The best cafes in San Francisco

12 cafes we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

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Cafes · 12 places · showing the latest additions first

Longstanding diner with a basic '50s-style decor & a classic American menu from omelets to pies.

1901 Junipero Serra Blvd st, D St (Daly City)

Longstanding diner with a basic '50s-style decor & a classic American menu from omelets to pies.

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Casual shop spotlighting Vietnamese coffees and teas with contemporary desserts.

3730 N First St Ste. 110 (San Jose)

Casual shop spotlighting Vietnamese coffees and teas with contemporary desserts.

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Neighborhood coffeehouse offering espresso, latte, tea & pastries in airy, minimalist environ

302 Randolph St

Neighborhood coffeehouse offering espresso, latte, tea & pastries in airy, minimalist environ

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Laid-back local chain specializes in custom-blended coffees, plus teas, specialty drinks & pastries.

2248 Westborough Blvd Ste 603 (South San Francisco)

Laid-back local chain specializes in custom-blended coffees, plus teas, specialty drinks & pastries.

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Dunkin'

Cafes

Long-running chain serving signature breakfast items & a variety of coffee drinks.

180 S Airport Blvd (South San Francisco)

Long-running chain serving signature breakfast items & a variety of coffee drinks.

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Coffee Bodega Farm-to-Table offers specialty coffees grown, roasted and packed by small farmer cooperatives in Costa Rica, giving you true…

50 Fremont St

Coffee Bodega Farm-to-Table offers specialty coffees grown, roasted and packed by small farmer cooperatives in Costa Rica, giving you true known origin, exceptional aromas and a socially responsible cup that actually tastes like the mountains.

From the Alameda newsletter, August 6, 2026

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Warm, wood-hued coffee shop serving European & Japanese-style cakes & pastries plus smoothies.

181 E Tasman Dr #80 (San Jose)

Warm, wood-hued coffee shop serving European & Japanese-style cakes & pastries plus smoothies.

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Hip spot serving specialty coffee, teas, espresso drinks and pastries near SJSU.

481 E San Carlos St (San Jose)

Hip spot serving specialty coffee, teas, espresso drinks and pastries near SJSU.

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Relaxed cafe offering espresso drinks, wine, tea, beer and more amid artwork, gifts, records and pastries.

816 Sutter St

Relaxed cafe offering espresso drinks, wine, tea, beer and more amid artwork, gifts, records and pastries.

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Celebrated shop for handcrafted French chocolate in unique flavors & liqueur-infused varieties.

754 Columbus Ave

Celebrated shop for handcrafted French chocolate in unique flavors & liqueur-infused varieties.

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Teas galore plus sustainable veg-driven fare featured in a charming space with a patio garden.

1223 Park St (Alameda)

Teas galore plus sustainable veg-driven fare featured in a charming space with a patio garden.

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Cafe eats from locally sourced ingredients in an industrial-modern space with outdoor seating.

865 Marina Bay Pkwy #33 (Richmond)

Cafe eats from locally sourced ingredients in an industrial-modern space with outdoor seating.

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