The Yard Coffee — Restaurant in Redwood City

The Yard Coffee is a cool shady refuge from the hustle of Silicon Valley. Roasting their own beans for some exceptional coffee.

Let me start by saying I had very high hopes for this establishment. Full disclosure, I've known the owner for a number of years and I've watched him develop this business. I know the degree to which he truly loves coffee.  I had very high expectations and I am happy to say that what I experienced exceeded those expectations by a lot. This place is starting out with a small walk-up barista space called The Shed off the courtyard of the main house.  They have everything they need in this small space to make a truly fine cup of coffee!  There are expansion plans you can read about on the website listed here on maps.  Today's experience started with walking into a beautiful sanctuary of a courtyard off of Main Street at the edge of downtown.  The John Offerman House (built in 1857) Is the oldest surviving house in Redwood City, California.   Walk through a gate and step into an enchanted world surrounded by trees and cozy spots to sit and enjoy your coffee.  Order  at The Shed counter or order ahead on their website.  Find a relaxing spot to wait, they'll bring it to you.  Not really sure what to order, I ordered the “La Azteca” which is completely customizable down to the type of bean used. I left it in the capable hands of the barista, JJ and what I got in return was probably the most delicious cup of coffee I've had in a very long time. No sweetener needed, the spices and cocoa give it all the flavor and sweetness it needs.  I would highly recommend trying a sip before adding additional sweetener to this drink. It was worth the drive up from the south end of San Jose.  I came up on a Sunday morning which was perfect, uncrowded.  I could see this becoming a regular routine. All in all, the experience here certainly did not disappoint. Can't really judge them on food as I came for coffee and coffee I got.

Update: made a second visit on a Sunday morning at 8:30 a.m. Ordered what has quickly become my usual, the La Azteca, delightful as expected. New development, Frolic Hollow, a very local flower vendor. Setting up on weekends to sell beautiful locally grown flower bouquets. In the first half hour more than half of which were sold. You will need to get there early if you want a...

I’ve been here twice now and I rarely leave reviews, but I want to provide constructive feedback because I love what they’re trying to do.

On the positive: The coffee and the vibes are excellent. I’m not a coffee person, but my partner loved the cappuccino and the La Azteca. I liked the matcha latte, as well.

Stuff to improve: I got the bergamot tea on my first visit and it was overbrewed and quite bitter. I like that they use loose leaf tea - something you can’t say of a lot of coffee places - but you need to adhere to specific brew times and temperatures for different kinds of tea.

Big negative: I bought two pastries today - the blueberry coffee cake and pumpkin streusel muffin. After I ordered, I noticed that they were reselling Costco pastries!!! These were both about 4 bucks each. I love Costco but I frankly felt scammed. I was under the impression that they sourced their baked goods from local bakers.

As a non coffee drinker, I look forward to the tea and pastries being improved. I genuinely enjoy the concept and would like to enjoy the...

My new favorite cafe in Redwood City. I enjoyed a dirty chai and haven't tried the food yet, but it was the atmosphere, including the service, that sold me on this Sunday morning. It felt like a nice neighborhood cafe in a small town with friendly guests who knew each other. There are various seating options to suit your preference inside and out / in the sun or shade. The ambiance was a peaceful respite from the hustle, bustle of life of Silicon Valley life like an escape to enjoying life the way it should be. All this at the edge of downtown Redwood City that you're unlikely to walk walk by, yet just around a corner from the Library. It lacks the sterility of a chain cafe and offers a personal vibe and comfort of what feels like a family business amongst buildings that remind of a simpler, less stressful life...