Bica, a charming new daytime cafe in Normal Heights, is fostering a sense of community one European-style espresso at a time.
“We’ve gotten a lot of great from the community saying that there isn’t a coffee shop like this here,” said Charles “Charlie” Knowles, Bica’s co-owner. “There are people outside just hanging out, relaxing, listening to music.”
A Portuguese nickname for “little cafe,” Bica is the latest addition to Knowles and Manny Da Luz’s roster of hospitality projects in town. The San Diego natives run Cops and Robbers, a supper club, and plan on opening the Butcher’s Plate, a rotisserie-focused food spot in National City’s Market on 8th this year..
Located at 3569 Adams Avenue, Bica features a seasonal menu and a shaded patio for outdoor dining and free Wifi. Its coffee beverages are made with beans from the local specialty coffee purveyor Provecho! Coffee Co. The cafe plans to add beer, wine and Paru Tea beverages down the line.
The two chefs are cooking up specialty dishes like tartines, avocado toast, smoked fish, sandwiches made with California-grown Companion Bread, and fresh-caught seafood using seasonal produce from Tuna Dockside Market. Prepared in house, the dishes will evolve along with the seasons.
Taking after da Luz’s Portuguese heritage, pastel de nata or Portuguese custard tarts are baked in house along with citrus olive oil cake. Pastries from Prager Brothers Artisan Breads are also available.
After working in Los Angeles, the chefs are happy to be back in San Diego and hope to be a part of the local community through venues like Bica.
“(The ) has been overwhelmingly amazing,” said Knowles. “We just can’t wait to keep growing with the community.”
Bica is open daily from 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Follow @bica_sd on Instagram.
Roxana Becerril is a freelance writer.
