Best San Francisco coffee

Category: Best San Francisco coffee (5)

5 Honest Pros of Living in San Francisco

Dec 03, 2021

BY: California Movers

1. Climate

Featuring warm climate all year-round local residents do not feel a great difference between the seasons. It is mild during the year thanks to the cool currents of the Pacific Ocean, but the city is often influenced by cool winds and fog too. There is no unbearable heat and you can enjoy comfortable temperatures during the year. Moreover, there is no humidity and little annual precipitation.

2. Flourishing Economy

The average cost of living in San Francisco is rather high, but people who live in this city earn more too. In 2017, the county was ranked the 7th among ones with the highest per capita personal income of $119,868. Moreover, a GDP of San Francisco CSA was the third largest in the country estimated at $907 billion.

3. A variety of jobs

The title of a global city serves as a boost for San Francisco because the job market of the city does not stand in one place. Only for the first half of 2018, over 11,000 jobs were added and it means an annual 3% growth rate. The main directions that offer jobs are services, technology, tourism, while the biggest part of the population is employed in business services, education, government, healthcare, trade, transportation, and leisure services. The best companies to work for are Salesforce, Cooley, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, Workday, and Accenture.

4. Low unemployment rate and growth opportunities

The unemployment rate in the city is rather low – about 2.1%, while the job market continues to grow too. In addition, there are many opportunities to grow professionally and get promoted or find a job with a bigger salary.

5. Walkability

Despite a rather big area of the city, it has a very high walkability score. Many people avoid spending hours in long traffic jams and prefer to walk or cycle to their destination. There are even 4 neighborhoods that have 100% walkability score and excellent access to transit.

A guide to Golden Gate Park’s best-kept secrets, from Sutro views to a 90-year-old fish

Dec 03, 2021

BY: Peter Hartlaub

Golden Gate Park is a serene oasis in San Francisco, filled with museums, lakes, bison, a Ferris wheel and more than a thousand acres of meadows, redwood groves and curated gardens — all told 20% larger than New York’s Central Park.

But it didn’t get this way without some drama. The story of Golden Gate Park is also the story of arrogant tycoons humbled by natural disasters, gunfire and graft, a city that honors its fallen and one giant stuffed 150-year-old grizzly bear (that happens to be on the California flag).

You’ll find all of the above on Secrets of Golden Gate Park, one of The Chronicle’s new GPS based audio tours reported and hosted by Chronicle journalists and published on the VoiceMap app. It’s an entertaining hike through Golden Gate Park for natives, newcomers and tourists alike.

Join Culture Critic Peter Hartlaub and Columnist Heather Knight, the team behind Total SF, as they share their love for exploring San Francisco, while scouring the San Francisco Chronicle archive for the best stories that no one is talking about.

13 Things to Know Before Moving to San Francisco

Nov 16, 2021

BY: Aislinn Herrera

Moving to a new place can be nerve-wracking. Sure, you think you know what you’re getting yourself into. You’ve watched Laguna Beach and The Hills growing up (even if you don’t mention that to anyone), so you know what California is like, right?

Not so fast.

Whether you’re moving to the San Francisco Bay Area for an internship or full-time job, these tips will save you from regretting your decisions leading up to the move.

1. East Bay? South Bay? The Peninsula? There’s a difference!

While these regions are collectively known as “The Bay Area”, knowing what part of the Bay you want to be in is crucial! The Peninsula refers to Silicon Valley proper and some describe it as a more “urban-suburban” experience. There you’ll find many tech campuses, plazas, and bubble teas. East Bay generally has less expensive housing, is a little more spread out and has significantly fewer tech companies. South Bay is home to some great hiking, perfect for the adventurous renter! All of these areas are accessible by public transportation and ready for your next adventure!

2. Oh, and Silicon Valley — it’s actually an hour drive south of San Francisco (including some traffic).

Many people think that Silicon Valley is synonymous with San Francisco. While Tech is King in the Bay Area, the true Silicon Valley is actually just south of San Francisco proper, closer to the areas of Mountain View, Palo Alto, Cupertino, and San Jose. The proximity means you’re going to meet a LOT of people in tech.

3. Please — whatever you do — don’t call it “San Fran” or “Frisco.”

Locals (AKA San Franciscans) refer to their city as “San Francisco”, “The City”, or “SF.” If you slip up, it’s okay — you’ll cause lots of cringes, but you’ll be forgiven.

4. In San Francisco, Divisadero St. separates Karl the Fog

When choosing a neighborhood to live in or visit, keep in mind that half the city is colder and shaded by fog most of the year. The good news is that Karl’s pretty chill (literally), and he’s pretty great to follow on social media.

5. Since we’re talking weather, the average temperature is 60º F.

Fun fact: The #1 souvenir purchased in San Francisco is a sweater. I don’t know if that’s actually true, but I’d believe it. Most people think of sun and shorts when they think of California. Thanks to Karl and the cold ocean current coming from the North, San Fransisco can be pretty chilly year-round. Be sure to dress in layers when you can and have a light sweater or jacket available throughout the day. You’ll be cold in the mornings, hot in the early afternoon, and cold again at night.

Depending on where you live, some spots are significantly warmer though. Berkeley (the East Bay in general) and the South Bay can be significantly warmer.

6. The housing market is crazy competitive…

Whether you’re looking to live in the Castro, SOMA, Marina, Presidio, Hayes Valley or Noe Valley, all San Francisco neighborhoods are well above the national average for real estate prices. Let’s just say one-bedrooms tend to have more than one bed. It’s that hippie lifestyle, I suppose. The only neighborhood where prices are slightly lower is the Tenderloin, but that’s for a reason. Did you know that due to the tech boom the average rent of a 3-bedroom apartment in San Francisco is around $5700/month? By some rankings, San Francisco is the most expensive city in the United States. While the unemployment rate is better than in New York City, the homeless situation and cost of living are not.

7. Use bike/scooter to commute in SF. (Just be careful and WEAR A HELMET.)

‍Don’t be like 75% of these commuters — wear a helmet!

San Francisco proper has one of the smallest land areas of any city in the United States (7 miles by 7 miles, to be exact), so it’s often more convenient and more affordable to bike or use scooters to get around the city. Just be careful! As you enjoy the cool weather through your hair, be on the lookout for traffic and any other potential dangers that might dampen your day. Jump bikes tend to be popular since they’re electric and make cycling way easier.‍

8. Public transit is here for your daily commutes and trips across town … but expect some delays.

First, let’s talk about what the difference is between Municipal Transportation (MUNI), Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART), Caltrain, and cable cars:

MUNI: Basic transit service (e.g. going from Noe Valley to the Marina within San Francisco)
BART: High-speed subway, SFO -> SF -> East Bay (AKA Oakland)
Caltrain: Light-rail system, San Jose -> SF (for you Google folks that want to live in the city by the bay while working in the South Bay)
Cable cars: the trolleys gliding up and down the hills that you picture when you think of San Francisco (I hate to be a downer, but most of the people who ride the cable cars are tourists waiting in line for 1+ hours.)

San Francisco isn’t always the most driver-friendly place. Why try to navigate driving when you can let the experts handle it? Sit back and enjoy the ride.

You can check out the schedules and stations for BART, Caltrain, and MUNI. NextBus is pretty good at letting you know how delayed the train is.

9. It’s a foodie’s dream, but eat your dinner early!

One of the best parts of San Francisco (if not THE best part) is the variety of delicious food available! Well known for its burrito war, San Francisco has all kinds of cuisine from Tartine’s morning buns to divine small-batch ice cream served in sundaes at Bi-Rite Creamery. Pro tip: Berkeley and SOMA have great new foodie favorites from brunch to dumplings. If you can dream of eating it, you can find it. But diner beware, unlike Los Angeles or New York where nightlife never stops, many restaurants in San Francisco aren’t open past 10 pm.

‍Even if you prefer grocery stores, there are some pretty great choices including Duc Loi’s, Trader Joe’s, and Costco.

10. Earthquakes happen all the time…

…Okay, maybe not ALL the time. San Francisco does sit on top of 6 different fault lines which can result in some shifting and occasionally some shaking for residents, too. The last major earthquake hit San Fransisco in 1989 but if you’re feeling like the floor’s moving…it might be!

11. Parking can be kind of a nightmare.

Given the small streets in San Francisco, you might come to find that a good parking spot becomes more precious to you than, well, gold. Some San Franciscans will drive around for more than 30 minutes after work, trying to find a spot anywhere near their home. Lots of people who own cars will even Uber or Lyft places just to save their parking space (and that’s pretty easy since both Uber and Lyft are also headquartered in SF)!‍

12. Your calves are going to burn.

‍Seriously, bring your walking shoes. There’s a reason so many people in SF wear athleisure all the time.

If you’re not used to walking, you will be after you live in San Francisco, AKA “the city built on seven hills.” As you now know, public transit and driving can take a while, so sometimes walking is the quickest way. No sweat (well, maybe some), you’ll at least get your 30-minutes of cardio each day! If you like free tours, explore SF on foot with the best San Francisco neighborhood walks according to Culture Trip.

13. You can find a relaxing spot with nature in most parts of the city

Even in the hustle and bustle of downtown, you can enjoy some crazy good views at the Salesforce Transit Center. If you make it to the west side, you can breathe in the salty air or catch a bonfire at Ocean Beach, or you take a stroll through Golden Gate Park to see the bison. Fun fact: Golden Gate Bridge is actually a ways from Golden Gate Park.

While the process of moving, finding a new space to live, and creating a new chapter in your life can seem daunting, a few helpful hints can do a lot to point you in the right direction and make the transition feel just a little bit easier.

Which item are we missing? Help future San Franciscans by providing your suggestion / SF pro tip in the comments!

8 Iconic San Francisco Eats (and Drinks) that Everyone Needs to Try

Nov 16, 2021

As the song goes, “If you’re going to San Francisco, be sure to wear some flowers in your hair.” We’re going to amend that statement to say that you should also be sure to bring some stretchy pants. That’s because San Francisco is a culinary mecca on par with some of the greatest cities in the world. From San Francisco sourdough to the original Mission burrito, the City by the Bay offers a bevy of famous eats that you can’t experience anywhere else. Eight eats not enough? Check out our list of iconic eats by neighborhood.

Anchor Steam Beer

America’s first craft brewery was founded here in 1896. The name harkens back to a time when brewers worked in primitive conditions, using the cool climate of San Francisco’s rooftops in lieu of ice to cool the wort. The warm liquid would steam when exposed to the night air, and the name stuck. Today, visitors can tour the brewery and enjoy tastings of this iconic San Francisco beverage.

Irish Coffee from Buena Vista Cafe

Ironically, the Irish coffee was not popularized on the Emerald Isle. It was commercialized in San Francisco, where Buena Vista Cafe co-owner Jack Koeppler challenged international travel writer Stanton Delaplane to help him re-create a highly touted “Irish Coffee” served at an airport in Ireland. The two experimented, ultimately crafting the perfect combination of hot coffee, Irish whiskey and whipped cream. Nowadays, the Buena Vista Cafe on Hyde Street reportedly serves up to 2,000 Irish coffees a day!

Sourdough Bread from Boudin Sourdough

No trip to San Francisco is complete without a bread bowl full of chowder from the Boudin factory. The Original San Francisco Sourdough (as Boudin calls itself) is the longest continually operating business in the city, having baked bread since Isidore Boudin perfected the recipe in 1849. The flagship factory on Fisherman’s Wharf serves not only bread bowls but also animal-shaped loaves for the little ones.

Mission Burrito in the Mission District

The Mission-style burrito originated in San Francisco’s Mission District, a neighborhood dominated by Central American culture. Noted for its jumbo proportion, the Mission burrito includes extra rice and other goodies, such as sour cream, guacamole and salsa. Hundreds of taquerias serve San Francisco-style burritos in the city. Try El Farolito or Taqueria La Cumbre for a true San Francisco burrito experience.

Secret Breakfast from Humphry Slocombe

A wildly popular ice cream joint, Humphry Slocombe has become a San Francisco icon since it started scooping in 2008. Although the menu routes regularly to accommodate fresh seasonal ingredients and off-the-wall flavor combinations, such as Candy Cap-mushroom and peanut-butter curry, they’re known for innovative staples like their Secret Breakfast Ice Cream, a unique combination of bourbon and cornflakes. This boozy treat is a hot seller, so get there early in case it sells out.

Seafood at Fisherman’s Wharf

Traditionally the working place of Chinese and Italian immigrants, Fisherman’s Wharf is a seafood lover’s paradise that reflects its multicultural history. Cioppino, an Italian-American seafood stew, was invented to use up leftover seafood. It soon began cropping up on restaurant menus at places like Alioto’s. Today, it’s a widely popular dish. San Francisco is also famous for Dungeness Crab when it’s in season each winter, as well as oysters. Be sure to try the oysters at Fog Harbor Fish House while you’re on Fisherman’s Wharf. Most restaurants still source their fish and crab from the boats of local fisherman.

Dim Sum in Chinatown

From takeaway spots like Golden Gate Bakery to sit-down restaurants like Lai Hong Lounge, the bustling streets of Chinatown are the best spot for dim sum. Traditionally eaten for breakfast, dim sum is an assortment of bite-sized pastries, steamed dumplings and vegetable-based dishes. Nicer sit-down places serve tea with the food, while the waiters make rounds between the crowded tables with pre-cooked selections. You can also order fresh dishes from the menu.

Martini in North Beach

The martini was actually invented at the Occidental Hotel in San Francisco. However, the hotel was destroyed in the 1906 earthquake and subsequent fire, so the next best place to have a martini is in North Beach, a bastion for Italian food with a lively bar scene. Have a hearty dinner at Tony’s Pizza Napoletana or Original Joe’s before downing a classic San Francisco cocktail. This northern neighborhood overlooks the birthplace of the Martinez cocktail, the eponymous city just visible far across the bay. Eventually, the Martinez — a combination of gin, vermouth and maraschino liqueur — dropped the liqueur, and the modern martini was born.

Espresso at Caffe Trieste

While we’re on the topic of North Beach, you can’t miss a quintessential beatnik experience. North Beach was a hub for the Beat movement in the 1950s, and Caffe Trieste on Vallejo St. was a favorite gathering place of figures like Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg. The coffee shop walls are also lined with photographs of its Hollywood connections. A number of actors have been known to frequent Caffe Trieste, and Francis Ford Coppola supposedly wrote much of The Godfather script there.

Chocolate at Ghirardelli Square

In the 1850s, Italian immigrant Domenico “Domingo” Ghirardelli started his chocolate-making company at the old Pioneer Woolen Mills. After the factory was moved to San Leandro in the 1960s, a group of San Franciscans purchased the property, fearing the iconic factory would be demolished, and turned it into the small retail plaza it is today. Visitors can still view the original chocolate manufacturing equipment while sampling gooey hot fudge sundaes and delicious squares of Ghirardelli milk chocolate.

Explore Beyond Your San Francisco Housing: All of the Best Coffee in SF!

Jan 24, 2018

Welcome, you poor uncaffeinated soul. You have wandered out of your San Francisco housing and are desperately seeking coffee, but in such a big city, where do you start? (And do NOT say Starbucks.) Don’t worry fellow caffeine fiend, we have you covered. Below are the best coffee shops in SF for every type of person. So whether you are the type of fellow who just wants to grab-and-go a cup of joe to take back to your San Francisco student housing to get studying, or you feel like spending the day dilly-dallying away in an airy cafe, listed below is your dream coffee shop. Make haste, your coffee awaits.

Sightglass Coffee: For the Wi-Fi Wanderers.

270 7th St, San Francisco, CA

Calling all college students, freelancers, iPhone aficionados, and ‘the world is my office’ free spirits. If you are uninspired by your San Francisco corporate housing, you are desperately seeking caffeination and even more desperately seeking Wi-Fi, this is the spot for you. Not only does this coffee shop offer some incredible java, this spot easily boasts the best ambiance. High ceilings? Check. Natural light? Check. Wood Floors? Check. Great People watching? Double Check. Plus, it has Wi-Fi for days. So all you tech-savvy coffee-guzzlers can settle in, get one of their incredible espresso-based drinks and a nice pastry, and zone in on your screen in peace.

Blue Bottle: For the Minimalists.

66 Mint St, San Francisco, CA 94103

When you go to a coffee shop and there are more food options than coffee options, the minimalist knows they have found their haven. At Blue Bottle, they do not sweeten, garnish, or shake. Blue Bottle is famous in San Francisco for its extremely high-quality coffee, yet very basic menu. Best of all, the lack of options does not speak to the lack of flavor, because this coffee surely packs a punch. The biggest choice you may have to make is whether you would like the Hayes Valley House Espresso or the Guatemala Single Origin Espresso, which is great, because you hate choices. In fact, I’ll make the choice for you: get the New Orleans iced coffee. That way, you can sit back and admire the minimalist ambiance as you sip your minimalist beverage without having to ponder too hard about anything at all.

Elite Audio Systems Coffee & Wine Bar: For the Insta-Inclined.

966 Minnesota St, San Francisco, CA 94107

Free up some memory and head on over to the most unassuming yet rewarding coffee shop SF has to offer. Elite Audio is a teeny spot with barely four tables to its name, in the midst of an unassuming street in the middle of SoMa. Here, you will find the most beautiful and intricate latte art you could ever imagine. The barista is a verifiable artisan, and in the swirl of steamed milk her mochas become masterpieces. For the Insta-inclined, order the mocha and prepare to liven up your feed, because prettiest cup of coffee award easily goes to Elite Audio.

Andytown Coffee Roasters: For the Espresso Extras.

3655 Lawton St, San Francisco, CA 94122

I’ve been there. When you order your “grande half-caf blonde vanilla latte with just two pumps of syrup, steamed almond milk, and one raw sugar please” and the barista looks at you like you’re from outer space. But don’t worry, if you like your coffee with 25% milk, 25% sugar, 25% espresso, and 25% extra, this is the spot for you. Andytown is known for their Snowy Plover, a must-try iced drink involving espresso, Pellegrino, and brown sugar syrup, topped with house-made whipped cream. Otherwise, they offer all of the regular accoutrements, and are more than happy to help you concoct your own coffee creation – with a smile, believe it or not. Andytown offers an excellent variety of pastries and some superb Irish soda bread, and they choose and roast their own beans, so you know your coffee is legit. But the best thing about this place is that they get it. You aren’t extra, you just know what you like … Down to every specific detail.

Philz: For the Go-Getters.

5 Embarcadero Center, San Francisco, CA

I know, you have already heard of this coffee shop. But this one had to be listed for the jet-setters and grab-and-goers, because they know that convenience is key. Boasting over 14 locations in San Francisco alone, Philz is the spot to get your fix on wherever you may be. The Bay-native business has excellent coffee, original drinks, and great food options, set at a decent price point. My favorite libation is the Mint Mojito, but if you are more of a traditionalist, their menu boasts extensive options for a regular cuppa. All of their coffee beans are also available to purchase, just in case you might fall in love. And the best news for those of you who are one-stop shoppers? They have a wide variety of food options, ranging from pastries to some pretty delicious avocado toast! Because you have better things to do, so you can take your joe straight back to your San Francisco room rental and proceed to your day with haste – ain’t nobody got time for lunch.

Four Barrel Coffee: For the Hipsters.

375 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA

This place is for the true hipster coffee connoisseur. Four Barrel Coffee boats a pour over and espresso bar, in which the friendly barista will allow you to scent-test the various roasts and help you select your favorite. The coffee is phenomenal, so be sure to mention your opinion on its country of origin. There is no Wi-Fi, because assumably the clientele would prefer sketching, writing poetry, or simply observing a songbird atop a branch outside. The atmosphere is gorgeous, and will make your original latte photography even more aesthetic. Minimal food options, but that is ok, because you prefer consuming literature to food anyways.

So there you have it folks! Next time you chose to wander out of your single room in San Francisco, be sure to stop by one of these spots and get your fix on.

Did we find the perfect coffee shop for you? Like and share this blog post, and let us know what you think of our choices!

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Post made by contributor Isabelle Kaplan.