Discover the city’s finest specialty coffee destinations.
San Francisco has long been a city of innovation, and its coffee culture is no exception. From its history as a supplier to miners during the Gold Rush to being home to some of the pioneers of the coffee waves, San Francisco’s love for coffee runs deep. Today, this vibrant city offers an incredible array of cafes, each serving expertly brewed cups alongside unique and memorable experiences. Whether you’re craving an iconic latte, a bold espresso, or a creative coffee concoction, San Francisco’s coffee scene has it all. Explore these 17 exceptional spots and see why the Bay Area remains a top destination for coffee lovers.
Kopiku
1443A Lombard Street, San Francisco, CA 94123
This Indonesian coffee roastery’s first San Francisco outpost offers rare and delightful coffee creations like iced pandan coffee and avocado chocolate drinks. Pair your cup with a nastar (pineapple shortbread) while soaking in the warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Wrecking Ball Coffee Roasters
2271 Union Street, San Francisco, CA 94123
Known for its pioneering role in the coffee world, Wrecking Ball serves precision-made espresso drinks and advanced pour-overs. Don’t miss their signature espresso citron tonic or grab a bag of expertly roasted beans for home brewing.
Saint Frank Coffee
130 Folsom Street, San Francisco, CA 94105
Minimalist design meets masterful coffee at Saint Frank. With Bolivian beans and a focus on tea-like brews, this is a must-visit for coffee aficionados. Their expanding presence across the city is a testament to their excellence.
Haraz Coffee House
1452 Franklin Street, San Francisco, CA 94109
Originating in Michigan, Haraz brings Yemeni-inspired coffee to California. Signature drinks like the pistachio latte and decadent honey-drizzled pastries make this a standout spot for those seeking unique flavours.
Outset Coffee
90 New Montgomery Street, San Francisco, CA 94105
Outset redefines creativity with their fruit-infused coffees, such as the Outset Americano made with Ethiopian coffee, jasmine green tea, orange syrup, and fresh juice. It’s an innovative experience for adventurous coffee lovers.
Scullery
687 Geary Street, San Francisco, CA 94102
This cosy nook on Geary Street offers top-notch Mother Tongue Coffee and exceptional toast options. With outdoor seating, it’s a charming spot to enjoy the bustling city vibe.
The Coffee Movement
1737 Balboa Street, San Francisco, CA 94121
Balboa Street’s gem offers rotating coffee flights, letting you sample multiple brewing methods or blends. Unique creations like the Earl Greyhound, a mix of filter coffee, grapefruit, and elderflower tonic, make this spot unforgettable.
Sextant Coffee Roasters
1415 Folsom Street, San Francisco, CA 94103
Sourcing beans directly from Ethiopia, Kenya, and Colombia, Sextant is a haven for high-quality, affordable coffee. Pair your drink with pastries from Firebrand Artisan Breads for a perfect pairing.
Telescope Coffee
451 9th Street, San Francisco, CA 94103
Telescope delights with its seasonal lattes and creative drinks, including a crowd-favourite honeycomb latte. It’s a SoMa hotspot where every detail of the coffee experience is considered.
Flywheel Coffee Roasters
672 Stanyan Street, San Francisco, CA 94117
Located near Golden Gate Park, Flywheel offers top-tier pour-overs and drip coffee. The founder’s expertise shines in every cup, making this a favourite for locals and visitors alike.
Abanico Coffee Roasters
2121 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA 94110
Abanico blends Latin American tradition with speciality coffee. Highlights include cafe de olla dusted with cinnamon and cafecito sweetened with condensed milk.
SPRO
500 Church Street, San Francisco, CA 94114
For inventive coffee drinks, SPRO excels with options like the Cold Fashioned, combining cold brew, orange bitters, and syrup. Visit one of their three locations for a drink that’s as creative as it is delicious.
Paper Son
2343 3rd Street, San Francisco, CA 94107
Merging Asian American heritage with coffee artistry, Paper Son’s espresso passionfruit tonic and Thai Tea Cloud are standout drinks that elevate traditional coffee offerings.
Grand Coffee
2663 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA 94110
This Mission District favourite recently expanded with a bright and airy second location. Enjoy expertly crafted Chemex brews and vibrant community vibes.
Hey Neighbor Cafe
2 Burrows Street, San Francisco, CA 94134
Run by Dee and their cat Boots, this Bayview cafe is a quirky gem. Try their Hella Black toast on Rize Up bread or house-made marmalade, paired with a stellar coffee.
Excelsior Coffee
4495 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA 94112
A Black and brown-owned business in a diverse neighbourhood, Excelsior Coffee stands out with its expertly roasted beans and beautifully spiced chai.
Java on Ocean
1700 Ocean Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94112
Known for its inviting space and creative lattes like rose and lavender, Java on Ocean is a go-to for those seeking comfort and character in their coffee experience.
San Francisco’s coffee scene continues to thrive with its mix of history, innovation, and community spirit. Visit these extraordinary cafes to savour the very best of the city’s coffee culture.