Castro Coffee Company — Restaurant in San Francisco

I've bought my coffee beans here for more than 20 years,starting when I had an apartment nearby. it is the best coffee I've ever had and really reasonable. Even when I moved away for several years, i ordered from them both for myself and many friends who like me, had become spoiled by these delicious products. In fact, when an east coast friend wanted to come with me to visit, the one thing she insisted on was to visit the store, tiny as it is. Afterward she shared it was one of the highlights of her visit.

I like to take their coffee as thank you giftss and in self-defense. Taking good coffee assures you might actually get some when you are traveling. This last trip, I bought ones that had California or San Francisco names, like Presidio, San Francisco Sunshine and California Breakfast to name a few...a consumable souvenir. Usually, whomever I take it to ends up ordering more after i leave. That morning, there was a lull (rare); I got to chat with the owner about how he creates his blends. He has an incredible skill. It was like interviewing a master vintner only about coffee beans instead of grapes

So if you have never been here, you have go to go; you have missed out on one ofthe most special little shops in...

I'm not a hot coffee beverage addict by any means, but I do enjoy a flavored, steamy cup of something every now and then. We were on vacay and walking the Castro area in search of a jacket for me. My spouse asked if I wanted something, and I said "Sure, as long as it's not Starbucks." Vacation rule #1 for me: Don't eat/drink at a place you have back home. Enter the Castro Coffee Company.

ATMOSPHERE: It's the tiniest of shops, brimming with merchandise and the aroma of freshly brewed beans of the coffea plant. There's absolutely no seats inside, just some outdoor ones on the unprotected sidewalk next to the Castro Theater.

MENU: Impressive list of roasts and blends of all kinds, hot and cold beverages, baked goods, and online sales.

BEVERAGE: Cafe Mocha Mmm, the perfect balance of cocoa, espresso, milk, and sugar that helped fight off the nip in the air. Believe it or not, this simple drink can get screwed up, but not here! Give it to me regular, no skinny this, shot of that, easy on the whatever...

SERVICE: I didn't want to add to the crowd in the little shop if I didn't have to so I waited outside. Spouse reported fast and friendly service.

OVERALL: Delish mocha, competitive pricing,...

Item purchase: Chai x2

BEAUTIFUL appearance and smells wonderful! We ordered the chai and it tasted pretty watered down. Loved the various milk options and variety of drinks to choose from. Would probably go back to try other options!! Nutella latte in particular sounded fun.

The specific batista we had had an... interesting vibe. I'd personally say snobby, unfriendly, and annoyed. I'll give them the benefit of the doubt and say they were tired(it was later in the evening). When I asked clarifying questions they seemed bothered and uninterested in answering. They answered anyway which was of course appericiated. When we recieved our drinks they tasted watered down. We both really enjoy Xhai sonit was rather disappointing. When we left we saw another customer dump their drink out.

FINAL WORDS Id go back and try one other drink but is that batista is there I wouldn't go in. Maybe it was an off day for staff or it was late but it definitely wasn't the best first impression. Wishing this cafe...