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Mon-Fri. 5:30 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Sat-Sun. 6:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
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I am not a coffee drinker because I don't like the caffeine but on certain occasions I would sample some here and there. They have the best coffee in San Francisco............Hands down. Yes..........it's better than Pete's, Blue Bottle, Starbucks, Coffee house, etc. Although Blue Bottle is pretty awesome as well.
I walked in here with a few friends because they love coffee. I wasn't planning on getting one but the barista said, "just try it and if you don't like it you don't have to pay for it." Got sold!!!! Ok. My roomie had the iced coffee mojito and it was awesome. I had the number 4, I think it was called the jacob? Not to sure if I got the name right. but it was great as well. I couldn't finish the cup............it was just too strong for me.
I usually don't rate coffee or franchise type establishments but this place is awesome!!!
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The Ecstatic Iced Coffee is SO deliecious! The baristas are so friendly and very accommodating to the customers. I asked for the non-fat version of the Ecstatic Iced Coffee (because I'm a high-maintenance a-hole) and it TASTED so sinfully good (I hope he didn't sneak in some cream in there...).
I told the barista that I've heard about Philz and that it was my first time there! He gave me a free piece of baklava (despite my request for a non-fat drink)... it was very sweet of him :).
Overall, the coffee pwns any other coffee shop in S.F.
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I love getting mint mojito cocktails, and when they combine mint with coffee....I'm all over it!
I absolutely love the iced (slightly sweetened) mint mojito at Philz. Though the sign says it's new, they've been serving it for awhile. It's quite refreshing on a warm day.
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Mission Completed!
I've completed my Philz hunt....I first discovered Philz in the Mission, then…
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I've given Philz a review before when I had only tried one drink, now I'm in love. I've always been really big on espresso from your typical coffee shops and never much on just coffee. However, Philz has changed my cravings up. I get a hot tesora with light cream and sugar usually, but I plan on trying much more. The iced coffee is phenomenal as well. I tried the Turkish one recently and it's good just extremely bitter if you're picky.
Oh and the PASTRIES! How could you pass any of them up? I'm dying to dry a vegan donut but anything that rhymes with...donut..can't be healthy, right?
Anyways, please try the low-fat pumpkin muffin if you truly want a delicious flavor among your taste buds...
Lastly, this is my favorite location..it's peaceful and beautiful! Go go go !
I love Philz Coffee. It tastes like no other coffee in the world. (For the record I was a barista in the US and have travelled to Turkey, Israel, France, Italy to name just a few, and tried several styles of coffee). I must say Philz is like no other! the cardamon and other spices added really bring on flavors both subtle and robust. I love the way the baristas shake the milks to prepare a distinct latte-like froth and use sweetening agents to your liking. I've tried all sorts of coffees and teas at Philz, and I loved them all for different reasons and drink them on different occasions.
With that being said, not all Philz are created equal.
I started as a regular at the Mission District location and the ambiance and staff's attitudes are quintessential San Francisco: lax, friendly, inviting, and all around enjoyable with a bit hippy dippy to follow suit. Then I moved and had to find a new Philz. That one is now the SOMA location. The ambiance is a lot less distinct with it's corporate-style coffee house decor, which makes sense considering it's closer to the financial district and the customers might be less hipstery and more young-urban-professionals. On another note, it's sad to admit and report that the quality control and barista attitudes aren't as regulated here. Sometimes the coffees are phenomenal and at other times they're watered down depending on the barista. In the same regard, the staff's attitudes sometimes comes with genuine generosity and others are nothing but sour-faced or snobby.
The potential is there as long as the staff receives a little more training. I continue as a regular because I'm willing to gamble to get that perfect coffee that I've randomly received at the SOMA location. Nothing is perfect, but I'm just saying this Philz may have some things to work on to become a 5-star joint from this regular.
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Waking up on weekend mornings to a nice cup of Philz "Tesora" is like waking up on a "Canopy of Heaven" where alarm clocks are replaced by a "Greater Alarm" which directs an entire "Philharmonic" to awaken your soul. Their coffee is freshly brewed with "Dancing Water" and taking a sip is absolute "Silken Splendor" running down to the core of your newly "Philtered Soul". The morning brew is "Sooooo Good" that a solitary cup of the "Ambrosia Coffee of God" works like an "Anesthesia To The Upside" causing you to become so alert you could quite possibly run for mayor of "New Manhattan".
Philz..."It'z The Best"!!!
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Do they roast crack into there coffee because it is strong and addictive. The strongest best tasting coffee I have ever had and the service is excellent.
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I was referred to Philz Coffee by some overwhelming feedback about its great, freshly brewed coffee. Prior to hearing all this praise, I'd never even heard the name before.
Upon arriving at the location, I immediately noticed the ambiance was quite mellow / laid back. You felt very comfortable standing there, looking at the countless selections of coffee on their walls and counters.
After deciding on the Philtered Soul with TWO mint leaves, I could not understand how flavorful the coffee was. Yes, they make their coffee literally one cup at a time, but this was more than I expected... especially having been hyped up about this place. They asked how sweet I wanted the drink, and gradually increased its sweetness as I performed a series of taste-tests. I was utterly impressed.
Thank you for the great first experience. I am now a loyal follower.
I literally just went to this place 30 minutes ago for the first time, and its amazing. I am having the Mocha, and I must say its the best mocha ever (better then starbucks and Pete's). Why? Because it goes down smooth, doesn't taste like it has a million calories, is fresh (brewed right in front of you) and honestly tastes great. Their slogan is "one cup at a time" because they literally brew the coffee right in front of you one cup at a time.
Only downside, the menu is a little confusing, so i just went with the mocha (safe choice).
Seriously worth a try.
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First time I went to this coffee shop, I ordered Mint tee with honey and creme. I wanted to drink latte or mocha or something like that, but they didn't have, so. But unexpectedly, the mint tee was really really good, testy and admirable. I had never had such cremey tea before. Since then, I often have been going to the shop to get mint tea. I tried black tea and green tea as well, but mint tea was the best. If you have a chance, you should try it. really nice.
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Hands down, the best coffee I've ever had. I went at a very not busy time (7pm... and was hopped up well into the early morning), so the barista-lady gave me the spiel about how Phil and his son custom blend the different beans to find a great balance of flavors asked me what I preferred and recommended the Jacob's Dark (I think thats what its called). It had a deep flavor with no bitterness at all. I got sugar and soy in it, and they add it for you and let you taste it to see if its just right. A splash more soy and it was perfect.
All other coffees anywhere else have always disappointed since my first visit to Philz.
The coffee really was amazingly delicious. We got two different kinds (Ecstatic Iced Coffee and Turkish Coffee) and both were perfect. The price was higher than most coffee prices, but reasonable for, well, perfection.
The barista's attitude, on the other hand, made the taste slightly bitter. I realize she knows what she's talking about, and between the two of us, is the acknowledged coffee expert. However, I am the uncontested expert in ME, and when I say that I can't have cream because I'm allergic to milk, I don't need to be glared at for ruining her vision of the coffee and then further patronized about the sugar options. It honestly did kind of spoil the coffee for me.
I would probably go to Philz Coffee again, but either at a different shift time, or maybe just to a different location.
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I don't know what's wrong with Parker W down there but I think Philz is awesome! Parking sucks in SF you should have ridden on a scooter!
This morning I had Philz Chai which is my new favorite thing. Ever.
To the previous reviewer: I can tell you exactly how the Philtered Soul is so flavorful. It's flavored coffee. i.e., the BEANS are flavored. Ouch! I have read a few comments from other people claiming that this isn't so. Yet, Phil et al won't tell you what's in it. Regardless, take a whiff of the beans and tell me that you're not transported to a Yankee Candle. Sorry, but this really kills it for me.
Scene 2: The Train Station Wait
Location: 4th and King, K/T Platform
Time: 7:23am
Weather: 59 degrees, brisk breeeze from SE
Attire: Shirt, tie, cardigan sweater, jeans
Attitude: Pensive, stoic, with a light splash of optimism
(Jared exits the K/T platform on the far east end)
Jared: Oh man, I got here earlier than expected. Whatever is a boyishly charming guy to do with all this time?
(Boyishly charming guy looks to his left, and like the Phoenix rising or Terrelle Pryor running in a touchdown, sees a shining light appear to his left)
Jared: Is that what I think it is? Did someone just give me a reason to enjoy my mornings? To forget my worries and sorrows? To sip the most delicious, flavorful coffee that South America ever gave us?
(After several nanoseconds of thought, Jared walks slowly (no, cooly) to the entrance of Philz; he barely makes it through the door when he's greeted by a friendly face)
Barista: Good morning. How's it going?
Jared: Oh, it's good (kinda shy when talking to new people). How are you?
Barista: Oh, I'm good. What can I get for ya?
(Jared scans the list, wanting to try something new, but like always goes with the familiar)
Jared: Small silken splendor, please.
Barista: Cream and sugar?
Jared: Definitely
(Jared takes a seat on the comfy leather chair that's lower and sinkier than expected. After waiting a few minutes, another barista comes from behind the counter and brings him his coffee)
Barista 2: Hey man, here's your coffee. Take a taste and tell me what you think.
(Sip. Slurp. Funnel.)
Jared: It's perfect. Thank you.
(Jared reflects on how the customer service at Philz is flawless. No matter which one he goes to, no matter who's working, no matter how short or long the line gets, he always gets the same treatment)
Cue Music: "Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want" by The Smiths
(Jared places his earplugs in, walks out the door into the sunrise, takes a long, melodramatic sip out of his brown Insulair and EcoSmart Dixie cup, and dreams of a day when everyone can be fortunate enough to have this type of morning)
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This is my week for honoring threats b/c Philz is now off my list.....for their Chocolate Gingerbread Cookie
Result: OMG - TASTY!!
Soft, gooey-ish cookie, really intense gingerbread flavor & the chocolate was mixed in & not necessarily a chip, if-you-will, but wowzers was it gewd!
Covered in sugar & broke apart as I tried to pick it up & that was *just* fine w/ me
Mocha was again super tasty & this time the temp was nice & hot so I can now officially report back that the previous lukewarm mocha was a fluke
Will DEF be coming back for Mochas & Cookies!!!
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Philz Coffee says 'We wouldn't even call this a cup of coffee; rather "A Cup of Love." ' Boy is this… Read more »
I recently read a review in the chronicle for Philz and since I was in the hood, I decided to check it out. I ordered a 1/2 decaf/regular and was amazed that they grind the beans and brew it right in front of you. They actually put the cream and sugar in it for you which was a little strange, but then when I tasted it. Wow. Amazing coffee. Deduct 1/2 star because seemed a little bit pricey at $3.25 for a large cup which is the size of a medium at most places.
Who would have thought it: A fresh, individually brewed cup of coffee is really, really good. I guess they were on to something.
It's kind of pricey, but I guess if you live over here you have cash to throw down for frou-frou coffee. And I love the variety, but could I have useful names and descriptions instead of the pretentious, meaningless drivel? Am I buying coffee? Wine? Incense? I wouldn't know if there weren't grinders and filters and all. But yeah, good coffee.
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4.5! Based on the awesome #6 Ecstatic Iced Coffee that I had, I now understand why there was a line 6 person deep at 3:30p on a random Wednesday afternoon.
It was my first time and my friend, a semi-regular, guided me through the multitude of coffee blends and selections to the iced coffee. At $2.75 for a small, I was thinking, this better be good. And it was!
The coffee is brewed in individual drip style hot and then ice, then cream and sugar is added for you. You can let the barista (is that a crime to use the S* word in a Philz review?) know how sweet or creamy you want it. For example we both wanted light on the sugar. After getting settled in one of the many window side tables, we went to pick up and then pay for our drinks. My friend treated - awesome friend.
My drink came in a beautiful creamy light brown color and decorated with a sprig of mint. How delightful. When you bring your nose down to drink you can get a faint whiff of the mint. Nice touch!
There's free wireless, comfy couches and lots of light. Really chill place with knowledgeable coffee artisans (how's that?).
Can't wait to try the 20+ other blends.
This is so good.
I walked in here on a random Wednesday afternoon, went up to the barista and admitted I was a Philz virgin. He said he had just the thing for me, and whipped up a delicious cup of Jacob's Wonderbar Brew, perfectly creamed and sugared. Let's not overlook that - a complete stranger perfectly creamed and sugared my coffee.
I'm hooked.
I work here, drink coffee here and enjoy every moment of it! It was the Ecstatic Ice Coffee that initially got me hooked to Philz. Now I am an employee for Phil and truly enjoy my job. I am proud to be part of such an awesome team of baristas. We make it our mission to give you (the customer) the best coffee experience possible! Thank you for your business.
Much Love,
Shauna
This was my first time to Philz. Why the hell did I wait so long? Well, my own stupidity, I guess.
I tried their #6 and their Mint Mojito coffee on my first visit. Derek helped me both times, and now I am addicted to the Mint Mojito. What a strange combination that feels so good for the few and far between hot SF Indian summer afternoons.
I'm going again this week; looking forward to going again and again and again!
THANK YOU for making awesome, handcrafted coffee. /swoon/
I would like to make out with most of the women here. But only before I get coffee breath. They can froth my latte anytime.
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Obviously the coffee is amazing so I feel the need to mention that the Chocolate Ginger Cookie and the Spinach Feta pastries are amazing (Please bring back the Chocolate Ginger cookie! I haven't seen it for a few visits!!) I swear by Julie's Ultimate...so yummy with such a depth of flavor it tells a story in your mouth :)
don't walk in here expecting a mocha or latte. individual drip coffee is their specialty. quite the selection. i had a light roast which was damn strong...but just what i needed at the time. i wanted to use their Wi-Fi but could not get on for the life of me...oh well. check it.
Philz coffee tastes great.
They boil hot water, grind up the beans, put the beans in a filter, then pour the hot water over it. Yummy!
Just the way mom has made coffee at home from 1980 until present.
The only difference is that a Philz coffee costs $3.50. LOL - whatever.
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I had the Manhattan blend. It was tasty. A little pricey for a coffee, but a good deal on a Manhattan. Except this Manhattan gave me a boost on office productivity, while the other Manhattan will give me a boost on pointless conversations.
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Parking was tough and with it being as busy as it was, it seemed a bit unorganized in there. Coffee was good though.
[Green Zebra Coupon: Buy one cup of coffee, get one free; buy two cups, get two free]
I don't give a f*ck about all y'alls hipshtah "atmosphere" and sh*t but this place has the BEST coffee I've had in San Francisco. I've had a lot of coffee.
Just so you know, none of those stars are attributed to their "variety" bull, their same-old "normal" coffee rocks my socks hard enough for 5 stars.
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Now this is how you do coffee. As an avid drinker for many years, I've always settled for the too-dark, too-gritty coffee served up by Starbucks, Peet's and Coffee Bean. Even many of the local coffee shops never really had truly good coffee -- I think it was more of a mentality thing ("Oh I'm drinking coffee from a local, neighborhood cafe so I'm cool"). It wasn't until I had Phil'z Coffee that I really had coffee that tasted fresh, aromatic, and refreshing, especially when there's no cream or sugar added.
I've only tried the Tesora and Philharmonic flavors here, but honestly, those are the only two I ever really need. Phil'z Tesora is probably the best coffee I've ever had in my life, and I usually drink Philharmonic when I want coffee with a little more kick (for those after-a-night-of-wild-debauchery hangover cures).
Friendly baristas, decent prices, and phenomenal coffee. As long as you don't mind the rich, fru fru clientele who frequent this Mission Bay branch (walking their Paris Hilton dogs in their morning $1,000 jogwear), it's really all you need in a local coffee shop.
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I'm going to second pretty much everything Erin R. said on 7/16/09.
My first cup at Philz (the Tesora) reminded me of the cafe con leche I would have every morning in Spain... rich, robust, perfectly blended with the right amounts of milk and sugar. The second and third cups were equally incredible... and I specifically requested "low-fat" on the third. Still superb. What do all three of these cups have in common? They were made by the barista with the blue eyes, glasses, and big bushy hair... He should train the others.
I'm sure some of the others are great, but the first guy set the bar and no serving I've had since has been quite as good as his concoctions. Regardless, I definitely prefer Philz laid-back 'tude to the heaps of snoot you get at Blue Bottle. And if you get the barista with the bushy hair, the coffee's better too.
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This is soul coffee. Tried the New Manhattan recently. At the end of each sip, you are left craving the next as the stream of flavors, intermittent as they come (...earth....tobacco....wine?), enlighten your palate. No reference to bs Sideways monologue; I'm not kidding here. I've definitely had and sadly still continue to drink my share of convenient (=parking lot and on way to 280S) SOMA coffee... ahem...The Creamery (Ritual Roasters), which is completely a downer in each and every sense. The coffee is too acidic, boring and it ends at that. It just makes me crave Philz and wonder if being late for work was just the price you have to pay for good coffee.
Other blends that I like are the Philharmonic, Soooo Good and the Turkish (a solid dark roast). I like the option of putting some mint in the coffee. The vegan donuts play to my sweet tooth and go very well with the coffee.
I'm not sure if there is a way to describe the ambiance here. It's just a simple place with some hats. Watching the baristas make my cup of coffee looks like I'm witnessing a science project. I'd like to compare and contrast this place to blue bottle, but I think the two are just so different.
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PLEASE OPEN MORE LOCATIONS!
Mandatory:
...one next my work
...one next to my house
Next step:
everywhere else.
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Def a 'walk in' kind of place, so that means it is mostly folks from all the apartments in China Basin.
I only gave three stars bc I am a meany. The crowd here just doesn't float my boat. I like gritty, tattooed, arty. This is mall, perfumed and dyed blonde.
Tried a decaf with the sugar and cream works, they were right, very low acidity but why was I still feeling jacked? hmnnn, you are duly warned.
Decor is scareily Starbuckian but if you are jonesing and in the area or facing a drive home after a Giants game, this is your ace.
At $4.50 a pop, some would call it a guilty pleasure (or rip-off), but I consider a large semi-sweet iced mint mojito coffee an earned pleasure and an aid to economic productivity.
In terms of sweetness, I find the semi-sweet mochas here perfect; just sweet enough to temper the full-bodied coffee, but because Philz uses cocoa powder instead of corn-syrup-based "chocolate" syrup the taste of cocoa really comes through and is not overpoweringly syrupy.
I also like the service here. Philz is pretty quick considering that each cup is made to order via slow-drip and the baristas are always friendly and knowledgeable. I also appreciate that they did not hold it against me when I first walked into the store and I tried to order a sandwich.
philllzzzzz you're alllll i neeeeedddddddddddddd
you got me writing love poeettryyyyyyyyyyyy
The only drip coffee I like - everything else is a pale substitute. Canopy of the Gods or New Manhattan are my favorite blends, with 2 Splenda and cream.
So glad this place was open very early on a Saturday morning. I'm a slowpoke lately about packing and being ready for things on time so to make up for this, I'd slept very little but still managed to wake up late. I always end up paying for too much fun. I also blame my sister who usually accomplishes so much yet moves at a snail's pace when we are in a hurry. It drives me insane and it's pretty much the only thing we ever fight about.
Once we were finally ready to hit the road, we stopped here for a Turkish brew that totally perked us up and settled our cranky nerves before we picked up the rest of our road trip crew. Hot, spicy, potent. Success.
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if you like to enjoy a nice fresh black drip coffee, then philz is your place... they don't make any fancy espresso drinks that are standard at starbucks and pete's... when i used to work at arterra down the street, coworkers and i would frequent philz for a nice of joe to break up the afternoon joys of work... h-100...
They definitely make a damn good cup of coffee.
But at $3.50 for a large it'll have to be for special occasions. Like Tuesdays or something.
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Neighborhood: Castro
Category: Coffee & Tea
Neighborhood: SOMA
Category: Coffee & Tea
Neighborhood: Mission
Category: Coffee & Tea
Neighborhood: SOMA
Category: Coffee & Tea
Neighborhood: SOMA
Category: Coffee & Tea
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