The roasters writing the coffee scene in San Francisco: who they are, where they source from and where to drink it.
The roasters writing the coffee scene in San Francisco. who they are, where they source from, and where to drink the result.
Sightglass Coffee in San Francisco is the Morris brothers' SoMa roastery, running a Probat UG-22 on the rooftop, with a tasting bar and a long single-origin list.
Tip: Saturday cuppings at 11:00 are open to the public; sign up online the week before.
Sources from: Ethiopia, Colombia, Guatemala, Kenya
How they serve: Espresso, Filter, Pour over, Whole bean retail
Ritual Coffee Roasters in San Francisco is one of the third-wave originals, with the bright Valencia Street flagship and a tight, recipe-driven single-origin filter.
Tip: The Ritual cortado is the regular order; the Hayes Valley kiosk has the fastest line on a weekend.
Sources from: Colombia, Ethiopia, Burundi, Costa Rica
How they serve: Espresso, Filter, Subscription, Whole bean retail
Saint Frank Coffee in San Francisco is Kevin Bohlin's Russian Hill roaster, known for a direct-trade Central American programme and a precise classical cortado.
Tip: Ask about the producer relationships; the staff travels to farm visits every year and remembers details.
Sources from: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, Ethiopia
How they serve: Espresso, Filter, Pour over, Whole bean retail
Andytown Coffee Roasters in San Francisco is Lauren Crabbe and Michael McCrory's Outer Sunset roastery, with the cult Snowy Plover drink and a small bakery counter.
Tip: The 43rd Avenue original is the best pour; the soda water for the Snowy Plover is house-carbonated.
Sources from: Ethiopia, Colombia, Burundi
How they serve: Espresso, Filter, Whole bean retail
Linea Caffe in San Francisco is Andrew Barnett's Mission and Fillmore espresso bar, with a Probat in Healdsburg, a short pull and a strict 5-second espresso style.
Tip: Ask for the macchiato; the texture-and-volume ratio is the kitchen's signature pour.
Sources from: Ethiopia, Kenya, Colombia, Brazil
How they serve: Espresso, Filter, Pour over, Whole bean retail
Four Barrel Coffee in San Francisco is the Valencia Street roastery with a long Probat showroom in the back, a no-wifi policy out front and a tight single-origin list.
Tip: Saturday cuppings are walk-in friendly at 11:00; ask the bar staff for the day's lot rotation.
Sources from: Colombia, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Brazil
How they serve: Espresso, Filter, Pour over, Whole bean retail
Peak food season in San Francisco is year-round.
Local dining hours: lunch around 12:30, dinner from 19:30.
service is typically included; small extra is welcome but not expected.
Ask the next local you meet what they would order. San Francisco rewards trust.