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Ma'velous
Categories: Food Coffee & Tea Nightlife Bars Wine Bars Coffee & Tea, Wine Bars [Edit]
1408 Market St(between Polk St & Fell St)
San Francisco, CA 94102
Neighbourhoods: Civic Center/Tenderloin, SOMA
(415) 626-8884
Announcement
Now Serving Stumptown Coffee, Intelligentsia, Ecco Caffe, 49th Parallel
Artisan Beers Available by the bottle
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 8 am - 10 pm
Sat 10 am - 3 pm
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Music:
- Background
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Classy, Trendy
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
101 reviews for Ma'velous
Review Highlights
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"Skip the blue bottle line at Linden and visit this cute..." In 8 reviews -
"Had an excellent Kyoto cold brew coffee extracted via an..." In 2 reviews -
"...the awesome custom espresso machine and other contraptions." In 5 reviews
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101 reviews in English
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Review from Tamer I.
San Francisco, CA
4/21/2012
I got back from a river cruise in Amazons in Brazil and Peru this morning feeling tired, so when a friend of mine suggested that I join him early this evening to go to the opening of a new gallery in the Mission District called Carte Blanche on Valencia, I was at first hesitant. But nevertheless we arranged to meet in downtown and go to the gallery.
I read about Mavelous on Yelp and wanted to check it out, but somehow never made it there as it is in a part of town that I rarely go. So, I suggested Romain Colignon that we walk to the gallery since it was a really nice sunny afternoon and stop by Mavelous for coffee so that I could revitalize myself with caffeine.
It is not easy to notice this place as it is nestled in between shops with no visible sign or prominent entrance. But once we were inside we both fell in love with the decor. The space is very stylish and kind of reminiscent of art deco cafés of Montreal and Paris. The photos on Yelp give the illusion that it is a big space but it's not, however their coffee is good and the owner Phillip who also happens to be the barista is a super nice guy. I'll definitely go there again with a good book or with some friends to enjoy their coffee and pastries. This is a San Francisco gem and deserves our support. -
Review from tasha s.
Hayward, CA
4/23/2012
WOW, already 100 reviews, and my first time here ... and I work in the area ... Needless to say ... I wanted to try it since it's my'hood for work, and always nice to throw some cash towards a non-chain place.
I think the concept is good - and when a BIG biz is going to moving in soon across the steeet - it will be great for the people with truly disposable income because I still have a problem with paying $3 for a cup of coffee (not talking latte's either) ... the $3 coffee that people in the city seem ok with paying (mind you - doubtful the working class would pay that much but hey ... SF doesn't seem to have working folks anymore ... well maybe a few left, and we don't like paying that much for joe) ...
So ... good biz strategy for the tweeters ...
I didn't try the wine.
Will I go back? Doubtful...comes down to economics and I just can't fork out $3 for some coffee ambiance ...
I asked if the construction crew across the street ever came in? LOL, c'mon what do you think? I'm more of the crowd that brews my own & brings to work ... so no, the construction crew doesn't come in ... I'm sticking with my thermos, my boots and my working class paycheck. -
Review from Anna N.
4/16/2012 1 Check-in Here
Stumbled in here early in the morning while visiting SF & trying to catch the Muni which was out of service...great! Nonetheless, I'm glad I got a chance to sit & enjoy a nice cup of Stumptown coffee (had never tried it). Coffee aroma was nice & smelled delicious. Cheapest cup is $3.
I've been to Intelligensia & Demitasse in LA which are exactly like this place so I knew what to expect. -
Review from Kimya P.
4/8/2012 1 photo
While Ma'velous has been open a year, I unfortunately only noticed this gem a couple months ago. I love the coffee, the inside seating, and the name (say it out loud, it'll make you smile!)
1) Yes, $4 lattes are expensive, but they are no more expensive than Ritual and Blue Bottle. Why I will come here instead of those two? Consistency! The owner has made my latte the five times I've visited - not only have they been identical in taste and flavor, but amazingly delicious every time (better than a Ritual latte; and on par with a well-made Blue Bottle latte). Ma'velous's espresso is great. Also, he only has whole milk which I think (in combination with his skills) greatly contribute to a perfectly crafted creamy latte. Blue bottle is nowhere near this consistent and Ritual is nowhere near this tasty.
2) The music is fantastic - techno-ish? It's steady, fast-paced beat perfect for studying.
3) Owner is incredibly sweet and accommodating! I didn't realize they don't open until 10 on weekends - we arrived a little after 930 and he opened his doors for us early!
4) There's wine for all y'all on the evenings. Ma'velous unique and trendy decoration lends itself to a smooth transition from chic coffee bar to chic wine bar. I have yet to make my way over for an early evening of wine and cheese, but the wine list has some options (not your typical Napa Cab) which definitely caught my eye.
If you are a fan of Ritual or Blue Bottle - make your way over here; Ma'velous competes with them and wins. -
Review from Brent T.
Downtown Oakland, Oakland, CA
4/15/2012
I don't know much about coffee before coming here and I'm sure I've only scratched the surface after visiting a few times. Phillip not only makes a great cup of coffee, he also knows so much about coffee that he can fill your mind with interesting information about what's actually going into your cup and eventually pumping your veins with caffeine.
The decor of the place is stylish but casual. You can hang out here and sip on a great brew while you contemplate your next move in life, it's great.
One thing you must try is the siphon coffee. Apparently it's a rarity here in the USA, so try it and be impressed. It's a different experience that what you're normally used to.
Another great thing about this place is how close it is to the Civic Center BART station. Just a few minutes of walking down Market St. -
Review from Matt E.
3/17/2012 1 Check-in Here
Wow. This is a serious coffee bar for people that are serious about coffee! As I've said before, my idea of coffee is generally a vanilla latte, so I'm a bit out of my element when people start talking about the texture and mouth-feel of different roasts of coffee. But my ignorance has not stopped me from learning to appreciate a fantastic black cup of coffee. And a fantastic cup of coffee is the Ma'velous guarantee.
My travel buddy is an absolute coffee geek and went for the siphon method. All very steampunk, It involves water being heated by halogen lamps and copper tubes and beakers. It's also $14. I wouldn't pay for it, but it VERY was interesting watching the process, and my friend greatly appreciated it. I did try a taste, and I enjoyed it. It had an interesting texture. Look at me learning about coffee!
They sell Stumptown beans, which means nothing to a midwesterner like me, but again...local coffee nerds rejoice!
Aesthetically, this place is great. Again, very steampunk with all sorts of oldentimey lightbulbs. I dig.
One thing? Don't come here if you're in a rush. The guy at the counter likes to talk, and you can be behind somebody in line for a good five minutes before he even starts making their drink. If I had a meeting or a place to be, I'd be more than a bit annoyed.Listed in: Getting my Buzz On, I went to San Francisco!
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Review from Jeanne Y.
2/12/2012
Ah dangit, and here I thought I had already hit all the good coffee places in SF. WRONG, Jeanne, WRONG. Missed this one.
The coffee is excellent, here. You can't go wrong. I love, love, love the decor (chic and classy, but slightly edgy-- ESP with the awesome Eddie Colla mural on the wall?! I LOVE.)
Philip, the owner, is great-- definitely knows what he's talking about. I highly recommend this place. :) Photos and such stuff here: http://pineapplebread....
Will definitely be back.Listed in: HIPSTER WATCHING
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Review from Eugene Z.
San Marino, CA
3/14/2012 1 photo
Tried the kyoto cold brew, espresso, and the mocha.
- first time ever trying kyoto cold brew. I think the cold brew process was able to bring out certain notes in the coffee that I had not tasted before. My friend said it tasted a bit like tequila lol
- the shot of espresso was STRONG. it'll put hair on your chest
- mocha was a winner and possibly one of the best I've ever tasted. Rich, chocolatey, and totally worth the longer wait for this drink
sadly the drinks were a little pricier than I'm used to paying for coffee or I would have been a regular customer. Maybe I'll treat myself to a mocha the next time I'm up in the bay. -
Review from liz c.
2/7/2012 1 Check-in Here
I love everything about Ma'velous.
I try to use the "l" word sparingly so that when I mean it, there is a sense of distinction. I didn't know Ma'velous existed until a co-worker told me about it. South of Market doesn't always offer the most delectable coffee or quick eat options so walking up to Ma'velous is a hugely welcomed alternative to Starbucks or diner coffee.
Beautiful dark paneled wood, tall ceilings, red lucite panels and gorgeous lamps all work together seamlessly creating an effortlessly exquisite atmosphere to enjoy an expertly crafted cup of coffee.
I am not a coffee connoisseur but I know everyone else in SF is. And because of them, I can identify a Chemex coffee maker, a French press... at Ma'velous you can have your coffee made one of six different ways. Even if your coffee palate isn't entirely refined, like mine, you'll know that you're getting a coffee worth every dime (Stumptown has easily become one of my favorite types of coffees).
The owner, I believe, who mans the coffee-making is friendly and always greets customers with a smile. It's nice to get your coffee from someone who isn't presumptuous about it. Can't wait to come back for some wine. Love this place through and through.
Check out their website for a really great education on what Ma'velous is all about. -
Review from Lee H.
3/11/2012 2 Check-ins Here
The TCHO mocha is like no other. Hands down the best mocha I've found in the city. At $6.00, it's not an everyday indulgence, but is always a treat when I do decide I need a splurge.
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Review from Mary H.
San Francisco, CA
2/7/2012
Ma'velous stands out as a true purveyor of high quality beans who makes it accessible for fans to experiment coffee in new ways. This became my favorite place in the city for some of the best, single dripped coffees, made with Stumptown beans sourced from around the world through farmers who carefully hand pick the best fruits of the crop. You can choose the type of beans you want and have it brewed in the method of your choice...espresso machine, french press, dripped in a ceramic filter, chemex, siphon, aeropress...
This place does not fit the average coffee shop setting as it's also a wine bar, making this a great wind down spot. Great wine selection, great coffee, and an exceptionally knowledgeable owner who continuous to perfect the art of coffee in this little hidden gem at the quiet ends of Market street. -
Review from Jennifer L.
Berkeley, CA
2/24/2012
Came here for an event a while back. Ordered a hot chocolate. It was $5. I was shocked, seemed like a lot for chocolate, sugar and milk. Staff told me that it wasn't the best hot chocolate I had ever had, they would reimburse me. They were right. Best hot chocolate ever!
Listed in: My favorite places in the TL
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Review from Cherylynn N.
San Francisco, CA
11/2/2011
I AM A WUSS.
Ever since watching Paranormal Activity 3 over the weekend, I haven't been able to sleep. I even had my cardigan over my face with one eye peeking through 80% of the time and I was still jumping during the majority of the movie.
Except for the occasional liquid crack aka Philz' Mint Mojito, I've given up caffeine because one minute I'm on a caffeine high and the next, I crash and end up worse off than when I took that first sip of coffee.
Come day three of barely any sleep, a caffeine fix was needed if I was going to make it through the work day. I was willing to suffer through a crash just so I can get a good caffeine buzz to plow through some work.
Brought to you be the same owner(s) as Little Griddle, Cafico/Lunch Geek and Happy Donuts comes Ma'velous, a coffee and wine bar. Housed in the old Quincy's space, Ma'velous serves international specialty coffees and international wine. I'm no coffee aficionado but they have roasts such as Intelligentsia, Ecco Coffee, and Norwegian micro roastery Tim Wendelboe which can be brewed six different ways. Geez, I never knew coffee making can be such a science.
I went with the Kyoto 18-Hour Slow Drip Ice Coffee ($4). I normally add TONS of sugar and cream when I drink coffee. But this time just a little of sugar and a dash of cream was needed. I can tell the coffee beans were superior quality as the taste was bold, rich, and nutty with no bitter aftertaste like some generic coffees can taste like. *CoughStarbucksCough*
9:15 AM - Starts sipping my Kyoto Ice Coffee
9:30 AM - Things starts looking sharper
9:45 AM - Types faster
10:00 AM - Bangs on the keys of the keyboard as if I'm playing Warcraft
10:15 AM - Speedwalking down the aisles in the office
10:30 AM - Starts chanting like an auctioneer: "One dollar bid, now two, now two, will ya' give me two? Two dollar bid, now three, now three, will ya' give me three?"
10:45 AM (peak high): Wanted to do an rendition of Jennifer Beals' "She's a Maniac" from Flashdance but then I thought about getting caught and sent down to HR. I continued speedwalking back/forth again.
The caffeine high lasted for hours (till 8 PM) and the best thing is I NEVER crashed. NO headaches. NO tiredness. NO lethargy. UNBELIEVABLE.
OTHER NOTES:
*Artisan custom made drinks
*Funky chic vibe with artwork from local artists
*Library of books and articles for reading
*House music
*CC's acceptedListed in: SF HIPSTER JOINTS!
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Review from Bill L.
San Francisco, CA
11/22/2011
Update: Rainbow Grocery sells Stumptown Beans and a 12oz bag of Hair Bender is only $12.09
As far as I know this is the only place in SF that serves & sells Stumptown Coffee so I was really looking forward to visiting this place. I was disappointed.
We walked in and the Barista barely acknowledged us, he seemed a little bothered by having to make coffee.
We ordered a Mocha and an Iced Coffee, $10. The iced coffee was served in a mug and was mostly ice. I asked for cream and the guy rolled his eyes and poured milk himself into my coffee. I asked for cream, not milk, thanks and I'm capable of pouring myself. The Mocha was just, meh.
Normally if I go someplace and have a bad experience I'll try again, sometimes you just hit a place at a bad time. I'm not giving the benefit of the doubt on this one. If serving coffee to customers is your business you should at least try to be good at it.
I just got home and ordered a bag of Hair Bender from the Stumptown site. They sell the beans at Ma Velous but I decided I'd rather pay for shipping than spend any more money there. -
Review from tal n.
10/13/2011
Ma'velous critique
This place definitely deserves more traffic. Mainly because of the *$**%*#(@*&! Coffee ("*$**%*#(@*&!" is Excitedeish for the English word "spectacular").
Mr. Ma is not roasting his own coffee, but he definitely knows how to pick out top-of-the-crop bags of beans - in a way that allows you to think of yourself as true out-of-SF coffee feinschmecker, Palatably, Ma is also a Ma'ster-barista... Well I'm sure you got that I love the coffee....
Why not 5 stars then you ask? (on my tenth visit: decided this place really merits 5 stars)
Well, I'll tell you: My main quip is the water situation. I don't know about you but after five Americanos I tend to get a little dry in the mouth. This is when I go on the lookout for a water pitcher. So, to cut to the chase: Ma has no pitcher, no mug nor even a self-service water-well. When you eventually despair and ask for water, Ma goes out back for the precious liquid.
Other things which make me less enthused are only reflections of Ma's choices that may make life less than perfect for me but which I can accept: No WIFI. No outlets. No sweet-talk from the owner, (Ma's nice, but not in the effusive way). Not crazy about the music either, but it is definitely thought out.
Oh, and the restroom is too dark, so it's hard to check out whether you are pretty... -
Review from Marissa P.
Kansas City, MO
12/25/2011 1 Check-in Here
Wine bar an coffee shop that carries Stumptown fresh from Portland! Why did it take me so long to discover this place! I was looking for a cozy place to catch up with friends on one of my return trips to SF and Ma'velous had been on my list for a long time. However, had a realized that Stumptown was just a couple of miles away, you would have seen me trekkin through the TL on a daily basis to get this brew!
Cute place, great coffee selection, fairly affordable and wonderful vino selection as well. Not too busy in the evenings and the kindly put up with my friends and I after a few bottles a vino and the excitement of catching up.
The only thing that was disappointing is that they don't have outlets near the tables so if you are looking for a place to camp out with your lamptop and ride a Stumptown high, this may to prove challenging. The barista was kind enough to charge my phone behind the bar though! Also the food selection is very limited pastries and cheese plates. If you are looking for something a little more substancial I'd reccomend eating elsewhere beforehand.
Definately, a great find! I'll be back for sure! -
Review from Brent S.
SOMA, San Francisco, CA
2/22/2012 10 Check-ins Here
Easily..... EASILY the best espresso in the city. I get a triple cap or latte just about every day. So smooth despite the three shots. Phil is there every day and is the only barista. He's efficient, friendly, and you always get a consistent product from him. In a good location on Market St. If you live in SOMA or the TL, it's worth the walk. Give Ma'velous a try.
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Review from Arcee X.
10/7/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Everyone who knows me knows I'm a total coffee snob. Ma'velous blows all the other coffee shops out of the water.
Walking in, you see the awesome coffee beans lined up and the really neat siphon coffee machines (I admit, they were the main reason why I walked in. It's hard to find a coffeeshop with Siphons these days here in SF).
Mad props to the owner for stocking Intelligencia and Stumptown. This place is awesome -- decor is nice, music not too loud, and coffee is incredible.
I will be back again and again. -
Review from Guy T.
Daly City, CA
3/11/2012
what a great place! I met my friend on Wed evening around 7pm. The coffee was excellent, and the decor is wanderful very unique. There had a live music playing jazz. And the owner Phillip is great.
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Review from ruggy j.
7/29/2011 2 Check-ins Here
They had me at Stumptown!
Though I've heard nothing but great things about Ma'velous from friends who've had a chance to pop in for a delightful cup of coffee in the morning or a relaxing glass of vino in the evening hours... I just haven't been in a position to dip in and check out Market Street's finest new hole-in-the-wall until very recently. Or course I've had every intention of doing my darndest to spend some time here at some point, but the final motivating factor to break ground was when I learned they serve single drip Stumptown Roasters coffee every morning beginning at 8:00am. Even before tapping a single pinkie toe onto their polished concrete floors, that alone made Ma'velous one of my new favorite coffee shops in town.
Sure there's all sorts of great roasters here in our own backyard like Ritual, Four Barrel, Philz, De la Paz, etc... but Portland's Stumptown can to nose-to-nose with those cats in an old timey, bare-knuckle boxing match any day of the week. If there's one thing the Pacific Northwest does well, it's coffee, and Stumptown is a perfect example of their prowess in the field. If you've yet to try it for yourself, run (don't walk!) to Ma'velous as soon as you encounter a need for caffeine!
Now that I've essentially found my new morning ritual, I'll have to pop in after work to see if their wines bring about a similar giddy, childlike excitement. It's a really, really cute room chock full of whimsy, so I'm guessing this quaint street side cafe will quickly become a new favorite haunt of ol' Ruggeford H. Joesten III. Stay tuned! -
Review from Mayra L.
11/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
Ma'velous is the place where I discovered Stumptown coffee...oh my lord that stuff is like crack to me. It's soo good.
It's a funny little place that has a very modern deco feel to it. It's dark and alluring, even in the day time. They have big comfy booths (which is rare for a coffee shop) and couches while still keeping a really polished and chic image. They have a bookshelf in which you can pick up some cool art deco books or such to browse while you are there. I honestly didn't know if it was a bar or a cafe when I first walked in.
They have a very nice selection of coffees that aren't really found in San Francisco, like my current caffeine binge Stumptown, as well as beers and wines. They have a very good balance going on here between the two. They also have a pretty delicious array of baked goods like a bacon maple scone. Every coffee is made by the cup and with very attentive care.
I usually only see one guy here, but he is super nice and knowledgeable about the different types of coffee they serve their.
I come here when I want to feel like an adult and actually sit coffee and enjoy a conversation somewhere where there aren't 20 college kids cramming for finals or on face book. Plus, I really really like Stumptown..did I already say that? -
Review from Nick B.
San Francisco, CA
11/19/2011
After dropping a girl back off home I decided to kick my day up a notch with some fresh coffee. Sometimes when I got out for breakfast I take the juice route instead of the bean. But then I always need my fix so off I go coffee shop hunting.
By the way, coffee shop hunting is a very underrated game. With so many places to chose from around the city you can easily go a month without hitting the same place twice (if you happen to get around as much as I do). Today's experience is Ma'velous which had me with just their name. Really, a great name attracts me like a deer to headlights.
I went full blown international this morning. If you like a shop that carries specialty coffee options then you should stop by here. They had 3 or 4 roasts I had not heard of before and were more than willing to talk about them and the taste. I love a knowledgeable barista on a cold morning. I decided to let them surprise me with something of a medium roast and was not disappointed. Sadly I forgot the name of it, something from Scandinavia I think. Not a big problem since I shall soon be back to try other roasts. The place is a total hipster spot with art, books, and music. I just can't say enough good things about this shop. For the true coffee lovers you must visit them to taste the experience yourself.
Welcome to my personal map of great coffee spots! -
Review from Anthony N.
San Francisco, CA
8/14/2011
Hands down one of the best and unique places to grab a mocha, drink coffee and sip on espresso while you wind down and reflect on your day. What this place has is a barista who is professional, knowledgeable and proud of his work.
The mocha is a definite must - it's strong, packs flavor and you really REALLY taste the chocolate
The coffee is good too. Not only is it fun to watch but it's freshly made and is quite flavorful. -
Review from Anthony S.
San Francisco, CA
11/5/2011 86 Check-ins Here
Ahh Phil your coffee is delightful ...
Really great coffee shop located on Market at about 10th ... very close to me so its a great way to start my day ...
The coffee is fresh, flavorful, and accompanied by a very friendly barista.
If you want great coffee made by the cup ( best triple latte as well ) check this place out .. its small its kinda hip and its just plain old good ... -
Review from Jennifer C.
San Francisco, CA
6/19/2011
If you're around the area, say...you're about to hop into Starbucks at Fox Plaza - STOP! Walk across the street and save yourself some dignity.
So unassuming on the outside, I bet many of you might have passed right by without noticing, but the interior is rather nice, and so is their coffee. I only wish their hours were more extensive on weekends. -
Review from Shauna M.
Venice, CA
7/31/2011
If you weren't a coffee snob before coming in, you probably are now. I brought my husband to witness the beautiful mad-science-like siphon brewing method. Phillip was so sweet as to answer a million silly questions ranging from coffee bean shipping methods to how best to spike your coffee. (Hot sake pour over, if you're interested.) We sat there for a few hours and the taste of the Ecco coffee changed as it cooled, constantly getting more and more delicious, never bitter, never acidic. In his effort to give us a full and complete coffee education, Phillip also made an espresso from the SAME beans...and it had an amazingly unique taste, almost opposite from the coffee. (The coffee was very mellow and nutty, the espresso fruity and bright...yeah, you try and describe palette tastes without sounding like a D.Bag, I dare you.)
I also ordered a mocha, because hey, I'm a girl, and I like chocolate. It was lovely and dark, and even with almond milk still tasted like a "real" mocha.
Ma'velous really is just that and I hope that San Francisco supports Phillip's awesome business!! -
Review from Tim R.
San Francisco, CA
7/7/2011
Best coffee in SF, awesome environment. Not a wifi joint to work from all day, but it's great for meetings, a chillout place in the afternoon or evening, and also for the coffee.
The thing that originally attracted me was that he has Stumptown, and that he was serving it in three different styles -- espresso, cappuccino, and drip. I thought that was an awesome idea, and every time I go in I enjoy it.
On the suggestion of coffee-loving friends, Philip (the owner, who is always there) has even done a few other taste experiments like giving me a shot of espresso done correctly, and then a second one that he's deliberately done wrong in some way. It's an awesome way to quickly raise your coffee-fu. -
Review from Yenyi F.
San Jose, CA
1/19/2012 1 Check-in Here
Ok. Not really a wine bar. Limited selection. But the atmosphere is good.
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Review from Jennifer W.
Berkeley, CA
The wine list is pretty extensive. There is even a pretty good bottled beer selection, though nothing on tap. I don't even think the wine is on tap. Which is too bad. Though popularly known as a wine bar, I would highly recommend coming for coffee. They have rotating coffees from all over the world. Some third wave coffees from across the country like Chicago's Intelligensia, Oregon's 49th Parallel and Oregon's Stumptown are hard to find a region where we take full pride in our own artisan coffee makers (here's to you blue bottle, four barrel, ritual, de la paz, verve, ecco). They make it 6 different ways: individual v60 dripper, chemex dripper, aeropress, french press, espresso machine, siphon. Most of these methods you can easily do at home.
The downside is that there is no wi-fi and in a part of town that's not quite so pleasant, but I do think it's a great addition to this part of Market Streeet.Listed in: Coffee
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Review from Jessica S.
Emeryville, CA
6/15/2011
IT'S MA'VELOUS!
Ever thought of getting into coffee but didn't know where to start or how to learn? This is the place for you. It's also the place for those serious coffee and espresso drinkers that want variety: Ma'velous offers Tcho, Intelligentsia, stumptown, Ecco, along with Forty Ninth Parallel for a season blend.
I tried the Black Cat Espresso from Intelligentsia and fell in love with the syrupy sweet balance. It was prepared on their custom-built espresso machine called the Musashi 4. The bright red boiler is encased by glass and trimmed with oak--most beautiful espresso machine I have even seen.
What makes it such a great coffee bar is the palette tasting menu! They have six different brewing methods, including Chemex and Siphon Bar. You can taste house espresso versus guest espresso, or brew different coffees with different methods, or try the same beans brewed with different methods. Depending on how many you try, the price range can vary from $7+ to $15+. All of this can be done with one of the three baristas that work there, which includes the owner/manager, Phil.
The interior is carefully designed to reflect the coffee with a sleek and modern style. It's not your coffeehouse down the street with wifi, it's your coffee specialist. -
Review from Jason B.
5/27/2011
Stylish coffee.
You only get that compliment when your attire and surroundings are as equally as good as your caffeine. My cup of dark was brewed by a gentleman bringing back a more proper time with a vintage outfit and hat, and he was doing his craft on one of six different beautiful brewing machines. All of this happens in a space that could be a century old speakeasy if its purpose was a saloon.
Fortunately for all of us their purpose is coffee, and it's very good. -
Review from Josh B.
San Francisco, CA
1/10/2012
Such a sweet spot in grungy neighborhood on market. Once twitter moves in this place will be packed every day.
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Review from Michael B.
San Francisco, CA
6/15/2011
Very interesting coffee shop / wine bar in what appears to be (finally) an upcoming neighborhood. Great looking decor. Japanese siphon pot coffee, of which I'm a great fan.
Fun place to take a friend, date, etc. in the neighborhood. -
Review from Rika P.
2/24/2011
Skip the blue bottle line at Linden and visit this cute atmospheric cafe. Yes, it's a new cafe, BUT it's definitely an experienced coffee crafter. From Kyoto Brewer, Siphon, Chemex, Musashi, you name it. They are serious at serving you the perfect cup.
Philip the only barista and person working behind the counter is such a knowledgable guy that he will answer any questions about coffee or whatever you have in mind. No doubt he's patient, great latte artist and hygienic.
Very nice and quiet place for studying and reading. No wi fi, but you get the point.Listed in: Get Caffeinated!
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Review from Niels J.
Stanford, CA
2/27/2011 1 photo
It's 5.30 on a saturday afternoon, and I'm recovering from an arduous struggle with four tapas from Cha Cha Cha that left me far too content with the world. I have but one choice - make a beeline for "that new hot coffee place" to keep the pleasant buzz of good food and good company going. And boy, did Ma'velous deliver.
This is clearly the new haven for coffe connoisseurs in the city. The selection of beans are unrivaled by any other shop in the city, and the care and quality put into the coffee is unbeatable. Philip, the owner and barista, pours his heart along with top notch espresso into every cup, and he'll gladly join you at a table or on the couches in the small lounge at the back to discuss coffee, wine and san francisco architecture. I also met several of his regular clientele, and we all sat down and discussed startups for a while. Kurt, Dan, I'll see you guys here again soon!
About the beans! I went with @mutdaline and, since it was our first time here, splurged on their Coffee Collective beans for a top notch cuppacino. Philip informed me that Klaus Thompson, world barista campion, runs this micro roastery out of Copenhagen, but I tend to believe that the devil himself roasts these beans. At $12 a cup it's more on par with a good cocktail than a standard espresso, but that's partially the point of this place - you can get coffee on that level! This was top-end beans that we paid good money for and yes, it was worth it! Ma'velous also provides more affordable options when you're not about to spend your weekly bean allotment on one cup, and by the looks of it this will be just as great. The only place that I know of that can match the espresso here is Blue Bottle. Quality wise, Ma'velous is first tier coffee.
Philip, the guy with the mohawk will be back for more soon!
PS: Clearly this is also a great little wine bar, so come on down for a classy alcohol experience too.
PPS: Look up at the ceiling! -
Review from Kat G.
Union City, CA
This is a hipster coffee/wine bar. We came here to check out the kyoto style drip coffee, but ended up watching the owner syphon the coffee instead. It's pretty interesting how it's done...almost like I'm back in chemistry lab in college! This is definitely not your average, run-of-the-mill cup of Joe! The hubby gave it thumbs up and as a coffee addict, he's very hard to please. The wall art are also pretty cool and very Asian-inspired.
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Review from Blake A.
Oakland, CA
3/7/2011
If you looking for delicous coffee, try out Mavelous, serving Stumptown coffee, which is the portland version of Blue Bottle.
I walked into Mavelous to try their coffee, when I was surprised to find stumptown coffee, being a northwesterner I couldn't resist, and I was an instant fan when the owner comped me a coffee after I forgot my wallet.
Also late at night it turns into a wine bar, a great place to chill mingle, and have a few glasses of pinot. Very suave.
Mix that with a very cool owner, and mavelous delivers everything you could expect from a hip new coffee/wine bar. -
Review from Laura K.
San Francisco, CA
4/11/2011
We live across the street and it's so nice to see this place open up. They have a wonderful selection of coffee and wine. Philip is very nice and extremely knowledgable. The decor is beautiful and it's just a pleasure to hang out there.
Main downside for me is the cost. Latte's are $4, which I believe is significantly more than either blue bottle or Ritual. A glass of wine and meager cheese plate ran close to $30. I really like this cafe, but I cannot afford to go here every day.
The name is awful, unsearchable on the Internet and needs to be changed, but that doesn't deter from the experience. -
Review from monica c.
Wow. I'm super excited to have Ma'velous around.
Stopped by on a Saturday afternoon. It wasn't super busy, so we had some time to chat with the owner, Phillip. He is extremely friendly and knowledgeable about coffee. Definitely impressed. I learned a crazy amount about ph levels, water temperature, extraction rates, and the whole process in general.
And they have Stumptown beans! Yay! If they're brewing hair bender when you go there, just get it. One of my favorite coffees ever. I have been searching forever for a place in SF that has Stumptown. My search can finally end :) Apparently no one else in the city (and Northern Cali) is even allowed to have Stump beans at this point because they are sooooo selective about who uses them.
The coffee itself is delicious. I tried the kyoto cold brew since I had never heard of that before. Perfect on a sunny day! It was super smooth and not acidic in the least. There was none of the grittiness that I normally find in cold brews, yet it still maintained the same depth of flavor. Apparently it takes about 16-17 hours to brew a batch, and it requires an awesome contraption (see pic) that allows the water to drip through about 3 different levels before it reaches the coffee and drips some more ;)
They have siphon, V60, chemex, and french press as well. I'll definitely be back to try some of these. Most of the coffee options will run between $4-6 for a cup. Definitely worth it.Listed in: caffeine hearthrobs - sf
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Review from Jean K.
4/13/2011
Wow. I must be out of the loop. How long as this place been open and I've never noticed? It's a long thin wine bar that also serves fancy coffee during the day - and I mean like Blue Bottle crazy machinery fancy coffee. Although I didn't get a chance to try the coffee, I did enjoy the wine here. The owner was super friendly too.
A great addition to this part of Market. I would definitely come back here again for happy hour.
