Spressa Coffee Bar

Visited this horrible place before work one morning and never again.
After ordering my coffee and banana from the RUDEST BARISTA I’VE EVER ENCOUNTERED I proceeded to sit down near some men who were drinking beer at 9am, and yelling back/​forth with her. They appeared to all be friends so I didn’t mind too much, as I was only going to be there for 15min myself. The drunk yelling was unusual at that time of day but I chalked it up to it being a local spot. Soon after I settled in I noticed that there were two people smoking nearly inside the door frame of the café. I walked outside and nicely asked them to please move a bit further away from the door, to which they simply laughed. Instead of escalating things with them I decided it was easier to simply shut the front door to block the smoke, and returned to my seat. Easy enough, right? No.
The incredibly rude barista noticed the door closed and screamed… yes SCREAMED… at everyone in the café demanding to know who closed the door. «WHO CLOSED THE FUCKING DOOR?!» were her exact words. I was in shock and thought she was joking. I then realized that she was yelling at me. «I did,» I responded while turning to her. She didn’t see me, so she screamingly repeated her question again. I repeated my answer and stood up this time.
She continued to scream that the door needs to be open and that smoke doesn’t bother anyone, essentially disregarding public safety and local laws regarding smoking and entrances. Wow.
My only response was that my visit was the first and last, and it was. I will not return to this business and will discourage anyone I know from doing so as well. Absolutely worst attitudes and barista in the Bay Area.
You’ll get better service from kicking yourself in the face.

Pros:
It is convenient, near where I live.
It has free wifi.
The regular customers are friendly.
It’s usually not crowded, so it’s easy to get a table.
I can usually get work done there, if I bring an extra sweater and wear earplugs.
After a previous barista quit and the owner/​manager/​service person took over making decisions about the quality and loudness of the radio, the music is less loud and less abrasive.
The new guy they hired to be barista on some mornings is very competent and friendly to the customers.
Cons:
It is always cold here, even on warm days.
In the past, people tried closing the front door on cold days (which the other customers appreciated), but eventually, the owner/​manager/​service person announced that the door had to stay open and she proceeded to block it open with a garbage can.
They do not post their hours.
They used to be open until 10 pm, then until 5 pm, and then eventually, they GENERALLY stayed open until 7 pm, However, the owner/​manager/​service person will randomly close early (sometimes before 4pm).
There are a couple of tables outside (where the sun might be),
but those tables seem to be reserved for smokers. The tables are right next to the open front door, so the smoke can waft in any time.
The owner/​manager/​service person is not welcoming to the general customer (although she can be friendly to some of the regulars).
The owner/​manager/​service person does her clean-​ups during hours of operation – banging things around (LOUDLY), shoving the broom under the tables where customers are sitting, sometimes shoving the broom against the chair you’re sitting in and occasionally even shoving the broom against your feet while you’re sitting there.
It seems as though the owner/​manager/​service person does not want to be there, as though she just wants customers to go away so she can close up early and go home.

It’s such a shame that the coffee here is (ironically) the worst part of this place. There is also one girl who work here who is SO RUDE and the coffee is truly the worst I’ve had in this city.
However, they do have a variety of organic sweets, snacks some pastries (but beware the ones expired! seriously!) and right by the front door are vending fridges with good brands, including bottled Starbucks drinks. So I come here when I just want a Starbucks energy drink and some organic locally made caramel or brownie bites that are wrapped up around the counter. One of the baristas is a very nice younger man, who I imagine will go far in life if he can get through working with that other girl (why is she always so scowl-​ey and grumy? WHY).
So it’s okay. But seriously, avoid the coffee.

I’ve been to my fair share of local coffee shops, hell I’m a supporter of them, but the only reason why I go to this one is because it’s in the same plaza as I do my laundry. Otherwise, this is the worst local coffee shop I’ve been to!
Cons:
— no welcome feeling, no sense of acknowledgement
— awful coffee (their normal drip, café con leche, and americana). it all tastes burnt.
— I ordered a breakfast sandwich one time and it came out cold. I had to ask them to reheat it and the owner did so, but no apology. (the only reason why it’s not a one star)
Pros:
— location (convenience)
— opens early (but so do all other coffee shops)

I wanted to add more relevant details after receiving a message from the gal operating the shop the day we visited.
My husband asked what kinds of beans they had and she did not know, but replied with absolutely no customer service skills. When I had asked how long ago the coffee had been brewed, the eye rollin’ had done it for me! I will never return. By the way, the coffee was disgusting!

Coffee is great. However, if you’ve read the other reviews you might hear that the customer service lacks. This is entirely true. The girl there needs to learn how to smile and not be rude to customers. Ive been going to Spressa on and off for the last year and I’ve only seen her happy about 2 times. People generally walk into coffee shops expecting happy customer service but at Spressa, the only thing that is apparent is her salty attitude. Come only if you’re desperate for coffee!

This place has gone downhill. Quite frankly, I’m in shock it’s still open. But its most likely due to it’s convenient location right off the free way, next to San Francisco State. But why bother? It tastes like dirt. Much like the service I got today.
First off, the shop reminds me of a liquor store, there’s so much clutter around the whole counter. The second you walk in and take in the room, theres two fridges of soft drinks, and shelves of junk food all over the counter. The walls are covered in work being sold. It basically feels like you’re in a clutter full of price tags.
It’s also a strange set up to say the least. There are large tables out in the front that are squeezed next to one another on the side walk, with lack of personal space for you and the table next to you. They also have large four people tables in which individuals are scattered through the room, so you’d have to share a table if they’re full. The customers are friendly though, so it probably wouldn’t be a problem. But definitely a situation that may not be ideal for most people.
Most importantly the last few times I’ve gone there have been unpleasant, but I thought possibly the Barista was having a bad day. But today’s service was by far the worst experience I’ve gotten. I get to the register and the lady with the black curly hair (she’s always there so she’s probably the only worker) asks me «Do you know what you want?» in a condescending manner. So I start my order and ask her what iced drinks she has to offer since it’s not completely obvious by the menu. She looks at me like I’m an idiot and states the obvious, that there’s options for a latte. And then proceeds to skip me and go to the next person in line. Takes their order. Then comes back to me «Do you know what you want yet?» I just ask for a Vanilla Latte because I feel utterly rushed. In that span of time, it was about 20 seconds. But incredibly long to her.
As I wait on the side, she ubruptly goes, «Here’s your burrito» and holds it out to me, the next customer basically asks hows she’s doing, and she says «She get’s in line and doesn’t even know what she’s wants, that’s not okay.» Everyone in line doesn’t know what to say, and it’s completely awkward in the whole café.
Don’t even bother going to this shop that tries to cover up the bitterness of their service with a load of sweets around the counter. Don’t be Hansel & Gretel strolling towards the counter of candy.

For someone working at a coffee shop I’d at least expect a smile. Lady working here is extremely rude, has an attitude, and is highly disrespectful. Asside from the awful service, the food is OLD, OVER PRICED, and not worth it. If you really want some coffe/​tea/​pastries go to Starbucks or Peet’s at least you will be treated nicely with a smile. Avoid this place.

I had been coming to spressa everyday for the past 3 months and I don’t even know why because you will end up paying $ 7 for gross coffee and old pastries. One day I ordered a mocha and a doughnut which came out to $ 6 I gave the women behind the counter $ 10 she took the money and went on to the next customer when I told her she didn’t give me my change. She then humiliated me in front of other customers for lying to her, which I did not do. I left the store knowing I will never go to spressa again. Another thing is when you’re getting coffee at 7:00 you want to be greeted with a smile, you will be greeted with a nasty look even when you tip at spresshit coffee shop. DO YOURSELF A FAVOR AND DONT GO. I’m glad I don’t have to see that heartless, emotionless witch again.

So I have been her plenty of time but today I wanted a chai latte. I ordered a small but quickly changed to a medium because it was very tasty the last time. But the response I got was so unpleasant so I walked out. How you get a attitude with a customer that’s spending their money at your place of business. All because I wanted a larger cup really.

I’d give it a negative star if I could. The girl behind the counter could learn some basic customer service like greeting customers with a smile. She’s a very unhappy person and it reflects on her face and her attitude towards her customer.

Coffee is consistently good and that’s all that matters.
Complaints that don’t effect my enjoyment of the coffee, but that don’t partially make me a loyal customer, sadly:
1) it’s too damn hot in there.
2) I came in like 30mins before closing, tried to order a variety of iced drinks, but was told «all out» on every one, before finally being told that they were OUT OF ICE! Haha, this is more a wtf moment.
3) My friend came here on recommendation and got a spoiled pastry or muffin. I can’t remember what she had, but she said it tasted like mold.
I know a lot of people complain about the customer service here, but I’d rather someone not put in any extra effort beyond making something great for me to stuff in my face. I don’t care if you have a fake smile or not, give me some delicious coffee and I’ll be your best friend haha.

By far the worst service I have received. I live in the area and go often because of convenience, but the woman behind the bar is always rude to all the customers and is offended when I order tea. She gives the impression that she hates her job and doesn’t want to make you anything. Not just to me, to anyone going in willing to pay for a drink.

Spressa is a lovely little coffee shop for those who live in PM. They have wifi, coffee, and some tables and chairs right outside.
They also don’t mind you smoking cigarettes at the tables if that applies to you. If not, just enjoying your book in the breezy shade does the place justice.

Overpriced & poor quality. I went in today ⁶⁄₂₉ after dropping off my car rental. I was starving so I purchased a breakfast sandwich. She grabbed the sandwich and microwaved it with the plastic she used to take it out the display case for 2 mins too long. The sandwich cost 5.61 w/​tip and it was gross. Soggy, over-​cooked, bacon was not crispy and not worth the price. Service was lacklusterz

The coffee is strong but so is the attitude!
I had started to go there for the black eyes that I could get before heading to the hospital each day. Each encounter was always met with A mean look. I mostly ignored it to get the coffee.
Today I came at 7:03 because I knew they open at 7 AM. I wanted to get astrong drink before heading to the hospital. I walked in and said hello — I was met with an angry look in the employee whisper that she isn’t even ready yet.
She continued to set up chairs and tables instead of taking my order. After a few silent moments I just walked out. She continue to set up and ignored my departure.
I don’t think the drinks make up for the lack of customer service at this place. I’d rather drive farther to go to Philz or Peets. At least those places seem to welcome customers

TERRIBLE service from the curly haired barista here. I left that place with such a bad taste in my mouth — and it wasn’t from that bland coffee or the overpriced, stale blonde bar.
My phone was dead so I asked if she had a place where I could plug it in. I had the USB cord but no wall block. She says no, and I ask if maybe I can use the wall block that’s charging her iPad behind the counter. I know I was asking for a favor but it’s not like it was a big one.
She rolls her eyes and huffs a little bit but she says ok. THEN, one of her friends, who she’s been chatting with at a table for the past 20 min, starts arguing AGAINST lending it to me all like «HOW ARE YOU GONNA DO BUSINESS? YOURE TOO GOOD, (whatever her name is), YOURE TOO GOOD TO THESE PEOPLE.»
Um, who the heck are you? Geez, you’d think I had asked her to sacrifice her first born to me or something. It’s a charger people!
They then proceeded to shoot me dirty looks from across the table and whisper to each other begrudgingly until I have it back, at which point she acts like I’m trying to steal part of it cause she couldn’t remember that I had my own cord.
Anyways, overall such a small, petty situation that this woman made into such a nasty, negative, and uncomfortable experience. I agree with all the reviewers here — rude rude rude and subpar food. At least my phone got charged 20% though.

Would rate 0 stars if I could. Just went here for the first time and got the most DISGUSTING almond milk and iced coffee I’ve ever had. It didn’t even blend. There were chunks of almond milk like it was spoiled, and I didn’t even get the syrup I asked for.
And! To top it off, I got these german cookies that were expired. After I opened them and tried one at home, I thought they tasted weird so I looked at the expiration date and it was ¼/​15. DON’T SPEND YOUR MONEY HERE!!! Just wasted $ 5.

Ive only been here twice… and each time there was a different Barista. I ordered an Americano both times… and each was delicious. Very clean place… friendly service… reasonable prices for an overly Starbucks inflated coffee world in which we live. Also… the place was relatively empty… which is surprising as this spot is literally next to SFSU. The young Barista that made my Americano commented that it was highly unusual seeing as how the semester had started. Which, not coincidentally, was the reason I was here… sitting with a car load of ny daughters stuff… to move into her new apartment/​room. Anyway… cant complain, its a sunny and gorgeous spring San Fran day… life could be worse!
Anyway…coffee aficianados… you will probably enjoy this place!

Not convenient to find nor get to, unless you’re nearby/​already at the mini-​shopping center it’s at. This feels like a suburbia café. The coffee is good and strong. They carry quite a bit of snack foods for such a small café.
Never see many SFSU students here even though it’s right by their school. Is it due to the higher than expected prices? Stop by when in the area and doing errands.