Founded in 2003 by Tom Holt in Ventura, California, Urbane Café has grown steadily to over 30 locations, all company-owned, with a footprint spanning from San Diego to Las Vegas. The concept centers around made-to-order sandwiches crafted with fresh-baked focaccia bread, house-roasted meats, and locally sourced produce. Each café is designed around a hearth oven, and every sandwich is served on bread baked within 45 minutes of your order.
The new Midway District café will open in the space last occupied by The House of Yogi. Expect a menu featuring Urbane’s signature offerings - like the Chimichurri Steak, Santa Maria BBQ Chicken, and Cilantro Torta sandwiches - as well as seasonal salads and bowls to a high-traffic corridor that’s historically underserved in terms of fresh, health-conscious fast casual options. Urbane Café positions itself as a flavorful and affordable alternative to burger, pizza, and taco chains, with most meals priced under $15.
The new Midway District café will open in the space last occupied by The House of Yogi. Expect a menu featuring Urbane’s signature offerings - like the Chimichurri Steak, Santa Maria BBQ Chicken, and Cilantro Torta sandwiches - as well as seasonal salads and bowls to a high-traffic corridor that’s historically underserved in terms of fresh, health-conscious fast casual options. Urbane Café positions itself as a flavorful and affordable alternative to burger, pizza, and taco chains, with most meals priced under $15.
Once complete, the Midway café will become Urbane Café's fifth location in the San Diego area, joining existing branches in Old Town, Clairemont, Mira Mesa, and Chula Vista. The new outpost fills a noticeable gap in the central coastal region and further cements Urbane's commitment to serving communities across the county with its brand of fresh, fast-casual fare. Urbane Café’s entrance into the Midway area reflects its ongoing expansion strategy backed in part by a minority investment from Panda Restaurant Group in 2017.
The brand is also known for its community-minded ethos. Recent grand openings have included “Dine & Donate” events, where guests receive free meals in exchange for charitable donations benefiting local nonprofits and schools. It is not yet confirmed whether the San Diego launch will include similar events, but past locations have hosted giveaways and appreciation days for teachers, healthcare workers, and first responders.
The brand is also known for its community-minded ethos. Recent grand openings have included “Dine & Donate” events, where guests receive free meals in exchange for charitable donations benefiting local nonprofits and schools. It is not yet confirmed whether the San Diego launch will include similar events, but past locations have hosted giveaways and appreciation days for teachers, healthcare workers, and first responders.
Urbane Café is anticipated to open later this year at 3954 W Point Loma Boulevard, Suite B, in San Diego's Midway District. For more information, visit urbanecafe.com.
Originally published on July 22, 2025.
