There's something about spending $8 on a latte that makes it taste so much better than you could ever make at home. These are my favorite spots in SF grouped (loosely) by neighborhood.
Map
Sections
6
Downtown/FiDi
The Sunset / Richmond
Lower Haight / Pac Heights / Japantown
Russian Hill / Marina
Castro / Mission District
Potrero Hill / Dogpatch / Excelsior
Downtown/FiDi
I work downtown 5 days a week so these are my tried and true shops that never let me down
One of my most frequented spots, reasonable prices and staff is always friendly. Go-to order: iced vanilla almond latte
Flywheel Coffee
Tucked in the lobby of the Center for Architecture + Design building, really cool space and drinks are delicious. Go-to order: iced vanilla almond latte
Cento Coffee
Y'all already know I love Philz. Go-to order: honey haze, sweet, medium creamy, sub almond milk
Philz Coffee
New location downtown, lots of seating and yummy pastries. Go-to order: iced vanilla almond latte (half sweet)
Red Bay Coffee
Fun seasonal drinks!
Coffee Bar Montgomery
I haven't been to a bad Andytown, love this one in Salesforce Park. Go-to order: iced vanilla latte or matcha with a hat
Andytown Coffee Roasters
The Sunset / Richmond
I loooooove a nice coffee walk and the Sunset/Richmond neighborhoods are two of the best places to do it imo. Moderate hills, ocean views, cozy neighborhood feel.
Again, I've never met a bad Andytown. The Ocean Plant location gets a ton of love but the two locations on Taraval are so cozy
Andytown Coffee Roasters
Super small cozy shop, the beans always have such interesting notes too. Go-to order: iced vanilla matcha latte
Snowbird Coffee
So many unique latte flavors. Go-to order: iced vanilla almond latte or whatever seasonal drink is available!
Home Coffee Roasters
Crowd favorite and for good reason, also have fun seaonal drinks. (Milk options are cow or oat I believe)
The Coffee Movement
Perfect place to stop for a pick me up along the beach
Java Beach Cafe
I haven't actually been here but I hear so many incredible things I feel confident I'll love it too
Black Bird Bookstore and Café
Good spot near West Portal station to set up at get work done, cute outdoor patio space
Ballast Coffee
Lower Haight / Pac Heights / Japantown
I need to explore more in this area but these are WORTH the visit
The best calming ambiance, people here are always really nice and willing to share tables to co-work. Go-to order: iced vanilla matcha latte
Sightglass Coffee
The raspberry matcha latte is SO GOOOOOD
Compton's Coffee House
Russian Hill / Marina
I don't spend a ton of time in this area of the city but it's so beautiful and the hills make for a more challenging walk if you want to coffee walk
I've liked all the Equator locations I've been to but this one is fun to walk along the Marina with your drink after. Go-to order: iced vanilla matcha latte or seasonal matcha (blueberry sage rn)
Equator Coffee
Another Bay area chain, I really like this location specific. Has a decent amount of outdoor seating.
Reveille Cafe
Another crowd favorite for good reason. Go-to order: iced vanilla matcha latte
Saint Frank Coffee
Castro / Mission District
Small but mightly list
The famous Emily Mariko egg muffin is worth the hype. Drinks are all good but the muffin is outstanding imo.
Craftsman and Wolves
Community favorite. I've never gotten more DMs than when I went here
Cafe de Casa
Reliable chain to stop in for a quick pick me up!
SPRO - Mission Dolores/Castro
Potrero Hill / Dogpatch / Excelsior
Some of the best coffee in the city is in this quadrant, pls send more recs! I love exporting over here
Salted Maple Latte. Must.
Linea Coffee Roasting + Caffe
Line is always out the door! Super friendly
Paper Son Coffee
Stopped here on my Mission St walk and got an iced matcha that revived me
