San Francisco has long been at the forefront of specialty coffee culture. Known for its experimental spirit and love of quality, the city is home to some of the most innovative roasters and cafés in the U.S. Whether you’re exploring the Mission, the Sunset, or Union Square, you’ll find a coffee experience that’s distinctly San Francisco.
Here are 10 of the most loved coffee shops in the city:
1. Ritual Coffee Roasters – Mission District
Ritual has been a pioneer in San Francisco’s third-wave coffee movement since 2005. Known for its bright, fruit-forward roasts and minimalist vibe, this Mission District staple consistently shows up on “must-visit” lists and social media feeds.
📍 1026 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA 94110
🔗 Ritual Coffee Roasters
2. Blue Bottle Coffee – Hayes Valley
Blue Bottle started in Oakland and quickly became a national sensation. Its Hayes Valley location is especially loved, with carefully crafted pour-overs and espresso that highlight precision and balance.
📍 315 Linden St, San Francisco, CA 94102
🔗 Blue Bottle Coffee
3. Sightglass Coffee – SoMa
With a stunning warehouse-style café and on-site roastery, Sightglass is both a coffee shop and a community hub. It’s especially popular for its single-origin espressos and striking ambiance.
📍 270 7th St, San Francisco, CA 94103
🔗 Sightglass Coffee
4. Andytown Coffee Roasters – Outer Sunset
Beloved for its signature Snowy Plover (espresso with sparkling water, brown sugar, and whipped cream), Andytown brings creativity and a neighborhood feel. Their Outer Sunset shop is always buzzing with locals.
📍 3655 Lawton St, San Francisco, CA 94122
🔗 Andytown Coffee Roasters
5. Four Barrel Coffee – Mission District
Four Barrel emphasizes direct trade and small-batch roasting. The Mission café is known for its vintage aesthetic, strong community ties, and bold, complex brews.
📍 375 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA 94103
🔗 Four Barrel Coffee
6. The Mill – Alamo Square
A collaboration between Four Barrel Coffee and Josey Baker Bread, The Mill is famous for its thick-cut toast as much as its coffee. Instagram-worthy and deeply satisfying, it’s a San Francisco classic.
📍 736 Divisadero St, San Francisco, CA 94117
🔗 The Mill
7. Saint Frank Coffee – Russian Hill
Bright, airy, and community-focused, Saint Frank is all about intentional coffee. The café highlights direct farmer relationships and clean, elegant flavor profiles.
📍 2340 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109
🔗 Saint Frank Coffee
8. Verve Coffee Roasters – Castro
Originally from Santa Cruz, Verve has built a strong San Francisco following. Known for both quality espresso and approachable vibes, their Castro shop is a favorite among locals.
📍 2101 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94114
🔗 Verve Coffee Roasters
9. Flywheel Coffee Roasters – Haight-Ashbury
Located steps from Golden Gate Park, Flywheel is a family-owned roaster known for its relaxed atmosphere and carefully roasted beans. Reddit users often highlight it as a hidden gem.
📍 672 Stanyan St, San Francisco, CA 94117
🔗 Flywheel Coffee Roasters
10. Philz Coffee – Mission District (and multiple locations)
No San Francisco coffee list is complete without Philz. Famous for its customized blends and mint mojito iced coffee, Philz offers a uniquely personal coffee experience.
📍 3101 24th St, San Francisco, CA 94110
🔗 Philz Coffee
Closing Note:
San Francisco’s coffee culture is about more than just caffeine — it’s about community, experimentation, and passion. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, these 10 cafés offer a taste of why San Francisco remains one of the best coffee cities in the world.
