FRIDAY FIVE
TBI’s 5 Best: Cafes for a Sunday Coffee
The best part of waking up is SF in your cup
Before tech called San Francisco home, artists and writers flooded the city’s streets. And you know what they say: where there are artists, there are good cafes (or something like that). San Francisco has artisanal everything, and while the coffee industry is no exception, it’s not a necessarily easy feat to find the perfect cafe in which to drink coffee on a Sunday morning. So here’s what we suggest.
Borderlands Cafe
A city classic tucked away in the Mission, Borderlands cafe is part cafe and part bookstore. While they offer free Wi-Fi access from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on weekdays, the cafe is essentially a laptop-free zone on weekends. Instead, you’ll find neighbors conversing over coffee or enjoying a good book—a.k.a. the perfect Sunday morning.
TBI tip: Bring a book or newspaper. Don’t stare at your phone with your coffee.
Blue Danube Coffee House
Blue Danube, as it is referred to by locals, is a staple coffee shop located in the Inner Richmond. This hole-in-the-wall joint is known for its cozy atmosphere thanks to its comfy couches and all-inclusive vibe. Perhaps the most charming part of Blue Danube, though (aside from its tasty coffee), are the Blue Danube diaries. Coffeehouse dwellers of years past have documented their thoughts and secrets in journals that can be found on the bookshelf in back.
TBI tip: Stop at the Inner Richmond farmers’ market after your coffee.
Reverie
There is a longstanding legend in Cole Valley that Craig Newmark, the founder of Craigslist, frequently hangs out at Reverie Cafe. OK, it’s not quite a rumor, since he’s given numerous interviews from Reverie (like this WIRED one), but there is a reason why he loves this cafe: because it’s one of the best in San Francisco to ever exist. At Reverie, you won’t find people staring at their screens; you’ll find neighbors having IRL conversations. Its neighborhood vibe is a breath of fresh air and has strangely never changed over the years. Oh, and there is a lovely patio where you can soak in the sun when the fog lifts.
TBI tip: Engage in small talk with the baristas.
The Mill
The Mill’s bright and airy ambience can cheer up even the most hungover San Franciscan on a Sunday morning. Plus, the Mill’s Four Barrel coffee is delicious. Yes, the Mill is a much-talked-about spot in the city, but it truly does live up to the hype. On a Sunday morning, it’s an idyllic spot for people-watching and drinking delicious coffee.
TBI tip: You’re at the Mill, so yes, order the toast.
Java Beach Cafe
Coffee with a view? Say no more—that is what Java Beach Cafe was made for. This San Francisco institution is just an N Judah ride away and can be quite the lively spot on a weekend morning for the locals and surfers who stop by. Plus, all coffee served at Java Beach Cafe is locally roasted and fair trade.
TBI tip: Take a walk on Ocean Beach after your coffee.
Hey! The Bold Italic recently launched a podcast, This Is Your Life in Silicon Valley. Check out the full season or listen to the episode below featuring Alexia Tsotsis, former co-editor of TechCrunch. More coming soon, so stay tuned!
