illy Caffe

The espresso is okay. The service could be better. They forgot my single espresso, I had to ask them about it to get it made.

Love this place. So sad they took away the seating.
The coffee is fantastic and the staff wonderful. But the lack of seating is a real
problem. They took out tables and chairs inside and replaced them with wooden bars. One that has a very high table top. Maybe it can be fixed?

Time: 8:17am/42°F mostly cloudy
Purpose: Last day of Christmas weekend on this Monday. Back to work Tuesday, but niece and nephew wanted to do ice skating Justin Herman Plaza. Need to check out info for their mother.
Ambiance: Illy replaces primo corsa no difference in offerings just different name and coffee use. Located on concourse level of Embarcadero One there are a couple of tables outside while inside is more hip and modernize feel. Repurposed wooden counter to sits three on each side. For more comfortable seating there some sit down tables with cushion seating. Counter starts with pastry display case, espresso machine, snack jar, sleek under counter cup/​saucer display. Rest of place just utensil corner station with special equipment (DIY) goods. Pretty quiet not noisy at all. However, the grinder, steamer rod noise from espresso machine may be too much for some.
Staff: Guy and girl late 20’s friendly going about their job nonchalantly. Both greeted me warmly then told me its there first day. I knew that two months ago so, I just smile. Oh really? Later it became obvious when I engage with client brief chats. Nevertheless, first day working on the job just trying to impress. I get it.
Cleanliness: Grade A, immaculate. Extremely clean nothing off or odd looking. Safe to say all illy locations are like that.
Eats/​Drinks: Medium drip $ 2.35 smooth with full body and good aroma. No acidity, burnt, or bitter tasted may have been a fresh pot brewed prior to walking in. Chocolate croissant pocket $ 3 was light flaky and fill with dark chocolate. Chocolate filling tasted creamy velvety not one spot was clumpy. All melted perfectly inside with slight exterior crunch. Only draw back is the price for this type of croissant. Regular crescent-​shaped croissant would definitely bring in that $ 3 mark.
Main Features: Illy Botanicals
Products/​Services: Posted picture of menu. Biscotti, madeline, brownie, croissant, muffin, danish/​pastry, cookie, loaf slices, canned beans whole/​grinded, cup/​saucer set, DIY home use espresso machine, K-​Cup, thermo, mug, illy novelties.
Punch Lines: Unpretentious, clean, new, warm service, downtown Fi-​Di, closed weekend, limited seating, imported coffee, always buzzing, light bites, lively atmosphere, young professionals.
Tradeoffs: Most Fi-​Di illy places closed on weekends with the exception of Union Street location. No coffee for weekend drinker unless buying a DIY set up or willing to drive to one.
Final Thoughts: Can’t say much here other than, its one of four new illy opening up less than a mile apart within the Fi-​Di. At least I’m not facing a coffee shortage or chain run place. It’s certainly nothing pretentious here as espresso is a drink made famous by Italian with soaring popularity in 1980s. Most people would not consider buying imported beans due to higher cost, but illy are one of a kind coffee. It’s sealed in plastic pouch with air suck out. Think of it as equivalent to buying locally grinder version.