In this post I’m bringing you 5 must see coffee shops & cocktail bars in San Francisco – 4 of which I had the opportunity to visit and the 5th was one I was dying to get to but somehow ran out of time.
I recently took a weekend trip to San Francisco to partner with Marriott Hotels and did some exploring with my good friend Sam Graves. I’ve explored San Fran in years past, but it was all prior to my photography days so in the last year or two I’ve been itching to get back!
The trip was short and sweet but a perfect little getaway. There are flights readily available flying direct from PDX to SFO. One of the many benefits of living on the West Coast is that there’s some incredible cities just an hour flight away and they make for the perfect break from work week craziness.
Anyone who knows me understands my intent love for incredible coffee and life changing cocktails. So naturally, anytime I visit a new city, I scope out the local’s favorites and hit up as many spots as possible (all within reason of course!).
Enjoy! I’d love to hear your favorite San Fran spots in the comments below!
-
VALENCIA DISTRICT : The best pour over EVER + aromatic bitters + custom ceramics: Four Barrel Coffee
Four Barrel rocks every category. They have 2 bars – and the line is always out the door.
I’m in love with the Aromatic Coffee Bitters I grabbed – the last one on their shelf! A partnership with Four Barrel and Workhorse Rye – here’s the run down : A balanced universal cocktail bitter, with red fruit tones from light roasted, direct-trade coffee by San Francisco’s Four Barrel Coffee. Their “tie the room together” bitterness from burdock root, sarsaparilla, licorice root, and quassia allows them to play particularly swimmingly with aged spirits.
Order your own here and use for cocktails, ice coffee, desserts and more!
I sip my coffee from this custom designed cappuccino cup by Sven Ceramics near every morning in the studio.
Up for something a bit different? Order a glass of their in house macadamia nut milk and of course make sure to experience their Slow Bar – there’s nothing like it.
Four Barrel Coffee: 375 Valencia St San Francisco, CA 94103 Monday – Sunday: 7AM – 8PM
-
SOMA DISTRICT : House roasted beans, bi-level industrial space, affogato bar: Sightglass Coffee
Sightglass was one of the first coffee shops I visited when I first adventured in San Francisco years ago. Their beans are stellar – like, just get a bag or two or three and drink as much coffee post travel as you can.
They also recently released their new Affogato Bar which is the first of its kind in San Francisco. It’s located on the mezzanine level of the flagship 7th street coffee bar & roastery, offering an actual customizable affogato service. Truly, could there be anything better in life?
I love that they partner with Portland’s own Salt & Straw – (If you can, check out their new SF location! )here’s a current line up of flavors which you can pair with your coffee of choice:
-Single-Origin Chocolate, Belize 73%
-Sea Salt with Caramel Ribbons
-Hazelnuts & Plums
-Toasted Coconut & Spiced Pear (Non-Dairy)
In addition to their Affogato Bar, they have an impressive selection of some of the cities top pastries, all ready for pairing with your drink of choice.
Sightglass Coffee: 270 7th Street San Francisco, CA 94103 Monday – Sunday: 7AM – 7PM Affogato Bar: 11AM – 6PM 415.861.1313
-
MISSION DISTRICT : Craft cocktails + locally inspired small plates + iconic SF views: View Lounge
The View Lounge sits atop the San Francisco Marriott Marquis in the heart of the Mission District offering remarkable views! I was lucky enough to get in before opening hours to grab some shots – came back later and couldn’t hardly even move through the space it was so crowded-it’s definitely a must see spot.
I recommend The View Manhattan and Golden Gate cocktails. If you want a window seat or anywhere near the windows, get there at opening time! Make sure also to look out for nights with live music.
The View Lounge: 780 Mission St. San Francisco, CA 94103 Monday – Sunday: 4PM – 1AM
-
MISSION DISTRICT : Trendy space +renowned craft cocktails + eclectic small plates: Trick Dog
Some say Trick Dog might have the best cocktails in the city – this is the super hip, trendy place to be so watch out for the crowds towards the weekend!
So tragically – Trick Dog was at the top of my must see list but you know how it goes – things always seem to take longer when exploring, so I actually never made it in. Killed me! But next time I’m back in the city, I know exactly where I’ll be first stop, and I’m already dreaming of how delicious this drink will be:
Bigfoot: Automatic Sea Gin, Arkansas Black applejack, riesling, meyer lemon, lavender, lime
Trick Dog: 3010 20th St. San Francisco, CA 94103 Monday – Sunday: 3PM – 2AM
-
RUSSIAN HILL DISTRICT : Minimal space +craft roaster + homemade nut milk : Saint Frank Coffee
Saint Frank is another one of the best spots in the city. You just can’t go wrong!
The shop offers specialty drinks like espresso with Fever Tree tonic, the occasional barista competition signature drink and more. The café also makes its own almond macadamia nut milk – which is. to. die. for.
Basically: just say yes to everything.
To top it all off, it also offers a beautiful, minimal space including a small loft area which is perfect if you need to hide away with your laptop for a while. The outdoor seating is great and the neighborhood is perfect to stroll around in after you enjoy a cup.
Saint Frank Coffee: 1081 Mission St. San Francisco, CA 94103 Monday – Saturday: 7-7, Sunday 8-6
