Firehouse Coffee & Tea — Restaurant in Sausalito

I'm really enjoying this new coffee and tea experience. Much better than the Philz Coffee this replaced. But they did keep the great Burritos and they are servings pastry made by the Victoria Bakery of North Beach fame so that's 2 ++'s just for starters!

The coffee. While they don't have the 50 different coffees of Philz, I don't get confused with what I drank the last time. I'd find a brew I liked and most likely forgot the name by the next time. But the best feature at least for me, is there's no bitter aftertaste. The story I always heard was that Poppa Guiani of Caffe Trieste fame came over from Italy in the 50's, knew nothing about coffee, and bought a sack of stale coffee beans because they were cheapest and burnt them because he didn't know a thing about coffee, thus everyone in North Beach thought that Italian coffee was supposed to be bitter and have an old socks taste. And of course, the whole idea of expresso and capechino got started from what the Caffe Trieste in North Beach was doing. I have no idea if this is a true story or not, but that's what I've heard.

But I digress. I love coffee that doesn't bite you. Ive heard that true Italian coffee doesn't need any sugar because it doesn't have the bitter after taste and Firehouse fills the bill. I just hope that it doesn't get too overrun with tourists. We lost our downtown to a tourist glut several years ago. Now it's become on overwhelm on the weekend for us residents because our Sausalito City Council didn't do their job of keeping a good balance of commercial and residential areas. Now there's a Bike Invasion of 3,000 bikes a day on a Summer weekend. Dozens and dozens of meeting after meeting and we're still overwhelmed by the 2 wheelers. If I would have been Mayor I would have never allowed this mechanical freak show to happen but I would never want to be Mayor or to be famous. I'm not a crazy person. Now don't get me wrong, I am not suggesting that any of our Mayors have been crazy. In fact I've liked and respected most all of them, but no thanks, that job is not for me.

Sorry, I'll add more details about my coffee house review when I get my new Samsung Galaxy Note 8 in a month or so when they come out. In the meantime, my battery runs...

I'm biased because I love coffee shops, but for a coffee shop this place does it right and more!

First of all, if you want a coffee shop that does less acidic and more palatable espresso, this is your place my friends! I've been to so many places that do espresso that not only tastes bitter but is very acidic and kind of leaves. A bad feeling on my tongue. Firehouse gets it right every single time!

They also have a great assortment of different drinks anywhere from americanos to lavender lattes, to cappuccinos. Holy smokes folks, the white chocolate cappuccino, although small (since it's a cappuccino) is it powerhouse for me over there. When joints like this do the simple things extremely well, it's only up from here.

The atmosphere is amazing because although it is quiet, it still feels very busy and very comfortable. Plenty of space, comfortable couches, places to work and smiling faces to be around. Around. This is got to be one of my favorite coffee shops around The Sausalito area and Bay Area. I'd like to consider myself a coffee junkie and love trying new places whenever I get a chance. This absolutely needs to be on your list! Great assortment of books to read too if you just want to go and hang out there for the afternoon.

Lastly, but most importantly... The staff. One of the friendliest, courteous and relaxed bunch I've seen . Worked in the service industry for about 6 to 7 years before and man. Is it hard to find good help that creates an even more amazing atmosphere. These folks have got all those corners covered. I'll be back soon and not...

The staff is always so kind, personable, easy to talk to and remember me even if I haven't been in a while. They genuinely care about you and your experience there. Delicious beverages, I am partial to the honey lavender oat milk latte, YUM! Also, a decent selection of pastries, breakfast sandwiches/burritos and 2-3 different kinds of Quiches, I always go for the Broccoli Cheddar and I love it. The pricing is comparable to other coffee shops in the area. They give you a punch card so after your tenth purchase your next beverage is free. There is comfortable seating indoors with coaches, chairs, and tables. There is also a quaint back patio area you can step outside, drink your coffee while breathing in the smells of the bay. I tend to see people with their dogs in this space, so I believe it's a dog friendly space in the outside portion. I personally can't afford to always go here but when...