Café 1134 is a fixture on Coronado Island’s trendy Orange Avenue. Right next door to the ever-popular Lambs Players Theater and a five minute walk from Hotel Del Coronado, the French café has been serving up breakfasts and bistro items for nearly two decades. If you follow conventional wisdom and eat where the locals eat, then you’ll find yourself here mingling with longtime Coronado regulars and throngs of tourists in the know. Grab a seat in the heart of the action, retreat to a quiet corner in the loft, or sit outside at one of the white bistro tables under large umbrellas. This lively café is a great place for coffee, comfort food, island insider knowledge, and a sense of community.
Cafe 1134 Ambiance
Café 1134 has an old European ambiance steeped in the allure of Provence, France. From the simple French chandeliers to the ornate ironwork to the marble counters and bistro tables to the organic floral arrangements, you’ll feel at home in this casual coffeehouse. There is a small wraparound counter with high top seating, and a few light wood tables and chairs line the front windows. Community newspapers, books, games, a repurposed bookshelf holding a variety coffee related items for sale, decorative shelves displaying loose teas and organic coffees, a chalkboard menu, and French county décor with an American flag here and there combine to create a homey space. Above the counter a hand-painted sign reminds you to “Breathe.”
A floral carpeted stairway leads to the cheerful loft in the bi-level bistro. Large mirrors and eclectic artwork hang on yellow walls; a long, single booth with several light wood tables and chairs line one wall. There is a rack of magazines, and marble shelves where condiments, plants, and board games share space along another wall. A few other wood tables and chairs are scattered about overlooking the lower level of the café and offering a view of the street through floor to ceiling windows.
A secluded back patio with a French country wall mural creates a friendly garden space to enjoy coffee, tea, or a meal at marble bistro tables with patio chairs; ample plants and umbrellas complete the tranquil ambiance. Glass doors leading to the front and back patio areas are covered with flyers alerting guests to upcoming community events and activities.
Cafe 1134 Food
Café 1134 is first and foremost a coffeehouse. They have a full espresso bar and a variety of organic coffees and loose leaf teas. Guests have raved about the Guatemalan Antigua coffee prepared in a French press. Mexican mocha is popular if you’re looking to also satisfy your sweet tooth. You can purchase organic Peerless Coffee & Tea by the bag, French presses, ceramic coffee cups, sustainable travel mugs, and other coffee related products.
An extensive breakfast menu includes an array of egg burritos, omelettes, and scrambles that come with fruit or potatoes and a baguette. The California breakfast burrito is always a favorite. Other breakfast items include homemade quiche, breakfast sandwiches, bagels, and Belgian waffles. If you prefer something lighter, the bistro offers a fruit parfait, cold cereal, or seasonal fresh fruit plates. A variety of flavorful muffins and pastries are also available.
For lunch and dinner, check out Café 1134’s bistro menu. They offer guests a healthy selection of options, including grilled focaccia Panini’s like the Tuscany with roast beef, crumbled blue cheese, fresh basil and tomatoes. The Roma is another fan-favorite Panini. The bistro makes wraps, pitas, and sandwiches too. The Mediterranean pita with breaded roasted eggplant, tomato, cucumber, onion, and feta with a side of tzaziki sauce is a good choice. You can order from a wide selection of salads as well. The café has a kids’ menu for the younger crowd.
If you’re looking for something on the light side, try any one of their four appetizers and you won’t go wrong. In keeping with the theme of the French bistro, wouldn’t it make sense to pair Brie in Puff Pastry topped with pecans and dried cranberries with your favorite wine? If your inclinations lean more toward pizza and beer, the Napoli Pita Pizza is also a great choice for a light bite.
Cafe 1134 Details
Café 1134 offers free Wi-Fi to all paying customers; you can count on it being busy, so it’s more a place to check in with social media than hammer out your next novel or PowerPoint presentation. Happy hours are Monday through Friday and all day Thursday. Tuesdays are half off beers all day. Sundays through Tuesdays after 4:00 p.m., Café 1134 offers a Money Wise Menu for the budget conscious. The café doesn’t accept reservations, and can fill up quickly so avoid peak times, arrive early, or be content to wait. The café is ADA accessible. There is counter service only, no wait staff. You pick up your drinks at the counter, but your food is delivered to your numbered table. The bistro provides a selection of beers and wines, but no cocktails. There is street and bike parking available.
Cafe 1134 Neighborhood
Orange Avenue is the commercial heartbeat of Coronado Island. You could spend an entire day simply perusing the shops, museums, galleries, theaters, restaurants, and other points of interest along this popular street. It is anchored on one end by the Hotel Del Coronado. A visit to the Hotel Del is an experience in itself. You can wander the upscale shops and spas there yourself, or take a guided tour of the hotel and grounds. Left or right out the doors of Café 1134, either way you’ll find a full day of fun.
If you’re still not sure what to do, the Coronado Visitor Center is about a block away to your left as you exit Café 1134.