Best of 15 coffee shops in Union Square
Union Square is a bustling hub in the heart of several major cities, and it's known for its vibrant energy and diverse array of attractions. Among the many draws of this lively public space are the coffee shops in Union Square. These cozy cafes offer a respite from the hustle and bustle of city life, serving up expertly brewed cups of joe and delicious snacks to locals and visitors alike. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to work or a place to catch up with friends, the coffee shops in Union Square are sure to hit the spot. So why not take a break from your explorations and enjoy a cup of coffee in one of these delightful establishments?
- 1. Caffe Central
- 2. Cable Car CoffeeSF in Union Square
- 3. Cafe Encore: Coffee, Breakfast, and Lunch Delights
- 4. Blue Bottle Coffee
- 5. Capital One Café
- 6. Sutter Street Cafe
- 7. Cafe Dolci
- 8. Starbucks in Union Square
- 9. Starbucks
- 10. Bluestone Lane Theatre District Coffee Shop
- 11. Mellis cafe
- 12. Coffee Bar Montgomery in Union Square
- 13. Starbucks
- 14. Starbucks
- 15. Starbucks
1. Caffe Central
Specialty coffee roasted in-house, Local art displays

The breakfast spot is known for its delicious bacon and big, filling waffles topped with an abundance of fresh fruit. It caters to a variety of dietary preferences, with vegan and vegetarian options available. In addition to breakfast fare, they offer a range of beverages including coffee, tea, and more.
This coffee shop is consistently busy and moves at a fast pace, providing customers with efficient service. It offers a variety of quick-serve food options in addition to its high-quality coffee. Whether you're looking for a morning pick-me-up or a quick bite to eat, this coffee shop is a great choice.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Lunch
- Mid-Range
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2. Cable Car CoffeeSF in Union Square

TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Lunch
- Dinner
3. Cafe Encore: Coffee, Breakfast, and Lunch Delights
Friendly staff, unique interior design, and a variety of seating options.

This establishment is capable of handling a variety of needs despite its compact size. For instance, they offer coffee and banana bread, making it a great spot for a mid-afternoon break. Its convenient for those who want a quick and affordable meal, such as a bagel or croissant, whether for breakfast or lunch. The service is known to be friendly and the location is clean, adding to its appeal.
In terms of food and drink, this establishment has a range of options. Their coffee and banana bread combination is a popular choice for a mid-afternoon snack. For those looking for a quick meal, they offer breakfast items like bagels and croissants at reasonable prices. The service is consistently friendly and the location is kept clean, making it an appealing option for those in search of a quick and affordable meal or snack.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Breakfast
- Lunch
4. Blue Bottle Coffee
Sustainable sourcing, meticulous roasting and brewing, Japanese-inspired techniques

Blue Bottle Coffee, a well-known coffee shop, has recently opened, and I made sure to visit on opening day. The event featured complimentary drinks and proceeds from purchases were donated to charity, creating a positive atmosphere. I ordered an iced latte and pour-over coffee, accompanied by avocado toast, all of which tasted delightful.
This popular coffee spot tends to have a line during the morning rush, but the service remains exceptional. Friendly baristas welcome customers, providing a warm ambiance. During one of my visits, a regular customer ordered an Ice Oat Latte and was pleasantly surprised when a barista recognized them after a week, subsequently offering advice on crafting an Espresso Martini at home with the Craft Instant Ice Latte mix.
TOPICS
- Affordable Nightlife
- Downtown Spots
- American Cuisine
- Social Gatherings
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5. Capital One Café
Combines coffee shop and bank services

The coffee at this establishment, which is a Peet's, is quite good. The café can get quite busy, but it is a good place to get work done. The service is a standout aspect of this location, with staff providing excellent service.
Peet's coffee inside this café is offered at a 50% discount when using a Capital One card, which is a great deal for customers. The café itself has a busy atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for those looking to be productive. The staff at this location are not only friendly but also provide efficient and effective service.
TOPICS
- Downtown Spots
- Lunch
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6. Sutter Street Cafe
Hand-painted murals and vintage decor

Sutter St. Cafe is known for its high-quality coffee drinks, which can be made with a variety of milk options including whole, low fat, non-fat, 1/2 and 1/2, oak milk, almond milk, and soy milk. The cafe also offers a selection of high-grade loose tea, which can be served in tea bags or as Republic Of Tea bags for hot or iced tea. In addition to its regular coffee and tea offerings, Sutter St. Cafe serves Toddy's Cold Brewed Ice Coffee, which is 80% less acidic than hot water brewed coffee.
Sutter St. Cafe has a strong reputation, with a rating of 4.6 stars. The cafe is open for business Monday through Friday, providing customers with a selection of top-notch coffee and tea drinks during those days. Whether you're looking for a hot cup of coffee to start your day or a refreshing iced tea to cool down in the afternoon, Sutter St. Cafe has something for you.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
- Celebrations
7. Cafe Dolci
Italian-style coffee shop with a focus on traditional methods

If you're looking for a delicious banh mi in SF, head to Cafe Dolci before lunchtime for the best selection. This spot is perfect for walkers on the go, offering filling and tasty options that are easily the best in the city. As you pass by this charming cafe, you'll notice their cute signs advertising their coffee. It's a hidden gem among coffee shops that you won't want to miss.
Cafe Dolci's Vietnamese coffee is a standout, known for its rich and robust flavor that will delight coffee lovers. The cafe has become a beloved part of many people's daily routines, with customers expressing gratitude for its consistently high-quality offerings. Whether you're stopping by for a quick coffee or staying for a meal, Cafe Dolci is sure to impress.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Downtown Spots
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8. Starbucks in Union Square
Uses high-quality, ethically sourced beans, Provides a variety of non-dairy milk options, Offers seasonal drink specials

A nearby cable car station provides convenient transportation. The day began on a positive note thanks to a friendly barista who complimented my hair and made my order.
The barista, who was especially kind, praised my hair and served me with a smile. Just outside the establishment, a cable car stop is located for easy transportation. This set a great tone for the day ahead.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Lunch
- Mid-Range
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9. Starbucks
Seattle-based company with a commitment to ethical sourcing and sustainability.

Downtown San Francisco hosts a coffee shop with a small location but efficient customer handling, ensuring minimal wait times of approximately 5 minutes for orders and another 5 for claim pick-ups. The staff at this establishment works quickly while still providing personalized attention to each customer, offering customization options for beverages.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Mid-Range
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10. Bluestone Lane Theatre District Coffee Shop
Australian-inspired coffee shop in the heart of San Francisco

The coffee shop provided disappointing service during the visit. The shop closed at 3pm and the visit occurred at 2.35pm, shortly before closing. Upon entering, the only option available for order was drinks, as the kitchen had already closed. Despite expecting to order Starbucks coffee, the employee informed that they do not serve Starbucks.
The coffee shop was visited for breakfast on two consecutive mornings, offering a delicious and satisfying experience. On the first morning, the salmon toast with a poached egg was ordered online for pickup. The combination of creamy cheese and egg yolk with the salmon and dill resulted in a delightful and tasty meal.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Vegetarian Options
- Social Gatherings
11. Mellis cafe
Friendly staff, Sustainable practices, Local roaster collaborations

The small cafe in San Francisco is a must-visit for coffee and breakfast. The establishment, visited twice during a recent stay, offered excellent coffee and bagels at reasonable prices, making it a more affordable option compared to nearby places.
The food served at the cafe is worth mentioning. The warm chocolate croissants, egg and bacon bagels, juice, fruit cups, and macarons were all delicious. The kids particularly enjoyed the Nutella bagels, while the cream cheese with tomato and cucumber was a favorite for adults. The quality of the food and the friendly service were top-notch, making this cafe a standout option for breakfast and coffee in San Francisco.
TOPICS
- Downtown Spots
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Lunch
12. Coffee Bar Montgomery in Union Square
Sustainable coffee sourcing, Local roaster collaborations

If you enjoy freshly roasted coffee with a noticeable difference in taste, this coffee shop is the place to be. They offer a range of brewing methods, including pour-over coffee, which is highly recommended. The coffee establishment, unfortunately, loses one star due to its inconsistent business hours that have resulted in several missed opportunities for the reviewer to enjoy a cup of coffee. The coffee shop has been found closed multiple times during the reviewer's visits, prompting a switch to nearby Blue Bottle instead. Despite the inconvenience caused by the inconsistent hours, the coffee and brewing methods are highly recommended.
The coffee shop's business hours have been a considerable frustration for the reviewer, who has had to endure several disappointments due to its frequent closure. However, after multiple occurrences, the reviewer has managed to determine the correct hours, which are now provided for the benefit of other customers. Although the hours are subject to change, the reviewer hopes that they remain consistent, at least throughout the non-summer seasons. Apart from the inconvenience caused by the changing hours, the coffee shop's quality coffee and unique brewing methods make it a worthy recommendation.
TOPICS
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
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13. Starbucks
A popular spot for tech enthusiasts and remote workers

The Taj Campton Hotel on Stockton Street in San Francisco has been a frequent destination for me. On a recent visit in October, I decided to stop by the Starbucks located on the corner of Stockton and Sutter (390 Stockton) to grab my favorite Pumpkin-spiced Latte. During my stay, I visited the Starbucks every morning and was always greeted by cheerful employees, making it one of the best locations I've been to.
The Starbucks on the corner of Stockton and Sutter in San Francisco stands out among others I've visited. During my stay at the Taj Campton Hotel, I made it a daily routine to visit this location. The staff consistently impressed me with their upbeat attitudes, providing a great start to my mornings. It is clear that this Starbucks is a well-run establishment, and I would highly recommend it to anyone in the area.
TOPICS
- Vegetarian Options
- Happy Hours
- Downtown Spots
14. Starbucks
Seattle-founded coffeehouse chain with a wide range of coffee and tea drinks.

The Starbucks location in Chinatown provides a reliable source of caffeine for those in need of a pick-me-up. The quality of the coffee and service is consistent with what is typically expected from the chain. However, there are some areas for improvement.
Unfortunately, the location falls short in terms of cleanliness and customer service. The restrooms were reported to be dirty, which is a significant turn-off for many customers. Additionally, the service was described as mediocre, which is disappointing for a well-known chain like Starbucks. Overall, while it may serve its purpose as a coffee stop, this particular location may not be the best choice for those seeking a more pleasant experience.
TOPICS
- Downtown Spots
- American Cuisine
- Lunch
- Social Gatherings
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15. Starbucks
Offers a rewards program, sustainable and ethically sourced coffee beans

The coffee shop is conveniently located, making it an ideal spot for a quick coffee break while shopping in Union Square. However, during peak hours, the service can slow down due to high customer volume. The shop employs friendly staff, but there have been instances where drinks were prepared incorrectly.
The coffee shop has limited seating, which makes it more suitable for customers who want to grab their coffee and go. Despite the seating limitation, the shop's proximity to Union Square makes it a popular destination for shoppers looking for a caffeine fix.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Mid-Range
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