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Rockin' Java Coffee House

3.5 star rating
based on 98 reviews

Categories: Coffee & Tea, Breakfast & Brunch  [Edit]

Neighborhood: Haight-Ashbury
1821 Haight St
(between Shrader St & Stanyan St)
San Francisco, CA 94117
(415) 831-8842
Hours:

Mon-Fri. 7:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Sat-Sun. 8:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Attire:
Casual
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Street
Price Range:
$
Good for Groups:
No
Good for Kids:
Yes
Takes Reservations:
No
Delivery:
No
Take-out:
Yes
Waiter Service:
Yes
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes
Outdoor Seating:
No
Wi-Fi:
Free
Alcohol:
None
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98 reviews for Rockin' Java Coffee House

Review Highlights   

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"Good coffee, WiFi, and right next door to Amoeba Records." (in 26 reviews)
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"…some good iced soy mochas and vegan donuts, which is all that's important…" (in 4 reviews)
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"They have free wireless network with a purchase from the cafe." (in 8 reviews)
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Sort by: Yelp Sort | Date | Rating | Elites'
Photo of Brittney B.

 

21

64

Brittney B.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
8/28/2009

You can find me here just about everyday Thursday through Sunday.  I work close by, and on my 1st day of work I found myself wandering down Haight St and stumbling into here because it was close.  I ordered a turkey sandwich... BAM!  Delicious.  Fresh cut turkey (thick and juicy), on great white sliced bread.  They also give you a bag of chips or soup - all for about 6 bucks.  I love this place - and I have had a turkey sandwich just about every day now.  

This place could not be easier.  They also have frozen yogurt!

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Photo of Hana H.

 

2

17

Hana H.

San Francisco, CA

1 star rating
9/14/2009

This place used to be so cool. What happened?!

I went in and it was completely empty, all the tables were pushed against the wall, and a bored looking employed stood behind the counter. This was at 3 in the afternoon.

I ordered a chai, but what I actually got was hot water with foam on it. The single worst chai I have ever bought. I was tempted to even go back into the store and ask for me money back. It was awful.

If you want a drink and that's the only place to go, just buy one of the bottled brands.

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Photo of Amy S.

Elite '09

81

273

Amy S.

San Francisco, CA

3 star rating
3/17/2009

Wow I really need to visit again. Evidently its become a pile of turd according to the reviews below. The rockin java I remember as my hs hangout had a piano, sofas, videogames and tasttty desserts and pies.

It was a hip place to be. How sad...

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Photo of xavier v.

 

13

42

xavier v.

San Francisco, CA

1 star rating
5/1/2009

First time I ever do a bad review of a place on Yelp.

What happened to this place? 10 years ago, it was the happening coffee shop of Haight street, with hippies, locals,  a pool table, an offbeat set up, sometimes live music, just like the reviews below mention.

Today, it is the saddest place on Haight, with no personality, a broken wifi connection, a broken-english speaking staff, a broken souvenir...

What happened to Rockin Java?

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Photo of Theresa T.

 

1

12

Theresa T.

San Francisco, CA

1 star rating
Updated - 11/18/2008

If I could change my rating to 0 stars, then I would.

Really?
REALLY?

it had such a rad atmosphere.

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1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 4 star rating
    2/17/2008

    Great coffee and relaxed environment; can't go wrong there. The lemonade is great, as are all the… Read more »

Photo of John C.

 

25

36

John C.

San Diego, CA

1 star rating
2/16/2009

Start by reading the review by citygirls f.. I couldn't agree more and I echo everything she wrote. I live in San Diego but I go to San Francisco a lot and I USED TO go to Rockin Java every time I visit. Its such a disappointment that it is turned into a big turd. A big friggin turd run by people who don't have a clue about the Haight Ashbury culture.

I went in just to see WTF. The coffee sucked, the staff was rude and the place was empty. The atmosphere was gone and there is a bunch of shelves with food on them. Its like they can't decide if they want to be a market or a coffee house.

I was up there this past weekend and it was raining on Sunday. San Franciscans get out when its raining and they find stuff to do indoors, so most of the coffee houses are packed, not this place, we were the only people there. That is a pretty good indication that the place sucks. The locals are basically saying "I'd rather walk around in the rain they come in here."

I only hope this place is gone next time I visit San Francisco.

Yelp should allow a rating of no stars, because that is what this place should get . They suck.

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Photo of Preethi C.

Elite '09

248

393

Preethi C.

New York, NY

4 star rating
9/10/2008

I used to live in the Bay Area for several years but it's been a couple of years since I came back.  Maybe I'm just happy to be back in the area, but I stopped into Rockin Java and really enjoyed myself this afternoon.

I had a regular drip coffee and found it to be smooth and delicious.  There were quite a few varieties to choose from, which was cool - most coffee shops only have about 2 or 3.  The coffee also tasted freshly brewed.  The service here was very genuine and friendly although the White Mocha I ordered for my boyfriend did take a little while (it is a little packed this time of day, though).  We also shared a lemon poppyseed cake - which looked like nothing special, just a pastry in Saran Wrap - but it was actually quite moist and delicious.  Another big bonus: free wi-fi!  

This coffee shop is quite spacious, which means it's relaxing and not cramped even when there are lots of customers.  They also have a large, clean restroom which you can only use if you are a customer (you have to be buzzed in, which is kind of annoying - but at least it keeps the restroom clean)

Important Note: Rockin Java is going to be closed for renovations for two weeks, starting September 15th.

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Photo of Besha G.

 

7

29

Besha G.

San Francisco, CA

1 star rating
Updated - 11/8/2008

The best coffee shop in the city has become a MINI-MART.

It's entirely possible that the service and coffee and chocolate chais are as good as they used to be, but that cozy dark Victorian space now looks like a hospital room.

I actually stood outside and cried.

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1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 5 star rating
    2/26/2007

    I'd subtract one star for the tourists, but I actually kind of enjoy watching them try to sneak into… Read more »

Photo of Ian C.

 

7

10

Ian C.

Los Angeles, CA

1 star rating
11/17/2008

The horror....the horror....

Better to just have closed it down if it wasn't making money.  I hope this is just someone's bad idea of performance art.

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Photo of Drue C.

Elite '09

339

860

Drue C.

San Francisco, CA

3 star rating
1/20/2008

If I were vegan, much more environmentally conscious, and were I not lucky enough to be able to hijack my neighbors internet I would give this place 5 stars.

I am not, in any uncertian terms, an animal loving dairy scoffing free range only don't wear fur sewn together by kids in a third world country gal. If it was once breathing and is not a relative or pet I have no problem eating it (Starla, please don't de-fan me. I am kidding, really, I swear....cute cute little lamb, I would never ever eat you!).

That being said for me to eat a vegan product it has to be better than what you could produce by killing some poor innocent animal for my enjoyment. So, for all of my bleeding heart friends, just take me here and buy me a cookie and you will be saving some cute little chicken from certain death because they have Karas vegan cookies and they are fucking amazing! They also have vegan donuts and vegan other stuff but I'll just take the cookie, thanks.

They provide free wifi, plenty of seating in a somewhat "dingy in an acceptable Haight street way" setting , pretty cool tunes playing most of the time, organic everything (which, as it was proved to me once again, means sort of crappy tasting coffee) and they are right next to the bus stop for those times when the nextbus monitor tells you you have precisely enough time to go grab a coffee because you were far too lazy, and preoccupied in the best possible way (whatever way that might be for you), to actually brew any of your own before you left the house at 2PM.

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Elite '09

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1215

Jason B.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
3/1/2008

My journey to the Haight and Rockin' Java was certainly eventful. It started at 16th/Mission as I waited for the 33, where some dude was yelling into his cell phone ear bud thing. A little loud, a little obnoxious. Oh, and he's getting on my bus and still talking. Awesome.

Now seated on the most crowded 33 ever, I'm lucky to be sitting in front of two people who would not stop making out. Like seriously, this is public transit, and if I can hear you kissing about all the noise (including previously mentioned cell phone guy), you are making out way too loud. Stop it.

And finally off the bus, along with the two people who were making out, but they are now strumming a guitar and yelling (or is that singing), trying to solicit spare change. Good luck with that.

Walking up to Rockin' Java, I had to quickly dodge some dude spitting out the door of a convenience store, clearly oblivious to the world around him. Good thing I was not texting while walking, I managed to avoid it.

Finally, I made it. Lot of effort. Was it worth it? You bet.

I'd picked up lunch here before, enjoyed, always wanted to return for the granola and a coffee. Turns out the menu is a little misleading in that they don't offer yogurt with the granola, so as they were making it up I left to find some. Passed the guitar players/singers/kissers, fortunately was not in the vicinity of more spit and ultimately found some at Haight Street Natural Foods. Made it back unscathed.

By this point I'm leaning towards three stars, but though I had to go get my own yogurt, I was actually pretty impressed. At $5, the portions was generous and came with fresh fruit, and I loved my coffee. Toss in the free Internet and elevated seating/people watching spot in the back, and Rockin' Java earns another star.

Assessment of the adventure:

33 - One star (a usual five star bus)
Guy talking - One star
Guitar players/singers/kissers - One star
Guy spitting - One star
Rockin Java - Four stars

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Photo of Lauren M.

 

8

87

Lauren M.

San Francisco, CA

2 star rating
Updated - 3/10/2009

Since the renovation, I've only been back once, to buy a soda.  I miss the old coffee shop.  Now it's a boring market, that sells coffee.

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1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 5 star rating
    6/25/2008

    I'm here 4 or 5 times a week, and get mostly regular coffee for my boss and I.  If you need a really… Read more »

Photo of Colin F.

 

33

12

Colin F.

San Francisco, CA

1 star rating
5/20/2009

Used to be one of my fav little coffee shops. Now it's a soulless mini-mart eyesore. Sad.

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Photo of Anna G.

Elite '09

267

305

Anna G.

San Francisco, CA

3 star rating
1/23/2008

Hot hot hot hot HOT Americano.  Seriously.  It was HOT.  

I like my coffee hot, (un)like my men.  

Just kidding, LOLz.

I do like my coffee hot and strong, though, and Rockin' Java delivered.  The shop has an odd vibe, though, probably due to the odd vibe that permeates from that end of Haight St.  

As I was leaving, a pseudo-crazy man was apparently very angry about the fact that he thought my jacket was cute.  I apologize, I'll be less cute next time.  Man, it's tough being me.

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Photo of Kristina R.

Elite '09

1087

1403

Kristina R.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
10/8/2007

We sat in the window seats and stared at freaky people and their piercings for hours...it's a very welcoming environment, and very conducive to stalking.  FIVE STARS!

But the treats...not so much.  I had a really good cup of tea and a small, round rock.  It was called a vegan donut.  

Sir, I've known donuts.  I've served coffee with donuts.  Donuts are a friend of mine.

YOU, sir...ARE NO DONUT.

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Photo of Kate K.

Elite '09

373

426

Kate K.

Oakland, CA

3 star rating
9/19/2007

Rockin' Java reminds me of the set of a movie set in a coffee shop in early 1990's Seattle.

It's just like any other coffee shop in the city, I suppose.  I first stopped in there when I took my parents on the obligatory tour of Golden Gate Park and Haight Street.  I used to have a fine photo of Sparky flipping me off over a vanilla latte from here on my phone; but, then I got drunk, dropped that phone on the concrete at El Rio and had to buy a new phone.  Sadness.

Yesterday I popped in there between dropping off an application at Amoeba and heading over to Bar Amir for dinner.  I had a cup o' coffee - they were out of half and half - le suck.  But, they did have honey for my coffee.  Cool.

On the plus side of Rockin' Java they do have fair trade coffee, an extensive sandwich menu, a Pac Man table top game and Internet access (it would also appear that they are a free hotspot for those of us with laptops.)  There is also a big, round, wooden table which looks like it belongs in my Mom's kitchen - though there are no obligatory squashy couches or chairs.  And, you can't smoke in there.  Oh well.

Here's why they lose two stars from me:
-Star #1: I'm sitting there and a transient guy in a wheelchair comes in and begins spare changing the customers.  The hipster manager dude kicks him out (sure, I understand - that's gotta be annoying on Haight, right?)  Then he yells at dude (who's using his gangrened foot in a ratty cast to push himself out the door in his crack-ass wheelchair:)

"Look, I know your life is shitty; but, GET THE FUCK OUT!"

He then walks back behind the counter and basically does the "hipster male 'I'm cool' bullshit posing" with the other cats working at Rockin' Java.

Yeah, man - you showed him - tough guy.

Same guy, two secs later?  Called a punker girl with a guitar  who just bought a cup of coffee & tipped the him "a little bit grubbins" -- she gave him death look as she took her coffee and left.

What a hipster douche.

-Star #2: Someone working at Rockin' Java changed the CD playing from David Bowie to Supertramp.

DAVID BOWIE TO SUPERTRAMP

What the F?

For real.

WHO LIKES SUPERTRAMP MORE THAN BOWIE?

I can't hang there, man.  Dude, don't change the CD from Bowie to *Stupidtramp.  Come on!

Plus a small coffee was a buck fiddy.  Boo.  I can get a large coffee for that at Royal Ground.  Boo.

It's a convenient warm spot to stop for a few if you have to... but, I will never, never, NEVER go out of my way to take my laptop over there to spend an afternoon doing whatever it is that I do when I go to coffee shops with my laptop (Yelping, homework, chatting with people on IM, dorking around on the 'Net, etc.)

Never.

*Supertramp is okay, but not ever better than David Bowie.  He's Ziggy Stardust, people... few rockers out class Bowie in the rock pantheon.  Mebee Lou Reed.  Mebee. Only when he used to wear hella black eyeliner and look all heroin thin.  Iggy Pop out classes Bowie, but only by a hair.  One-single-tiny-hair.

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Photo of matt m.

 

235

199

matt m.

San Francisco, CA

3 star rating
10/2/2007

A friend once said to me, "Haight Street, the GREAT Street!".

It's true.

Especially when you sit inside Rockin' Java along the opened sidewalk windows and take it all in. For people that don't know Haight very well, the area where RJ is located also contains the highest concentration of hippies, stoners, spangers, crust punks & loonies.

In the half hour I spent sitting by the window...sipping my Chai & nibbling on a poppyseed loaf, I was quite entertained. It started with some sort of skunky smelling smoke being blown in my direction, then a dude with a boom box blasting Kool & the gang walked by, someone walked up and asked me for change moments later  & then a crazy guy walked up and stood about 2 feet from me at the window.

I just watched. He proceeded to pour himself a street side cocktail, and then realized he didn't have enough Coke to go with his Captain. He walked inside, asked for free Coke from the Barista & was turned down. He freaked the F**K out! Started throwing a fit & got kicked out pretty quick.

I wonder if he ever got his Coca-Cola? I hope so. Nothing worse than an improperly mixed sidewalk sipper.

I was here around 7:30pm, and they were no longer serving sandwiches or salad. Was bummed about that. And they close at 9pm, which kinda sucks.

But Guess what?

The Internets here...

FREE!

            FREE!!

                          FREE!!!

                                         Woohoo!

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Photo of gRaCe M.

Elite '09

565

586

gRaCe M.

Boston, MA

4 star rating
2/25/2007

I had a hankering for my usual single soy latte, so I went over to Rockin Java after buying my  "Jamaica me S'wet" workout used DVD at Amoeba's.  The place is located 2 doors down from the record store.  Some gutter punk was trying to buy a double mocha with a great handful of his panhandled change.  The cashier told him to count his change before coming up to him because it would hold up the line.  I was next in line.  Gutter punk dude had mad change, so I just told the cashier that I'd buy his double mocha... but I had him give 50 cents towards the purchase of his stuff... so it wasn't entirely charity.

The place was busy, had a fairly large menu of coffee, tea, and food items (they serve Mighty Leaf teas and organic coffees)... so I had time to peruse around for more information about this place (as a Yelp Mod, I am trying my best to find out more about every establishment I visit, so to report accurate information on their Yelp business listings).  They offer free wi-fi.  The latte was good.  Gutter punk did not thank me for most of his coffee.   pinche puta cabron.

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Photo of Matt G.

Elite '09

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1153

Matt G.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
11/5/2006

This coffee shop next to Amoeba Records is dark and cool place to hang out. Well, Matt is not so sure you wanna hang out at a coffee shop with your Rugrats, especially in the Haight.

Matt has been here a couple of times, and their specialty drink is the Banana flavor Mocha. The drink tasted like a Banana juice with Mocha. This drink is loaded with sweetness for $3.50. It is pretty good. Matt had the Depth Charge here before, and the drink was powerfully strong. The kids had a Odwalla OJ each and ate a tasty Lemon Bar. This place has Ms. Pac Man. So Matt played and entertained the kids, with his skilled of the video game. This place is a good place to chill, considering it is in the Haight.

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Photo of Richard T.

Elite '09

609

461

Richard T.

Los Angeles, CA

4 star rating
5/16/2007

Not bad. It's right by my new place so I though I'd give it a whirl...

Very friendly service, and some unusual specialty drinks. There's one called "Snickers" ...oddly enough, it tasted just like a liquefied Snickers bar. That might sound weird to you, and it is... but it's worth definitely trying at least once in your life.

That's all I pretty much have to say about that.

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Photo of Amy D.

Elite '09

257

505

Amy D.

Foster City, CA

3 star rating
6/26/2006

I was recommended their restroom from the security man at Amoeba. I really *had* to go because I wasn't going to be able to hold it until I got home all the way on the peninsula. "McDonald's has a bathroom and so does the cafe. Personally I would go to the cafe."

I got an Honest Tea for $1.85.

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Photo of John M.

 

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34

John M.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
4/17/2007

Full Disclosure: I have my artwork featured on the walls here for the month of April (2007)...

Having said that...

They would have pocketed the five stars anyway...
I went there all the time to get my work done... (so I voted with my wallet)

More reasons?

Good food and treats... (cookies, bagels, sandwiches, salads...)
Good coffee
Free Wifi
Good vibe (the music is usually pretty good... if you haven't heard The Cars in while, do stop in.  But they mix it up...)
Good staff (a couple people that work there are in bands that actually sound great!... check out "Or The Whale"... excellent band with an indie country twang and sweet harmonies...)
Close to Amoeba
Did I mention free wifi and good coffee? I did? oh.

There's probably some other reasons... (like that they have my artwork up...) but I can't think of them at the moment...

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Elite '09

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576

James G.

Las Vegas, NV

4 star rating
12/22/2007

Pinball alert!

Scared stiff!

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Photo of Kelli H.

 

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80

Kelli H.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
3/1/2008

This is a cool coffee shop located on the Haight st. I love to sit in their open window section and people watch while sipping on my warm latte.

A big plus is their access to the internet as well as their old school pac man game. I love pac man, so whenever I see the  game I jump to take on the challenge. Also, they have a pool table too, for all you pool sharks out there in SF.

If your looking for a local spot to hang out and drink good coffee I strongly suggest this place for sure. They have everything you need. Coffee, sandwiches, tea, smoothies, fresh juice, and much more.

You rock my world Java Coffee House!!

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Photo of Blake W.

 

75

169

Blake W.

San Francisco, CA

3 star rating
9/25/2006

I have to be honest about this place:  I haven't had any food from here.  Not even a biscotti.  I have had their coffee, and it is fine.  Not incredible, but fine.  I like the lay out, and I know they have an open mic night and all that jazz--it has the makings of a great coffee shop.  
So what's the problem?  I just am not sure.  I mean, I have sat down and had really horribly smelly people walk in and sit down near me and turn my stomach.  But I live in the Haight--I chose to live in the Haight and that is just part of the deal.  Yet somehow it just seems more pronounced here.  
I don't know. I can't say anything bad--the servers are nice and all that.  I just know that I live right near the coffeeshop and I rarely go there.  And I drink a ton of coffee.  That has to say something.

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Photo of Shannon R.

 

134

352

Shannon R.

San Francisco, CA

3 star rating
8/9/2007

This is a good standby coffee shop in the upper haight. I usually go here before or after going to Amoeba, but it's sometimes a bit less gratifying if you go before, because Amoeba won't let you bring your drink inside, you have to leave it by the door...so I now I try to wait til after my CD-perusing.

They serve Thai iced coffee and Thai iced tea here, which is something you don't see that often at a regular coffee shop, and it's pretty good, too. They also have a decent for-customers-only restroom, which, to be honest, is usually half the reason I patronize them in the first place...after all, bathrooms in the haight are sparse!

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982

maria d.

New York, NY

5 star rating
8/27/2005

EDIT 12/4/2005: I must have severely different taste in my rocket fuel b/c I love Rockin Java's house blend aka the foglifter. I'm usually running too late to get it in the morning these days, but on the weekends, it's what I use to get my ass in gear. They do have free wireless internet, but I don't think that it's such a computer heavy place as opposed to say a place like Ritual in the Mission. The staff is cute and the decor is comfortable & worn in, reminds me of the houses my friends lived in at college.

They also carry fantastic vegan chocolate chip cookies called Kari's Kreations and sell Thai Iced Tea. Beware: on the weekends, there'll def. be a bit of wait due to the tourist influx.

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Photo of Perry S.

 

90

206

Perry S.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
11/25/2007

No good coffee on Haight Street? Really? I think Rockin Java's coffee is pretty rockin.

It was one cold rainy morning and I felt like crap cause I haven't got my coffee yet. I saw Rockin Java accross the street and I haven't got a chance to try their coffee yet.

The atmosphere of the coffee house was very cozy. I would like to just hang out and sit next to the window. It's a bit darker as you go to the back part of the coffee house. Maybe it was just too early and they didn't turn on all their lights yet, but what's up with the fluorescent lights? The girl who worked behind the counter was very friendly and helpful. They had a few different selections of drip coffee, including swiss water Decaf. I got a cup of French Vanilla drip coffee. I know, I know....as a coffee lover shame on me for drinking flavored coffee but I can't help it everytime it's right there in front of me!

As I poured the fresh brewed coffee to my cup, I felt the warm sensation on my palm and the ambrosial smell of coffee was tickling my nose. The coffee itself tasted good. It had the smooth and dark flavor with a hint of sweet after taste.

In general, I'm very pleased with their coffee and I would definitely come back to try their espresso drinks.

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Photo of Jacky J.

 

3

25

Jacky J.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
4/26/2007

The Upper Haight coffee shops each have their own thing goin on.. From people's cafe (good omeletes & breakfasts) coffee to the People (comfy furnishings and free wifi) to coffee on Cole (morning sun while waiting for the 43 &37)

Rockin Java is a cool coffee shop with free wifi and good coffee. They even put out extra plugin outlet strips so everyone can syphon some free 'lectricity for their laptops and cell phones. there are a cople of imacs if you didn't bring your own but they charge for that.

There is a big solid table in the back where a group of 6-8 could meet/hang.. several smaller tables and a sofa. The primo table is up the steps on the stage by the piano. it has it's own little section and an outlet even.

People are all really nice and the food is pretty good too. There is a pretty good pinball machine and a ms pacman table for some retro entertainment.

If you notice an attitude with all the uppity signs about no sleeping, people with excess baggage and unkept personal hygiene, theres a damn good reason for it.. The Park squatter kids who come in wanting to use the bathroom and nap in the back without buying anything.  Hey I am all for each his own, but I totally understand why they do it.

only complaint is the choice of music.. seems like its always cheesy 80'crapola. They just can't get enough of it.  I thought it was ROCKIN?

anyway. it's my favorite coffee house in the upper haight for hangin out and looking at my Amoeba buys or workin on my laptop.

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0

8

citygirls f.

San Francisco, CA

1 star rating
1/4/2009

Before I had even moved to SF, I was visiting often and always came up to Rockin' Java. The staff was rad and the vibe was cool. They had bitchin food, internet access, a white chocolate chai to DIE FOR and it was super awesome. Now,... its so sad. It's a real disappointment.

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1

32

Avery L.

New York, NY

1 star rating
11/16/2007

When I first moved to Haight Street I was elated to see Rockin Java, a seemingly really cool coffee house just around the corner. BUT, after having gone there a few times, I will never go there again. The FIRST time I went, it took 35 minutes to get a turkey and tomato sandwich. They forgot my coffee AND my side of chips. When I informed the obviously stoned barista, she scoffed and told me I must NOT have ordered coffee because if I had, she said, I would have heard someone call it out for me by now. When she finally gave it to me, she acted like she was doing me some huge favor.

THE SECOND TIME, it took about 30 minutes to get 2 bagels and a coffee. When I complained to the Barista, he looked at me like I was crazy, pointed at the 4 other people in the room and said, "Well, as you can see, we're really busy."... I asked for my money back.

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Lindsay D.

Narberth, PA

2 star rating
4/1/2007

We were walking around the Haight and got hungry for something small.  He ordered the artichoke quiche and salad.  I ordered a bagel with egg and cheese.  
Vacant cashier: "Um, we're out of bagels."  

Okay, then I'll have egg and cheese on a croissant.  

VC: "Uh, we don't have any of those either.  it was really busy earlier.  This is the slowest we've been all day.  we do have wheat toast."  

Fine.  I'll have an egg and cheese on wheat toast - bleh.  

"It'll be out in about 15 minutes"

$10+

So we go to pour ourselves some water.  Empty.

So we find a place to sit and read the leftover newspapers.  His food comes out first.  "Oh yeah, the silverware is back there."  This quiche looked like it had seen better days.  It was slightly warm on the outside and room temp inside.  microwaved for maybe 5 seconds.  not very delectable.  and it had olives, which wasn't previously mentioned.

After we polished off the slice, my sandwich came out.  It was dry and there was plenty of wheat bread that had neither egg nor cheese - i left those on the plate.

I don't really know what cost $10 or took 15 minutes, but it wasn't our food.  Not recommended.

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54

Carolyn H.

Los Angeles, CA

2 star rating
9/9/2007

I must begin with the warning that I didn't actually buy anything here, and that turned out to be the problem.  However, I am choosing to review the staff.

I went in here with a friend because we really had to go to the bathroom.  When we were leaving, the guy behind the bar asked us for our IDs (isn't this a coffee shop?), then he told us that the restroom was only for people who were "spending money" there.

We apologized, and my friend explained that while we didn't want to buy anything, we understood their desire to limit the restroom use to customers.  She offered to just give him how ever much he thought that was worth.  I think this approach surprised him because he got really awkward and told us that we didn't have to pay, but just wanted us to know their policy for "next time."  Then he just started mumbling about how there WAS a sign at the door to inform people of their restroom policy.  We actually looked again and couldn't find any sign.

Also, if he did ever want us to come back and patronize the place for a "next time", he might have tried being a little friendlier (and less creepy).

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Catherine C.

Davis, CA

4 star rating
2/8/2008

Good coffee, relaxing place to sit and chat.  It has a nice indie-but-not-pretentious feel, which is always appreciated.  I love coming here after a trip to amoeba.

They always seem to be playing great music, too, which is always a plus!

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Elizabeth L.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
1/22/2008

Good coffee, WiFi, and right next door to Amoeba Records.

But all those nice things pale in comparison to the fact that I met the love of my life here on a blind date 2 years ago.

So just for that, Rockin' Java gets 5 stars.

Yes, I'm biased... can you really blame a girl?

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5

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Amber B.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
8/8/2007

I come here when I want a white mocha.  I usually am a latte person, but one day I was feeling...oh, frisky.  My taste buds were in the mood for some sweetness, so I ordered the white mocha with whipped cream.  As soon as the drink hit my lips I was in a wonderland of bliss.  It's probably diabetes in a cup, but I don't care.  I'm a fan.  They also have a lot of baked goodies to try and I'm not vegan, but they have plenty of options for you no-meat-no-dairy-no-taste-to-your-food peeps, as well.  I can't grade the food.  I haven't tried it yet-- I'm strickly there for my fix of W.M.  Did I mention it's really good? Like really.

Oh, and the atmosphere is cozy like you're at a good friend's house.  The people behind the counter are friendly folk.  Homeless kids do walk in from time to time to ask for some change or to use the bathroom, but then again it is Haight street, so that's pretty much normal every block anyways.  Another plus is that it's right beside Amoeba records for cd/dvd browsing pleasure.  ...And just then I hear my order get called out-- "white mocha w/ whipped cream"...and that's music enough to my ears.

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Tom W.

Glendale, AZ

4 star rating
6/12/2007

Another Haight coffee spot where people who need caffeine and want to save the world.

I have to say I like this place a good deal more than Coffee to the people. Their frou frou drinks are pretty good. The bathroom (after the consumption of the aforementioned drink) is clean. The staff is nice, and yes, they do tend to be a bit uptight. Being next to Amoeba is awesome.

Only bad part, and it isn't their fault, is having to wade through the 15 homeless guys to get into the shop.

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sleppa s.

San Francisco, CA

1 star rating
Updated - 11/18/2008

what the hell? what did they do? the loss of the old rockin java is a real blow to the haight. i dont see how they can improve business by selling old produce and cans of baked beans...
the place was always packed anyway. what the hell?

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1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 4 star rating
    8/30/2008

    I enjoy this place very much. I order a depth charge and get lost with reading or a crossword… Read more »

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Kristina M.

Corte Madera, CA

1 star rating
11/23/2008

Sad~ this was one of my favorite places on earth. I actually cried after I walked in there and the whole place had been painted white, the stage taken out, the ambiance gone, the walls with mirrors and atrwork replaced by coolers with coca cola and dole pineapples.
So so sad.
A part of my soul died with my favorite cafe.

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105

Benjy S.

San Francisco, CA

3 star rating
2/12/2006

Present tense because I am here now:  The iced mocha is alright (a little powdery, and they put whip cream on it despite my order saying no), you can't beat the location, the free wifi is reliable, the space is neat and well done, and the baristas are cute.  Unfortunately, there is too much in and out traffic and it is a little too loud to be a conducive work environment on this beautiful Sunday afternoon -- apparently everyone else thought going to Golden Gate Park was be a good idea, too.  I might evaluate it again for telecommuting some weekday.

The swarm of flies hanging out by the entrance was a little disconcerting, but they haven't bothered me despite my proximity to them.  

They have food, too, but I didn't try it.

And a very very smelly guy just sat down behind me, so I'm leaving.

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