Here, I rank coffee shops from the Bay Area and Durham/Chapel Hill Region. I should note that (a) there is probably an inherent bias toward/love of the Bay Area coffee shops and (b) that just making this list is an honor – it means that you are part of the prestigious “T-13″ coffee shops. Also, in evaluating the list, keep in mind the “tiers” within the T-13. Enjoy.
1. Starbucks, East Cotati Avenue, Rohnert Park – Would there be another shop at the top of this list? Too many good friends have hung out with me there for this not to be the best coffee shop ever. SSU Starbucks = #1.
2. Rolling Pin Donuts, San Bruno Avenue, San Bruno – Open 24 hours with many kinds of coffee and many kinds of delicious treats. By itself, those things make this place great. But it’s also a Peninsula staple, has been there for years, and really can make you nostalgic for when you were a kid and Dad or Mom would bring home donuts. Also, it’s right across the street from Araujo’s if you’re feeling like some late night Mexican food.
T-3. Aqus Cafe, Foundry Wharf, Petaluma – They make some killer hot chocolate. This place was awesome to go to after practice on weekends or during winter break. Kind of wish we made it there more often.
T-3. Joe Van Gogh, Broad Street, Durham – It’s got new art on the walls every so often, is pretty cheap, and has new, special drinks all the time. Also, free internet. And they make some smokin’ espresso drinks. Best latte in town? Perhaps. A real up-and-comer in my book.
5. Peet’s Coffee, Broadway, Millbrae – Such a chill place to hang out in my hometown. Very relaxing environment, and great coffee and tea. A good place to sit and watch traffic go by and bullshit with a friend.
T-6. The Grove, Chestnut Street, San Francisco – Unbelievably huge drinks, great espresso and chai, and tasty food make this place a great spot to hang out in the Marina. The dim lighting and cozy atmosphere make it a place to stay for a while. Also, I hear Brian Wilson really likes their oatmeal.
T-6. Caribou Coffee, Franklin Street, Chapel Hill – No joke, I actually can get work done here. And they give a free refill with every cup of (pretty tasty) coffee. Additionally, they have three different roasts available at the same time, and free internet too. And good looking women seem to show up here. Solid all around.
8. Mel’s Diner, Geary Boulevard, San Francisco – Good food, good coffee, not too expensive, open late, and feels like an old-fashioned drive in. Awesome.
9. Saladelia, University Drive, Durham – Yeah, the coffee here is pretty good, but it’s not on this list because of it. Fact is, it’s not really just a coffee shop. They have very fresh food here – I had the Turkey Reuben today, and it was a win-and-a-half. And the people who work here are so friendly.
10. Refectory Cafe, Duke Law School, Durham – The people here are super nice. The reasons this cafe is only at number 10 on the list, and not higher, are (1) because I hate that their food is both delicious and slightly expensive – loans hurt, and (2) if I’m here, I’m at school, which usually means I’m tired, studying, or both.
11. Alpine Atrium, Duke University, Durham – Solid coffee and a great environment for studying (many many power outlets, seats with cupholders). For when you want to study at lunch, but don’t need to be at the law school all day!
12. Starbucks, Mt. Moriah Road, Durham – Just when you thought I wouldn’t find a decent Starbucks around here. I did. Standard Starbucks drinks, but with lots of tasty restaurants and shopping nearby. Great location, wonderful hangout.
13. Starbucks, El Camino Real, San Bruno – It’s open 24 hours. People I know show up there. These can be good or bad things, but I have found myself there quite a bit. Always an adventure.
This is now my list of things to do. Thank you.
[...] Donuts. Now, while the 24 hour Starbucks has it’s place in one’s life on the Peninsula (see #13, here), and while Araujo’s can provide a decent breakfast or Mexican meal at any time of day, [...]