Coffee Shop Spotlight / Saint Frank Coffee

On a gloomy San Francisco afternoon, I love the feeling of that first warm sip of a rich mocha to brighten up the day and soothe the soul. However, it is usually a rarity to find a place that makes a mocha exactly how I like it— not overpoweringly sweet, yet creamy with a generous hint of chocolate. Imagine my surprise when I decided to follow the hype of checking out Saint Frank Coffee to discover what I have been looking for.

Upon walking into Saint Frank Coffee, I was immediately lulled into feeling like I just added a plus one to my cool quotient. The space was beautiful. All white, tile, and wood. Located in Russian Hill, the sun enters the cafe through the open sky top so the whole cafe glows in the sunlight. I could see idling time here very easily. The minimalist warm furniture, light colored wood, and pristine white walls were amplified by the expansive all white countertops that were bathed in the warm light beaming in from the large windows in front and overhead. With it’s high ceilings, the layout casts a bright and airy mood. There's a lovely pastry glass case filled with enticing goods like fluffy chocolate croissants.

However, the beauty does not end there. Chrome plated espresso machinery was sunk into the white countertops as are the rose gold milk frothers. My order was taken by the futuristic tapping on a touchscreen tablet. It was the sleekest and cleanest coffee setup I have ever seen. All this would float away like vanity if their product value didn't match the beautiful visual aesthetics. Yet, my fears were silently laid to rest as soon as the rich, bold, and deep flavors of chocolate and espresso touched my lips.

This little coffee shop completely does their image right. While all the baristas may be wearing perfectly scrunched skinny jeans and thick rimmed glasses, they know how to sway in their shiny oxford shoes without the kind of pretentious attitude that leaves a bitter taste in your mouth. Like their coffee, their smooth demeanor brings anyone to an enjoyable comfort level.

From the sturdy wooden tables, matching walls, and the three-legged stools, the experience of seeing my espresso drip into the cup from the magic espresso fountain built into the counter was like watching an artist steadily working on his art piece. The counter brings an intimate space as I watch them carefully pour the milk in right in front of me as they are making sure to fill it so high that it arches over the brim. As an observer, I immediately get the sense that they spared no expense and sweat in every detail. This is no ordinary coffee experience.

Saint Frank beautifully fueled my afternoon errands and will from now on effortlessly integrate into my daily plans. Isn't that what all coffee joints aspire to do? It's certainly what they all should do. As a San Francisco native, I am proud to have this quaint coffee shop in the city. It’s an intriguing thought that there are always new places to explore in a city I grew up in since birth. No matter where you consider as home, familiarity doesn’t mean mundane. Like a map that is always on refresh, there are always new treasures to discover. There can always be places like Saint Franks’s that are hidden neighborhood gems waiting to be found.