The Coffee Movement — Restaurant in San Francisco

I give the Coffee Movement 5 stars because they earned them in a few key ways. 1st and most importantly the espresso shots were pulled perfectly at the ideal temp, moderate crema, with a nicely palatable, balanced, earthy roast not too acidic, mature single-origin beans, not over-roasted as is the custom in the Seattle based chains I won't even name here. 2nd they didn't have a long menu of smartly named sweetened syrup drinks, they had only a single seasonal lavender vanilla sweetener, and a hot cocoa and a mixed Earl grey tea drink, but I was able to please my teenaged kids with those drinks and didn't miss the silly menu items that may as well all just be called "sucrose overdose" that I am accustomed to seeing back home in my Salt Lake City coffee houses. 3rd the barista was friendly and prompt and poured the milk perfectly at the right temp. Now just a word to the wise coffee drinker, especially if you're a bit of a purist like me. I like espresso shots pulled expertly and whole milk steamed to just before a froth. The barista told me that they served Capp's in an 8oz. Cup and other drinks in a 10 oz. Cup. I wish I had taken that clue and ordered my usual hot whole milk latte no sweeteners in the 8 oz cup. The 10 oz cup was probably 2 oz of milk too much for me as it detracted from the flavor of the lovely roasted beans and the perfect espresso shots. So if you want a latte and you want to experience the bean's flavor, maybe you should consider ordering the latte in an 8 oz cup, or just order the Cappuccino and have them go light on the foam. I won't hold my slight displeasure against them as I was the one doing the ordering and I was not familiar with the roast here being from out of town. During my visit to SF I got coffee from Saint Frank's (also a 5 star experience) and here at The Coffee Movement. I will say I preferred the roast at Saint Frank's and their ratio just a little more, but I was thoroughly impressed with both and will take back my new expectations for coffee shops to my hometown. The Coffee Movement knows how to pull a shot and pour a delicious latte. If you've been drinking Starbucks or Peet's you're missing out on what San Fransisco...

I will start with the humbleness, humanity, professionalism and respect I was shown at this place, which warmed my heart, all very much appreciated values that should be the backbone of all those who have passion or want to work in this field, but sadly ( unless I am missing those few positive exceptions like the gentlemen I had the pleasure of meeting at the Coffee Movement, who treat customers with exceptional manners, kindness, patience and serve coffees with dedication and honesty-including reasonable prices) are lacking at other coffee shops in the city ‘who charge an arm and a leg’ for a poorly made coffee, served with arrogance and in a post-apocalyptic creepy filthy environment. In case someone is confused, no, filth isn’t cool or hip, it is simply a sign of laziness, disrespect for yourself as well as those who invest in your business. I will happily have my coffee at this place daily in hope that the city wakes up and does something to help those that deserve to get something back for the goodness they pour in, by not being limited with outrageous rent requests and other imposed limitations on the path of their positive mission-making people happy and getting a fair reward on the way! They certainly made my day and I hope nothing ever forces them to...

This place absolutely deserves the 5.0 star rating!

Pros: Amazingly prepared coffee! One of the best lattes I've had, and certainly at the very very top of decaf lattes. Small'ish in size, big'ish in taste! And of course, nice latte art :) Delightful staff! I met both of the baristas, each named Brian. Friendly, sincere, and helpful! You know, the sort who ask you how your day is and actually care about knowing. Cozy. No room for laptop'ing... and I list this as a pro even though I came in with a laptop. I ended up standing and people watching.

Note: Not good for a large group Or for camping out with a laptop. This is not an office; that's what Starbucks is for. May not be comfortable for those in a wheelchair given the tight space. I imagine parking would be challenging

Okay, I have to say more about the latte. You know that wonderful coffee smell? That roasted-but-not-too-bitter-or-acidic taste of coffee ice cream? That was this latte (without added sugar!). Not wimpy or "light" by any means, but rather full-flavored, smooth and creamy. Undoubtedly a combination of quality beans and skilled preparation. Only downside is that espresso drinks like this spoil you for the 90+% of the rest of the time when...