Fast service especially in the morning. Located within the UCSF Library -- it does require a UCSF badge for access. Obviously not as many options (food) as the location in downtown but plenty of good quality drinks. Love the Cuban Latte (condensed milk + coffee = perfection) and Matcha Latte. Ambiance isn't much as it's inside the library but plenty of places to sit as you're waiting for your order (which takes 5-10 minutes). read more

Hidden cafe in the library has the best coffees on campus, AND the best baristas (The view at the library is also amazing! You can see the golden gate bridge on sunny days) read more

Caffe Central - latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

Caffe Central is conveniently in the library across from UCSF Medical Center. The workers are always super friendly, have great music taste and overall there's always a great welcoming atmosphere here. You can tell how much care goes into making these drinks. I also like that it's less loud and busy than Starbucks down the street and has better quality drinks than Peet's inside the hospital. Some of my favorite drinks are the iced mojito latte and cuban latte. I can't recommend the viet coffee though, since it tasted mostly like lightly sweetened black coffee, and I believe is a pourover with condensed milk. read more

See all

This coffee shop is not open to the public. We are at the hospital bc a family member is getting surgery. I looked up near by coffee shops and this one came up and thought it was the one that offered better drinks. Tried to walk in and they told us that we can't go unless we have an ID i guess is only for nurses or students, people that work at the hospital. My opinion is, if you are not open to the public then don't be on a public website saying to come in. There is even a sign outside saying come get coffee. Will be nice if the sign or the website or yelp page mentioned that is not open to the public. Thank you for coming to my frustrated talk read more

The Iced Cuban latte has been my favorite so far! It's sweet and creamy from the condense milk and it's not overly bitter. Plus the staff are super friendly and positive! read more

If you're a UCSF staff member or a student you NEED to give this place a shot becaaaause the ambience is very nice and the folk who run it are passionate and very very sweet!! And this isn't some pity party for a lil cafe located in a library; this place gets a line of 13 students at a time, all of a sudden, and cranks through espresso (that tastes great) like no tomorrow. It's inexpensive and they have all sortsa treats if you like that sorta thing. Did I mention that this spot has nice warm lighting in a warm inviting place with low-slung seating? The library is a little worn but an excellent venue to feel at home in, even if you're stressed out. Truly a feel good spot; they've lifted my mood on more than one occasion and that's... sorts tough to do on certain days. So happy they're around. Check em out. read more

I've walked by Caffe Central a few times and its always crowded so I finally tried it for brunch today. Thought getting there at 9am would beat the crowd but it was already full, luckily we were able to get an outdoor table with our doggie. Ordered salmon benedict and it was the best salmon benedict I've ver had, the salad with the citrus dressing was the perfect complement. My husband got the Farmhouse which I noticed many people ordered and it was so good too. The sausage, potatoes, eggs together was yummy. Also got lemon ricotta pancakes and really liked the lemon ricotta sauce topping. Love this place, will definitely be back! read more

My go to coffee. The flavors and variety are really good. The service is always helpful and kind. They have a good variety of pastries and things to eat. I always look forward to this coffee. read more

Doesn't taste the same Before the pandemic, this coffee spot was great!! I loved the iced mojito latte. It had fresh mint. You could taste the coffee. It was delicious and great quality. I've come to campus a few times after pandemic and it does not taste the same anymore. I got an iced mojito latte and there was no more fresh mint. I thought maybe just a one off. It also didn't taste like coffee, straight up like milk. Came back today and confirmed they don't use any fresh mint anymore. Then got an iced Cuban latte. Tasted like straight milk but was in a hurry so didn't complain... I won't come back here again as it's just too expensive and not great quality. read more

Nice location within the hospital and serves great matcha latte with friendly staff. Would come back every time we visit.

Love them!!! Sure there's various places to get coffee around this campus, but this is the only place for true coffee house drip coffee. On those days that you know you need that extra oompf, come here. I always go for the Cuban or the Vietnamese iced coffee. They have a nice array of pastries, salads, mini sammies and breakfast items. All food I've tried from here is yummy and healthy. I come to the library to work when I need more seclusion than my office offers, so this place is perfect for me!! Staff is always very nice and consistent. Go support them guys!! read more

Good coffee. They have a stamp card that only works at this location. You can earn a free coffee or a small discount on a pastry good. The people who work there are so sweet and kind. They're just the best read more

Small hole in the wall but good food and great service. Close by to UCSF Parnassus campus so helpful place to hang out if waiting there

I needed my caffeine fix and saw that this was located inside the library. I was feelin like some Philz, but Philz was not a thing I could get in that moment, so I settled for the next closest thing and ordered an iced mojito latte The latte itself was a little too sweet...you could taste the artificialness of the mojito syrup. They don't muddle or add in any real mint leaves. But I guess it was okay for what it was. The espresso taste wasn't super bitter, and it was caffeine, so I was satisfied Bottom line: Decent coffee! They have a variety of food options and pastries as well. The workers are super friendly. Not open on weekends. I think I'll be back if I'm ever in the area again. Kinda wanna try their Vietnamese iced coffee. Nice location!! Don't even have to leave the library if you're studying and want to grab something quickly. There's a Starbucks and a few other coffee shops a little walk away, but this is more convenient read more

Caffe Central - Iced mojito latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

This place always is the best for a pick me up! They are super fast and this is my go to spot for some Caffeine! The Iced Central Latte and the Iced Mojito is the key to my heart! read more

As a medical student who literally comes here every morning: the best coffee on campus with the best staff! For classmates who want to save $$ and get by on the free coffee from the student lounge, "library coffee" is thought of as a special, treat-yourself type luxury (because it's that good!). Their Cuban latte with condensed milk is my favorite, but I've also heard good things about the Vietnamese coffee, and their iced teas are massive for the price. They always have cute latte art and they have a stamp card (10 drinks = free drink). There's usually only 1 or 2 baristas working at a time so you might have to wait 10 minutes during rush times (right after lunch, for example), but they're only human so I say have some patience. Love the people, love the coffee, love the vibe. I'm really going to miss this place when I'm on rotations at other hospitals. **there are some reviews here complaining about someone called Edgar, but he literally doesn't work here - he's at a different Caffe Central location lol. Sad that these reviews are dragging down their rating :( read more

My go to place when I was doing my internship at UCSF. I don't usually drink coffee but this place was great and definitely changed my mind and had me ordering from them every time I was there. They have a great selection and I thought everything that I've ordered from there was good quality. Besides the drink options they also have a selection of small salads, sandwiches, and pastries that you can snack on. Great place to grab coffee or tea. read more

A fantastic place to get (sweet) coffee drinks, and by far the best coffee place close to the parnassus hospital (sorry Peet's/bux!). They offer a wide variety of different coffees/teas, but I think the best drinks are their drip coffees and their lattes (+ the vietnamese coffee is fire too). The staff are great, and maintain a pleasant, efficient atmosphere. In terms of location, this little gem is located right by the library entrance and the 'cafe area' is just a small open space right in front of the counter. Definitely come here too often :o OH, and another plus is that they have stamp cards (buy 9, get 1 free.. so everything is 1/9 ~= 11.11% cheaper :)) read more

Received worsts Servic and worst business attitude from Edgar "he said he was the manager on duty ", they brought out order in parts. We finished our coffee and waffles were still not ready. Waited 10 minuets and finally asked Edgar about waffles, he shrugged his shoulders and said , this is a coffee shop , what do you expect ". He went on and on trying to make the argument Big. I think Edgar likes to fight more rather then serve the customers read more

The Cuban latte is my favorite. I'm a bit picky about my coffee so I was pleasantly surprised by it. I will have to come back, it's so good!

Edgar , please learn how to talk to customers. You are there to serve the customers, not to insults them and use unpleasant tone of voice with them. You introduced your self as manager on duty. I suggest you go attend some training before you come back to this job. I feel sorry for that business that you are the representative. I feel sorry for you as probably you won't get anywhere because of your stinky attitude. You talk to customers as if you are giving them for free and you are doing a favor for them. You are my nightmare in a food industry. I'll make sure I won't come back and let others know to stay away from you read more

The store is located inside the library on the ground floor. This coffee shop has some fancy espresso and matcha drinks. There are various kinds of salad and sandwich too if you are looking for a quick lunch. But the drinks here tend to take longer to make. read more

Sweet staff. Nice array of food and snacks. Beware that a lot of the iced lattes are super sweet, so just ask ahead if that's not what you want. Impressed with the iced matcha green tea latte. First made with hot water and matcha powder, then stirred with a wooden whisk! read more

Caffe Central - a green smoothie in a plastic cup - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

This place makes great individual drip cup coffee. The coffee is high grade so can be a little expensive. Most selections were around $4. But you pay for what you get which is very good and strong coffee. I've tried a few different ones here. The mojito latte is pretty good. The cafe au lait was ok, could have used more milk in the coffee. And my favorite so far is the Vietnamese Iced Coffee. It's sweet, milky and strong. I see a lot of people ordering the Cuban latte so that will be my next try. Unfortunately, they only open on weekdays. read more

Every drink here tastes like water, and it's more expensive than the Peet's in 513 Dissapointed and hope they start making stronger drinks read more

Amazing. I would recommend the cuban latte if you are looking for something sweet. But all the coffee here is amazing. A little pricey but their drinks are definitely worth it! Plus you get a cool trendy cafe right in the UCSF library? How awesome is that! read more

I love this caffe. I get the chicken pesto sandwich and it's very good. I come here very often and I would recommend it!

Love this place as I often need to get a cup of coffee and a croissant while waiting for the UC shuttle. I have tried some of their lattes... And they are good! read more

Caffe Central - Matcha latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

Second time here and still a very good coffee shop!. Great service and the food is delicious. I'm having the open tuna sandwich... super good!!. Clean environment and a big selection on food. Lots of healthy choices. Every cup of coffee is freshly made as you order. Is a must try coffee shop for sure!! read more

They don't have "iced latte" on their menu and they don't have descriptions for their other lattes that have extra syrups in them. What part of "Iced Central Latte" (listed as the first latte) tells you there is caramel vanilla syrup in it? I was in a rush and didn't have time to wait for them to remake it, which they offered half-heartedly. No apology for the confusion. read more

I love this place. The Cuban Latte was the best coffee drink I've had in my life. Ok, so it probably had something to do with the condensed milk. Great selection of grab'n'go lunch treats. Friendly service. Plus it's a treat to be able to have food/bev inside the library. read more

While waiting for the UCSF bus to arrive, I'd thought I duck in and grab an espresso. There was still 15 minutes before the bus was to arrive. I ordered an espresso. With 10 minutes to go. After 8 minutes they hadn't started on it. I told the barista dude, just donate my espresso to the next person, I gotta go. He was apologetic for delay. But the woman working the espresso machine turns to me and says bitterly, "there's a line", as if the 4 drinks in front of my order were her life's work. Slow and snotty, a great representative of UCSF. Worst customer service. read more

Cute little café in a library. Nice gluten free options. Slow, but thoughtful preparation. Really enjoyed my almond latte. A hidden gem for UCSF. read more

Best kept secret on the Parnassus campus. They have legit cappuccinos and drip coffee. 5 stars.

UCSF made a good decision opening up a cafe inside. No more hiding food in the library while studying! It's great to be able to get coffee and food anytime while studying, however they are closed on weekends. It's also a good alternative when you need a cafe-vibe while studying, which can easily be switched to more formal quiet studying just a few steps away. Thank you to all the caffe central workers!! read more

Obviously not my go to coffee shop but they are in a convenient location so that when I'm studying I don't even need to leave the library to get coffee! The staff is friendly, the pastries are good and the coffee/tea is good! I would say it's on the more expensive side for coffee/tea. read more

Caffe Central - Latte! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

Although it is a splurge, this coffee is so good that is makes it worth it. At a great location in the parnassus UCSF library with very nice, friendly baristas. read more

Nice vibe, great service/friendly staff, delicious Iced coffee. Good selection of snacks/lunch items. Will be back for sure!

Excellent coffee, my favorite is the central latte. It is really delicious and creamy. Very friendly staff, excellent service. Definitely my favorite coffee place in the sunset. read more

They close a bit early. The drink I tried (which I had a difficult time pronouncing when ordered it) had a flavorful expresso taste to it. On top of that I had a cute barista that served it to me. :) read more