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Bernie's
Category: Food Coffee & Tea Coffee & Tea [Edit]
3966 24th St(between Sanchez St & Noe St)
San Francisco, CA 94114
Neighborhood: Noe Valley
(415) 642-1192
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 5:30 am - 8 pm
Sun 5:30 am - 7 pm
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
182 reviews for Bernie's
Review Highlights
"Free Wi-Fi (Starbucks doesn't have that either."
(in 9 reviews)
"It's also great to sit on the benches outside."
(in 7 reviews)
"It is a great locally owned coffee shop."
(in 7 reviews)
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182 reviews in English
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Review from Gurpreet S.
San Francisco, CA
1/4/2012 1 Check-in Here
Local coffee shop in Noe Valley. Always passed by it as I walked around the area, but finally went in a couple of weeks ago. The coffee is quite nice, and they've got plenty of sitting room. A lot of people like to sit there and work, or read, so its not too noisy a place. They place some excellent music as well.
The baristas are friendly, and check on you periodically to make sure you feel at home. -
Review from Tiffany M.
Union City, CA
12/18/2011
I'm an avid Starbucks and Peets coffee drinker, but in neighborhoods such as the Noe, discovering new shops is the line for me!!!
Honey Hazelnut Latte......No joke. Had to order another one, to bring home. A must try!! -
Review from Katie S.
San Francisco, CA
12/4/2011
I love everything about this place. The atmosphere, food, coffee and wonderful staff. Every time I come in, I'm happily greeted at the counter by just about everyone who works there. It really makes a difference in your day (especially early in the morning!) when you're ordering coffee to go and the staff is so up beat and happy.
I'd recommend their breakfast sandwiches, and if you're a coffee lover like I am then this is definitely the right place for you. (They have dog treats for pets too). Simply the best in Noe Valley! -
Review from Robin S.
San Francisco, CA
2/9/2012
I used to like come here once in awhile but after seeing what I saw today-I will spend my money elsewhere. When I was drinking my mocha, I overheard the manager and employees talk about customers and other people. Ok.. in this economy people are struggling and if we spend money at your business-wouldn't it be nice to act as if you appreciate everyone who comes into your cafe? For businesses to act like this makes me mad because they obviously are only thinking of the money rather than the people.
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Review from Loli L.
San Francisco, CA
11/21/2011
Super cute little coffee shop!
We relocated our bookclub here one morning and sat at a nice little table, taking in all the niceness around us. Since I'm not a coffee drinker, I enjoyed a fizzy water and a scone.
The lady at the counter was super pleasant and it seemed like a really nice place to sit for a while- either with a book, a newspaper, some work, a friend, or a scone. There's a cute little children's area as well. -
Review from Vanessa C.
12/30/2011
I felt the staff was only nice if you are a local. If you are not from the area-they are VERY pretentious.
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Review from K M.
San Francisco, CA
1/11/2012
Been a local in Noe for over 10 years, and Bernie is one of the people who makes it a great place to live. She runs an old-fashioned kind of place, where you come to hang out, chat with the staff (friendly, efficient, and stable), drink a great cup of joe, and watch the world go by. Bernie makes each and everyone feel special. Her and her coffee shop are a local treasure. Go, and have an Americano on me. :-)
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Review from krystin k.
San Francisco, CA
12/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
Bernie's is the perfect neighborhood cafe. The coffee is strong, pastries a-plenty and smiles unlimited. They have a little kid area with toys that are educational an actually clean! Best yet, they open at 5:30am so it's the perfect place to go to get your caffeine on when your 1 year old needs to be swept away before he wakes the older kids!
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Review from Kekumukula N.
San Francisco, CA
6/16/2011
What an intimate, kick back coffee shop Bernie's is. I was going to Starbucks in Laurel Village to represent for World Wide Knit in Public week and found Bernie's advertised on Yelp. I decided to go there since I knew the hood.
I ordered the biggest hot chocolate and a blackberry & peach scone. Both were great! The staff is SO friendly and cheerful as everyone's been reviewing. I kept hearing the names Bernie and Ola so I'm curious on who they are and what they look like :O).
It was fun to criss cross applesauce in one of the big, wicker chairs in the front and knit Pashmina yarn! It was funny to hear two senior men talk about their ailments. -
Review from Athena S.
7/15/2011
I'm a fan. I find the owner to be super nice, sweet *not like splenda, more like raw sugar* someone you feel good about patronizing.
Decent coffee to go, but I'm spoiled with french drip, which I reckon is available here (serves 2, btw)
Cute place, homey but without the doilies
Locals on laptops, great sitting area outside to boot
If there were more Bernie's on the Peninsula, I'd never have to walk into another Starbucks again.
:) -
Review from Ryan B.
6/20/2011 5 Check-ins Here
Walked by this place 1000s times but never stopped in. I live in Noe Valley and really never thought about going in. Well today was the day! Smallish and local but full with excitement this place is a fantastic coffee shop. Found a quite conner to work in for an hour or two and I really enjoyed the drinks and snacks.
The staff is amazing and friendly to boot. -
Review from Ellen M.
6/1/2011
Every morning, during my week-long stay in Noe. Coffee and pastries were delicious.
I love being called "angel."
It sure helped the whole staying up late, but still waking early because I was on Chicago time. -
Review from Maya H.
Brookline, MA
Updated - 8/2/2011
I'm back in San Francisco for vacation and I had to go back to my old neighborhood. Number one thing on my list was to go back to Bernie's and get an iced caramel macchiato. It was even better than I had remembered! The place still has the same friendly, low key feel and I absolutely love how nice the baristas and Bernie are. I will definitely be back to have at least one more coffee before I leave.
I only wish there was a Bernie's back in Boston!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/31/2010
Bernie's is my absolute favorite coffee shop in the neighborhood. In fact, it is the reason I fell… Read more »
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Review from Tadaa L.
San Francisco, CA
6/7/2011 1 Check-in Here
Coffee was smooth and didn't leave bad after taste, but lack of strength. Maybe that's why they ask if I would like to add a shot. Well I think for a small drink already costs more than 3 bucks, I shouldn't have to pay anything extra just to make it stronger when it should've been strong enough.
The cashier was friendly, and I love that they have several benches outside so I can take my dog there too. -
Review from Jeremy G.
2/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
If you're looking for a cozy coffee shop that has better atmosphere and drinks than the chain stores, you'll love it. If you're a die hard espresso snob, this might not be the place for you.
I'm somewhere in between.
The atmosphere is awesome and the staff is warm and friendly. Little cramped but comfortable. Almost feels like you're hanging out in someone's living room. There's no patio space outside for tables, so they have park benches instead. Good move.
For my double cappuccino the barista steamed up heaping loads of pillowy foam that stood above the edge of the glass. It's not the textured milk, like most indie shops do these days, and I like it. (I like both styles actually, they're both a treat for different occasions)
The espresso itself was good, not great, but good. (This is where my snobbery starts to show) It was definitely better than the chain stores, but didn't have the deep and complex flavors that I normally prefer.
Lastly, as I sat outside on the park bench reading my book, I really appreciated how many of the customers seemed to know each other. It seemed like this was the spot for many of the locals to run into each other while on their daily thing. I like a place with a community. -
Review from Len S.
San Francisco, CA
2/24/2011 2 Check-ins Here
So i don't require much in a coffee shop. Ok, I lie, I'm picky and there's a specific list of requirements that must be met in order for me not to harangue it as a slinger of sour bean juice:
1) no overly perky staff at 6am
2) no celine dion
3) they know how to make a cappuccino with a stiff foam
4) no celine dion
5) no kenny g
6) no mermaid logos
7) the music is at a reasonable level and there's no kenny g and no celine dion
8) free wi-fi
9) dog friendly
10) did I mention the crap music?
11) good coffee
So far Bernie's has met all my requirements and I'll be heading back. The staff is pleasant without being overly saccharine which drives me bonkers when I still feel like the walking dead. -
Review from Michael C.
San Francisco, CA
1/15/2011
I'm always cruising for new coffee shops, and am a regular at Philz and Blue Bottle. After drinking individually-prepared cups of coffee, no shop that serves it by the pot can compare. Coffee oxidizes rapidly, and much like a sliced apple left outside for even a few minutes, loses its freshness immediately. A fresh pot of coffee tastes so much better because it is fresh.
Thus, Bernie's was just "Meh" for me.
If I were in the neighborhood and wanted a mochachino or something, maybe they'd suffice. I prefer drinking my coffee fresh, and without milk or sweeteners. -
Review from Thea Z.
San Francisco, CA
1/3/2011
I really want to support the only non-chain coffee shop in Noe Valley, but Bernie's isn't making it very easy for me. A friend and I were there and I asked politely if I could close the door to which the barista said yes. The other employee working continued to open the door on the 50 degree evening and commented rudely and loudly about it.
Not to mention their drinks are less than stellar. As a result, I've succumbed to the draw of the Starbucks across the street where the service is always polite and the air temperature bearable. They do have free wi-fi and many outlets... so that's where they got some stars. -
Review from Pria W.
San Francisco, CA
9/26/2011
Three stars for the coffee, which is decent; nothing special. Three stars also for the interior, which is a bit dark and often cramped. Five stars for the friendliness and competency of the owner and staff; I always walk out with a smile.
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Review from Amy H.
Noe Valley, San Francisco, CA
9/2/2011
I just love everything about this place. The staff is friendly and efficient and the lattes are great. Food is local and tasty. I don't know why you would go anywhere else on 24th st.
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Review from Jen H.
San Francisco, CA
6/5/2011
I'm in love with Bernie's! They make the foamiest, yummiest, most delicious latte in Noe--I've tried 'em all--and make me feel good about sticking it to the man (Starbucks).
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Review from Daniel K.
Orangevale, CA
1/3/2011 21 Check-ins Here
I'm found my new tea spot. I don't drink coffee all that often anymore, but I've had a shot of espresso here and a mocha so I can testify to the quality there as well. All the fixings for your everyday indie coffee shop in San Francisco including delicious pastries and other treats, but the staff is what brings me back since I work on 24th.
Warm atmosphere here, free wi-fi, good place to get things done or relax just the same.
Make sure you meet Bernie, she's a sweetheart! -
Review from Andrew E.
San Francisco, CA
4/30/2011
Before Bernie's, I was loyal to Martha Brothers. However, once I had a chance to experience Bernie's, I quickly switched allegiances. Bernie's is the model of a what a neighborhood coffee shop should be. Since opening a little over 3 years ago, Bernie has built a loyal following of customers who come for the excellent coffee and -- almost as important -- the warm reception of Bernie and her staff. They know their customers by name (as well as their beverages of choice) and treat them like family. While I'm not able to make it here every single morning for my coffee (most mornings, but not all), without fail I always leave in a good mood. Bernie's is in an integral part of the Noe community -- hopefully it will remain that way for years to come.
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Review from Jonica B.
San Francisco, CA
8/16/2011
I love this place. I go almost every morning. The chairs are comfortable and the tables are solid and wont rock under your cup. I am so happy to support Bernies! I also find the staff there (those I have met), Ola, Angel, Julian and Bernie herself Awesome!
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Review from Masha R.
San Francisco, CA
8/14/2010
This is a great neighborhood coffee joint and I'm lucky it happens to be in my neighborhood. The drinks are quickly made and delicious. The vibe is just super cute and friendly.
My sole complaint is that the staff can be really loud when they're all chatting with each other. On the other hand, at least they're happy and not cranky. -
Review from thomas c.
5/14/2011
A local coffee shop -- they must be, their sign says it! Better-than-Starbucks coffee. Cozy little joint.
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Review from Mark B.
Palatine, IL
8/24/2010
While in San Francisco on vacation, we stayed in Noe Valley.
Bernie's was our choice for coffee in the morning.
They pull a nice cafe mocha and their flavored coffees are tasty without being overly sweet.
We tried a couple of their pastries and enjoyed everything.
We'll make a return visit to Bernie's the next time we're in town. -
Review from Catherine B.
San Francisco, CA
9/8/2010 1 Check-in Here
Bernie, herself, is fantastic. I am always happy to have her on bar, otherwise it can be a crap shoot. The noise level is a little too loud for my taste, so I usually get things to go. The noise just seems to echo in here.
I love having a local option in the neighborhood. Go see Bernie, she pulls a mean shot. -
Review from Maxine M.
Pittsburgh, PA
1/19/2011
I'm writing from Bernie's right now. The best part about Bernie's seems to be how friendly the place is--from the staff down to the customers it just feels like a really friendly, happy place. Not too crowded and not too sparse. Possibly because it's hidden up in the hills, it gets a pure neighborhood vibe, lacking the transcience and casual unfriendliness that tourists generate. (Alot of my cafe time is spent down on the Haight, where most of the patrons on a given day are tourists.)
And the coffee is good--the baristas are proud of their profession. -
Review from Kristina R.
San Francisco, CA
1/4/2009
This little store front has gone through so many incarnations, I can hardly keep track anymore. I believe there was a Spinelli's coffee shop here at one point, and then a Peet's. But now, lovely Bernie has moved in, and from the looks of it, she has no plans on moving out. Good on her!
This comfy little coffee shop fits in perfectly with Noe Valley's laid back, family style attitude. It's a welcome addition to 24th Street.
Friendly baristas and decent coffee also round out the equation. Add some wireless Internet and you've got a bonafide gem of a hangout. Whenever I'm out fighting the strollers and nannies in the hood and in the mood for a de-caf tea or hot chocolate, Bernie's is the first place I visit.
I don't drink coffee, btw. The reason: I'm naturally super-hyper, and would like to keep my friends. -
Review from Aaron V.
1/18/2008
What a great addition to the neighborhood! I was getting a little fed up with my local coffee shop options until Bernie's opened up. Martha Bros is laughably inconsistent and my latte is always really bitter from the coffee being burned or exposed to the air. Starbucks is just lame. But Bernie's is great!
I was in there the other day and decided to try a mocha. Bernie asked me if I wanted whipped cream. I said yes. She stared at me for a moment and then said "I was waiting for that". She turned to the barista and asked for a mocha "with fun". It was a silly moment but it's great that the staff has fun while they work. The mocha came out great. Best coffee shop in Noe Valley hands down. -
Review from Ted R.
7/30/2008
It's all about Bernie. This may seem obsequious, but Bernadette (yeah, her given name happens to be too long for the sign out front) is now pronounced by me to be one of San Francisco's royalty. An order, for the first time, proffered by me in a most Yelperific fashion! Go 'head, Queen Bernie. I love what you're bringin', girlfriend!
It's really Bernadette's story to tell, I just happen to be sharing my side of it. Way back in the last millennium, ('twas 1994), I was but a novice SF'ian, a former wanna-be now turned on by a his new, joy-filled reality...and in my new nabe of Noe, there was my fave java dispensary, Spinelli's... I pause after I say the name, because it was a holy spot to me. My favorite, I told you that already...
Now it's 2008...
Great beans, great coffee. It's that simple, but there's something more...a brain behind it. It belongs to our local Fly Girl, Bernie.
She's warm-hearted, deep and fancy-free, the warm, personable Ms. Bernie. I strolled in for the first time with the g'f and Bernadette offered us free pastry. It was delicious, that lemon square, so sweet and tart...and the price was right.
I was happy to have been drawn in by the classy, classic sign bearing her name - not to mention the cool colors and warm woods somehow assuring me that I was in for tasty, great coffee. And yes, there was reverie, more than a distant memory, as I approached the counter, I remembered dreams and fantasies of mine that had flown through Spinelli's. No sooner than I mentioned this to smiling one behind the counter, did she tell me that she worked at ole Spinelli's back in the day. And after the owner sold to Tully's, she stayed. Then she set across the country opening Tully's stores for a few years. Always staying in touch with the Spinelli's fella, btw...
Sacred, that space on 24th...Bernie put everything she had into ensuring that this would remain a coffee shop...and she's elevated it to a coffee shrine. I dare say far better than ever.
Oh my, my reverie has returned...it's warm mochas, sunshine and petting/sharing dogs left in my care by neighborhood friends-turned-Cala-shoppers for just a few warm, happy minutes. Praise Jah, Bernie made it happen.
Wi-fi, a great staff, free magazines and a clean restroom count for a lot - 5 stars already! But there's so much else.
Up at 4:30 to get the coffee brewed for you. Still cheery late in the afternoon. THAT'S BERNIE!
Love her "ecotainer" brand compost-able cups made from 100% renewable resources.
The coolest, fun in the sun, or inside spot.? Bernie's, yo!!!!!!!!!!!!!
HELLO caffeine-head, WAKE UP ALREADY, get your java on...zoom don't creep to BERNIE'S!Listed in: Best of the Best, Noe, my Nizzle
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Review from Christine M.
San Francisco, CA
3/17/2008
This is a great neighborhood coffee place.
Prices are the same as Sbux, but the coffee is great, the atmosphere is nice and the employees (including Bernie) are super sweet.
I'm a fan! -
Review from Kelly H.
San Francisco, CA
12/13/2007
Noe Valley's 24th Street is much like Sesame Street. I wave to the Martha's Coffee dude and my cleaner lady almost everyday, the children and pregnant people outnumber everyone else. I overhear people calling it Nosy Valley who've lived here too long.... it's a great little village community.
Bernie's coffee shop is 'a local girl's coffee shop.' It used to be a Tully's and this cute little blonde girl bought the shit out of it, and turned it into her dream coffee place with WIFI, a kids corner, a sunny window nook, and cute benches out front. Bernie is always there of course, and it truly seems like all of the baristas are happy and enjoy working there.
The coffee is strong! The cups are all compostable! I need caffeine in the morning any way you toss it - I know that I'll go back here because I can tell they want me to. That's a good feeling. -
Review from Wes M.
San Francisco, CA
1/6/2009
In the high-stakes battle for cutest Noe Valley coffee shop (yes, high-stakes--the winner gets all that disposable income from the $1000 stroller crowd), Bernie's definitely wins on the exterior facade, although the disappointingly minimalist interior loses out to Martha & Bros. Either way, there was no better spot to try out my new "coffee jacket" I got for Christmas (with my hair stylishly unkempt, of course).
The important thing is it's staffed by some mellow peeps brewing up some mellow (but unimpeachable) lattes. And there's hats proclaiming the (unconfirmed) existence of an Elizabeth Street Brewery (really?!?).Listed in: Noe Valley
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Review from Marc A.
9/28/2009 3 photos
Got to love a local coffee house that is right across from the big green monster and is packed on a Sunday afternoon with locals tapping away on their laptops while drinking coffee and chatting with their neighbors. I love me some Noe Valley!
THE JOE: KTPower and I split an iced pumpkin spice latte and it was very good. Not too spicy and not too much ice so we could really taste the expresso.
THE SERVICE: One barista behind the counter who took our order and made the drink. I wouldn't say he was over the top friendly but was quick and to the point. I would have liked to see him upsell us to a pastry or something else but...
Support your local barista and tip for good karma. Enjoy! -
Review from John C.
San Francisco, CA
9/10/2008
Once a cafe called Spinell's then to Tully's at this location...NOW, it is Bernie's. I am never let down by the quality of coffee here. It is really wonderful and being in Noe Valley, it has that neighborhood cafe feel to it. Which I think almost everyone looks for in a cafe. "Somewhere, where everyone knows their name and they're always glad you came."
I know the owner personally, and she is such a ray of sunshine. She always has that award winning smile on her face, which is part of her charm. She is personable and when you meet her, you cannot help but want to come back and support the Local Coffee Houses of San Francisco. Mainly, this one!Listed in: My Neighborhood
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Review from Nancy R.
San Francisco, CA
9/3/2008
So fantastic! I walked into Bernie's after a particularly tough therapy session. The barista was so sweet and welcoming, my mood brightened instantly. And a large steamed cup of nonfat milk w/sugar-free vanilla was only a) $2.50 and b) so tasty me wonders whether she "switched" my order to sugar because she thought I could use somethng sweet. I'm not a control freak, so I don't mind the extra mothering.
Then I realized that the kind barista was none other than Bernie herself! How cool is that? -
Review from Heather P.
Berkeley, CA
3/15/2008
Bernie's brings me great solace.
Seven years of Seattle gloom have left me pale, weak, and riddled with an insatiable craving for hot, inky, liquid caffeine delivered speedily and skillfully in a friendly neighborhood cafe. Quality matters. Maybe I've had bad luck, but two months of sampling San Francisco's mom & pop coffee shops have left me cold, shaky, and unsatisfied.
And along comes Bernie. Her coffee is fantastic, her baristas are first-rate, her space is wonderfully convivial and sunny, and *she* is warm, friendly, and funny. I hope she stays in business until she's 100. Or until I am.
Did I mention that refills are free? They are. Did I mention that wireless is free? It is. Plus, they don't give you a dirty look when you open a laptop. All this makes me order MORE, not less, because really...I want Bernie's to stay in business forever. -
Review from Doctor L.
Palo Alto, CA
3/27/2008 1 Check-in Here
Walking in to this place is like walking in to a Noe Valley stereotype. There's a little section for kids with a chalkboard and scribbly drawings from kids with java-addicted parents who make them hang out in Bernie's. There are always at least 2-3 dogs outside, at least one of which has the look that it's been abandoned because its owner (excuse me, it's "human companion") left them outside for 5 whole minutes. Everyone has some obnoxious order like a triple pump extra hot nonfat macchiato or some dumb shit like that (my large soy iced mocha, however, is by no means "dumb shit").
Bernie herself is super cool and treats both her staff and customers well. Apparently she used to be a manager at Peet's and bought this place when they didn't renew the lease. Smart move, Bernie. Peet's wasn't going to survive across the street from Starbuck's, but an INDEPENDENT coffee shop was destined to thrive in Noe Valley...especially since the next-closest one is a whole block and half away.
Inside Bernie's you'll be treated to typical Noe conversations by pretentious do-gooders who speak loudly specifically because they want you to overhear them talk about mortgage rates, their child's grade school honors classes, their sex change operation and/or hormone therapy, etc. You'll also see lots of Red Sox hats and heather socks with sandals, further proving my theory that Noe is a refugee camp for New England transplants. You'll probably also see a newly transplanted New Englander talking about what a wonderfully open-minded city San Francisco is, clearly not yet jaded by the sad reality that we're all close-minded liberals.
When I was in there a couple of weeks ago I overheard said New Englanders talking about their friend (who had a very Jewish-sounding name like Sarah Silverman or something like that) who was a documentary filmmaker who used to work at WGBH (the local PBS affiliate in Boston) and just moved out here to work at Apple (got tired of low PBS documentary pay and sold out for the big bucks). It also means that Sarah Silverman (or whatever her real name is) is most likely a lesbian. Noe + PBS + Jewish = lesbian. This conversation alone cemented all my Noe stereotypes. See my review of the 24th Street Cheese Shop for further proof.
Oh yeah - the coffee's pretty good here, too.
