If San Francisco wasn't on your map as a coffee destination, it should be now. San Francisco's own Blue Bottle Coffee and Four Barrel have been recognized by Travel + Leisure Magazine as two of the coolest coffeehouses in the country.
Here is what they had to say about Blue Bottle:
"Blue Bottle is one of the major shrines on the national coffee circuit. The shop at Mint Plaza is small, with big windows. Inside it’s like a mad-scientist’s laboratory whose devices are designed to torture the bean and make it yield its secrets. The staff is well versed, the single-origin coffee changes weekly, and there’s never a Blue Bottle too far away, whether you’re sightseeing at SFMOMA or the Ferry Building.
Local Knowledge: When the weather warms, try the flavorful Kyoto-style iced coffee, which involves an eight-hour drip to ensure sufficient potency to stand up to ice."
Blue Bottle Coffee has several locations in San Francisco. Find the location nearest you.
T + L had equal praise for Four Barrel:
"Jeremy Tooker, founder of this decidedly cool Mission District coffeehouse, went for a spare, industrial vibe to fit with the original wood trusses of the warehouse-like space. Mounted boars’ heads and local artwork adorn the white walls, while vinyl records provide the rockin’ soundtrack. But all that hipster-ness doesn’t distract the staff from making memorable coffee. They roast it by hand on a vintage German machine. The affogato is an intense espresso with stout ice cream made exclusively for Four Barrel by neighborhood shop Humphry Slocombe.
Local Knowledge: Communal tables without Wi-Fi or outlets encourage conversation, while bike racks outside let you put that caffeine jolt—and maple bacon donut—to work."
Four Barrel Coffee is located at 375 Valencia St. in the Mission District.
For the entire list of America's coolest coffeehouses, go to Travel + Leisure.
