Best of 15 coffee shops in Polk Gulch
Discover the vibrant coffee scene in Polk Gulch, a unique neighborhood in San Francisco. With a rich history and a diverse community, Polk Gulch is home to several eclectic coffee shops. These cozy venues not only serve delicious coffee and pastries but also offer a welcoming space for locals and visitors alike to work, socialize, and enjoy the eclectic ambiance. Whether you're a coffee connoisseur or just looking for a warm and inviting spot to relax, Polk Gulch's coffee shops have something for everyone.
- 1. Saint Frank Coffee
- 2. Cafe Réveille
- 3. Royal Ground Coffee
- 4. Up4Dayz Coffee Tea & Juice
- 5. Moka Coffee
- 6. Philz Coffee
- 7. Juniper
- 8. Souvenir Coffee Co. in Polk Gulch
- 9. Peet's Coffee
- 10. Starbucks in Polk Gulch
- 11. Bob's Donut & Pastry Shop
- 12. Mymy in Polk Gulch
- 13. Starbucks
- 14. Toast Eatery
- 15. It's A Grind Coffee House
1. Saint Frank Coffee
Sustainable sourcing, community engagement, unique location

The coffee shop in San Francisco is renowned for its superior pour over coffee, which is widely considered to be the best in the city. Many, including myself, would rate it above Blue Bottle and Sightglass. During my visit, I opted for a non-dairy beverage due to lactose intolerance, and I can recommend the almond macadamia nut latte. My boyfriend, on the other hand, enjoyed an orange cream latte.
This coffee shop in San Francisco boasts some of the best pour over coffee in town, surpassing both Blue Bottle and Sightglass in popularity. For those with dietary restrictions, the café offers a range of dairy-free alternatives, such as the almond macadamia nut latte that I tried and enjoyed. My partner opted for the orange cream latte, which he also found to be very tasty.
TOPICS
- Breakfast
- Downtown Spots
- Asian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
2. Cafe Réveille
Local roaster, organic and fair trade coffee, vegan options

The café's staff is frequently commented on for their friendly and helpful demeanor, creating a welcoming atmosphere for customers. Their kindness and willingness to assist contribute to the café's positive reputation.
In addition to the staff, the café offers a variety of drink options that are reasonably priced, making it a great value for customers. From hot to cold drinks, the café has something for everyone's taste preferences, making it a popular spot to relax and enjoy a beverage.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Lunch
- Dinner
3. Royal Ground Coffee
Rotating selection of single-origin coffees, offers coffee subscriptions

The café is a popular spot for a quick snack and coffee, often bustling with customers. During one of our visits, we tried a few delicious offerings and enjoyed the pleasant, relaxed atmosphere. The staff members were welcoming and added to the positive ambiance with their cheerful and friendly attitudes.
As a regular visitor, I can attest to the appeal of this café. I frequently come here on weekends to work, finding the environment conducive to focused effort. The barista is knowledgeable and offers helpful suggestions. Spending 2-3 hours working at this café is a regular part of my weekends. The only thing that could make it better would be the addition of beer for evening visits.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Downtown Spots
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4. Up4Dayz Coffee Tea & Juice
Sustainable sourcing, unique tea blends, fresh juice options

Up4Dayz Coffee Tea & Juice is a wonderful coffee shop known for its consistently high-quality coffee and tea options. Among the popular choices is the Matcha Latte, which is a favorite among many regulars. The shop boasts a cozy atmosphere, making it an ideal spot to relax or work.
The staff at Up4Dayz Coffee Tea & Juice are friendly and dedicated to providing excellent service. They offer a variety of drinks, from traditional coffee and tea to smoothies and fresh juices. The quality of their beverages is consistently high, making it a go-to spot for coffee and tea lovers in search of a great cup. Whether you're looking for a place to relax, work, or socialize, Up4Dayz Coffee Tea & Juice is an excellent choice.
TOPICS
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- High-End
- Downtown Spots
- Breakfast
5. Moka Coffee
Sustainable sourcing, community involvement, unique decor

The coffee I had was extremely disappointing, perhaps the worst I have ever tasted. I stopped by this place on my way back from seeing the swan, hopeful for a good cup of coffee. I ordered two cappuccinos, but they looked unappetizing and tasted even worse. It was so bad, I can only assume it was an off day for the coffee shop.
On a more positive note, I also tried their white mocha and it was absolutely delicious. It warmed me up in a way I had never experienced before, as if a new sun had been born inside of me. Despite my previous disappointment with the cappuccinos, the white mocha made the visit worthwhile.
TOPICS
- Vegetarian Options
- Downtown Spots
- Mid-Range
6. Philz Coffee
Every cup of coffee is customized to order

Philz Coffee is a popular choice, and the specified location continues to uphold the brand's reputation for excellent service. The staff is attentive, friendly, and helpful, ensuring that customers have a positive experience. Despite its popularity, the location is well-staffed, allowing for quick and efficient service.
The atmosphere at this Philz Coffee location is young, relaxed, and conducive to work or study. The large hot dancing water with almond milk was a satisfying and enjoyable beverage. The staff members who took and delivered the order were gracious and kind, adding to the overall positive experience.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Dinner
7. Juniper
Sustainable and fair trade coffee, Organic and locally sourced ingredients

Juniper is a coffee house that offers a cozy and inviting atmosphere with exceptional service. The establishment, which was opened in 2023 by the owners of Saint Frank Coffee, has gained popularity due to its impressive pastry selection and quality coffee. Patrons can enjoy delicious options such as pain au chocolat and choux, as well as freshly baked homemade whole grain bread topped with avocado and lemon oil.
Juniper is known for its high-quality products, including its croissants, which have been recognized as the best in San Francisco. The coffee house features its own beans and offers a variety of drinks, including vibrant green Matcha Lattes. Seating is limited, with customers often lined up along the counter to enjoy their freshly made meals. Despite the limited seating, Juniper remains a popular spot for coffee and pastry breaks.
TOPICS
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Breakfast
- Social Gatherings
8. Souvenir Coffee Co. in Polk Gulch
Sustainable sourcing, small-batch roasting, community engagement

The staff at this establishment are known for being friendly, knowledgeable, and engaging. They approach each customer with a smile and are always willing to answer questions. Their helpful and pleasant demeanor contributes to a welcoming and enjoyable atmosphere.
The drinks served here are described as classic, subtle, and normal, with a touch of sweetness from brown sugar. The roasts are top-notch, featuring many unique and flavorful options. These high-quality drinks are sure to satisfy any coffee connoisseur.
TOPICS
- Downtown Spots
- Breakfast
9. Peet's Coffee
Hand-roasted beans, sustainable sourcing

The pastries and drinks at this establishment are delicious, but can be a bit pricey. The location is charming, with a clean interior and ample seating. Both indoor and outdoor seating are available, with options under the entryway or out on the sidewalk and street.
Despite the positive aspects of the location, there is room for improvement in maintaining the cleanliness of their parklet. A star in the rating is deducted due to this issue, as it negatively impacts the overall experience. Despite this, the quality of the pastries and drinks is still worth a visit.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Breakfast
10. Starbucks in Polk Gulch
Free Wi-Fi, Community-friendly atmosphere, Sustainability practices

The Starbucks location at the corner of Polk and Vallejo streets is a go-to spot for local residents, known for its friendly and pleasant staff. However, customers should be aware that the store closes early, at 8:30pm.
This particular Starbucks is a hub of activity for the surrounding neighborhood, thanks to its convivial atmosphere and welcoming baristas. Despite its popularity, the store maintains a community feel and is a great place to grab a coffee or tea before the evening settles in. Just be sure to plan your visit accordingly, as the doors close relatively early in the evening.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Downtown Spots
- Breakfast
11. Bob's Donut & Pastry Shop
Family-owned business, Freshly baked goods

Bob's Donuts is a coffee shop that offers a comfortable environment and amazing donuts. One of the highlights of this establishment is its coffee, which is always fresh and delicious. If you're looking for a quick pick-me-up, this is the perfect place to grab a cup of coffee and a donut. The coffee and pastries are a perfect match, making Bob's Donuts a great spot for a snack or a light meal.
The coffee at Bob's Donuts is top-notch, and the donuts are not to be missed. The pastries are delicious, and they come in a variety of flavors and styles. The coffee and donuts are a match made in heaven, and they are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. Whether you're looking for a quick cup of coffee or a place to relax and enjoy a donut, Bob's Donuts is the perfect destination. With its comfortable atmosphere and delicious offerings, this coffee shop is a must-visit for anyone with a love of coffee and donuts.
TOPICS
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Breakfast
- Late Night
- Downtown Spots
12. Mymy in Polk Gulch
Sustainable sourcing, unique latte art, community events

The coffee blends at this establishment are highly regarded and renowned for their exceptional quality. The welcoming and cool atmosphere, coupled with reasonable prices, makes it a popular choice among coffee lovers. The pastries and coffee served here are of great quality, and the staff is known for their courteous and friendly service.
In terms of food, the pancakes are a standout and have received rave reviews from patrons. The unique lemon cottage cheese pancakes and banana pancakes are especially popular, delighting customers with their distinct flavors. The menu also features unique dishes like zucchini pancake, offering a diverse range of options that cater to different tastes and preferences.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Breakfast
- Mid-Range
13. Starbucks
Offers a wide selection of hot and cold drinks, baked goods, and sandwiches.

The service provided was problematic, with staff failing to apologize for confusion and not delivering ordered items. This led to a dissatisfactory experience for the customer, who did not receive what they had paid for.
On the other hand, the service was also described as quick, friendly, and efficient. The staff's speed and friendliness were commended, indicating a positive experience for those who received this level of service.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Mid-Range
14. Toast Eatery
Sustainable and fair trade coffee beans, local artisanal pastries

The Breakfast Nook is a small, clean restaurant located on the corner of Polk and Sacramento, open in the mornings and early afternoons. It serves a mostly breakfast menu, but also offers lunch items such as burgers and more substantial meals. The food is well-prepared, and the staff is pleasant, making it a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. However, it can get crowded, so plan accordingly. Fortunately, they have added outdoor patio seating for customers.
During a recent stay in the area, I had the pleasure of eating at the Breakfast Nook every morning. The food was consistently fantastic, with a variety of breakfast options to choose from. The waitresses were friendly and attentive, ensuring that our meal started our day off on the right foot. The restaurant is located in a nice neighborhood, making it a great spot to start your day, especially if you're taking public transportation towards the Bay. Overall, I would highly recommend the Breakfast Nook for anyone looking for a great meal to start their day.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Hidden Gems
- Mid-Range
15. It's A Grind Coffee House

TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Mid-Range