After your trip to The Rock, fuel up with the Bay Area’s finest! Find the best specialty coffee near Pier 33. Our guide features world-class Embarcadero cafes and local favorites.
1. Blue Bottle Coffee (Ferry Building Marketplace)
The Cult Classic & Waterfront Vibe: A Short Walk to Artisanal Quality A pleasant 10-15 minute walk south along the Embarcadero from Pier 33 will take you to the iconic Ferry Building. Blue Bottle Coffee, an Oakland-born, globally recognized third-wave roaster, has a popular stand inside. Known for their meticulous preparation, signature blends, and single-origin offerings, this is a must-stop for coffee purists.
- Why Choose It: Consistently high-quality espresso and pour-overs, famous for their freshness, located in one of San Francisco’s most beautiful historic marketplaces.
- 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
2. Red Bay Coffee (Ferry Building Marketplace)
The Purpose-Driven Brew: Unique Flavors & Social Mission Also located inside the Ferry Building and a great alternative to Blue Bottle, Red Bay Coffee is an Oakland-based, Black-owned specialty roaster focused on delicious coffee and promoting diversity and inclusion. Their location offers their unique, deeply flavored roasts and specialty drinks, often in a lively, communal setting within the market.
- Why Choose It: Award-winning, unique coffee blends and excellent signature lattes, supporting a company with a strong commitment to quality and social impact.
- Specialty: The Rose Cardamom Latte or their signature East Fourteenth blend.
- Location: 1 Ferry Building, Shop 43, San Francisco, CA 94111 (inside the marketplace).
- Website: Red Bay Coffee
3. Philz Coffee (Hyatt Regency Embarcadero)
The Local Favorite & Customized Brew: The San Francisco Staple A short walk from Pier 33 toward the Financial District and Embarcadero Center, Philz is a beloved Bay Area institution. Known for their customized, made-to-order blends and single-cup pour-over method, they do not serve traditional espresso but offer a uniquely flavorful and strong coffee experience tailored exactly to your preference (cream/sugar blended right in).
- Why Choose It: It’s a quintessential local experience for customizable, flavorful coffee that’s perfect for a major caffeine boost before or after your tour.
- Specialty: The famous Mint Mojito Iced Coffee (a sweet, creamy blend with fresh mint) or the strong Tesora blend.
- Location: A quick walk from Pier 33, check the Philz website for the nearest Embarcadero location (often found in the major centers or hotels like the Hyatt).
- Website: Philz Coffee Locations
4. Caffè Trieste (North Beach)
The Historic Walk & Espresso Birthplace: Old-World San Francisco Charm This option is a slightly longer, but very rewarding, 15-20 minute walk northwest of Pier 33, taking you into the historic North Beach neighborhood. Caffè Trieste is famous for introducing espresso to the West Coast in 1956 and was a historical hangout for the Beat poets. It offers a classic, cozy, and no-frills Italian-American cafe experience.
- Why Choose It: A dose of authentic San Francisco history with a reliably strong, traditional espresso and classic cafe atmosphere away from the waterfront crowds.
- Specialty: A perfect, strong Espresso or a classic Cappuccino while listening to opera music (sometimes live on Saturdays!).
- Location: 601 Vallejo St, San Francisco, CA 94133.
- Website: Caffè Trieste
☕ Tourist Pro-Tip for Alcatraz: The immediate area around Pier 33 has basic, high-volume tourist cafes (like the Alcatraz Landing Cafe). For true specialty coffee, walk to the nearby Ferry Building (south on the Embarcadero) to hit Blue Bottle or Red Bay, or walk inland to North Beach (west) to visit Caffè Trieste. This slight detour is well worth the quality upgrade!
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