Nothing says “good morning” in San Francisco like sipping something that sounds suspiciously like a dessert experiment. If you’ve ever tried elderflower syrup in your espresso and thought, “Is this me now?” welcome to the club. Let’s take a sip through some of the most unexpected and weirdly wonderful coffee creations San Francisco has to offer.
Snowy Plover — Andytown Coffee Roasters
Where: Five locations, including the OG at 3655 Lawton St. The views at 800 Great Highway are also pretty spectacular
Espresso, sparkling water, and a dollop of house-made whipped cream come together to create a fizzy, creamy enigma. The Snowy Plover is perfect for anyone who’s ever looked at their latte and thought, “You know what this needs? Bubbles.” It’s a strange delight that feels like drinking a caffeinated dessert on a sunny beach — in true San Francisco style, it’s as confusing as it is refreshing.
Iced Mint Mojito — Philz Coffee
Where: Many Philz locations in San Francisco that you can peep here
This coffee is a statement, one that’s best paired with Dolores Park and a sunny Sunday. Philz’s Iced Mint Mojito combines freshly brewed coffee, muddled mint, and cream to create a drink so wildly popular it accounts for about a third of the chain’s sales. Is it absurd? Perhaps. But if you’re sipping this in Dolores Park on a Sunday, you’re living your best clichéd San Francisco life, and isn’t that the point?
Totoro Latte — Home Cafe
Where: Three locations, including 1222 Noriega St., 2018 Clement St., and 455 Grant Ave.
Part drink, part art exhibit, the Totoro Latte is as whimsical as it sounds. Baristas at Home Cafe painstakingly craft foam art featuring Totoro and other beloved characters, turning your morning pick-me-up into an Instagram masterpiece. You might feel a pang of guilt destroying the adorable face with your first sip, but the rich, velvety coffee beneath the art quickly dissolves any regret.
Crushed Pineapple Espresso — Not Latte
Where: 2142 Irving St.
This concoction takes things to a whole new level of unexpected, pairing the bright acidity of pineapple with espresso for a flavor combination that honestly a little bizarre. It’s the kind of drink that makes you wonder if you’ve discovered genius or chaos in a cup. Prefer something less adventurous? The mango or banana latte offers a sweet, creamy twist on your caffeine fix, proving that Not Latte is anything but predictable.
Rose Latte — Delah Coffee House
Where: Two locations in San Francisco, including 370 4th St. and 450 Sansome St.
Delicately floral and unapologetically pink, the Rose Latte feels like sipping a garden party. With rose water infused into the espresso and edible rose petals on top, it’s an aesthetic dream that tastes… surprisingly good? It’s the sort of drink that feels indulgent yet oddly essential, much like paying $6 for coffee in this city.
Honestly rose lattes are fairly common in the Bay Area and presumably around the world. We selected Delah Coffee House because of its deluge of rose coffee reviews and also other rose-decorated offerings, like this petal-decorated milk cake.
Gloomhaven Latte — The Game Parlour
Where: 1342 Irving St.
Inspired by the epic board game, the Gloomhaven Latte is as bold and complex as its namesake. With a rich espresso base, a hint of dark chocolate, and a mysterious swirl of black sesame syrup, this drink feels like a caffeine-fueled quest. Pair it with an all-day board game session for the full experience.
Sweet Potato Latte — YakiniQ Cafe
1640 Post St., 1st floor
The Sweet Potato Latte combines steamed milk with a sweet potato puree or flavoring. It’s sweet, earthy, and somehow the weirdest thing to happen to coffee since… well, coffee.
We haven’t been to YakiniQ cafe in a hot minute, but it’s sorta the better offering from the Korean BBQ upstairs. It’s low-key and slightly edgy, with minimalist decor that somehow makes you feel like you’re hanging out in a living room, not a cafe. If you’re in the mood for something different — or just need an excuse to pretend you’re an adventurous foodie — this is your spot.
These creations might not be for everyone, but they reflect San Francisco’s knack for turning the mundane into something worth talking about. Whether it’s a Totoro latte or elderflower syrup in your espresso, these drinks make every sip a little adventure.
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