Caffe Trieste

This place is a VIBE!Walking in here feels like traveling back in time. I can easily imagine the beatnik authors whiling away an afternoon here writing and sipping on some strong espresso. You can feel the history. I can see why ChatGPT is recommending this cafe to out of town travelers as some tourists inside mentioned how they came upon this place.We were looking for a place to rest our legs and caffeinate and walked in on a Saturday afternoon. We lucked out as there was a live music performance going on and miraculously an empty table. It did mean the place was more crowded than usual but everyone was mixing parties and sitting wherever there was an empty seat. They even had a TV with the football game on. Such a convivial atmosphere. The lady next to me struck up a conversation and recommended the limoncello cookies here but sadly they were already out. I got a latte and carrot cake which I can never resist when I see it. The latte was definitely on the stronger side. Watch out. The drink was served extra hot and the glass it's served in was hothothot. The frosting on the carrot cake was definitely on the sweeter side (I scraped off the frosting but ate the cake portion!) so if you prefer things not too sweet like me, choose your dessert wisely. They had a selection.Would recommend this cafe for the vibes alone! Such a special spot.

9/16/24 After Alcatraz, we checked out Caffe Trieste for coffee and snacks. This place is iconic. They had some live music when we were there which was fantastic. I got their cream puffs which were delicious while hubby got some other pastry that was on the healthier side. The cafe Americano I got was solid. Hubby's espresso was really good. The only complaint I have is that they only take cash.#PichetteChronicles #travelchronicles #sanfranciscocalifornia

Honestly, chatGPT told me this is the perfect pick me up coffee place and when we finally got here after a long day of walking a local atanding on the corner said "this truly is the best coffee in all of San Francisco, welcome!"I got an ice cappuccino and it truly was delicious. Just really great deep rich espresso. You know a coffees good when it looks like my picture!(Pro tip- walk down the street to The Stinking Rose and have the non coffee lover order a drink and sit on the street for a great view and people watching)

The tiramisu was good. The barista did not smile once and asked us for our milk alternative four times, the chai was a diluted liquid and they only had enough for one (blessing in disguise), they don't serve the antipasto plate and the flat white is just a latte.

Over priced coffee. I love coffee and the price was too much for me. It's an all cash place. The service is excellent. The location great and the environment friendly. However it's a little too overpriced for the coffee cups given.

Caffe Trieste is by far 1 of my favorite cafe in the City for a cup of cappuccino. I make it a point to bring out-of-town friends here and invariably they agree that the baristas make very good coffee, espresso, latte & cappuccino.

4.5 stars! I really enjoy coming to this little gem of a place after I eat across the way at El Farolito. If they had better coffee, they'd get a 5 from me. The service is hit or miss. Either you'll get some super lovely guy in glasses who likes to speak in a fake Italian accent (in an adorable way) or you get a super grumpy hipster kid who doesn't want to be there, pained to muster up a "have a nice day." The cheesecake is TO DIE FOR and the seating and table space is good for a little San Francisco shop. Love to play backgammon and make art here. They've got that much table room!

Come for the coffee, community vibe and ambiance. Tiramisu and cannoli were good and a good value but cash only.The highlight here is the coffee and the old school vibe inside. Old looking and most definitely not cookie cutter. Walls are filled with a feast for the eyes and tabletops are mosaic and interesting. Had a tiramisu and cannoli to go. Service was outstanding but I found the tiramisu to be too plain. I'm pretty sure I could make one myself at home a little better even though I'm not a pastry chef. It lacked depth. I didn't taste any espresso at all and mascarpone? What mascarpone? I would rate the cake alone 2 stars at best. Cannoli was crisp and visually appealing. A simple dessert - there isn't much to go wrong unless it is soggy. I actually wanted a soggy tiramisu - they could have dumped a little espresso on the bottom cake layer only right before they handed it to me (I can understand their shelf life reasoning for doing what they do). Well, honestly this place gets by on ambiance and customer service. Was offered a fork for my to go order and I admire the old school character. Cash only - IDK but I prefer to keep my cash for other things. Things that you can't use cash for ever. You know what I'm talking about. I've got goals in life. To try all the different pizzas and cannolis that are in North Beach. So far I'd say go to Stellas for Cannoli and Cavalli Cafe for tiramisu. Owners of this place need to stop by Cavalli for the best tiramasu in Little Italy. See how its done. Cafe Greco has the best ricotta cheesecake. Owners and mangers of Trieste - now you've got some homework to do.

I live down the street from this spot and it has been my go to since moving to the city. Cappuccinos are made expertly here, being that it's the first espresso bar in the city. The workers are friendly and you get your drink fast--they don't play games. If you find yourself here on a Saturday afternoon, stop in and grab something to eat or drink because you may be lucky enough to experience a classic Italian music group that play most weekends here. It truly feels like you're transported to Italy. Everyone inside is enjoying the company of another, reading, writing, or creating. It's not a caffe for doing computer work (in my opinion) though they do have free WiFi. It's a place of community and it represents what I love best about San Francisco.

Absolutely disgusting and inedible breakfast sandwich. I don't know what mystery meat is in this but this is not bacon.