This place is extremely easy to walk by. I'd say it might be the epitome of the "unassuming coffee shop" but then again, there is Abraco in New York. No bathroom, no seating, no credit cards accepted and yet this place is significant. Aside from James Freeman's first farmers' market cart, this Hayes Valley location is the first Blue Bottle Coffee, opened in January 2005-- truly making headway in the beginnings of the Third Wave Coffee movement. That being said, my Hayes Valley espresso might have tasted a tad better because of my excitement in the fresh San Francisco air, at one of my favorite locations, simply perched on a small bench. Overall, simple and simply awesome. 

Recommend: If you really want to learn about coffee, espresso, or Blue Bottle-- read "The Blue Bottle Craft of Coffee"!! It is one of the most thorough, interesting, and informative books that I have. 

Note: No WiFi, No Credit Cards, No Seating--come prepared to just drink some amazing coffee and bring some cash money!!

Price: $$ 

Vibe: Laid-back, coffee-centric, outdoor

Espresso Rating: 9/10

Overall Rating: 9/10

Location: 315 Linden St  San Francisco, CA (Alleyway off of main Hayes Valley square- around the corner from the Ritual Coffee in the shipping container)

Hours: Mon-Fri 7 am - 6 pm, Sat-Sun 8 am - 6 pm

Website: http://www.bluebottlecoffee.com/