Caffe Trieste

This is probably the best espresso I have ever had, period! We loved how strong and flavorful the espresso shots in our drinks were, that we had to go back the next day! Its very close to Chinatown and a great pick-me-up stop if you are touring the city via walking. It was CASH only. However, they do have an ATM inside I believe. The inside was very uniquely decorated, and the outdoor seating is nice as well.

This cafe is great. Coffee is really tasty. The baristas are also super friendly and helpful. The history behind this place is astonishing. It was the place where the Beat artists meet. Also, this place is frequented by many local people. There is also a vintage jukebox. Definitely worth a stop while in little Italy.

I absolutely loved this place. It’s so unique and historic. Definitely a place that you should check out if you are visiting the city or even if you are a local. They are packed but the service is fast and super friendly. They have a lot of syrups for the coffee which was surprising since it looks rather classical. Good choice of pastries and drinks in general. Overall was a good experience and if you’re a foodie and a caffeine addict, you most definitely will enjoyed it. Plus the seating and the neighborhood are inviting. Great latte and the ham and cheese croissant was on point. Definitely will go back on my next holidays in the States ❤️‍🩹

Stumbled into this charming cafe for dessert while in San Fran for one night. The vibe was amazing. The young man behind the counter talked me into have a cappuccino, which was probably the best I’ve ever had. We tried the Baklava, the Boston cream pie, Canoli and key lime pie. Thank you for making our last night in the city one to remember.

There's a lot of history at the Caffe Trieste, it even has a Wikipedia page. Opened in 1956, it was the first espresso coffee shop on the west coast. It was a hangout for famous poets and writers of the Beat Generation such as Lawrence Ferlinghetti, Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg.  Francis Ford Coppola wrote the screenplay for The Godfather here. The cafe has a cool vibe, with plenty of photos of celebs who have visited, a great mural, and cozy indoor and outdoor seating perfect for people watching. Definitely a must-visit coffee shop in North Beach. Authentic old time Italian character. The place gets very busy and a line will definitely form. With just two people working, it might take a while to get your order, but be patient and enjoy the atmosphere. The coffee is quite good and there are lots of pastries to choose from. IMPORTANT: they only accept cash, so you’ll need to make a stop at an ATM.