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Ritual Coffee Roasters
Category: Food Coffee & Tea Coffee & Tea [Edit]
1026 Valencia St(between 21st St & Hill St)
San Francisco, CA 94110
Neighborhood: Mission
(415) 641-1011
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 6 am - 10 pm
Sat 7 am - 10 pm
Sun 7 am - 9 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
About This Business:
Don't forget: unless it was boiled, the bagel is a fake! House of Bagels strives to bring you a real water bagel bakery and deli experience… read more »
1263 reviews for Ritual Coffee Roasters
Review Highlights
"Blue Bottle comes close, but Ritual wins."
(in 111 reviews)
"And all the coffee is fresh cooked in French Press."
(in 59 reviews)
"The espresso is delish, and the coffee is always fresh."
(in 231 reviews)
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1263 reviews in English
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Review from Josh L.
San Francisco, CA
2/3/2012
There are three options if you want Local coffee, there are probably more but if you are young and cool there are the big three: blue bottle, ritual and four barrel.
I personally think ritual has the most neutral roast, both blue bottle and four barrel impart too much character in their coffees through the roast and have more of a brand appeal, ritual does the best job at bringing out the natural quality of the beans.
Pursuing the goal of being an instant classic like coca cola is probably one of the hardest angles to take in a creative pursuit but ritual has the quality to back that claim. -
Review from Carly G.
San Francisco, CA
1/24/2012
Oh god. I went here for the first time this morning just to try it out and immediately got a very unpleasant pretentious vibe from the place. The line was long, but the barista who took my order was very nice, so I had hope and sat down to wait for my coffee.
The girl who eventually plopped it on the counter barely even mumbled the order, so it was a miracle I even knew it was there - I just happened to be looking at her when she did it. I went over and asked her if it was whateveritwascalled, and she looked at me with a surly expression and nodded as if she were having a pretty terrible morning. Maybe she was. But jeez.
Took a sip of the coffee...and was in shock. It was by far the worst cup of coffee I'd ever had from a public place, even worse than the stuff brewed by the 72 cup monster that gets dusted off in my old school's library at finals time. I still drank that. This stuff was watery and strangely sour. I found myself wondering if someone had spit vinegar into it.
I finished it only because it cost so much and I wanted the caffeine.
The Blue Fig, where I got a delicious cup yesterday morning, gave me great and smiling service and a comfortable and cozy unpretentious atmosphere. It's just a block or so away. Do yourself a favor and go there instead. -
Review from Julian P.
San Francisco, CA
1/13/2012
Great spot.
The baristas care about the coffee they're making, and it shows.
Large seating area, but it's always crowded. -
Review from Geena T.
San Francisco, CA
2/7/2012
Shall we say " Great Coffee?".... for sure!
5 stars for just some of the Best Coffee in San Francisco.
5 stars for the great service, although always busy they never fail to be patient and attentive.
They don't sell food but the coffee is enough... this place is usually pretty packed and even then I always find a seat. The pastries are good too.. -
Review from Dara O.
Palo Alto, CA
2/1/2012
I'm not super impressed with the tea. It was $3.29 for a cup for here and the metal thing they steep the tea in is so larger that I ended up with 1/2 a cup of tea when all was said and done. A bit of a rip off.
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Review from henry w.
1/5/2012 1 Check-in Here
I just can't see what all the hype is for here. Yes, the ambiance is kind of cool with lots of tables and couches. Yes, the logo is all retro vintage sexy. But what about the coffee and the people behind the counter??
I had a latte made by a hipster looking fella with a major hipster attitude. I think he probably spent all this time learning how to make beautiful flower patterns in the coffee instead of making great coffee. My latte was extremely bland and barely lukewarm. At least the workers at Philz can back up their attitudes. =) -
Review from Rebekah T.
San Francisco, CA
People will always have a difference in opinion when it comes to our tastes. I admit that my opinion of Ritual Coffee has changed since my last review, so an update is in order.
I met up with friends at Ritual and noticed almost no line for coffee. Nice. I headed over to the barista making drinks and asked for the Sweet Tooth Espresso. He mentioned that it was tiny (showed the little espresso cup) and so I ordered another coffee beverage to balance my coffee fix.
So I order one Sweet Tooth Espresso made with Altos del Abejonal, Costa Rican beans. I assumed this was *sweet* and drank it right away. It was not sweet, but good and really strong.
My other beverage, the decaf Cappuchino was up next. Perfectly decorated with a heart, it was adorable. I didn't want to be over caffeinated, so the balance worked perfectly.
Loved both coffee drinks and the heavy metal music selection. \m/ Yeah!Listed in: Crazy about Coffee
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/11/2009
Meh. I can't say I will go back, but some have said they had great coffee - I have heard the… Read more »
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Review from Marsha Z.
San Francisco, CA
12/18/2011
I don't get it. I just don't. I had the pricey ($5) drip coffee and it tasted like sinigang. SInigang is a Filipino dish with a tamarind broth--sour.
Is this what hipsters taste like? -
Review from ju C.
San Francisco, CA
1/28/2012
Their coffee was rated one of top 7 in a 7x7 article and we tried all 7. Ritual is my least favorite. The coffee is too acidic for my taste. I also tried their decaf mocha and it was not good at all, tasted watery with little coffee taste. I know it's decaf but the decaf mochas from Sightglass and Four Barrel are way better. I will not be back as there are better coffee out there for my taste.
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Review from Craig R.
Going to Ritual Coffee Roasters for a cup of their Sweet Tooth Mocha may now become a SF ritual of mine.
My wife and I had been walking around the Mission on a cold, drizzling SF night when we decided we needed something to warm us up.
Ritual was the perfect place. It's big, cozy, and they had lots of available seating even though the place was pretty busy. They also were playing some relaxing music throughout the big dining room.
Their menu is fairly small but one item caught both our eyes right away and that was their Sweet Tooth Mocha. At almost $5 bucks for a large I was hesitant to purchase this drink but since I saw Ritual has over 1200 reviews on Yelp with an overall 4 star rating, I knew it would be good.
And it was. It was not too sweet and not too strong. It was actually perfect. I loved the chocolaty aftertaste I got in my mouth after ever sip. If I lived in SF I may not go here daily because of the high prices but I would definitely come often.
Check this place out if you're in the area. It's really worth a try if you're into gourmet coffee.Listed in: Sitting on the dock of the…
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Review from Ana B.
San Francisco, CA
12/19/2011
Seriously, no turbinado sugar? What's up with that?
Good thing I donned my skinny jeans and scarf with my Mac in one hand and iPhone in the other so I could fit right in, but more importantly so I could receive halfway decent service that actually involves the use of one's voice and not just mental telepathy or a silent nod.
Next time I'll bring my own turbinado sugar for my mediocre (but pretty) decaf cappuccino. -
Review from Vi L.
San Jose, CA
1/27/2012
Their coffee is good and strong. I remember coming here with my gfs after dinner because we were looking for a late night spot where we can continue on with our long conversations. All three of us are coffee fanatics so caffeine usually doesn't do much to us at night, but somehow we all stayed up (separately at home) until 3-4am on a weeknight!
Great customer service. They're very knowledgeable and can suggest a good coffee roast for you to try. There seems to be different coffees each time I've gone, but I'm not a regular due to the fact that I'm not a SF resident. I've bought the coffee there a couple times to drink at home. Good place to catch up with friends or study. -
Review from Aaron V.
1/11/2012 16 Check-ins Here
My favorite latte/espresso in the city. Velvety smooth and never bitter or overheated. Ritual is yet another place that's going to make it very difficult for me to move out of the city (assuming I ever do). Worth the wait!
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Review from Mayra L.
San Francisco, CA
12/28/2011
Ritual Roasters in one of the contenders in the San Francisco Coffee Turf wars, lol There's Four-Barrel, Blue Bottle, Ritual and Philz, all of which are great for many reasons.
Ritual sticks out to me for a couple of things:
1) free Internet (something the other three lack yo!)
2) good strong coffee, like strong
3) huuge open space cafe with a ton of tables- always a good thing to flirt with that cute honey across from you on her Macbook
4) Have I mentioned the strong coffee? -
Review from sharlyn g.
San Leandro, CA
12/9/2011
VERY GOOD COFFEE!
a couple nights ago we were down the street from this place, and after dinner I needed my bestie, yep Coffee!!
they don't offer much of the fancy shmancy flavors such as creme brule, gingerbread, hazelnut etc... Just plain ole' lattes, which in this case I didn't mind trying.. because it was almost 10pm and they were still opened ( I really wanted a something caramel) .. but I got a sweetened Latte ( since they didnt have a caramel coffee drink avail) . and OOOHH la la.. it was the greatest cup of latte I've had in a while..
simple good lattes, and open late! - happy tummy.. happy me! -
Review from Andrew S.
San Francisco, CA
11/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
In terms of a coffee place... this is a very good place.
The actual coffee house itself is pretty standard. Good music and ambiance. Space for people to work. Trendy lighting and an overall nice presentation and feel. They even have WiFi (which I used to write this review :P). But that isn't what gets this place 5 starts.
This place gets its 5 stars for the coffee they made. It was fantastic; well balanced and smooth with subtle but strong hints of flavor that offset one-another very well. This is only the first time I was here but I never give out 5 stars unless the place deserves it. The coffee at this place deserves it.
I wish they had a better system for telling you your coffee was ready though. But that is a small complaint at best. I hope to come back again and be just as impressed with the coffee; and I will be back, no doubt there. -
Review from Mina L.
San Francisco, CA
12/26/2011
Free internet? CHECK!
Amazing iced coffee? CHECK!
I would have given 5 stars, but I'm not a fan of the way they have their line set up. -
Review from Colleen F.
San Francisco, CA
12/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
Get the vegan donuts. Holy hell.
Great coffee, awesome environment, and great baristas. Love chatting with them about beans, music, life in general. I usually don't have a problem trying to find a table, the wifi connection is fast, and things seem to run really efficiently and smoothly. I see some people complaining about the price and the line, but really, it's worth it.
Would you rather have one cup of amazing, strong, complex coffee and wait a few extra minutes, or get a cup of chain-store coffee that, while it takes 2 minutes to pour, leaves you wanting more/coming back a few hours later? -
Review from Kara R.
Seattle, WA
1/23/2012
The coffee is sooooooo good!! And it is fun to watch how they brew the single serving coffee. Fun art and music. Just a cool, laid back cafe to hang out at.
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Review from Larry B.
11/7/2011
On my trip to SF, I had cappacino at several top coffee houses, including (not naming names, but hinting) the glass container of RGB=(0,0,255) and the one with four wild boar heads on the wall. Of the two cappas here, one was perfect, and if not the best I've ever tasted, then certainly tied. To give you a comparison with the other top places' cappacinos (which I also found to be excellent), this one, relative to a Russian MiG weight, was a KiloGram Better (KGB) than the other places. i.e. not much, but enough to be the best.
There was a small line to take my order, but the staff were concentrating on quality, neither rushin' nor stallin'. I make one revolution looking around for a seat, and all but one of the tables were taken with hipsters with their laptops. Note: napkins are paper, not Lenin. When finished, the customers practice collectivism (i.e. taking cups and trash to the back counter).
My tongue was not Left with any unpleasant bitter aftertaste, and yet the flavor sequence with each sip was all there to enjoy.
For the uninitiated: I like cappacino, because the steamed milk (from Ma's cow) in espresso avoids an otherwise cold war. For great cappacino, there is no need to add sweetener.
The red flag outside is suggestive of USSR Communist flag, even though the owner is allegedly not a communist. It's retro, according to some folks. The red flag coupled with the two classes of people outside on the sidewalk (hipsters walking by the homeless) brought back memories of the Indian Coffee House in Kolkata. (see http://www.tripadvisor...)
This Party of the first part deserves top Marx and their winning award articles belong on Reddit.
I will be back. Congrats, Ritual, on serving me the best ever. -
Review from Kevin X.
Mill Valley, CA
1/18/2012
The baristas and cashiers seem to work at a snail's pace. I don't mind a wait, but I do mind an unnecessary one. Their coffees tend to be more on the light side, fruity and sweet rather than dark and robust, the latter of which I prefer. About 90% of the customers are on computers. They have a chocolate chip & sea salt cookie... as if adding "sea" to salt means anything, and it's dry. Overall: smeh.
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Review from Rae R.
San Diego, CA
11/11/2011
This is one of my favorite coffee shops in the mission area! Yea it is definitely not a cheap cup of coffee but it is most definitely worth it. It is definitely a great splurge on coffee!
This spot is definitely a hipster spot....in my opinion, but that's because it has very good coffee! -
Review from Tim M.
San Francisco, CA
2/2/2012
Where the @#$% are the wall sockets! And the coffee...I guess this is the price you pay for knowing where your coffee comes from. That's right- I'm writing this review on their internet connection which is about the only thing they got right around here, but that only lasts as long as your battery does. I just moved here and I'm afraid this might be representative of what to expect in this neighborhood. $$ for drip coffee! HA!
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Review from Theresa C.
San Francisco, CA
11/20/2011
I have to start this off by saying I don't drink coffee. Their coffee might be fantastic, I don't know! I ordered a tea and stayed here on a lazy Saturday afternoon.
First, there is a line outside the store which leads me to believe it's quite the popular spot. I ordered my tea after about 10 minutes in line and sat down with some friends. I didn't particularly care for the place...it was a little loud inside and not a very comfortable place I'd want to just sit around and hang out with people.
I'll only recommend this place to die-hard coffee lovers who want their brew to go. -
Review from A. Grace O.
Redwood City, CA
12/12/2011
Coffee tastes amazing, no doubt about it.
My only complaint is the price (high) and the staff (after all 3 of us asked at separate times) to shut the door (it's about 50 degrees) said "No."
Oh well. -
Review from Ramon L.
1/4/2012 11 Check-ins Here
Love these fools! My favorite coffee now...better than blue bottle, philz, 4 barrel, farley's. Just got a phat saeco espresso maker too and their beans are just as good at home. Even their decaf's good!!
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Review from Christiana R.
San Francisco, CA
11/18/2011
Delicious coffee and I usually order it at other cafes in the city...and unfortunately it's going to stay that way....
I decided to stop by this location the other day to get myself a soy latte (which was very tasty) but the girl who worked there was just plain rude! I told my sister to get my change and instead of handing it to her, the chick puts it in the tip jar...WHO DOES THAT?!? It's the customer's decision whether or not they want to tip... Sorry Ritual on Valencia, I'm going to have to take my business elsewhere... -
Review from Michael M.
San Francisco, CA
12/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
If this is hipster coffee, I'd rather be a normie. I'll stick to Philz when in the area.
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Review from Nate B.
Oakland, CA
10/31/2011 1 Check-in Here
1. Not enough room... It looked more like an office instead of a coffee hang out. Everyone had their own table with a computer open... It was like everyone was working from the cafe. FUN and INVITING right?
2. The cashier didn't ask me which milk I wanted for my coffee, which I guess at some point in the pretentious world became my duty to clarify.
I like it when people who work in customer service ask which I prefer.
3. The latte wasn't even warm(I should have asked for extra hot, once again my fault but I mean, really?)
4. I don't think I'm cool enough to be a regular here... I think I am a Peets's coffee drinker and that's it. Everyone here looks like they know what's up and maybe I really don't get it but..... That just wasn't my scene. When I go to get coffee, I don't associate it with working at a cafe for hours on end. -
Review from Matt J.
Hercules, CA
1/11/2012
Free internet and great coffee.
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Review from Joanna R.
11/12/2011 2 photos
The atmosphere was pretty nice but it was very loud in there. I don't even remember what kind of music was turned on but it was just loud. I came to the conclusion that I should not go there to study. I was with my sister and we were trying to do our work, but we could not focus at all.
I honestly believe I would have given 4 stars if I didn't go expecting to study in a nice quiet cafe. Maybe I will go to the cafe down the street next time? At least to study.... heh.
The coffee is average (expected more with the guatemalan coffee- sister brought back coffee from guatemala so i know the taste). And I don't understand "sweet tooth".... not sweet at all. Or maybe I just don't know coffee all too well.
But I will probably be back just to do homework with distractions. haha. Maybe. -
Review from Heather P.
Yorba Linda, CA
12/20/2011
Dropped in for an Americano nightcap. This trendy progressive way of single serving coffee is pretty freakin' bougie, but I guess I can dig it. I would definitely say Ritual has one upped Blue Bottle. My espresso had bite, but didn't leave me parched like most espressos do. Ritual will definitely be my go-to when in the Mission.
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Review from Sophie P.
San Francisco, CA
1/4/2012
If you like overpriced coffee that's not worth the hype, pretentious douche-y baristas that act like they're curing cancer as they make drip coffees while treating you like you're a bother, then you're in luck. Go to Ritual coffee. Otherwise, take your money to Philz where the coffee is consistently great and the people are welcoming and friendly. This coffee hipster bullshit has gotten way out of hand, San Francisco.
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Review from Zed J.
San Francisco, CA
1/6/2012
Coffee is a straight up ripoff at $4-5 per cup. F-That. Service is fairly slow, which must account for why they draw images in the foam.
Biggest positive of this place is the free Wifi and close proximity to Lost Weekend. Lots of room inside with oddly spaced tables for how much business they have; sheer number of single people hogging entire tables with their Macbook Pro and headphones can make you feel unwelcome. -
Review from Jennifer H.
12/21/2011
I have been to ritual a couple of times to work (free wifi) in the cafe or to just get a coffee to go. I must say that I really like their coffee (it's pretty strong) and I also like the inside of the cafe with it's coffee smell and numerous coffee bean bags laying around. BUT I must also say that ritual is hipster central, but nonetheless the coffee is great. If i remember correctly they also have a little coffee "truck" that shows up in dolores park.
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Review from Gabriela G.
Los Angeles, CA
10/24/2011
Love Love Love this place. Every time i am in San Francisco and i find myself in the Mission District, Ritual Coffee Roasters is a must stop along my day's journey. They even make delicious vegan Mochas and Hot Chocolate. Hmmmmm!
Their coffee is rich and flavorful. Their lattes are thick like warm coffee milkshakes. I usually order the soy Latte or cappuccino and they are consistently smooth and comforting to drink.
The staff is very knowledgeable and excited to describe their different coffees to you. Given the traffic of patrons, the Baristas concoct your drinks fast without compromising on quality.
Oftentimes it is hard to find a place to sit down and enjoy your drink, though other customers are friendly (it is San Francisco!) and when tables are full i have had no problem sharing a table with a handsome stranger. -
Review from Amy O.
10/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
The drink was spectular. I had a cappuccino and just was so smooth and perfect. The coffee flavor itself wasn't one of my favorites...more medium roast than I like.
The place is filled with hipsters working at the tables or reading or hanging out. So, note that even though they have a ton of places to sit, not one may be available. -
Review from Athena S.
9/23/2011
Downgraded. So it's good coffee definitely not great, sorry to disappoint all the faithfuls. I was one.
Of all the times I've gone here, down to my stupid red 'heavy drinker' frequent buyer card, I've got to say, today set me off. Last attempt to find personality past the ONE nice guy at the counter who earned star #2.
The female barista is dry and a flat out rude c word. Get over yourself already and button your g'dam shirt, your saggy tits make me want to spit out my coffee.Listed in: Nopes
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Review from Christine L.
Berkeley, CA
12/22/2011
I stopped by this place for some tea and snacks. The music and atmosphere are great, but I'd avoid the brownie and cookies. I prefer chewy brownies and these were dry and flaky and not very chocolate-y. The chocolate chip cookie had very few chips and the texture was just off. It was more like a scone than a cookie.
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Review from Kenneth N.
San Francisco, CA
1/3/2012
I ordered a cup of coffee just now after getting my wheel fixed at valencia and the coffee is not good. For me Philz is a great cup of coffee and this is nothing like it. This tastes like they ground dry withered bark from a diseased coffee tree.
