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Category: Coffee & Tea
Neighborhood: North Beach/Telegraph HillMon-Thu. 6:30 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Fri-Sat. 6:30 a.m. - 12:00 a.m.
Sun. 6:30 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
"I loved this place. Came here for Happy Hour and had a nice glass of wine for $3 and split the pita pizza with Gorgonzola, grapes, and…" read more »
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So, the 50 year old hippies that inhabit the place in the morning are not really my cup of tea, but I guess are preferable to business suit crowd in starbucks. And the place is a bit grimy. But when you walk in, you just get a sense of something special. And Paul is a North Beach treasure.
The coffee, that's the real attraction, and all the expansion and self promotion has done nothing to diminish the quality that they dish out. When I say coffee, I mean of course the cappuccino. Perfectly balanced flavor, an impossible amount of crema, and perfect microfoam. A jolt of caffeine that doesn't come with all the side effects of too much caffiene. This is the standard by which all cappuccinos should be judged.
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I realize I was a lot more high strung a year and a half ago when I wrote my first review.
I think my initial change occurred on my trip to England in May. For those who don't know, I have a strong aversion to mayonnaise and had to deal with the fact that it's on or comes with just about everything in the UK. I adapted and I've become a little less high strung since then.
The last time I went to Trieste, I threw a Yelp bitchfest about the lack of outlets, the lack of nonfat milk, the rude service, the poor quality pastries, etc.
But I've gone back several times and have come to the conclusion that the problem before was me, not the cafe.
There are few outlets in the shop, but it's a place that's more conducive to conversation and reading than computers. The pastries are poor, but apparently their savories are good (never tried them). They may not carry nonfat milk or soy, but the coffee is really good anyway. On top of that, they have the nihilistic history of Jack Kerouac and beat idealism as well as Gypsy-esque music every Wednesday.
They create an atmosphere. And if you look past the little things, you can appreciate this place for what it is. It's an old building with a lot of history and old ideals.
I normally order nonfat caps, but I went in this afternoon and ordered a double cap with presumably whole milk. It was rich, frothy, flavorful and exquisitely made. I took it to go and it was hot when I got back to the office to have my homemade blueberry lemon scone (which I made this morning).
It's not the best espresso I've ever had and it's not the best coffee house environment, but I like it in the evenings. I like the history and I can look past little things like soy milk now to appreciate the place for what it is. It feels like old North Beach and if you care that much about soy milk, go to a damn Starbucks or learn to bend a little from time to time.
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Ah Caffe Trieste... I was so excited to try this place for quite some time. Anyone who knows… Read more »
This place rocks the friggin' house. I've gotta say that I didn't really know what North Beach was really about, but this place gave me a pretty good idea tonight. I spend most of my time in SF in the Financial, Duboce Triangle, and Mission district areas and this Caffe Trieste was a warm welcome to North Beach.
From the endless pastry/food selections to the excellent coffee and live music (every Wednesday night courtesy of Café Americain), this place was an all-out great experience. It seemed like everybody was there to get to know each other, not divide up in groups as happens frequently between hipsters in the Mission.
Could not recommend enough.
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Absolutely the best espresso evah! Looked like a good mix of locals and tourists too. A must see & do if you are in town for 2 or more days.
one nit-pic: I saw folks with laptops and mac books, but I could only get Edge on my iPhone. Not that I needed to be connected, but most people seem to have a need for wi-fis at a coffee shop these days
This cafe is well past its expiry date. The coffee sold besmirches our city's reputation for fine coffee. It lacks body and is bitter from burnt beans (no quality control?). I would rather drink the motor oil in my car.
There are never enough baristas and those on hand are dour enough to melt a mirror (perhaps because they have to drink their own bilious product?).
The only saving graces are the tin-pan opera on weekends and the wide-eyed tourists that make an easy pick-up.
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When I was at Caffe Trieste, I ordered a combo - tuna melt panini and a half salad. Now the food presentation, food quality and taste, and quaint cafe-esque ambiance was on the spot. The crowd is interesting; it ranges from gay men to local families to college students to tourists. There are people who just go there to drink a cup of coffee/tea and read or use their free Wifi. We were in the area and stopped by to eat a late lunch, but really got to soak in the laid-back SF atmosphere. I give it 3 stars because the service was incredibly slow. There were only 2-3 people and tons of customers waiting to get their food or to make an order. It took a good 20-30 minutes for our food to come. Otherwise, I'd give it 4-5 stars, and if I lived in the SF area I'd definitely drop by regularly for a quick lunch.
A North Beach/San Francisco landmark.
Yes, there will be a long line but it will move fast.
Nevermind the surly servers behind the counter. Their unhappiness doesn't need to rub off on you and you only have to tolerate them for a few moments.
Grab a seat when and wherever you can and note that the whipped cream on the sweeter drinks is real whipped cream. The pastries are fresh and good, too.
The inside can get a little warm but if you can grab one of the very few seats outside, it's primo people-watching, trust me.
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I know, I know, this place is supposed to be awesome. And maybe that I think it's not is more my fault than Trieste's fault. But the first time I came here, I felt like the place was kinda dirty (flies buzzing around). That was a few years ago. The second time I came was this morning. No soy milk (yeah, they're probably trying to ward the hippies/yuppies off, whatever, I just like the taste better). I got a regular latte instead. It was "meh." Also I didn't feel entirely welcome here for some reason.
I think my dislike of this place is more intangible though. Just not my style for some reason.
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An original and a classic. Delicious lattes with Old San Francisco flair.
I'm disappointed!
Not too long ago I tried Caffe Trieste for the first time (after living in San Francisco for 15 years) and my very first experience was AMAZING. It was some damn good cappuccino I had ever had after a pretty good dinner in North Beach. At that time I had always wanted to experience Caffe Trieste and luckily I did because it turned out to be one of the best cappuccino experiences ever - so good I had a second cappuccino. Keeping in mind this was right after dinner so I was up all night.
Since then though the cappuccino that I've ordered at Caffe Triest has never ever been that good. Not sure why? It always ends up being really bitter so when I drink it I can hardly swallow it and the foam just disappears in the heat of the espresso.
I also get attitude by the employees/baristas that work there. Very unfriendly, moody types that are pissed off of life or something. You try to be nice and friendly but NO not going to change their attitude. No way. I just don't like that they have this grudge or something and I have to get it served in my coffee.
I'm willing to keep trying their coffee but come on? There are so many places that serve better coffee. Coffee that I know is going to taste great. I don't need to go to a tourist trap and have crap and attitude served to me.
I'm just not into that ... I'm into good tasting coffee!
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I came to this cafe when I first moved to SF as it seemed to be quite popular.
How can you have a modern day cafe without a non-dairy option? EVERY coffee house has soy milk, even the small hole in the wall cafe.
The drink my friend got was really good, but I had to settle for drip coffee because they said they don't carry soy milk. So you fellow lactose intolerant individuals, espresso drinks here is a not an option.
Stumbled across this North Beach landmark, and was immediately drawn in. I'm a huge espresso fan and this was the best I've ever had and I've had a lot of espresso form a lot of places....
I loved the romantic antiquity of the place, its atmosphere screams of arty types, lovers in love and the average guy.... you can feel the ambiance, the history, the heart of North Beach here.
Best of the Best...
On the side, I teach photography class and one of my student wanted to meet here to do our Little Italy walk and I was really happy because it's one of my favorite San Francisco find.
I've always had this theory that people who have good taste in food or real good coffee are natural born creative types. This student has the technical down on how to use his camera and just need coaching on the creative side. He asks all the right questions and when I give him my thoughts he seems to implement them quite easily.
He gets an A+ for making my day easy and so wonderfully caffeinated :).
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Now I finally understand why this place is such an institution for locals and alike.
Not sure why this place never drew me in until recently. Wanted to try this place in 2 other occasions but the place was packed. Third time is indeed a charm and we are forever fans for the best latte and cappuccino (mind you a decaf at that)!
It's more than just a local caffe where locals gather - look around and you'll see all the history of the Giotta family. Pictures of him and Coppola writing the script for God Father. A music celebration with Pavarotti. His old pics as the Italian navy...just browsing along one wall is worth a trip. The jukebox holds CDs of the bygone era of some Italian favorites like Sinatra and Dean Martin among many others - 3/$1 is not a bad deal - with the music streaming through old and newer speakers. Miss seeing a phone booth? You'll find one in here too. There's an old stove heater next to the jukebox, not sure if it's in working condition but I can imagine the heat and warmth from it. We actually sat at the table next to it - it's a nice cozy table for 2 with pretty good view to people watch inside.
The clientele is definitely ecclectic - locals, students, writers? artists? We've often see police cars and fire trucks double parked outside while they run in to grab their drinks. Very fun and interesting characters often take over the tables outside. There are live music sometimes, especially during warmer weather.
Aside from everything else, they make the BEST latte and cappuccino - period. Besides the perfect thick creamy foam that stay foamy until your very last drop of drink, the coffee or espresso itself is just first rate. I loved my latte and hubby is beyond amazed at his decaf cappuccino. We are quite discriminating when it comes to coffee but they won us over at first sip. Service was fast and efficient. Their dessert selection changes often. When we dropped by earlier in the week looking for cheesecake, they didn't have it. Today, there was cheesecake and some other delicious looking cakes and pastries. If we weren't so full and already had dessert w/ dinner, we would have easily picked up something to go with the coffee. No worries, there are plenty opportunities in the future as we'll be back often.
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This review is for the coffee and ambiance and service only - not the groups of Italian girls who frequent this place and talk in their Italian accents while you try to concentrate of ordering your double latte.
Friendly service
Inexpensive
small cups (wish they had larger Italian cup sizes)
Good Espresso
;)
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The world's greatest cafe. Also, Coppola wrote much of the screenplay to "The Godfather" here. Amazing espresso.
I haven't been here in years but I used to come down for a coffee in the morning or a glass of wine in the evening and just people watch. My tour group stopped by this morning and I got a house coffee to go. Just as good as I remembered it all those years ago. A regular size cost me $1.95..great pastries abound and the staff was great. I must return and sit for a few hours soon..
I have lived here for nearly eight years and had yet to try the famous Caffe Trieste. It has made many appearances in movies and TV shows, and I had passed by before and witnessed the crowds of tourists and locals alike, swarming around getting their caffeine fix...but I'd never ventured in, until today's impromptu North Beach coffee crawl.
The coffee is excellent. The music is fun - ranging from oldies to Italian opera. The cast of characters is....eclectic, to put it mildly. But this is not one of those types of cafes to bring your laptop and get work done (though they do offer free WiFi for customers)...partly due to lack of electrical outlets, but also because the atmosphere is more suitable for sketching, writing, reading, or playing backgammon. If you like the coziness of crowded cafe tables and a potpourri of art and photographs...than this is your joint.
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Best Italian coffee (espresso) in all of San Francisco. Order a latte and have a great conversation with just about anyone in the place. Awesome place to hang out especially in the sun at one of the outside tables. I always stop by Trieste whenever I'm in North Beach or frankly just heading in the downtown direction.
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Cafe Disrespect
House of Swill
I asked a regular once why he came back to Trieste day after day. He answered me with just one word:
"Masochism"
People LOVE to go here for the notoriously bad service and for the attitude. It's part of the Trieste experience.
I've nicknamed this place many things over the years, but you have to experience it to believe it.
I don't remember what the coffee tastes like because it's been so long since my last disappointing cup of overrated hot brown water.
+1 for a few great staff members and for the regular neighborhood peeps that hang out there.
For those of you who think your Yelp review of Trieste will make one iota of difference. Forget it. Give up. This joint will be around long after we're all turned to dust or ash.
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Caffe Trieste is a sweet little city gem that's been around all my life. I remember driving out to the city from Oakland when I was in high school with a crew of fools.
We cruised to Savoy Tivoli and took a table out front. We ordered drinks and tried to meet some girls. But we were even too young for them. Well, maybe not too young, but way too immature. Thanks Savoy for serving us back in the day. Thanks for the pitchers of beer and jack and cokes. Thanks for providing us unnecessary fuel to run wild on Grant street. Later on that night on a couple of us headed down to Caffe Trieste for some coffee to sober up for the ride home. Their strong coffee saved our little asses that night.
Fast forward to today. I headed over to Caffe Trieste after a nice afternoon lunch with a friend in North Beach for an espresso. Not only was the espresso amazing. I asked the guy behind the counter to hook me up with a little milk in it. He told me to say when. Keep going, keep going.....okay good. That was the best espresso I have had in a long time. Of course it was basically a custom macchiato.
He added the foamed milk to my liking and I added just the right amount of brown sugar. Loved it. Sipped it. Then shot the rest....nice. Everytime I go here I feel like the ghosts of the beats are nearby. Bene!
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Solid cup of coffee.....served in a glass shaped like an hour glass. Do people serve hot coffee in glasses that were meant to water? I was afraid that my glass would break.
My latte was perfectly layered in three tiers: espresso sunk to the bottom, the center and rich perfect milk chocolate color, and the topped with perfect white foam (it's hard to make good foam).
The reason why Starbucks took over the world, is that neighborhood coffee shops stopped putting in passion, consistency and care into each cup. This place still has it. Did I mention that they also make homemade whip cream? As all true coffeehouses SHOULD.
But there is more to this place than just coffee, you can feel the history of this place, weathered walls and photos of ghosts passed hung on the walls...definately a hippy bohemian hang out. I'm sure that many great poems, songs, and waves of artistic depression were born here gazing through these windows
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Very awesome Cafe Mocha ($3.25)!! I don't quite know how to judge coffee but I know that when something tastes good to my taste buds, then it must mean something! After my first sip, I noticed that it was more bitter than I prefer so I was really tempted to add sugar but I didn't. I kept on drinking and it just kept getting better!! Who knew coffee could do that? For some magical reason, the bitterness went away and I could really taste the richness and depth of the coffee beans.
I didn't notice any particular bad attitudes or service while I was there. In fact, I noticed the barista chatting it up with a random guy in line about the Mystery Spot in Santa Cruz. Perhaps I didn't go during an overly crowded time when tensions might be higher. I did notice that the place has a slightly dirty feel.... with over flowing garbage cans... that sort of thing. So I would definitely come back for coffee and not really for any type of lounging. This place is right around the corner from Buster's which made for a perfect combination---cheesesteak and coffee. Okay, not so much.
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The actual cafe is pretty quant and cute, the coffee is decent but a little expensive for one cup.
YES, they have free wi-fi but only two outlets in the whole place and if you aren't sitting at the table right by them they won't let you put the cord across the small aisle to the outlet...I got yelled at for it even though it's not a high traffic area and my cord was not taught and about to trip anyone.
Get some more outlets.
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Loud, chaotic, full of local color and tainted by the sweet smell of marijuana smoke pouring in from the locals sitting right outside the door, Cafe Trieste is a very North Beach experience.
The coffee's decent (I always order a cafe mocha, which is tasty), the tantalizing choice of baked goods are reasonably priced and appease the sweet tooth sufficiently, and if you can actually find a place to sit down because a local has pried him or herself off of one, consider yourself in for some great people-watching!
Now, if only I could get a smile from the barristas...*sigh* They are at best curt, and you always feel like you're taking too long to order and pay for their liking. You know, like perhaps they are doing you some kind of favor by letting you buy coffee from them? I also notice that if they spill a little bit down the side of my coffee glass, they don't generally make an attempt to wipe it off before my fingers get sticky...it's little things like that that make Cafe Trieste one place that I don't always have the stomach for! The one thing I can't blame them for is the fact that parking nearby is a cruel joke...but that does mean that I generally don't come here unless I first ate dinner nearby, and wouldn't ever attempt to come here with more than a few friends, since seating is at a premium!
Still, if you're looking for an interesting place to start writing your first great San Francisco novel, I can't think of a better location to park one's behind and await inspiration...
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Caffé Trieste is always on the list of must stop places when in San Francisco if you are a true coffee/espresso lover. Just hop in line - there usually always is one - and take in the sights and sounds of what is really must be like in a coffee shop in Italy. The smell is terrific - the smell of strong espresso beans wafts through the air. The noise level is high and energetic. Usually every available seat is full. There is food (lunch or breakfast type food) available in limit quantities, as well as various pastry/cookie type products to pair nicely with your beverage of choice. One size fits all here for sizes (we've always ordered ours to-go due to space limitations - no place to sit down). The iced-mochas and hot mochas are unmatched!
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This place was my essential e-portal while I was getting moved into my new internet-less nob hill apartment. Seems like nothin's free these days, save for the wifi here. Iced mocha is, regrettably, made with powder :( but the baristas were very nice about me data-squatting and were really fun to talk to.
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I used to live around the corner from here for about 5 years. Part of me misses the place so much, but that was before. Fabio, Papa Gianni's son, is not so slowly ruining the place. I mean how the hell could you sell the roasting machine you had there even if it wasn't being used anymore? What, just so you could start selling more of that tacky merchandise? Uggh. Sonia please smack some sense into him. God only knows what will happen after Papa is no longer with us (sorry, a very horrible thought I know). When granddaughter Ida left, you knew there were big problems brewing.
However, I still love SOME of the crowd that hangs out there. Sometimes the self declared Commies are a bit much, etc. But most importantly, the cappuccino is still the best I have ever had. Still have to give it 4 stars for being the institution that it is.
R.I.P. John Franco, your memory lives on strong!!
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Like most of the coffee shops, Caffe Trieste is small, and because of its fantastic coffee, it's also crowded. So the day I went there, there was long line(seems it's always the case)which was a good sign. The espresso and Cappuccino were all very good.
There are cute outdoor bistros and romantic cafes lined all along the streets in North Beach, and crowds seem to be mostly locals milling about enjoying their afternoon riposo...perfecto! Caffee Trieste is just this funky little coffee house in the middle of it all. The java is quintessentially Italian, and simple, and amazing. Omg, so good.
Want more info about my coffee experience?
http://bayareababyblog...
we're from out of town (San Diego) and went here on suggestion after dinner at The House (see that review as well).
The espresso was good. I really enjoy a good cup of coffee in an authentic mug, not feeling like I was in a rush.
This place is a truly unique spot. The crowd was quite a surprise. From the super friendly woman who specialized in tribal art and fabrics, to the "homeless" men who hung out. It felt like we were part of a big family. While the woman entertained our 20 month old daughter, a regular who happens to be homeless also conversed with us. I wouldn't say we felt concerned for our safety, but it was truly a unique experience. Everyone was so friendly that I kept the same eye on my daughter as if I was in the local starbucks. Truly a neighborhood coffee shop that is a must visit for outsiders & locals alike. I wish we had a place like this in San Diego (The Living Room in La Jolla is the closest we have).
Very nice they also have Bailey's type liquor as well, that's a bonus!
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This is a cool local place, obviously with a lot of history, but I wasn't impressed with the coffee.
On the upside, I like that it gives people of like-minds a place to congregate and hang out...writers a place to write, musicians a place to create music, artists a place to imagine, and weirdos a place to be weird. But for me, I just want some good coffee, and I will not be coming back here for it. It's a shame, because I live less than a block away, so I was really hoping to love the coffee because of the cool vibe and close proximity to my house. Darn it.
Caffe Trieste is what I think of as the classic North Beach cafe. The coffee drinks are good. The pastries are so-so, not made on the premises.
But the people who work here! They are true gems. A little rude, very funny, and feel just like family even though you've known them for two seconds.
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Good Espresso: 4 Stars
Drunk man ranting about war, politics, and chickens: -1 star
Mouse crawling across the floor at my feet as I am sitting here, at Cafe Trieste, writing this review: -1 star.
Character: Yes, please.
Rabies: No. Thank you.
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No soy.
Bitchy 'tudes.
Terminal congestion.
Uppity regulars.
A San Francisco landmark?
I think not.
To those of you calling this place "charming" and one that "makes the Bay Area special", please go back to L.A. or wherever you're from and stay there.
To the baristas who are so buried in their drama they can scarcely look up to take your order, stop with the surliness. You weren't a ghost whiter for Jack Kerouac, and I'm sorry for that. But you're here, now, and I'm asking you for some coffee. You dig?
I'm SO over it!
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I will preface this by saying I am biased.
No I did not live in Little Italy in NYC, but I did live in the North End of Boston long enough to get free produce from the little Italian man down the street who liked to make dirty comments about my boobs.
I never felt that North Beach here felt as authentic as home. A cannoli should be $1.50 at most and should NOT have marichino (sp?) cherries on the ends. I've uploaded a pic where I look like I am threatening to throw a forkful of cannoli at my roommate's face.
Three stars for the espresso though.
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This place is a an institution.
An institution that I hadn't been into in several years, so I dropped in last night to get the most perfect cup of coffee. I took one sip, and the taste made me think I was back in Siena, then I looked around realized I wasn't, and took it to go.
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The Africano is solid. 2 generous shots of espresso and about and equal parts of extra-rich (where-do-they-find-this-stuff) milk. This place is an institution.
The only reason why I hold back on the fifth star is that I think they need to get more on the ball with cleaning and busing the tables.
What is with all of the positive reviews here, I am just blown away. Are they going to the same Caffe Trieste I am going to?
TO ME IT IS ...
Way, way, way overrated. I have been here several times to hear Momma and Pappa play on Saturday's and while I love to hear them sing, the staff is always rude and pushy to drink the minimums. You just can't relax there anymore.
And the food is terrible. Old, dry and stale as far as I am concerned. Never had the coffee here but how much different can coffee be from each other? I love coffee and straight it all tastes the same to my mouth.
Its "glory days" are in the past with all the beats and bums hanging around. I have even seen fights here before. Go, take your pictures and get out. Nothing to see.
Sorry, the reputation is not the reality here unlike many other North Beach places that I have been to and I love North Beach.
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cute mosaic tables.
comfy booth benches.
great light.
outside tables.
free wireless for customers.
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Neighborhood: North Beach/Telegraph Hill
Category: Coffee & Tea
Neighborhood: North Beach/Telegraph Hill
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