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Castro Coffee Company
Category: Food Coffee & Tea Coffee & Tea [Edit]
427 Castro St(between 17th St & Market St)
San Francisco, CA 94114
Neighbourhood: Castro
(415) 552-6676
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 7 am - 10 pm
Sat 8 am - 10 pm
Sun 9 am - 8 pm
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
90 reviews for Castro Coffee Company
Review Highlights
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"A super nice family runs the Castro Cheesery." In 17 reviews -
"Best coffee - Morning Rush and French roast R-O-C-K-S." In 7 reviews -
"Also a great place to get quality coffee beans for home..." In 3 reviews
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90 reviews in English
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Review from Richard W.
San Francisco, CA
4/21/2012
Frankly, when one of the other reviewers here gets all orgasmic about the quality of the coffee beans, I'm, like, "uh, yeah, sure. I guess so." I don't have the taste buds of a sommelier, so I'm not really aware of the difference between great coffee and to-die-for-coffee. In a pinch, or on the road, I'll be quite satisfied with Starbucks, although I'd somewhat prefer Peet's. What I really want is the stuff brewed by Philip over at Ma'velous in the Civic Center, but the apparently "to-die-for" Stumptown beans he uses would be wasted on my more primitive home coffee-making setup.
What is wonderful about Castro Coffee Company *isn't* the beans (or the ambiance), but that it is a splendid example of a well-run small business that provides excellent value and service within its niche. There aren't all that many places where you want wander in and ask questions about variations between roasts and beans, and still get a great deal on very good beans.
For the dozen or more years that I've been shopping here (yeah, I remember the cheese), the folks behind the counter have always been friendly and professional.
This is an excellent business. -
Review from Bianca U.
4/18/2012
BEST COFFEE IN SF HANDS DOWN.
Whoever said that Starbucks is just as good is brain dead or had their tongue removed or was born with no taste buds.
Seriously, the best coffee I've ever had--from the beans I take home to the specialty coffees I order. I rave like a madwoman about this place. My first cup had me right then and there--perfect in every way, no kiddin'. I don't know why I haven't Yelp'd it before.
Small place, nice employees who were friendly and helpful, GREAT sale prices on whole beans (which they will grind for you if need be). Large selection of beans. Clean shop. They also have a small selection of teas.
The smell here is incredible! -
Review from Ryan H.
San Francisco, CA
1/17/2012
I've bought only one blend of coffee here, the North Beach blend, originally via a suggestion from one of the employees, they definitely know their stuff. My concern was that I was always buying dark roasts to try and get higher caffeine content, and he explained to me the caffeine levels related to the type of roast, to help me discover it's actually the other way around! That blend has some light and medium roast beans mixed together, great taste, I normally drown my coffee in cream and sugar, and this is one of the few I've been able to drink black in my life. The smell is orgasmic in there, of course. It's a small place, but it's to the point, to give you good coffee beans!
And more importantly, the other day I was in there, left and crossed the street, and immediately realized I left my wallet there. I ran back within minutes and it was already snatched up by some sketchy guy that was in there. I could see them looking around for a while even after I left the store. They took down my name and number because they had security cameras, and I didn't really expect them to check (most businesses would carelessly brush it off), but sure enough I get a call from them a day later with a printed out picture of my wallet thief. Great coffee, and respectable, good-hearted people, this is a place I will forever feel good about bringing my business to, and you should as well.
Update: The perp actually returned to the store, and the owner's detained him and called the cops! Thief found, unfortunately he spent the cash and tossed the wallet. -
Review from Sean B.
3/11/2012 1 Check-in Here
Cute little coffee place on Castro Street. Great location. The coffee was nothing special to me, truthfully. It was fine, don't get me wrong, but nothing about it made me want to rush back every time I'm in the Castro. I'd be just as happy at Starbucks or Coffee Bean, and I think I prefer Philz around the corner.
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Review from Meg T.
10/24/2011
"Orgasmic coffee."
"I guess that's why it's in the Castro." -
Review from Marcus L.
San Francisco, CA
3/15/2012
Funny, I have shopping here for YEARS, and I have always referred to this place as the Castro Cheesery, even though I usually just buy coffee. Get the Castro Breakfast Blend. End of discussion - you'll never go back to whatever you were drinking before!
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Review from J.B. A.
San Francisco, CA
1/24/2012
Another small local business that knows how to appreciate their customers, neighborhood and life in general.
Excellent quality coffees, teas and edibles. Always a smile and friendly conversation. -
Review from Tran C.
San Francisco, CA
12/4/2011
I was disappointed with the experience after reading such stellar reviews for this place.
The staff was okay and the place was clean - the owner/manager/whoever was too busy watching TV to say good-bye back to me as I was leaving. It was also very small...I had my gym bag with me and had to back out like a truck so I didn't hit the girl standing behind me.
Now, for the most important thing - the coffee. I tried a half lb @ California and House Blends. Both blends lacked much flavor, and were much more bitter/acidic than I was expecting for a medium roast. -
Review from Ryan E.
San Francisco, CA
10/31/2011
Pound for pound (excuse the crappy pun), the best coffee you can find in town.
What they serve might not compare to Blue Bottle or Stumptown, but when you get to know the guy there, he really treats you well. I walk in and it's a buck for a 20oz of organic fresh brewed whatever you want. Much better than the $3 you'd spend at a boutique shop like Blue Bottle.
The selection of beans to buy by the pound is unreal. Whatever you want, light or dark, earthy or citrus'y, they can get it for you.
I don't even remember his name (I'm so bad at that), but the older bald gentleman is one of the nicest people I've met, and that says a lot for a guy who has to deal with cranky people in the morning. -
Review from Caroline B.
San Francisco, CA
6/6/2011
I have been known to walk down Nob Hill to get on the MUNI just for the French Roast (whole beans) with the bonus of being in lovely Castro of course.
The beans are great, so is the price and people too. I get weeks supply and a coffee on the house. So sweet and so much nicer then impersonal Whole Foods experience. -
Review from Peter O.
San Francisco, CA
9/17/2011
Unquestionably the best coffee beans in the city!
I have tried all the other beans but these are consistently the best. -
Review from Kevin J.
9/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
Can't say I've had the best coffee of my life here, but it's nice to see local shops still thriving in a horrible economy. The service could've been a little more upbeat and a smile never hurts. The iced chai tastes like sweet milk (oregon flavoring) but other than that the coffee is strong and get's you through the day. The selection is vast and I'm sure they know their stuff so ask away.
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Review from matt c.
Los Angeles, CA
12/29/2011
They have very good coffee indeed...
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Review from Ashlee G.
San Francisco, CA
4/24/2011
Got off the 24 at Castro/Market and needed a little pick-me-up, thought I'd swing on over to Castro Coffee.
Got myself a latte, and let me tell ya, it was pretty good. (TIP: put a scoop of brown sugar in it)
I also got a pound of Black Joe Organic coffee for $9.95! What? Great price, GREAT coffee.
The place is tiny, but the variety of coffee they have is HUGE.
Highly Recommended! -
Review from Jason B.
Updated - 5/22/2011
One of the most needed cups of coffee ever. One of the best cups of coffee ever, a smooth and potent americano.
That worked out nicely.Listed in: Coffee & Tea
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/2/2007
I discovered this place shortly after moving to SF about three and half years ago, and today, as I… Read more »
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Review from Spike S.
San Francisco, CA
5/25/2011
Let me start by saying I've never had a cup of coffee from here.
Let me move on to saying that they sell the best beans I've ever used for espresso at home, Aroma di Napoli. I have tried beans from pretty much every retail source in the city. The only beans that come close are the ones I get occasionally from Cafe Vita in Seattle.
The coffee I make with the beans rivals my favorite cup of espresso in the city, from Trouble. I would probably love the coffee here too, maybe I should try it, since I think they use these beans for it.
They couldn't get the beans for a while and I thought I would die of coffee mourning. -
Review from Armon D.
San Francisco, CA
9/16/2011
This is my favorite coffee shop in the city! It is now a crucial part of my daily routine, and I stop by every morning to get the perfect double cappuccino.
They have every type of coffee you can imagine, and they make great recommendations to help you discover new coffees that you will love. All their prices are extremely reasonable too.
The staff is super friendly and make it a pleasure to return time and time again. Overall, highly recommended, and beats your generic coffee franchise hands down. -
Review from Rowena R.
San Jose, CA
9/28/2011 1 photo
The hubby and I strolled in here for a cup of coffee after eating a great meal at Catch. We were spending the day in SF although we reside in San Jose. I was very happy with the soy white mocha I ordered, but more importantly, the owner was very friendly and knowledgable about the different kinds of coffee. We purchased the Kona Golden at his suggestion, and we are soooo glad we did! It is amazing..no acidity, just very smooth. We are big time coffee drinkers who drink ALOT of coffee daily, so this was a nice surprise, and I think we are hooked. We now have an excuse to drive from San Jose to SF a little more often : ) The best part though, was the owner offered the hubby a free cup of coffee on the way out, which was very gracious and shows he has hospitality. We will definately be back!
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Review from Aaron F.
8/30/2011
Top quality fresh roasted beans, a great selection, and surprisingly low prices. I'm hooked.
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Review from gwynnie p.
San Francisco, CA
3/24/2009
$6.50 for a pound of house French Roast beans. Good value! Good coffee! What more do you need to know?
Also a great place to pick up your coffee and tea making accessories-well priced replacement parts and supplies. A super nice family runs the Castro Cheesery.
Even more useful info: Open Sundays 9am to 8pm, every other day 8am to 10pm. -
Review from Mick A.
San Francisco, CA
11/3/2008
It feels nice to support small locally owned shops like this one.
Stopping into the Castro Cheesery, at the very heart of Castro Street, is a great way to get a cup of coffee, pastry and/or bagel before you do the much required Castro stroll.
Also a great place to get quality coffee beans for home brewing. -
Review from Chad P.
San Francisco, CA
3/24/2009
Organic coffee for seven bucks a pound? WHAT'S THE CATCH??
Someone better let me know, cos I can't figure it out. There's the possibility that there IS NO CATCH, and that these fine folks do dole out top notch java beans for petty cash -- in which case, I'm rediscovering my faith in humanity.
Since I never drink anything but dark, rich, oily french roast, their ridiculous variety is lost on me, but oh boy do they have variety, as in like "jesus h what are all these kinds of coffee, where's me french??" they even have that special magic bean that some bean picker picked out of an animal's poopies. That one is expensive. -
Review from Larry J.
San Francisco, CA
8/12/2008
I LOVE the Castro Cheesery!
Fantastic coffee, great cheese and wonderful staff!
I live in the Sunset district and sometimes will go clear across town to have their coffee.
I am on a first name basis with the people that work there now because I've been going to them for almost 10 years.
I have a high tolerance for caffeine but their coffee will keep me up for the rest of the day. It's as if their coffee is nuclear powered.
My favorite is the Southern Pecan.
Southern Pecan coffee with some cream/half&half and a teaspoon of brown sugar will have me wired for at least 12 hours.
I highly recommend this place. -
Review from Karsten P.
San Francisco, CA
9/28/2008
The four stars is for their coffee beans, which are excellent, not overly roasted.
Although it doesn't have the niceness of Spike's outdoor seating, the beans are substantially cheaper at the Cheesery.
Good place to pick up a cup of coffee before a film at the Castro. -
Review from Claire C.
San Francisco, CA
4/25/2006
Castro Cheesery You are the wind beneath my wings
FLLLLLYYYYYY AWAY
SO HIGH UP IN THE SKY
SO HIGH I ALMOST TOUCHED THE SKY
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK GOD FOR YOU
THE WIND BENEATH MY WINGS....
Ahem, the coffee here is off the hook. Try the cinnemon frangelico around Xmas next year, and your house will be a big toasty yummy smelly haven to whomever is around....
:) -
Review from Jess H.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 7/29/2009
They have pastries in a cake dish on top of the big cooler for $1.25 that also don't take a bite out of your diet. Perfect size and price.
Sweet Italian Blend is a medium roast that is my new love du jour.
The staff is always, always so friendly.
You can smell this joint from a block away so there is no turning 'round...
Screw Philz.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/17/2009
The secret to really good coffee is really hot water poured over fine grounds into a gorgeous little… Read more »
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Review from Gabriel D.
San Francisco, CA
5/20/2007
This spot always has a great selection of brew coffees (usually 8) which generally includes a couple of sweet flavors (hazelnut, swiss mocha etc...) Excellent for people with out of control sweet tooths such as myself. They are always friendly and there is never a line.
Excellent alternative to corporate starbucks.........I do have to admit i love a frappacino on hot summers day......you know the 5 or 6 of that we get a year. -
Review from Nikki M.
2/9/2009
5 stars for 5 reasons:
1. Friendly staff who help you out when you tell them you're not a coffee drinker (more espresso)
2. Makes my walk to the subway smell much better
3. Sale of cheese
4. I can support a local business
5. Latte was delicious! -
Review from kerry a.
San Francisco, CA
5/11/2008
GREAT selection of coffees, Castro Cheesery makes me feel like I live in a small town.
Buy ten get one free and it's right on my way to and from Castro Station.
Buy my beans there, and my morning coffee treat, and occasionally a little brick of havarti.
This is not a sit-down place, it is in and out make it happen with a smile. PEFECTION. -
Review from Hector M.
San Francisco, CA
4/1/2009
I love this place.
How good is the coffee? Well, i work at a competing coffee shop a few blocks away and still I walk over to the Castro Cheesery and grab a cup on my break. And they give you a few good options to choose from.
Nothing wrong with a chocolate orange coffee every now and then (why so stuck up PEETS?). The folks behind the counter are always sweet and the store, while small, is cozy and clean.
Easily my favorite coffee shop in the city. -
Review from Jody A.
San Jose, CA
3/13/2007
On a good day, you can smell this place all the way from the MUNI station.
Fragrant, savory, CHEAP coffee in San Francisco. Who knew?
This and a little something from Hot Cookie always makes your night complete. -
Review from domini a.
San Francisco, CA
1/28/2008
the castro cheesery understands me when i ask for turkish coffee ground with cardamom. Now,depending on the server or what they are providing, they either tell me i should grind it myself or add it in, but the fact that they GET me is phenomenal in itself.
Personally, i find most of their grinds to be too sour, but i have also bought all the coffee accessories i could ever imagine needing from them.
Their pastry selection sucks.
i like this because it shows where their priorities lie - it's the caffeine baby.... the caffeine
sugar is for pussies. -
Review from Hubert L.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 3/5/2011
This place is the new name for the Castro Cheesery. EVERYTHINNGGGGG is the same except for the name which I personally like more :P
This now the ONLY place i buy my coffee beans because only they have GREAT quality beans for a super low price. I usually get one pound of Arabic Coffee with extra Cardamom(turkish ground), one pound of Triple Dark(drip ground), and one pound of Red Sea(drip ground). They also have one of the BEST latte's i have ever had in my life. I put a tiny bit of brown sugar in a small latte and it was literally heavenly. It was smooth but ROBUST with flavour and the brown sugar adds a nice slight caramel taste to it! Their drip cofffee is seriously unrivaled. Also, if you walk in the right time, Ken will be there and his great service along with his unrivaled(i seriously mean it) Barista skills can make a cup of coffee that you will try so many times to recreate and it'll be good but not like his! i still to this day try to brew a cup of drip coffee with EVERYTHING the same he uses and i still cant make it taste the way he makes it.
LONG STORY SHORT: Best beans in town for the best price. Look for a man named Ken and he will make you a unforgettable drink with a smile and great attitude + service!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/18/2010
THE VERY BEST COFFEE IN TOWN GUARENTEED. If you don't want a dessert coffee like Phil'z, you come… Read more »
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Review from Jean K.
1/9/2007
The only place I've been able to find where I can get loose leaf Darjeeling tea (for making Chai) without having to pay an arm and a leg for upscale gourmet stuff. Surprisingly you cannot find this at any grocery store, including bi-rite and whole foods. Believe me, I've looked.
Have not yet tried the coffee but always get my tea fix here.
Bike Parking: plenty of designated bike racks along Castro St right next to the Castro Theatre. -
Review from Steve D.
San Mateo, CA
8/27/2006
The Castro Cheesery was the first coffee shop to ever make me a regular customer. I used to come here at least once a week to restock on my bean supply. It was not until I found their other location "Bean Street" in San Mateo that I made a transition to my new supplier. Bean Street: http://www.yelp.com/bi...
The Cheesery has some of the freshest beans that I have found in the Bay Area and are very reasonably priced.
If you like to drink fresh, great tasting coffee\ you definitely must try the Castro Cheesery. -
Review from patrick g.
San Francisco, CA
7/13/2011
Love the CCC..Great staff, I have them blend and grind my brew....they have a local coffee, fresh and tasty. If I have to make one complaint ...loose the plastic bags....other than that LOVE EM
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Review from Marc G.
San Francisco, CA
4/24/2007
Family owned
Best coffee - Morning Rush and French roast R-O-C-K-S
That place smells so good I drool just thinking about it - who needs Pavlov - I've got The Castro Cheesery
Price can't be beat and of course they always 'top off' the bag just a bit -
Avoid tripping on the homeless youth or crack heads who are patiently waiting for you just our side the door - -
Review from regina k.
San Francisco, CA
12/5/2007
mmmmm, you wake up and want coffee...a few scoops of whole beans into the grinder, fine grind, uncover the lid of the grinder, smell the aroma of fresh Antigua dark roast...you scoop it into your coffeemaker with sleepy eyes, press on, hear it brewing, wait, wait....wait....and then finally.....the delicious sound of that last bit of oily, bright, rich percolating coffee empytying itself into the carafe....the last drips, telling you it's ready.
If you like coffee this much, there is a world of flavor waiting for you.... -
Review from kennedy B.
San Francisco, CA
6/12/2011
Well..It's all true. Love the way the service was given to a new customer like me. Thanks for the nice caramel macchiato.
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Review from Paddy W.
San Francisco, CA
9/20/2007
This is my favorite place to buy coffee. First of all, it's within walking distance. And secondly, at $6.50/lb. it has to be the cheapest place to buy really good coffee.
I usually stop by on a Wednesday or Friday morning to buy a pound of whole bean French Italian roast. They always top it off with an extra bit just to make sure that it's more than a pound and never less...
I always bring in my little dog in with me since there is really nowhere to tie him out where I can see him. Usually one of the sons of this family-run business has a dog treat waiting when he sees me walk in.
Overall, this business gives excellent service, has good quality products for sale, and takes good care of the regulars. 5 stars.
