There is no better way to appreciate the beauty of the Bay Area than with a long bike ride. But rest is crucial! Here's a list of some of the best cafe pit stops throughout the Bay Area to rest up for the next leg of your journey.
LessFor a mouthwatering pit stop way out in the sleepy Sunset, Andytown Roasters is an absolute must when biking along Ocean Beach in SF. Situated on Taraval Street, just a few blocks east of the beach, this sleek, modern cafe gives you a peek into what the new, modern Sunset District has to offer. Looking for a unique treat that won’t weigh you down? The Snowy Plover is a must-have. And don’t worry, if you missed the Taraval location, further northeast on Lawton Street, Andytown has another shop!
If you’re in downtown Oakland, there’s a good chance you’re on a bike. Head over to Jack London Square to check out the aptly-named Bicycle Coffee. An established favorite of Oakland cool kids since 2009, this cafe is sure to impress with their supremely designed merchandise while feasting on one of their many sustainably farmed and locally-roasted house coffees or cold brews. But get there early—they close at 1:00 p.m. daily!
Want to take on those scenic North Bay biking trails? Check out Equator Coffees & Tea at the intersection of Miller and Throckmorton Avenues before taking on the Mount Tam Hill Climb! Equator has set the standard for sustainable business practices within the coffee industry, ensuring their coffee not only tastes good and is sustainably grown, but also betters the lives of those who produce it. Now, that’s an easy business model to support!
Here’s another popular gem that is snuggled in the sleepy Sunset district. Trouble Coffee on Judah Street is the choice for all the old punks out there—the centerpiece of the cafe is a refurbished junkyard La Marzocco espresso machine. Always order their infamous cinnamon sugar toast with your coffee and then chill out while listening to their enviable record collection before bombing some hills around the Sunset.
Here’s a great option for our everyday bikers when they’re getting errands done around the city! Located in the heart of the Mission, Linea Caffe is on 18th Street at San Carlos, between Mission and Valencia Street. This cafe won Best Espresso by San Francisco Magazine and is sure to thrill any coffee enthusiast. Its chic interiors and welcoming staff make for a relaxing spot for a quick break.
At the cross-section of several major biking trails in the South Bay, (including the South Bay Epic, the Santa Cruz Coastal, or the Kennedy + Hicks Loops) The Los Gatos Coffee Roasting Company is a fantastic stop to get some fresh, house-roasted coffee along with a pastry or light lunch. Embrace the cozy brick walls and small-town feel before you kick off on your biking expedition or enjoy it as a halfway spot to recharge.
Here's our honorable coffee-adjacent mention! There’s scarcely a bike ride more enjoyable than at the Embarcadero. The sun is (usually) shining, it’s got huge bike lanes, and the views are just…*chef’s kiss*. If you want a hot drink that's not coffee, look no further than coffee’s alluring cousin, chocolate! Dandelion Chocolate at the Ferry Building is one of our absolute favorite SF chocolate spots. Enjoy their hot (or frozen) hot chocolate and single origin chocolate bars for a decadent treat.