Jitters Coffee Pub, Oceanside’s oldest coffee shop and a cherished gathering spot for nearly three decades, is unveiling a revitalization through a new partnership with Felix Alcaide of One Kitchen Collaborative and Grammy Award-winning musician and local resident Jason Mraz.
Jitters has long served as 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. 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,” Mraz said. “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 neared completion in late April, the team began 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 scheduled for 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 such as 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.
“This isn’t just a facelift — it’s a homecoming,” said Vallie 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.”
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.
The full transformation will culminate in a grand opening “Summer Bash” on Saturday, July 12 from noon to 5 p.m. The all-day event will take over the cafe’s parking lot and mark the official launch of Jitters’ extended hours, full entertainment schedule and programming — including live music, comedy nights, DJ sets, workshops, Taco Tuesdays and more.
Visit Jitters’ Facebook page or Instagram page to keep up to date with their upcoming events and specials.
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