When it comes to choosing a place for a pick-me-up, there is no shortage of coffee shops around San Francisco. Whether you’re all about the signature drips, looking for a comfy spot to work with WiFi or just want to people-watch, there is always somewhere to go for a cup of Joe. Here are the contenders for best coffee shops, all delightful for different reasons.
Blue Bottle. What started out as a beloved neighborhood joint has blown up into a national phenomena, with people lining up for the freshly roasted offerings at locations on both coasts. But let’s focus on the coffee shops in SF–Ferry Building, Mint Plaza and the Hayes Valley Kiosk. At each and every one of them, coffee connoisseurs can expect a cheery ambiance along with flavorful and fragrant craft brews, espresso drinks and selections such as the Burundi Kayanza Ninja featuring hints of honey, nectarine and hibiscus.
La Capra Coffee. Those of you who like very strong coffee need to stop by this stylish Fremont Street shop. Here you’ll find sleek, simple interiors, perfect for enjoying espresso and artisan blends inspired by Italian tradition with interesting blends from Brazil, Guatemala and Ethiopia. The menu also features savory selections like the Avocado and Togarashi Toast or the Country Ham and Red Pepper Jelly, so you might want to linger a little longer. Maybe, you may find their services appealing or just how creative the place is, in regards to the previous ones you have been to.
Red Door Coffee. San Francisco is blessed with two outposts–111 Minna and 505 Howard–of this coffee haven known for being conducive to both work and just sitting there and thinking the day away. There is plenty of room to sit and sip on Four Barrel Coffee and David Rio Chai & Tea, and if you’re hungry there are sandwiches and soup from 1601 Bar & Kitchen in the house. Perhaps you’ll go for the Pork Banh Mi or the Free-Range Chicken Salad. If you’re craving sweets, Dynamo Donuts never disappoint. Trying them, in a way, will always keep you needing more.
Trusty Tiger. If you aren’t in the mood for a coffee shop, you can pick up a cappucino maker from Trusty Tiger and make your own. The DeLonghi coffee maker is their favorite machine for personal use, and when it comes to Nespresso pods they’ve also weighed in on the Inissia vs Pixie debate.
Wrecking Ball Coffee Roasters. What started out as a popular pop-up is now a bonafide brick and mortar coffee purveyor in the Cow Hollow neighborhood. This “coffee roasting company” has attracted plenty of buzz from NPR, the San Francisco Chronicle, The New York Times and other media outlets because of the “third wave coffee” approach to lighter roasts. Owners Trish Rothgeb and Nicholas Cho know what they’re doing and regularly speak about their techniques all around the world. They also take great pride in offering sustainably sourced, and expertly roasted coffee. As for the vibe, stark white interiors are quite the contrast to the more woodsy, darker settings at other shops around town. For some loyalists, walking in is like stimulating the senses with enticing aromas from the pour over bar adding to the excitement of waiting for their order.
So have you been to any of these awesome coffee shops in San Francisco yet? What is your go-to-spot?
Resources:
Trusty Tiger. http://www.trustytiger.com/delonghi-coffee-maker/
Wrecking Ball Coffee. http://www.wreckingballcoffee.com/
