Dreamwave Coffee

Dreamwave Coffee is Mike's shop on El Camino Real in Carlsbad, and his mom's homemade banana bread is on the menu. It's retro and family-friendly, with a video game console in the corner, art and merch on the walls, and seating inside and out.

The High Tide is the house signature. The raspberry espresso soda is a fun one, and there's specialty matcha if you'd rather skip coffee. The flavors stay subtle, so the espresso still comes through. Have a slice of the banana bread with whatever you order.

Kids like the console, and there are tables inside if you need to get some work done. Lots of regulars are on a first-name basis with the staff.