Absolutely amazing coffee. Such wonderful staff. We are definitely coffee snobs and the temperature, foam to milk to caramelized brown espresso was great. The staff couldn't be nicer. Often walking into a coffee bar with two little kids (who order babycinos) elicits scowls or looks of impatience. Not here, they checked to see if the kids thought the babycinos were just right, talked respectfully to the kids and were knife and friendly with us. Love this place.
Review Source:Excellent coffee, but it's the people behind the counter that I like. Â They're really nice and unpretentious, and also very attractive. Â On top of that, they're playing really pretty Indie music, kind of Belle & Sebastien-esque tunes. Â And there are some app developers collaborating and giving each other hugs. Â Too cute to not comment. Â I like this joint.
One suggestion, the furniture is a little impractical and uncomfortable. Â It's a little tricky getting comfy, depending on where you sit.
mmmm the coffee was amazing! they had an issue with their computer so they were only taking cash! and this was told to us after we had ordered a bunch of stuff, like ham croissants...we gathered whatever cash we had...and we were short a few bucks, the girl apologized and just sold us the stuff for what we had. thanks!
great coffee!
You think I'M a coffee nerd? I've got nothing on these guys.
Every one of the staff at Stanza is obsessed with The Art Of The Cup, and know things about coffee that I didn't even know could be known about coffee. My mouth is literally agape when they proselytize about the dry process method, or about the power of their Slayer machine (at the other location), or about their varieties from Yirgacheffe like Idido. They are constantly tasting, touching and perfecting their craft at this modest spot on Haight street. You'd never know by walking by that you're in the presence of true coffee deities, and now that I think about it, I'd almost prefer you walk on by and leave me in peace with my drip, no cream, thank you.
The serve beans from Augie's Roasters in pourover, espresso and cold brewed styles. And when you've over-caffeinated yourself, grab a glass of wine and stay until close. This is the hangout.
Obligatory Title Pun: Go-stanza!
Menu Readability: Just talk to 'em.
Need to mention: The barista Dustin is really bad at fist-bumps and/or handshakes.
What this place teaches me about myself: I miss my life in the Upper Haight.
At work I'm under immense pressure to become a Coffee Aficionado. An amateur among big-leaguers, I feel a little in over my head--but places like Stanza are helping me learn the importance and significance of a perfectly crafted, delicious cup of high-quality caffeination.
Every time I come into Stanza, the staff are so absolutely lovely and they really do put maximum TLC into every cup they pour. I wish I could come in every single day, the coffee is so amazing. Stanza has converted me from a person who drank coffee for the productivity benefits and ritualistic nature to a person who drinks coffee because I appreciate the craft, time, and flavor that goes into each cup.
God, I'm started to sound so San Franciscan.
I really liked Stanza Coffee! I stopped in pretty close to closing time after hitchhiking down Twin Peaks with a friend (long story...), and there was an empty table for us. It's very well decorated, and the chai tea latte was probably one of the best I've ever had (even outside of San Francisco).
Review Source:After a lovely day of shopping at all the cute stores on this street my friend and I wanted a place to stop and chill. This place looked awfully cute so we went in. I usually dont like coffee but I thought I'd get a pastry or something.
My friend ordered a poptart and she liked it. I spent a few minutes telling the guy at the counter, not being able to choose between a coffee cake or trying a coffee drink. He suggested a cappucino and I loved it! The cute design was so up my alley I felt bad drinking it! Nice chit chat with the staff and it was lovely sitting at the window on a cloudy afternoon watching the passersby.
Definitely would come here again. I also liked the bathroom setup.
Nicely kept cafe. I got an iced coffee and it had the most fruity flavor I've ever tasted. Interesting! I was a little disappointed to see that the iced coffee was already made. I was expecting a fresh cup made right in front of me. Oh well, no biggie. I'd come back here if only if I was already in the area.
Review Source:Best coffee in the city. Â Every wonderful cup is crafted with care. Â No step is missed and no detail is rushed. Â Expect to wait a few minutes when there's a line, but just be patient with a smile because you can expect your drink to be absolutely worth it! Â Oh, and Stanza opens before anything else on Haight, which I totally appreciate (some of us can't function without our morning brew). Â There's free Wi-Fi too, so if you have the time then get your beverage in a mug, stay awhile and enjoy the cozy atmosphere.
Review Source:They have french press coffee, which is $2.50 per cup. Â The coffee was good, but they don't give you the press while it brews. Â They pour your cup after it brews. Â I find that a little strange.
The place is small, with a few small tables. Â Nice relief from the touristy garbage around it.
Here's a great spot to chill in the Haight that is not a tattoo parlor or some random tshirt store. This Wi-Fi cafe has all the elements for people watching, laptop surfing, and good conversations. There is a large wine bar sitting in the middle separating the vertical interior into two seating areas. They have a hipsterish following and the foot traffic is persistent most of the day.
I tried the Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie ($3) and it was soft, moist, and dark chocolaty. One of the baristas was cleaning around my area and apologetically offered the cookie as a show of appreciation. The cookie was rich and good to share.
The Coconut Donut ($3) was out of this world. Super moist, refined, cakey and organic. They get their donuts from Pepples. Since this visit my mouth waters every time I'm reminded of their cakey donuts.
Soy Latte ($4.50). Unfortunately, the consistency of soy was too thin and not creamy enough. The espresso quality was muted and lacked complexity. It was okay but not the best others had claimed it to be.
Service was direct, efficient, and amenities include Wi-Fi and plugs along the walls. 3.5 stars for the overall experience. It was a positive experience but there are also many great cafes to choose from in the City. I will only return the next time I'm the area.
Sorry, I find this joint overrated. Â I'll give them that they're nice, and yes, their cold brew machine looks cool but I got one and it was like drinking pure acid. Â I thought cold brewing was supposed to get rid of that. Â It was also about 60% too expensive. Â 3.50 for a tiny cup (it had to be 12 oz or less. Â For an iced cup...not cool.) Â Also, the only natural sweetener they have (or at least did when I stopped by) is white sugar...not cool.
Review Source:For all the chai latte fans out there...
I just happened to stumble upon Stanza as I was looking for a place to get a chai latte. When I placed my order with the barista, I was impressed by his knowledge about how to make a drink taste great. What my heart desired was a dirty chai latte but he recommended that since their chai is on the spicy side, the espresso may change the intended flavor. At first, that was a bit disappointing to hear but when I took my first sip, it was love. I've had many chai lattes, but none of them have ever had the kind of creamy, soothing texture that this one did. I wish I got the name of the barista (tan, medium length dark hair) because he definitely knows his stuff.
Howww did this place slip in on Haight without being rejected by the Haight-Street-Association? Â I mean, it's not yet another pipe shop, tattoo parlor, or, or , yes, a second hand 'fashion' store? Â Whaaaaaat!
Got in here, ordered an espresso and my friend got a decaf coffee. Â Espresso was phenomenal---amazing flavor (I'm an espresso fiend) and served perfect. Â The decaf was interesting---super smooth and tasty! Â Very nice. Â
Sat at the window to do some people-watching, and some guy comes up to the window, picture him pierced/tattooed, and starts licking the window while staring at me, and I'm staring back! The next thing I know I feel something tugging at my arm, and I picture I'm getting another Tattoo! I reset and go back to reality, I'm just at Stanza on Haight---All is good!
Now, where can I find a smelly expensive vintage T-shirt?
Where Cole meets Haight :) not only is this place a must visit, it's a perfect place to sit at the window with coffee or wine & people watch.
Ruu, la la.
My order was a "pourover" coffee with, get this, a Nutella pop tart. The barista heat it up & it was a perfect treat to end my afternoon. Can't wait to return & play the pour over vs. the French press test.
Having lived in Seattle for 5 years, this place felt like I was walking into a shop on Broadway in Capitol Hill. The coffee was a bit pricey for me, and the baked goods seemed cute but tasted a bit off. I enjoyed the overall experience, the coffee was on the medium roast side, and I am a fan of dark roast.
For a more in depth look check out my food blog link: <a href="/redir?url=http%3A%2F%2Fmsdinnertable.com%2F2013%2F01%2F07%2Fstanza-on-haight-street%2F&s=6076de0b7c02be4d8813b2c553fd57dad3c78e1330f4c4c2e3297d01f9e7d8f7" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://msdinnertable.com…</a>
I would recommend this place to a friend, and I would see myself going there every once and a while for a meet up or to read a magazine.
I liked this place when it was coco luxe...I used to love the mexican hot chocolate here. But now that it is stanza they only have regular hot chocolate. I tried it once and it was kinda meh. Â I don't think I would come back.
They have other stuff: drip coffee and a couple kinds of wine. The decorations are pretty cool with the barrel tables. Seems like a good place to meet friends or go on a date.
Bravo Stanza! Â I finally dropped in and ordered a cappuccino this afternoon, and I was very impressed. Â I'm thrilled to finally have top-notch coffee on Haight Street!
The tables were a tad uncomfortable (thick enough to prevent leg-crossing, and the one I sat at was pretty wobbly). Â That's my only complaint. Â But that will prevent laptop jockeys from hogging tables for too long in this small cafe so that may be by design.
This place used to be my favorite Hot Chocolate spot that used to call bittersweet. I went in yesterday to try out for a new cup of coffee since it's a brand new coffeeshop. I was in the mood for a Mocha this time, and also ordered a chocolate chip cookie for the heck of it. 5 mins later, the friendly barista gave me my mocha, but forgot my cookie, since the line started to get busy, I decided to wait paitiently till I finally gotten her attention to ask for my cookie, at this point I still have yet to take a sip of my mocha.
The barista apologies for making me wait for such a long time, she decided to give my cookie for free! I happily walked out the door, and took a sip of my mocha and a bite of that cookie.
It was one of the BEST mocha I've ever had, it was warm, sweet, and chocolaty! And the cookie was amazing as well.
You'll never know what you'll get out if you can just ask nicely. :)
It was threatening rain. I was a little chilly. And I really should've been getting back to my hotel ... but the sign said I should come in and get some toast.
Toast? I laughed a little and walked a few steps, then stopped, turned back around and realized that toast -- sourflour toast, in fact -- mightn't be a bad idea ... Â
So I stepped in, asked for a latte and glanced at the menu on the count. Toast. With preserves. For about $4. "And I'll take some toast, please." The barista asked if I wanted it for here or to-go, so I craned a little and spied a seat at the bar. "For here," I said.
The latte was lovely and arrived in no time at all. I watched the barista saw into a loaf of bread and pop a couple of slices in a toaster oven. Sipping my latte, I had my doubts still, but they all flew away when the toast -- two slices, each sliced again -- was presented on a little square plate with strawberry preserves and a pat of butter.
And it was exactly what I needed.
An amazing little coffee shop. Â I know the owner and the manager. Both very classy, clean and knowledge of coffee and coffee cultures. If my benefits at my job weren't so rad I would live at Stanza.
The wine is just for tasting..... That part is a little mixed up.
Ah man I should go right now.
in the land of Starbucks and other coffee chains... there stands out a small lil cafe tucked discreetly on Haight St serving the most freakingly amazing latte. I don't know what it is, the bean or the press or the way the barista makes it.. but when he handed me my cup of latte, it looked divine. When i tasted it, I was in heaven :-))
Only thing missing in all this was my usual company to enjoy the latte with!
In an age where the deeds of men are often shallow and unrepentant, one shop stands to rectify the human condition. A thoughtful intermingling of sophistication and functionality, Stanza, offers the best espresso and coffee in San Fran full stop!
The nouveau-modern post-roman pre-mediaval decor brings a touch of clairvoyance to the ancient tradition of pouring water over beans. Â Whether you pop in for a quick nosh or plan to set up camp you will not be disappointed!
The are some sexy people making some really fine coffee drinks for some very discerning consumers. I like to drink my double latte there and enjoy the foam art along with a scone or cookie or something from that diner-esque glass case they have by the "we're too cool and progressive for a register" Ipad with a Square.
Duck in there for relief from the flower power or miserable San Francisco weather
Since trying the amazingly delicious Kyoto and New Orleans style iced coffees at Blue Bottle, I haven't been able to be happy settling for just any iced coffee. Â I've been on a quest to find that same quality at other cafes. Â Luckily, San Francisco has many coffee shops that do it right...you just have to find them.
Today, I found Stanza (thanks to Yelp).  They make Kyoto style iced coffee, which I didn't really know anything about (other than that it's good - sophisticated, I know!) until reading this article: <a href="/redir?url=http%3A%2F%2Ftmagazine.blogs.nytimes.com%2F2010%2F07%2F29%2Fristretto-kyoto-to-stay%2F&s=6ff91b619bba10ad47085e17e1cca03b7aa04575300a588bf465c14c8bf67252" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://tmagazine.blogs.n…</a>.  It takes MUCH longer to brew, and has an unmistakable flavor - once you've had it, you'll compare every other coffee in your life to it.  It doesn't need any cream or sugar added.  So now, there are two types of coffee shops - the ones that make iced coffee this way, who treat coffee brewing and latte making like a craft, and the ones who don't.  Stanza is the first kind.
As for the coffee shop itself, it's very cute inside, but there aren't an abundance of seats, and I wouldn't describe it as "comfy."  If  you come during peak time, you may not get a place to sit, which doesn't matter anyway if you're just looking to get coffee to go.  The service was pleasant enough, but not warm.
However, they still deserve 5 stars, because the only thing that REALLY matters - the quality of their product - is excellent.
When a previously owned wine bar and chocolate shop can be taken over by new owners who introduce a brand new craft coffee -- in addition to new wine and chocolate -- in the Haight, and they're proving to be successful with it from the start, that's when we might need to realize that great coffee is worth the extra oomph: of time and effort from shop owners, and time and a wee bit more from our wallet.
These guys have brought in Augie's from Redlands, CA (Southern California, Inland Empire hamlet known for cobblestone streets, a college, Cuco's, Granlund's candy and me yelling, "I love Redlands!" in the streets). And now... they're known for Augie's, who have taken a leap to enter the SF coffee boom. Drip pour overs, pulling shots on a hot rod La Marzocco and a Kyoto cold brew. That Kyoto cold brew has Blue Bottle beat as their roast is a bit more delicate which brings out more cherry tartness on the back of the coffee.
And it's a Markris wine bar, which is going to keep me around -- it's just like what I really would love to see in my house one day; instead, it's all just three blocks away.
My first visit here left me smiling even after I walked out the door... I also think it had to be my most enjoyable food experience during this past weekend visit to SF. Â The barista was extremely knowledgeable, helpful, and down to earth. Â Seducing chocolates, chocolate chip cookies, and as their name reflects, they offer wine, coffee and more. Â I was mainly here for a little sweet after a savory breakfast. Â
Iced Coffee:
I was so intrigued by the Kyoto Slow Drip Filter and the fact that takes 12 hours to filter Iced Coffee. Â The barista took the time to explain the who, what, why, and how. Â This filter's slow process allows for the coffee bean oils to seep through and the finished coffee product maintains the integrity of the coffee beans (this easily and quickly occurs with the hot water process). Â It's a full bodied iced coffee that would be great on a hot day. Â I had a sample and it was bold in flavor and body. Â
Mexican Hot Chocolate:
The Mexican hot chocolate (enough cayenne and cinnamon to add more flavor to the palette) was so delicious and the spiciness kicked down the sweetness. The barista indicated that they will soon introduce a ganache cocoa made in-house. Â She also mentioned, sad face, that the Mexican hot chocolate will likely be phased out as the current chocolate vendor discontinued this item, but Stanza may continue to make it with the newbie in-house ganache cocoa... hopefully they do when I come back to visit!
(See pics) Review #1168. Brought to us by the wine gurus Kris and Mark who are known from Saison and Vinyl. Their own labeled wines (under MJ Lords) are finally available in full range here. You might even have tried a couple of them at Vinyl.
The forever changing grape scene makes the wines more versatile and each time for each year, while you can trace all the consistent varietals, you will also find a couple additional elements that make the wines very unique.
And while it's on Haight Street, finally, it's not divey, but more lounge feel. The bar serves coffee and pastries too but the heart of it is to walk further to the back to chill out at this wine bar, a great way to relax your feet from cruising down Golden Gate Park, or up and down from shopping, or going from or to a movie, or even simply to enjoy some conversations and leave the busy notes outside for a bit.
They even made the label Love Haight just for this very location, but I particularly LOVE the handwritten label ones!
Guys.
This place is new and up-and-coming and totally worth it. If you know anything about quality coffee, let me tell you, this place is growing to be compatible with fourbarrel, ritual, and sightglass alike. I heard about it coming and could not wait to try it out!
They serve Augie's coffee from Redlands, CA, which is phenomenal espresso and coffee fresh per order. This place has got it, I'm telling you. Good coffee and good pastries!! I had a cappuccino and a blueberry ginger muffin (AMAZING).
I have heard their wine is amazing too... I cant wait to come again and try some! This is worth it! Pretty soon everyone will be talking about this place... Dont miss out. be one of the first to spread the word!
We all know in San Francisco we pride ourselves on the ability to distinguish good coffee and supporting local businesses. Add this to your list! SO SO GOOD.