Hey, sleepyhead, wakey wakey. It’s time to perk up at these five new cafes around town.
Wow, are you ready for one heck of a remodel? Ritual is on the brink of 10 years in business, so owner Eileen Hassi Rinaldi decided that her famed Mission coffee shop/roaster needed a big ole refresh. It’s now super sleek and minimalist, with a new brew bar, as well as a second espresso machine (a custom Synesso). You can admire a garden installation in the back from Flora Grubb, local art, and a groove lighting fixture. A few things to note: bring your own mug (or use one of Ritual’s new reusable jars) for a 25-cent discount. (Bonus: the jars can be returned the next day for a clean one, and you don’t even have to wash it.) But, no more Wi-Fi. Just distract yourself with all the pastries and more from Mr. Holmes, Sandbox Bakery, and others. Open Mon–Fri 6am–9pm, Sat 7am–10pm, Sun 7am–9pm. 1026 Valencia (at 21st Street), 415-641-1011
This sweet spot fromTrish Rothgeb (whom you can credit for coming up with the term “third wave coffee”) and Nicholas Cho has a charming look, complete with locally made pineapple wallpaper and a sexy, gleaming La Marzocco Strada EP (coffee fanatics can also geek out on the custom drain and scale setup they devised). They are roasting their own beans, and there’s a counter where you can sit and chat with your barista. Definitely a laptop-free zone here — it’s about coffee and conversation. Open Mon–Fri 7am–7pm, Sat–Sun 8am–8pm. 2271 Union (at Steiner)
Don't let the cute name fool you. Tiny Warrior is packing some serious creativity with their fresh spin on iced coffees. And how perfect, this spot is in the Mission, which is always warmer anyway. You can get a Mission mocha, with TCHO chocolate and smoked chile or Vietnamese, or go for the Moroccan with cardamom, cinnamon, and clove syrup. There are regular coffee options too — that is, if you don’t want to add awesome things like chocolate ice cubes to your coffee. Open Tue–Sun 7am–5pm, closed Mon. 3376 18th Street (at Capp), 510-847-4754
Bernal caffeine addicts can find a new coffee home at Pinhole, which has a really fun, artsy, eclectic aesthetic (including tree stumps as coffee tables). Owner JoEllen Depakakibo, a Blue Bottle alum, and her staff definitely know what they’re doing. They use Verve Coffee on espresso, Blue Bottle for their quick drip, and Linea for pour-over. Great neighborhood vibe, because: Bernal. Open Mon–Fri 6:30am–5pm and Sat–Sun 7:30am–5pm. 231 Cortland Avenue (at Bonview)
Dogpatch residents won't get left out of the new cafe action, not with this spot that opened in the Invention Hub coworking space. Look for quick breads, canelés, and more. And who can say no to Affogato Fridays? (They use ice cream from nearby Mr. and Mrs. Miscellaneous.) Open Mon–Fri 7am–5pm. 2225 3rd Street (at 19th Street)
Marcia Gagliardi is the founder of the weekly tablehopper e-column; subscribe and get more food news and gossip at tablehopper.com. Follow her on Twitter: @tablehopper.
