Caliso
Beach-style coffee shop with a drive-thru and outdoor swings at Km 28.5 of the free road · open daily 7 AM–10 PM
📍 Carretera Libre Tijuana-Ensenada Km 28.5, Renee's
- What to order
- Café lotus, banana chai or the guava drink
- Price
- Ask at the counter (no public menu)
- Area
- South end of downtown (Km 28.5)
- Payment
- Cash and cards
Caliso is the coffee shop you spot from the free road at the south end of downtown Rosarito: a white brick building at Km 28.5 with a turquoise palm tree and an "Est. 2022 · Coffee & Good Vibes" sign. That "Est. 2022" on its own sign marks its opening, and its first Google reviews date from the same year. It has since collected 565 Google Maps reviews averaging 4.4 stars (Oct 22, 2026).
Its strength is signature drinks rather than single-origin coffee. Tijuana en Línea (February 2026) highlighted its café lotus and banana chai, along with desserts and light breakfasts, and described it as a regular stop for people heading to Ensenada or back to Tijuana on the free road. Reviews keep mentioning the latte, the guava drink and the sandwiches, and several customers say the menu is different from other cafés in the area and that the baristas will tweak your drink (less espresso, for example).
The place is built for lingering: inside, turquoise tile, rattan lamps, upholstered banquettes and shelves of plants; outside, a wooden pergola, a window bar and swings that show up in nearly every photo. One customer compared it to the retro-futuristic look of The Incredibles. Some people bring a laptop to work, others bring their dog: Tijuana en Línea and reviews describe it as pet friendly.
For visitors from the US it is an easy stop: open 7 AM to 10 PM every day, with a drive-thru if you are in a hurry, free parking, and cards and contactless payment accepted. There is no public price list; customers describe prices as normal for the area. It gets crowded at peak times, especially on weekends.
Specialties
- Café lotus
- Banana chai
- Guava drink
- Lattes
- Sandwiches
The menu
Drinks
- Café lotus
Mentioned by Tijuana en Línea (Feb 2026)
- Banana chai
Mentioned by Tijuana en Línea (Feb 2026)
- Guava drink★
Recommended in reviews
- Latte★
- Seasonal drinks
Food
- Sandwiches★
- Light breakfasts
- Desserts
Caliso does not publish a priced menu (no website, and no delivery-app store found as of Oct 22, 2026). Items come from Tijuana en Línea (Feb 18, 2026) and Google reviews; ask for prices at the counter.
What people say
«I've never had a problem with my coffee. For me, it's the best in Rosarito. They've always treated me very well, they've even been patient when ordering when I've gone with a big group, and they know how to recommend drinks. Any adjustment to the drink (e.g. less espresso) they can make as requested. The space, although it can sometimes be very full, is good for hanging out. Prices are normal, cheaper than other places. P.S. They have delicious sandwiches!»
«The location is very good and they're pet friendly, I also like the variety of drinks because it's different from the other cafés in the area🫶🏼»
«Good coffee, great vibes, fun combinations. I would sit in Caliso anytime to work, hangout with friends, or just grab a nice refresher. I love their signature drinks. The staff were friendly and overall the vibe was poppin. I highly recommend the guava drink»
«This coffee shop looks like it could’ve been pulled straight out of The movie 🍿 🎥 The Incredibles super retro and clean with those futuristic vintage vibez😎😎💯. The coffee’s great and the service is even better🤙🏼🤙🏼🙃»
«Definitely a nice place to get coffee! There is plenty of space to sit and they even have some interesting swing/seat outside. My wife enjoyed the latte she ordered 👍»
Good to know
- Use the drive-thru if you are passing through. It has a drive-thru (Tijuana en Línea, Feb 2026): handy if you are heading to Ensenada or back to the border on the free road and do not want to park.
- Order a signature drink. What sets it apart is the house drinks: the café lotus, the banana chai or the guava drink. If you want less espresso in your drink, reviews say they adjust it without fuss.
- Go early or on a weekday. It opens at 7 AM. Several reviews mention it can get packed; if you want a table to work on a laptop, a weekday morning is the safest bet.
- Bring your dog. Reviews and Tijuana en Línea describe it as pet friendly; the pergola terrace with the swings is the best spot if you have a pet with you.
Frequently asked questions
What are Caliso hours?
According to Google Maps (checked October 22, 2026), it is open every day from 7 AM to 10 PM.
Where is Caliso?
At Km 28.5 of the Tijuana-Ensenada free road, Renee's neighborhood, Playas de Rosarito, at the south end of downtown, about 600 meters (a third of a mile) south of the Rosarito Beach Hotel. Phone: +52 661 104 3850.
Does Caliso have a drive-thru?
Yes. Tijuana en Línea (February 18, 2026) mentions it as an option for people in a hurry on the free road.
What should I order at Caliso?
The signature drinks: Tijuana en Línea highlights the café lotus and the banana chai, and Google reviews keep mentioning the guava drink, the latte and the sandwiches. There is no public price list; customers describe prices as normal for the area.
Is Caliso pet friendly?
Yes, according to 2026 Google reviews and Tijuana en Línea, which describes it as a place to go with your dog.
How long has Caliso been open?
Its sign reads "Est. 2022" and its earliest Google reviews are from that year.
Facts verified on . Prices and hours change: confirm before you go.
Sources
- Google Maps / Places API — Caliso (horario, teléfono, dirección, coordenadas, pago, servicios, reseñas, calificación, fotos de fachada con letrero «Est. 2022») (checked 22-oct-2026)
- Tijuana en Línea — «El cafecito que sabe a verano en Rosarito» (Isabel Mendoza, 18-feb-2026) (checked 22-oct-2026)
- Instagram de Caliso (@calisocoffee) (checked 22-oct-2026)
- Facebook de Caliso (CalisoCoffee) (checked 22-oct-2026)
