Tucked in the heart of San Diego, Monday Morning is redefining the drinking experience—one functional beverage at a time. As the city’s first non-alcoholic bottle shop and lounge, Monday Morning is building a community hub rooted in connection, ritual, and care. We sat down with the founder to talk about the journey to launching Monday Morning, the rise of the non-alcoholic movement, and where to sip something special next time you’re in San Diego.

 

Tell us more about Monday Morning—how did it all begin?
Because everyone deserves a good drink. After a long period of questioning my relationship with alcohol, I realized I had a problem and needed to stop. After five months alcohol-free, I was underwhelmed by the non-alcoholic (NA) options available in San Diego, so I invested in my own journey and discovered the best the industry had to offer. By the time I reached my one-year sobriety mark, I was ready to open San Diego’s first NA bottle shop and lounge.

 

What can visitors expect when they walk into your shop?
We are all about the vibe. Sit, Sip, and Shop is our mantra. When guests walk through our doors, they’re greeted with a warm smile and a level of care they may not have experienced elsewhere. We carry over 400 NA beers, wines, spirits, and functional drinks—something for everyone, no matter their relationship with alcohol. We’re not anti-alcohol; we’re pro-options, and we’re here to help San Diego drink differently.

 

Do you have a favorite beverage or brand right now?
Our current best-seller is Kava Haven. Kava is a root from the South Pacific known to reduce stress and anxiety. On weekends, we feature a rotating menu of mocktails made with functional ingredients. Everyone on our team is knowledgeable about the effects and benefits of each drink. Nothing in our shop will alter your headspace, but your body will feel the difference.

 

Your store is all about connection and ritual—what does a perfect slow morning look like for you in San Diego?
A slow morning at the shop means cleaning, stocking, and setting the tone for the day. There’s no real downtime—we’re constantly curating a vibe that feels intentional. You can’t provide a top-notch experience if the details aren’t dialed in, so our quiet mornings are all about attention to the little things… plus some loud music.

 

How have you seen the non-alcoholic movement evolve in San Diego—and what do you think is driving its growth?
The NA movement is growing globally, and San Diego is no exception. While it’s one of the healthiest cities in the country, it also ranks in the top five for DUIs. That tells us something: people are craving better choices. In March, we launched San Diego’s first NA distribution company, so we’re now partnering with bars, restaurants, and retailers across the city to expand access and raise the bar on what’s available.

 

Orli encourages guests to explore La Jolla like a local. Can you share your favorite local spots in San Diego that you’d recommend to Orli’s guests?
Oh man—so many great spots. I’d suggest a walk to Warwick’s to support a local bookstore, then stroll along the street and explore the shops. End your walk at Queenstown for some warm bread, a Monday Morning drink, and some solid people-watching.

 

If someone is staying at Orli and wants to indulge in San Diego’s NA scene, where should they go for a drink?
Besides visiting us at Monday Morning, we’re big fans of Paradisaea and are currently working with them to elevate their mocktail menu. You may even find Monday Morning featured there soon. The food is next-level, and the NA options are thoughtful and delicious.

 

Community is at the heart of both Orli and Monday Morning. How do you see non-alcoholic offerings playing a bigger role in social gatherings and events—and how can hosts start to incorporate them more intentionally?
Community is everything at Monday Morning. Regardless of your relationship with alcohol, you deserve to feel included. Personally, if I’m at a bar or event and the NA options are limited to soda or bad beer, I won’t stay long—it’s uninspiring. But if I’m at a spot that offers well-made, intentional AF drinks, I’m staying out all night with my friends. I feel seen and respected. Once hosts and venues embrace that mindset, the entire community benefits.

 

What’s coming up next for Monday Morning?
We’re not slowing down. Once the shop and our distribution arm are running at full speed, we have plans for another location and expanding into more events across San Diego. The opportunity to change the way this city drinks is massive—and Monday Morning is here to lead the charge.