The Bay Area's legendary coffee scene needs no introduction. The city's coffee shops and espresso bars have played host to a thousand moments of inspiration and intrigue, and are a vital part of San Francisco's ever-changing culture.
LessA charming Potrero Hill destination with dreamy outdoor seating from one of the city's best indie roasters. Longtime coffee veteran Andrew Barnett oversees the next wave of San Francisco coffee history; visit here for fine single origin espressos and grab a bag of beans to take home.
With multiple locations across the city, you're always nearby a Ritual Coffee bar. The company's busy Mission District cafe is a buzzing hive of coffee drinkers, and we love their tiny store inside of a shipping container in Hayes Valley. Drink a seasonal espresso (perhaps paired with an iced tea), and scoop up an eye-catching t-shirt.
Farley's tagline is 'Community in a Cup', and since 1989 they've built coffee shop vibes with serious history for generations of San Francisco residents. Some of the roasts here are a little darker than you might find elsewhere across town, so if you're a coffee lover who digs a splash of milk and a bit of sugar with their drip, this is your perfect spot.
Another must-see coffee bar in the Ferry Building, with coffees sourced and roasted from small farmer coopeartives around the world. Cold brew lovers should check out Proyecto's DIY home cold brew kits, or order ahead for a 2.5 liter pouch of the good stuff for the fridge back home.
The Oakland-based roaster Red Bay Coffee now have a coffee bar in the Ferry Building, which remains a must-visit for lovers of food and drink exploring San Francisco. Seasonal drinks are always an event here—don't miss the Candied Yam Latte this fall.
The latest from Equator Coffees, housed inside the historic "Round House" at the base of the Golden Gate Bridge. There may not be a more sweeping, inspiring view in all of San Francisco from which to sip a perfect cappuccino.
Bernal Heights mainstay Pinhole Coffee should be your perfect excuse for exploring one of San Francisco's most charming neighborhoods. Enjoy original art on the walls and plenty of classic San Francisco coffee bar vibes, alongside exemplary espresso drinks.
Speciality coffee legends Trish Rothgeb and Nick Cho own this charming specialty coffee bar in Cow Hollow. Come for the iconic pineapple wallpaper (#selfie), but stay for a carefully crafted hand-made pour-over.
Beach vibes can be found at Andytown in Outer Sunset, offering house roasted blends and single origin coffees within walking distance of the Pacific Ocean.
Arguably the classic, most elegant Blue Bottle cafe, a mainstay in the ever-growing coffee brand's arsenal of coffee bars large and small. This is the second-oldest Blue Bottle location; order a liege waffle and a shot of 17 Foot Espresso, the company's house blend, named for Mint Plaza's soaring ceilings.