Caffe Trieste

11/24/2007 Posted by gl4com

Terrible experience, they tried to overcharge me for a couple of expresso, then the guy at the bar yelled me saying that I was not clear about my order and told me that was my fault with a really nasty attitude. After that when I made him notice that I am the customer and if there is an error he should try to set everything he gave me back the money and didn't make the two espresso I asked for! I don't know about the other place, but AVOID caffe trieste in Vallejo St. Go to one of the other plenty places around Columbus.

Cons: terrible service

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful

03/17/2007 Posted by cochead

I recently vacationed in The Bay and was very excited to have some REAL coffee. I've been living in Las Vegas for almost three years now and it's nothing but commercial cookie cutter STARBUCKS. I've made due with that, but Caffe Trieste made the vacation! I normally drink straight espresso, but on the second visit I had a latte. To me, that's how you can tell what kind of coffee house you're at. It's tough to get the espresso wrong, but very easy to scald the milk and they made it to perfection! I was impressed also with the service. There was a line on every visit, but it much quicker than any of the Starbucks' lines at home. The menu was somewhat simple as far as coffee, but they had a pretty big selection of various foods from grilled cheese to sweet potato pie(which was excellent). They also made their whipped cream from scratch and it wasn't in some metal can or plastic tube it was a bowl of honest to goodness whipped cream-DELICIOUS! Definitly a must visit.

Pros: Excellent no frills coffee

Cons: Downtown San Fransisco parking, not a very intimate coffee house ambience

01/29/2007 Posted by glowstyxx

After all the recommendations to go to Trieste, I added it to me "must see" list but must say I was rather disappointed. The cafe was not only dark and a bit dingy, but the service was abrupt and unfriendly, the complete opposite of all the other cafe's I visited during my stay. I was on a bit of a caffeine high when I got there, having already patronized 3 other North Beach cafes so I simply ordered a hot milk toddy. It was delicious (hot milk with a splash of amaretto flavoring) but the server seemed practically annoyed that I was buying milk and not coffee.

Pros: Varied menu

Cons: Rude and abrupt service

09/29/2006 Posted by walltalldontruntall

I like the history of Trieste, and the espresso is pretty good, but it is kind of a dark hole of a place and has a seriously sexist vibe going on. I don't think that is part of the old country in Italy that people want to experience in San Francisco.

Pros: Great History, good espresso

Cons: Sexist, too dark and dreary

08/13/2006 Posted by giggles438

after a recent trip to Italy, i stumbled upon this hidden coffee-drinkers dream in North Beach. for the most part, i have to admit that i find most american coffee houses bland and watered-down. there are a few exceptions, but with the overgrowth of Starbucks and Coffee Beans, i can't help but judge American coffee poorly. this place blew my opinions away. it's the closest coffee i could find that rivaled the coffee i drank in Italy, and part of me wishes i lived in SF so i could frequent this place more often. just don't expect to order a frappaccino at this small mom-and-pop's shop. the menu is small but the coffee is good.

Pros: great coffee

07/27/2006 Posted by tangotraveller

This is one of the original espresso places in the USA and if you are a fan of cafes should be a stop on your itinerary. I've visiting everytime I've been in SF for 15-20 years or so, and many of the same regulars are still in attendance. Be sure to catch the concerts on the weekend, and check out the juke box that features opera. The roast is a dark Italian style and will appeal to those who like a full roast espresso.

Pros: Authentic, funky, and fun

Cons: Can be slow and crowded

12/31/2005 Posted by paulnathan

I have been coming to Cafe Trieste since I could walk. After a long abscense I went back last weekend. The house special coffee, mocha, almond syrup, homemade whipped cream, is amazing. Great place to take people from out of town to get the true SF bohemian feel.

Pros: special house coffee, ambiance

Cons: can be crowded

05/22/2004 Posted by thrasherbill

Great coffee and espresso drinks prepared by skilled professionals who know how it's done. How many other places steam "extra-rich" milk any more? Dim lighting and sort of cosy but definitely not frou-frou. Fun place to hang and read but crowded on weekends and parking's a drag. Don't bother with Sausalito location unless you want only atmosphere;food may be better but coffee isn't and employees are snooty.

Pros: coffee,coffee,coffee

05/20/2004 Posted by rodentftw

I travel the USA and I stop at coffee shops as much as possible and I feel that the cappicicinos are the among the best tasting in the country, Pastries are great in the AM and the ambiance is just right.

Pros: Great Coffee, great location

Cons: , small, too touristy

01/26/2003 Posted by nino001

I always love going to Caffe Trieste. It is one of my favorite Italian cafes. My visit this evening was no exception. Excellent thick, black espresso grande was my treat after a long day of taking out of town friends through Fisherman's Wharf and riding the cable cars. Opera played in the background as we sat huddled at the table sipping our delicious Italian coffees. A great way to wind up a day!

Pros: great espresso, great espresso, great espresso