Don't let the trolley tracks fool you. This small San Diego coffee shop squashed between storefronts on C Street downtown is one in a million: this is where the magic happens.

Every Tuesday, Elixir Espresso Bar bakes its own scones and the whole city knows it. Suits and students alike can be seen lining up outside, crowding the outdoor trolly-side patio tables, hoping they haven't arrived too late to taste what they've been smelling for blocks. Cinnamon strawberry, raspberry, raisin, current, lemon, orange, blueberry, chocolate, you name it; every week the flavor changes and every week the line gets longer. If you previously disregarded scones because of their dry texture and bland flavor, you're the perfect candidate for an Elixir Scone Experience to rock your world and help you rethink the possibilities of pastry.

That said, Elixir also has the best espresso in San Diego county. Hands down. Reasonably priced and owned by the sweetest woman north of Broadway, Elixir should make it that much easier to hop out of bed on Tuesdays and head downtown to work.

Insider Tip: While they do accept credit and debit cards, there is a minimum purchase of $5 - so if you're just there for the scones, you're gonna need cash. Unless you're buying more than one (and really, why shouldn't you?).