If you love coffee as much as I do and are visiting San Francisco, you’re in luck since this is one of the best cities in the world for stylish cafes and coffee connoisseurs!

Since I moved here in 2010, I’ve seen the coffee scene bloom and have frequented many of these cafes.

Here are some of my favorite coffee shops in San Francisco:

The Coffee Movement

When I used to live in Russian Hill, this excellent coffee shop was a short 15 minute walk away from me. I loved the light-filled, minimalist space along with the cheery Australians who ran the place!

They serve beans from a wide variety of specialty roasters, including one of my favorites - Heart Coffee Roasters from Portland.

Since I usually drink my coffee black I love the Quick Filter or Slow Drip made with a light roast bean. They also make delicious lattes, a wonderful cocoa cappuccino, and an interesting espresso tonic.

If coffee isn’t your jam, they also serve tea by Song Tea.

The Mill

Part bakery and part coffee shop - the Mill is one of the most picturesque places to have a bite or start your day with a wonderful cup of coffee from the local roaster Four Barrel.

They are famous for their in-house baked, thick slabs of toast topped with your choice of avocado, ricotta & jam, almond butter, or cream cheese & pesto. It’s perfectly paired with a latte or pour-over coffee.

They also serve delicious pastries and baked treats from the Neighbor Bakehouse such as the delectable Everything Croissant.

Saint Frank

This bright and minimalistic coffee shop full of white tile, light wood accents, and a custom bar is worth the trek out to Russian Hill.

It’s very popular amongst locals with small tables neatly placed along the wall and some sitting on the second floor.

Like any respectable coffee shop in San Francisco, you’ll want to try any of their pour-overs as well the kaffe tonic which is a shot of espresso poured over a glass of tonic and ice.

Home Coffee Roasters

Known for their Instagrammable coffee creations - the drinks here are both tasty and aesthetically pleasing!

I mean, who could resist this colorful rainbow in a cup or this bear-y delicious latte?

With three locations in Sunset, Richmond, and Chinatown - these drinks are waiting for you!

Blue Bottle Coffee

With many locations all over the Bay Area, Blue Bottle was one of the first coffee shops to drive forward specialty coffee. The shops are usually well decorated with a minimal, yet inviting feel.

One of my favorite drinks here is the New Orleans Cold Brew which has a nice roasted chicory flavor. You also can’t go wrong with a latte as their microfoam and latte art is top-notch.

They also serve delicious food such as the Liege Waffle and Avocado Toast.

Four Barrel

One of the most beautiful coffee shops in San Francisco - Four Barrel is full of tables made from reclaimed wood and has an airy feel due to its high ceilings and exposed wooden beams.

There is music being played on a record player while there are multiple options to have your coffee made including a very snazzy pour-over bar where you can chat with the staff while they make your coffee.

If you head to the back you’ll see the in-house roasting machines and take in the wonderful smells of freshly roasted coffee.

There also is no wi-fi provided or power outlets since they want to encourage social interactions or analog activities such as reading or writing.

Sightglass Coffee

With three locations in San Francisco, the SOMA location is the showpiece and largest spot while the Mission cafe is a smaller, more relaxed affair.

Pre-pandemic, they had free cupping sessions every week but have since moved to virtual events where they show you how to make the perfect espresso or pour-over.

Either way, if you decide to check them out in person or virtually, Sightglass is one of the better places if you’re picky about your coffee.

Ritual Coffee

Also one of the older third-wave roasters in town, Ritual has several spots in San Francisco. I’m partial to the original location in the Mission, but the other spots in Hayes Valley and the Haight are just as good.

They roast their own coffee and have won several awards from prestigious coffee reviewers.

Try one of their pour-over coffees, lattes, or chai drinks. They also sell bags of their roasted coffee beans in-store.

Mazarine Coffee

If you’re on Market Street and looking for a quality pour, Mazarine Coffee is staffed with people in the know and carries lots of beans from great local roasters.

They also have great food options such as Fig Jam Ricotta Toast and a Bacon Grilled Cheese Sandwich.

Fifty Fifty

This simple yet stylish cafe has delicious lattes and pour-over coffee but the real stars are the tea latte drinks.

Choose from Lavender Earl Grey, Roasted Oolong, Chai, Jasmine, and Matcha Tea Lattes - they are all wonderful!

Reveille Coffee

With two locations in San Francisco (North Beach and Castro), Reveille Coffee provides a stylish place to get a cup of coffee while grabbing a bite to eat.

Favorites here include the homemade granola, avocado and egg toast, and at the Castro location any of their flatbreads.

Hole in the Wall

One of the more adorable coffee spots and geared towards those on the go, this literal hole-in-the-wall shop takes up about 15 square feet and has a limited but great coffee menu.

The small sidewalk setup lends itself well to quick chats amongst the community and is a great way to start the day without too much fuss.

Snowbird Coffee

If you find yourself in the Sunset District, perhaps after a stroll in Golden Gate Park or eating some of the great Asian food and are looking for a quiet place to chat over a cup of coffee - this great cafe serves delicious affogatos (espresso over ice cream), cafe Bombom (two espresso shots over condensed milk), and a beautiful Mocha. They also make a great matcha latte!

Best Coffee Shops - San Francisco