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Chai and espresso spots in San Francisco

Finding a shop that treats chai with the same technical precision as a high-end espresso.

Based on 678 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Coffee Bodega Farm-to-Table image 1
Coffee Bodega Farm-to-Table image 2
Coffee Bodega Farm-to-Table image 3
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Tiny coffee shop with cozy seating and plant-filled decor creates a living room vibe. Atmosphere stays quiet and companionable, with soft classical music and a home-like feel. Dog park outside adds a unique touch for visitors with pets.

Dirty chai stands out here with a rich, bold flavor. The chai latte also offers a smooth, satisfying taste.

Espresso comes perfectly dialed in with a delicious crema. It serves strong shots in a glass, ideal for straight espresso drinkers.

People are saying

"I found the coffee here to be the best I had in the city."

"I found the espresso to be perfectly dialed in."

"I thought their dirty chai was the best on the block."

Good to know

1

No dogs are allowed inside; animals must wait outside for sanitation.

2

The coffee shop does not offer Wi-Fi, making it a quiet work environment.

3

Credit cards are accepted, but cash is recommended for local vendors nearby.

02
Charm Coffee image 1
Coffee shop

Small coffee shop with quirky red and white decor and pink accents creates a cozy, homey atmosphere. Friendly staff serve coffee from a La Marzocco espresso machine alongside fresh, well-liked pastries. Neighborhood spot feels warm and stylish, attracting locals who appreciate its charm.

Oat milk chai stands out with rich flavor. Preparation shows attention to detail. Chai lattes suit both sunny and overcast days.

Espresso here has a solid shot with a scrumptious taste that stands out from generic coffee. Standard espresso drinks keep you alert for a long time.

People are saying

"I found the coffee here to be the best I had all week."

"I found the oat milk chai to be delicious and perfect."

"I found their espresso to be delicious and scrumptious."

Good to know

1

They donโ€™t mix sugars into their Matcha, which is a unique feature.

2

Expect limited seating as Charm Coffee is a small coffee place.

3

There is no outdoor seating available, especially on rainy days.

03
Sextant Coffee Roasters image 1

Minimalist space with warm lighting and lofi cafe music creates a cozy, stylish vibe. Plenty of seating and free Wi-Fi support both casual visits and work sessions. Coffee serves in ceramic cups, enhancing the inviting atmosphere.

Chai here features an in-house spice blend that flavors both classic and dirty chai drinks. Adding pistachio syrup on top of the chai latte offers a tasty twist.

Espresso here features classic drinks and unique specialty blends. Ethiopian roasts stand out with exceptional drip and espresso options.

People are saying

"Their coffee is exceptional, rich, smooth, and perfectly brewed."

"I thought the chai latte was the best in town."

"I found the espresso here to be superb and perfectly brewed."

Good to know

1

There are plenty of seating, WIFI, and power outlets available.

2

The touch screen ordering process is easy and seamless.

3

They serve hot beverages in real ceramic cups for dine-in.

04
Artly Robot Coffee @ Pier 39 image 1

Robotic arms prepare coffee in a small, modern space with minimal seating. The atmosphere feels neutral and functional, focusing on the automated drink-making process. Watching robots craft beverages offers a unique visual experience distinct from typical coffee shops.

Chai comes as a delicious chai latte with a tasty blend that pairs well with matcha lattes. The chai latte offers a good balance of flavors.

Double espresso stands out with a great flavor and is served both hot and over ice. Extra espresso shots are available to boost the taste when needed.

People are saying

"It's cool to watch the robots make your coffee."

"Watching the robot make my espresso was really cool."

"I enjoyed the tasty chai latte."

Good to know

1

The coffee is prepared by robots, which takes about 3.5 minutes.

2

Customers must stand and wait for drinks in a crowded environment.

3

The menu is limited, with no customization options available.

05
Mellis Cafe image 1

Small cafe with outdoor seating and cozy atmosphere offers a friendly vibe that shifts from bustling mornings to homey evenings. Arabic pop music plays softly in the background, enhancing the welcoming environment. Few tables outside provide a quiet spot to enjoy flavorful coffee and sandwiches.

Chai latte here varies in quality, with some versions tasting delicious and others falling short. The coffee chai latte option exists but does not always meet expectations.

Espresso comes out excellent and pairs well with a sesame bagel breakfast sandwich. Coffee quality stays consistently good throughout visits.

People are saying

"I found the coffee here to be amazing and flavorful."

"I enjoyed the delicious chai latte."

"The espresso here is excellent."

Good to know

1

Mellis Cafe opens at 5:00 a.m. and stays open until midnight.

2

Expect reasonable prices for sandwiches and breakfast items.

3

Mellis Cafe is ideal for quick breakfast and coffee options.

06
Delah Coffee image 1
Coffee shop

Spacious coffee shop with daylit openness and unique cultural decor creates a quiet, welcoming atmosphere. Plenty of seating and fast free WiFi support working or relaxing. Distinctive Yemeni coffee and homemade pastries add to the experience.

Adeni Chai stands out with its beautifully spiced flavor and can be customized with oat milk and less sugar. Baristas accommodate requests, making the chai consistently well-made and authentic.

Espresso here varies from good and flavorful to surprisingly plain and lacking flavor. Some shots highlight spices that stand out, while others taste like a basic espresso with no distinct character.

People are saying

"I thought the Turkish coffee here was very good."

"I thought the adeni chai was pretty good, rich and beautifully spiced."

"I had the best espresso, it was outstanding."

Good to know

1

Delah Coffee is open until 10 PM every day.

2

There is no restroom available at Delah Coffee.

3

Delah Coffee offers unique Yemeni coffee and pastries.

07
Saint Frank Coffee image 1

Space features high ceilings, wood and marble surfaces, and natural light creating a gorgeous, cozy atmosphere. Vibe stays laid-back and lively, welcoming both regulars and newcomers. Pastries and coffee stand out as high quality, with excellent croissants and rich chocolate treats.

Coffee and chai come with standard flavors. Latte and dirty chai lack remarkable taste. No secret chai recipe stands out.

Espresso here features single origin options with rich notes of citrus, dark fruit, and chocolate. The Kenyan and Bolivian varieties stand out for their balanced, smooth, and syrupy profiles.

People are saying

"The coffee here is great and refreshing."

"I found the espresso here to be the best in San Francisco."

"I thought the chai here was first rate."

Good to know

1

The seating area is limited, making it hard to find a spot.

2

Parking can be crowded and difficult to find.

3

Wi-Fi is only available on weekdays.

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San Francisco, California

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