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About
Ballast Coffee
Welcome to Ballast Coffee, a hidden gem nestled in the vibrant West Portal neighborhood of San Francisco. This local favorite serves as a delightful retreat for coffee enthusiasts and casual passersby alike, located at 329 W Portal Ave. With its inviting atmosphere and friendly baristas, Ballast Coffee has quickly become a must-visit destination for those who appreciate quality brews and a welcoming space.
At Ballast Coffee, the menu is a carefully curated collection of coffee delights. Their standout offerings include:
- Wild Boar Espresso - Perfect for a quick pick-me-up with its robust flavors and smooth finish.
- Ube Ballast Latte - A visually stunning drink with a unique purple hue, combining rich Ube flavor with expertly crafted espresso.
- Barako Crush - Featuring the rare Barako beans from the Philippines, this drink is a tribute to the roots of the cozy café.
But Ballast Coffee is not just about the drinks. Their tantalizing range of grilled sandos pairs beautifully with any of their beverages. The indulgent Turkey Swiss and the crowd-favorite Garlic Cheese sandos are the perfect companions to balance the rich flavors of their coffee.
As described by satisfied customers, the ambiance of Ballast Coffee is both charming and efficient. With plenty of seating — including an outdoor patio — it's an ideal spot for working remotely or enjoying a leisurely chat with friends. Customers like Dyanna Volek rave about the vibrant Ube latte, while others appreciate the relaxing outdoor space, perfect for sipping coffee away from the city's hustle and bustle.
The staff at Ballast Coffee are consistently praised for their friendliness and efficiency, making each visit a pleasant experience. As Pilar Morais mentions, the space feels bright and clean, making it a true oasis amidst the urban landscape. Their unique baked goods, including gluten-free mochi muffins, add another layer of appeal, ensuring that there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
In conclusion, Ballast Coffee encapsulates the spirit of community and quality. With their expertly crafted drinks, warm hospitality, and cozy atmosphere, it's no wonder that this café has garnered rave reviews. Whether you're a resident or just passing through, make sure to indulge in what they have to offer. You might just find your new favorite coffee spot!
“ Staff are very friendly and chatty while also getting things done quickly and efficiently. Cold brew is great, one of the better ones Ive had. Busy on weekdays, but the outdoor patio was open when we went and very pleasant away from the buzz inside ”
“ One of my favorite coffee shops in San Francisco. Their Ube latte is delicious and beautiful the purple is really unique and the Ube Filipino purple yam flavor really stands out. They specialize in barako beans from the Philippines. They also have unique baked goods like mochi muffins. The space is big if you need to work or hang out. Plenty of outlets and a bigger table in the back that can fit six. Theres a cute patio with seating if the weather is nice. ”
“ Great place for coffee and you should try their donuts Most people hang out here with their laptops. Theres is also an outdoor space at the back. Theres artwork on the walls for sale. Meter parking available. Im not sure if theres always only one person working here it can get a bit of a wait if theres a line. ”
“ Sweet treat hiding in West Portal!! Kind, skilled baristas, a really nice medium roast a great break from all that super bright stuff, and a yard out back. Great find for this part of the city... ”
“ If I could give this place 6 stars I would. Its a a lovely bright and clean space and the owner and staff make you feel so welcome. Now down to the important stuff. The coffee. Its great and they serve the lovely Barako bean. This is a must try. You cannot find it elsewhere in San Francisco. I cannot wait til the start to sell he beans so that I can have it at home too. The pastures are also Devine. They include, dynamo donuts and this amazing Mochi muffin which I have to add I gluten free. This place is a must try even if you dont live in the neighborhood. All the reviews cannot be wrong. 5 stars all the way! ”
“ Lovely neighborhood cafe in West Portal. Really the only good cafe in the area with an awesome and friendly fan base and a lovely owner. The highlight of this cafe is that it sells Filipino coffee, Barako, which is a lot stronger and robust than arabica that you find at ritual, blue bottle, etc. They stock pastries from third culture and starter bakery, BUT theyve been having popups with other local Filipinx food vendors. It seems to be on a monthly basis,but their IG has updates on pop ups and collabs. Overall a great and lovely cafe. and YES there is WiFi and indoor and outdoor seating! ”
“ Quiet neighborhood coffee shop. They have their own beans. I enjoyed my cold brew. Service was quick and friendly. The inside was quiet with people working on laptops. The back patio was nice to talk in. There is also a parklet. ”
“ A perfect neighborhood coffee shop good coffee and quiche, but even more the warm but not Applebeesoverthetopfriendly staff and other customers. You get space, the music is good, everything A. ”