See previous. Aka, morning at Phil’z.

Ritual might be the hipster scene, but Phil’z is where you go if you want truly tasty coffee. Individually double filtered – handmade as they tout – and doctored to your specifications (“real sweet, medium sweet, not too sweet?”), each cup is smooth and rich in layered flavor. The only place in San Francisco where you can really taste coffee as you would wine. The baristi working the paper filters seem genuinely happy, to boot. Head in by yourself and you’ll get more sweeties and darlin’s than you knew would think possible north of the Mason-Dixon. If you’re there on a Saturday morning, the man himself might be on hand to take your order.

Phil’z Coffee

3101 24th St. at Folsom St. map
San Francisco, CA 94110

Recommended: Aromatic Arabic, Phil’s “Mocha” Tesora, Ether.

So, still obsessed with when Bambina was here. Also, feeding caffeine addiction.

Oh, Ritual. How I love you. Your hipstery goodness. Your Sunday morning people watching (babies galore!). Your thick chocolatey brews. Your bowling ball o’ chai. Your adult men coloring. With Crayola 64 packs, in coloring books. On a Monday night. Your common table in the window, built for eavesdropping, spying for acquaintances, and making eyes at strangers all at once. Your just-right dose of vaguely Soviet propaganda. Oh, Ritual – how I love you.

Ritual Roasters

1026 Valencia Street
San Francisco, CA 94110

Peaceful coexistence of elephants and camels

Roadrunners.     Bloody Mary of 2009.

The elusive, fleet-footed bird can be found at Luna Park Kitchen & Cocktails (Valencia @ 18th). With notes of sage, chili pepper, and slyly sweet cactus fruit, the ‘runner is bright and easy to drink – vivacity in a glass. I could sip one all day.