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Faye's Video & Espresso Bar
Categories: Shopping Books, Mags, Music and Video DVD & Video Game Rental Food Coffee & Tea DVD & Video Game Rental, Coffee & Tea [Edit]
3614 18th St(between Guerrero St & Oakwood St)
San Francisco, CA 94110
Neighbourhood: Mission
(415) 522-0434
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 7 am - 10:30 pm
Fri 7 am - 11 pm
Sat 8 am - 11 pm
Sun 8 am - 10:30 pm
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
Christal B. said: "Coming from San Diego, stores like Amoeba are practically non-existent. I was overwhelmed (in a good way) with the extensive selection of music and movies. Had a great time browsing the classics/ indies movie sections. Ended up…" read more »
92 reviews for Faye's Video & Espresso Bar
Review Highlights
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"I highly recommend the coffee, and the movies." In 26 reviews -
"...video/espresso bar adjacent to Bi-Rite lies the best video..." In 7 reviews -
"The best selection of indie and foreign films." In 4 reviews
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92 reviews in English
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Review from Phoebe G.
San Francisco, CA
3/20/2012 1 photo
A local treasure! I get coffee there every morning I can, and it always puts my day on a good track. I really appreciate the:
Delicious coffee
Homemade "frequent fill up" cards in old card catalogue drawers
Hours: open early, open late
Capable, drama free staffComment from Matthew M. of Faye's Video & Espresso Bar 3/21/2012
YEAH PHOEBE! thanks for the awesome review! We totally agree… More » -
Review from Amy C.
Why I Heart Fayes Video & Espresso Bar Reason #36:
THIS SIGN:
http://www.yelp.com/bi...
(Reasons #1 -35 include: Hot chocolate, $2 daily rental specials, the old school library catalog that stores my frequent buyer coffee card, carousel horses, and happiness that video stores like Fayes are still around. Netflix who?)Listed in: Sweet Home Mission
Comment from Matthew M. of Faye's Video & Espresso Bar 2/27/2012
AMY! thanks for the sweet review! Its true, we have all… More » -
Review from tony a.
San Francisco, CA
1/6/2012
Why would anyone wait in line for coffee at Tartine when you can get a damned good beverage across the street at Faye's, for less than a quarter of the price?!?!
Featuring a quirky but very friendly staff, an outstanding video selection, and an odd assortment of handmade signs.Comment from Matthew M. of Faye's Video & Espresso Bar 1/9/2012
TONY A.. thanks so much for the nice review. We've been… More » -
Review from Jeremy R.
San Francisco, CA
5/16/2012
Videomania, Awesome stamp cards, great staff, I love it here. Classic mission hangout spot
Comment from Matthew M. of Faye's Video & Espresso Bar 5/18/2012
Jeremy! thanks for the love and support. We have more… More » -
Review from Daniel L.
2/10/2012 1 Check-in Here
I love supporting the small guys... But kindly don't you decide how much milk I want in my coffee for me... We are all individual with our own taste... Maybe I'm a coffee snob but that's my taste not yours..... You put too much milk in and watered down what I was expecting to be a fine tasting coffee... Nice staff and groovy location !!
Comment from Matthew M. of Faye's Video & Espresso Bar 2/13/2012
Ah Daniel.. sorry to hear about your recent experience at… More » -
Review from Invisible J.
San Francisco, CA
7/19/2011
I can't comment on the coffee / espresso, since I don't drink the stuff, but I CAN COMMENT on the movies, and the comment is: "Woo-Hoo!!" Seriously, this might be one of the last of the "Mom'n'Pop" video stores left in America, but they are great. My friends can't even conceive of the idea that "I'm going down to the store to pick up a DVD", they're so brain-washed by NetFlix and downloading and the like.
ANYWAY, you really can't be the prices at Faye's: $2 on Monday, 2-for-1 on Wednesday, and I'm pretty sure Tuesday and Thursday have something special, like $2 documentary night or kids flick night or something like that.
I know you want to hide in your apartment, never interacting with the world, doing everything via the internet, including downloading nutrients directly into your bloodstream, but you really owe it to yourself to get out every once in a while and interact with real, live human beings. The staff at Faye's are willing to talk about movies, help you figure out what's good, what you might've missed (In Bruges, Mesrine, Moon.) Come out, score some caffeine and video, then crawl back to security of your pod, Neo. -
Review from Caroline H.
San Francisco, CA
2/13/2012
Great selection of movies, great staff and, out of nowhere, AMAZING coffee. I'm here like four times a week.
Comment from Matthew M. of Faye's Video & Espresso Bar 2/13/2012
CAROLINE!!!! thanks for the super review. We love seeing you… More » -
Review from Nikki K.
Berkeley, CA
9/10/2011
This is that kind of quirky store that you only get in the Mission. My friend used to live with her then boyfriend right down the street so I used to come by here all the time with them. Now I barely ever go in there.
But I really miss getting an expresso, a cool foreign film, and then heading back to her place (stopping by the Bi-Rite for some ice cream of course). The combination of expresso stop/video store is pretty cool.
This was also a stop on the way back to her place from Dolores Park. It went something like this: get tan at the park; get ice-cream at B-Rite; get movie at Faye's.
Staff is cool if you are cool with them. They aren't big fans of the clueless: "Is this film, Raging Bull, any good? Is it about a toreador?" will definitely not get you the best service.Comment from Matthew M. of Faye's Video & Espresso Bar 9/18/2011
Nikki - thanks for the review. We wish you stopped in more… More » -
Review from Megan H.
San Francisco, CA
1/29/2012
Best coffee in San Francisco, amazing selection of movies, that bench=sweet!, and the raddest business owners I know. What more do you need?
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Review from Tasha A.
San Francisco, CA
6/28/2011
Great staff and recommendations. Have to love a place with good customer service, cool movies that are not your typical block busters and serves coffee.
I wish we have more movie places like this, just on a tiny bit bigger scale as a lot of the times the movies i want are already out.Comment from Matthew M. of Faye's Video & Espresso Bar 6/29/2011
Tasha - thanks for the review. We do our best to keep our… More » -
Review from Christina S.
Costa Mesa, CA
1/31/2011 1 Check-in Here
While on the early morning hunt to grab the makings for making coffee, filters, creamer and coffee and waiting for Bi-Rite to open I came into Faye's per some peoples recommendations for having good espresso. A little hole in the wall video/espresso bar adjacent to Bi-Rite lies the best video store ever. The best selection of indie and foreign films.. I perused the shop while I waited for our lattes.. The staff is super friendly sans the pompous attitude.. Love it here.. Just wish our flat that we had for the time we were here had a DVD player.. I would of spent the entire weekend in watching films!
The latte btw... was amazing! -
Review from Marcia B.
San Francisco, CA
7/19/2011
Friendly service, amazing coffee and the best bench to sit and watch people from.
My dog loves the treats that Fayes gives him -
Review from Jim H.
San Francisco, CA
1/1/2012
I've walked by Faye's, oh, a million times in the dozen years I've lived in the Castro.
But it was only recently that I ducked inside to get a cup of coffee. My long-standing favorite, Peet's, was too far out of the way and SummitSF, on Valencia, takes way too long for what you get.
OMG: I'm am now addicted to Faye's coffee. I've been getting an 8-oz. with a shot of espresso, and I think it's just about the best cup of coffee I've ever had. In fact, I'm sitting here, jonesing for one right now.
I've yet to rent a movie at Faye's, but the selection looks good, too.
But the coffee . . .Comment from Matthew M. of Faye's Video & Espresso Bar 1/9/2012
JIM H! thanks for the sweet review. I think the teeny 8oz… More » -
Review from Alan H.
San Francisco, CA
5/15/2011
Stumbled in here on a recent Sunday because I was short on time and Tartine had a huge line. The coffee I got was really good and it looks like they use Illy espresso which is +. They have a few pastries to pick from which was nice (the scone had had sucked....but thats ok, I wasn't exactly expecting a lot). The service was lacking, not rude, but not gracious.
I loved the little seating outside and the hipster vibe inside. I cant comment on the video selection, but I do know that its one of the last few video stores in the city so I appreciate that.
Im always a fan of unpretentious places that serve a great product and know their customer base well.Comment from Matthew M. of Faye's Video & Espresso Bar 5/23/2011
Alan, glad you found us on a busy Sunday and enjoyed your… More » -
Review from Unemployed D.
San Francisco, CA
12/19/2010
What can I say about Faye's? Great coffee, wonderful friendly staff who love the dogs I walk in with, particularly the neighbor dog who LIVES for the biscuit that they give him each morning. So nice to have a nice, local, non chain coffee shop right in my hood. I love the arty feel of the place too, with the posters in the window for indy bands, films and stuff.
Love, love, love Faye's! -
Review from Jen H.
San Francisco, CA
11/19/2011
Colby is awesome. And their hot chocolate is yum.
Comment from Matthew M. of Faye's Video & Espresso Bar 11/28/2011
Thanks for the sweet review! See you for hot chocolate soon! More » -
Review from M-Britt L.
San Francisco, CA
9/14/2010
Best iced coffee in the city...why? Because its an Iced Toddy and its cold brewed. In my opinion, thats the only way to make it. If you don't cold brew, its just hot coffee stuck in the fridge to cool and get bitter and gross.
Great movie selections too and the signage around the shop is actually art, done by the folks that work there. Keep your local video/coffee shop in business, go to places like Faye's!! -
Review from Nish N.
9/17/2006
Another great example of a local business done right. When I lived in the Nission, this was my spot for renting videos. A good selection, although in fairness nothing compared to Blockbuster. I suppose if you don't find a new release, dig into a classic, or ask the more than friendly staff for a suggestion.
In a quirky twist, you can also get coffee here, so it's good for your morning cup of Joe too. -
Review from Jill C.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 9/8/2008
I've been in the neighborhood for years now and appreciate Faye's more than ever, especially when it recently occurred to me that by working in both a coffee shop and video store, the people at Faye's see us in our rawest and most vulnerable moments.
For example, they are patient with me before my morning coffee, when it's hard to string coherent sentences together. They looked the other way during a Gael Garcia Bernal rental phase that probably should have alerted the Mexican authorities. They don't make me feel like a loser when I come in bleary-eyed after a long work week and choose a brainless romantic comedy over a thoughtful indie release or foreign classic. Most interestingly, they have politely offered advice on men I've brought in who are totally wrong for me. ("Who was that dude the other night who thought Hitchcock is too scary? Is that the kind of guy you really want?" Noted, and agreed.)
The intersection of 18th and Guerrero has become quite the destination, where crowds of people have come to clog the sidewalks around Tartine, Bi-Rite Creamery, and Pizzeria Delfina, but thankfully, Faye's feels like the most authentic place in the neighborhood.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/19/2006
While I have a coffeemaker at home and know that a Netflix subscription is probably cheaper, I am… Read more »
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Review from Johnny C.
San Francisco, CA
4/17/2007
Perfect indoor date:
Delfina takeout: $45
BiRite Creamery takeout: $7
Fayes Video: $3.50 (2 for 1 Wednesdays)
Parking in the Mission: PRICELESS!
For everything else, there's Netflix.
Fayes Video is great little Mission-Dolores nook, serving up excellent espresso and a good list of foreign films for the cinemarati. -
Review from John M.
Cambridge, MA
2/8/2009
Great selection of movies.
I do kind of want to say to the people who patron this place and those who work there: "GET OVER YOURSELF!"
Alas, I was young and insecure once. No big deal. My attitude is: Just gimme the damn movie, and let's forget we ever had to acknowledge each other's existence. -
Review from Jess H.
San Francisco, CA
10/22/2009
First, allow me to confirm the badass selection of flicks... I can absolutely appreciate the fact that this place delivers unique and intelligent classics.
The coffee is pretty good. I can wander in here with my ears plugged with tunes, say "Please", "Thank you", tip the tragic hipsters and move on. Nothing else said - at all. That's cool...
But I walk in here on the cell with my Grandma Betty, this morning. She can't hear too well as I explain I need to put the phone down to grab a cup (in my own cup, mind you) and I know the skinny whipster behind the counter can hear this. I let Grandma keep talking for I have two ears and obviously can enroll in two conversations at the same time. I apologize, three times, to self-important dude that is supposed to help a paying customer (who tips) as he knows I'm on the phone with Betty... he looks at me - in conversation - and states, "I don't help people that are on their phones." I take my cup and fill up at Java Supreme where they serve me with a "Good morning", "Have a nice day". I will keep walking to Java Supreme from now on. And since this City has plenty of outlets for great flicks - I'll take that business elsewhere, too.
You just don't mess with Grandma Betty, man. Ever.Comment from Matthew M. of Faye's Video & Espresso Bar 11/3/2009
Sorry you felt the need to Yelp your recent experience.… More » -
Review from Jennifer P.
San Francisco, CA
10/27/2011
Faye's is the heart and soul of our neighborhood. Coffee is great, bench is comforting and the staff is oustandingly quirky and nice. I have never rented from Netflix, and I always rent from Faye's.
Mike and Matthew create a homey, funny environment. And the bench is the only place to be!
A San Francisco treasure, through and through!
Never miss out on Canine Beauty Pageant, Faye's calendars and great t shirts!Comment from Matthew M. of Faye's Video & Espresso Bar 11/2/2011
Jennifer, thanks so much for the kind review. Its a pleasure… More » -
Review from Beth V.
Oakland, CA
8/31/2006
After visiting 2 Blocksucker's attempting to locate "Entourage, Season 2" I found it at Faye's, and it only came out 10 weeks ago. So yes, they do have some recent stuff, albeit random. They were also offering the dvd of "The History of Violence" for $7 (previously reviewed) What a deal! We walked in with the movies, 45 minutes in violation of the time they were due. No late fees. Friendly service-she forgot to act like she was doing me a favor, the requisite behavior for video stores.
It gets better-Faye's has a frequent visitor card for the coffee, filed in the card catalogue from your elementary school library. According to the sign, you're on the honor system to use it without abusing it. Long live Faye's! -
Review from Benjamin K.
San Francisco, CA
9/27/2010
I was dying for coffee today, but it's almost a thousand degrees out there. I went to Faye's and it turns out they have cold brewed iced coffee, and now I'm a fan.
Not familiar? Neither was I. It just means they soak the grounds in cool water rather than brew it traditionally for their iced coffee, resulting in an almost chocolatey, low acid, and less bitter cup. The extraction is different than hot water brewing, so it's not going to taste like a cup of coffee only colder, it's got it's own mellow personality that's perfect for a hot day. -
Review from Nikki M.
1/22/2006
Patronize your local mom and pop video store! Love the system where each new release has a little magnet below it, no magnet means not in stock! Easy. Dog-friendly (they have treats) and has an obscure collection, though new release do take time to come it. If you're local, I recommend the "plan." You pay a lump sum and it makes your price per rental lower.
Aslo, save money and grab a hot choco here instead of tartine, it's just as good! -
Review from Macheeks ..
San Francisco, CA
8/14/2011
Hands down the BEST iced coffee in San Francisco. Super smooth and chocolaty, without even a hint of bitterness or burnt flavor. I prefer it to the other SF heavy hitters: Blue Bottle, Four Barrel, etc. Oh and the movies are great too.
Comment from Matthew M. of Faye's Video & Espresso Bar 8/17/2011
thanks for the kind review! We think are Iced coffee toddy… More » -
Review from David M.
San Francisco, CA
8/29/2011
whenever im around the area i would come here if i needed my caffeine.
my regular order was single/double short soy latte. it tasted just right not to bitter nor sweet never had to add any sugar or anything. pretty good ordered that same drink bascially alwaysComment from Matthew M. of Faye's Video & Espresso Bar 8/30/2011
David- thanks for the nice review. Glad that you we are able… More » -
Review from Jo W.
Somerville, MA
6/26/2010
5 stars is something special, but fayes is Something Special.
A true neighborhood establishment with a variety of patrons.
I've lived 1/2 block from Fayes for 5+ years. Sometimes I go several times a week. Sometimes I don't go in there for months. That also applies to my coffee drinking. The coffee is fine fine fine. Bring your own cup. I've never bought any treats there, so I don't know if they are any good.
Card catalogue for your frequent coffee drinker card. Honor system. Amazing video selection. A++ friendly employees. Sometimes I have gone into Fayes to just check in with people and be friendly/social.
Many a meet-up has happened at the bench outside of Fayes.
I would be very disappointed if Fayes disappeared, and if it never existed in the first place I would wish that it did.
I'm going to go rent a video there right now... -
Review from Candy Z.
Los Angeles, CA
1/4/2006
Get your coffee here!
(oh and videos too!) -
Review from Joshua S.
San Francisco, CA
8/8/2007
Five minutes ago I got the knack for a pretty rare documentary. I looked up local video stores, and, lucky me, I found Faye's video was only a block away.
I was blown away to find that they had the documentary I was looking for. And I got a free rental for it being Wednesday. And the coffee is indeed pretty good. Awesome. -
Review from Diane B.
time to cancel Netflix: one night I was in a unique mood and the proprietor latched on perfectly to what I needed - "Paris Texas" - it was beyond perfect. I'm indebted. Plus, they are 2 blocks from my front door, and 1/2 block away from Bi-Rite Creamery - what else do you need?
UPDATE 7/10/09:
They *are* as good as it gets. Two top-of-mind reasons:
1) They started adding "free" movies you can toss in (yes, for free) with an existing rental. Why? Because they love us.
2) I had two movies overdue by a few days. Rather than let me languish in late fees (think insurance company mentality), they instead CALLED me to remind me. Talk about "high touch". Bring it ON!!!Listed in: My Neighborhood
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Review from Marissa P.
Kansas City, MO
1/27/2010
Typically, I'm a total Netflix junkie. I really like the idea of supporting your local neighborhood business but I'm sucked in by the convenience of Netflix. So occasionally I still enjoy perusing the aisles of a real video store.
Faye's is cool, they have a decent selection of VHS & DVDs, not as big as the major chains but still a good selection for their size. It's a little cramped as they have tried to fit in a much as physically possible. Faye's also has a full espresso bar which is nice. The one major drawback to Faye's is that since they don't have an exterior drop off everything is due back before closing, which on Sunday is at 7 PM.Comment from Matthew M. of Faye's Video & Espresso Bar 2/7/2010
Thanks for the review Marissa.. Actually, we do have an… More » -
Review from michelle s.
San Francisco, CA
4/17/2007
Monday is $2 Rental Night!
So I picked up:
Volver
Ma Vie En Rose
Les Poupees Russes
(Can you tell that I like foreign films?)
My friends recommended this charming place to me today and I love it! Great selection of movies. Staff was sweet and helpful. I can't believe that they open at 7am on the weekdays. Also, Wednesday is 2 for 1 nite.
If this place were closer to me, I would be a frequent renter and forgo Netflix. But since it isn't and I have to look for parking, minus one star.
Hasta pronto, Faye's! -
Review from Zoe s.
San Francisco, CA
6/12/2007
The video gurus at Faye's usually see me on Sunday afternoons following long Saturday nights looking like who-knows-what. They have never judged me (even when I rented 'The Holiday' to help sooth a bruised heart). Come to think of it that is how the folks at Bi-Rite also usually see me. Hmmm, is there a theme in my life?
I totally love this little place. They may not have the biggest selection, but I usually find something I like and it seems to me that they always have the 'New Releases' so I can't complain. Plus, I think you get your 20th rental free. That day was like Christmas in May for me...a totally unexpected little present. The staff is really nice too.
If that doesn't do it then go here just to build up good karma for supporting a local business. I don't think you will be sorry. -
Review from joanna m.
Brooklyn, NY
11/7/2007
Where can you go to get really good coffee and really good movies at the same time? Where do you think? Faye's!
Highlights:
1)Two-movies-for-the-price-of-one on Wednesdays
2) they're awfully nice about reducing late fees when you are upfront about it
3) Good selection of documentaries, classics and TV shows
Now go get your movies and your coffee. -
Review from Abby V.
San Francisco, CA
2/1/2011
Small, but great selection. The staff is so kind. I live near by so I lived off of the rentals when I was sick. Cheaper then renting on cable:) A free coffee/ tea for your first rental.
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Review from coleman k.
San Francisco, CA
12/7/2009
Faye's, I like your style.
It'd be difficult for me to add to what previous reviewers have written. Folks have pretty much said it all.
So I'll leave it at this: Faye's, I like your style. -
Review from Caitlin F.
San Francisco, CA
1/14/2011 3 Check-ins Here
movies (even VHS), really good coffee and espresso drinks and a super duper staff!
love faye's! -
Review from Holly A.
San Francisco, CA
10/21/2007
Fantastic selection of movies, always funny sandwich board text, cheap cup of coffee or ice tea, cookies for a quick sugar fix, and lenient late fee policy. Locally and independently owned, very reasonable prices, and did I mention the fantastic selection of movies?
They still have a lot of VHS tapes, and some older movies they only carry in that format. That's a drag, and I hope they have the capital to change that soon.Listed in: My Neighborhood
