The Ferry Building is always a nice place to "window shop" when visiting San Francisco. Today, Red Bay Coffee was a pleasant respite to enjoy a delicious latte and indulge in some people watching. This is counter service with seating available on an outdoor patio. The Barista was working hard to keep the customers drink orders coming at a good pace. Red Bay roasts their own beans, to provide a delicious cup of coffee. read more

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I visited Red Bay Coffee on a rainy morning. I wasn't planning to try anything unusual, but my wife had heard great things about the place and ordered the charcoal-infused latte. I took a sip, fully expecting it to be gimmicky and I was genuinely surprised by how good it was. It was incredibly smooth and well balanced. I'm not sure exactly what the charcoal does, but it seemed to mellow out any bitterness. It was delicious. The café itself is very clean and has a nice atmosphere. The service felt a little unconventional the person at the counter had a unique look and demeanor that stood out but everything was handled properly and efficiently. One thing to note: if you've never had activated charcoal before, it can temporarily darken your stool, which caught me off guard for a few days. Nothing harmful, just something I wasn't expecting. Overall, the coffee was excellent and definitely worth trying, especially if you're curious about charcoal lattes read more

Red Bay Coffee - Activated charcoal coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

Visited today and ordered a regular latte. Received a latte that was cloyingly sweet and figured it was an honest mistake. The woman with whom I spoke insisted it was not sweetened and that she made no mistake. I mean, I don't know what to say; I wasn't going to make a scene or demand a refund when there's a long line and at the same time the drink was undeniably sweet. Took the L and drank half before I had to toss it. Overall bad experience. read more

I rode the ferry over so I wanted to try a cup of coffee here. It was almost near closing time, so I ordered a regular small cup. The coffee was still hot and I could smell the aroma. The guy who rang me up was bubbly I loved his energy we talked about Santa Rosa. I will be back, the coffee is totally worth it. read more

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Came here to meet a friend and line went quick, bakery items were good and so were the drinks and they had a place to sit outside where we could rest our strollers. Unfortunately a homeless person came and sat next to us and wouldn't leave so we had to. Wish they had a few more teas or caffeine free items. (I know it's a coffee place so not holding it against them) read more

Iced Canela Mocha was delicious. There was a bit of a wait, but it was still commute time so understandable. Convenient location to the ferrys. read more

Red Bay Coffee - Iced Canela Mocha - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

Perfect ferry building coffee stop. We've visited their roastery in the east bay and love their coffee. We got two lattes and some yummy pastries. The service is quick and they have a cute patio seating area outside. read more

Red Bay Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Enjoying a morning by the water before visiting friends via the ferry, I finally had time to try this new coffee bar. It's one of three coffee options at the ferry building but the only one with dedicated outdoor seating. Tucked away under the ferry building, there's just enough seating to enjoy a coffee and a baked goodie for a bit by the water. Seagulls approved! The oat milk latte is smooth, espresso seems to be perfectly brewed and then blended with the steamed oat-milk to create the perfect latte. The blueberry scone is the best blueberry scone I've ever tasted so far! Crispy baked goodie with so much fresh tasting blueberry inside. Not a low cost experience this new coffee bar but definitely worth the occasional treat! read more

Red Bay Coffee - 12 oz oat milk latte by the ferries - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Such a nice place to chill, people watch, and have a nice cup of coffee. I had possibly one of the best Americano. I will come back to try their famous charcoal latte. read more

Red Bay Coffee - Yum - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

If you see 100 people standing in line waiting for the food and drink you know it's going to be amazing! This is the spot, the place to be! Delicious coffee! Great service, fast, and well priced! The taste oh so very good! read more

Red Bay Coffee - Iced Cold Brew with Almond milk and Vanilla - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

AMAZING Black owned coffee spot, one of the best in the city, located in the beautiful ferry building. So happy they reopened here! The pastries are insane, honey financier might be in my top 5 pastries in the city. Vanilla bean latte is heavenly as well, syrup isn't artificial tasting at all. So yummy! Staff is always nice and the owner is also lovely, met him at the Oakland headquarters last weekend. Obsessed! Also I do reviews on TikTok so check out @sfyelpfinds! read more

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Be kind, this is the first week that the new location is open and they're still working out a few bugs. That being said, the people are nice, the coffee good and the location incredibly convenient for anyone taking the ferry. read more

Red Bay Coffee - Morning line for coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Ordered a vanilla latte. It was smooth and the perfect level of sweet. I saw they had a tumeric latte but were out when I went, so I may try that next time. read more

Red Bay Coffee - Vanilla latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

We ordered the seasonal spiced yam latte and cappuccino. The yam latte has a light yam flavor. It's a nice sweet holiday drink if you like sweet lattes. The cappuccino was average at best. The lines here are shorter than Blue Bottle and Parachute but still a bit of a wait. read more

Red Bay Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

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So this business has morphed from a prime store location inside to a truck parked in the back lot area near the Gandhi statue (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&select=nPs6PUw15EnU8Csmibt4Kw). With the closure, the nearest location in the City was on Montgomery Street for a short time. During one of my market shopping days, I noticed a sign that led me to try this. On a recent Tuesday late morning, I walked up to study their menu (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&start=48&select=oGzyFsG463xXIXfvlBrDaw) and pastry selection before ordering a couple things. I waited a short while as they prepped my CRU hot chocolate, iced (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&select=8eU995iF9EQJqh1Y2LkR_w). I brought this to my car before sipping it before I left for my next errand. This contradiction works as the ice didn't dilute the flavor mix of chocolate and cinnamon. I would order this again. I also waited a few days before indulging on the butter chocolate chip cookie from Neighborhood Bakehouse (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&select=uiSpmzsL9SRWnDBAyU6Uyw). As most pastries from there, it paired well with the iced tea that I poured at home. I'm glad that ferry travellers, visitors, and shoppers like me have options for beverages besides the other java company inside. Support local and make a stop here if you need a sweet snack or want a pretty diverse mix of beverages. read more

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Great coffee in a cozy spot. The baristas were super friendly and gave great recommendations based on our taste. Of course I tried the yam coffee because it was completely new and interesting. They had some interesting pieces of art as well which made the wait time for the coffee non boring. read more

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One of at least two Coffee spots in the Ferry Building. We like to come here when we are in the Ferry Building because of the nice space and they have some yummy cookies. Service friendly. This is by an actual ferry terminal, so it can get busy. Located inside the Ferry Building. read more

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It was a chilly day down by the water so we decided to stop by Red Bay to grab a coffee! I am typically a plain coffee drinker and rarely enjoy lattes as I cannot stand milk but their charcoal latte always hits the spot! It has just enough charcoal taste to work and it is delicious! Served quickly and piping hot - it was just the perfect cup to empty while watching the bay and world go by ! read more

Red Bay Coffee - Charcoal latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

March 4, 2025: Red Bay Coffee is BACK! When their lease came up, they left the Ferry Building but have Returned with the RED BAY Mobile Van which is in the parking lot by the Larkspur Ferry Gate! Thankful that I get my Cru Hot Chocolate and all the clever drinks that I love from this independent-Oakland based workforce training business. Alternative milks and pastries are now coming from this Mobile Van Tuesdays through Fridays and Sundays (Tues-Friday + Sundays)! Nice to sit outside on the benches or tables with the great Bay View!!! read more

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Good coffee but rude service. Asking the barista to repeat the order number is met with a nasty response. I should have gone to Blue Bottle. read more

We were waiting for our ferry and needed caffeine, to my luck Red Bay Coffee was still open so I ordered a dirty chai and a black coffee with sugar and cream. The person at the register forgot to note the espresso shot in the chai and after tasting the drink, I asked the barista and without hesitation, added the shot. Shoutout to the barista for being so kind. Given it's the ferry building, their super busy with a high volume of foot traffic, especially on a Saturday. Can't wait to be back and order something else from their menu! read more

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One of my favorite coffee shops in the Ferry Building! Vibe is always right... friendly service, spacious seating options and delicious coffee. I've been here several times and have to say although I enjoy a straight up black coffee, with no cream/sugar, I've dabbled in their espresso options and highly enjoy the Africano, a fun departure from the Americano. read more

Red Bay Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

Vegan / Veg / Vegetarian review: 1. Charcoal Coffee with Oatmilk (5/5): Loved it! My favorite. Was good with almond / oat milk 2. Sesame Coffee with Oatmilk (4.5/5): Loved this as well. Ask them to blend it really really well. 3. Rose Coffee (4/5): Not good hot, better cold. Needed more rose syrup, and get it with less milk. 4. OatMilk Mocha (2/5): (take away already bottled) based on the barista's recommendation. It was not good, low on calories but not tasty. Worth trying if you're vegan and want something on the go. The drinks are seasonal (or just change often? with no seasonality?) I really wish they had vegan croissants though :) read more

Red Bay Coffee - Charcoal Coffee with Oatmilk (my favorite!) - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

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This is very much so overdue. When Red Bay moved to the Ferry Building during covid, I never hear of the brand and then I tasted their coffee and it was love at the first sip and I mean it. I do not drink any other coffee right now, I started to order them on line when I brew at home and they are my favorite. If I am meeting a friend/date, it will be meeting at Red Bay coffee you best believe it. I love the space and what they did it with it, how open it is and welcoming and the coffee is delicious, simple as that. CC accepted. Non dairy milks - almond and oat. read more

I don't know why it says red Bay coffee is permanently closed because I just went there on October 4, 2025, so that's just weird. OK, the good and the bad about it. The bad is that I walked up to the counter to order and they said I had to order at the kiosk where there was a line and yet there was nobody in line having their order taken. I just couldn't understand why the guy told me to use the kiosk so I went back up where it said order here and I said to another guy that was standing there and asked him if I could just give him my order and he said yeah of course so that was just bizarre. Anyway I got an iced latte and a honey Fancier. Both were really good. I loved the ice latte. It was just mild and yummy and the little cake was tiny and just the right size to have with coffee I love their little beautiful people, beautiful coffee slogan, but I do think their service needs a little bit of help. now there was somebody there that was really wonderful and it was the guy who took my order and I wish I had caught his name because he was a doll, but the rest of them really needed to take a lesson in customer service. I also thought it was weird that you would go to a kiosk and place your order but then they want a tip like why I'm the one who had to punch in my order it just was not good. The coffee was good, but I think I would prefer to just go get my coffee at parachute where the people really are kind there and want to talk to you. read more

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I ordered their holiday drink. It was delish, not super sweet. I also ordered their brownie. The flavor and center were flavorful. The edges were hard. There was a short line to order. Our drinks came out pretty quickly. We sat inside, there is chair and table seating inside and outside. They also have a small bar table sitting looking out to the bay. read more

Red Bay Coffee - Brownie - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

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The coffee is really good here. I have never seen a Charcoal Latte so naturally, I give it a try. It taste a little like grounded black sesame but fairly unique. Certainly worth a try. This location is located at the Ferry Building so it's a great place to grab a cup of coffee and enjoy the view or just walk around the area. read more

Red Bay Coffee - Charcoal Latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

5/5 for their candied yam latte! Always a +1 when there is no additional cost for non-dairy milks! There's usually a line at most places in the ferry building and Red Bay Coffee is the same. The line moves relatively quickly. They also had an iPad that you could order from while in line but the system seemed confusing...I would suggest perhaps having the iPad as a separate line. read more

Red Bay Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

Immediate red flag was the use of Costco milk. Against my better judgement still ordered a latte instead of walking over to blue bottle. Why not support a black owned business. Unfortunately the coffee here is pretty bad. read more

I was debating between Blue Bottle and Red Bay. And ended up picking Red Bay bc my spouse picked up Blue Bottle. There's a kiosk where you can order from or wait for the barista. I opted to wait in line and wished I had used the kiosk. I chose this spot bc I wanted to try the Charcoal Latte and it did not disappoint. The flavor was actually pretty good. The only thing I wished was the espresso flavor to be stronger. My husband ordered the NoLo from Blue Bottle and that one had an actual stronger coffee flavor. If I am ever in the area I would love to try their candied yam latte. read more

Red Bay Coffee - Charcoal Latte. Maybe I should try hot next time so my coffee doesn't seem melted down. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

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One of the best coffees I've ever had!!! The canela latte was phenomenal, if I was local I would get this daily! Cant remember the last time I had such a good coffee, seriously cannot recommend this spot enough. The line is long but worth it, they also have 2 kiosks you can order at but they're placed towards the front of the line. For the length of the line, service was relatively quick. read more

Red Bay Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

Hire and help out your staff! Never seen any more than two people working at the same time and a lot of the time it's one. I have left multiple times in the past month due to a long line that doesn't move. They insist you order on only one kiosk and god help you if you get behind someone who doesn't know how to order or gets distracted by someone they're with. The coffee is good it's just hard to wait 12-15 minutes just to order when you have to get to the office. During the commute rush? Don't bother. read more

I love looking for new cafes and different types of lattes. Red Bay was highly recommended. Location: SF Ferry Building Marketplace. As you know, located on a busy street and in an even busier market. There are plenty of parking lots around the area. Location is easily accessible. Cafe is located on the side next to the water. You can sit outside and enjoy the view or inside. Interior: Cute spot. Laid back atmosphere with plenty of seating. They have a kiosk to place your order or you can wait in line. Coffee: I ordered the saigon coffee. Perfect jumpstart to my day. Not too strong but definitely had a kick. Would definitely come back. read more

Red Bay Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

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I don't know what they're putting in their lattes but this is some of the best coffee I've ever had... will definitely be back! read more

Red Bay Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

I'm typically a black coffee first thing type of caf-fiend but when I saw Red Bay's charcoal latte, I had to! Charcoal coffee may be a gimmick* but it's a fun gimmick and it makes for a good photo. This coffee shop is impossible to resist, as you encounter it upon entering the Ferry Building. Yah, Blue Bottle is there but I'm not a huge fan of BB and it's not right at the entry. Although there is sometimes a line here, there's an ordering kiosk and I found that the line moved pretty quickly when I was there around 7:30 am and then when I was there in the late morning, there was no line at all. I appreciate their drink options, hot and cold. The charcoal latte is a little sweet, be forewarned and the second time I went, I had an oat cappuccino. Both expertly made, I might add! *not really a gimmick as the charcoal adds a smoky flavor and also allegedly is taken for detox. read more

Red Bay Coffee - Charcoal latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

Unfortunately never got to try this coffee shop. I visited at 7:13 a.m. on Monday morning, July 1, and was told by the workers that they were not open and still needed time to set up. That's fine, but the store hours clearly show they open at 7. Doors were unlocked/open, but "not open". Although this occurred a few weeks ago, Im guessing the manager/owner would like to know. I ended up going to another coffee shop in the ferry building before catching a ferry. It is in a great location- centrally located in the ferry building. Appeared to be a well stocked coffee shop with a variety of options. read more

Red Bay Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Tried their famous charcoal latte. Drink itself was fine and tasty. Service here was a huge miss. Folks who took my order were more interested in chatting with each other and made it seem like I interrupted their convo by ordering. Zero greetings or pleasantries or welcoming. I asked if they had any food/pastries left, which merited the most unfriendly response back. To be fair, the barista who made my drink was very nice. read more

Red Bay Coffee - Charcoal latte hot - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

I loved everything at and about Red Bay, and visited every morning during my visit in San Francisco. They have so many non-coffee items for purchase from candies to s'mores kits. I regret not purchasing one of the tote bags or bandanas! I got a charcoal latte with oat milk, and I'm not sure what I was expecting, but it was a bit more bitter than I prefer. I tried adding honey, which at the time I thought it was agave, and it got stuck to the bottom of the cup. By the end of my mixing, my hands were a mess and the latte was still too bitter. Thankfully, a barista came to my rescue and helped me sweeten the drink and get a new cup. I grabbed a slice of the chocolate espresso cake and it was so moist with a great balance of flavors. read more

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Another adventure at the Ferry Building Marketplace. This Black-owned coffee shop is super cute and right on the corner near the exit of the food hall by the waterfront. Red Bay Coffee is originally out of Oakland (where they still roast everything), but they are growing rapidly with multiple locations across CA. I really love their motto, "Every day we strive to develop beautiful coffees, fair relations, and delicious approaches to living." They also sell handmade goods and merchandise including BayGanda Mugs which are limited edition handcrafted mugs made by Moses Byentaro, an artist from Uganda. Their coffee bean bags (which you can also order online/start a subscription) are uniquely designed to represent the countries from which they are cultivated from. They import and source the highest quality coffees and have direct relationships with coffee farmers in Burundi, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Indonesia, Guatemala, Brazil, and Colombia. I enjoyed a matcha latte, of course, and it was perfectly balanced between the bright matcha flavor and soothing almond milk. Delicious and the perfect burst of energy that I needed for my afternoon. read more

Red Bay Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Great coffee shop inside the Ferry Building. I got an iced yam latte, which was absolutely delicious. Never thought about yam flavoring in coffee, but it is super unique and I would get it often if it was served widely. I also loved that the coffee beans were named after notable African Americans. I''m going to return for some beans to take home. You can order at the counter or at a kiosk. Their pastries looked phenomenal! The service was fast and friendly. read more

Red Bay Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California