Lana’s Top 10 Bay Area Coffee Shops
My obsession with coffee began later in life than most. Tea was the hot beverage of choice in Russia and it wasn’t until I came stateside that I developed a serious love of lattes. I am always on a mission to discover unique coffee shops in the Bay Area where I can meet clients and of course, get my caffeine fix. Here are 10 of my tried-and-true favorites:
1. Blue Bottle
Palo Alto
There are no shortage of Blue Bottles in the Bay Area but Palo Alto will always be my go-to location. Formerly a 1920’s movie theater, this historical building is now a Silicon Valley hotspot with an airy courtyard, full menu, and communal workspace called HanaHaus—though one of my client’s likes to call it Lana’s House.
2. Four Barrel
San Francisco, Portola
This independent, locally owned coffee roastery will give you good vibes along with your daily dose of caffeine. Go to the Portola location for its industrial setting, luscious living wall, and to meet Boots, the resident cat. Or, visit Valencia where they display the work of local artists and have a curbside patio primed for people watching.
3. Verve Coffee Roasters
Palo Alto
Originating in Santa Cruz, Verve is all about “streetlevel” atmosphere. Their cafes are designed to be a gathering place where you can sit back, relax, and enjoy a cup of thoughtfully roasted coffee with friends. I feel right at home in their open, light-filled location on University Avenue.
4. Sightglass Coffee
San Francisco, SOMA
It all started with a service-cart parked in a warehouse. Now, this sibling-owned coffee company is brewing up high-quality cups throughout the city. Check out their flagship location in SOMA and visit the Affogato Bar on the mezzanine level to turn your coffee into a sweet treat.
5. Lady Falcon Coffee Club
San Francisco
Seek out this vintage coffee truck in the streets of San Francisco for a truly unique experience. I like to visit this mobile cafe on weekends in Alamo Square. The famed Painted Ladies bordering the park are the perfect city backdrop for enjoying a carefully crafted latte.
6. Ritual Coffee
San Francisco, Bayview
Ritual opened its doors on Valencia in 2005 but my favorite location is in the up-and-coming Bayview neighborhood. Situated in Flora Grubb Gardens, coffee seekers make their way through flowering plants, palms, and succulents to reach Ritual Coffee’s serene kiosk location.
7. The Mill
San Francisco, Divisadero
Serving up Four Barrel Coffee, The Mill is the place to go for delicious coffee and equally delicious baked goods. Their Toast menu changes seasonally and is loaded with local ingredients. I go here to get a break from avocado toast and discover new combinations.
8. Réveille Coffee Co.
San Francisco, Castro
It’s easy to feel like one of the locals at this neighborhood cafe in the Castro. I enjoy my coffee on their sunny, streetside patio where I can feel the buzz of the city while I get some work done or enjoy a salad off their thoughtfully curated menu.
9. Coffee Shop
Walnut Creek
There are several East Bay locations but the one in downtown Walnut Creek is a true gem. More than the name suggests, Coffee Shop serves healthy meal options, organic smoothies, craft beer, and so much more. It’s the ultimate neighborhood spot for meeting a friend or client.
10. States Coffee
Martinez
I highly recommend you make States Coffee a pitstop on your next road trip out of the Bay Area. Housed in a historic brick building, States Coffee gives off hip vibes in all the right ways and is the perfect place to enjoy a pourover coffee and a vegan donut.
P.S. SPRO Coffee Lab. Cool coffee truck in Mission Bay. I tasted their coffee only one time and it was great. Friendly baristas.
Discover new coffee with me on Instagram.