On a cold Monday morning, a steaming latte feels like a saving grace. By contrast, on warm Saturday afternoons, a sticky loaf of banana bread and an earthy matcha can satisfy your weekend cravings. But what makes a coffee shop on the corner of Mission and Excelsior so much more special than other cafes in San Francisco?
Excelsior Coffee opened in 2019 and braved the pandemic, ultimately creating a strong community of skaters and coffee lovers who populate the cafe today. Owners Lea Sabado and Andre Higginbotham proudly represent this community of motorcycle buffs, and their cafe further supports this bold vibe. Excelsior Coffee shines bright, appealing to weary Mission St. travellers with vibrant turquoise designs on their banner, and gold letters glittering in the foggy sunlight. Inside, an old motorcycle sits perched on a back shelf, providing an eye-catching signifier of the biker culture. The shop’s streamlined, glossy floors and walls give the illusion of entering a garage. The walls are lined with framed shots of San Francisco natives skateboarding, laughing at the importance of community and connection.
At the front, where the young, artsy baristas take your order, a glass case boasts classic purple pastries made from ube (purple yam) supplied by Ube Area. Their unique and delicious selection ranges from an assortment of croissants (from Saltwater Bakeshop), to fresh empanadas, to my personal favorite: banana bread. This banana bread is perfectly moist, with caramelized bananas baked into each slice, allowing for a rich explosion with each bite. The croissants are flaky, buttery and delicate.
Of course, as a coffee shop, Excelsior Coffee has delectable drinks. Their lattes are crafted with roasted chocolate tones that wake up the senses. While they aim to perfect their roast, drinks such as matcha lattes, golden lattes (made from turmeric), and hot chocolate are incredibly popular and equally as delicious. Each drink is filled with delicious, creamy flavor, and is brewed carefully to ensure an immersive flavor experience. Their quality is frankly amazing.
Excelsior Coffee became my go-to coffee shop in 2023, and when walking in almost every Sunday morning, I feel an immense sense of comfort. I inhale the smell of fresh roasted coffee and burnt sugar and look at the pictures on the walls. The coffee shop encapsulates the vibe of the community and pays homage to a somewhat old-school district by creating a mesmerizing experience like no other in the Excelsior.
