Tender Hooligan

221 Third Ave Suite 101, Chula Vista, CA 91910, United States
+1 619-816-3556
$$$ Cafe , Bar , Coffee shop , Record store
(76 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

Welcome to Tender Hooligan, a hidden gem in the heart of Chula Vista! This eclectic café is more than just a coffee shop—it's a vibrant hub for relaxation, creativity, and connection. Nestled at 221 Third Ave Suite 101, this charming spot seamlessly blends a cocktail bar, craft beverage selection, and vinyl record store, creating a one-of-a-kind experience.

The moment you step through the doors, you're enveloped in a warm and inviting ambience, adorned with chic decor and an impressive collection of records lining the walls. The unique setup—a cozy environment with plush couches for lounging—invites you to stay a little longer. Whether you're catching up with friends, diving into a book, or grinding away on a side project, you're sure to feel right at home.

The menu at Tender Hooligan is as diverse as its clientele. Be sure to indulge in the delightful coffee options, like the Rude Girl—a fantastic pick that perfectly balances rich coffee flavors with a creamy finish. Pair it with one of their delicious sandwiches, such as the Muff Said, which has tantalizing layers of flavor that are simply unforgettable. Don’t overlook the refreshing, made-to-order cocktails—the Cherry Blossom and Death Before Decaf are just a couple of favorites that will tickle your taste buds and elevate your evening.

If you're in the mood for something a bit different, explore their impressive selection of sake, with choices like Jozen Junmai Ginjo Nigori and the delightful Sake Flight. Each sip invites you to savor its smooth, nuanced flavors, paired beautifully with light snacks that beckon you to stay awhile longer and indulge in good company.

The genuine warmth of the staff, highlighted in reviews, really adds to the allure of Tender Hooligan. Customers rave about the attentiveness of the team, from expert recommendations to accommodating dietary needs. As one visitor shared, "the staff is very genuine and care about you having a positive experience," ensuring that your visit feels personal and special.

With ample seating and plenty of outlets, it's not just a café; it's also the perfect venue for a productive study session or a relaxed gathering. Whether you're just stopping by for a quick coffee or planning to unwind with a few drinks after a long day, Tender Hooligan has something exceptional waiting for you.

So why not grab a friend and head to Chula Vista's Tender Hooligan? With its unique blend of coffee, cocktails, and a vibrant atmosphere, it’s an experience you won’t soon forget. Don’t miss out on this exciting spot that champions the local community and offers delightful culinary adventures in every sip and bite.

Contact: +1 619-816-3556

From the business
Identifies as Latino-owned
Service options
Delivery
On-site services
Dine-in
Highlights
Fast service
Great beer selection
Great coffee
Live performances
Popular for
Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Coffee
Wine
Amenities
Bar on site
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy
Crowd
Groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Transgender safe space
Payments
Cheques
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Paid street parking
Parking
Openings Hours

Monday

10:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Tuesday

10:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Wednesday

10:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Thursday

10:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Friday

10:00 AM - 12:00 AM

Saturday

10:00 AM - 12:00 AM

Sunday

10:00 AM - 10:00 PM

76 Reviews
I C

17 Sep 2025

This is a chic spot to go to in Chula Vista. Something totally different On Third Ave. The ambiance is really nice from the records on the walls. The d j really mixed it up, and he has a nice setup. They have beers and sake, drinks, and different mixed cocktails. It's not a full bar.The drinks and food were good. Very eclectic place to be in chula, Vista.

Christopher Gorrie

06 Sep 2025

Tender Hooligan is a semi-new establishment on 3rd Avenue in downtown Chula Vista. It’s a bit of an all-in-one experience, featuring a record store and telephone vinyl listening booth, a cocktail bar, draft beer, a coffee and food menu, couches, and more. The overall aesthetic and branding is super vibey—I love the hanging lantern covers, the black-and-white wallpaper in some sections, the refurbished British phone booths, and the atmosphere. It feels like a laidback remote work spot, a place to chill with friends for a bit, and does a good job of capturing 3rd Avenue’s long-standing entrepreneurial spirit. I came here for an event somewhat recently and it was pretty cool. They had lots of vendors, DJs, and live poetry. Plenty of people showed up, making it an interesting artistic event with networking opportunities. I tried the London Fog and it was pretty tasty! I’ll need to come back to try other coffee drinks and food. Update: I’ve been back a couple of times to try different drinks, a food item, and even play a show here. The owners are super hospitable and very friendly people. I always have a great time! I recently tried the matcha lemonade, which I wasn’t sure about at first due to the mixture of tang with the grassiness of the matcha—but it grew on me as I sipped. It’s actually quite a refreshing pick-me-up drink. The Death Cap for Cutie dish is pretty good too—I liked the marinade on the shiitake mushrooms and the flavor profile when mixed with the jalapeños, green onions, and furikake. It’s a great spot!

yessie wong

26 Aug 2025

I loved this place! The place is supper cozy. The owner and the baristas are really friendly. The coffee is good, the sake flight was really nice as well with the lil snacks. I would definitely recommend this place for a catch up, get together/ study session. They have plenty of space for all of that. They also do events sometimes. Definitely check this place out!

jason bemis

18 Aug 2025

This place is dope. Came in for a coffee and a beer and was greeted by Bianca and Heather super quick. Sat down at the bar and asked about the coffee choices and Bianca recommended the Rude Girl. Paired that with the Japanese rice lager by Fall brewing and the Muff Said sando. God damn everything was perfect. Small but killer beer list and the sandwich was on point. I'll definitely be back!!!!

Sam Acosta

21 Jul 2025

This place is awesome! Coffee, beers, records, and small bites are all great here. Good size for a cafe. Plenty of seating, outlets, and space between tables. I had a Lambretta speciality drink which was delicious. I’ll definitely be coming back again to come relax and work on my projects.

Manuela Galvan

05 Jun 2025

Great find here on 3rd avenue. I love the vibe and how they have amazing drinks with loads of vinyl records to purchase and listen. You can listen to them in the British telephone booths. I had the peach soju drink and it was refreshing. One of my favorite places here in Chula Vista.

Anabolena Valenzuela

04 Jun 2025

I ordered rude girl, fantastic. Different, thought was going to be over sweet due to the whipping cream but was really on point, could taste the coffee flavors. My husband ordered London fog also really good.

Daniel Millan

01 Jun 2025

Tender Hooligan has amazing vibes to study or do work. We went around evening on a weeknight and it wasn’t that busy! Staff is very genuine and care about you having a positive experience, even going out of their way to accommodate dietary restrictions. I would highly recommend this establishment and would recommend anyone come here for good coffee, yummy food, and amazing vibes.

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