By Erin Conger
I’m useless in the morning until I get some coffee in me, but on weekdays that cup is pretty utilitarian since the only cafe within walking distance of my office serves the pump stuff. We’re talking styrofoam undertones and a metallic finish kind of coffee. Yikes. So needless to say, I jumped at the chance to photograph PayPal’s guide to some of the best cafes in the Bay Area.
Each of these shops has its own distinct feel, but they have a few things in common: they’ve all seen firsthand how easy it is for their customers to download, check-in, and pay with PayPal’s app (you can essentially leave your wallet at home), and they all take incredible pride in their drinks. Each of these cafes will be participating in International Coffee Day on September 29 and offering discounts for those who pay with the PayPal app.
If you haven’t tried it yet, it’s super convenient and simple to use. Whether you’re in a rush or have some time to relax, be sure to check out these spots. As an added incentive to celebrate International Coffee Day on the 29th, stop by Bread and Cocoa for awesome treats as well as some other fun surprises!
Bread and Cocoa — Ed DeMasi, owner
Location: Financial District, San Francisco
How do you take your coffee?
I drink my coffee black. I love the earthy aroma and pure flavors. Our coffee has notes of toasted hazelnut, deep chocolate, and toffee.
What should customers order?
Our newest drink (if you like sweet) is a lavender white chocolate mocha. If you like only a little sweet and a deeper flavor, order our rich dark chocolate mocha; it’s my favorite.
What is one unique thing about your coffee shop?
I make a ganache to use for our cocoa drinks from two premium sourced chocolates, and three other secret ingredients. I also make raspberry syrup from fresh raspberries, lavender syrup using French culinary lavender, and mint syrup using fresh bunches of mint.
Craftsman & Wolves — William Werner, Chef/Partner
Location: The Mission, San Francisco
How do you take your coffee?
Almond milk macchiato.
What should customers order?
We’re the only shop in SF pulling Highwire, so if you’re a true coffee geek you should get an espresso and our chocolate croissant stack. That will set the pace for a good day.
What is one unique thing about your coffee shop?
We offer a seasonal selection of pastries that are different from any other coffee shop, and there is something for everyone — those who prefer sweet or savory.
Farley’s — Chris Hillyard, owner
Location: Multiple
How do you take your coffee?
Black.
What should customers order?
Gibraltar — it’s the perfect ratio of espresso and steamed milk.
What is one unique thing about your coffee shop?
We’re the quintessential neighborhood coffeehouse that has been around for 25 years, but has a fresh, classic feel. We also have a pet parade!
Dolcetto Café — Laura Mills, co-owner
Location: Willow Glen, San Jose
How do you take your coffee?
I like my coffee with a little half and half.
What should customers order?
All of our coffee drinks are delicious, but we recommend our traditional Italian-style cappuccinos and lattes, which are made with our fresh Italian roasted espresso (Caffe Umbria) and creamy milk.
What is one unique thing about your coffee shop?
What really makes us stand apart is the authentic Italian cafe experience: the traditional Italian coffee and all-Italian wine and beer, the panino, baguette sandwiches, flatbread pizzas, salads, meat and cheese boards, carrara marble cafe tables and bistro chairs, and the Italian music playing. When you enter Dolcetto, you feel as if you’ve stepped into a cafe in Rome!
The Station — Chris Dressick, owner/partner
Location: Financial District, San Francisco
How do you take your coffee?
I enjoy single origin varietals in their pure forms. No dairy, no sugar. Brewed by pour-over or syphon.
What should customers order?
If you like black coffee, order a pour-over. With plenty of caffeine and meticulous brewing techniques, this is the cup for you! If you enjoy espresso-based drinks, our cappuccino is the perfect balance of rich espresso to micro-smooth steamed milk.
What is one unique thing about your coffee shop?
We have a retail pop-up shop space within the cafe. It changes every two to three months and the focus is on the latest and greatest brands in the Bay Area.
Top Nosh Café — Taha Tyebjee, VP Operations
Location: Willow Glen, San Jose
How do you take your coffee?
All of our coffees are selected, roasted, and brewed in a way that allows all the beautiful, natural flavors to shine. They taste so good, I always drink them black and we recommend the same to customers.
What should customers order?
We have a wonderful Ethiopian Yirgacheffe coffee right now. It’s floral, sweet and fruity; a perfect cup for both coffee aficionados and those new to specialty coffee. For those who prefer espresso-based beverages, our cappuccinos are amazing. We also have a 12-hour cold-brewed coffee that is great for those looking for something iced.
What is one unique thing about your coffee shop?
We make every cup of coffee to order as a pour-over or French press and all of our espresso drinks are hand crafted. Likewise, we bake our pastries from scratch in house, make French omelets and brioche French toast, serve hand-held savory pies in 11 flavors, and create seasonal salads and soups year round.
Los Gatos Coffee Roasting Company — Teri Hope, owner
Location: Los Gatos
How do you take your coffee?
I love my coffee black prepared in a French press to enjoy the subtle nuances of the particular coffee.
What should customers order?
We have a full menu of classically prepared espresso beverages. The most popular drinks are Café Latte and Café Mocha and I like to recommend our signature drink: the Caffe Borgia, which is espresso, hot cocoa, and orange zest, topped with grated nutmeg.
What is one unique thing about your coffee shop?
I’m an independent specialty coffee roaster and have been in business since 1982 — more than 32 years! We roast all of our coffees onsite and we offer a full espresso bar, café with crepes made to order, desserts and savories, whole bean coffee, free wi-fi, and mail order service.
Espresso Roma — Gerry Blake, owner
Location: Multiple
How do you take your coffee?
I am a purist — I like dark roast coffee, black.
What should customers order?
We’re known for our outstanding lattes.
What is one unique thing about your coffee shop?
Espresso Roma has been part of the Berkeley culture for more than 30 years.
Martha & Bros — Jaime Guerrero, co-owner
Location: Multiple
How do you take your coffee?
I like to drink a Cortado or espresso with a little bit of cream, topped off with coffee (like a red eye).
What should customers order?
It depends on your taste, of course, but our white mochas are great and our double lattes are awesome.
What is one unique thing about your coffee shop?
Coffee is in my family’s blood. My dad owned a coffee plantation in Nicaragua, where we’re from, so we’ve all been around coffee since we were born. All three shops are still family-owned and operated.
