Lorraine Sanders

Citysearch

In Short – The first full-scale outpost from the eponymous Bay Area roaster, this Mint Plaza cafe beckons patrons to sit and sip amid loft-like, industrial interiors soberly outfitted in stark white, dark wood and stainless steel. While many come for the espresso drinks famously topped-off with artistically swirled foam, more head here to experience the siphon bar's theatrics. The only halogen-powered model in the nation, the contraption uses water vapor pressure to brew fresh grounds in pairs of glass globes. A small menu of French-accented bistro fare is available. – –