Por Vida
2146 Logan Ave. (near Sampson St.)
San Diego, CA
(619) 307-3233
http://porvidasd.com

Last Saturday night there was music at Por Vida, which you can also hear  on www.radiopulsodelbarrio.com.

Ever on the quest to improve my high school Spanish, I was delighted to hear about Por Vida (For Life in English), a new coffee shop in Barrio Logan. My Spanish isn’t that good, though, as I had to ask what’s “canela”, which is part of their Espresso con Canela & Brown Sugar drink. “Cinnamon” is the answer for those of you like me who are still living with their high school Spanish. Delicious is also the answer! Their coffee is roasted by James Coffee in Little Italy, but their Espresso con Canela & Brown Sugar is pure Por Vida. They also offer Horchata lattes. Horchata is a popular rice based drink with a dash of cinnamon, but they add a shot of espresso. And fans of Mexican chocolate will be pleased to know they offer Mexican hot chocolate. But you can still get a café de casa, or a cup of their house coffee. Your Spanish may improve if you also try their “Pan Dulce” (Sweet Bread in English). Delicioso con cafe!

A gallery of items from Mexico & Guatemala in Por Vida.

For those of you looking for a unique gift, surprise your friend with something from Mexico or Guatemala without going there. Their shop space is festooned with items from these 2 countries at reasonable prices.

While you’re here, take a stroll to Chicano Park (to the right as you exit, it’s on the left in about 2 block). Murals on the Coronado Bridge concrete support pillars tell the history of Mexico, the Chicano people, Aztec legends, and local struggles. It’s recognized on the National Register of Historic Places. Read the history of the park here: www.chicanoparksandiego.com

Logistics: open Tues.-Sat. at 7:00am/at 10:00 on Sundays. They close at 7:00pm Tues.-Thurs./4:00pm on Sundays, but are open later on Fri. & Sat. nights. Closed Mondays. Street parking is free. There  is sidewalk seating, but you’ll have to ask for the entrance to their back patio.

I bet even without high school Spanish you’ll know what this is:
Feliz Navidad y Prospero Ano Nuevo
Patty y Helen