Earth Tone Cafe — Restaurant in San Francisco

Literally the worst place ever. I was excited to try a new mom and pop’s for coffee, it seemed cute and so I thought I would give it a try. When I arrived I said hello but did not get an answer or a smile. The barista was dropping a coffee on a table so maybe she was too busy. There was no one else in the miniature coffee place. I proceeded to order when she was done moving things around the back area rather than greeting and helping me (no big deal) but then what followed made me crazy. I asked if she could do an iced flat white. She said “NO”. There was no explanation. I asked how come (nicely) and she said “we only do cold latte’s”. I said “ok well it’s basically a latte with less milk, are you able to make me that”.. after another (im not joking) 5 minute conversation about why it didn’t make sense (to her) for her to put less milk, she decided to charge me an extra dollar than the hot flat white. I asked her why the extra dollar (because im tired of being robbed in SF with crazy unjustified prices) and she said “i have to add ice” (which is funny because if she was already charging me the iced latte she supposedly had with less milk, I am not sure why she would charge me even more! I ended up walking out because she looked SO angry to make the drink and honestly would probably have put a spell on my drink. I sincerely hope she is not the owner of this place but if she is, there is no way her business will survive with this attitude. It was really funny because i walked into the next coffee shop and asked for a flat white on ice and he said in less than ten seconds “sure thing we can do that” and he didnt charge me anything...

This is now my little favorite cafe.

It's not just the coffee. This time I've had the mocha. Perfect after lunch. But also a crosffle.

When I first came here during Christmas, I was fascinated with the decoration, so quaint and festive, the lights, the aroma, Now holidays is over, and I love how they put couple small table outside, the owner is so thoughtful that she put a plastic cover on the table, couple succulents on it. Just thoughtful and neat thinking.

Like I said before, if I live in the city, this is my go to place to hang out!

Mocha taste great. However, croffle can be improved. I was impressed with croffle, I don't know if she created it or it's been out there cause it's be first time having it. It's a waffle made with crossiant batter. Initial bite was good but then I notice some after taste. It'll be better with a little bit more butter and have to figure out how to get rid of the after taste. All in all, I thought it's a great item to go...

I love Earthtone Cafe with its Thai vibe and mostly Thai staff. We travel across town for this place. If only it was a smidge larger, or had a courtyard so we could stay a little longer and enjoy it even more.

The times we have visited: mostly sweet snacks, I would love it if there was something vegetarian and savoury available.

Lovely service at almost every visit, regardless of who is serving.

Slight variations in how things are served depending on who is working that day.

Overall : just lovely.

—— Update 2025: I just wish they had longer opening time. By the time that I think about a coffee break it is 2pm and it would take me 30 minutes to get to the cafe. I’m someone who enjoys relaxing at a cafe, 30 minutes isn’t enough time for me. If your coffee desires take place earlier in the day then you’ll of...