If you aren't aware of the blossoming shipping container architecture, then wake up. There are apparently now houses, apartments, bathrooms, banks, and even whole shopping malls that are being built out of recycled shipping containers. Naturally, look somewhere in San Francisco and they will be a part of this cutting edge, environmentally-friendly, trendy trend. Located in a dusty, gravelly lot off of the Hayes Valley "Patricia's Green" park, Ritual Coffee has opened in a shipping container--ideal for any beautiful, sunny, 70-degree day. Lucky me-- I happened to visit this Ritual Coffee location each time on one of those perfect days. Under the seemingly communist-inspired red and white industrial awning, I got to order my Seersucker Summer seasonal espresso (also see, Bru Coffee for more Seersucker).  Probably the best part of this Ritual Coffee location is not necessarily the better-than-good, high note espressos, but instead hipster-watching, admiring the colorful graffiti, or simply pondering what crazy ideas San Francisco will promulgate next. Overall, this Ritual coffee location is in a great area, has a unique idea (maybe not for long) going for them, and can pull a decent espresso. 

Recommend: Try Smitten Ice Cream (also out of a shipping container) right behind Ritual! They make their ice cream in under 90 seconds right in front of you and its incredibly delicious--probably some of my favorite! Also--sit outside! Enjoy a beautiful day in the cool area of Hayes Valley.

Note: Probably not the best on a rainy day (although they might accommodate for it). Also, if you are more new to Ritual Espresso or just clueless, they have many other locations in San Francisco that you could hit up on a bad weather day.

Vibe: Hayes Valley hipster

Price: $$ 

Espresso Rating: 8/10

Overall Rating: 9/10

Hours: 7am - 7pm every day

Website: http://www.ritualroasters.com/