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Alvin's Scrumptious Coffees & Teas - CLOSED
Category: Food Coffee & Tea Coffee & Tea [Edit]
1708 Irving St(between 18th Ave & 19th Ave)
San Francisco, CA 94122
Neighborhood: Inner Sunset
(415) 661-2888
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
52 reviews for Alvin's Scrumptious Coffees & Teas
Review Highlights
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"...coffee shops and I didn't know he roasts his own beans." In 3 reviews -
"but I must recommend this family-run cafe." In 5 reviews -
"...is full of fresh baked chocolate chip cookies and the cafe..." In 3 reviews
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52 reviews in English
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Review from Em L.
1/5/2011
This is a 5 star establishment. The atmosphere is friendly, gentle, intelligent and welcoming.
The older lady working was incredibly friendly, and I feel bad she's manning the station when homegirl should be retired! :)
The iced mocha is DIVINE - more like a milk shake than a mocha. No icy bits Starbux likes to throw in. The pastry case is a beacon of all things sweet and sticky and caloric.
There is free wi-fi outside. When the sun is shining in the inner sunset, this is the place to get your coffee on and catch up on homework, work or a good book. -
Review from Gajan K.
10/21/2010 9 Check-ins Here
When it comes to waking myself up in the morning, I love going to Alvin's. The moment you enter, you are greeted by friendly smiles and greetings by Alvin and Helen as they are always genuinely happy when you enter. The coffee is your standard coffee although they do have some special exotic types of coffee should you feel like paying a bit extra for these premium roasts.
But the main reason I love this place is for their pastries. I believe these are all homemade and you can taste it when eating it. Whether it's the Ham and Cheese Croissant or my personal favorite Beef Piroshki, you are guaranteed freshness and deliciousness with every bite. They'll even warm it up a bit for you when you arrive to ensure maximum food warmth when eating. So if you're in the area and looking for a great family-run coffee shop, you can't go wrong with Alvin's. -
Review from Mona C.
San Francisco, CA
9/17/2009 13 photos
3.5 stars
+ Friendly service
+ Independent
+ Accepts credit cards
- No wifi
- No Bathroom
If you like friendly service, homemade pastries, and freshly brewed coffee, Alvin's Scrumptious Coffees & Teas is the right place for you! While searching for cafes that offers free wifi and this place came up, I thought "Ohh, 4 stars and its independent. It's a must try!" So off I went! I was greeted by Alvin the owner with a warm welcoming smile. I ordered a small mocha and a warm raspberry pastry before getting comfortable on the couch. Alvin asked if I wanted my pastry to be microwaved for 10 seconds and I kindly said yes. I believe Alvin's wife makes all the pastries herself. The aroma from my mocha was enticing. Be careful not to burn your lips because their coffees are HOT!
Alvin's Scrumptious Coffees & Teas accepts credit cards however there is an $8.50 minimum otherwise there will be a $0.50 fee on your credit card.
The only minor complaints I have is that this place says it offers free wifi but it doesn't... I asked Alvin myself... There are also no bathrooms available so if you really need to go, you'll have to use the one at the gas station around the corner. -
Review from Janney B.
San Francisco, CA
4/15/2008
Sometimes, I am not the brightest bulb:
1) When I was little, I poured a bottle of peroxide on my hair because I wanted to look like Barbie.
2) When I moved to the City last summer and wished on a shooting star it was actually an airplane. Oops.
3) How much time do you have?
Not knowing that Alvin's was so close to my house makes me feel even more dumb. I walk to Starbucks all the time, and Alvin's is just a few more doors up Irving, but tastes way better.
Alvin's daughter was working this morning and we became instant friends (she may not know this yet, but we're going to become BFFs). And why not?! Her dad is responsible for roasting beans that culminate in the perfect House Blend. Next time I'm here, I want to try the French Roast.
This place gave me a caffeine kiss to make my day a little brighter. The energy led me to follow the N-Judah line all the way to the Embarcadero.
What a man, Alvin makes you feel great AND lose weight. -
Review from Marsha Z.
San Francisco, CA
3/15/2006
It's a shame to know that people still pass this lil gem up to go to the huge Starbucks on the next block. They don't know what they're missing.
Alvin is a nice guy, truly welcoming. You don't come for the aesthetics; the decor is what you would expect from a small, family run cafe. Instead, come for the good coffee, food, personalized service, and for the satisfaction of knowing that you're supporting working class folks, just like yourself.
Skip Starbucks and support the underdog.Listed in: The first hundred: Reviews…
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Review from Cara M.
Camas, WA
3/20/2007
It is simple, I enjoy a good cup of coffee.
Alvins is just this....great coffee. The wonderful service that is provided, is just an added bonus.
If you are looking for the comfy couches and emo music, then yes, go to the Starbucks a block down. If you are looking for a tasty cup of coffee, then please come and support this family run business. -
Review from Stacy F.
San Francisco, CA
4/21/2007
Maybe I ordered the wrong thing but..... then again if you can't make a decent mocha you don't deserve higher than two stars(in my opinion anyway).
Alvin was a nice guy. -
Review from Sirina K.
San Francisco, CA
11/23/2010
3.5 stars.
I think that people either love this place or hate it. I am sitting here right and I can't figure out how to rate Alvin's. I walked in and the place was absolutely empty.. its also tiny, so it didnt look that bad, but I come to coffee shops partly because I want to people watch! The decor is definitely is stuck in the 80's. BUT there are very big tables and chairs. and its definitely the quietest place outside of the library, so it makes for a really good study spot. however, if there were other people here, talking or having a conversation it would be impossible not to overhear.
I love places with unique types of coffees, and they definitely have it: Cafe a l'orange (with grande marnier), Cafe o'le (mexican with cinnamon) cafe de l'orient (with condensed milk).. I tried the chocolate chip cookie, and its probably much better when it is fresh because its definitely nothing to rave about.
Since I am moving into the neighborhood, I might be here more, but wouldn't make a special trip. I'll give it another go with the plain coffees and try to catch them when they are making fresh cookies! -
Review from Emma H.
San Francisco, CA
10/19/2006
I wish I was smart enough to wake up 5 minutes earlier everyday and make my own coffee, but I love my snooze button. Instead, I end up buying coffee almost everyday on my way to the 28 bus.
I blame Alvin's completely for making me miss the bus about 3 out of 5 days a week! It's just that their house coffee is the BEST ever--and I already told you that I drank a lot of coffee. Sure, I could cross 19th Ave., and pay $4 for a generic coffee at Starbucks, and probably not miss my bus....but $1.50 for a medium, DELICIOUS coffee?? ...So worth being late to class. -
Review from Sherry L.
Oakland, CA
5/18/2007
I live in Oakland and never heard of Alvin's until I was asked to do subcontracting work for an advertising company. In fact, I do not even drink coffee (oh the shock! the horror!) but I must recommend this family-run cafe. The family members who run this establishment are the nicest people ever unlike so many of the other bitter and mean people I encounter in San Francisco. They work hard and take pride in what they do. The prices are also decent. I ordered a chocolate croissant and it was delicious! If I lived in the neighborhood, I would stop by here for a breakfast pastry.
At the moment, the oven is full of fresh baked chocolate chip cookies and the cafe smells divine! Where else can you find fresh baked cookies rather than stale and overpriced cookies? Yes, Peet's Coffee, I'm talking about you.
You corporate whores should be ashamed of supporting Starshmuck's down the street. Support Alvin and keep the independent spirit alive!
Although they do not advertise themselves as an internet cafe, it should be noted that your computer can pick up a clear wireless signal from the San Francisco Public Library across the street. I hope this compels more people to stop by. I discovered this by accident when completing my work. Some customers seemed surprise and noted they would return with their laptops. I think more people would hang out here if they knew about the FREE internet access (thank you SFPL). -
Review from Laura G.
San Francisco, CA
8/24/2007
Maybe I ordered the wrong drink...
I've been here twice and both times ordered an iced soy mocha. What I actually got was a blended (with big chunks of ice) concoction that tasted a lot like it was made with those icky international coffee house powdered mixes. I really want to support local places that roast their own coffee, but this place has been a disappointment. And...the lady behind the counter, while nice, is always on the phone and frequently her hands look really dirty. Also - both times I've been in there, there were flies buzzing around all over the place. Kind of icky.
I don't know...I really WANT to like this place. It's so much closer to my house than Beanery (LOVE. LOVE. LOVE. LOVE!!!!) but...I've been disappointed both times. Still - it's not starbucks, so, one star for that. -
Review from Jonathan F.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 3/29/2010
I went in to get some fresh roasted coffee this past Friday. The aroma of the fresh roast coffee was so welcoming.
Owners, Alvin and Helen really go out of their way to help customers and to make them feel at home.
They now offer fresh baked cheese turnovers. So delicious! I guess they are made with filo dough, so light and flaky with just the right amount of cheese. Yummy!
So, if you are on Irving Street and are looking for some really good fresh roasted coffee, stop in at Alvin's Scrumptious Coffee.Listed in: My Neighborhood
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/7/2008
Alvin's has been in the Sunset District for many years, long before there was a Starbucks or a… Read more »
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Review from Jason B.
11/23/2008
A very charming spot, with seats right next to an open window (perfect for people watching and enjoying the unseasonably warm weather) and excellent service. My sandwich was sized just right, spot on for $5, and I thought the coffee was above average. My barista offered to sprinkle cinnamon and chocolate on top, which was a nice touch. Usually I am doing this (and making a mess) myself.
I wish I could have enjoyed the scene and free wifi longer, but one yelp star to myself for showing up without a charged laptop. Note to future patrons - there are no outlets available, which is the one thing keep Alvin's from the full five stars. -
Review from Joanne L.
Burlingame, CA
6/28/2007
Cute family owned coffeehouse. I used to come here more often in my pre-college years with my cousin who adores this place. The couple who owns this place are the sweetest people in the world and they have yummy pastries!!! that's always important. I wish I didn't go to school so far away so I could come here and study. Oh yes, and their coffee is also locally roasted by their own company :)
+1 star for being amazing even with that giant corporate crap down the street. -
Review from Scott T.
Cambridge, MA
3/18/2007
I am always in favor of skipping Starbucks and supporting the independent places, I do everything in my power. However, I can't say I was terribly impressed with Alvin's. The coffee was OK, the scone was OK and I was the only one in there at 11 am and for the 30 minutes I was there, no one other person came in. It's also very "busy" on the inside with lots of stuff for sale everywhere that looks like it's been there for years. My minimalist tastes couldn't handle the sensory overload!
The saving grace is that the people were really nice and the girl behind the counter cute. :-)
I could certainly see coming here to get something to go and perhaps the beans are good as well but I don't think I would go to hang out. Maybe I will go back when Alvin is there during the week. -
Review from Edward P.
San Francisco, CA
11/7/2010
I have a little extra know how on Alvin's.
I have the fortune of working next to their roasting location on the peninsula.
The whole family is a charm and happen to be some of the most wonderful people you could meet.
Many years ago I lived close by and tried their coffee and made myself, didn't work well, reason being I never asked how I should make properly.
I have been drinking their coffee for a year now and have never had better.
I see and smell their roasting daily and it doesn't come any fresher.
Simply the best coffee in the city. -
Review from ms nobizit ..
San Francisco, CA
6/12/2007
As a former barista with experience in Italian & French espresso drinks I was very disappointed. Maybe I ordered the wrong thing, perhaps my mom did too.
Friendly man, yucky coffee. -
Review from elemental e.
San Francisco, CA
7/9/2007
Don't mind the spare asthetics. But the breakfast offerings were pure sugar and uninteresting, the chai was non-existent, and the tea was warm.
I don't understand why everyone gave them a great review. I read them, and scheduled to meet someone there thinking it would be good. I was really disappointed. -
Review from Bumble B.
San Francisco, CA
10/26/2008
I work in the neighborhood and my usual coffee stop, Kaleo, changed their hours forcing me to find a coffee alternative that is open before 8am.
Since I despise Starbucks, I decided to give Alvin's a try. On both of my visits the coffee was really good but could have been a tad hotter. -
Review from Uncle Fishbits Aeneas X.
Belvedere Tiburon, CA
11/26/2007
Local business that serves great coffee that has an inviting, neighborhood atmosphere.
Simply great... and if you are heading west before hitting 19th, so much simpler than megabucks... and parking is easier on the east side of sunset across 19th! -
Review from Claudine C.
San Francisco, CA
1/12/2008 1 Check-in Here
Alvin's is a tiny sliver of a coffe shoppe that somehow magically has room indoors for a tiny narrow standing counter, 2 tables for 4 and a couch.
The proprietor is exceptionally charming and an encounter with this old-world gentleman is worth the visit alone.
He makes very rich-tasting and very very very very hot coffee; and since he was the only person behind the counter that morning, I can see where service might take a little longer if there's a crowd (more than 2?) waiting. -
Review from alexa c.
Oakland, CA
12/4/2007
Aw, I stopped in here the other day cuz I was desperate for a quick coffee. It was a drive by so I didn't have the opportunity to hang there at all. I think it was fine that way, there's not much space there anyway.
The gentleman behind the counter who I assume is the owner was engaged in a conversation with another patron. They were exchanging information on books, I thought it was sweet. I just love those types of community businesses. The one where the owner is there from open to close and they know just about everyone who comes in. I love these types of businesses and it's so important we support them.
He was very sweet and attentive while preparing my coffee drinks. All while still conversing with the other guy.
I will gladly go back to Alvin's to support him and his business. -
Review from Diana H.
Berkeley, CA
6/20/2008
my friend and i only went here because my friend had a chocolate cookie craving and we didn't know what kind of cookies would be in the chinese bakeries (abundant in this area).
I kind of scoffed at the cookie- extra brown and so it looked overcooked. But it was DELICIOUS. It was just like the kind of cookies you make at home or your mom makes (if my mom made cookies). And for $1 it was great! Just across from the public library, borrow a book and sit and eat a delicious cookie (however I am sure librarians would frown at that sort of thing). -
Review from A J.
San Francisco, CA
7/22/2008
So here I was, just hopped off the company shuttle bus, standing at the corner of 19th and Judah. This not being my neck of the woods, I stood there scratching my head, wondering what next.
Oh, what do I see? Some coffee shop. Looks indie (i.e. not $tarbuck$ or Peet$). Lets see what they've got.
I walk in, and am greeted warmly by an older gentleman (presumably Alvin). I order the "Chai" . He informs me that it's made from some organic gloop out of Oregon; but which coffeeshop makes chai from scratch these days?
Anyways, the chai was quite good. I picked up a muffin too, which was good also.
The thing about this coffeeshop that won me over was that Alvin treated me like a very valued customer. Answered my questions; offered to help; made me feel like a king, as a customer should always be. None of that attitude you get from some lame-ass barista who couldn't get a job anywhere else (but who likes to think he's cool because he has a dozen piercings and a crappy kanji tattoo whose meaning he doesn't know).
5 stars for a decent cuppa tea and a great attitude, and for knowing what "customer service" means. -
Review from Tasos p.
San Francisco, CA
9/22/2008
The coffee here is really good. The kona is the best i've ever had, and the "French roast dark Italian style" is good, it has two European countries in the name, how could it not be good. They roast their own coffee and they bag their own tea. If you like tea try the persian lady tea earl gray, really really good.
As far as pastries are concerned, the scone they have here are the best I've ever had. Alvin's Wife makes them, they are like the perfect balance between a muffin and a scone. Sometime i just get that without any coffee. -
Review from Jess i.
San Francisco, CA
11/15/2009
Small and charming.
Friendly Service.
Taking a lunch from my classes I take at Irving, I head down aimlessly Irving in search for a good place to get a cup of cappuccino and a sandwich. I come across this vintage-esque coffeehouse with a small town charm. I order my cappuccino, but disappointed to find that they don't sell sandwiches. The man who took my order (whom I assume is Alvin) meticulously brewed up a cup. He was very friendly and noticed the home-made pastries displayed. I can tell Alvin is passionate about what he does. All in all, this is one of the originals.
Cappuccino is a little less sweeter than for my liking, but it was good! So if you're looking for an escape from corporate franchised capitalistic companies, drop by Alvin's. -
Review from May T.
San Francisco, CA
4/16/2008
few people know this, but i'm actually armenian.
i was adopted into an armenian family back in 1996, when my college roommate's parents took pity on my heathen soul and nourished my body with the most flavorful and delicious cuisine from the mediterranean region.
her family resided in sierra leone and lebanon after the genocide, and as a result, their homemade meals reflected a lot of their african and middle eastern surroundings.
but i digress....
when i walked into alvin's cafe and saw they had armenian coffee, my mouth twitched with glee. it was one of those moments where i remembered all of the wonderful times i spent sipping traditional armenian-style roasts with my ex-roommate and her family in glendale, and the sense of community and love shared, all flooded back.
in the aroma of those beans, which alvin hand-roasts, i could smell armenia, and the bounty and warmth of the people. -
Review from Em C.
San Francisco, CA
3/26/2011
First the GOOD NEWS: You can still get coffee roasted by Alvin (and his son), shipped to your front door! Alvin's roasting facility is in Burlingame, and you can call 415-661-2888 or order online at http://www.alvinsofsf.com (or write to sales@alvinsofsf.com). Alvin has deep knowledge of coffee, which his son has definitely fully absorbed. I've had my very own blend there for years -- explain what you like in your coffee, and you too will have a custom blend.
That is the good news. The BAD NEWS is that the cafe on Irving Street is closing. Helen and Alvin will enjoy a much-deserved semi-retirement, while still being involved in supplying the Bay Area and beyond with the very best in coffee for home brewing. I've even made people happy around-the-world with Alvin's coffee -- they've packaged gifts for me to send to military friends serving in Iraq and to bring to the Kingdom of Bhutan (where coffee is scarce and expensive). For those long trips they provided vacuum-packaging -- and as a result made friends around the world.
Fire up your home coffee pots, and get your beans (or, if you're lazy like me, your ground-for-you coffee) from Alvin's. -
Review from Phil M.
San Francisco, CA
10/15/2005
Alvin's is the benevolent but undergunned sheriff in a wild west cafe shootout with the kingpin outlaw Starbucks who has primo position on the corner of 19th and Irving. I stop by and restock his ammunition every week or so but Starbucks has some big gunned backers who won't relent. So stop on by for a spell and help Alvin the benevolent cafe slinging sheriff of Irving st take back the streets for good hardworking honest folk. Yee haw.
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Review from Anga L.
San Francisco, CA
6/30/2008
I highly recommend this place for a great cup of Arabic coffee! The Arabic coffee with cardamom is wonderful and I'm awaiting my next visit to try the Armenian coffee. If you're looking for overly sweet, milky, fattening sorry excuses for coffee... go to Starbucks across the street... otherwise come here for the real deal. =) Cheers!
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Review from Kelly S.
Alexandria, VA
3/6/2011
I live in Washington, DC but visit San Francisco frequently to visit my sister. Despite the fact that there is a Starbucks almost literally on every corner in SF, every morning that I'm here I walk down the street to Alvin's for coffee. Alvin roasts his own beans, and his coffee is far superior to anything you can get at Starbucks.
Alvin couldn't be a sweeter person, always very personable and appreciative of my patronage. Stopping at Alvin's for coffee is one of the things I enjoy most about my visits to San Francisco. -
Review from Colleen W.
San Francisco, CA
7/24/2010
Alvin was very sweet and genuinely smiled all the time. He's a darling, no doubt about that, but the coffee is another story. We came early in the morning, all three coffee dispensers were near empty, but we managed to squeeze a little bit of lukewarm Italian roast into our little paper cups. The coffee was really light. Light Italian roast? What?! Yeah. Needless to say, we were quite disappointed. At $1.80 for a teeny cup of lukewarm watery coffee, I'd say pass. Hop on over to Starbucks across the street.
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Review from Judy L.
San Francisco, CA
5/5/2010
Would prefer more scrumptious treats, but their americanos are pretty darn good - and hot. Don't forget to ask for room if you need that extra cream!
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Review from Dickey D.
Oakland, CA
6/14/2007
Superior in every way to the Starbucks across the street.
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Review from William C.
San Francisco, CA
11/18/2006
Dude, I'm totally not a coffee aficionado, but those folks at Alvin's sure know how to make coffee! I had the cafe l'orient (omg, condensed milk in coffee!) which was absolutely fabulous! They made the best coffee I've ever had, bar none. I had a bourma and paroushka on the side, and the bourma was fricking unbelievable. The paroushka was kinda greasy, and the cafe wasn't large enough to have a comfortable coffee shop atmosphere. If you're looking for a place to sit around and chill while you read a book or work on your laptop, this probably isn't the place for you. If you only care about the coffee though, _look_no_further_! This is the place for you! Props to the friendly family who runs this place. They rock and their coffee is just phenomenal.
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Review from Erik S.
Cambridge, MA
1/2/2007
I just had a 16 ounce, 2 shot latte from here that was not very good. Its taste was weak. The lady working there was quite nice however. I wouldn't go back here as there are so many better options. I'm a huge fan of local coffee shops and I didn't know he roasts his own beans. This may be enough for me to give him a second look, but probably only if I'm in the area.
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Review from uimuim b.
San Francisco, CA
10/5/2007
I like Alvin's because it's family-owned and the coffee is much better than Starbucks, which is about 1/2 block away. Smmoooth coffee.
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Review from Tamar D.
12/28/2006
Um, yeah, I don't even drink coffee and now I'm addicted to Alvin's. Forget Starbucks, man, this place rules. The fact that there's a Starbucks right down the street and Alvin's is still kicking is testament to its power.
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Review from Ange T.
San Antonio, TX
3/28/2007
Great spot to get a cup of joe! Alvin is a nice man who always has a smile on his face. The coffee is great (SO MUCH better than Starbucks across the street!). And the chai is out of this world! Nobody makes their chai as good as this place! It's rich and spicy, full of flavor! The only downside about the shop is the mediocre food/pastries they sell.
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Review from Rita Y.
San Francisco, CA
8/21/2008
Psst, wanna know a secret? This is one of 2 places I know where you can get Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee. If you're willing to pay the price, they've got it. Coffee's not bad here but I'm not in this area often enough to stop by for coffee unless I'm going to nearby Underdog for what else? Organic dogs. There are some chairs outside and a few chairs inside. A real small mom & pop kinda coffee shop. When I run out of beans at home, I might think about splurging and pick up some Blue Mtn coffee beans from here.
