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SIP Coffee & Tea in SF
Where have all the percolators and teabags gone?...Long time passing. Now we must view coffee and tea as lifestyle-oriented beverages from menus full of endless variations. But a solid cup of joe and a proper spot of tea can be found in the nooks and crannies of our town. Here's a list...
223 Places
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Ed’s 4-star review: Damn, I should have come here for my 901st review!... Well, I'm glad the owner didn't come up with some misconceived name like the Coffee Hut or Caffeine Express or Jolting Java for this super-casual place. Keeping the address in the name makes me remember it all the more since I don't live in North Beach. Jamie W. and I were strolling feeling a bit peckish after our paninis at Mario's Bohemian Cigar Store Cafe. We saw a group huddled around the sofa watching the Democratic Convention on a flatscreen, while others were focused solely on their laptops. They appear to serve the typical sandwiches and salads, but we went for the last piece of tiramisu in the glass case. It was really light and tasty, and I have no idea where they get it. But I'd come back for that in an Italian minute. Not much else to say except they serve a good cup of joe, too. If I lived around there, I'd be spending some serious slouching time there. The vibe is so laid back here that it feels like one big Valium in a martini. That's a compliment actually. COFFEE/DESSERT - 4 stars...that tiramisu was definitely homemade but whose home? AMBIANCE - 3.5 stars...casual to the extreme SERVICE - 3 stars...chill, dude TOTAL - 4 stars...for a coffee place, sure, I'll give it four stars -
Ed’s 4-star review: I thought this would be one of those intimidating places where the proprietor would try to explain the finer nuances of various tea leaves to which I would respond with a glazed stare. But no, the most intimidating part of the shop is the over 150 varieties of tea on display in various canisters with photos on their descriptive labels, most literal translations and others comically tongue-in-cheek. Jamie W. and I came here after stopping to smell the roses and whatever flora they have at the San Francisco Botanical Garden. The high praise on Yelp lured us in on a slow Saturday afternoon when we had the full attention of the very young staff (photo: http://bit.ly/2eDdrH8). There was no sighting of owner Haymen Da Luz, whom I heard was quite the colorful connoisseur, but his staff did him proud with their thorough descriptions and obliging behavior during our generous tea tasting. The selection covered the full range of loose leaf teas - jasmine, white, green oolong, black, pu-erh. We went for the sweeter ones like Chocolate Mint and Peach Momo White Tea (photo: http://bit.ly/2uKhQ12) before settling on a purchase of the Coconut Green Tea which was deliciously Mounds-like in flavor (photo: http://bit.ly/2ukLiZh). There were all kinds of tea accessories available including little clay pots and gaiwan sets (photo: http://bit.ly/2tPiOF9). It's definitely worth a return visit to get a further education on the joys of tea. TEA - 4 stars...really subtle flavors that linger in the palate AMBIANCE - 3.5 stars...cute little space packed with quality...love how they explain they don't sell boba because their teas don't suck balls SERVICE - 4 stars...informative and attentive TOTAL - 4 stars...really a treat on a quiet afternoon if you don't overstay your welcome -
Ed’s 4-star review: I have to admit something. I doubt if I've had a more pretentious coffee-ordering experience than I did at the cavernous Berkeley location of this establishment. If you ever wonder why the rest of America hates Californians, just go there and you'll suddenly get it and start getting depressed. In fact, you'll try to figure out how to erase "California" from your driver's license, so people don't think you need to have your coffee blossom brewed. Yeah, I still don't understand what that means. However, that much laser focus on quality bean control and curated, state-of-the-art brewing equipment increase your chances for a solid cup of joe. At least, that was the depth of my expectation when I decided to give the Hayes Valley location a try on a less-than-frenetic Sunday afternoon. Right next to Loving Cup where all that rice pudding and froyo awaits for the more calorifically inclined, this spot is certainly not the expansive 1,700 square feet to be found on Berkeley's 4th Street. Try 500 square feet tops and quite a tight squeeze indeed for a live-roasting operation like this (photo: http://bit.ly/1Tohvmu). The staff here is clearly proud of their coffee-making prowess, but the beauty is that they don't take as pompous a tone as they do in Berkeley. I decided to order a $5 Vanilla Latte because it simply felt right for a lazy Sunday when I was looking for an excuse not to do my laundry. How nice it was to see flecks of vanilla bean in my foam as I was gingerly stirring my paper cup (photo: http://bit.ly/1TofZRl). There was no room inside or out as it was filled with static twenty-somethings in various shades of neutral and noncommittal replete with their razor-thin Macbooks and lululemon yoga mats in tow. So I left with my dignity intact and my cup firmly in hand and was pleasantly surprised how smooth it was without being overly sweet. I guess I can be a proud Californian again. LATTE - 4 stars...quite a silky smooth vanilla latte that tasted like actual vanilla AMBIANCE - 3.5 stars...smallish spot so expect to take it to go SERVICE - 3.5 stars...minimal dialogue, maximum pleasure TOTAL - 4 stars...less pomp, more circumstance and a fine brew -
Ed’s 4-star review: This is the Yasujiro Ozu of tea shops. Who is Yasujiro Ozu, you ask? He was one of the best of the classic Japanese filmmakers who made becalming movies where he would put the camera at the level of someone sitting on a tatami mat and hold static shots for long periods. He would tell quiet stories that didn't place focus on major dramatic events but rather on those subtle moments that happen before and after. Asha reminds me of that restorative, idiosyncratic approach since they serve boba drinks but not a hundred variations on them, and they also do traditional tea service if you want. Yep, it's all very Ozu if you ask me. Quite ironically in direct contrast to the flashier i-Tea up the street, it's somewhat hidden on the busy part of Kearny just after the traffic pours in from Market and 3rd Street. Enter and you are immersed in blonde wood, gray floors, clean lines, and a young, quiet staff dressed in matching gray pullover sweaters. Even when the tables are filled with hipsters on their laptops, it never feels rushed. All the menu choices are presented on the wall in an organized series of blonde wood planks - a wide variety of teas from sweetened milk to pure organic (photo: http://bit.ly/1QZuTyy). During my first visit, I ordered a soothing $4 Masala Chai Latte (photo: http://bit.ly/1SlgKyQ). I also shared a $4 trio of lightly crunchy Assam Butter Cookies with co-workers on a rainy day (photo: http://bit.ly/1o9kd7i). During a solo journey the other day, I tried the $4 Tapioca Boba Milk Tea, which was generous with the boba though a bit excessive with the ice. Nonetheless, it was refreshing as an after-lunch pick-me-up. This time, I had a $3.50 Matcha Muffin to accompany it, and I liked how tasty it was without being too tea-intensive (photo: http://bit.ly/1RvoqgN). "Rich and vegetal" is how they described it, it works. Like an Ozu film, you would see me gazing at the menu in one scene and wiping my mouth in the next. That loud bubble-slurping noise in between was not me. No way. TEA, ETC. - 4 stars...soothing, relaxing, ideal for that late afternoon respite AMBIANCE - 4.5 stars...like I said, very Ozu at his most meditative state SERVICE - 4 stars...very quiet and polite, nice sweaters TOTAL - 4 stars...the stillness is welcome, also a cute logo -
Ed’s 4-star review: Doesn't it seem like the Richmond district has more cafes per square mile than any other part of the city? I have no idea if that's true, probably not but I needed to open this review with some misinformed observation. Just call it a Trumpism. Anyhow, I strolled over here as I was waiting for my Prius to get serviced. Surely you're not surprised I have a Prius. I didn't think so. They have a pretty robust breakfast menu and a long list of melted sandwiches, all of which sounded tempting (photo: http://bit.ly/2nUpuBE), but I was wisely avoiding between-meals meals at the time. Instead, I went for a piping hot $3 cup of Peppermint Tea (photo: http://bit.ly/2CfgJ9D) and sat myself down in a quiet space amid other silent tea sippers. Kinda like a cult, huh. TEA - 4 stars...nice cup of loose leaf warmth AMBIANCE - 3.5 stars...library-like in here SERVICE - 3.5 stars...very quiet and unobtrusive TOTAL - 4 stars...am I Yelping too loud, Ashley? -
Ed’s 3-star review: I suppose I should be thrilled that Emporio Rulli has decided to open another cafe on Union Square in an attempt to evoke Piazza San Marco, Plaza Mayor, Piccadilly Circus or any number of European urban gathering areas. But it feels like it's missing something...like a unique value proposition. It just feels like a generic pastry kiosk with tables crowded very close together under a plastic tarp. At least Emporio Rulli has a touch of "La Dolce Vita" about it to make you think you're part of the Eurotrash cafe set. Bancarella, however, doesn't really have much in the way of ambiance and I kinda miss the samples you could get at See's. I came here waiting for Jamie W. on New Year's Eve. I bypassed the bountiful pastry selection in favor of a $4.25 Cappuccino. I sat at one of the round tables where there was a virtual United Nations of tourists surrounding me from Italy to India. It was like a mini-Ellis Island except they all look like they dressed at H&M and UNIQLO. It was just too packed for me to stay there for very long since people were eyeing my table like it was their prey, giving me the international stink-eye hoping I would leave from embarrassment. Fat chance. I paid for my cappuccino, and you can just wait, paisan, and your bratty bambinos, too. CAPPUCCINO - 3 stars...a fine brew for a cold night but no Philz AMBIANCE - 3 stars...it was Ellis Island with its huddled masses yearning to be free SERVICE - 3.5 stars...efficient but no table service here TOTAL - are we in Venice?...no just Union Square with a lot of vagrants staring at me through the plastic -
Ed’s 4-star review: Jamie W. took me for a drive for a change, and we ended up at Land's End where we strolled above the baths and around the bend to the vista point for the Golden Gate. You know the drill. Anyway, I bookmarked a tea spot that sounded interesting, Tal-Y-Tara Tea & Polo Shoppe, which apparently is half tea parlor, half equestrian equipment shop. Seriously. We walked up to it to find it closed for renovations. Damn. Well, Jamie needed to run some errands, so I decided to take a stroll down California Street in the Avenues by myself, something I had not done since I was knee-high to a man, yeah. Gave me a piece of mind my daddy never had. Sorry for the detour into "Philadelphia Freedom" but hey, Elton wrote a great song (video: http://bit.ly/2mLM8fA). Besides, I couldn't help tapping my foot because I stumbled upon a cafe that obviously has music on its mind since they offer intimate shows almost every night of the week at 7PM. There are guitars and French horns in the window, so you know they mean business (photo: http://bit.ly/2nqNxXb). When I got there, it was just a laptopper haven with eyes focused strictly on their screens and nothing else. In fact, the only one to make eye contact was the industrious Asian woman who was pleasant as can be. I was just looking to warm myself and ordered a $2 cup of hot tea, the Orange Ginger from the Republic of Tea, one of my favorites since the orange bergamot mint soothed while the ginger provided a mild spiciness as contrast (photo: http://bit.ly/2mLTuQ6). They have some tempting curry dishes on their menu as well as soup, paninis, and baked goods including pies (photo: http://bit.ly/2mHHRIc) if you are interested in sticking around for a nosh or an actual meal. Had I known there was a garden with seating, I would have definitely hung out back there since I wasn't in need of an outlet like the laptoppers. Between that bucolic treat and a night of music, a return visit with Jamie is in the cards. TEA - 4 stars...a big cuppa of herbal warmth is indeed what I needed AMBIANCE - 4 stars...comfortable spot with lots to look at since it was a consignment store SERVICE - 4 stars...thought she was terrifically accommodating TOTAL - 4 stars...music, garden and curry sounds like a compelling combo to me -
Ed’s 3-star review: I was wondering if this cafe was related to the one on Bush up the hill from Union Square and apparently it is. I tried the other cafe about a year ago and had the odd experience of eating a hot egg salad sandwich (review: http://bit.ly/2lRexz7). When they say "All sandwiches served hot", they weren't kidding. Luckily, I arrived too early to weigh deal with such a weighty issue - though it appears sandwiches here are "Served Hot or Cold". Regardless, I had an early morning maintenance appointment at the Toyota shop nearby and had roughly an hour to kill before picking up my car. Just some strong caffeine would do for this visit. The space is quite expansive in here with plenty of wooden tables and chairs, a leather sofa set, and an early American rustic vibe presumably by way of Overstock.com (photo: http://bit.ly/2lRYge1). Unlike the Bush Street location which appears to cater to a more agitated crowd, this one felt more like a neighborhood hangout considering the staff appeared to know the regulars coming in. I didn't receive the same warm welcome, but I didn't expect it anyway as I ordered a $4.50 Latte. The large came in a Mason jar presumably to match the decor (photo: http://bit.ly/2CwO1FB). It hit the spot just in time to pick up my car. COFFEE - 3.5 stars...solid latte, good size AMBIANCE - 3.5 stars...spacious & faux-rustic SERVICE -2.5 stars...a bit indifferent TOTAL - 3 stars...perhaps a cold sandwich would get me more excited -
Ed’s 4-star review: They call it mellow Bello (Quite rightly) They call it mellow Bello (Quite rightly) Call me Donovan and put flowers in my hair. Anyway, when you get off BART at Glen Park, I think you must be either going home or eating at one of the restaurants on Diamond. It's a low-profile 'hood, nothing like the Mission stops or Balboa Park either, and I'm sure that's the way the residents like it. Me too as sometimes I randomly get off at Glen Park just to find something to eat, shop at Canyon Market, or, you guessed it, have a cup of joe here. It's a good place to hang for a while if the seats are not all taken, which on Saturday afternoons, is often the case. I've been a couple of times now, and I ordered the $4.20 Vanilla Rose Latte both times, quite a luscious elixir and not too sweet (photo: http://bit.ly/2hiKkct). The coffee beans appear to be their own and are roasted daily. The result is smooth without being too aggressive. They definitely have the standard cafe pastries in case your sweet tooth isn't completely satisfied with your libation of choice. Mine was though. Maybe not as satisfying is the service. Just a bit on the curt side for such a neighborhood-feeling cafe if you ask me. COFFEE - 4 stars....a fine find in the Vanilla Rose Latte AMBIANCE - 3.5 stars...relaxing...if you can find an empty chair SERVICE - 2.5 stars...service with a smile would be nice TOTAL - 4 stars...quite rightly mellow Bello to be found in Glen Park -
Ed’s 5-star review: Lordy, lordy...that has to be the best latte in the city. It appears everybody's favorite coffee place is the city's worst-kept caffeine-high secret even though it's tucked neatly away on Linden Alley. It's really just a stand built inside a garage with a standing table and now a new bench. You can count on at least a half-dozen people in line, usually regulars who chat it up with the barista who looks like a mop-headed Jay Leno. He's a very nice guy who takes the time to make each cup sheer perfection. For $3, the latte was tantalizingly smooth and just hot enough without scalding. An essential stop in Hayes Valley as you browse the unaffordable boutique stores. COFFEE - 5 stars...easily AMBIANCE - 4 stars....well, there is a bench...I got dibs! SERVICE - 5 stars...the barista is aces TOTAL - 5 stars...hard to beat a supreme cuppa joe -
Ed’s 5-star review: Don't you think the owners of Blue Bottle should hire Barbara Eden to be their spokesperson? Never mind that she's in her seventies now (and still looks great, mind you) and forget that her bottle wasn't blue...c'mon, she could wear her Jeannie outfit, blink her eyes and make that magical macchiato appear... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLgeZ8OPJ-g Any time there is a Blue Bottle or a Philz within my sight line, I don't let traffic lights, panhandlers or careening MUNI buses stop me from getting my caffeinated libation. Such joy, such rapture to find a new Blue Bottle close to my home. At the moment, it has no signage, so you would likely miss it unless you're looking for it...or happen upon it on a weekend when the line goes out the door. It's in the refurbished Provident Loan building across from the Old Mint. It's an actual cafe versus the kiosk over in Hayes Valley. That means they have a sparse menu of a few savory/salty dishes and a few sweet ones. It's still in an alley, sorta speak, but it's part of Mint Plaza, which signals either welcome urban renewal or an extended playground for the Sixth Street spillover of shopping cart-wheeling screamers. Time will tell...I wonder how many of those orange plastic chairs will be there a year from now. The inside of Blue Bottle is nice and pristine clean with a tall ceiling, a wrap-around counter and a community-style table in the center. I went full gonzo and went for the monumentally priced $4.50 Mocha with, get this, Recchiuti chocolate. I watched the goateed barista make it through some Turkish-looking carafe carefully melting the chocolate into the cup. A smoother cup could not be found anywhere else. The staff is alert and courteous. Gee, what's that about? Maybe they could be subservient and wear harem outfits and say things like "Yes, Master". Somebody find Barbara Eden's agent. COFFEE - 5 stars...oh yes, it's very expensive...but it is the best AMBIANCE - 4 stars...very nice digs, even if urine-soaked Sixth Street is within shouting distance SERVICE - 4.5 stars...sharp and customized to order TOTAL - 5 stars...worth a splurge, though not an everyday indulgence for me -
Ed’s 5-star review: There appears to be a turf war going on in the middle of the FiDi where Bush and Battery pour into Market. Actually "pour" is a poor choice of words on a typical afternoon, maybe "slowly ooze" is more appropriate. Speaking of "pour", however, the caffeine war a-brewing in the area forces you to choose sides as to who you want to pour for you. Are a Philzaphile or a Blue Bottleholic? Capulet or Montague? Shark or Jet? I feel a rumble coming on... BLUE BOTTLEHOLICS: Blue Bottle's gonna have their day Tonight Blue Bottle's gonna have their way Tonight Them Philz baristas grumble "Fair fight!" But if they start a 'spresso We'll 'spresso 'em right PHILZAPHILES: Philz is gonna hand 'em a surprise Tonight Philz is gonna cut 'em down to tall Tonight We said, "OK, no Latte No tricks" But just in case they decaf us We're ready to mix Tonight! Before I re-enact the knife fight ballet from "West Side Story", I should let you know the new Blue Bottle space is a gorgeous re-purpose of an existing building, once the home of Cable Car Clothiers and later a computer supply store whose name escapes me. Now it's nearly 2,000 square feet of white walls and natural light that will make even the most jaded hipster smirk in delight. I came with colleagues, and sure enough, there was a line that was reaching back into the lobby of 115 Sansome. But the classic architecture was so pleasing that we weren't irritated by the wait (photo: http://bit.ly/1K6bPO7). It also helped that they were giving out free sample of their Liege waffles still piping hot from the iron. Otherwise the menu is no different than what you get at either Mint Plaza or the Ferry Building (photo: http://bit.ly/1IYVzLR), and that includes the New Orleans Iced Coffee that appeared to be the most popular item that day. I decided to get a $4.25 Caffe Latte, and it was as smooth as a baby's bottom with the richness I've come to expect from Blue Bottle's individual pours (photo: http://bit.ly/1Fw2YND). This is where both Blue Bottle and Philz differs from Starbucks because I am more willing to patient for the brews that drip ever so slowly at these places. My toe gets to a-tapping when I order a Grande Blonde because well, what the hell is taking you so long? But at a Blue Bottle as lovely as this, well... Today the hours seem like minutes The minutes go so slowly, And still the mocha's light. Macchiato so bright, And make this endless drip endless night Tonight! OK, OK...here's the real rumble: http://bit.ly/1LxSYZm COFFEE - 5 stars...lattes that make me sing like a coloratura AMBIANCE - 5 stars...surely one of the lovelier spots in the FiDi for a bit of caffeine SERVICE - 4 stars...as attentive as you would expect TOTAL - 5 stars...Philz, you may have me only half the time now -
Ed’s 4-star review: This could be the littlest Blue Bottle, the little Blue Bottle that could. Unless you count the original Linden Alley kiosk. But maybe they should call the smaller shops Little Blue Bottle or maybe Blue Vial since some customers probably need prescription medication for their addiction to their coffee. I like their Lattes, but I'm a relatively unfaithful customer since I am more in a four-way with Philz and Four Barrel also in the mix as well. I was happy to hear that Blue Bottle was opening in the Market on Market. Actually it's in the walkway plaza at Twitter headquarters that separates the market from the fully exposed Fitness SF club. Yes, just think of it, while you sip your Macchiato on the cold concrete, you can witness a zumba class at full throttle with a lot of women (and a few men) in color-coordinated Lululemon yoga outfits (photo: http://bit.ly/1Nae6ru). Or just close your eyes like I did as I sipped my $4 Latte prepared in the same immaculate way I am used to with the other shops (photo: http://bit.ly/1UtUEM6). Baked goods are available if that's your pleasure. I just wish the shop was open at least an hour past 7PM to accommodate non-Twitterheads like me who have to take into account the horrors of public transportation to get here. COFFEE - 4 stars...still Blue Bottle, still smooth stuff AMBIANCE - 3.5 stars...expect a lot of Lululemon outfits in your purview SERVICE - 4 stars...kindly and willing to make a latte a little past 7PM TOTAL - 4 stars...welcome to Blue Vial -
Ed’s 4-star review: Gee, now that I've been to the new, classically stylish Blue Bottle at 115 Sansome (review: http://bit.ly/1dw7iGi), it's a bit difficult to appreciate the smaller outposts like this one at the Ferry Building. This location is also burdened by the overbearing foot traffic of both tourists and commuters, which of course is compounded by the long queues that form for family-friendly Humphry Slocombe Ice Cream right across the hallway. If you get past the churning crowds generated by these two complementary businesses on a Saturday afternoon, then you are a more dexterous man than I am. Probably skinnier, too. And yet for all these barriers, it's still worthwhile to get a $4.25 Caffe Latte here (photo: http://bit.ly/1GLILVd).It's the smoothest brew you can get on this side of the Embarcadero (sorry Peet's), and they gratefully renovated and expanded the space to accommodate the burgeoning caffeine addicts. No longer are you relegated to the side order window, and the line feels like it goes marginally faster as a result. Listen, Blue Bottle is worthwhile in almost any setting, and that includes the stand on Linden Alley in Hayes Valley where I had my very first one. So if you're hankering for a fix at the Ferry Building, just make you don't order it five minutes before your ferry departure. COFFEE - 4.5 stars...still a smooth latte that is not easily duplicated elsewhere AMBIANCE - 3.5 stars...more spacious now but still crazed at the Ferry Building SERVICE - 4 stars...nicer baristas than you would expect TOTAL - 4 stars...when Blue Bottle calls, you must answer -
Ed’s 4-star review: The revitalized South Park space has brought a much needed facelift to the neighborhood, and unlike the eye-rolling result seen on some aging Hollywood actresses, the effect has been neither jarring nor scarring. Yes, I'm talking to you, Meg Ryan. Fortunately I am too old - not for a facelift, mind you - but to play on the cool new jungle gym in South Park unlike a couple of entitled hipsters Jamie W. and I saw who thought nothing of sitting on the tire swing while actual children were waiting for them to leave. No, my entertainment comes from the caffeinated libations being served at the fresh-looking new Blue Bottle on the 2nd Street side of the park. What can I say about Blue Bottle that I haven't already said in the five other reviews I've written about at their other locations? Not much except they are certainly consistent. It's a lovely individual pour, and I selected the $3.75 Three Africas blend because I just assumed three was better than one (photo: http://bit.ly/2uPFpVD), even though the Rwanda blend was a dollar more. Go figure. There were the requisite baked goods including ridiculously large pretzel buns (photo: http://bit.ly/2w0joCp) and alluring sticky coffee pudding muffins (photo: http://bit.ly/2vnJSAp). Jamie and I stayed strong and kept our temptations at bay. Anyhow, as I was waiting, I was really enjoying the clean lines of the space. Very contemporary and most suitable for a South of market location. There was even a large round table commandeered by a silent group of presumed tech geeks, almost like they were hired as performance art (photo: http://bit.ly/2gIoTCW). I was just happy to take my coffee to one of the little metal stands in the park. That's what those are for, right? COFFEE - 4 stars...the smoothness still shines here AMBIANCE - 4.5 stars...one of the nicer Blue Bottles in the chain SERVICE - 3.5 stars...oh, friendly enough TOTAL - 4 stars...Blue Bottle in a most idyllic urban setting -
Ed’s 4-star review: This is the no-fuss Blue Bottle that exists mostly for the tourists who take their mandatory Bay Bridge photos at the Ferry Building. But locals like me can also get their fix here because the line never seems as long here as it does inside. As true Blue Bottle aficionados know, ambiance is key to the appeal of their stores, and the outdoor arcade has an architectural appeal about it. It also helps that you don't have to fight the crowds inside the building on a busy weekend. All bets are off, however, when the Farmers Market is happening and foot traffic multiplies. I try to avoid the area then as I'm usually here waiting to meet Jamie W. and want some kind of libation. More often than not, I have ordered the $4 Iced Cold Brew just because the al fresco setting lends itself to something cold and refreshing (photo: http://bit.ly/2wZ2pRz). Besides it's not as calorific as the New Orleans Iced Coffee which comes in that milk carton where I keep looking for a photo of a lost child. I'm not sure if they make their Belgian waffles, affogatos, or other acts of decadence here anymore, but it's just as well I don't know as I don't need those calories either. I usually take it to go since Jamie isn't much of a coffee drinker, and we just stroll the waterfront on sunny weekends. Nice to know I have this quality caffeine option in such a tourist-infested area. COFFEE - 4 stars...mostly iced, mostly Blue Bottle quality AMBIANCE - 4 stars...on a sunny day, just fine...on a not-so-sunny day, still good SERVICE - 3.5 stars...surprisingly faster than the other stores in the chain TOTAL - 4 stars...this arcade is indeed a true arcadia -
Ed’s 4-star review: This place would be described in a 1960's movie script as a "kooky, hippie cafe" and then Goldie Hawn would walk in and start doing the frug. That's what it looks like in here in 2014, a bit boho thrown together with thrift shop finds to evoke something that makes you think Joni Mitchell will be sitting on the church bench strumming "Chelsea Morning" on her guitar (photo: http://bit.ly/1wZsjyj). The staff has that loosey-goosey feeling, too, and that's a good thing, but the customers not so much as it appears to be a caffeinated single ladies hangout on a Saturday morning. Put a ring on it. Or wipe it off the table, will ya? Some very uptight people with very bad table manners hang out here. They serve standard cafe fare - salads, sandwiches, small breakfasts - and of course, coffee and tea. I was waiting for my car to be ready, so I went for a $3.85 Double Chai Tea (photo: http://bit.ly/1rQcNzr). Finding a single table was not as impossible as I thought it was going to be, and I sat across from a couple of women who were recapping their lackluster dating lives in excruciating detail. It made me wish I had earbuds, double-stuffed Q-tips, anything to make the whining, estrogen-fueled entitlement stop. But I could still see myself coming back on a leisurely afternoon ordering an $8.95 Veggie Avocado Sandwich and a $4.85 Funky Monkey Smoothie with peanut butter, banana and chocolate. That does sound good, doesn't it? CHAI - 4 stars...well turned and it hit the spot on a slow Saturday morning AMBIANCE - 4 stars...hippy-dippy with a boho vibe that would not be out of lace in Greenwich Village circa 1963 SERVICE - 4 stars...likable staff here TOTAL - 4 stars...the kind of coffee spot that I wish was in my 'hood instead of all the Starbucks knockoffs -
Ed’s 3-star review: Normally a place like Caffe Pascucci (now named Bravado) should be cause for rejoicing as it represents a well-regarded Italian espresso chain's first foray into the US market. Usually it's NYC or LA who get dibs on this type of upscale cafe since those markets would appear to offer the ready-made Euro-centric customer base this place desperately needs to kick-start their business. I'm not sure the sparsely pedestrianized location offers any dependable customer base since business in these parts depends on whether the Giants are in town. Jamie W. and I have tried it twice now, and both times, it was as still as a tomb in there. A few nearby residents appear to drop by but mostly to use the restroom since the plush white seats remain empty most of the time. Too bad since they have quite a menu of espresso-based drinks and desserts, but my guess is that people are not used to these types of Euro-based treats and take a pass in favor of more familiar selections at Starbucks or even Philz. I tried the $4.25 Yogurt Espresso Caramel, which was definitely a jolt of caffeine wrapped in a sweet caramel sauce (see photo). Jamie went for the much lighter $4.50 Fraspuccio Caramel, which was like a icy-milky frappucino mixed with caramel sauce (see photo). Both were perfectly decent but not the sweet-tooth satisfyers either of us were looking for. I think I would have preferred having an ice cream float with a cup of espresso afterward, not a concoction that combined both. But others could be more open-minded than my taste buds would allow. Besides, the staff is friendly enough, and the seating comfortable enough for a good chat if you choose to stick around for an hour or two. That's what they do in Italy, so I hear. BEVERAGES - 3 stars...something sweet to keep you up all night AMBIANCE - 4 stars...very Euro with white chairs and chunky block tables SERVICE - 3 stars...pretty nice all things considered TOTAL - 3 stars...hopefully it will find its footing as a neighborhood hangout for caffeine addicts -
Ed’s 4-star review: Y'know, I just need to have a real meal here. That's the bottom line. I mean sit down like a civilized person and have an herb omelet, a smoked salmon tartine, an endive salad or even a tuna sandwich. Perhaps all at the same time. Maybe wear a beret and an ascot and cradle my pet chihuahua Señor Wences in one hand and my fork at the ready in the other. But no, I often find myself walking down Columbus after satiating myself in North Beach likely with pasta or some other unnecessary carb, and that would be the very moment I find myself pondering a need to satisfy a sweet tooth. A stop at the chaotic Stella Pastry didn't feel quite right nor waiting in the queue at Golden Gate Bakery. Nope, based on my last two visits, I have to say Brioche deserves to be more than an afterthought. The first time I came here was in the evening as the place was half-full with laptoppers and others having light bites for dinner. I was looking for something more decadent and had the $5 slice of the Lemon Pound Cake (photo: http://bit.ly/1ulHhf8) with a $3.25 Latte (photo: http://bit.ly/1BdsFU8). The cake was spongy-good and none too sweet, just the indulgence I wanted to end the day. I returned months later with Jamie W. after a day out to see the Ai Weiwei art installation on Alcatraz. It was the middle of the afternoon, and the place was buzzing with customers. We decided to try their $1.75 house made Macarons, and sure enough, they are more substantive than the ones at Chantal Guillon and frankly much tastier, too with Salted Caramel and Chocolate particularly hitting the spot (photo: http://bit.ly/1xVzl4E). I took a gander at the Avocado Scramble on the next table and decided it was time to go savory next time. My only quibble? Space the tables out a bit more to avoid butt grazing, mine especially. SWEETS - 4 stars...clearly house made goodies well turned AMBIANCE - 3.5 stars...cute spot though I wish the tables weren't so crowded together SERVICE - 4 stars...quite welcoming TOTAL - 4 stars...graduating from sweet to savory in my bookmarks -
Ed’s 3-star review: I come here like clockwork but like every four months when I have an hour or so to kill. That's why I can't be considered a regular, but hey, at least I'm consistent. What gets me here is that I get my car serviced at the Toyota service center on the next block and I'm not about to drink the caffeinated swill in their waiting area. What's so special about Cafe Coco that it warrants my repeat business? Nothing in particular when it comes to their coffees and teas. All of that is pretty standard grade. I haven't tried any of their food either, but what does stand out is the service. Yes, I said the service. I don't necessarily expect people to be helpful and friendly at a place like this at such in godly hour. Now I'm sure the staff has to greet all sorts of characters who come in after they get off a crowded 38, but on a Saturday before 8AM, it's as still as a tomb. The server was a young man who really made a point to ensure my need for morning libation was met in a most positive, unpretentious way. I simply ordered a $2.25 cup of the Mighty Leaf Bombay Chai Tea without any accompanying baked good (a tower of strength I am) or even one of the sandwiches with the clever literary references. The tea was a soothing balm of orange, cinnamon, cardamom, and clove in a potent black tea (photo: http://bit.ly/2xOErZz). Bzzzz. Oh good, it looks like my car is ready. See you in four months. TEA - 3 stars...nice elixir as you wait for your car AMBIANCE - 3.5 stars...relatively spacious when it's empty SERVICE - 4 stars...friendly but not unctuous TOTAL - 3 stars...not extraordinary but solid for what it is -
Ed’s 3-star review: Cafe Dolci has the makings of a great Netflix sitcom, don't you think? A married couple has to spend the entire work day in a space no bigger than a hall closet without driving each other crazy, while their wacky work neighbors from Walgreens and Wells Fargo stream in and out shooting the breeze with them as they wait for their pastries and banh mis. Orange may be the new black, but I could see how lunchtime claustrophobia could be a trend that takes off. Smells like a hit to me. In fact, if "Grace & Frankie" didn't get picked up for a second season, I would have suggested recasting the Asian married couple with Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin as lesbian partners in that tight, little space. Let the hilarity ensue. While that concept went into turnaround, I decided to come here as a fallback when I was looking for the Mob Dog kiosk and realized later he didn't set up his stand on Tuesdays. Gee, I walked down Market on a gloomy day for nuthin'? That's when I turned around and thought I should give this place a try. I was amazed at the sight of both of them in that tiny space acting very civil with each other and to the customers (photo: http://bit.ly/1BjmJN8). I'd be stark raving mad after ten minutes, I'm sure, like I felt as a teenager in a much bigger space selling Chinese food in my little pagoda stand at the World's Fare in the Great America theme park. I ordered the $6.50 Grilled Pork Banh Mi, and it was just fine when I got it back to the office (photo: http://bit.ly/1FjM8BF). I smell an Emmy. FOOD - 3 stars...perfectly decent banh mi although a bit too much bread for me AMBIANCE - 3 stars...uhhh, it's a closet SERVICE - 4 stars...let's give it up to the couple who can work that closely together TOTAL - 3 stars..."Lunch in a Closet'...how's that for the title of that sitcom?...hey, it's better than "My Mother the Car" -
Ed’s 4-star review: You can tell this place has history. Just what kind of history, I couldn't tell you, but owner Zahra Saleh keeps things hippy-dippy friendly here. It's just enough to make this the cure-all antidote for any anger you may have gathered toward Starbucks, Peet's or even Blue Bottle, any place that has packaged and pitched their coffee and sustenance at a more suburban, Crate & Barrel-shopping level. This cafe is furnished with what appears to be cast-offs from thrift shops and Salvation Army outlets with sofas that look well worn from ample derrieres quoting Allen Ginsburg and William S. Burroughs (photo: http://bit.ly/1NUdapx). Not so coincidentally, the people match the decor with pork-pie hats and Ganesh-inspired caftans more prevalent here than any other spot in the city. I came here after an exceedingly large bowl of seafood udon at Stone Bowl across the street. I needed something to calm down from the literal fire in my belly, so I ordered the $2.50 Iced Latte hoping to get the coffee ice cubes shaped like revolvers (photo: http://bit.ly/1JvISpd). I was probably too late for that, but it was refreshing especially out in the back patio where I was admiring an impressive mural of what looked to be a break during an old Michael Jackson video or at least a third world conference on a beach (photo: http://bit.ly/1K1TtPh). To accompany my libation, I had a rather large and chewy $3 coconut macaroon dipped in chocolate (photo: http://bit.ly/1K1ThPK). It's a place to chill for a spell like the two musicians shooting the breeze next to me, especially when your moon is in the seventh house. COFFEE - 4 stars...refreshing richness...though the macaroon was a bit stale AMBIANCE - 4 stars...Woodstock revived SERVICE - 3.5 stars...friendly enough though Zahra was not there TOTAL - 4 stars...groovy global vibe -
Ed’s 4-star review: Like most coffee spots in the city, the tables here are way too crowded together to gain any sense of solitude (photo: http://bit.ly/1Ou9NYh). Maybe it's like the Marina Safeway where I am convinced they make the aisles too narrow so you can set hit on people you find attractive by ramming your cart into them. So perhaps the tables are close together to encourage casual small talk that will eventually lead to a dinner date at a taqueria followed by the horizontey. Regardless, my heart belongs to Jamie, and he's not into coffee, so leave me alone, will ya? I just want to sip my cup of joe in peace, man. Otherwise, I like this place right across from the 24th Street BART station because it offers a Middle East-meets-Mexico meld of coffee and food in their eclectically comprehensive menu. I had just eaten a full plate of goulash next door at Paprika, so I was not in any condition to have one of their Greek Omelettes or a Middle Eastern Plate. However, I took the liberty of trying their signature drink, the large $4.25 glass of the Mexican Mocha, most definitely a delicious blend of espresso and chocolate with plenty of milk. So good that I had to get a $2 Mini-Chocolate Brownie treat as a chaser (photo: http://bit.ly/1HwObbL). La Vie Boheme! COFFEE - 4 stars...the Mexican Mocha is enough to warrant a visit to this surprisingly low-key cafe on 24th AMBIANCE - 3.5 stars...tables are too crowded together but the vibe is warm SERVICE - 3.5 stars...nice enough considering the gallery of characters they must encounter here TOTAL - 4 stars...the fastest way to get from Turkey to Mexico is coming here -
Ed’s 4-star review: Ciao, Marcello (double kiss on the cheeks) Ciao, Sophia (double kiss on the cheeks) Espresso amico mio Grazie! That's the type of Eurotrash dialogue I would have expected at this Italianate industrial cafe a stone's throw away from AT&T Park. The baby blue motor scooter next to the front window was the dead giveaway that I was supposed to be in Rome, that and the name which is a renowned brand of Italian scooters. Owner John Quintos apparently opened s shop that sold and serviced Lambrettas and had opened the first iteration of this cafe on Polk Street but closed it due to the competitive caffeine scene on Russian Hill. He found his geographic nirvana in South Beach where the cavernous space was formerly a motorcycle repair shop. High ceilings and spacious seating is the draw here, and I was fortunate to come here on a non-game day when it was quiet and relatively traffic-free. I wasn't looking for a mid-afternoon buzz, so I went with the $4 Cafe au Lait, which was a calming brew of milk and their nicely roasted Cento beans (photo: http://bit.ly/2JghW9c). Like any successful tavola calda, they offer quite a few baked goods and breakfast specials, though the display case was looking sparse by the time I got there. All in all, it was a relaxing spot to chill in an area strangely devoid of casual cafes other than Crossroads Cafe a couple of blocks away. Arrivederci, Marcello (double kiss on the cheeks) Arrivederci, Sophia (double kiss on the cheeks) COFFEE - 4 stars...a soothing mid-afternoon balm AMBIANCE - 4 stars...sporty, industrial chic spot SERVICE - 3 stars...a bit on the aloof side TOTAL - 4 stars...welcome Fellini-style addition to the 'hood -
Ed’s 3-star review: Is this too-cute-for-school patisserie cafe run by American Girl? I think I am so out of the demographic for this place that I felt like Carrie White at the prom just after the bucket of pig's blood was doused on her. The staff and clientele are decidedly distaff - that's an old word meaning female, my children. Did I also mention how young everyone is in here? You would have thought I would have left, or I would have been taken out in a walker. But no, I stood there proud to be a curmudgeon looking for something sweet after a fiery chicken curry at nearby Tan's Cafe (in their last day of operation). I found it, a $3.50 Lemon Tart with a dollop of whipped cream and three strategically placed blueberries on top. Isn't it pretty? (see photo) Yes, I took it and a cup of coffee to the tall red naugahyde seating area and ate it amid a giggling gaggle of girls who were all texting between nibbles of their own petite pastries. But there was one girl who was all alone at a cafe table. She had stringy hair and lumpy clothes, wore a pair of cat's-eyes glasses held together by tape, and no one would text her. She was eating the $7.95 Pulled Pork Sandwich and letting the barbecue sauce dribble from the corners of her mouth. Finally, someone I could relate to. PASTRY - 3 stars...awfully sweet stuff...stay away, Paula Deen. AMBIANCE - 2.5 stars...oddly spacious and quite girly SERVICE - 2.5 stars...did you say something, hun? TOTAL - 3 stars...if you need something sweet and don't mind eatin' with the girls -
Ed’s 4-star review: He was a famous trumpet man from out Chicago way He had a boogie style that no one else could play He was the top man at his craft And then his number came up and he was gone with the draft He's in the army now, a-blowin' Réveille He's the boogie woogie bugle boy of Company B When I think of réveille, I think of the familiar crack-of-dawn bugle call in those vintage World War II movies like Abbott & Costello accidentally enlisting in the army and falling over their boxer drawers at boot camp in "Buck Privates". Now if I asked anybody in this bustling cafe if they've heard of Abbott & Costello, I'm sure I would get dazed looks of indifference or lines like "My grandpa is looking for a checkers partner. What's your Snapchat ID?" Of course, there's always the one guy who knows the lyrics to all the Andrews Sisters toe-tappers from that era. Oh wait, that would be me (video: http://bit.ly/2nCfhsp). But this réveille is a different tune entirely with a thump-thump-thump beat, probably trance electronica or something irritating like that. It's in Mission Bay at the bottom of a condo building on 4th Street where the young and restless in their running shorts can be found with their small dogs. They offer real food here for breakfast and lunch with dishes like Mushroom Hash and a personal favorite, Moroccan Shakshuka with organic tomatoes, kale, garbanzo beans, feta cheese, and eggs. As I was working my way down the line, I was up close to their billowy Butter Croissants (photo: http://bit.ly/2npAvc7) and the appetizing Burrata Cheese & Tomato Toast (photo: http://bit.ly/2mURG9c). Once I finally got to the server, I was eyeing the alluring Lattes, Matcha and Regular, on the counter (photo: http://bit.ly/2nGk1Pc) when I went instead for a $3.75 cup of warming Sweet Ginger Tea (photo: http://bit.ly/2nlsSCI). It was a lovely libation perfect for a crisp Saturday morning. There was not an empty seat in the place, so I took it out to the Mission Creeks Park waterfront to enjoy. I definitely want to come back for one of their breakfast plates sometime when it's not nearly as crowded. Maybe I could do my whole Abbott & Costello "Who's on First, What's on Second, I Don't Know's on Third" routine with a willing participant. OK, maybe not. TEA - 4 stars...a fine cup of tea to be found here AMBIANCE - 3.5 stars...modern, spacious and full of twentysomethings SERVICE - 4 stars...quite a bit of attention for my cup of tea TOTAL - 4 stars...definitely a breakfast here is in the cards -
Ed’s 4-star review: Nothing short of genius if you ask me. What am I talking about? Fig toast, of course. But first, let's talk about this Portuguese-inspired cafe in Bernal Heights. This was Nervous Dog, I remember, and playing in a much lower key back then, but now its refreshed identity appears to be percolating with life. It did remind me of the pastelerias of Lisbon where you get a cup of strong coffee and a pastel de nata, which is an egg custard tartlet similar to the ones at Golden Gate Bakery except with a slightly burnt topping that gives it a crunch. I would have been gobsmacked if they served them here but alas, I saw none. In fact, I saw little because it was pretty packed. So when I got up to the counter, I just happened to notice on a little sign in the back that said they served a $6 Fig Toast. Oh my, sounded good and it was with honey date cream cheese spread on pan de mie bread, then covered with slices of fresh brown turkey figs, drizzled with honey, and sprinkled with fresh crushed pepper (photo: http://bit.ly/2boy1Hv). It was just terrific and something I've since replicated at home as I thought it was so good. I accompanied that confection with the $3.85 Galão which was well brewed and a smooth complement (photo: http://bit.ly/2byX5MB). If not for the relentless bustle on a Saturday afternoon, I'd definitely make it more of a habit to come for this touch of Lisbon. FOOD/COFFEE - 4.5 stars...that fig toast was a pure gem AMBIANCE - 3.5 stars...frenzied but maybe this is a tribute to Lisbon, too SERVICE - 4 stars...good and solid TOTAL - 4 stars...definitely a place to hang if you don't mind the crowds...and oh yes, that fig toast -
Ed’s 4-star review: Caffe Bianco will never be extraordinary, but it's been there on Sutter next to the Flatiron as far as I can remember working in the FiDi. In fact, I recall having one of my first job interviews there back in ...oh never mind. Besides, I didn't get the job, but I don't hold that against Cafe Bianco. No, it's still a great place to get a chicken salad sandwich or some pasta for lunch. The high-ceiling, Continental-style decor is a nice change from the coffee chains and formica-friendly cafes in the area, and seating is rarely an issue at their tiny marble tables. I came in and had one of their $3.50 Egg Sandwiches with Cheese on Sourdough, which you see was quite generous for a supposedly light breakfast (see photo). The cappuccino is also $3.50 and comes in those huge cups just like you was the King o' France living in Versace ...I mean Versailles. Service is very serviceable here, and I do believe it's the only cafe in the city where the server asks, "How's the WiFi workin' for ya?" As you know, most cafes usually have some curt message on the table saying you have a time limit unless you order a succession of meals. Nope, I think they really want you to hang out at Caffe Bianco. FOOD/COFFEE - 4 stars...pretty generous if you ask me AMBIANCE - 3.5 stars...like I was in Versace or somethin' SERVICE - 4 stars...like I was the King o' France TOTAL - 4 stars...definitely a cut above the rest of the FiDi coffee stops -
Ed’s 4-star review: If you are in need of the world's largest cup of hot chocolate on a cold night, this is the place for you. It probably isn't the world's largest, but I was in Barcelona last week and got used to those teeny-tiny expresso cups of high-octane caffeine. But here I was in North Beach, and for $4.50, I got one mutha of a serving of hot chocolate (see my photo). I needed about 30% of it, but that's OK. And the $4.75 helping of Tiramisu was nice and light (see my photo) - so it didn't induce the complete diabetic coma I was expecting. Sometimes among the tourist traps on Columbus, one can find a tolerable place to hang a bit without being overwhelmed by the tourist patrol. That's because they offer two good-sized rooms from which you can choose your cafe table in relative obscurity. That night, as the tables got more crowded, there was a blackbird flying impetuously from the blade of one overhead fan to the next. If Maya Angelou knows why the caged bird sings, I must know why the ADD-addled blackbird refuses to search for the night sky. Let me think about that one... SWEETS - 4 stars...hot chocolate in a vat and a nice tiramisu AMBIANCE - 3.5 stars...plenty of space and vintage poster reproductions to make you feel like it's Italy or something SERVICE - 3 stars...they serve at the counter TOTAL - 4 stars...a nice respite among the many look-alike North Beach cafes -
Ed’s 4-star review: Hey Goomba!...I'm walkin' here, I'm walkin' here. If you can get a seat here, well, good for eff-ing you...I never get that kind of luck here because the eccentric regulars park themselves here on a permanent basis, I imagine. I come in here to get a latte ($3.25 for a cup even though the wall menu says $2.85...hmmm) and then I usually stroll over to Washington Square Park since it takes that amount of time to let it cool anyway. You come here for the thick atmosphere. It epitomizes North Beach more than the tongue-dangling crapfest at Steps of Rome. The barista is even surly in that "Gee, I coulda been Martin Scorsese"-kind of way. None of the expanding chain of Caffe Triestes in the city can approach it for the thick paisano vibe you get here. It's small and crowded but worthy of a stop on a North Beach stroll. COFFEE - 4 stars...nice, strong cup for ya's AMBIANCE - 5 stars...crowded for sure, but it feels like North Beach, goomba SERVICE - 3 stars...kinda rude, but I guess attitude comes with atmosphere TOTAL - 4 stars...I'm goin' to the mattresses if I rate it any less.
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