Espressamente iIly

My favorite coffee in San Francisco. It is made to perfection and I love the sizes. A small is just perfect for me! Highly recommend the standard coffee with almond milk or their lavender vanilla latte! Their food selection is also really great as it complements their coffee. I personally like their mini turkey and cheese croissants and their fig cheese sandwiches.

Employees there used to be friendly and welcoming. It’s gotten less and less desirable to visit. Went in today and bought a small coffee for $ 2.50. Gave the barista three bucks. She kept the change. Asked, «can I have my .50?», to which, she replied, «ya sure can», and opened the register back up to give me my money. I honestly didn’t know that tips were obligatory. She tossed the money in my hand like a jerk and I dropped it in the tip jar anyway, which was the original plan. I’m a big boy. I can tip all on my own. My friend’s coffee sat on the counter for a while before he assumed it was his and took it. It may not have ever been his, but possession is ⁹⁄₁₀ of the law.
Starbucks is across the street. They’re super friendly and there’s more room.
Also, there are tons of fruit flys circling the food like vultures. They don’t seem to be all too concerned about any of that either.
In a town where coffee is on every corner, it’s not worth the hassle.
Two stars because I remember you when you were sweet to me.

I came to Illy on a Friday morning around 10:00am to meet a new colleague. The location is convenient and close to Bart. When I arrived, there was no line and the staff greeted me right away. I ordered a large soy latte (my go-​to drink to compare across coffee shops) and was surprised that it was over $ 5. I enjoyed the coffee but it still didn’t beat out my #1 from Starbucks. Even though the location is small, there were still tables available for us to sit and chat.
I enjoyed getting to try a new coffee shop and will come back when I am in the area again.

The service is terrible here. Love the illys near by but the baristas here have super attitude. And they don’t craft the coffees right even thought it’s very expensive. I have had the best coffee at another location so I know how the coffee should be crafted.
On one visit, I stood by the counter to ask for something additional on my order, no one else in line and the baristas held a conversation and waited until they were finished before they looked my direction as if I was interrupting them with the «what you want me to help you and work?» look on their face. This attitude has seemed to be a norm here so I stopped going. I’ll pass on the coffee with the attitude.

So cute! And fast! I would totally come back for an authentic latte.

That vanilla clove latte… literally can’t get enough. Friendly staff, good coffee, good location. Just wish they were open 24 hours a day to meet all my caffeine needs.

I love it here. Always nicely greeted. Attention to detail on your order and delicious espresso.
Try the double short americano. 3 raws and cream.

I had gone to Espressamente illy twice before, the first time to see what their espresso was like, and the second time as an indulgence because I really had enjoyed my espresso and wanted another one. The prices are too steep for regular consumption, was my opinion.
It was a Friday, I was in a good mood, and I decided to indulge in my third visit to Espressamente illy. I ordered a muffin and a traditional cappuccino and forked over my $ 7 (or so). A couple of minutes later I heard a barista say, «Latte for Sarah.» I didn’t see anyone else come forward, so I assumed the cashier had gotten my order wrong. I walked up and politely told the cashier that I had ordered a traditional cappuccino, not a latte.
«Why, did you want us to remake you your drink or something?»
Was I supposed to respond, «Oh, no, that’s OK, I ordered a traditional cappuccino but you made me a latte so that’s just fine, I’ll drink that.» Or, «If it wouldn’t be too much of a hassle to you, and if you have the time to do so, I guess I’d be really appreciative if you could possible make my drink the way I ordered it in the first place.»
I told her that yes, I would like to have my drink made the way I had ordered it. When I got my new drink, it looked the same as the latte. Now the thing is, I used to work for an ultra-​premium coffee company, so I know how to make espresso drinks. A traditional cappuccino is ¹⁄₃ espresso, ¹⁄₃ steamed milk, and ¹⁄₃ milk foam. A run-​of-​the-​mill cappuccino has more milk, and a dry cappuccino has less or no milk. That’s what makes a cappuccino. A latte has its shot (s) at the bottom, topped with a bunch of milk, and then a dollop or two of foam on top.
I asked the cashier what the difference between a cappuccino and a latte is at illy, and she said, «there’s a little less milk in a cappuccino.»
Face-​palm. This place might have good-​tasting espresso, but their baristas don’t know what the heck they’re doing.

Always great coffee, I usually get a cappuccino and love that they offer it in large size too. Nice place to sit in too.

Espressamente Illy attempts to bring the Italian coffee experience to the world. I’ve visited Italy many times and lived there for a short time. I’d say they nailed it. The coffee is excellent and the vibe is Milanese modern rather than some hokey North Beach fantasy.
Now only if they could convince «Gli Americani» to stand at the bar while drinking rather than say, wearing pleated khakis and drinking afternoon lattes out of a to-​go cup. When in Rome…

It is the most authentic cappuccino and espresso I can find in the US. It is almost just like home. Their plain croissants are also quite authentic. So I can have an almost Milanese «cappuccio e brioche» breakfast like at home. The staff is super friendly, if a bit slow. In a Milan bar if they made you wait more than 60 seconds for a cappuccio or caffe’ you’d be out of business. But hey, this ain’t Milan after all

Expensive… But soooooooo delicious and smooth.
Only for special occasions.
I like their jelly cookies too

Pretty nice little coffee shop here! I came by today on my lunch when I stumbled across this place. I ordered a double macchiato and boy did it hit STRONG! I am still buzzing off of it. The taste is a lot stronger than Starbucks, but I haven’t tried anything else yet! The shop is clean and has plenty of spots to sit inside and outside. The guy who took my order was a cheerful young lad. Their pastries looked good so I will make sure to grab one of those next time as well! Overall, it was stronger than I’m used to, but I will definitely drop by again!

Great café in the financial district! The place is clean, nicely decorated and there’s some tables inside. I always see it’s very busy in the morning but I came here in the afternoon on a workday and there was no wait.
Ordered the iced coffee for $ 2.75. It was refreshing and reasonably priced. I’ll definitely be back again.

1, 2, 3 is where this café shop is located at on Battery street and where I want to kick off the day with a caffeine buzz!
I adore this café shop illy much!
You treat yourself to their wonderful lattes. Their Jasmine Vanilla Latte was swell, but I indulged in their Lavender Mint Latte. It is a perfect blend of refreshing mint and calming lavender flavor that is combined with the awakening of caffeine and smooth, warm milk.
The cozy lounge area is quite nice to enjoy your cup of splendid brew or you can start a leisurely stroll while sipping away along the way out.

This place makes Starbucks’ look like the Walmart of coffee. I don’t know whether it’s my itching for something new and eccelctic, or that they’re just simply using better ingredients (pretty sure it’s more the latter), but it’s pretty darn good coffee.
I like to play up my southern roots accent and go in brash and hot — really stands out in this pretentious little joint. But who gives a flyin hoot — the cups’ of joe are delish, darlin!

Solid drink and food selection. I like the mini croissant sandwiches, perfect snack.
I would stick with the regular expresso drinks, the specialty ones aren’t that great.
Service is quick and this place is convientely located under my office.

Today I wanted something light but still highly caffeinated.
Illy was easily sighted from miles away. Their store display is large and red. The inside continues with their pop of red throughout the tiny café. I was wow’d by the coffee cup chandelier that is hanging from the ceiling. There are limited seats but it is nice for people that are by themselves and looking to enjoy a different type of setting. There is seating outside as well.
I decided on their single cappuccino with almond milk which came out to be $ 4 ($ 5 including tip) and the size fit perfectly in my hand. The almond milk was very light and fluffy and the espresso was smooth throughout every sip. I also had the chance to try the mint lavender latte and I thought it was quite pleasant. It had a minty sweet flavor that I can slowly sip on throughout the day. Their pastries come in a really small portion, perfect for a midday snack. All in all, I feel that the coffee is smooth, but definitely not strong enough to keep me awake throughout the day. I definitely need to give their regular coffee a try.

What a delightful place to stop by for a little coffee or work time! The friendly staff really gives this place its warm and welcoming vibe, and for me that makes all the difference. There are some patio tables if it’s not too chilly outside. The cushioned seating inside can get a little cramped, but it’s pretty cozy.
This is my first time at an illy location, and I love their Lavender Mint Latte. I’m generally not a latte fan, but this won me over. The baristas are super helpful with recommendations for new drinks I have never tried, so that made my experience extra fun. Solid five stars from me!

Decided to get off BART a stop early to walk through the Financial District at 7:40 am on a Tuesday. Stopped by Illy for a little me time. Stop sign red walls, the famous teacup chandelier, men in suits, silver Illy tins lining a shelf, mini croissant sandwiches and pastries are lined up on the counter. This location is bright, a little cozy, with some pleasant soothing music I’m pretty sure is on one of my Pandora playlists.
Single shot cappuccino in an adorable cup and saucer («Kiki Smith» written inside the cup), cinnamon morning bun a perfect companion. Coffee was smooth, and they even took the time to make a pretty picture in the foam. Double capp is no joke — that had me high for like 3 hours.
Yogurt with granola is a nice alternative to sugary dough. $ 4 a pop that you can get in the fridge. Nothing special.
Cinnamon morning bun was cold (not sure if they have an oven to reheat), but still really crunchy and cinnamony and I think is actually better than the La Boulange morning bun. Maybe it was all that extra cinnamon that I can’t keep my hands off of.
I hear the vanilla latte is pretty awesome, I might have to indulge on another day…