Whether you are looking for somewhere to study for your summer class or a place to apply to internships, it is no secret that Millennials are all about the coffee shop vibe (maybe because Millennials are the only generation that can justify paying $6 for a small cold brew). San Francisco has made a name for itself as a safe haven for the average wannabe hipster looking for a place to sip some fair-trade, organic, and locally sourced cup of Jo. I took one for the team and spent a week in San Francisco trying out local favorites and here are the ones that live up to the hype (and price tag).
David Rio's Chai Bar
If you are a fan of the quintessential chai tea latte (or dirty chai if you don't sleep like me) then this is the place for you. The vibe of this tea establishment is very relaxed and exotic and with ample access to outlets, it is a solid place for getting stuff done. It is clearly marketed towards the twenty somethings of San Francisco, and if chai tea isn't enough for you, they also carry an exotic selection of beer and wine on tap.
Workshop Cafe
This place may just be the quintessential hub for all things young urban professionals (yuppies). Nestled in between a myriad of businesses, this place is a convenient and quiet place to get work done as well as enjoy some quality food and drinks that can be ordered from the convenience of your seat through your phone. (Can you get any more Silicon Valley than that?) Another aspect that may lure in the millennial population? They have kombucha on tap! If you want to switch it up from the basic iced coffee, give their delicious kombucha a try. The only pitfall of this incredible and innovative space? The $2/an hour price tag to rest your rear in a chair here. Some see it as a relatively small price to pay for some quality wifi, ample outlets, and a space where you can seriously buckle down and get down to business.
Sightglass Coffee
Want a quality cup of coffee that is ethically sourced? Enjoy drinking out of Mason jars? Own a Macbook Air? If you said yes to any of these questions, then Sightglass is the place for you! This very unique space and limited coffee menu is very welcoming to the yuppie population of San Francisco who enjoy simple, no nonsense caffeine boost. It is a calm environment in which you can get work done.... until your battery dies because there are no outlets to be found in the first or second floor seating areas. (Tears)
BlueBottle Coffee
This may be the most famous place to obtain a caffeine fix in San Francisco and their signature cold brew is now available in your local Whole Foods beverage section. This being said, the coffee at BlueBottle is delicious, but there are other hidden gems in San Francisco that may be better with a shorter line and lower price tag.
Over the past seven days, countless cups of coffee (and tea) were consumed and hours were spent observing the ambiance in the name of Journalism. Coffee Shops don't just sell different mediums to consume caffeine and pastries, but also a "vibe" targeted to a specific demographic of people. The majority of them tailored to the millennial population of twenty and thirty somethings working nearby.
All in all, while my bank account has suffered a significant loss, I can say that the majority of the coffee shops I visited live up to the hype (thanks Yelp). So next time you find yourself in the city under caffeinated and yearning to see a man bun, hit up any (or all) of these establishments and you will not be disappointed... until your credit card statement comes.
