Need a legit excuse to drink copious amounts of coffee?
Recent studies show that caffeine is a neuro-protectant. And you know it makes you feel good. And the Bay Area is positively buzzing with delicious cappuccinos topped with artful froth. So why not get cozy with cup at some of our best local coffee shops that elevate the combination of double espresso and steamed milk.
What makes it special:Modern Coffee keeps it local with roasters such as Chromatic Coffee Co. and Stumptown Coffee, milk from Califia Farms, and ganache made from Tcho chocolate.Get a little spice with the burnt cinnamon cappuccino; the syrup is made by their baker.
Locations: Tribune Building, 411 13th St. and Leamington Building, 381 19th St., (Oakland), moderncoffeeoakland.com
What makes it special: Weaver's, who sources their beans from along the equatorial belt, focuses on serving certified organic and fair trade coffee. They specialize in hand-roasted, artisan brew from 100% Arabica beans.
Locations: 2301 Market St., (The Castro), 40 Louise St., (San Rafael), weaverscoffee.com
What makes it special: Woman-owned and LGBTQ-certified Equator Coffees and Teas was the first California roaster to become a certified B Corporation, meaning it has met rigorous standards for environmental and social performance, transparency, and accountability. Try the Cortado, which uses less milk but still delivers the best of a cappuccino.
Locations: 986 Market St. (Tenderloin); 222 2nd St. (SoMa); 2 Marina Blvd. (Marina); 175 Bay Place, (Oakland); 244 Shoreline Highway (Mill Valley); 240 Magnolia Ave. (Larkspur), equatorcoffees.com▲
What makes it special: Verve Coffee Roasters started as a homegrown, Santa Cruz operation that now has nine locales, including one in Tokyo. Through their Farmlevel Initiative, direct trade with farmers is possible, Fair Trade minimums are exceeded, and you can have a cup of coffee that is steeped in goodwill, honesty, and of course, flavor.
What makes it special: In addition to an espresso cafe, ZombieRunner is also a running store. Naturally they provide great coffee that stimulates and energizes. You can go with a classic cappuccino, or try their Turkish cappuccino (hot or iced), made with steamed chai.
What makes it special: The second outpost of Bellano Coffee, located in the San Pedro Square Market, features coffees brewed with beans from Santa Cruz's Verve, and Sightglass in SF.
Location: San Pedro Square Market, 87 N San Pedro Rd. (San Jose), bellanocoffee.com
What makes it special: "The original home of the famous cappuccino" is a great place to get a solid cup of coffee. Tosca has been a North Beach fixture since 1919. Need some extra oomph in your brew? Order the house cappuccino, a decadent drink made with Ghirardelli chocolate, steamed milk, and brandy.
