The Artenstein family — owners of Java Earth Coffee — is well aware that nearly everyone can make their own coffee at home these days.
But with their “Get Your Happy On” attitude, friendly baristas, proximity to the ocean and localized menu, residents and visitors alike can’t resist visiting the neighborhood cafe for its cup of java and more.
The cafe was started 15 years ago when Abe and Debbie Artenstein fell in love with Pacific Beach and the neighborhood surrounding their Cass Street location.
“At that time, my parents had lived near the area for years, but hadn’t explored Pacific Beach too much,” said their daughter, Andrea. “In 2010, they started spending more time in the area.”
A longtime hostess to her friends and family, Debbie was considering a business venture at the time.
“I’ve always had a ion for cooking and serving people,” Debbie said. “Java Earth is an extension of my home and it brings me great joy to build community around my food.”
Andrea said her parents purchased the present cafe from the former owner, after falling in love with the location and the neighborhood.
The Artensteins renamed the cafe Java Earth Coffee, with the goal of creating a place that felt like they were hosting and welcoming someone into their own home.
What her parents started has now become a family business for two of the couple’s four children.
With a corporate background in marketing, branding and human resources, Andrea, the second eldest, ed the family business in 2019 so she could have a more flexible schedule after she had children.
Fraternal twins Eric and Alex, are the youngest. Alex previously worked in construction management. He ed in 2020 and handles operations.
“Alex loves the coffee machine and treats it like his baby — he has a love for creating the perfect sip of coffee,” she said.
Eldest Daniel is a doctor and can often be found at the cafe.
Although Eric no longer lives in the area, “When he’s in town, he’s here at the cafe,” Andrea said.
With the goal of taking the cafe “to the next level,” Andrea gave the cafe a total rebrand while Alex modernized everything.
Abe continues to handle the finances and Debbie remains the creative vision behind the food.
“Although my mom and dad came into it together, we all just fell into it and we love it,” Andrea said.
“It’s been really fun to work with my children, and I am amazed with all the great innovations they have brought to the business,” Abe said. “It is a joy working together and I am very excited for the future.”
The southern California coastal menu at Java Earth is based on what Debbie likes to cook, combined with what the family “knows the neighborhood likes.”
The organic, Fair Trade coffee choices include hot and cold brews, as well as numerous specialty lattes, such as brown sugar cinnamon, pistachio and maple oat.
Specialty teas and non-expresso drinks ranging from fruit juices to bottled water, hot chocolate, chocolate milk, Mexican Coke and Kombucha round out the drink options.
Andrea said two of their most popular drinks are the honey vanilla latte and the strawberry matcha, which uses -sourced matcha from Paru in La Jolla.
Breakfast and lunch sandwiches are available, as well as bowls, breakfast burritos and tacos, acai options and salads.
Andrea said her personal favorite sandwich is the “Sunrise Breakfast;” sausage, egg and cheddar cheese are served on a bagel with avocado, arugula and homemade chipotle aioli.
“The So Cal burrito — made with a choice of meats (bacon, sausage or turkey), Jack cheese, avocado, eggs, hash browns and house-made salsa wrapped in a tortilla — is one of our best selling dishes. And people love the salsa so much we just started selling it as well,” Andrea said.
The Tuna Salad Sandwich is another popular option. It is described as a classic tuna salad, very lemony and fresh.
“People are obsessed with it,” she said.
Smoothies, bagels, toast, sides and sauces complete the menu.
The family opened a second Java Earth Coffee in La Jolla three years ago.
“It’s in La Jolla Village, which is part of a great neighborhood. You can walk around the block with your drink and see the ocean in a couple of minutes,” Andrea said.
“My favorite part of the business is being rooted in two amazing, vibrant communities — North PB and La Jolla,” Alex said. “Both areas have a unique energy and loyal locals that make what we do incredibly rewarding.”
Alex said he also appreciates the opportunity for growth.
“Whether it’s refining systems or experimenting with new ideas, there’s always a way to make things better. That process of improvement and seeing the results first-hand is what excites me most,” he said.
The Artensteins said they feel like the entire neighborhood is part of their family, and that someone seems to be at work at all times.
“You always run into at least one family member at one cafe or the other,” Andrea said. “We love to serve and talk to our customers and make them feel welcome. We know the neighborhood, we’ve watched their families grow and we even know their pets’ names. We appreciate their loyalty to us over the years.”
For the recipe to make Java Earth Coffee’s Coconut Matcha Americano — coming soon to its menu — see below.
Want to visit?
Java Earth Coffee Pacific Beach
Address: 4978 Cass Street
Phone: 858-274-0028
Hours: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily
Java Earth Coffee La Jolla
Address: 1030 Torrey Pines Road, Suite D
Phone: 858-412-4779
Hours: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily
Website: javaearthcoffee.com
Instagram: @javaearthcoffee
Good to know: Since lines can be long, online ordering is recommended.
Recipe from Java Earth Coffee
Coconut Matcha Americano
(coming soon)
Ingredients:
• 2 oz. Paru matcha
• 8 oz. organic coconut water
• 1 pump of organic pure maple syrup
Directions:
Mix ingredients together and enjoy.
Courtesy of Java Earth Coffee
