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Playground Art & Coffee will debut on University Avenue in the former home of Verbena Kitchen, with a rolling grand opening celebration scheduled for March 26 through March 28. The concept is led by founder Spring Barnickle, who describes the project as the culmination of a lifelong passion for food, creativity and community building.
The 55-seat University Avenue space has sat vacant since Verbena Kitchen closed in May 2023 after less than two years in operation. Now, nearly three years later, the address is being reimagined as a retro-inspired coffeehouse designed not just for caffeine, but for connection.
Playground’s interior draws inspiration from 1970s design, with soft seating, warm tones and playful details intended to evoke comfort and nostalgia. The concept positions itself as both a high-quality coffee shop and a maker space where adults can gather for creative exploration.
The beverage program leans into both craftsmanship and whimsy. Traditional espresso drinks such as lattes, cappuccinos and Americanos will share menu space with more experimental creations including a Hazelnut Sesame Latte, Pandan Mint Mocha, Creamsicle Cold Brew, Root Beer Latte, Salted Nutella Whipped Mocha and Ube Matcha Latte. Coffee tonics and sodas round out the menu, with options like an Espresso Tonic, Orange Yuzu Coffee Soda, Dirty Ube Chai Soda and Strawberry Matcha Soda. Customers can customize drinks with flavored cold foams, and the shop emphasizes sustainable sourcing practices.
Playground is partnering with City Heights-based Torque Coffee, a local roaster with more than 20 years of experience working with sustainably grown beans. In addition to specialty coffee, the cafe will offer ceremonial-grade matcha prepared by trained baristas.
The food menu aims to balance indulgence with allergy-conscious options. Signature croissant bars will be offered in flavors such as almond, pistachio, chocolate, strawberry chocolate, cinnamon roll, cherry vanilla and salted Nutella. Nostalgic treats are being reimagined with items like Galactic Brownies, Protein Cookie Dough Bites, Gooey Ube Cheesecake Bars and Peanut Butter Fudge Protein Minis. Savory options will include handheld pastries and phyllo twists, many of which will be vegan or gluten-free, as well as “Grown-Up Lunchables” designed for quick, balanced meals.
Barnickle previously operated a professional confectionary kitchen and has developed recipes for New York Times bestselling cookbook authors, experience that informs the cafe’s in-house baking program. Early test items include a Fudge Brownie Latte made with housemade syrup, Strawberry Matcha Cookies and Panini Hash Browns.
Beyond the menu, Playground’s identity is rooted in creative programming. Weekly events will include “Dopamine Thursdays” featuring casual art projects, Saturday Playdates with guided workshops and Sunday Sunshine sessions offering chocolate tastings, coffee cuppings and mocktail-making classes. The goal, according to ownership, is to encourage adults to slow down, engage creatively and reconnect with a sense of play.
Playground Art & Coffee is expected to open on March 26 at 3043 University Avenue in San Diego’s North Park. For more information, visit playgroundartandcoffee.com.
Originally published on February 20, 2026. Information first reported by Joey Reams of WhatNow.
