San Francisco may be known for its iconic fog, but the city's coffee culture is just as legendary. Dating back to the 1800s when the city was a hub for coffee importers, San Francisco has a rich history with the beloved beverage. One of the most famous chapters in San Francisco's coffee story began in the 1950s in North Beach. This Italian neighborhood became home to some of America's first espresso bars, like Caffe Trieste which opened in 1956. "The Italians brought espresso to San Francisco," explains coffee historian William Bauer. Caffe Trieste in particular became a gathering spot for artists and writers like Jack Kerouac. While North Beach put San Francisco on the map for Italian-style coffee, a new wave of innovative coffee roasters and cafes emerged in the 1970s. Peet's Coffee, founded in Berkeley in 1966, revolutionized America's taste for high-quality beans. By the 1990s and 2000s, San Francisco's coffee scene diversified with third wave roasters like Blue Bottle and Ritual emphasizing single-origin beans and lighter roasts.

Today, San Francisco boasts an eclectic mix of coffee experiences. You can sip a classic cappuccino in a historic haunt, marvel at latte art in a hip third wave joint, or sample the latest experimental brew. The city also continues to shape coffee trends, like the recent pandemic-driven boom in high-end home brewing equipment.

So what's the secret behind San Francisco's incredible coffee? Many credit the unique food culture and discerning palates of Bay Area residents. But the city's coffee story is ultimately one of diversity, creativity and appreciation for a well-crafted cup. In the words of James Freeman, founder of Blue Bottle, "In the Bay Area, there's just a general excitement about food and coffee and the experiences around it."

From the fog to the filter, San Francisco's coffee obsession endures.

These are some of the SF's best-kept coffee secrets! These are the spots where locals actually hang out, away from the tourist crowds at Blue Bottle and Sightglass.

Andytown Coffee Roasters (Outer Sunset) - our personal favorite.

1. Tucked away in the foggy Sunset
2. Their Snowy Plover drink is legendary - it's like a freddo meets cream soda
3. Perfect spot to grab a coffee before walking to Ocean Beach
4. The Irish owners bring that cozy neighborhood vibe

Coffee Movement (Nob Hill)

1. Hidden in a tiny space on Bush Street
2. They do this incredible tasting flight that changes weekly
3. The baristas are coffee nerds in the best way possible
4. Away from the tourist track despite being near Union Square

Trouble Coffee (Outer Sunset)

1. The original hipster coffee spot that started the fancy toast trend
2. Their cinnamon toast + coffee combo is a local ritual
3. Tiny spot, no seating, totally worth it
4. The founder's story is fascinating

Home Coffee Roasters (Inner Richmond)

1. Housed in an old Victorian
2. Their pour-over game is next level
3. The back garden is this secret oasis
4. They roast in small batches right there

CoffeeShop (Mission)

1. Easy to miss on Mission Street
2. Run by a Venezuelan family
3. Their cortado is possibly the best in the city
4. The empanadas make it even better

Pro tip: Most tourists stick to the Ferry Building and Hayes Valley scenes, but these neighborhood spots are where you'll find the real SF coffee culture!