As are small startups and thick fog, coffee is a core part of San Francisco culture. It even has its own movement — coined “the third wave” — which focuses on high quality, small batch artisanal coffee. This type of specialty has been on the rise lately, changing the way coffee is served.
Four Barrel Coffee – 375 Valencia Street
Four Barrel Coffee is a local independent coffee roaster with three cafe locations in San Francisco.
In their Mission location, customers can watch the whole bean to drink process within their cafe and enjoy the diverse, trendy atmosphere that engages a rustic style while including local art and funky music.
The latte had a larger focus on the coffee flavor than the one at Pinhole. It had a stronger, deeper taste with an amazing accompanying aroma; however, it might not be the best if you prefer sweeter drinks.
The mocha was very rich and did not disappoint. Not too sugary, the bitter and sweet elements are balanced quite well. Both drinks are filled to the top in a ceramic cup and matching plate.
Though the coffee is pricey for the quantity, the quality of ingredients and beans that Four Barrel Coffee uses is very high. Anything on the menu is definitely worth a try.
It’s a little hard to find the location of Four Barrel Coffee as names from the window have been scratched off and signs were taken down. Last year, the company took some heat after eight former employees made sexual harassment claims and filed a lawsuit against one of its three owners and the company. Soon after, Four Barrel changed its name to ‘The Tide’ and took down ‘Four Barrel’ off of their menus and signs. Many coffee shops severed their ties with the company. However, the two other founders later decided to keep their name intact and the cafe has been successful ever since.
On a Monday morning, Four Barrel always is busy. Though it provides an enjoyable atmosphere, it’s hard to find a good spot to sit inside since many people come with friends or just to sip on a cup of coffee. Many were screenless as there was no complimentary WiFi, so coming here to get work done is not the best idea. Make sure to come early if you want to secure a spot and take in the great ambiance and unique decor.
Pinhole Coffee – 231 Cortland Avenue
Tucked away in the Bernal Heights neighborhood of San Francisco, Pinhole Coffee may look inconspicuous on the outside, but it incorporates unique pops of personality. Pinhole bases its name on a camera that uses a pin-sized hole instead of a lens and is located in what used to be a butcher shop in the 1880s.
Visually engaging pieces of decor accent the tiny space, from an Instagrammable rainbow paneled wall to natural wood furniture. Keep your eyes open for posters such as “We filter coffee not people” that create a comfortable atmosphere for all. Enjoy a warm cup of coffee in a pillowed nook, on comfortable benches or on tree stumps.
The latte, which comes out at a little less than $5, is smooth and creamy. Heavy white foam latte art swirls around the brown coffee and light milk as it sits in a white-gray ceramic cup. The flavor of the coffee is rich and is sourced from many coffee roasters, mainly local, such as Linea and Verve.
The service is great as well. Baristas make your drink with a huge smile and ensure that all customers feel at home at Pinhole. They are also very efficient, as my latte was crafted beautifully in under two minutes.
Spro’s Coffee Lab – 601 Mission Bay Blvd North
Spro Coffee Lab is one of many pop-up trailers in Spark Social SF, a rotating food truck park with a friendly community gathering space located near University of California, San Francisco. The bright red trailer sits to the right of the communal front entrance alongside a number of other trucks serving diverse delicacies.
All seating here is completely outdoors, providing customers with an interactive, community feel while enjoying their food and beverages.
Items on Spro’s menu include commonly Japanese-inspired ingredients, from ito en matcha powder to togarashi chili. Sip a variety of speciality drinks such as coco de mer, consisting of tcho dark chocolate, coconut, SPRO coffee and milk as you lie down on the fake grass. Bite into eclectic breakfast dishes like the umami bomb, a unique spin on the classic avocado toast, while sitting on a swinging bench.
Coco de mer was a perfect balance of chocolate and coffee with hints of coconut flavor; I especially recommend it if coffee is too bitter for your tongue.
The Geisha (ito en ceremonial matcha, milk and organic honey), essentially a matcha latte, was a disappointment. It was overly sweet and the true matcha flavor did not come across.
Though a little more on the pricey side, Spro Coffee Lab is a great place to hang out with friends, especially at night, as there are many unique items on the menu to try. Just make sure to bring a jacket because it can get chilly in Mission Bay.
Sextant Coffee Lab – 1415 Folsom Street
Sextant’s name comes from the instrument that sailors use to navigate and explore. Exposed red brick walls and high ceilings make up the industrial style of the cafe. Seating here comes in metal chairs and wooden table-tops. In the back stands a real coffee roaster, making the vibe of the shop reminiscent of a barn. Sextant’s style mimics that of Four Barrel Coffee, but fails to reach the talkative, open atmosphere that the latter does. The wooden menu consists mostly of classics like an americano or latte, but one speciality drink was the Wired Gandhi, Sextant’s version of a Dirty Chai.
The Wired Gandhi — a medley of a shot of espresso, chai tea and steamed milk — strikes the perfect balance between sweetness in the chai and milk and bitterness in the espresso. Super light and creamy, the drink is a favorite among many customers.
Though the coffee is amazing here, service fell on the other side of the spectrum. The barista, working alone, was rather terse. The environment isn’t as welcoming either; it’s rather bleak and is not located in the safest or most popular area of the SoMa district. Even on a Saturday afternoon, tables are half empty and most customers are millennials waiting for meetings or interviews. Rather than an open, talkative atmosphere like Pinhole or Spro, Sextant is a quiet place better for getting work done.
Sextant is perfect for a quick caffeine fix, but its ambiance is not suited for staying and enjoying a cup of coffee. It may be better to go for a take-out drink if you pass by this place.
