasonal Palette” showcasing a lighter look in the spring, and orange and rust colored florals in the fall.

The café and shop originally opened with a single footprint, then over time added on two adjacent spaces. The third connecting space is affectionately referred to as the Evil Twin, with dark softer tones, used as a workspace for customers as well as an events space. Special events include floral workshops, jewelry making, live music on the patio, and happy hour with beer and wine (no liquor). The wine list includes only natural, organic, biodynamic offerings.

To date, Communal has three locations with North Park as the flagship. The second location is a trailer in South Park, and the latest is in Oceanside where they share collective patio space with other merchants. Each location is uniquely designed to project and capture the essence of the surrounding neighborhood.

Communal is not just a coffee shop, it’s a community where like-minded people can chill, be themselves, and be safe.

“Our team is like family,” says Graber. “We are welcoming, creative, and passionate. We care about what is being served, and we care about the community. Our customers are part of what makes Communal the place that it is.”

So pull up a chair, order a matcha latte and tahini avocado. Don’t be shy – top it off with the house made chocolate mousse, it’s not to be missed.

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PHOTO GALLERY (25 IMAGES)
📷: Ashley Leandro Woo

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