The world is full of great mysteries, and missing Colgate food while in a foodie city like San Francisco is definitely one of them. Science will never be able to explain why the Hamiltonian, when removed from her natural habitat, finds herself craving strange things like Slices and Saxby’s coffee. The only thing we know for certain is that it happens, and it can happen to anyone. So the next time you find yourself in San Francisco when a Colgate Craving strikes, look no further than these cafes for your fix.
1. Saxby’s: Squat & Gobble Cafe & Crepery
Photo by Emily Daniel
Stopping at Saxby’s for a latte and breakfast sandwich is the best way to start the day in Hamilton, so when you’re looking to get energized for a day full of site-seeing in San Fran, stop at Squat & Gobble. This cute cafe is conveniently located on Market Street, which runs through the Castro and the Mission District, making it the perfect place to grab breakfast before exploring the city. The bagels with lox and cappuccinos are amazing (clearly, since I returned for more the next day), and the patio is perfectly situated for people-watching while you eat.
Photo by Emily Daniel
You’ll notice that I was the only person sitting outside, since San Francisco’s “winter” temperature of 55 degrees is freezing to native Californians but practically tropical to a Hamiltonian. Sub-zero temps are the one thing that you will not miss while in SF.
2. Hamilton Whole Foods: GreenSurge Juicery
Photo by Emily Daniel
Everyone lies to themselves about ~wanting~ to eat healthy every once in a while, and when we do, Hamilton Whole Foods is where we end up. Nothing absolves you of last night’s sins like a vegan sandwich and green smoothie. And since San Francisco is quickly becoming a health-food Mecca, there’s no shortage of juice shops and gluten-free bakeries to meet your needs. When you find yourself craving 10 servings of liquefied Swiss chard, head over to GreenSurge juicery and they’ll take care of you.
3: Hamilton Eatery: Cafe Mystique
Photo by Emily Daniel
Sometimes a simple sandwich or salad is exactly what you need, and nothing hits the spot like the Eatery. Cafe Mystique has a perfect chicken sammy to satisfy your Eatery-tooth, and it’s right on Castro Street, so a seat by the window is the perfect place to witness the vibrant culture of the Castro go by. The food is excellent; the service is great; and the prices are decent. So, altogether this cafe is a great place to stop and recharge while experiencing the Castro. And maybe take some pictures, because looking out the window at the Eatery on a frigid February day is not the same.
4. Heiber Cafe: Blue Bottle Coffee
Photo by Emily Daniel
If you suffer from Colgate Stockholm Syndrome, you may find yourself missing the average lattes and palpable anxiety that can be found in the library cafe. Get your fix at Blue Bottle Coffee while visiting the Ferry Building Market in downtown SF. The market is right next to the Bay, so after your grab your (above average) coffee, you can gaze out over the water (instead of gazing out over a sea of notes and textbooks).
5. COOP: Caffe Treiste
Photo by Emily Daniel
Caffe Trieste in North Beach is the oldest espresso shop on the West Coast, and the bohemian poets and musicians of the Beat generation were known to hang out here. You won’t find any beatniks at the COOP, but it’s still the place to go for people-watching between classes. So if you’re looking to while away an hour or two watching the world go by in SF, grab a cappuccino and a seat outside at Caffe Trieste.
6. Maxwell’s: Japanese Tea Garden
Photo by Emily Daniel
Golden Gate Park is huge and full of fun attractions, and the Japanese Tea Garden is a must-see. For a tourist trying to pack as much of San Francisco into as little time as possible, taking a minute to slow down and relax is essential. The garden is quiet, peaceful, and majestic. Some matcha tea ice cream from the little tea shop is the perfect compliment to the pleasant atmosphere. Soaking up the San Francisco sun with some sweet treats might conjure memories of those rare sunny days in Hamilton, when you and your friends get milkshakes from Maxwell’s and laze in the grass on the Village Green.
These few cafes are certainly not the only ones in San Francisco worth visiting; they don’t represent all of the wonderful corners of the city that is worth exploring. But when you find yourself craving the tastes of Hamilton, they might just hit the spot.