Spotlight: Artís Coffee Hayes Valley

As the coffee culture continues to rise in SF, the newest spot on the scene is Artís, which has its grand opening this Saturday (tomorrow!). I had the opportunity to check it out a few days early and try some of their drinks (including their Blossom iced coffee) and chat with Alex Lowe, one of the founders, about what makes Artís different than the rest of the flock.

When he was in the Navy, Alex went to Japan and immediately noticed the care and meticulousness that went into the country’s food and drinks – something I noticed as well when I was traveling. Back in Boston to complete his MBA, Alex and his soon-to-be cofounder, James Gutierrez, drafted the plan for Artís and entered a national business competition, not only winning it but also securing enough capital to move Westward to the best coast and open Artís’ first location in Berkeley.

The Hayes Valley location, while smaller in size, hosts the same elements as its Berkeley counterpart that make it unique – a live roast bar is the only one of its kind in the Bay Area where customers can pick their coffee beans based on flavor profiles and have it roasted for them right on the premises. High-tech coffee brewing machines are also on display everywhere, and each barista is well trained in explaining the ins and outs of each device, from which bean to use to how much water to add.

This new location also carries pastries from beloved Mission Beach Café and is looking to expand its food options in the coming months to include lunch options that will easily make it a go-to spot. They also make an awesome chai, a drink I am very picky about.

At tomorrow’s grand opening, stop by for live music, roasting demos, coffee tastings, treats from Loving Cup and other neighborhood favorites, and some serious swag! I think Artís will fit right in at Hayes Valley.

Artís Coffee
537 Octavia St (next to Loving Cup)
415.665.3576

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