3 Reasons Why I Don't go to Bird Rock Anymore

Ugh. I've procrastinated writing this review because I have to say things that I DON'T WANT TO SAY. Bird Rock, I want to love you. So badly. But sadly, I cannot.

Bird Rock and I have had an ongoing flirtation over the years, but I've never been ready to make a full commitment. And here's why: they overpromise and undersell. I know I know, harsh.

Bird Rock Coffee Roasters is a third wave coffee shop with several shops around San Diego; they have locations in Morena, Pacific Beach, La Jolla, Bressi Ranch, Little Italy, and Torrey Pines.

I go to the Torrey Pines storefront, as it's located conveniently close to my house and has a gorgeous view of the ocean. Because of this ~A1~ location, I want it to be soooo delicious!

Here are the three reasons why I've finally decided to call it quits with Bird Rock.

1. Consistency is key The Torrey Pines location opened just a few years ago, and I was ecstatic. I tried it out immediately. The first time, I ordered an iced chai with almond milk. It was okay. Not too sweet, fine spices, but a little watery. Very mediocre. In June 2020, I got an iced dirty chai with regular milk. I usually do not consume dairy, but a friend ordered this for me and forgot. Although I just took a few sips (due to the dairy), this was a completely different chai. For starters, it was almost white. It was basically milk. A few weeks ago, I got an iced dirty chai with oat milk. This chai was also completely different from the previous chais. Bottom line: I have no idea what to expect from Bird Rock! Each time I go it's like trying a brand new latte.
   

2. Chai chai not real smooth I've already harped on their inconsistency, so for now I'm just going to discuss the most recent chai I received. I'm tempted to just say it wasn't good and call it a day, but I know you need more detail than that. The chai had a heavy licorice flavor, which is I must say my least favorite flavor to experience in a chai. Additionally, the sweetness in the drink was overly syrupy. Lastly, the coffee was weak and did not provide the full-bodied nuttiness needed to counter the sweet chai. Rating: 2.5/5 - will not be ordering again.
   

3. Vanilla latte Lastly, I made sure to try a few other drinks before I put Bird Rock on my official no no list. Vanilla latte: 1/5 - I wanted this to be so good! After having Sand n' Straw's vanilla latte (at the time it was made with Bird Rock beans but they have since switched to James Coffee) I was thrilled at the prospect of finding a yummy Bird Rock drink. Alas, this was not the case. Unfortunately, I did not even finish this latte. The flavor was somewhat reminiscent of Starbucks' vanilla latte, but worse. In this instance, I believe their vanilla syrup is to blame. Cold brew: 3/5 - My boyfriend loves the Starbucks cold brew with vanilla sweet cream and he tries to replicate it everywhere he goes. Bird Rock's cold brew was okay but nothing to write home about. The drink was rather bitter (odd for a cold brew) and again, I believe the vanilla syrup brought it down even further.
   

All in all, Bird Rock is the crush I just can't shake. I want things to work out between us so badly, but deep down I wonder if we're just not meant to be.

Have you tried Bird Rock? I would LOVE to know your thoughts! Comment your Bird Rock order down below. Should I give them another chance?

Hugs & scones,

Micah at Chai Everything