Graffeo Coffee Roasting Company

4.5 star rating
106 reviews Rating Details

Category: Coffee & Tea  [Edit]

735 Columbus Ave
(between Via Buffano & Filbert St)
San Francisco, CA 94133
Neighbourhood: North Beach/Telegraph Hill
(415) 986-2420
Hours:

Mon-Fri 9 am - 6 pm

Sat 9 am - 5 pm

Price Range:
$$
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Street
Outdoor Seating:
No
Wi-Fi:
No
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes
Yelp Ad Cafe Capriccio
4.5 star rating
177 reviews
About This Business:

Cafe Capriccio is a coffee shop serving San Francisco great coffee, sandwiches, and a place to escape the hustle and bustle of life in the city. Come in…   read more »

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106 reviews in English

  • Review from Desiree P.

    • 20 friends
    • 46 reviews

    Orange County, CA

    5.0 star rating
    4/12/2012

    Go In Just For The Aroma

    Graffeo was founded in 1935 on the streets of San Francisco's Italian culinary capital, North Beach. It is one of North America's oldest artisan coffee roasters and remains a family-run company passed on down through generations.

    Dark roast extraordinary coffee to take home or order online. They specialize in only two flavors so they are the best. Fluid bed roasted coffee beans smell distinctive. Perfecto! Taste brewed Graffeo coffee available at Mario's and Café Divine on Washington Street.

    Originating from the finest plantations on Colombia, Costa Rica and New Guinea, Graffeo Dark is roasted to a high optimal temperature to release the deep character contained within the choice beans. It has received much critical acclaim for unmistakable rich flavor and unforgettable deep aroma. It is the coffee of choice for many of the world's leading eateries.

  • Review from J. P.

    • 1 friend
    • 39 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    2/12/2012 1 Check-in Here

    Long before I'd heard of Blue Bottle, Ritual, Stumptown, Starsucks (no, not a typo) or even Peets, Graffeo was a part of my life,  Growing up, the wonderful smell of their coffee roasting would waft down Columbus Ave.  I never had the chance to enjoy their coffee growing up (my family had Hills Brothers then Yuban as the coffee of choice way back when) but I always loved the smell.

    In this day and age, when I get a chance to go into North Beach, I pick up the Dark Italian.  The richness of the flavor with a full body makes for a perfect cup.  And its not acidic like some coffee out there!  One of my sisters also loves their coffee so I try to pick up some for her when I can.  When she gets some of their coffee, she's in Heaven!  Its not cheap and its not overpriced.  Its oh-so-worth it.  When it comes to coffee, quality definitely should come before quantity.

  • Review from Laura G.

    • 0 friends
    • 1 review

    Vero Beach, FL

    3.0 star rating
    5/13/2012

    Awesome coffee!

  • Review from Karla R.

    Woodside, CA

    5.0 star rating
    3/26/2012

    Even though I now live in Woodside, we still head to Graffeo to buy coffee beans whenever we can... And it ends up being often. Forget all the hip SF roasters- these guys are the best. Flavorful, complex and very fresh.

  • Review from D.B. C.

    • 12 friends
    • 38 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    3/25/2012

    The finest ever. And I've tried millions of beans from millions of producers. This is as good as it gets.

  • Review from Brian G.

    • 0 friends
    • 3 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    3/22/2012

    This is the best coffee I've ever tasted!!  I've been making the trip to North Beach to buy Graffeo for over 30 years.  Everything else tastes burnt.  Graffeo is smooth, full flavored but not burnt tasting.  The Decaf is fantastic!  If you like coffee, you owe to your self to give this a try!!

  • Review from Jasper L.

    • 0 friends
    • 7 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    10/18/2011

    Coming from Seattle and moving to the Bay, I thought I was resigned to buy imported Italian roasts (Illy or Lavazza) or somehow get coffee beans shipped from Seattle. I was on Amazon all the time buying Lavazza (Illy's too expensive). I tried others such as Blue Bottle, Rituals, SF Coffee and even Scarlet City from the East Bay because of Jen who studied at my fav Seattle stand, Vivace. Yes, they are all good. Scarlet has great choices for different applications (moka, drip, french, or espresso).

    But Graffeo coffee is better than Scarlet. Their roast is more even (almost as perfect as Illy) and has a lot of chocolate and caramel aromas with no burnt taste. It's like having Illy coffee without the outrageous price and pretentious can. Perfect for espresso.

    Plain brown bag stamped with the word "Light". Simple and roasted with care.

  • Review from Tony L.

    • 119 friends
    • 426 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    9/19/2011 2 photos

    When I was a wee lad (skip if you've heard me this say this before), I would walk past this place and breathe in DEEPLY to enjoy the coffee aroma. Of course, I wasn't a coffee-drinker then but I love italian and spanish coffee now, and when I pass by these days I get great memories of my time in both countries, mixed with my childhood. I recently walked in for the very first time to buy coffee for a friend who lives on coffee, and I don't regret it at all. I weaned her slowly off Starbrucks, doing the same with Peek's, and hoping she will visit me soon to sample true spanish coffee as I do, with milk and not water. Inside, you'll be asked which brand desired, then if you want whole beans or ground, then if ground, what will you use it with, and what type of filter will be used. wow. The coffee you purchase is in a plain brown paper bag, stamped with the type, and closed with thick plastic tape. Meet for coffee?

    This place only sells one thing: coffee. For it to be here for so many years and still active in sales must be a statement of its quality and flavor.

  • Review from Terrence M.

    • 2 friends
    • 33 reviews

    Oakland, CA

    5.0 star rating
    12/19/2010

    First, don't come here expecting to order a cup of hot coffee, latte or espresso or to choose from a dozen or so offerings of single-origin and blended coffee beans. If you do, you'll be disappointed.

    Graffeo sells one kind of coffee: A mix of equal parts of beans from Colombia, New Guinea, and Costa Rica.

    You get to choose between regular or decaf; light roast, dark roast, or half 'n half (my preference).  No fancy packaging - the beans you order will be placed in a plain brown paper bag.

    They roast beans in small batches, which means they're usually fresh and maybe even still warm, and they're careful not to roast the beans too much.  The downside is that on occasion they may run out of beans.  You might want to call them ahead of time to avoid disappointment.

    Reasonable price: $14 lb.  

    A second-generation family coffee-roasting business in San Francisco's North Beach neighborhood, the store itself is small and modest in appearance; but the coffee is rich, flavorful, and full-bodied. Another store is located in downtown San Rafael.  No long lines.

  • Review from G V.

    • 0 friends
    • 17 reviews

    Los Angeles, CA

    1.0 star rating
    3/8/2012

    I consider myself  as an avid espresso drinker.  I pull my own shots from home using a mazzer grinder and an izzo duetto espresso machine.  I have tried many different beans from independent roaster (veltons, urth, paradise, portolla,chris coffee and etc..).  I did not find anything special about these beans.  When paying $16 for a pound of coffee one can expect essence of chocolate, caramel, citrus, floral, tobacco and etc, I found none in these.  Save yourself a few dollars in these days of inflated gas prices and get yourself some Folgers, you will not be able to tell the difference.  As a public service, do not let looks and snootiness fool you..  BTW, I had the same result as a pour-over!  And Ideally coffee should be brewed at 200 degree give or take about 2 and not 185 degree (sour) wrong info to me as a customer.

  • Review from Christopher K.

    • 412 friends
    • 167 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    11/11/2010

    Ritual gets the hipsters queued up in long lines. Blue Bottle successfully courted the farmers market yuppie folks. For people who simply love coffee without the cliques or the lines, we have Graffeo.

    They advertise as "Simply the world's finest coffee." While that might sound like hyperbole, I vouch for that claim.

    What's even better is they charge very reasonable rates for coffee this good. The price-per-pound is a little more than Starbucks and significantly less than Ritual.

    And if you stop by the roasting location in North Beach, chances are the beans will still be warm when you get them.

  • Review from Bradley N.

    Woodside, CA

    5.0 star rating
    Updated - 10/7/2010

    Americans live with the illusion of choice. The idea that 12 types of coffee is better than 2 seems inherently to make sense. Why have only one model of car when you can have 30? How about 8 salad dressing choices (you'll pick ranch in the end, anyway) or a build-your-own taco station with more types of salsa and fixings than there are people in the restaurant?

    The effect of having too many choices is that we often have none at all, really. It's a paradox. But that makes it no the less true. Put me in front of a shelf of 60 shampoos, and my mind will turn to mush, I'll revert back to age 6, and I'll become suddenly vulnerable to TV advertising ... silky radiance! A full head of hair! You'll never get a second chance to make a first impression. Because you're worth it ... worth what, exactly? A $7.99 12 oz. bottle of foamy suds?

    (Pause, as I get down from my soap box).

    So, Graffeo, huh? Why trek all the way here for only 3 basic choices*: light, dark, or 50/50? Isn't there a Peets or Starbucks nearby where you can get your beans cheaper and in prettier packages? Why not head down to the Ferry Building and get a sexy-looking 8 oz. bag of Blue Bottle beans and flirt** with the super-chic baristas who will give you an impromtu "coffee consultation" to find just the right beans for your lifestyle after you've waited in a line 20 people deep? Why North Beach, why this place, which does not actually serve coffee and has a 1/2 pound minimum purchase? What if you want Sidamo beans or single-origin, shade-grown, fairly-traded, hand-picked, lightly caressed, and individually-washed beans from a 200-year old Coast Rican bird-friendly plantation high in the mountains?

    Because. Just because.

    Light, dark, 50/50, whatever. It's all good here. They've got caf class and they've got caf style. The secret is in the beans, the heat, and the knowhow that takes a generation or more to master. Scruffy-haired fly-by-night back alley roasters with college degrees can't match that, no matter how slick their under the radar screen advertising is.

    Try Graffeo once, and then you'll know. It won't be a one-time deal. Once you do Graffeo, you're in it for life.

    How's THAT for a choice, ya'll?

    (*) Technically, they offer decaffeinated beans, too. But that would be like getting your crack with 50% less cocaine. And that's just wrong.
    (**) For the record, I have never done this, by the way. Ever.

    Listed in: Coffee Confidential, SF Day Trips

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    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 5.0 star rating
      4/5/2010

      First you smell and touch, then you sip and smile. Graffeo makes even jaded coffee drinkers sit up… Read more »

  • Review from J G M.

    • 2 friends
    • 15 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    1/23/2011

    Bar none, the best coffee roaster in The City. No frills - just delicious, fresh roasted beans with an uncanny consistency. Choose your poison, dark or light and enjoy.

    Classic North Beach location, staffed by classic "North Beachers" from the old days. Best to go mid day weekdays, parking is easy and the beans are warm and fragrant.

    "Character" counts! So do "Characters". This place has both...

  • Review from Aaron K.

    • 2 friends
    • 15 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    12/8/2011

    Still the best around.

  • Review from Vince S.

    • 64 friends
    • 333 reviews

    West Los Angeles, CA

    4.0 star rating
    Updated - 12/20/2010

    Someone mentioned they are never out of coffee...but guess what? They have been running out of coffee.

    Closing the so cal location doesn't help either. We like the coffee but the ordering online/wait/shipping is too much.

    Good luck Graffeo. Maybe one day things will be better.

    Was this review …?

    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 5.0 star rating
      4/18/2010

      We are fans of Graffeo and we are from So Cal.

      So visiting SF means we have to pay homage to the 1st… Read more »

  • Review from Dan T.

    • 322 friends
    • 62 reviews

    Pebble Beach, CA

    5.0 star rating
    7/18/2011

    It Really IS the world's finest coffee!

  • Review from Eric B.

    Albany, CA

    5.0 star rating
    1/24/2010

    Graffeo has been around since 1935, is the old and wise rooster of artisan coffee.  In many ways they still do it better than other "neighbourhood" caffeine kids who sometimes show more hat than cattle.  Unfortunately, I don't get to the City often enough to repeat my previous and regular Graffeo habit when I used to live here.  But it is a real treat when I do return to North Beach.

    I prefer the Dark Roast like I love Gayle: rich, full, and never bitter!

  • Review from Alex W.

    • 14 friends
    • 10 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    10/14/2010

    If you are a coffee nut, not a bean -a nut, then this place is for you.

    Three choices, dark, light or 50/50. (and why bother Decaf)

    All Aribica all the time, (trust me, Aribica beans are the good ones) from Central America or New Guinea. Blended perfectly and roasted exquisitely. I notice the dark roast leaves an aftertaste on the back of the tongue, while the light roast aftertaste occurs on the middle-side and front of the tongue. Something to impress your friends with.

    Graffeo. It is worth the visit.

    Or you can go to San Rafael or Beverly Hills, where other stores exist.

  • Review from Abendigo R.

    • 215 friends
    • 181 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    1/10/2008

    Today my friend D. took me to Graffeo in North Beach, and gave me a tour of the coffee roaster which he built 17 years ago. It's one of the only fluid bed roasters in the world, where the coffee beans are treated like fluid.

    I don't know if you've ever had Graffeo. I was turned onto it recently, and I think, quite frankly (and this is no bullshit, as I've had my share of good coffee), it's the best coffee I've ever tasted. It reminds me a little of what I like about Kona coffee. It's better than Blue Bottle, much better, and I think Blue Bottle is excellent, though my friend D. thinks otherwise. And he's a coffee expert among experts.

    It's not grassy, like San Francisco Bay coffee. It's not burnt like Charbucks. It's nutty and chocolatey and smooth. It's got that something going on that's undefinably delicious, almost offputting. It's so good you can't believe it, and believe it you will, at least I did. And now I'm a convert.

    Ruch Reichl of the New York Times once called it the best coffee in the world. It's a combination of New Guinea, Columbian and Costa Rican beans.

    D. described the process of the fluid bed roaster to me. It'll roast 3 loads in an hour, a load being 180 lbs. It's got a vacuum that sucks the beans up through a pipe into... I'm not a mechanical engineer, and since I'm slightly tipsy, I can't recall the terms D. used as he led me through, but I can assure you that if you like coffee and you're in San Francisco, you'll be pleasantly blown away by Graffeo.

  • Review from Jamie C.

    • 11 friends
    • 106 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    2/27/2008

    I'll drink Graffeo coffee, or I won't drink coffee at all.

    Well, that's not entirely true. Let me amend: I'll use Graffeo coffee beans at home, or I won't make coffee at home at all. I do drink non-Graffeo coffee at Cafe Grecco, the only cafe I'll patronize.

    I tend to find what I like and I stick with it.  Graffeo's beans suit me well.  I use the light roast beans.  They're rich and not bitter.  I've been to Blue Bottle, I've stood in the long-ass line surrounded by hipsters and seriously I cannot see the reason for such hype.

    Graffeo kicks Blue Bottle's ass.  The counter men are always friendly, both to me, and to my son, when I send him there to buy our beans.  That's a big deal, because a lot of people treat kids like utter crap, and then he gets upset and refuses to go there again, thus limiting the number of errands I can send him on, which sucks.

    Graffeo: best coffee, best service, simply the best.

  • Review from Bill M.

    • 595 friends
    • 123 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    9/20/2007

    Easily some of the best coffee in this town. They won't just let any clown sell their coffee either, you have to have your act together. I used to manage Cafe Ariana in the showplace design center back in the day(12 years ago). Every Tuesday they would deliver and it was like being back east. Some cool Italian delivery guy would hang out and have a cup of espresso just to make sure our machine worked properly and we were not ruining the joe.

    Screw McCoffee...the two to three popular coffee franchises know who I'm talking about. They couldn't wipe Graffeo's ass.

    Werd em' up!

  • Review from Ron G.

    • 14 friends
    • 103 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    10/10/2006

    There used to be a time when the shopkeeper was a friend, historian and storyteller...For more than 15 years, I have been drinking Graffeo Coffee...how lucky SF is to have Luciano to tell jokes, tell me a little history, and sell me a couple pounds of coffee! BTW-The best restaurants in town DO serve Graffeo!

    NEW RULE: Support these jewels in our city's fabric. Buy ALL your coffee here.

  • Review from Mike M.

    • 1 friend
    • 6 reviews

    Santa Clara, CA

    5.0 star rating
    1/28/2006

    There was a time when a man could go in to a store and order  goods by the pound to be packaged in brown kraft paper and perhaps tied up with that red and white string that only merchant men could find.  The man behind the counter had a scale and an apron and maybe even a moustache, and he knew the name of your child.  He stood watch over a large block of lard and several barrels of grain, and when he thanked you for your purchase it was genuine and heartfelt.

    Graffeo Coffee Roasting Co. is still that place.*

    Do not go in to this place expecting a nonfat double-foam half-caf caramel macchiato because they only have three 55-gallon bins filled with delectably roasted coffee beans behind the counter.  The roasts are "dark," "light," and "decaf," with the latter implying a turn-of-the-century modernity that seems at odds with its surroundings.

    If what you desire is a fantastic bean, I recommend Graffeo without reservation.  If what you desire is a fantastic bean and an authentic surround in which to purchase it, then Graffeo has no peer.

    *Note: I can not recall if the man currently has a moustache.

  • Review from Geoffrey B.

    • 14 friends
    • 30 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    8/1/2007

    Graffeo roasted coffee beans are quite likely the best in the West. This is not a caf. In a way, such is rather unfortunate considering their prime location. Nonetheless, they focus on one thing, and that one thing they do right. If you want a tatse of their coffee, simply head over to Mario's Bohemian Cigar Store on the corner of Union & Columbus and ask for a single espresso. Add a small spoon of sugar if you like, and tell me if this isn't the best espresso around.

    Since I love coffee, and I do not own a professional espresso maker, I instead brew Graffeo coffee in a drip coffeemaker. I buy one pound of half & half at a time. I have it ground ahead of time, since it really does not affect the quality as long as you store it in an air-tight and light-tight container, and as long as you use it within a week or two.

    Graffeo coffee is $13.25 per pound. It is not cheap, but remember, most of the coffee you buy is not sold in one pound bags - they are usually 12 ounces. The price definitely holds up to the superior quality.

  • Review from Wes M.

    • 423 friends
    • 1189 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    6/4/2009

    An icon.  A landmark.  An institution.  A...nother day in North Beach.

    Whatever else your opinion of Graffeo, you gotta admit ordering is easy.  You get exactly two choices: light roast or dark roast (ok ok, you can custom blend them in any ratio you want).  So if you're going to be a Graffeo regular, you'd better *really* like this stuff, because it'll probably still be the same in another 75 years.  Service is simple and pleasant, but at $13.75 it's some of the priciest beans I've seen.  And while it's terrific coffee, I still think Castro Cheesery has a superior (and cheaper) blend or two up their sleeves.    Still, whenever I take foodie tourists on the inevitable Russian Hill - Coit Tower walk, Graffeo makes an excellent point of interest.

  • Review from Augie S.

    • 106 friends
    • 56 reviews

    Oakland, CA

    4.0 star rating
    11/20/2008

    I have yet to go by the shop but enjoyed their beans from many miles away.  One of my former employers, Our Daily Bread, would brew their beans ever morning and I have to say it was the best coffee in town at that time.  

    In SF, we're almost as fanatical about coffee as Portland but not quite.  I have stop saying best when it comes to coffee.  Enjoyable.  Above palitable.  Good.  These are all better ways of describing coffee and Graffeo has a really good roast.  Definitely get my vote!

  • Review from Dave H.

    • 8 friends
    • 22 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    3/24/2010 4 Check-ins Here

    Wow - I'm both sad and elated that I just found this place.  I don' t think I'll ever have any other coffee in the house again.  It would be an insult to my Bialetti Moka pot to desecrate it with anything less than Graffeo dark roast.

    I'm so sorry for the less worthy coffee I've put in it before.

  • Review from Raja B.

    • 12 friends
    • 34 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    2.0 star rating
    3/14/2010

    This place is so convenient - 2 blocks from my apartment - and I love their products, especially the dark roast.  Nowhere else can you buy coffee beans that were roasted an hour earlier.

    That said, I've had various experiences with the staff.  Most of the time, the gentlemen there are friendly.  The catalyst for this review was the latest of two whack experiences I've had.  The first one was while I was in the store and overheard an employee making an inappropriate comment about a religion - not one that I preach but still offensive.  The second was when I called on a Saturday morning to see what time they close.  What I got in response was, "Are you serious?!", as if my question was unreasonable.

    I'm done with the aura of arrogance that I sense every time I'm go there.  It's only coffee and with so many other good options available, I'm disappointed with Graffeo.  While I love to support small businesses, I'd rather buy Peets.

  • Review from John W.

    • 0 friends
    • 17 reviews

    West Hollywood, CA

    5.0 star rating
    6/14/2010

    Since a young man the smell of this roaster and the brew at home,
    has always meant family.
    Forget about Petes Italian roast, this company knows the blend and the roasting that's tradition.
    Their dark roast is our favorite.
    Family is Family so when in north beach swing by for a few pounds to take home on the plane or the car.
    The Beverly Hills location closed sad to say.
    Probably one of the finest roasters left in America without all the hype.

  • Review from Paul S.

    • 0 friends
    • 4 reviews

    Pacific Grove, CA

    5.0 star rating
    1/28/2012

    Graffeo is really the best coffee, I've mail ordered for years, sometimes straying, always returning. Mostly for espresso, sometimes drip. always the best.

  • Review from Holly F.

    • 31 friends
    • 172 reviews

    Oakland, CA

    3.0 star rating
    10/16/2009

    The guy who sold me the beans was really nice, & the storefront w/ the giant cup is cool, but I didn't think these beans were anything special.  

    I find Trader Joe's bay blend to be bolder/richer than Graffeo's dark roast, for what it's worth.

  • Review from Max R.

    • 8 friends
    • 150 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    3.0 star rating
    11/17/2008

    I'm stunned. This is the only less-than-4-star review for this place to date.
    Why?

    The good:
    - Local.
    - Fair prices.
    - Freshly roasted.
    - Far better than Peet's or Starbucks (those would be .5 stars).
    - Unlike Blue Bottle, they've never been out of coffee.

    The marginal:
     - Selection? Nope. Sorry. 'Light' or 'Dark'. But you know, I can dig
    minimalism. On another hand this means that this place can never
    ever sell great coffee. Varietals. Single origin. Cup of excellence.
    Who called me a snob? You?! Well, sir, you are correct!

    The bad:
    - No as good as either Blue Bottle or Ritual or Barefoot.

    In the end, once a year or so, I stop by and buy some coffee. And in the
    end, once a year or so, I wish I went to one of the three above
    mentioned places.

  • Review from Eliza K.

    • 7 friends
    • 31 reviews

    Angwin, CA

    5.0 star rating
    5/7/2008

    I remember when they would sell this coffee in St. Helena at a little store on Main Street.

    I miss my Graffeo's coffee...no frills or silly flavors... just the best coffee ever.

    Sadly, everytime I try to go there it's closed.....sigh.

  • Review from Andrew N.

    • 61 friends
    • 154 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    12/30/2006

    I live very close to Graffeo but I swear I never seen it open! The fact that they don't open on Sundays probably was the reason. I was looking for a place to have lunch on Yelp, I searched for restaurants in North Beach and this place popped up. I called and they were indeed open!! I am a coffee snob, I have a Rancilio setup in my place in south bay and I get my beans from Barefoot, I pull ristrettos with a bottomless portafilter with a triple basket from Chris Coffee. Anyway, when I'm up in the city on weekends I have to depend on coffee shops for coffee, and all the coffee shops in my neighborhood suck! Seriously, some are great places to hang out or to use the free WiFi but the coffee just plain suck. (I have very high standard though)... Only place I like is Ritual but it's too damn far from where I am.

    Anyway, I stopped by Graffeo and copped half a pound of coffee, I don't have a grinder up here so I asked him to grind them, I thought about how I would brew them, I decided french press is probably the best and cheapest way to get quality coffee, so I went with that. With my 1/2 lb of grounds in my bag, I walked to Macy's and copped a small french press, went home, brewed myself a cup, holy shit, this dark roast is THE SHIT! This is awesome coz I literally live 2 minutes from them and they sell by 1/2 lb so I can have fresh grounds all the time!! :)

    Next week I'll cop half a pound of whole beans and bring it to south bay for the week... Barefoot is great but I'm too lazy to drive down there from where I live...

  • Review from Buddy M.

    • 2 friends
    • 9 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    6/8/2011

    Consistent, high quality coffee beans.  They have been running out of beans frequently lately so it's best to call before you go.

  • Review from Sharon G.

    • 5 friends
    • 54 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    4/18/2007

    Strong and not bitter.
    Absolutely delicious and worth the trip to North Beach if you live elsewhere in the city.  
    Best beans I've ever used.

  • Review from Kim S.

    • 41 friends
    • 69 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    12/28/2007

    My boyfriend and I make our weekly trek to Graffeo to get a 1/2 lb of the best beans for the freshest, best cup of coffee. Believe the hype; Graffeo is all that is cracked up to be.  

    P.S. If you're going to get the best whole beans, please dump the blade grinder and splurge on a burr grinder.  You won't believe the difference it makes.

  • Review from GIR ..

    • 50 friends
    • 378 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    5/3/2006

    Oh Graffeo beans I adore you, so strong yet never bitter, rich but not pretentious, your sublime aroma brightens my day. No other bean can come close to your well balanced glistening goodness, you've spoiled me.

    I am so sorry that I must destroy you, pulverize and scald each and every one of you, to partake of your nectar. But you forgive me, I know because you never cease to agree with me, unlike so many of your beany brethren who insist on having the last word.

    (FYI: There is also a Graffeo in San Rafael with equally good beans, for those in the Northbay: http://www.graffeo.com/)

  • Review from Jim H.

    • 20 friends
    • 5 reviews

    Mendocino, CA

    5.0 star rating
    2/6/2009

    Don't get me wrong. I love Blue Bottle and Ritual other poodly roasters that buy sustainable-shade-grown-free-trade-no-animal- testing beans in microlot quantities. Really, I do.

    In fact, I love them so much that when a friend led me to Graffeo a few months ago, I was underwhelmed. Two roasts: light or dark. That's your selection?! And there's no write up telling me to look for notes of wilted hazelnuts or seared raspberries? Feh!

    To be polite, I bought a half-pound of beans -- and I haven't bought coffee beans anywhere else since. Graffeo's are consistently delicious and consistently excellent, and the service is always pleasant and efficient.

    Oh, I'll still go to the poodle places. Graffeo's, after all, sells beans, and that's it -- you can't buy a cup of coffee there, much less anything with art poured on top.

    But for my day-in, day-out grind, it's Graffeo's, baby.

  • Review from scott P.

    • 29 friends
    • 162 reviews

    Half Moon Bay, CA

    4.0 star rating
    12/1/2009

    Best coffee in san fran or anywhere - I want to eat this coffe like food it is so good, can't drink enough of it!  -
    go with the dark roast

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