If coffee fuels your mornings and wine winds down your evenings, Little Joy in Del Mar, California, might just be your new favorite hangout. This dual-purpose café offers handcrafted drinks every day and a boutique wine experience by weekend.
Morning Buzz: Coffee Done Right
Let’s start with the coffee. Open Tuesday through Sunday from 7:30 AM to 2:00 PM, Little Joy serves up handcrafted espresso drinks, teas, and light pastries that are as fresh as the ocean breeze outside. Their coffee beans come from Zumbar, a local roaster known for its Hummingbird blend—a brew that’s smooth enough to make your morning feel like less of a struggle.
The vibe here is casual yet thoughtful. The sunny patio has just enough seating to make it feel social without being cramped. You’ll find locals catching up over cappuccinos, beachgoers grabbing an iced latte on their way to the waves, and hikers refueling after tackling nearby trails. It’s the kind of place where you might overhear someone discussing their latest surf session or swapping tips on where to find the best breakfast burrito in town.
And while the menu sticks to the classics, something is refreshing about its simplicity. No complicated syrups or gimmicky seasonal drinks—just delicious coffee served with a smile (and maybe a croissant).
Weekend Wine Vibes
Little Joy transforms into a wine lover’s paradise when Friday rolls around. The Wine Shop and Tasting Room operates behind the coffee bar in what feels like a secret hideaway (but not too secret—you’re invited). Hours are limited but well worth planning for: Fridays from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM and Saturdays and Sundays from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
What makes this place stand out isn’t just the wine—it’s how they present it. The shop offers tasting flights of three wines, allowing you to explore old favorites and unexpected finds. Whether you’re into bold reds or crisp whites, there’s something for every palate. And if you discover a bottle you love? You can take it home or join their monthly wine club, which includes two curated bottles per month.
The wine selection is carefully curated but approachable, perfect for casual sippers and serious enthusiasts. Plus, with its ocean-view backdrop, even a simple tasting feels like an event.
More Than Just Drinks
Little Joy isn’t just about what’s in your cup (or glass). It’s about creating a space where people can connect—whether chatting with strangers over espresso or attending one of their upcoming wine workshops (details coming soon). The staff is friendly without being overbearing, and an easygoing energy makes you want to stick around longer than planned.
And while it doesn’t scream “Instagram me,” it definitely has its moments—think latte art on rustic wooden tables or a perfectly poured glass of rosé against a backdrop of blue skies.
Location and Hours
You’ll find Little Joy at Del Mar, though they keep things low-key when it comes to signage—so keep your eyes peeled! Here’s when you can stop by:
- Coffee Bar Hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 7:30 AM–2:00 PM
- Wine Shop Hours: Friday, 4:00–7:00 PM; Saturday–Sunday, 12:00–5:00 PM
Starting your day with caffeine or ending it with Cabernet? Little Joy has something for everyone—and maybe even something new for you to discover.
Sources: littlejoydelmar.com, Little Joy Del Mar Instagram Page
Header Image Source: Janaya Dasiuk on Unsplash
