The best cafes in San Rafael

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

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Pinned in San Rafael today

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Cafes · 8 places · showing the latest additions first

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 (San Francisco)

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

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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 (San Francisco)

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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Double Rainbow Cafe is officially in the “coming soon” zone, and it’s got future Novato neighborhood hangout written all over it. Put it on…

850 4th St

Double Rainbow Cafe is officially in the “coming soon” zone, and it’s got future Novato neighborhood hangout written all over it. Put it on your radar this week, spread the word to the group chat, then claim early regular status when those doors finally swing open.

From the Novato newsletter, August 7, 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 (San Francisco)

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 (San Francisco)

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

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