San Francisco's Best Cafes for Art Lovers

It's a fact that people take their coffee seriously. Ask any coffee lover his or her thoughts on starting a day without a strong cup of brew, and you're likely to be on the opposite end of a confused, incredulous look.

With few drinks being as crucial to one's productivity as coffee is, we're celebrating National Coffee Day, (September 29th), with a round-up of San Francisco's best cafes for those that both love a good caffeine buzz and appreciate inspiring art.

The City by the Bay takes pride in pouring coffee that offers much more than some pretty latte art. Think sustainable, humanely sourced coffee that not only helps the local community where the beans are harvested but also encourages the creativity of the artists and artisans that call San Francisco home.

3-19 Coffee

3-19 Coffee is a recently opened popup that has been dedicated to responsibly sourced coffee well before it ever sold a single cup. 3-19 began as a community-based project in a rural coffee farming area in Honduras.

It was in Santa Elena where its co-founders sponsored art activities, in addition to cultivating trustworthy relationships with the farmers and community where they would eventually source their coffee from.

Ensuring that the communities they buy from are benefiting economically, socially and environmentally from the partnership and by setting aside a portion of profits for social good projects in the communities where they work, 3-19 makes a point to approach coffee and life with happiness and gratitude.

Moreover, 3-19 partners with talented local artists to create uniquely designed coffee canisters that showcase the artists' work. In collaborating with all types of artists, 3-19 connects artists with coffee lovers in an authentic, genuine way.

"We position ourselves to give back in a positive way and also to be part of our own communities. For each artist we partner with, we make immersive efforts to get to know them and celebrate them in their element," says co-founder Mike Weaver.

"We meet with them, interview them and produce a video that is meant to fit their own personality and artistic style. We really invest in our artists. We're connecting coffee and art, where we source our coffee from and where we live. That's our thing. This is our community we've developed here in The Laundry."

Revolution Cafe SF

Revolution Cafe SF is an eclectic, relaxed and cozy spot located within the Mission District. Known for its live music, you can catch performances ranging from jazz to world music and everything in between, seven days a week.

With patio seating, plenty of natural light and free wifi, it's a welcoming spot to chill and enjoy the local art that adorns the walls. In addition to offering breakfast bites, sandwiches, salads and pastries, Revolution Cafe SF also serves a nice selection of beers, wines and specialty coffee drinks.

If you're in the mood for both art and music in a space where the diversity of San Francisco can be felt, this is your place.

Chai Bar by David Rio

If you're a fan of chai, Chai Bar by David Rio is about to be your new obsession. The 2,600 square foot Chai Bar incorporates wood, granite, steel and brick and offers a very chic, modern relaxed environment to sip your caffeine-infused beverage.

The white-washed brick walls feature a variety of rotating photography, installations and inventive works of art, providing a refreshing space to get work done or simply take in the visually appealing atmosphere while sitting in plush booth seating.

Moreover, Chai Bar donates a portion of its proceeds to animal welfare projects and organizations. Try out a dirty (added espresso shot) Elephant Vanilla Chai with hints of Madagascar vanilla and honey or one of its many classic coffee drinks.

On the food side, order one of Chai Bar's famed Caramel Cookie Waffles, known as "stroopwafels," which incorporates David Rio's signature Tiger Spice Chai as an ingredient.

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Sightglass Coffee

For the ultimate art-meets-high-end coffee experience, head to the third floor of the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art to Sightglass Coffee, where each coffee is made-to-order.

Adjacent to the grand atrium and the John & Lisa Pritzker Center for Photography, you can literally enjoy your brew while pursuing thought-provoking works of art. The space is as chic and modern as the galleries that surround it.

Be sure to order a shot of Sightglass Coffee's espresso blend, (developed exclusively for SFMOMA), its creamy nitro and vanilla cold brew or one of its seasonally rotating single origin pour overs. Grab a flakey pastry or cookie, and you're good to go explore the rest of the museum.

Equator SoMa

3/4 at Equator SoMa is a hidden gem located in the atrium in the LinkedIn building. Those that thrive in natural light will be right at home enjoying a signature shakerato: 3/4 a shot of espresso, cream, a touch brown sugar and ice, shaken till frothy.

The 8,700 square foot public space offers a contemporary, sleek and minimalistic ambiance, high ceilings and a spacious interior. Larger-than-life abstract murals cover the walls of the café space, which features a full espresso and coffee bar.

In addition to specialty drinks such as single origin espressos, pour over coffee, chai lattes and more, Equator SoMa offers bites ranging from sandwiches, charcuterie boxes and sweet treats.

Atlas Coffee Club

Looking to get a taste of coffee from around the world without having to make the trek across the globe to do so?

Check out Atlas Coffee Club, a travel-themed coffee of the month club that highlights a new country's coffee and culture every 30 days.

From Congo, Rwanda, Peru and beyond, you'll get a taste of premium, sustainable coffee from across the world, while getting a sense of the country's local landscapes and textiles which inspire each individual coffee bag design.

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