Advertised as a European cafe with a Californian flair, the Living Room Coffeehouse La Jolla has transformed itself with a recent move into regal surroundings becoming a full-service restaurant, bar, and live entertainment venue.
The red carpet has truly been rolled out at the Living Room’s new location at 1205 Prospect St. in a building built by businessman and philanthropist Doug Manchester. Bistro owner Sam Azzu pointed out his establishment has always been a “melting pot” for San Diego and a place where people “from all over the world hang out drinking coffee, playing board games and studying.” He added the Living Room is designed to be “a place where people come together. We celebrated our 30th anniversary last year. I came into the picture in 2000.”
Azzu said his place is the exact opposite of a corporate-owned coffee-oriented business. “We are the opposite,” he said pointing out “Most coffee shops nowadays are drive-thrus, whereas the Living Room is a true European-style coffee shop. I feel we have contributed in a positive way to our community.”
Azzu expressed gratitude to Manchester and his financial group. “Manchester Group’s leasing agent reached out to us and we thank Papa Doug for accommodating the Living Room.”
About the plush surroundings in his new location of 11,000-plus square feet, Azzu added: “Every day now we see college kids hanging out and sitting in chairs and at tables that cost thousands of dollars. Being a part of this beautiful spot is a great feeling.”
Living Room’s new location is a major upgrade in numerous ways. Azzu pointed out that his new kitchen space is “larger than my entire space in the old spot.” That has allowed him several advantages including providing space for more equipment while allowing the bistro to change its menu.
“We went from being a simple cafe steaming our eggs on an espresso machine to making egg sandwiches, omelets, pancakes, waffles, and eggs Benedict – a full breakfast menu.”
Azzu said they’ve also changed their night menu going beyond soups, sandwiches, and salads to adding a “whole array cooked foods and meats as well as chicken, beef, and seafood dishes.”
Living Room’s owner added their outsize kitchen also allows them to offer pizza and flatbreads as menu items. The establishment has also become La Jolla’s “late-night” dining. “If you’re walking around La Jolla after 9 p.m. and you feel out of luck (for eating options), drop in at the Living Room,” implored Azzu. “We’re open until 11 p.m. offering full dinners.”
The restaurateur said there are a couple of other refinements in their new space including their inheriting a “huge empty wine cellar” they intend to fill with a wide selection of wines at a variety of price points. Azzu added he has converted part of his space into a “speakeasy” bar that he has been able to stock with his full liquor license with “the rarest and hardest to get scotches and bourbons in the world.”
Azzu added he also plans to bring live musical entertainment into the Living Room on weekends, even anticipating having open-mic nights. “It’s going to be a fun place,” he concluded.
LIVING ROOM COFFEEHOUSE
Where: 1205 Prospect St.
Hours: 7 a.m.-midnight Sundays to Thursdays, 7 a.m.- 1 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays.
Info: livingroomcafe.com.
Living Room Café Story, since 1991 – The College Living Room Coffeehouse was the first store to open in San Diego on Thanksgiving Day 1991 followed by The Living Room Café of La Jolla in 1993. The bistro’s location was to provide the students and community with a new meaning to coffee. The unique setting was created for studious students, business people on the run, and residents wanting to try great-tasting food, a relaxing atmosphere, with varieties of gourmet coffees and Exotic Teas. Not only do people visit the Living Room for food and coffee, but the scene of the bistro is for anyone who wishes to have a great time with friends or just to hang out.
