food & drink » coffee shop

Four Barrel Cafe

alexkiel — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 10:13:19 +0000

375 Valencia Street
San Francisco, CA 94103
(415) 252-0800

What’s the one thing that gets us all up in the morning and gets us through the holidays? Coffee. Our to-do lists can seem impossible during the holiday season without a little jolt to make up for the sleepless nights. Sometimes we not only need the extra energy that coffee itself gives us, but we need the benefit of sitting down and enjoying the coffee…

I recently visited Four Barrel in the Mission. Outside, one will find outdoor wooden seating and multiple bike racks. Although it was crowded, we were greeted by a vinyl record playing in the background. It was a nice change to the chatter of others or elevator music that often plays in coffee shops. The coffee was awesome. This time, I got a latte, but I’ve also had a cappuccino there and both were excellent. The coffee has flavor, without being bitter or having too much bite; conversely, it is smooth and flavorful. Inside there are multiple wooden tables and chairs to sit at – to eat, do work, or catch up with a friend. The building itself is really cool. It reminds me of an old warehouse with an open ceiling and wooden beams going across. As I sat enjoying my coffee, I noticed everyone else was enjoying theirs as well. The friendly, but busy atmosphere was a nice change to the stressful feelings the holidays could bring. There’s a lot of coffee competition in the Bay Area and Four Barrel is definitely worth a visit. I would suggest getting your coffee “for here,” and maybe getting a pastry. It’s worth it. |Four Barrel|

Hours of Operation:
Mon-Sat: 7am – 8pm
Sun: 8am – 8pm

Haus Coffee

JK Lesure — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 17:00:24 +0000

3082 24th Street
San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 374-7353

With no overhead sign or awning to distinguish that you’ve arrived, this inconspicuous coffee shop in the Mission district can be best identified by its large wood framed windows that face 24th Street. Inside you’ll find tables filled with patrons enjoying their Ritual coffee and pastries while working furiously on their laptops. Decor is rather minimalist with white walls, contrasted by pine beams and coated concrete floors, yet the space still feels warm and inviting with its gas fireplace and abundance of natural light that fills the space on a sunny afternoon. Out back, a nice wooden patio complete with tables and chairs makes this spot a great place for those warm weather meet ups.

Hours of Operation:
Mon-Fri: 6am – 9pm
Sat-Sun: 9am -9pm

Tartine Bakery

JK Lesure — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 17:15:44 +0000

600 Guerrero Street
San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 487-2600

Perched on a corner in the Mission, no sign or awning to give away its location, one could easily drive past without noticing they’ve missed one of the best bakeries in the city. Luckily, the constant line of patrons pouring out the door of Tartine Bakery helps draw the eye, and by constant I mean, rain or shine, expect to see some sort of line. While I was waiting in line to order, I couldn’t help but appreciate the dated decor that’s changed very little since the sixties, exuding a sorta hipster charm that has come to define the Mission district for some.

This is one of my favorite places for buttery/flaky croissants, amazing morning buns, scones, and freshly baked loaves of French bread. I love their macarons, which make a nice gift if you can manage not to eat them first. The chocolate souffle cake is extremely rich and should advisably be consumed with one of their over-sized lattes, which are served in a bowl. For those looking for something savory, try one of their pressed sandwiches or the croque-monsieur. |Tartine Bakery|

Open 7 days a week:
Mon: 8am-7pm
Tues-Wed: 7:30am-7pm
Thurs-Fri: 7:30am-8pm
Sat: 8am-8pm
Sun: 9am-8pm

Mocca

JK Lesure — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 17:30:46 +0000

175 Maiden Lane
San Francisco, CA 94108
(415) 956-1188

For those crisp and sunny autumn days spent shopping in Union Square, an outdoor lunch on Maiden Lane is the prefect break from the frenzy of holiday shopping. Dining here amongst the boutiques and art galleries feels like areas of SoHo, while the live jazz helps to muffle the harsh noises of the city.

Mocca is a great little European bistro, best known for their marinated tri-tip steak and tuna nicoise. Their turkey, cranberry and brie sandwich is also worth trying at least once. For visits later in the afternoon, a hot cappuccino and dessert can be a great close to a productive shopping trip, just remember to bring cash.

Hours of Operation:
Mon-Fri: 8am-6pm
Sat: 8:30am-4pm
Sun: Closed

Dynamo Donut & Coffee

JK Lesure — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 19:06:43 +0000

2760 24th Street
San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 920-1978

Deep within the Mission, far from its more likely surroundings of chic boutiques and trendy restaurants located further up 24th Street; Dynamo Donut & Coffee is a charming little shop that’s gaining a loyal following for their unique and unconventional donut varieties. Visible mostly by it’s bright yellow paint and green awning, Dynamo’s retro styling and quaint walk-up counter feels like a trip back to 1950s Americana.

Prepared in small batches using local organic ingredients, Dynamo serves up a rotation of 7-10 types of donuts made fresh daily. Some of the flavors include Maple-Glazed Bacon Apple, Caramel del Sel, Spiced Chocolate, Vanilla Bean, Chocolate Star Anise, and Lemon Thyme. While it could be quite the journey just to get here, Dynamo is a great destination for those looking to start their morning off right with a crisp morning paper, fluffy donut, and hot cup of Four Barrel Coffee. Donuts are priced between $2-$3.50; current varieties prepared that day can be found on |Dynamo’s Twitter Page|. |Dynamo Donut & Coffee|Four Barrel Coffee|

Hours of Operation:
Mon: Closed
Tues-Sat: 7am-5pm
Sun: 9am-4pm