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Epicenter Cafe
Categories: Food Coffee & Tea Arts & Entertainment Coffee & Tea, Arts & Entertainment [Edit]
764 Harrison St(between 4th St & Lapu St)
San Francisco, CA 94107
Neighborhood: SOMA
(415) 543-5436
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 7:30 am - 9 pm
Sat 8 am - 9 pm
Sun 8 am - 8 pm
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Parking:
- Street
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
Rachel A. said: "Oh my goodness, Hamantaschen. And the girl with the black frames is super awesome and adorable." read more »
283 reviews for Epicenter Cafe
Review Highlights
"The best part is the free wi-fi and comfy couches."
(in 19 reviews)
"Great place to get some work done."
(in 5 reviews)
"Blue Bottle may have an amazing cup for $3.50, but it's $3..."
(in 17 reviews)
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283 reviews in English
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Review from Patrick R.
San Francisco, CA
12/14/2011
I went to Epicenter today for a meeting and was talked into getting the special. It's clearly a cafe, awash with MacBook Pros, so I was skeptical about the cuisine. Anything beyond pastries and chocolate dipped macaroons is generally questionable.
But holy crap - the special was phenomenal. Beef ribs in a wine sauce reduction over polenta, which I got with a vibrant green salad for just 15 bucks. I'm no food writer, but it was beautifully presented, had a subtle yet complex flavor, the perfect texture and was clearly made by a fellow foodie.
I've been fortunate enough to be able to dine at some very fancy restaurants of late and I have to say, Epicenter gave them a run for their money. Let's face it, you're not going to leave Boulevard with change from a $20. -
Review from Jason B.
Updated - 2/4/2012
Dropping hummus. And connections.
Returned for a rare second lunch visit after learning they make their own hummus. Proved to be a good decision. The generous amount of turkey packed into a roll went from good to great with the addition of the excellent housemade spread.
Never underestimate the power of hummus.
Was planning to get work done while eating but that was not meant to be. Perhaps I was being punished for working on a PC but the WiFi connection kept dropping. My Mac neighbors didn't seem to be having any problems.
It's likely my computer was the issue and not the cafe. But even if it had worked the hour limit seemed short in comparison to pretty much every other cafe in the city.
Be sure to get something with hummus and feel free to browse the web. Just make sure you eat fast.2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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8/22/2008
Made it back for lunch today, and had an excellent shrimp salad. Tons of shrimp, good portions on… Read more »
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Review from Dodie B.
San Francisco, CA
1/31/2012
This place is convenient and comfortable, and the food I've eaten there is good, as is their tea, but their Wi-fi system is ridiculous. You get an hour for a drink, two hours for food, and that's for one device only. If you make the mistake, like I did, of plugging the code into your smartphone, you can't use it in your laptop.
When you enter there is a line of Hario single drip cones, but when I asked for a cup of coffee it was squirted from a thermal container. It was lukewarm, grainy, and tasted like mud. I understood why everybody else around me had espresso drinks. -
Review from Tiffany W.
Fremont, CA
1/14/2012
On a beautiful Saturday (today), I was sitting at home on the computer and thought to myself, "I wanna get out on this nice day to a coffee shop." Hanging out at coffee shops with my laptop is something I miss doing - this was something I did very often while still in school and also during my length of unemployment. So today, I looked for somewhere near home with coffee & wifi, and Epicenter being one of the results, I chose to make a visit.
I chose to go to Epicenter because they are an independent coffee shop, and their menu, reviews, and wifi availability was exactly what I was looking for. When I got to Epicenter, I realized that I had passed by before and was curious about this place.
I love the interior of this place - clean lines, lots of wood... Clean and sleek yet inviting and comfy. Service is also friendly, and coffee and food are great. I ordered a latte and it was very delicious - great espresso shot with a very nice milk and foam on top. And yay for latte art =)
I hung out here for a bit on my laptop and loved it. Also love that they use Barefoot - not only a great roaster, but I used to frequent the original location lots when I lived in San Jose - another place that I love! -
Review from Mariko F.
Updated - 1/6/2012 3 Check-ins Here
Food is still good and all that jazz. They have updated their wifi policy which means that you can only get wifi access for up to 2 hours. Here's how it works. If you buy something, they give you a code for the wifi, which works for either 1 or 2 hours, depending on how much you spent. The wifi WILL go off after your time limit. All you have to do is go and buy something else.
Although it's a bit annoying, it makes business sense. On the upside, it means that you will generally always find a place to sit, even with your laptop.Listed in: Work from coffee shop days
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/9/2009
I headed to Epicenter Cafe with a Groupon that I had gotten. On a nice, sunny, Sunday morning, I… Read more »
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Review from Zoe F.
San Francisco, CA
1/27/2012
Epicenter is a SOMA gem. Believe it or not, there's really not much great coffee in SOMA. Specialty's (a few locations nearer to and on Market St.) carries Intelligentsia from Chicago, the Little Skillet spot has a Blue Bottle kiosk, but otherwise it's not that great. Epicenter is a nice and much needed exception, especially if you want a good plain black drip coffee.
They have REALLY good bagels, perfectly toasted, and they're reliable. I don't hang out in the space much as I work nearby, but we have a standing daily order and house account with Epicenter for our start-up. They have an order ready for us for pick up at the same time every morning, and everything is always perfectly done and ready. This service for us has been terrific. We've also done a few initial interviews at Epicenter, due to our tiny, loud office space. Thanks, Epicenter! -
Review from Olivia A.
San Francisco, CA
2/5/2012
I came here after some researching for a place with wi-fi and a comfortable working environment. I arrived in early evening. I wanted some dinner and americano while getting some work done. Perfect environment. There's some people here to enjoy the ambiance, some here to work. It wasn't noisy, but how a cafe should be...with really good food. I will be coming back to get some more stuff done!
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Review from Allison M.
San Francisco, CA
12/7/2011 1 Check-in Here
I made the Sunday morning, sleepy-head 8:00 a.m. trek out of bed. My only mission was to find a nice, wi-fi-enabled spot with good coffee, so that my mundane routine of couch-potato studying (intermixed, of course, with cooking carb-based foods and then doing half of Jillian Michaels' 30 day shred) could be broken up.
Shop opens at 8:00, according to the door. My arrival time: 8:16. Doors were closed, and locked, and it was cold out. A few minutes passed before a sleepy-head employee unlocked the doors. There were no words spoken. There was no eye-contact made. She knew she was late. And she knew I knew. And I knew she knew I knew....
I let her have a few moments more before I entered the little shop. Sun was pouring in through the windows, which felt good. With apathy, she slid a menu across the counter. With apathy, I said, "large coffee, please?" I took a seat in the sun and sat for a moment, before pulling out my laptop. Sunday mornings should move slowly.
My cup was brewed to order. It was strong and good- Barefoot Coffee, which I hadn't had before. After I few sips, I was finally "on." On and warm. I was a little in shock as to why the employee didn't make herself a cup... but no worries. Everyone wakes up on their own time, especially on Sundays.Listed in: Cup o' coffee?, psychoSOMAtic.
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Review from Ashley K.
San Francisco, CA
I really like this coffee shop. It serves Barefoot Coffee and does it really well. They may be just as good as the originals in the South Bay, but don't tell anyone I wrote that.
They have a fair selection of pastries, which makes for a great little morning run on my way to work. Almond croissants!
The interior is pretty refreshing, with concrete accents and what seems to be rotating art. It's spacious enough to work at a table for a few hours alone, and yet they have couches if you're just in the mood to chill.
The name Epicenter is quite funny, almost ironic, because their location is anything but the central point of something. They're somewhere in between the ballpark and downtown, in the middle of 3rd and 4th, with condos and industrial spaces surrounding them. Doesn't make sense to me, but maybe if you sit there long enough the meaning reveals itself. -
Review from Omar Y.
San Francisco, CA
1/13/2012
Broad range of foods, comfy seating (3 couches), and decent Wi-Fi. The only down side is that the free connection lasts an hour, and you are logged off without warning. But the food was quite tasty. I'll be back!
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Review from Jessica J.
Redwood City, CA
Thank YOU Yelpers! Yesterday... Not only did I want to hug the Barista at Epicenter, but I wanted to hug several of you whose reviews of this place made me certain it was THE place for me to work remotely while waiting for my Executive's Passport to be processed. So, YAY!
This place was amazing! A hop & a skip around the corner from the US Passport office as well as the garage I had parked my car in for the day.
They had the door open so the fresh air came through... lots of natural light coming in & a variety of things you could consume! the staff was friendly right away & I really appreciated that. I hadn't ever needed a Cyber Cafe to work remotely, so I wasn't feeling super confident.
I ordered my Soy Mocha "for here" and a Bagel Sandwich (OMG it's GOOD) to start my day out of the office RIGHT!
Ready for this? The Barista makes his OWN chocolate sauce! YAH BABY! One sip of that mocha in its short stubby red mug and I was ADDICTED. As I finished my last sip of mocha I noticed that I felt sad. After a couple surprise glances at the mug and saucer... you know JUST IN CASE I missed something and there might be ONE MORE SIP in there?!?... I jumped up and joyfully skipped over to the Barista... smiling sheepishly like I was about to confess my love for a total stranger. "Soooo, I might become a ferret after this request... but I REALLY NEED to have more of that AMAZING MOCHA!" He just laughed and explained to me that he knows they are addicting and that is when he let me in on the secret that he makes his own sauce. MmmmMmmm OMG YUM!
So after I used my 2 hours of secured Wi-fi (LOVIN IT, yet?) I decided that the colorful chalkboard had done it's job to lure me to stay... They had a special of the day - Lamb Sliders! 2 Lamb Slider burgers with a really crisp mixed green salad that had THE PERFECT amount of balsamic dressing on it. I ate every last bite.
The only thing I regret is not having to work in the city more often... well, that and I REALLY wanted to order a glass of wine there yesterday! Yep, they sell wine! Oh, IM GONNA BE BACK... You can count on that. Thank you, Epicenter Cafe! You guys are Awesome!
and they're CUTE too! *** For all you single ladies that appreciate the SF Handsome vibe on your Barista.Listed in: It's 8am... Do you know where…
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Review from Lolia S.
San Francisco, CA
9/24/2011 3 photos
Laptop camper here. This used to be a serious laptop camping spot. I've camped at Epicenter a few times and they've driven me away with their new 1 hour free wi-fi limit. It's a shame because they have good coffee (Barefoot Roasters) and good but expensive food.
They have pastries, tartines (open faced sandwiches), soups, flatbread pizzas, meatballs, lamb sliders, shepherd's pie, wine, and more. Happy hour is M-F from 5-8 PM.
* Bagel w/ cream cheese $6: a small bagel, toasted, with plenty of cream cheese and salmon, tiny bit of onion, some capers, a bit of lemon zest, better than average
* Latte $4.25 - nice foam art and great flavor, very smooth yet bold, milk added richness
It's sad to not feel welcome at a café that you like.
You know you love me. X0 X0, laptop camper.Listed in: Confessions of a Coffeeaholic, Free wi-fi + Food in SF
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Review from Ramil C.
San Jose, CA
Updated - 10/10/2011
Stopped by for the first time since my last review, and they have since changed their WiFi rules. You get 1-2 hours with each purchase; this is so much better than the single 1 hour limit I complained about before. I buy various drinks, snacks, and lunch throughout the day so it works out.
I'm glad I can start coming here again because their food and service is excellent. There was even a free beverage available for me on my frequent visitors card I had earned months ago.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/22/2011
Agree w/Eric G. Used to come here often, but can't anymore with the new WiFi limits. Als, wish… Read more »
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Review from Rae L.
Redwood City, CA
Updated - 1/24/2012
Taking off one star from my previous review because I went back a couple of days later with a friend. I ordered a cup of black coffee and the cashier informed me that they had to make a fresh pot, which was fine. But after a little over 20 minutes, I still had not gotten my coffee, and all the baristas were talking a break because there hadn't been any new customers in a while. I finally approached one of them and asked about my order, and he said he would take care of it right away. When he gave me the coffee, there was no apology and only a terse explanation of how the coffee was made but they just forgot to give it to me. I think I understand where the negative reviews of the service come from now, though there were other baristas who were really nice.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/21/2012
Nice place to get some work done, with plenty of outlets and free wifi contingent upon purchase.… Read more »
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Review from Eric O.
San Francisco, CA
12/30/2011
The coffee here is excellent, and the interior is super nice too -- definitely a good place to hang out for a few hours and get some work done.
One warning: the food is pretty good but the portions are kinda small for the price. -
Review from Adrian P.
11/17/2011 1 Check-in Here
I didn't try their coffee (I'm not much of a coffee drinker), and this is, after all, a coffee shop, so take my review with a grain of salt. I did try two of their entree dishes, though, so I can speak to those.
The portions are *tiny* and nowhere near delicious enough for the hefty price tag ($12 for a Shepherd's pie that was basically the size of a small pancake). My girlfriend had the baked beans which were in an equally small container. Both were unremarkable.
The place does have free wi-fi, roomy tables, and friendly staff though. Maybe their coffee is out of this world, I don't know. But I definitely wouldn't plan a brunch here if you're hungry. -
Review from jeff h.
San Francisco, CA
12/18/2011
I would give them 3.5. I have been here 3 times, coffee is good and the mochas are good. Like the couches and the 2 hour free wifi. Reason i give it 3 stars is the following: while i was being helped by the nice girl at the counter the barista was talking to her very loudly at the same time. Something about his relationships and how you get girls. Then he started singing "don't stop believing" very loudly, I put on my headphones so i didn' have to listen to it. He then put on music on loud enough to make it hard for people to read. He then proceeded to lay down on one of the couches for 5 minutes. I get the whole I'm artsy and too good for this, but come on man.
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Review from Christiana R.
San Francisco, CA
11/30/2011
I loved this place...delicious lattes, good location, a ton of seating, and wi-fi but everything changed tonight. The worker had a bunch of his friends over and just paid no attention to what was going on in the cafe. I mean, it's fine if your friends visit you at work, whatever, but having them go behind the counter and frolic around the cafe made this visit VERY unpleasant. I felt trashy just being in there. This visit compelled me to write this review. The workers here are usually great and super friendly but I just happened to come on the wrong night and now it's ruined my view of this place forever. Darn, because the soy lattes are so good....
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Review from Francesca m.
South San Francisco, CA
9/25/2011
Right next to the whole foods. I can never find street parking so I just park in the whole foods parking lot since I end up shopping at whole foods anyways.
I've had the salmon tartine open faced sandwich. It was delicious and fresh. The salmon didn't have that nasty fishy taste. It tasted perfect. The side salad was also really good.
I think the prices are fair for the food. I haven't tried the coffee yet but I wish I could. I'm trying hard to stay away from caffeine since I used to be so addicted to espresso shots.
They offer wi-fi as long as your a customer. I believe there is a 2 hour time limit though. Not that many hipsters as I expected but where in the city do you go that doesn't have hipsters. Customer service has always been ok. There have a been a few guys I've encountered that seem kind of moody but I don't give shit about their attitude. I'm there to eat and use wi-fi. -
Review from Sofya N.
San Francisco, CA
12/19/2011
I'm a coffee specialist and it is not that easy for me to find a place that has REALLY GOOD COFFEE and nice food at the same time. The Epicenter has both! Totally worth a 15-minute ride instead of searching for something in my area. I'm bringing my friends there each time we want to have a meal in a relaxing atmosphere.
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Review from James V.
San Jose, CA
9/16/2011 1 Check-in Here
Such a great spot. I am so glad I discovered it! The coffee was delicious, brewed for me in 4 minutes - fresh flavor with depth.
The Nicoise salad was real good too.
Customer service was a 10! And the overall ambiance was very appealing. -
Review from Mindy B.
San Francisco, CA
12/11/2011
Just witnessed out of control customer give the barista of bunch of S#*$ for no reason. She maintained her poise and did not respond in kind. Kudos to her. If you see a nasty review in the next day or so by an irate customer. Ignore it.
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Review from Sean S.
8/17/2011
In my ongoing quest to discover every third wave coffeehouse in the known universe, I give you this SOMA SF spot.
Big on wifi, and even bigger on espresso, they serve up a triple ristretto off of a La Marzocco, with a serious head of crema.
The R&B music wasn't really doing it, but there sure was plenty of eye candy.
When you order your beverage, be sure to mention you want to use the wireless internet, and they'll hand you a six digit code. Select Epicenter on your wifi, then fire up your browser and enter the code. That's it! -
Review from Andy H.
CA
7/16/2011
NO MORE FREE WIFI. For many months I have been coming here to work. We always order food and coffee and tip very well. Today I spent over $50 on food and drinks for my group and when my wifi code expired I asked for another one. The smug employee told me I had to buy something more. "That's the whole reason we have the codes." The place was 90% empty at this time, by the way. I understand wanting customers to actually buy food and drink but I feel I more than did that much today but they were still all too happy to shuffle me out the door.
I had a short conversation with one of the owners and asked him why they'd instituted the access codes. He said "Way too many startups have been founded out of this place - it's ridiculous." Yeah, well, those are your customers. I won't be one of them any longer.
I thought the wifi was free as a way to say "thanks for putting up with our awful music." -
Review from Kat M.
San Francisco, CA
8/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
Would have never went here if we weren't getting our car detailed. This is a great place to study, east, drink (coffee and beer). I was very surprised by the quality of the food. I had the tuna sandwich and it was not canned tuna!
I wish we lived closer as I would make this my go-to study spot.
Staff: A+
Food: A+ (For a coffeeshop)
Wifi-Free (but only for 2 hours)
Music: Good. -
Review from Frances G.
Dallas, TX
7/12/2011
You know those places that put you at ease the moment you walk through the door? The aroma of rich coffee beans being grinded, the old familiar sound of dishes clanking as they prepare for their morning rush, and the sootthing Feist Pandora station playing softly in the background. Epicenter is that place. After a brisk walk from my hotel in the pleasant 60 degree San Francisco Summer weather we arrived at the adorable, tucked downtown joint.
I immediately ordered a chai latte, because it was a chai latte kind of day. But then was happily surprised to see their impressive menu for a coffee shop. I hastily scanned the menu seeking my favorite dish, and low and behold: Lox and bagel made it to the menu! I excitedly ordered the dish and drank my delicious chai as a waited patiently in the relaxing ambiance for my breakfast. The Lox and Bagel was delightful. I have had a lot of Lox and Bagel in my day. Some in New York Delis and some right here in Dallas, and their Lox and Bagel wasn't the best, but definitely tasty. I think everyone has their own preference to caper and sour cream ratio to the actual smoked salmon. Sometimes too much salmon can be simply too much. After the heavy bread that constitutes the bagel, I feel the salmon should come in smaller portions not compete with the bagel's density.
The service was so friendly, helpful, and totally representative of the low-key San Francisco way. They have free wifi, which is dangerous. If it weren't for my busy schedule I would have a problem leaving and not seeing the reason why I couldn't just stay there all day. What a great way to start the day!Listed in: Wake Up!, Study Hall, I Left My Heart In San…
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Review from Angelica M.
San Francisco, CA
9/18/2011
I didn't have the coffee so i'm just reviewing on the everything bagel with cream cheese, the pb and chocolate cookie and the service.
Everything bagel w/ cream cheese: a bit overly toasted and took awhile to come out. I think the 1 kitchen prep guy was busy making something else. Overall, a good bagel though.
The pb and chocolate coookie: good. the same price as bagel. (which was odd to me) and pretty hefty.
The service: I felt a bit of an 8am attitude from the front desk guy. Not friendly.
Overall clean place, if I lived in the area I'd probably use it for WIFI etc. -
Review from David S.
11/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
It's about as cozy as a coffee shop can get without free WiFi.
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Review from Daniel Levis K.
San Marcos, TX
7/17/2011 1 Check-in Here
Epicenter serves a gourmet gas-station tasting coffee, not my cup of choice, but the professional care and preparation of their drinks and chill ambience makes this cafe a definite must sip.
Epicenter has a loft-esque, half-finished modern look, with cute hanging lights alongside exposed concrete walls with bared electrical pipe. There is plenty of pale-wood tables, several of the big ones reserved for groups, and plugins for laptops throughout.
Another highlight is that Epicenter plays a great selection of laid-back music from electronic to hop hop to coolkid pop favorites. Though I'm from out of town, I felt comfortable at this cafe right away, specifically owing to the chill ambience and the welcoming, unpretentious attitude of the baristas. -
Review from Anne Marie S.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 6/26/2011
I come here mostly in the late afternoon and evenings and have witnessed a change in staff over the past year and a half since I began eating and drinking here, but they are still as friendly as ever.
I am loving the new additions to the dessert case and dinner menu - rustic cheesecake from scratch with fresh strawberry compote? Macaroni and cheese with kale? Meatballs in fresh marinara? yum!
Speaking of new, there is now a time limit on the free wi-fi... this is sad, but you can thank the droves of people who sit on their laptops for hours and treat the space like their own personal office/conference room for that. I'm a firm believer in the idea that if you want to use a space, you pay for your right to be there. That means buying more than a $2 coffee every 2 hours. If you want a quiet space and don't want to open your wallet, go to the library. Stop whining about the time limit and buy something to support the business you're sitting in.
Rant finished.
The Barefoot coffee is still fantastic and they've even added a pour over bar for a SUPER fresh and well made cup of coffee. Not to mention, I'm still impressed with the rather obscure and tasty beer and wine selection.
Keep up the great work!Listed in: Caffeine Me, Please.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/12/2010
What? Cute GUY baristas??? It's about time.
Oh yeah, the espresso is great and the food is pretty… Read more »
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Review from vivace K.
San Francisco, CA
12/4/2011
With all that i had read i was shocked to be asked by the barista "is that espresso for here or to go??". I almost just walked out at that moment. But its soma...a bit of an espresso desert so...i figured ...who knows maybe they get a lot of clueless customers via whole foods taking their espresso in nasty paper cups that soak up all the creme. Wait did they just call me clueless??? im very confused.
Anyway as i feared the espresso was a bit bland and longer than i expected. Maybe the barista wasnt the usual one? Decided to give them a second try on a weekday morning when youd think the main barista would be working...same guy...gave them a 3rd try yesterday and only slightly better that time and again was asked if i wanted it 'to go'.
Sadly its not any better than Sightglass...
the atmosphere is soma sterile...a little like whole foods...and they bugged me about some kind of internet access code nonsense...which i didnt even want...i just wanted to have a good espresso and read my paper for a few minutes...i had to belt out 'i dont want it i dont want it!!' ..very odd....i got a look like i was turning down cash money...not sure whats really going on with this place...
Next time i get asked if i want it 'to go' im gonna be the one that is going! -
Review from Artur R.
San Francisco, CA
7/16/2011
I would give this place 3.5 stars any day, but their recent 1 to 2 hour Wi-Fi enforcement is ridiculous and gives me no reason to go anymore. The coffee is not the best, nor is the food, but the former atmosphere buzzing with people made up for it where the other 2 lacked. Great place to work; it filled a niche. That is now gone.
I've been a loyal customer since they opened -- either for a quick coffee or to come in on Saturdays to get lunch, a beer, and to get some work done. They are killing their #1 customers: the startup crowd. I will not be back. -
Review from Jenny B.
San Francisco, CA
6/23/2011
The coffee and baked goods selection is fine. Music + ambiance a bit loud.
But the wifi limits! 1 hour for a coffee, 2 hours for $10+ order, enforced even when the coffee shop is empty. I guess I won't be coming here to work. -
Review from Trevor L.
5/16/2011 1 Check-in Here
Ditto to what the rest of the yelpers said. Good coffee, great location, plenty of room and bright lighting for studying.
Service, was anything but friendly. I went yesterday, on Sunday and took a few of my friends visiting southern california. I read great reviews about the place so I decided to go. Walking in, everything was nice and clean. The guy at the cashier, a tall caucasian guy with curly hair, kind of just stood there and didn't really greet us. We walked up and ordered four lattes, and I asked for my friends (who were girls) if they wanted to try to get the foam with the bear drawn in (I saw it in the yelp pictures), they got so excited, just bubbling with glee saying how cute it was. Before I even finished asking "can I have the bear"--the cashier goes "NO." Without a smile, without anything. It was SO awkward because I thought he was kidding and being sarcastic. After a few awkwardly silent seconds, my friends were like "oh no? then.. it's okay" and trying to save the mood.
So I asked the curly haired dirty blonde cashier why not, what drink has it then?? He said, "There was a guy who used to work here that did that, that's all, it's not something we do." And then he continued, "The only design im going to give you is the design that shows up when i pour the milk... i mean, if you want a bear drawn in, just take a toothpick and draw it in yourself. There's nothing special about it. A four year old can do it."
Confused and a bit offended, I just said alright, paid and waited for my drink. Behind the counter, I heard him continue on about the foam drawing to his co-worker (in a very audible tone), "They just asked me to draw a bear in their foam. Like what is this, I'm not going to compete about if I can draw little pictures inside your coffee. I don't get it. I'm like, just get a toothpick and do it yourself. I'm here to make coffee..."
After hearing that I was just speechless. I'm the type of person to always say please and thank you and smile whenever I order, whether they smile back to me or not. It was really uncalled for in my opinion when that guy treated my friends and me like a nuisance when were just asking for what was advertised and shown on their yelp page. Really do not know what was up the guy's behind, but he could really use an attitude change.
I would have gone back to study another time, but after contemplating what that guy said, it really doesn't make sense to subject myself to that type of rudeness. -
Review from Yvette F.
San Francisco, CA
11/19/2011
I've been here a few times since they've opened and am always charmed by the space and the food items they have to offer. It's just a warm environment in a modernist way :-) The food is fine, nothing really stood out. I am just glad that I have more to choose from than just the regular cafe fare. Today, for instance, I had a pesto focaccia pizza, my mom had the pulled pork sandwich. My pizza was good, took care of my hunger. My mom enjoyed her sandwich, which tasted solid, average to me. I wouldn't mind going back again when I'm in that part of town for a quick, casual bite.
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Review from Michelle T.
San Francisco, CA
10/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
What a cute place -- and what delicious coffee! I had an afternoon meeting there and it was clean, bright, and uncrowded. Very relaxed but vibrant atmosphere - and incredibly friendly people work there. I would love to go back sometime - unfortunately they are a little out of the way and parking is kind of tough in that neighborhood.
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Review from Mike J.
San Francisco, CA
7/16/2011
Very solid little cafe with good coffee and friendly service.
I haven't been here in awhile only because it's not very close to my neighborhood but I must admit, reading the handful of recent negative reviews by Whiners who are outraged by the new Wi-Fi enforcement actually makes me want to go back SOON.
It really sucks how so many coffee shops are now overrun by these parasites who buy a small cup of coffee and then proceed to camp out all day long in front of their laptop whilst simultaneously bellowing into their cell phone, plotting their wonderful start-up that's going to take the world by storm. Guess what, Coffee Shop Entrepreneurs, the rest of us DON'T want to hear it, and these places don't stay in business by providing you with a free office space!
GOOD FOR YOU, EPICENTER, THANKS FOR TAKING A STAND! -
Review from alvin v.
San Francisco, CA
6/3/2011
I work next door to this place. I only come here for free wi-fi, maybe like everybody else I see hangin out with with their MacBooks and iPads. I order coffee once each time and loved every sip. The only downside is the house music they play which is all "melancholic and flat liner groove" tunes. I guess Christian Lander would agree with me on that. LOL!
Brew on SOMA coffee shops! -
Review from Angela L.
5/15/2011
DRINK:
1.) Tea
SERVICE:
Definitely opposite of bubbly.
ATMOSPHERE:
Good number of outlets. Perfect place to do work on the laptop. Love how a lot of website game developers meet up here to talk about work. I feel smarter just listening to them :). Lot of people getting work done, feeding off their productivity energy. Love how other business people meet up here for a business lunch, talk about what it's like to be the CEO of the company. -
Review from Teena Marie T.
San Francisco, CA
4/27/2011
I have visited Epicenter on two occasions -
Both times taking advantage of their free wifi while enjoying a breakfast sandwich and mocha. The mocha I must say.... best mocha I've ever had!
I really wanted to upgrade them to 5 stars today, but they closed at 7:30 rather than 10:00, as advertised by their website. The barista, noticing my despair, gave me a couple of pastries with my Americano. Anyway, I still like this place -- they have free wifi and good lighting, which makes it a good office away from the office. The staff is always very friendly, and I'm impressed with how the owner actually reads and responds to Yelp reviews.
