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Farley's
Categories: Food Coffee & Tea Shopping Books, Mags, Music and Video Coffee & Tea, Books, Mags, Music and Video [Edit]
1315 18th St(between Texas St & Missouri St)
San Francisco, CA 94107
Neighborhood: Potrero Hill
(415) 648-1545
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 6:30 am - 9:30 pm
Sat-Sun 7:30 am - 9:30 pm
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
385 reviews for Farley's
Review Highlights
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"They have lots of board games so that's kinda fun." In 21 reviews -
"It's simply a genuine neighborhood cafe." In 8 reviews -
"Laid back atmosphere, good drinks, and big tables." In 5 reviews
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385 reviews in English
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Review from Matthew L.
San Francisco, CA
5/23/2012
Waiting for some friends here was an excellent decision. My wife was in dire need of caffeine, and made the brilliant decision to try their iced mocha. We soon discovered that this place not only has a nifty magazine rack, lots of seating, and free wi-fi, but also the best damn mocha EVER.
I don't even LIKE coffee or espresso, and I loved this thing. It was rich, flavorful, and had the right amount of chocolate without being overly sweet. My wife also purchased a banana, and while I did not try it, she seemed to be of the opinion that it was, in fact, a banana. So there's that.
A happy wife is a happy life - so if yours is feeling cranky and Needs Caffeine Badly, take her here. -
Review from Jackie G.
5/16/2012 1 Check-in Here
Farley's, a fave cafe in Potrero Hill, has niceoutdoor seating area along with a cozy indoor tables and bench/couch by the window with ample light.
Oh, don't forget to know that it is one of the few cafes left in SF with a magazine stand!Listed in: The Hill
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Review from Rachel J.
2/19/2012
Farley's is a really lovely neighborhood establishment. It seems that past reviewers have noted issues with rude staff (wait... am I still in New York??) as well as increasing prices and less comfortable chairs, but - oddly enough - these Yelpers never reviewed Farley's when they liked it, and only reviewed the place once it "went south."
I'm here to report that Farley's has again soared... north. The coffee is delicious, the ambiance is cozy, and the woman behind the counter was so generous that I tipped her extra. It's a cafe, so no, they don't have a huge menu. Want lunch? Go around the corner to Papito for a burrito, and come back when you want a cuppa java. Sheesh.
There's seating indoors as well as a faux-grass park with benches and tables outside, which is downright endearing. I love the Border's-like array of magazines for purchase, just in case you came to work but would prefer to procrastinate. There's free wi-fi, but herein lies my only complaint (god forbid I shouldn't have one): it runs out after 2 hours. My friend insisted that if I "kept logging on" I could beat the system, but no such luck. Oh well, I suppose they have to make money somehow. After 2 hours my drink was cold, my scone was gone, and there were 3 people eager to fill the window seat.
Oh! And there are free refills! Score! -
Review from Lilly I.
San Francisco, CA
2/19/2012
I am one of those laptopping grad students who goes to Farley's to fight the loneliness of being a long-form writer. Free wifi, power strip, and people who are decent about sharing tables when it gets crowded.
But my favorite thing about Farley's? The baristas. Or the baristas' music more specifically. I get so bored with my iTunes and then pop over to Farley's to find ridiculously obscure but rocking new wave, noise rock, math rock, Kate Bush (what category would she even be in?). Some people complain about the music, but I hope Farley's baristas' do not succumb to those complainers' desires for synthetic versions of soothing Kenny G.
Other favorite thing -- there was a long haired, Asian man barista-ing a few years ago. I had a terrible morning and went in. He asked how it was going. I told him it was pretty sucky. He brilliantly gestured to New Potrero Market next door and suggested that Jameson's goes well with cappuccino. 10 minutes later, baby Jameson's flask in hand, I learned how right he was. And in case anyone has issues with people drinking moderately and responsibly on the job, he definitely did not did not have any jameson's in my company. no no. -
Review from Elsa M.
How adorbs is this cafe? My cousins live nearby and two of us popped in on St. Patty's Day for a hot tea before heading over to Plow for breakfast (this shop doesn't serve food). We were totally in for a fun surprise: a live Irish band (complete with violin, guitar, and some other instrument that slips my mind now) were there to treat the crowd in light of the holiday.
When we walked back out about an hour later, a man on a bagpipe was bringing it as well. So cool! I am not a fan of bagpipes, but I am a fan of talent and all the musicians were really talented. Beyond St. Patty's Day, you can tell that Farley is the type of place that really supports local artists, which I appreciate. Many of their painting hung on the way and the set up of the cafe itself seemed like they must have had a hand in the design. Very nice. I wish there were a shop like this in my own neighborhood, but for now I will just continue to stop by when I am visiting my fam. -
Review from Byron L.
Sunnyvale, CA
4/6/2012 1 Check-in Here
Coffee was a little stingy and and the milk was not fresh. I had to go afterwards. I usually have fine stomach when I drink coffee at other places. And I love coffee!
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Review from Nicole L.
San Francisco, CA
4/9/2012
Farley's makes one of the best lattes in the city--bold, creamy, minimal acidity--well, only if you know to ask for a DOUBLE SHOT. They also carry Sandbox Bakery pastries--always a major plus in my book--in addition to a wide range of magazines, from the commercial to obscure and foreign. What's adorable is their fake lawn patch out front where you can sit and pretend you're on your own porch.
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Review from Victor G.
12/15/2011
Farley's is a pretty cozy, compact place to hang out. there are couple racks of mags for patrons to browse gratis. the tables and chairs are too close for my comfort. i am really fortunate not to havespin hot coffee on anyone as i exited. it's that cramped here.
drink:
-coffee(2) black as usual
de la paz coffee is featured now. pretty smooth brew,
bold taste, little acidity, no harshness.
not a robust flavor but silky smooth in texture.
coffee drips:
-benches and chairs outside shop as well
-de la paz coffee easily drinkable, could be a rotating fav.
-shop nice but too cramped for me....Listed in: the beans about coffee,,,
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Review from Leslie K.
Oakland, CA
3/11/2012
Went there today for the first time without having read a single review.
First customer of the day.
NO GREETING, NO good morning, NO welcome. IGNORE! They wouldn't have noticed if I didnt place order and just walked out to a place where someone would say hello as I walked in door.
Beyond unfriendly. Felt hostile.
Tried their darndest to ignore me while I placed order.
Never thanked me for order.
Really? Neighbourhood coffeeshop?? Blech. Beyond disappointing. -
Review from John S.
San Francisco, CA
10/30/2011
What San Francisco coffeehouse doesn't have food? I don't need a seasonal lunch menu or scones to die for or free-range chickens that led happy lives until you decided to slit their throats humanely, but I would appreciate a bagel. Or toast. Or maybe even--gasp--a sandwich.
But Farley's has none of this. What it does have is coffee. And there are games and magazines, so it looks really promising, actually. Except that it's huge. That's a positive thing, right? Well, no, because despite its impressive square footage, it has managed to lay itself out so poorly that there are relatively few places to sit, and all of these places are crowded around one another.
The last time I was here, this blowhard who used to live in the neighborhood was literally walking around striking up conversations with people he used to know/work with/bother. Despite the fact that no one seemed to be interested in what he was saying, he went on and on about how he had to pick up the keys to his Ferrari because his au pair from Denmark wanted to drive it before she returned home and about how he couldn't decide whether to build a house in Marin or Malibu or Miami. I was trying to concentrate on grading, but it was impossible because he kept repeating himself loudly to different people. I was here for at least forty-five minutes, and he was still talking when I left. He hadn't sat down; he was just hovering and carrying on about his shallow, materialistic life.
You can bring in food from next-door Hazel's Kitchen, and that's pretty nice. But the ambiance. It's too big and too cramped at the same time. It's really cold, and while it looks the part, it's not really a San Francisco coffeehouse. Its clientele is just a little bit too--well, like that guy. I know not everyone is like him, but if he felt comfortable doing what he did here and if he used to spend time here, it's likely that many other people are like him. Where were the unkempt grad students, the struggling, strung-out artists? Not at Farley's, apparently.
So two stars it would be, except that there's a doozy of a front step, making the place completely inaccessible to wheelchair users. -
Review from DeathandFood b.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 10/16/2011
The poor decisions just keep on coming at Farley's. The new roast which they proudly proclaim costs more (hipsters seem to have a real love of paying more for less quality) is super sour and weak tasting more like starbucks chain coffee than a local custom roast. The folks have had a month to get the grind and roast right so that isn't the issue. Nope like most of the changes it's a matter of taste. Poor taste.
Roger's son has taken over this place and the changes have not been good. I don't care if they worked in Oakland where he lives but the changes he has made like closing earlier, getting rid of seating and adding really uncomfortable seats and crappy hipster stuff don't improve this place at all. I am for change when it actually makes a place better. His changes haven't. Also a coffee shop does not need a "creative director" ever.
Most of the folks that work there have always been nice and sweet to me and it will still be my local place, I just don't believe in "fixing" things that aren't broken.Listed in: Potrero Hill
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/27/2011
Farley's is a traditional neighborhood coffee shop. It doesn't pretend to be some architecturely… Read more »
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Review from Liz S.
Updated - 3/7/2012
So here's the deal. Farley's owner wrote me a really cool, caring response to my review. Did it fix the problem? I'll see the next time I go back. What really matters is because he took the time to reach out to me, I WILL go back. Well done, and for that you get a star-up for professionalism and customer service.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/12/2012
Farley's is so nice inside, homey and inviting. I love the parklet outside.
The coffee is pretty… Read more »
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Review from Josie M.
11/7/2011
De la paz latte $3.50. Solid.
Great mellow spot for doing some work. -
Review from Denise B.
3/4/2012 4 Check-ins Here
I LOVED Farley's. I think I had the best Latte of my life here! The environment is very fun to be in both inside and outside. They roast their own beans and I purchased some as well to take home. Great coffee! I will try to go here as often as possible!
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Review from Veronica H.
San Francisco, CA
11/6/2011
Update: After I wrote my review, I received a personal note from Farley's and I have to say, I was impressed. They are aware that service hasn't been great. But mostly, the message they sent was very considerate. Bumped it up from 2 stars to 3 stars. I really appreciate their concern and it shows a lot about their efforts. Now if that service thing were to improve, it'd be even better. But for now, I'll come back and ignore that other stuff.
**************
I only come here because the location is convenient and they have seating (although it gets full during busy times). But that's about it. Their coffee is okay. I usually get lattes and the ones here have been good or just okay. Food selection is just your typical sweets (cookies, fruit bar stuff, etc.). What I don't care for is the occasional surly, unfriendly face behind the counter. Too bad. Also they just take cash.
Clientele is fine. Pretty typical city cafe people with their laptops and conversations. Not overrun by any particular type in my opinion. There's an interesting mix on the weekend. -
Review from Frank O.
San Francisco, CA
3/8/2012
Love this place! Have been coming here for years, stopping in to get a cup of coffee for my drive down the peninsula to work. Cool neighborhood vibe and great coffee too.
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Review from Erika C.
Waited for my Plow table here.
Mediocre mocha using beans from De La Paz roasters. Maybe I'm not a coffee pro yet. My mocha tasted too milky.
Almond croissant was good.
I liked the decor and music. Loved the barista's attitude! Fun, friendly guy. -
Review from grace v.
San Francisco, CA
11/5/2011
DECEMBER:
I revisited Farley's and the espresso is better now... I still prefer the former roast. Everything else about the place is still great.
NOVEMBER:
I like Farley's a great deal in all of its aspects: Nice space, good baristas, pastries, prices, location, atmosphere, music. I liked the espresso a lot until it just changed this month. I am not especially picky, finicky or pretentious about coffee. So I am totally bummed out because the espresso they just changed to tastes bad to me. I have tried the new espresso on five separate occasions. It is different every time - which is not a great thing - but it just doesn't taste good to me. I hope it will change. I will revisit in a few months - for now I will look for another place.
I want the owner to know this because it is important information to have. Maybe everyone else likes it except me - that would be okay too. Maybe other people will register their opinion of the new coffee. -
Review from O K.
San Francisco, CA
3/5/2012
This is really a 4.5star review. I really like this place and come here often. Coffee is great, little treats are good, friendly and quick service, free WiFi, some space to plop down and do some work, and an AMAZING lunch place nextdoor with delicious, home-made, reasonably-priced food. Neighborhoody feel.. some tables outside, including a parklet :) I just wish the accomodations were a little more comfy (chairs/tables/etc) and would match up with the feel of the interior a little better (thus minus half a star).
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Review from Soo Jung R.
Berkeley, CA
2/26/2012 1 Check-in Here
Relatively quiet but still has a vibrant air. Mostly not youth, but still cool. Has lots of different boardgames and magazines! Played Fact or Crap, and it was funnnn :D Americano was $2.50, completely worth it thinking of how much it would cost to buy one magazine/boardgame.
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Review from K N.
San Francisco, CA
2/21/2012
Farley's is the best coffee house on Potrero Hill, by a long shot. It has a great community atmosphere, it's open late, tons of great magazines, and some of my favorite board games. My only complaint is the cups. There's only one size. I know I sound like a gluttonous American right now but, sometimes you just need more than one shot of espresso in your latte. I'm also a huge fan of their patio. It's an enclosed space with some faux grass, very cute and cozy! Viva La Farley's! :D
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Review from David J.
San Francisco, CA
7/30/2011
I have lived in Potrero Hill for two months and only stumbled upon Farley's about a month ago. I feel as though I have been cheating myself for having not explored my new neighborhood a bit sooner.
The staff is pleasant and professional and the overall atmosphere of the place is comfortable. The refills are free so keep in mind that if we went to Starbucks or Peet's we'd pay for our refills. I really like this place. -
Review from Katy L.
San Francisco, CA
9/17/2011
Huge bookshelf of mags, crazy mix of chairs and tables, Mariah Heartbreaker playing, faux grass sitting area outside -that's what you will get here.
I want to come back for the live shows. -
Review from Betty C.
1/24/2012 1 Check-in Here
I love this place! Cute neighborhood coffee shop in Portrero Hills. Browse magazines while enjoying your coffee. Is there a better place to spend some relaxation time?
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Review from Elisa L.
San Francisco, CA
2/3/2012 1 Check-in Here
Cozy coffee place, I believe they have free wifi (saw from other customers) but I never used it. Their cookies are delicious and fresh (went in during the evening), and also had their Earl Grey Tea. Very reasonable prices!
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Review from Bobby C.
San Francisco, CA
7/26/2011
I'm not a frequent visitor, but I saw the reviews for this place while I was getting GPS directions, and I was expecting them to visibly spit in my coffee.
I think the management got the message. The staff was gratuitously friendly - like, under orders to be charming. Dude even complimented my T-shirt. Reward their managerial response to your reviews by giving them your business. -
Review from Bill B.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 5/14/2011
Great space in a unique SF location - the heart of Potrero Hill.
If you want to be glared at and made to feel like a second class citizen, you no longer have to buy a plane ticket to Paris.
I was so excited when I moved right around the corner from Farley's two years ago. The first few mornings I went in for coffee the people behind the counter were unbelievably rude. I just figured everyone has a bad day, and the place is busy - it is early - the work can be hard. I understand. I waited tables and worked in cafes for ten years before, during and after college.
This experience of INSANELY RUDE servers on the morning shift turned out to be the rule, not the exception. So I started asking my neighbors about their experience at Farley's. Everyone had very similar horrible stories. Some said they still go there out of convenience, but many said they go elsewhere.
Unless you are practicing for your next trip to Paris, avoid Farley's at all costs.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/6/2010
Farley's is hands down the rudest business I've ever frequented, and the coffee is mediocre at best.… Read more »
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Review from Daniel Q.
San Francisco, CA
1/1/2012
I've lived in Potrero Hill for four years and Farley's used to be my standard coffee shop, but La Stazione has replaced it because the Ritual coffee is better (than the previous roaster used by Farley's). Even so, until earlier this year, I was still regularly going to Farley's because it was a great place for work for a few hours while drinking coffee and eating a pastry or two, but the new Farley's is terrible for that. The new (old) "hipster" tables are uncomfortable to use, random heights, and the chairs are even worse. The old Farley's had comfortable seats that I could sit in for more than five minutes. The new random seats are a bloody joke.
Honestly, I haven't tasted the new coffee enough to have an opinion on it because I don't like coming here much nowadays.
Seriously, I think I might go to Starbucks or Whole Foods next time I want to work an hour or two without feeling like an ass. It is that bad now.
They still get three stars because the service is pretty good and the pastries are still excellent (I highly recommend the pumpkin cake with chocolate chips). I have a feeling the new owner will change the pastries too, though. -
Review from Susan C.
San Francisco, CA
4/15/2011
Lovely space, decent menu, great magazine selection, free wifi should be worth a few stars eh?
Most appalling service to the point that I'm of the opinion that anybody who has ever worked in the hospitality industry and has any pride in the trade should blackball this café on principle alone. Hospitality can be an art but most of the time a good attitude will cover you. Farley's staff, you fail. -
Review from Eric B.
5/1/2011
Farley's is my benchmark on which I measure other coffee houses. And if I look at their recent "franchising" into the East Bay, their java vision has appeared to have traveled well.
Farley's had me years ago starting with the Lincoln Logs, magazines, and a cool "living room" environment. They also do black coffee (and the right nosh to go with it) very well.
Beyond that, I love the somewhat hard to find Potrero Hill location, the warm interior and hangout comfort, and the fun and sometimes educational people watching and conversation. Best of all is that with all the shiny new things out there, this Farley's keeps staying who they are. It's a place that I could spend hours (and have). -
Review from Bryan W.
San Francisco, CA
6/12/2011
the coffee, crowd, and games is worth every step I take up the hill to get my caffeine rush.. well its good for my glutes too...since, in this town everyone is advertising their arse one way or another...thus I get to take care of both my fave ass-ets!!
Some snaps and clenches for the CARD program...it keeps me coming back! -
Review from Joseph M.
San Francisco, CA
4/30/2011
I really want to love this place but the attitude is just a little too much. The coffee is good but not great. My advice is go up or down the hill.
Skip it. -
Review from Jim T.
Hayward, CA
2/19/2011
Simply the most unfriendliest bunch of pseudo-hipsters running a coffee shop that I have ever run into. Trust me, your coffee's not that good. You need to show at least some human emotions when taking my money instead of acting like I'm bothering you for a cup of coffee.
I started working in the area about two weeks ago. I like the 18th street area and it's convenient for me even if I have to climb that deadly hill. In the 5 times I've been in Farley's, I've actually gotten maybe five words out of the zombies that work in that place, none of which were, "What would you like?".
Get a clue, I stopped going there and now walk an extra two blocks to go to Starbucks in the UCSF campus. You represent the worst of San Francisco posers. -
Review from Anilorac S.
Oakland, CA
11/13/2011
Until recently, I was a HUGE Farley's customer. Won't be going back for 2 reasons:
1) They recently changed roasters, and the decision was a very bad one - they chose a poor quality roaster. New house blend SUCKS. There is no other word for it. They had a great balanced blend, the F'd up big time replacing it with crappy light roasted beans.
2) WORSE, they raised their prices from $12/lb to $14 for 12 oz. BAD FORM. That's a 56% price increase!
I'm going back to Uncommon Grounds for my beans. Like their t-shirt reads, "Life is Too Short for Shitty Coffee". -
Review from Vince E.
12/21/2011
Quaint neighborhood coffee shop in Potrero Hill. Perfect place to stay out of the cold while waiting for a table at plow
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Review from Kathryn H.
San Francisco, CA
9/14/2011
I stopped in this morning for some coffee and to hang out and use my computer and have had a good experience. The staff is not exactly friendly but I haven't had any problems with them. I've had two cups of coffee and a scone which I've enjoyed.
The atmosphere has been good for working (good music, some light conversations around, good internet), and I've generally enjoyed myself. I'll likely be back again to hang out and get some work done. -
Review from Tom C.
San Francisco, CA
1/30/2011
OMG - Farley's what happened? Are you serious, you charge? I tried to give you ZERO stars but Yelp didn't let me.
Ok, here's the scoop:
Either the poser with the ugly tattoo on his forearm and his coffee mate, the wicked witch with the nasty spider rings, are the following:
A) Haters of the SF Giants and my baseball cap
B) Haters of paying customers
C) HOMOPHOBIC (maybe hates gays who love their City and their Giants team and this odd combination)? I was waiting in line with my boyfriend and waiting with our proud caps.
I have no idea why these disorganized jerks would think they have a right to be so rude to paying customers? What did I do? I hate to say it Farley lovers but I think it is C above. I have never gotten such rude treatment. These baristas (vitriolic baristas) were very angry. I hope that they are not now the owners? I remember the old gentleman years ago who would be quite hospitable to coffee entusiasts - he was the owner and drew a loyal following.
This is so sad. Farley's was the best place in the ate 80's and early 90's to go, hang out, read and enjoy some peace and quiet with smart, nice folks.
Now it's a nasty place. If this what their idea of being a hipster is about in the Big City, give me San Jose any day.
Get lost vitriol Tattoo Man and Witch coffee attendees! -
Review from Miika m.
Updated - 1/4/2011
Adoration.
I'm so happy to see this place still here amidst the changing environment for most cafes sprouting up all over the city. Farley's has held steadfast with the unassuming exterior and extremely warm interior.
On a recent stroll through the neighborhood, there is no such definitive that lies behind temptation with this establishment. I always find myself drawn in. The wooden plank floors. The books that are out in the open requesting the flipping of the cover or pages, as one feels inclined. The baristas here are warm and conducive to the caffeinated environment and during the summers, the sniffing done by passing dogs is always a warm welcome to my toes in flip flops. Farley's does a fabulous job of inviting the public, especially the locals, in for their daily ration of black gold.
My Breve Latte came foaming over the lip in the traditional large porcelain cup. I took this, cradled between two hands, to one of the many quaint tables and a copy of The Captain's Daughter. I had recently finished reading a Steig Larsson book (upon the recommendation of a friend who had just finished the Millennium series) and had found the modern fiction somewhat entertaining, if not a hard return to reality, given the subject material in that specific title. My latte did a fantastic job of erasing such thoughts. Hot. Creamy. Perfect.
I had a supper gathering to attend to later, so after finishing my latte, decided it was high time to walk further down the block to kill time and rev up my metabolism for what I knew was a feast awaiting me.Listed in: Orgasm for the brain
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/16/2006
For the quiet seduction cast by the warm glow of the wood floor and the inadvertent light emanating… Read more »
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Review from Jennifer M.
Berkeley, CA
1/15/2011
Farley's reminded me of being back in Brooklyn, NY, in a bad way. That was the first time I've really experienced "hipsters" outside of NYC, and I can now confidently say that they're just as annoying on the West coast.
I ordered a small cappuccino with skim milk. The barrista proceeded to ask me if i "was sure" I wanted skim milk, then told me "it's mostly air anyway." He didn't say this in a nice, friendly way, either. I'm all about barristas making good recommendations, but don't be condescending and lecture me on my choice of milk. I asked for skim milk, so give me skim milk please.
I asked another barrista where the bathroom was and she was equally as unfriendly. Then when I was in the bathroom, they have this "Dear Ms. Manners" letter posted on the paper towel dispenser about how it's bad practice to use more than one paper towel when drying your hands because it's bad for the environment. I'm all about saving trees, but next time skip the passive aggressive sign that I wasted 5 minutes of my life reading, and just post a nice friendly reminder to be considerate of the environment, like most places do.
I must say, however, that the cappuccino itself was good. The espresso they used was quite tasty. However, the quality of the drinks, for me personally, is not worth the condescending preachy barristas and the hipster vibe. -
Review from Rene G.
Oakland, CA
3/16/2012
Good coffee, nice atmosphere. A girlfriend of mine once joked to me that the female baristas there don't like other women. Man, did I ever get a taste of that crap. I do have to say that I've been coming here for coffee every time I'm in the area, and the people there have always been cool. But this afternoon I was helped by a young girl who was beyond hostile to me, not in a surly barista way (I've been one of those myself) but in an nasty immature high school mean girl kind of way. I like this place, but I just don't think it's worth dealing with that kind of behavior for a latte.
