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The coffee is great at Caffe Trieste. They roast their own beans in-house. Not a lot of coffee shops can say that. Back in the 90's, I used to work down the alley and the owner would park at our lot. Paul Kantner used to come here a lot. Staff is friendly. This is a great place to hang out and chat with friends over a drink.
Stopped by while I was wandering around. Great little spot in the area. I ordered an espresso. It is a gem of a spot and you can feel the history just being in here. They were showing some soccer game when I happen to be there.Located right in Little Italy close to alot of stuff. Indoor and outdoor seating available. Its a nice spot to have coffee and people watch. Cash only. They do have an ATM inside, but better to bring your own moola. Espresso was great. I do wish the staff was a bit friendlier.
A quaint little place in the midst of North Beach. You order at the counter and there are a few tables set up for you to enjoy your coffee and light snack. There's nice music and also a jukebox for music.
This place is a beloved landmark of North Beach. It's been around since 1956, it was a hangout for the artists and writers of the "beat generation", and it kick started the "espresso movement." This was the first of now many espresso shops in the city. And after all these years, the same family still owns and runs the place, passed down through generations. I've been coming here for some 50 years since the 70s, and I love to stop here when I'm in the city. Today, I had a café, Fantasia, which is a mocha with almond syrup. I also had a slice of the apricot pastry. They have a good selection of pastries. The coffee was deep and rich, and the pastry was flaky, and very good quality.. The price was reasonable. They are cash only, so hit up the ATM before you come here, or, they also have their own . They also have an annex next-door, where they sell, souvenirs, bulk, coffee, little coffee, pots, etc.. as long as they are here, I will keep coming back. I hope they keep going for a long, long time. Grazie tante...
Cafe Trieste: A Personal Landmark in the Heart of North Beach Having lived in North Beach for the past 30 years, Cafe Trieste has been a constant and meaningful part of my life. It was one of the first places I read about when I moved to the neighborhood, and naturally, one of the first spots I started visiting regularly. Over the years, I've stopped by more times than I can count, usually for a good cup of coffee, but occasionally for a bite to eat or just to soak in the atmosphere. What keeps pulling me back isn't just the coffee (though it's excellent), but the architecture, history, and community that define the space. The cafe feels timeless. Its walls hold stories that echo with the voices of friends, neighbors, and familiar faces who gather there often. For many of us in the neighborhood, it's more than a café, it's a social hub, a meeting place, and a comforting constant amid a changing city. Founded in 1956 by "Papa" Gianni Giotta, a Sicilian immigrant, Cafe Trieste is one of the first espresso houses in America. Giotta brought with him the rich tradition of Italian coffee culture, which he infused into the very core of the cafe. That spirit remains largely intact today, from the vintage decor to the opera music that occasionally fills the air. You can feel the weight of its legacy the moment you step inside. The place is steeped in literary and artistic history. It was frequented by Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg, and Lawrence Ferlinghetti and is even rumored to have inspired parts of The Godfather, written there by Francis Ford Coppola. Then there are the local legends like "Crazy George," whose gravelly voice and spontaneous poetry were part of the cafe's personality for decades. Cafe Trieste embodies what North Beach has always been about: culture, creativity, conversation, and community. Unlike the polished chain cafes popping up all over the city, this one feels real, lived-in, and historic. It's a place where the past still breathes, neighbors nod to one another, and stories, old and new, continue to unfold over a strong, satisfying cup of coffee.
I got the doppio espresso. It was a dark roast with a decent layer of crema but thin body. It wasn't burnt but there wasn't much flavor nuance to balance the bitterness. This probably works well in milk based drinks but it needed more body on its own for my preferences. 2/5
Could tell this was a local spot. So many regulars with cute dogs. Fast, polite service. We had breakfast here both mornings we were in SF. Great coffee. Delicious almond croissant and breakfast burrito. Reasonable prices.
So glad we decided to stop here after dinner in the North Beach. All the reviews led us here and they were spot on. This is an icon in SF. We read that it's been here for a long time and the original owner was a city celebrity. Walking in the shop we saw all the pics on the walls of the history, along with big time celebrities that have stopped here. I just wanted some tiramisu and my wife wanted a coffee. Too late in the night for coffee for me. Loved the decor inside and the warm feeling it gives. She absolutely loves the personal touch and taste in her coffee!
Caffè Trieste is an internationally known coffeehouse, retail store, and former franchise in San Francisco. The original cafe, opened in 1956, was the first espresso-based coffeehouse on the West Coast of the United States. I recall coming here in the late 60's when the hippie movement was in full swing. We had just enjoyed lunch at the fabulous Yarsa Nepalese across the street and wanted a coffee & dessert before leaving the city. There is a wide variety of coffees to choose from- my friends said their lattes were excellent and I found my Dirty Chai perfectly spiced. So many sweet treats to choose from- I chose the peanut butter cookie dipped in chocolate- I intended to only half of it, but it was so yummy, I devoured the entire cookie! The vibe hasn't changed inside of this coffee house which I really appreciated. There's even still a jukebox inside and great posters from the past.
A historic & iconic cafe in North Beach! My boyfriend and I discovered this place through a TikTok, and were instantly intrigued when we learned that Francis Ford Coppola wrote much of the Godfather screen play in this cafe. Ever since then, we had been dying to visit! This is a cash-only cafe so be sure to bring some cash! There is an ATM inside in case you forget. We both ordered caffe mocha bianca (white mocha) and a cannoli to share (we were lucky to grab the last one of the day!) Caffe mocha bianca was absolutely delicious. It was my first time having a cannoli, and it definitely hit the spot. The cream was thick and the shell was crispy. Service was quick, and the ambiance was cozy. I learned that they host a Saturday afternoon concert monthly (per their website). I definitely would love to come back for the it!
We turn the corner and see the iconic Caffe Trieste while wandering around North Beach. It was perfect timing for a midday espresso so we stopped in. Luckily we had some cash on us because it was cash only. I highly recommend grabbing a table outside on the sidewalk to enjoy an afternoon break.
A perfect spot to catch up with friends or settle in with some work, this cozy café serves delicious coffee and standout desserts in a warm, inviting atmosphere. Free Wi-Fi makes it easy to stay awhile just keep in mind it's cash-only, though there's an ATM nearby. Still an easy five-star experience.
So, this place has been on my SF list for a long time. Finally came and got my Cappuccino! The gentleman who was behind the counter was awesome. He's so funny. He makes great coffee drinks. Enjoyed the nostalgia. Enjoyed the window seating. But the bottom line...the espresso was really good. Kept me going for hours!
Reviews are generally positive. People highlight the flavorful coffee and espresso, historic and lively atmosphere, and tasty pastries and desserts.
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2 years ago
3 years ago
Wandering through North Beach in San Francisco this morning, we wanted to find a cup of coffee and a nice pastry. Just wandered a bit, finally found Caffe Trieste. Funny about this one - this is a place that my father used to come decades ago, maybe back in the 60s, and it's still around. The place has not changed a bit. A great latte, about four and a half dollars, a nice pastry, a cup of coffee and a pastry for my girlfriend, about $15 total for all. I'm guessing the patrons are probably the same ones who have been there for decades. Maybe a few tourists like us wander in and out occasionally but there are mostly regulars here. People greeting each other warmly, sitting and reading their paper, standing outside chatting, this is a real neighborhood place. We'll come back here for sure if we're back in San Francisco again. read more
4 years ago
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4 years ago
Lived in SF for 7 years and never stopped by, I oughta be ashamed. Because this coffee shop is everything great about local longtime biz. Plenty of window seating that's fully occupied by 7am on a Saturday with old neighborlies chatting current events. Past the counter in the back are a dozen mosaic tables, the walls adorned with photos from the 40s and 50s, a working jukebox with Nina Simone, Mamas and Papas, Buddy Guy, Italian classics. Two strangers at a nearby table talking old Hollywood acquaintances, latest novels, movie reviews, cake ingredients, and block by block transformations. Spent $10 for a large Americano and sausage breakfast burrito (decent mini size, warmed in a panini press). Just an amazing spot to start the weekend. read more
I have been patronizing this cafe for years on end when I used to live in the City and when I didn't. One of the cafe's charms is that while it is in North Beach, it is just off the beaten path, sort of. That is to say, not on Columbus but close enough so can be easily found. From the pictures on the wall to the tables to the simple chairs, it's a comfortable place. I always enjoy walking in to hear older gentlemen discussing issues of the day while ladies sit in the back sipping cappuccinos and chatting away. Whether it's a sunny day, overcast or wet outside, stepping into Trieste for a quick caffeine fix has always been a bright point as I relish the hot liquid and give my feet a rest. read more
7 years ago
I first came to Cafe Trieste at the corner of Grant & Vallejo in San Francisco's North Beach when Sherry & I were on our honeymoon in 1969. Then after moving here in the fall of '75 I became a regular. Even played mandolin on some Sundays, invited by Matteo, a regular member of the' house' band. By FAR my favorite coffee house in SF. When I owned my coffee house--ice cream shop at 1164 Polk opened in the late 70's I got my espresso coffee beans here. They have a wholesale-retail shop next door with their own roaster! There is something special about their espresso beans. About the whole place. Still very much untouched since it opened. Tremendous! read more
It's relatively old dating back to the 1950's. Its beginning coincides with the rise of the Beat Generation so the following Beat authors may have frequented this venerated caffè. 1) "Jack Kerouac, Jack Kerouac was an American novelist and poet. He is considered a literary iconoclast and, alongside William S. Burroughs and Allen Ginsberg, a pioneer of the Beat Generation. Kerouac is recognized for his method of spontaneous prose." 2) "Lawrence Monsanto Ferlinghetti (born March 24, 1919) is an American poet, painter, liberal activist, and the co-founder of City Lights Booksellers & Publishers. Author of poetry, translations, fiction, theatre, art , and film narration, he is best known for A Coney Island of the Mind (1958), a collection of poems that has been translated into nine languages. 3) "Irwin Allen Ginsberg was an American poet, and one of the leading figures of both the Beat Generation during the 1950s and the counterculture that soon followed." "Caffè Trieste is said to be the first espresso house on the West Coast." Founded by Giovanni Giotta who missed the espresso houses of Trieste in northeast Italy." There seems to be entertainment, cultural events, etc., but on our visit on a late Friday afternoon, it was full of us tourists and what looked like a few regulars. It feels old, historic, connected to the past. However, in terms of the level of the coffee, espresso, baked goods, etc., it is a-ok. Nothing exceptional. read more
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9 years ago
Lovely coffee tucked in the Italian neighbourhood. We stopped by for coffee after lunch. Loved the old quaint decor of the place and how comfy it was. Too comfy, in fact as we struggled to get a table :P . Didn't try their desserts but coffee was good. Want to to come back for a longer better experience and to try out more of their stuff! read more
5 years ago
Really great Chai latte and a fantastic NY Cheesecake. It's a great place to end your night with to get that hot drink and dessert in. Cash only but there's an ATM on-site. Great location to people watch as well. read more
Popular spot in the north beach neighborhood. Can't ever go wrong with making a stop here. Coffee and lattes are excellent and strong. Staff do a good job at getting customers in and out. Baked good have always been good too. If your in the neighborhood deforest stop for a beverage. read more
4 years ago
Such a cool place, with that old school coffee shop vibe! Visiting from out of town, wanted to find a nice local, not touristy, place to enjoy an afternoon coffee and dessert. Had a delicious cup of cappuccino with a tiramisu, relaxing atmosphere, pretty much just regulars hanging out, just parked up the hill so easy to get to, dang, if I frequented the North Beach area often, I'd come here all the time! read more
2 years ago
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4 years ago
Historic and soulful. Important landmark of San Francisco and beyond. Cultural jewel. I hope this will always be preserved and cared for. I could go on and on why this is my favorite coffee house in the entire world. Read up on this place or go here to understand why. Only complaints as of lately are the ATM in the historic phone booth, the plexiglass barrier on the counter, and the lack of Italians behind the counter. Forgivable. But I do worry that this place may not remain intact for future generations. Please preserve and support this VERY IMPORTANT LANDMARK. read more
Pretty old school coffee shop The place looks like it's very, very old. There are a lot of motorcycles parked outside, which at first made me thought it was a motorcycle bar, but it isn't! Inside you'll find a lot of memorabilia and old black and white photos on the wall. The tables are all tiny and wooden, which adds to the retro-feel of the place The wait staff are pretty friendly. I got a iced coffee, which was pretty smooth and also had a pretty strong coffee aroma, which was nice. Overall, a pretty chill place for a quick cup of coffee read more
Probably the best cappuccino I've had in a long time. Thick layer of foam on top- you know, the kind that gives you a mustache!! Only docking this place for being cash only. Which part of me loves, but it does make it inconvenient. They do have an ATM if you are desperate! read more
11 years ago
Super cute little coffee shop, but expect to wait in line. We saw the "espresso" sign from a block away and made a bee line towards it. There was a long line, but it moved pretty quickly and it gave me some time to look over the menu. Yes, I can't even order a nice cup of coffee. I'm too used to the fufu drinks from Starbucks, I guess. So I looked over the menu. I decided on a latte. Boring, huh? It was the tastiest latte I've had. The best part was that I got to enjoy my delicious latte outside, where hey have a few small tables on the sidewalk. It was great fun people watching because there were several regulars who apparently bring their dogs quite often to this little cafe. The doggies were especially cute. The interior has very Italian character and I believe they serve food food, not just pastries and drinks. The staff was polite, especially considering how much effort and time is put into making each espresso drink perfectly. The line was understandable, but I was impressed with how well the staff maintained composure hehe. This cafe is a little off the beaten path, but I think it's worth stopping by if you have the opportunity. read more
8 years ago
Above average local cafe, with an old-school vibe, famous for their Africana. Cafe Trieste is nestled in North Beach/Chinatown on a small side street off Broadway. Everyone there seemed to be a return customer, and there was a surprising amount of customers hanging out there on a weekday at around 11am. I couldn't put my finger on what the Africana reminded me of, then I recalled - it tastes like Nespresso (which ain't bad!). An Africana is basically a short latte - it's incredibly powerful and rich. I like that they have a generous amount of indoor (and some outdoor seating). The Africana was strong but not too unique IMO - I may be back to try some of their other drinks. read more
10 years ago
Authenticity to the Bone. This family-owned business exudes charm, and to my opinion, a bohemian vibe that is unequaled in the North beach area. A block off the main drag of Columbus Boulevard, It's more than worth it turning the corner to find this hidden gem. I had the Earl Grey tea and a Boston cream pie. Both were precisely what was needed for a casual afternoon time. There are both locals and foreign tourists alike blending and sharing a moment of time together. Despite ordering the Earl Grey tea Cafe Trieste (meaning sadness in French) offers a wide array of coffees and pastries read more
4 years ago
4 years ago
This coffee house is an old country Italian style joint that has survived to become a classic. Their Italian brews and danishes can transport you back to the north east part of Italy. Even if you've never been to Italy, it feels like you very well could be in a local European cafe. It's nice that singles or groups can converge and chill for awhile. It's also conducive for your furry friends to join you outside since there are limited chairs and tables . The decor is wonderfully welcoming. read more
3 years ago
Stopped by to get a quick coffee on our way out of SF! Coffee and pastries were delicious and service was great. You could only pay in cash, but there is a local ATM in the store and down street. Definitely going back! read more
2 years ago
Little coffee shop with great ambience. CASH only! The coffee smells are heady and aromatic. We really enjoyed thd ice latte and black coffee was really good. Its cozy but no so small that you cant find seating. The clientele feels very San Fran (bearing in mind this is coming from a San Fran newbie learning the land), with an eclectic and artsy group of regular patrons. Great place to hangout for a while on a leisurely afternoon (catching up on yelp reviews!). The pastries look decadent and they also serve wine and beer too. Saturday afternoon they have concerts too, which would be fun to come listen I would think. read more
I liked the pizza! I enjoyed my combination (it had zucchini) Sicilian! I don't see a lot of Sicilian-style pizzas in San Jose so whenever I'm in North Beach, I make an attempt to have it. Only con: cash only I know this is a coffee joint but I did not need caffeine. When you reach the guy (long ass line), you order (if you order a sandwich or pizza, he will place your item on a panini press, and after just 2-3 minutes... you'll be in dough heaven. read more
I love coming to this neighborhood gem for a spot of tea or sip of espresso. Such a cool place where you will find artists, poets, locals, tourists rubbing elbows. Politicians use this place as their "office" for casual meetings. Trieste is where Strangers become Friends! There is no pretense here. Real people... Good people... Espressos reminds me of those I sip in Europe.... Great coffee beans that puts out the most delicious aromas! My favorites are the Caffe Au Lait, Mocha, and lattes! read more
More info about Caffe Trieste
601 Vallejo St
San Francisco, CA 94133
North Beach/Telegraph Hill
Directions
(415) 392-6739
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Visit Website
http://caffetrieste.com
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Ask the Community - Caffe Trieste
Is there wifi?
There was a sign for WiFi but I did not use it. Based on the number of laptops going that morning I would say it should be good
Is there any live music?
yes sometimes in the mornings they have live duos or solo musicians playing acoustic guitars/mandolins ect
Is there a piano for a patron to play and sing an Italian opera? Does the family still sing operas on selected Saturday afternoons?
Yes. Yes there is. And the family concert is the last Saturday of the month these days.
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