An Espresso in the Gardens II

(continued from part I)


Yes, Powell Stop is the one we are hopping off today. Just like the last time we got off at Powell, you should watch for Muni Police, tip your local street musician, and dodge large Westfield mall shopping bags. Head up the stairs to Market street. Instead of taking a left for Union Square, take a right on 4th Street and make your way south of Market Street, also known as SOMA. Soak in the feel of the tall tall tall buildings and smelly alleyways, because soon enough you will be relaxing on the green grass. But first! A coffee! A kickstart to your slow afternoon, a breath of excitement after a sleepy rail ride. 

Take a right on Mission street and walk past 5th Street. Watch carefully because we need to take a right on Mint Street before we get to 6th Street, which is often mistaken for a downtown alleyway. The secret and humble corner the Blue Bottle Coffee cafe resides in is what makes this spot so special. No words needed on the wall to tell you where you are, only the strong smells of fresh coffee and the sign of a blue bottle above the entrance. The line will most likely be out the door because of the small space they occupy and the slow, careful work the barristas put into making each order. My go-to here is the espresso and cookie, which is served with a side of sparkling water which makes for an interesting time. Blue Bottle is also known for their slow drip coffee which has every coffee lover in the city coming back for more. Enjoy the ambiance of the modern design inside the cafe or take your coffee to go and walk down Mission street once again towards the Embarcadero. Walk a few blocks down Mission and you will pass the new Target that has got all the locals excited. Another few steps down and you will see a historic looking church on your left and a very inviting grassy area to your right. This is known as the Yerba Buena Gardens and is one of my favorite little areas in the city. This little nook is a calm and peaceful area to sit under some trees or have a picnic under a blue sky and is only minutes away from the hustle and bustle of Market street. You are also surrounded by SF's finest cultural centers, those of which include the San Francisco Modern Art Museum, The Yerba Buena Cultural Center, and The Jewish Contemporary Museum. On a good day this place will be packed with every type of person you could find in San Francisco hanging out enjoying the company around them. So take a load off and enjoy the gardens!