Saint Frank Coffee on Polk St. is a testament to the art of coffee, and it's far more than just a place to grab a quick cup; it's an immersive experience for true coffee enthusiasts, highlighted by their exceptional coffee flight. The atmosphere here is clean, minimalist, and brightly lit, exuding a sophisticated yet welcoming vibe. The space is thoughtfully designed, allowing the focus to remain squarely on the coffee itself. While it can certainly get busy, the clever layout prevents it from ever feeling overly crowded, offering a calm and refined respite from the city's hustle and bustle.
This is truly where Saint Frank shines brightest. Their unwavering commitment to sourcing quality beans and executing precise brewing methods is evident in every single cup they serve. While all their espresso and pour-over offerings are consistently excellent, the Coffee Flight stands out as the undeniable star attraction. This unique offering typically features three distinct coffees, often showcasing different origins or processing methods, each meticulously prepared in various ways—perhaps an espresso, a macchiato, and a pour-over. It provides an incredible opportunity to explore the subtle nuances of their diverse offerings and truly appreciate the intricate craft behind each brew. Every component of the flight is meticulously prepared and beautifully presented, often accompanied by a small card detailing the beans' origins and characteristics. The baristas themselves are knowledgeable, genuinely passionate, and always happy to guide you through their menu, especially if you're trying the flight for the first time. They operate with efficiency and take immense pride in their work, ensuring that each drink is nothing short of perfect.
Overall, Saint Frank Coffee is an absolute must-visit for anyone serious about their coffee. The quality is consistently top-notch, the atmosphere is wonderfully refined, and the coffee flight offers a unique and genuinely educational tasting journey. It's undoubtedly a premium coffee experience, but one that is unequivocally well worth the price. For a truly memorable visit, definitely make time to try the Coffee Flight; it's a fantastic way to appreciate their diverse beans and unparalleled...
Read moreI walked in not looking my best (bed-head, boozer breathe, the smell of cigarettes, a wrist covered with stamps from the night before), but the baristas were able to put that all aside and be the most professional and friendly baristas ever. The place looks like something out of Kinfolk magazine. It is so bright (to my hung over eyes) and well-lit. You'll probably run into people with film cameras with hoodies that like bespoke from American Giant and hall that gear with Langley bags. You'll also run into young women descended from Yankee traders that settled here in the 1860s. They're probably wearing a yellow Sunday brunch dress when most women used to or were required to wear such things. The cappucino here is excellent and made to perfection. The barista made what seemed like something ready to drink, but he through it out, and said he had to make my drink a again. This dedication to craft is beyond rare, and why I will be going to this place the next time I need to nurse a hangover in Russian Hill. Heck, the ladies in Sunday brunch dresses is enough to...
Read moreI was really hyped for this café, as I'm a specialty coffee lover. Unfortunately I was disappointed by several things: the latte art is decent, but if you have a look at all the other pictures here, the milk is not silky smooth but rather frothy and will collapse fast, resulting in an unpleasant mouthfeel. I asked for alternative coffee to the house blend, which they had. But instead of pleasing my interest in having this rather fruity coffee as a milk based drink, she tried convincing me that I should take espresso even though I stated that my taste pallet can't handle strong taste and would rather go with v60 or cappuccino. A cappuccino is not made with a double shot. That's a flat white ;) As that wasn't enough, she told her colleague that "he's a nerd", in a not so nice way, when I asked for the process method to create the caffeine free coffee, that I bought. She definitely didn't know what I meant, by "did you use the Swiss water method for the decaffeination"
All in all it was a nice place, but rather...
Read more