Youāve had the world-famous hot fudgeānow get a quality caffeine fix! Find the best specialty coffee near Ghirardelli Square and Fisherman’s Wharf. Our guide features local gems and historic brews.
1. Cafe de Casa (Fisherman’s Wharf/Hyde Street)
The Local Gem & Pour-Over Power: Brazilian Specialty Coffee Located just a short walk from Ghirardelli Square on Hyde Street, Cafe de Casa is a highly-rated, local Brazilian-style cafe that offers a breath of fresh air amidst the surrounding tourist spots. They focus on quality coffee, including individual pour-overs, specialty beans, and house-made Brazilian pastries and food items, giving you a true taste of local flavor.
- Why Choose It: Excellent specialty coffee preparation (often using individual pour-overs) and a welcoming atmosphere that is a true step up from the local chains. It’s close enough to be very convenient.
- Specialty: A custom Pour Over or a Brazilian-style Espresso paired with a PĆ£o de Queijo (cheese bread).
- Location: 2701 Leavenworth St, San Francisco, CA 94133 (Very near the base of the Hyde Street cable car).
- Website: Cafe de Casa
2. The Buena Vista Cafe (Fisherman’s Wharf/Hyde Street)
The Historic Fuel: Coffee with a Famous Kick While most famous for perfecting and introducing Irish Coffee to America, The Buena Vista Cafe is right next door to Ghirardelli Square and is a historic San Francisco landmark. While not a traditional “third-wave” spot, they serve a solid, strong, classic brew perfect for pairing with their famous (and highly alcoholic) specialty drink. It’s a must-visit for the history and ambiance.
- Why Choose It: It’s a historic institution located at the cable car turnaround, offering a unique and strong coffee experience with or without the whiskey. Great for a classic SF experience.
- Specialty: The legendary Irish Coffee (hot coffee, Irish whiskey, sugar, and cream) or a strong cup of their classic Drip Coffee.
- Location: 2765 Hyde St, San Francisco, CA 94109 (at Beach Street).
- Website: The Buena Vista Cafe
3. CaffĆØ Trieste (North Beach)
The Italian Original: A Rewarding Walk to Espresso History A moderate but rewarding 15-20 minute walk east and then south will take you to the historic North Beach neighborhood. CaffĆØ Trieste is famous for being the first to bring Italian espresso to the West Coast (1956). This historic spot offers a strong, traditional espresso experience in a cozy, cultural landmark, perfect for escaping the waterfront crowds.
- Why Choose It: A fantastic dose of authentic San Francisco history with a reliably strong, traditional espresso and classic Italian cafe atmosphere.
- Specialty: A perfect, strong Espresso or a classic, foamy Cappuccino in a space that once hosted the Beat poets.
- Location: 601 Vallejo St, San Francisco, CA 94133.
- Website: CaffĆØ Trieste
4. Blue Bottle Coffee (Ferry Building Marketplace)
The Third-Wave Standard: World-Class Quality via Streetcar Ride For the absolute highest standard of third-wave specialty coffee, a short ride on the F-Market streetcar east along the Embarcadero will take you to the Ferry Building. Blue Bottle Coffee, a globally-recognized roaster, is known for its obsessive focus on freshness and quality. This is the spot for purists who prioritize meticulous preparation.
- Why Choose It: Unbeatable consistency and dedication to specialty coffee brewing, guaranteed quality, and located within the beautiful, historic Ferry Building.
- Specialty: Their classic New Orleans Iced Coffee (chicory and milk) or a velvety, fresh Pour Over (drip coffee).
- Location: 1 Ferry Building, #7, San Francisco, CA 94111 (inside the marketplace).
- Website: Blue Bottle Coffee – Ferry Building
ā Tourist Pro-Tip for Ghirardelli Square: The Fisherman’s Wharf area is generally low on true specialty coffee. Stick to the immediate convenience of Cafe de Casa or commit to a slightly longer walk/ride: head east along the water to the Ferry Building for Blue Bottle, or head south/east toward North Beach for historic spots like CaffĆØ Trieste.
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