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Welcome to Unexpected Era Café

At Unexpected Era Café, a vibrant gem located in the heart of San Francisco's Tenderloin, every visit feels like a delightful journey. This cozy café, renowned for its friendly service and inviting ambiance, offers a welcoming space to enjoy expertly brewed coffees, from rich espressos to seasonal lattes. Guests rave about the heavenly croissants and quick takeout options, making it an ideal stop for both locals and visitors alike. With free Wi-Fi and a focus on quality, Unexpected Era Café seamlessly blends comfort and community, ensuring each experience is memorable and rewarding. Come for the coffee, stay for the connection.

Unexpected Era Café: Reviews & Ratings

Christine F.
Christine F.

Friendly staff. Fast service. Not the best place for tea, but I would definitely return to try something else off their menu. Reasonable prices.

Amber T.
Amber T.

Food service and ambiance all amazing. Coffee was delicious and the crossaints were heavenly. Definitely worth a visit to this place!

Vicki L.
Vicki L.

Great local coffee shop, perfect for grab and go. I had some time so I was able to sip and enjoy the coziness of the space. I ordered a oat latte and it was the perfect cup for the morning. They do seasonal specialty drinks but also have classic options. Would definitely come back if I was in the area!

Jawaun M.
Jawaun M.

Really cool space for location! I go here twice a week! A niche coffee stop right next to the hotel. You get what you pay for and I enjoy either the chai oat latte or oat matcha latte, with order of oats, raisins, and bananas. Definitely a bang for your buck if you want a quick nice coffee and something to nibble on. The baristas are lovely as well! quick service and always much help! See ya soon!

Christine C.
Christine C.

Braved walking down to this tiny cafe off the lobby of a hotel in the Tenderloin while my husband was in surgery. Had an excellent cardamon latte and was able to work at the counter with a front row seat to the unfolding Tenderloin morning traffic (people and vehicles). Friendly service.

Kira C.
Kira C.

The best coffee shop in sf! The coffee is always amazing and the staff makes it even better! Always my go to spot when I'm in the area. The owner, Leo, is so welcoming and brings the community together through his coffee and conversation. The coffee is always perfectly made and they're always willing to make adjustments to fit your liking. I normally get the unexpected era drink but recently Leo added a pumpkin spiced cold foam which is so yummy! Definitely recommend stopping by if you're in the area and getting to know Leo!

Jamie S.
Jamie S.

Stopped by today for an Iced Rose Latte with Oat Milk and a croissant. Both were tasty. The croissant was all warmed up for me and the Rose Latte was pretty with this pink hue. The Rose latte was a perfect balance of flavored coffee. The rose aspect of it was not over powering at all. I would venture to this place again to try out more drinks and food items in the future.

Anita L.
Anita L.

Came here right after a wedding at city hall and was blown away. We ordered the honey cortado, café de olla, and latte. Service was great and quick even though we had a group of 8 come in. Leo was excellent in his craftsmanship, my cousin said the latte was one of the best she's ever had. Solid work

Oren H.
Oren H.

Dang what an unexpected coffee shop with the most appropriate name and now I know why. These people don't mess around. Met the owner Leo and Sis and they are both amazing. Caring, kind people pouring the heart and love into every cup and the flavor of the coffee shows. The neighborhood is coming along but not there yet so nice to have a warm cup off coffee to make it all feel better. Worth going out of your way (yep I said it) to come here and grab a great cup in this small cozy cafe. Support them and help another persons dream, who spent the time to learn and perfect the art of coffee making for all of us snobby annoying coffee drinkers, succeed.

Justine Ray M.
Justine Ray M.

I love this local made coffee spot. I often come for their matcha tea latte and a bagel sandwich! The sandwiches are delicious and knowing I'm making a purchase thru a sf grown individual makes me happy! Shout out to john o Connell high tho I went to bal! Awesome stellar homie service and great location near my work! Great interior and lettering too! I love this spot and am a regular! I highly recommend if your in the area for a drink to walk around with!

Location

Welcome to the Unexpected Era Café, a delightful gem nestled in the heart of San Francisco's Tenderloin district at 614 Polk St. This cozy café has quickly become a local favorite, not just for its vibrant atmosphere but also for its exceptional offerings that cater to both casual diners and coffee enthusiasts alike.

Stepping into the Unexpected Era Café, you are greeted by friendly staff who ensure that your visit is as pleasant as the inviting ambiance. Whether you're in the mood for a robust drip coffee or a comforting chai latte, the café boasts a tantalizing selection of hot drinks, including specialty options like Cafe de Olla and expertly crafted pour-over coffee that will awaken your senses. For those seeking to sip on something refreshing, their smoothies, such as the Green Monster and Jenny's WildBerry, are purely revitalizing, blending flavors that dance harmoniously on your palate.

  • Drip Coffee Regular: $3.00
  • Caffe Latte: $5.00
  • Pina Colada Smoothie: $7.00
  • Savory Bagel: $5.00

The café also offers a range of delectable bagels. The sweet bagels come with a generous spread of cream cheese and jam, serving as the perfect accompaniment to your drink as you savor the warmth of this intimate setting. Each item on the menu reflects not only a commitment to quality but also an understanding of flavor profiles that are sure to please every palate.

Customers consistently rave about their experiences, with remarks about the fast service and great ambiance. Reviews highlight the exquisite taste of coffee and the deliciousness of pastries like croissants that might just make you rethink your notions of café baked goods. As one satisfied patron noted, "The baristas are lovely as well! Quick service and always much help!” This sense of community and attentiveness makes the Unexpected Era Café a standout destination for local coffee lovers and passersby alike.

With options for takeout, convenient street parking, and free Wi-Fi, it's easy to see why many choose to work or unwind here, whether you're enjoying a cozy moment or rushing to fit in a quick treat. The Unexpected Era Café is undeniably worth a visit for anyone in the area looking for a place that offers more than just coffee—it offers an experience full of warmth and vibrant flavors.

So, the next time you're near the Tenderloin neighborhood, make a stop at the Unexpected Era Café. You might just find your new favorite spot.