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Categories: Restaurants, Coffee & Tea [Edit]
Neighborhood: Hayes Valley"Awesome and friendly staff here serving up great, inexpensive organic coffees that are always fresher than I am in the morning, even though…" read more »
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One of those places that you might look past a thousand times, until one day your eyes are opened.
At 1:30pm on Saturday we were waiting to check out a truck from the City CarShare pod around the corner. With some time to relax, we noticed the cafe/diner/snack bar with the counter and stools right in the giant picture window. Looking through the door we noticed yes, that was it. We walked in and ordered a hot tea and a latte.
The waitress/barista/chef/hostess/cashier was very gracious, calm, had the whole scene under control. We admired her specialty chef knife, which looked a bit like a bayonet, as she prepped celery with it. She handled each customer with ease, making salads and sandwiches and conversation. Surrounded by posters of the opera, the symphony, and baseball, and noticing all the fountain soda equipment lined up and ready on the back wall, we felt like we were right at home. Like in Indiana or Florida or something.
Quite a surprising attraction for San Francisco! It's been here for over 20 years.
I am def a fan because they have Mr. Espresso which may not seem too special for folks because its served all around the city, but I love anyplace that has Mr. Espresso, because he is FAIR TRADE AND ORGANIC.
F-yeah, can't beat that!
Cute space. Booth seating, kind of an old school feel.
The menu sounds awesome.
We've been meaning to come to this place for lunch because it's so cute! So one weekend we decided to have lunch here. :/ Not a good choice. I'm sure their coffee and latte's are excellent, but, lunch? Naw, don't even try it.
I can't believe this place's been in business for 20 years yet only boasts thirty-something reviews on here. Corbas truly is a hidden gem. My friend and I were looking for a place to grab coffee and a quick snack before our trek back to the east bay and stumbled upon this little place. It's literally two doors down from Absinthe Brasserie.
Anyhow, they claim to serve the best latte in SF. I don't know if it's the best, but it is pretty darn tasty. Mine had about 2 inches of creamy foam and was sprinkled with cocoa powder--yum! Oh and the fact that it was served in one of those clear milkshake glasses made it that much more awesome! Our barista was super friendly and made small talk with us as we were sipping on our lattes and nibbling on our sammiches.
If you are anti coffee chains and love patronizing mom& pop shops then I highly recommend this place! Make sure your eyes are peeled when youre looking for it as it can easily be missed.
Ps, this would be my default hayes valley spot for coffee but blue bottle is literally the next street over... sigh. what's a girl to do?!
Date & Time: Saturday February 7, 2009 @ 3:30pm
Company: Michael & Jack
Crowd: Neighborhood Peeps in Joe's Jeans
Vibe: Chill
Decor: Counter & Outdoor Seating
Service: Nice & Efficient
Imbibe: Dirty Chai Latte(w/ a Shot of Espresso) & Hot Apple Cider
Total: $6.50
My new favorite Hayes Valley latte place. They serve my kinda drinks at this bar & take Credit Cards!
Ick alert: stale-tasting coffee from an almost empty urn. :( I'd asked if I could purchase a latte instead. (Smile on my face, apologetic demeanor.) I was charged for both the coffee that I didn't drink and for the mediocre, milk-scalded latte that I also didn't drink.
I'd rather go stand in the wind tunnel that is Linden Street and wait in a long line while trying to keep my hair from wipping around my face for a cup of Blue Bottle instead.
Great place to just chill and sip good coffee. Very friendly staff and locals
The 'best latte' sign got me to go in since I love lattes and I loved there's, so they deliver. The best part is the man behind the counter who remembers me and my friend's order: two lattes, nonfat milk, one with sugar and one without. How can I not love him? Where in the city can you find someone like that?
Aside from the exceptional service, the menu items are really yummy and there are a lot of healthy sandwiches (The Californian for example). For a small establishment (it could be called a hole in the wall if the decor wasn't so cute--think 50's style counter but no tackiness).
Corbas has a, "best latte in San Francisco" sign outside of their cafe and my curiosity got the best of me while waiting for my boyfriend to finish his weekly acupuncture appointment across the street.
I left with a vanilla latte and two peanut butter cookies. The guilt sunk in when I ordered just one cookie for myself so I asked for another. The cookies were warm and yummy with chocolate chips in them. The latte was pretty good but my favorite vanilla latte is still from Max at House of Coffee.
I just experienced my first 'review remorse' -- feel like Corbas deserves a 4-star rating, so i'm upping the ante.
The owner is just too good a dude -- he always seems to know what you want before you even ask for it and he's always in a good mood, which makes Corbas a nice place to start your day.
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I've become a bit addicted to Corbas of late. And it's a toasted bagel that keeps me coming to Corbas.
Seems pretty simple, right? Wrong. The guy behind the counter makes a mean bagel. Order it with tomato slices and say 'yes, please' when he inquires as to whether you'd like some salt and pepper....it makes all the difference.
I'm only giving it three stars as their coffee is actually just ok -- nothing great, if you're just getting coffee, go elsewhere...but if you're hankering for a morning snack, head to Corbas.
The place has a great local vibe, but it's really just that damn bagel that I keep going back for...
A nice little lunch counter like the ones I used to visit back in Ohio, except the posters on the wall are from the opera instead of sports/beer babes/muscle cars and string-art horsies.
It is impossible to walk past sheets of fresh cookies cooling on a counter. Dessert came first that day.
For $6.75, you get a good sandwich OR half a sammie and soup or salad is exactly right. The sandwiches are just right for a quick lunch, instead of the super-sized "eat some now, save some for later" variety. Having not had a healthy-sized sandwich in so long, I kept opening it up to see where the vivid flavors were coming from.
As in so many cases, pig.
It was a beautiful day about 80 degrees and 5:30 in the afternoon.
I think I'm going to get an iced coffee.
NO iced coffee? How about an Iced soy latte.
A few minutes later as I was enjoying my coffee at the outdoor seating on the sidewalk.
Okay, why did I have to relinquish my seat cause this joint closes at like 5:30? Aside from the park there is no place to sit in this damn neighborhood and people watch.
Kinda sucks!
The coffee was okay.
OK, fellow yelpers, you rock :) I've walked by this place a thousand times and never once went in ... because, well, the "best latte in San Francisco" sign is way cheesy. But I read the reviews here and I thought it deserves a chance.
The coffee is great. I followed the tip of another yelper to try the cream cheese and tomato bagel and to say "yes please" to salt and peper -- yummy!
I didn't try the latte though :)
With the demise of the Pendragon Bakery, Hayes Valley working folks are left without a decent morning-cup-of -Joe spot UNLESS you count Cafe Corbas. Apparently a favorite pit stop for SFSO instrumentalists, they have very good sandwiches and make an excellent morning coffee. The Californian (turkey/jack/avocado) is probably the most popular 'which here... It's also very friendly here and feels like local color.
The owner is really personable and almost always in a good mood -
my only comment is that when I want to come here, I Will end up spending a bit more than over at the Grove Market Deli. But here, you do get class.
UPDATE (12/06): They are pretty rude. The sandwiches are soggy and the lettuce is brown. I don't like it. There are always a coupe of guys sitting at the counter chatting with the people behind the counter and they always seem to shoot nasty glances when, god forbid, someone wants SOMETHING to eat or drink. Arlequin is better if you need a snack or latte in the areaon the weekend, unless you have forty minutes to spare in the line at Blue Bottle.
ORIGINAL POST (8/06): Their sandwiches are pretty good. Their coffee is okay. The shop is cute and personal.
They claim to have the #1 latte in San Francisco. . .
The latte was okay. The service is s...l...o...w but funny. Like it's so slow, and there's no real flow to the slow that it became comical, but not in an annoying comical way, just silly in a I'm- not-in-a-rush-so-it's-all-gouda way. However, if I were in a rush or even normal speed, it might have been a teensy bit annoying.
Definitely a neighborhood place. Regular's were coming in for the "yuge" if ya know what I'm saying.
I enjoyed myself okay, and the seating outside was nice on this sunny San Francisco Thursday. Corbas is one of those wonderful, quirky, neighborhood places where people know each other, and they sit at the counter to read the newspaper.
What I liked most about Corbas Coffee & Tea was the t-shirt the kid working there was wearing which said, "I'm Immature, Unorganized, Lazy, and Loud, But I'm Fun"...I really relate to that.
Formerly, my morning coffee spot.
I used to work across the street from this place and every morning at 10am sharp, I would walk on over with my fellow co-worker and order my usual: an everything bagel, toasted with cream cheese and a large coffee.
A coffee and bagel with globs of cream cheese 5 days a week can add up to a pretty penny, not to mention an undesirable muffin top, but I can't help my morning grub run. Plus, the owner (Nadi) is a super friendly and very personable guy; always up for a nice little chat.
Great morning/afternoon spot on your way to work or to the symphony.
I'm only going to talk on two things here, the things I love about this place: coffee and the breakfast sandwich
This place has it's regulars. A long time staple of the ballet company and symphony, it attracts all sorts. It has a real mom and pop feel which ceases to be charming when you've waited ten minutes for your order. But it's not because they don't care, it's because everything is done by one person, usually Nadi (the owner) who makes a killer breakfast sandwich.
Similarly, they brew great Mr. Espresso coffee. The Arlequin Cafe next door doesn't do nearly as good of a job with the same beans.
I'm a big fan of Corbas' mochas, though the sign in the window touts the best lattes in San Francisco.
This place isn't perfect, but it grows on you, and that's a testament to why there are so many regulars at this place. Find something you like here and you'll be hooked. Just be patient, it takes time.
I agree that the host is a friendly guy, but overall it's not that exciting a place, the coffee is ok, and most frustratingly people will just pile into the little shop and make their order, regardless of line (I've been 3 times, I witnessed this each time). This may be the result of the clientele more than the proprietor, but the result is the same - when ordering, be prepared to use your elbows and your 'outside' voice.
Corbas is a great neighborhood cafe that never disappoints! It's small and intimate, and hard to find an empty stool at the oft-crowded bar because of the long list of regulars who frequent the place--but that's the charm.
In good weather there is outside seating making it a great spot for people-watching while you enjoy your lunch or latte.
Fresh, reliable, and always friendly! Try one of the smoothies...
Corbas touts they have been voted the best coffee in San Francisco, and while I didn't find that to be the case (Blue Bottle hands down!), it was pretty good. What they really should tout is the exceptional service, and half portions on many of their menu items. I wanted to try both a smoothie and a sandwich and didn't have to choose - I had half of each. And they both were delicious.
i don't go for the coffee, but occasionally i treat myself to a pastry in the morning or run there for a sandwich at lunch. nadi is always very friendly and is a stickler about quality control - makes sure that your sandwich is nice and meaty and done to his specifications. love the power salad (tuna over avocado and greens), too. there's also the personal touch - once when i was in there, a regular (apparently) woefully lamented that she'd forgotten her wallet and nadi said she could pay the next day. you don't see that very often and it's indicative of the loyalty his customers have to him and how he takes the time to get to know people.
Yay for Cafe Corbus! I have lunch here at least three times a week. Nadi (the owner) makes sandwiches like Mom used to make. There is nothing fancy or exceptional about them. Nadi uses high quality, fresh, ripe ingredients. He knows most of his customers by name and is just generally a super nice person. If your in Hayes Valley and feel a hunger pang swing by Corbas for a yummy sammy.
I'm not sure if the timing was just perfect, but the Mr. Espresso house coffee I had there was absolutely amazing. I had just finished having lunch and needed a coffee fix to help with the lethargic feeling that was creeping in and boy did that cup of joe hit the spot.
I stopped by here this morning (which is 12 noon for me) and was delighted to find friendly staff (not the usual 'im too cool to hold down a job' hipster) and one of the best lattes I have had in a long while. I'm even considering going out of my way every day to get my pre-work coffee here instead of Peets. Sorry Peets :(
When at Corbas, I only have one thing in mind: latte. It makes the best latte (hot or cold) in town. I used to go regularly since I worked a block away. Nowaday, I go over whenever I'm in the neighborhood.
i want to give 3 1/2 stars. really i do, but there doesnt appear to be a 1/2 star function...
only visited this place once on a foiled attempt to hit Frjtz, which was closed because of the whole immigration day thingie. caramel latte is made with that damned syrup, no go. a fan of tuna melts, i order one and travel down to ocean beach for a leisure lunch.
surprisingly, the tuna melt is not toasted/fried in a skillet as most other i have had - instead it was toasted bread warmed in the microwave. but i liked is a plenty, so no matter.
staff was friendly enough, although seemed a little supercilious in comparison to how they treated their regulars/locals.
ill have to try it again, get a better feel.
The lunch line was too long at Arlequin and decided that this place might be faster for a quick sandwich and Latte to go. Did NOT like their latte. I asked for the bread to be toasted and it helped, but honestly if I had the time, I would have made a better sandwich than the one I paid too much for. Coffee was just blach. Prefer Blue Bottle, but that place too would take up 50 minutes!!!!!!! The long lines, the individual roast, grind, brew...just kidding..seriously...Hayes is changing...always have to watch out for the slashers waiting to jump the newbies and steal their purses. YES, that means those SUGAR types are too sweet and delicious for the future victimization by the cubed crackheads of the SHIVIC center dirtbags.
i absolutely love this place. it's just a small little cafe with good coffee and tea, yummy cookies, great salads, and even better sandwiches. every single thing they put into making your food is carefully thought out. only the best slices of a tomato will go on your sandwich or bagel. they even go as far as squeezing a fresh lemon on certain food items just to bring out the flavor more. who does that!?
for all this quality and careful attention to what they make you is all done at a great price, and everyone that works there does it with a smile.
Ok, changing my review because change is good. Been giving the cafe another shot and they're hitting the mark. Stop off and get a latte, its good!
i love this place! no bs cutesy names for small, medium and large! no bs synthetic flavors claiming to conjure up the same qualities as dulce de leche! no 'flavor crystals'! just the straight dope... the hombre and i had a latte a piece and we do declare that they are the best in town. absolutely incredible coffee and i don't know what cows these guys get their cream from, but eegads, it's great. don't come here if you have high-maintenance coffee needs (and know about the aforementioned flavor crystals), but if you're into traditional coffee and high-quality treats, stop by.
the guy at the beautiful counter was very nice and courteous as we interrupted his ham sandwich lunch, busted out with the best damn lattes and went back to his sandwich. the next guy who came in was greeted by name.
there's a very nice women's clothing store next to cafe corbas. stop in during the day for some delicious coffee, but walk/drive by at night, the shop front looks great!
SF's #1 Latte? As the signage claims, even served in a glass, a milkshake glass. I think this would have been the perfect latte if it hadn't of been over-sized and therefore over-milked.
If you like the feeling of a real neighborhood coffee shop - head to Corbas. After a few visits Nadi, the owner, will know your name and ask if you want "the usual". Always a great selection of fresh bagels, scones, muffins, etc. Wonderful sandwiches (I like the California and the Turkey Pesto) A nice place for coffee (w/o the wait) while taking a break from work or wandering thru the hayes valley shops.
I love this neighborhood coffee shop. This spot reminds me why we love independent businesses. The food is always good and fresh, the latte supurb. Staff are endearingly unprofessional, while getting good munchies and coffee to me quickly.
Prices are not exactly cheap, but it feels better supporting an owner who washes his own dishes. I'll keep going back!
My plan: to get a smoothie and leisurely walk down Hayes Street. Enter Corbas, one of the few places in Hayes Valley where you can get a smoothie...and the last place I'll get one ever again. Apparently, you can order different sizes with different ingredients, but the guy who helped didn't ask what size -- he simply charged me for the most expensive smoothie...and because it was so big he had to put it into two large paper coffee cups. What? Here's a tip: invest in purchasing smoothie cups that a) will hold one serving of smoothie (whether it be large or small, and yes, smoothie cups do exist because every other cafe I've ever been in for a smoothie uses them) and b) don't ever, ever give a customer two large cups of what is supposed to be one drink. My plan to leisurely walk down Hayes Street with a smoothie was foiled. It's hard to be leisurely with two honking cups of smoothie. I suppose if I ate my fruits and vegetables like a responsible person I wouldn't need an f-ing smoothie.
stuff you can make at home. but stuff i never do. the corbas melt is delicious.
One of the few places I'll give 5/5 for coffee to. Nadi the owner reminds me of Larry David. The food is all really good too - they make their own cookies and care about the freshness. You can take your conservative buddies to this one and they'll feel safe.
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