Yerba Opens In Pacific Beach

The San Diego-based Argentinean family behind the popular Parana Empanadas brand, with locations in Liberty Public Market, Westfield UTC and at farmer’s markets across the county, has announced their newest culinary concept, YERBA, debuting as a signature tea shop in Pacific Beach.

A healthier alternative to coffee

The café will be the only one of its kind in the city, focused on yerba mate, a traditional South American drink that is a caffeinated, healthier alternative to coffee. The drink is made from the dried leaves of an evergreen holly and is said to offer the “strength of coffee, the health benefits of tea, and the euphoria of chocolate” all in one beverage.

Yerba mate is also known for its clean, balanced source of energy and is a nutritional powerhouse with a high concentration of key vitamins and minerals, often recognized for its immunity boosting power and healing properties.

Bringing an authentic taste to the San Diego market

Yerba mate is a staple of Argentinean beverage culture and as natives of the country and personal connoisseurs of the drink and its careful preparation, YERBA founder Lucia Landman and her family are bringing an authentic taste of their traditional culture to the San Diego market.

At YERBA, guests will enjoy a menu of various flavors and types of yerba mate tea, available hot or cold, and served in the Argentinean manner with a gourd and straw. The brand’s signature yerba mate tea blends and a traditional yerba mate kit, including a mate cup and the bombilla straw, will also be available for sale and preparation at home.

A mouth-watering menu

Alongside the extensive tea menu and service, YERBA will serve the family’s cult favorite empanadas with flavors including wine-braised beef with raisins and sautéed onion (Malbec Beef), a combination of three mushroom types with parmesan cheese and sautéed onion (Mushrooms) and a fresh tomato, basil and cheese favorite (Margherita), as well as signature sauces such as chimichurri and green olive sauce.

The cafe’s all-day menu will also feature a variety of housemade sweets and desserts, including dulce de leche, chocolate alfajores, pastries, cookies and cakes.

The location

YERBA is located in the heart of Pacific Beach’s coastal neighborhood in a 1,200 square foot space featuring indoor and outdoor patio seating. The café will have an airy, beachy design aesthetic with white-washed interiors; a wood, black and white color palette; and a lush, greenery-filled environment that welcomes guests to relax, enjoy their yerba mate experience, work for a few hours, and socialize with friends and family.

YERBA, located at 956 Garnet Ave in Pacific Beach, will be open seven days per week from 8am-8pm. For more information, follow @yerba.matebar or visit www.yerbamatebar.com.