SAN DIEGO, CA (MAY 1, 2025) – A beloved local landmark is getting a fresh new groove. Jitters Coffee Pub, Oceanside’s oldest coffee shop and a cherished gathering spot for nearly three decades, is unveiling a bold revitalization through a new partnership with culinary visionary Felix Alcaide of One Kitchen Collaborative and GRAMMY Award-winning musician and local resident, Jason Mraz.
Jitters has long served as a cornerstone of the Oceanside community—a place where people come to connect, create, refuel, and unwind. This next chapter brings a fresh renovation, a reimagined menu, and an expanded calendar of events, all while preserving the soul and character that has kept Jitters close to the community’s heart for nearly 30 years. Mraz has felt at home at Jitters for many years, often performing unannounced to test out new songs. His deep ties to Oceanside and passion for community, food, and the arts make this collaboration a natural evolution.
“Jitters is a place that has seen my friends and me through so many chapters of life,”
said Jason Mraz. “I started my career strumming songs in the corner of a coffee shop; places like Jitters are part of my origin story. A coffee shop is like a clubhouse, a third space that’s neither home nor office, and I’ve always admired the warmth that Jitters offers this town. When the chance came to help revitalize it, I knew I had to jump in. Oceanside deserves a place like this—where everyone can feel at home and gather for good food and good fun.”
As renovations are nearing completion in late April, the team is already rolling out a series of events to invite the community back in. The first Taco Tuesday on April 22 served as an unofficial welcome back, followed by a second and third on May 27 and June 17.
The refreshed menu, led by Alcaide, emphasizes high-quality, plant-forward offerings inspired by global flavors and built around ingredients sourced from local farmers. While honoring Jitters’ legacy of great coffee, the updated selections introduce seasonal dishes like a standout falafel burger and a rotating avocado toast, featuring locally grown avocados. The new food program reflects the owners’ travels and shared love of nourishing, approachable cuisine that celebrates the region’s bounty. While sugary, blended drinks have been pared down, they haven’t disappeared—ensuring there’s still something for everyone.
The full transformation will culminate in a community-wide celebration on Saturday, July 12 from 12pm to 5pm: the Jitters Grand Opening “Summer Bash.” This all-day event will take over the café’s parking lot and mark the official launch of Jitters’ extended hours, full entertainment schedule, and robust programming—including live music, comedy nights, DJ sets, workshops, Taco Tuesdays, and more. Designed to reflect the heart at the core of Jitters, the event will embody the coffee pub’s role as a third space—a place that bridges the gap between home and work and brings people together over food, laughter, and good conversation.
Throughout the process, Jitters remains deeply committed to supporting local makers and vendors. From continuing partnerships with area artists and farms (including fresh goods from Mraz’s own farm) to collaborations with neighboring businesses such as Cats & Crystals, every update has been made with the goal of keeping Oceanside at the center of it all.
“This isn’t just a facelift—it’s a homecoming,” said Gilley, who has owned Jitters for 24 years. “We’re building on decades of memories while creating something that speaks to where Oceanside is going. Jitters has always been more than coffee—it’s a place full of heart, humor, and community, and we’re beyond excited to invite everyone back.”
As Jitters brews this exciting new era, the vision is clear: serve up exceptional food and coffee, share a laugh or two, and build a space where the community feels like family.
About Jitters Coffee Pub
Jitters Coffee Pub has been a cornerstone of the Oceanside community for nearly three decades, offering a welcoming space for connection, creativity, great coffee, and nourishment. Known as Oceanside’s original coffee shop, Jitters has built its reputation on strong local ties, supporting nearby farmers, artists, and small businesses. More than just a café, Jitters serves as a true third space—a vibrant gathering spot between home and work, where the values of food, fun, and coffee are always served with a side of humor and heart.
…
