On a mobile device? Try our mobile site, optimized for faster browsing.
Categories: Coffee & Tea, Arts & Entertainment [Edit]
Neighborhood: Potrero HillMon-Fri. 6:30 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Sat. 7:30 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Sun. 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Loading...
Kudos to Farley's for hosting cool community events such as the Annual Pet Fest and Pet Parade! The current photo wall (photos taken by Christopher Irion) is wonderful!
http://junbelen.wordpr...
Tasty coffee. And even tastier treats like their chocolate cake and pumpkin chocolate chip cake.… Read more »
Coffee that is strong, black, and bitter...I like my joe just how I like my women.
Farley's delivers every time.
I hadn't heard of Farley's until KTPower took me there last weekend before we went to a show at the Bottom of the Hill. Seems she had a date here a few months back and liked it so much, she decided to take me to check it out. We both love coffee and can be a bit picky, so knowing that she had given it the thumbs up, I was all set to check it out.
We each got the same thing, a soy mocha latte which was splendid from first sip to last. No whip cream here to mess up the cool leaf design the barista makes with the milk on the top of the latte! A great touch showing they just don't hire anyone off the street to be a barista at Farley's.
Being that it's fall and every which way your turn there is something pumpkin to be had, Farley's isn't missing the boat! We split a pumpkin chocolate chip cake that was so loaded with chips it should have been called a chocolate chip pumpkin cake instead of the other way around! Don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with that! So moist, so good, so yummy, we could have eaten a whole tray of them!
Farley's I wish I lived closer to you.... Enjoy!
Great magazine rack, local hangout. Pics of the Halloween pet contest were on the wall- beautifully done.
Baristas were engaged in a fight/argument when I walked it- would be great if they could take it to the back or pay attention to the customer.
Tables a bit close together- found it a little chilly with the door open.
Their coffee is delicious: smooth and round. Dunno if those are appropriate coffee descriptions, but I *always* add boatloads of cream (wherever I am...must have been a milkmaid in a previous life) and love it.
It seems there are a lot of negative reviews regarding the staff, but isn't that typical of any coffee shop?
Try a dirt-bomb...it's some sort of cinnamon 'n sugar donut-muffin. Yummers.
Ref. Jeff R.'s comments last week on "the mean people behind the counter" -- today being a week later and also a Monday, I went into Farley's at 8:40 a.m. and ordered. The cashier was fine, but there was a long line of people waiting to get their coffee. After ordering, I waited and chatted with a friend. I witnessed the coffee-making person* rudely snap at someone asking whether their coffee was done yet, and when after four and a half minutes my cafe au lait wasn't finished yet, the guy snapped at me too: "It's coming!"
Perhaps this is a problem with the guy who makes coffee* on Mondays. Anyway, the coffee itself is fine.
One other problem. Monday mornings is street cleaning between 8 and 9 a.m. so parking is very hard to find. Frankly I'll avoid this place on Mondays from now on. As for the coffee-making clown* with the snippy manner: Listen, Chuck, anybody who comes into your cafe and orders espresso has done it a million times at a thousand other cafes. They know how long it takes a competent person to make espresso. And none of these people were rude to you. You are an ass.
* who doesn't deserve the appellation "barista"
The staff apparently has to undergo weeks of a-hole training before being allowed behind the counter. It had become a pastime for me to wait for my coffee (no other options in the neighborhood) and witness:
- Counter person greet incoming customers by staring at them without speaking.
- Grumpy barista getting increasingly pissed every time anyone asks him things like "Is this my mocha?"
I now walk over the (steep) hill to Piccino to get better coffee without the attitude.
This is what a coffee shop should be -
Located on Potrero Hill, so you have a beautiful view of the city...friendly staff, interesting patrons, and a nicely stocked magazine rack (I picked up The Economist, Utne Reader, and Harper's).
My iced coffee was great and the bar had organic cream and raw sugar (not in the little packets but bulk, better for the environment!)-
Congratulations Farley's for keeping it real!~
Might as well face it, I'm addicted to Farley's.
I mean sure, there's caffeine in the beverages, and I'm addicted to that too -- but I find myself here as often as I possibly can, so at this point I think it's about more than just chemical dependence.
My checklist of requirements for a coffeeshop to be considered good is long and exacting, and Farley's pretty much checks them all. It needs to be within walking distance of my house. There needs to be kitsch on the walls, but not too much kitsch. The baristas need to be friendly, but not BFF's. The furniture needs to be well-used, but not ghetto. And so goes my well-checked list. And you can't argue with lists.
So if you choose to pop into this place, look around; there's a 40% chance I'm sitting in the corner booth with black coffee and a bagel from Hazel's next door, nursing all my addictions.
Although I don't live in the neighborhood, I enjoy coming here after work or after a weekend motorcycle ride. As mentioned elsewhere, the coffee is tops, especially their latte drinks.
Also mentioned elsewhere is the indifferent attitude of the barristas, but having made espressos for a living during my youth, the guys & gals at Farley's are pretty easy going & friendly. (I once told a hippie to "f---- off" when he wanted me to re-heat his latte, a latte he'd been sipping for over an hour.)
Sitting outside, it's fun to watch the local jocks at Bloom's Saloon across the street shout & swear as the 49ers fumble yet another pass, while munching on an excellent sandwich from Hazel's, located right next door.
The magazine rack at Farley's is both middle-of-the-road and eclectic, but -- alas -- they don't stock Penthouse Forum.
Grrrrrrr to the mean people behind counter. Then there is nice customers and good coffee. Then there is mean people behind the counter. Then there is the nice space, magazine selection and location. I boycotted this place for about two years because of the customer service...came back. Its even worse. I miss Kyp (who worked there years ago, now a musician who lives in Brooklyn) He was great. My heart sinks and really become sad for the owner. I have met him and he is such a nice guy. Why does he hire such jerks?
I go there very often as i live nearby. Coffee is ok, premises are great (lots of tables, magazines, etc.). The people behind the counter however, are more often than not grumpy and at times rude. There is only one size of cup so don t ask for a tall/large coffee or you will get a condescending remark. :-)
There are a few good guys though.
The music in the morning is often quite bad: punkish, loud, shouting music is not the best suited at 7am in my opinion but maybe it reflects the mindset of the grumpy barristats. :-)
My dream coffee house.
The selection of mainstream to special interest magazine selection is a huge plus. Any coffeehouse with "Adbuster" and "The New Yorker" gets a plus in my book.
I adore their tea selection. The tea can be served in a refillable pot which makes it convenient for group setting. The chai latte is creamy and spicy, how yum!
I like the outdoor seating- especially if you can get food from Hazel's kitchen. I can create new flavors- keemun tea plus vegetarian quesadilla.
Great coffee, free refill.
No better way to kick back on a sunny day: grab an outdoor table, gab with your friends, and drink the delicious coffee that Farley's cranks out.
Before you know it, you'll be buying a Farley's T-Shirt to show off the caffeine molecule printed on it.
If you want food, Hazels next door has great sandwiches.
Being new to the neighborhood, I'm so happy I live here, so happy Farley's is close by. Fantastic mochas, great standard coffee, cool magazine selection and great music. As another person mentioned, the outdoor seating is great. Farley's makes me proud to live in such a great neighborhood.
Coffee shop heaven, essentially.
Way back when I lived in the Lower Haight ('91), I used to come all the way out here for giant cups of coffee and the community journals. When I published my first zine ('93), Farley's was the first place to buy a few copies and put them on their magazine rack.
This has always been a great cafe with a truly neighborhood feel.
In the realm of neighborhood coffeehouses, I'd say this one definitely has a community-oriented feel. I enjoy it's super laid back atmosphere and consistent quality of coffee, which is pretty darn decent for my standards (and I am a harsh judge).
It really is a nice neighborhood hangout to do just about anything. Meeting a friend or two? Want to study or do some reading? Perhaps skim a few magazines? Your wifi at home is down (which is likely Comcast)? Farley's got your back.
For some reason, Farley's reminded me of Brooklyn the instant I walked in. This ain't no chain coffeeshop playing Dido or jazz, nor the artsy, over-decorated, bohemian neighborhood coffeeshop w/ the antique couches playing Sarah Mclachan. This is Brooklyn hipster. Think aviator sunglasses, skinny jeans (on men and women), beat-up vans sneakers, girls with bangs, v-neck cardigans (again, on men and women), a shelf of old-school used books, board games, and a corner of designer art mags. I didn't get the "Central Perk" vibe like another reviewer did - it's not warm and fuzzy, it's cool. Cool like Brooklyn. Very cool and simple, no BS or frills.
Like their menu. $1.75 for their house coffee w/ free refills. And it's damn good coffee. What more can I say? I love NY.
Decided they would add wi-fi which attracts the lap top sitter and non-fat milk. Still the staff is rude. Following is recent experience...
me: "um, my latte?" (ordered 10 minutes before)
hipster barrista: "Your depth-charge is right there" points to cup on counter
Me: " I didn't order a depth charge"
hipster barrista: "WELL, that's what I heard" ....silence...
me: "Well! I know I didn't order it because I don't even know what a depth charge is.."
hipster barrista: "sure about that? 'cause thats what you said"
me: "yeah, I'm positive"
hipster barrista: makes grand gesture of throwing depth charge away and sneers.
Perfect Coffeehouse Ambience --I Love to support my great neighborhhod coffee house that is… Read more »
Farley's is a very cool neighborhood joint.
It has an aura that is very similar to the coffee shop "Central Perk" on "Friends" (the TV show) without the comfortable sofas or Gunther, but decent in space and unique.
My friend and I scored seating inside amongst other neighborhood patrons who came with their laptops to work. Due to those people, though - it's a bit hard to talk in this coffee shop at a discernable volume because with everyone solo at their tables, two chatty girls talking could be heard by basically all. We were discussing... uh... classified information.
What disappoints me about Farley's is that their coffee is mediocre. It's just nothing special - can't even hold a candle to Starbucks, in my opinion, never mind premium coffee like Blue Bottle. Some love Farley's coffee, so to each his/her own, but it just wasn't my cup of coffee. It was just OK.
Service was acceptable - - nothing warm or friendly but I can't say they were rude, either. It's unfortunate, though, because I am sure with outstanding servers, Farley's would be the preferred coffee joint in the neighborhood for many more people. I have been to Starbucks that make service much more personal than this place.
I've always made clear my love for coffee.
http://www.yelp.com/bi...
And I'm inclined to live at a good coffee joint for half my day with a good friend and great conversation if the coffee is good. I've stayed at one coffee shop for up to 10 hours straight with various friends. I'm not kidding. (Yes, I am extremely sedentary!)
Farley's?
Good atmosphere, minimum service, and mediocre coffee. Not bad, but not particularly great, either!
More like 3.5 stars. It was time for a revisit since it's near the Mariposa St. exit off of 280. Like other yelpeeps reviewed, this is really a neighborhood/non-chain-feel style cafe, but I didn't receive any too-cool vibe or surly attitude.
The $2.17 Americano was strong and good, but the cafe's large open doorway cooled it quickly, so consider that if you consider lingering here. Many people really came in to just chat and catch up before heading to elsewhere; probably all the quaint eateries nearby. Oh, the restroom is upstairs to the right.
Pastries are not so good. Croissants often taste like Wonder Bread inside. Their pastry supplier should be ashamed. Luckily they let you bring in food from the mediocre sandwich/bagel place next door.
Farley's runs a little cold. Every time I'm there, they burn an english muffin. The coffee grinder is loud which can interrupt conversation. But in Potrero, there aren't many hang-out spots with as much of a local feel. You'll definitely run into your neighbors here.
Farley's get the award for top wood floor to pass out on, since it seems likes crumbling/rotting out from under your feet.
Ok, I get the Farley's shtick: cantankerous coffee "experts" pull top-notch shots without any BS.
But when I stopped in for a cup early this morning, all I got was a rude coffee dude who made me a cappuccino that was really a latte.
Message to Farley's: stop by Four Barrel or Ritual if you want to taste a high-quality beverage. And, hey coffee guy, SMILES don't cost a dime!
Customer in front of me (CIFM): Hi, um, how fluffy are your croissants per say?
Coffee guy: (chuckles) You're f*cking kidding me right?
CIFM: No.
Coffee guy: I don't f*cking know. Buy one and find out!
Pros: I like the shelves of magazines, selection of teas and overall atmosphere.
Cons: Internet connection sucked, the people working the counter were in no particular hurry to fill orders and they didn't accept credit cards.
My mom is Dutch and she knows three things, coffee, chocolate and cheese. Farley's let her down on two accounts. She ordered a latte and found it weak although topped by an exquiste latte arte de crema. She got a refill of regular coffee and couldn't finish it it was so phoo phoo. Her chocolate macaroon was provided by a 3P (I think) but it was also gummy and fatty.
I loved their wide tea selection and enjoyed the big cup of it, but found my scone to be sort of a Costco version. My stepmom's homemade should be on the market.
The crowd is worth it all, dipping into every age group and sub culture, all hovering around chitty chatty and sharing papers. The WIFI was drawing in the regular eye poppers. They have a album collection and regularly play vinyl, according to our server.
I like the neighborhood feel, and the big size with local art on the wall. Saw folks I would want to befriend, but can't rave about the actual fare....
pros:
Smallish tables but we got one quickly. Had a bench to sit at-a plus for my g-friend.
Had a power strip for our computers.
Fine coffee-pretty designs in the foam.
Cute v-day cards and sweethearts candy (did I say we went on valentine's day? well, we did)
Fabulous vegan chocolate chip cookie
pretty easy parking
kind baristas
cons:
we unexpectedly were there for a comedy show. it had funny moments but jokes were often homophobic, heterosexist, fat-phobic, racist, made fun of incest. but it was free.
Nice Local Shop. Good Coffee and Great atmosphere.
Good place to just unwind or pick-up a quick cup.
I am a cafe squatter - Farley's has really good coffee, free WiFi and Hazel's next store for an egg bagel or big-a** sammie.
Minus one star for no real size "large" coffee cups and only two hours of free WiFi access. Like I said, I bring my biz to the streets.
If you don't live or work in Portero hill, I assume you probably don't spend much time up there and you are missing out. There are lots of great restaurants and I particularly love the street where Farley's coffee is. Farley's is like a small town coffee shop. It's quiet, there's free two hours of wireless and they have great coffee.
It's well worth the trek up the hill!
Super cute: both the friendly staff, the actual space, and the other customers. The coffee is good, and if you bring your own mug, you get a free refill! Parking is pretty easy, too, for those of us that haul about 10 books with us everywhere we go.
Minus points: very few plugs, only two hours of free wi-fi and there was a freaky girl staring at my friend and I the last time we were there. Well, few places are perfect.
Farley's is a pretty charming little coffeehouse. I went on a quiet Sunday morning. Seems that Portrero Hill is a great place to go on sunny weekends-- there are great 360 views. Farley's has a cute window front and little outdoor tables which makes it very pleasant on the good weather days. Not too much sidewalk traffic when I was there--- but then again I didn't see much life outside of Farley's (this was 11am-1pm on a Sunday)
1 star reduction for a cold server. I ordered a pot of Jasmin tea and the guy behind the counter was pretty unfriendly. My tea water was actually lukewarm, not in anyway hot. Only the first cup was at a somewhat appropriate temperature. It felt like such a waste of Jasmin pearls to not make many more cups. But on account of the server's attitude I didn't want to ask for new water.
Seems like another great SF cafe. But it's the type of place where old newspapers are left behind and the tables get bussed but not wiped down. Chairs are unevenly placed and tables are turned weird ways based on the last person who sat there. This definitely makes it feel like a more neighborhood place but not as "put together" as others. Had only a few tables big enough for working/studying, and many little round ones for 1-2 people.
The strawberry scone I had was delicious! And the music (vinyl) was really great.
Not sure what's up with the magazine rack--- are they for reading while you're there or to buy? Seemed like a news-stand where you're expected to buy them...
I don't drink coffee, and I've never had Farley's, but I can appreciate Farley's in other ways.
First, I live across the street from it, and it provides plenty of opportunity for me to people watch or even spy on the occasional patron. Yes, I spotted a patron I've known and called someone to give them a play-by-play of the patron's coffee drinking - what's wrong with that?
Second, when I have gone into Farley's, it doesn't smell too much like coffee, which is a smell that makes me gag. That means I can study or work there if I ever wanted to move a couple of yards away from my house.
Last, they hold the Pet Parade, and if you don't know what this is, then you are missing out. Animals dressing in costumes is not as cruel as it sounds, especially when it's so cute!
Before Farley's I never drank coffee! I tried drinking coffee before starting with the Northwestern type-o-brew and that didn't go over very well at all. But now I'm a fan-o-Farley's. I love that the place has beat up floors and keeps the feel of an old historic building and that the crew behind the counter seems like they're coming down off the caffeine and are into their own strange little world, other than, "what can I get'cha?" But man, they pour these really cool designs with frothed milk that I know I haven't been able to do and the latte's are really good. Oh, but don't ask for smiles, that's extra...
i always pay farley's a visit when eating in the hood.
this last time was a hearty lunch at chez maman which warranted a cup of joe at farley's. i love anything that is anti-peet's or starbucks though i am partial to the brainwashing tall caramel macchiato that starbucks doles out.
i don't know why people knock the mags rack. i need my printed media fix and they do carry a good variety from outdoor mags to more art and design publications.
feeding my brain and feeding my soul with a caffeine fix and well ok, a celeb gossip mag time to time keeps me sane.
farley's, you are a rock. not always pretty but solid.
I'd have to agree with a few of folks that have come before me here. While I'm told Farley's is a Potrero landmark and must go for café style chillin' on a Sunday afternoon - the caretakers of the place seem a bit distracted and unimpressed with the lines of coffee goers before them. I dunno, maybe is was a bad night, maybe they're pissed cause their alarm clock told them to get outta bed and go to work today like the rest of the world; who knows...
Dear Farley employees - ya'll need a hug?!
The coffee buzzed in at only 3 or 4 stars for me---- nothing to rave about back home (where is home anymore? i don't know...).
The place lost stars for me on the snobby attitude of the baristas... they don't even know me, yet I felt so Judged. I nearly felt like I was in Chelsea again....hmph. Their location is prime, their space is generous, and yet it doesn't feel comfy. Someone needs to add some spice to their walls and some sugar to their dispositions.
The coffee IS good. Tons of cool board games only missing some key chips/pieces, mags. There is not that comfort vibe, however, just some hard seating, charis and tables. Without the comfort factor it makes it hard for me to linger. But, this place is in my hood and I can see that lots of other folks have no problem lingering all day. I can see how for some people the vibe here is just heaven. Not quite my cup of tea-vibe, but my husband loves it. To each their own. I am not into nazi-/militant- anything. This is coffee-police central. And yes, the Coffee Is Good and Rich. I don't think they do non-fat or even low-fat milk and I think only reg sugar or honey (no pink or blue stuff, which I like). But, my gut feeling is you'll actually get tarred and feathered for asking for a frappucino, as opposed to just being kicked out.
Met a friend there today, and LOVED the place. Warm, laid-back, no pressure. GREAT music, very kind (and handsome!) barista-man, great iced coffee. The owner is as sweet as can be. I just wish I lived in the neighborhood!
Their espresso is good, and you will always regret bringing in your own reading material! They're pretty inexpensive too!
Why do I have the crappiest coffee place in the city closest to my house? Why do people love this place?
This place has so much potential, they really do, but have yet to discover it.
-Please put up something to catch the flies buzzing around
-Hire someone with a decorative eye to make the place feel cozy
-Lose the magazines
-Do not serve your cold beverages in a hot cup, also get a bigger cup, I got 3 drinks out of my iced tea since it was mostly cubes
-Hire some friendly people
Plus one star for the open mic and board games, though I have yet to do either because I don't get that comfy/hangout vibe
10% discount at Burmese…
Neighborhood: Civic…
Half Priced Tickets For…
Neighborhood: Mission
Neighborhood: Potrero Hill
Category: Bakeries
Neighborhood: Potrero Hill
Category: Coffee & Tea
Neighborhood: Dogpatch
Category: Coffee & Tea
Neighborhood: Potrero Hill
Category: Delis
Neighborhood: Potrero Hill
Category: Bakeries
These are the businesses I frequent with, uhhhh,…
My local dry cleaner, watering hole, deli, cafe,…
It's been six months since I left and I won't…
Whether you're jonesing, or just want a place to…
Places I take my laptop to work & caffeine up…
There's more to the Hill than housing projects and…
I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I…
Denotion of what caffeine seems to do for a lot of…
