San Francisco, known for its diverse coffee culture, is home to a number of Fair Trade cafes that serve exceptional coffee and support ethical practices.
Here’s a list of the top Fair Trade cafes in San Francisco, highlighting their unique offerings and contributions to the Fair Trade movement.
1. Ritual Coffee Roasters
- Address: 432b Octavia St, San Francisco, CA 94102
- Unique Offerings: Ritual emphasizes sustainably sourced and fair trade coffee. Their coffee is perfect for sipping in Hayes Park nearby.
- Fair Trade Commitment: Ritual is known for its commitment to inclusivity and fair trade practices, ensuring that their coffee supports equitable labor conditions.
- Website: Ritual Coffee Roasters
2. Sightglass Coffee
- Address: 301 Divisadero St, San Francisco, CA 94117
- Unique Offerings: Sightglass offers coffee roasted to order and pairs well with local pastries. The industrial-chic interior is a must-see.
- Fair Trade Commitment: While not exclusively Fair Trade, Sightglass focuses on direct trade practices that support farmers.
- Website: Sightglass Coffee
3. Four Barrel Coffee
- Address: 375 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA 94103
- Unique Offerings: Known for its vintage roasting techniques, Four Barrel offers a classic taste experience. They partner with local cafes like The Mill.
- Fair Trade Commitment: Four Barrel emphasizes quality and direct trade, though not all beans are Fair Trade certified.
- Website: Four Barrel Coffee
4. Progeny Coffee
- Address: 1395 22nd St, San Francisco, CA 94107
- Unique Offerings: Offers seasonal signature drinks like mint mo and blue lattes. Partners with Goodmylk for milk and sources local bakers.
- Fair Trade Commitment: Progeny plans to roast Colombian coffee beans on-site, focusing on ethical sourcing.
- Website: Find more information through Eater SF.
5. Flywheel Coffee Roasters
- Address: 672 Stanyan St, San Francisco, CA 94117
- Unique Offerings: Located near Golden Gate Park, Flywheel is perfect for a coffee to-go. Known for friendly baristas and reasonable prices.
- Fair Trade Commitment: While not explicitly Fair Trade, Flywheel supports local community engagement.
- Website: Flywheel Coffee Roasters
6. Andytown Coffee Roasters
- Address: Various locations, including 3629 Taraval St, San Francisco, CA 94116
- Unique Offerings: Famous for the Snowy Plover drink with whipped cream. Offers a casual, beach-inspired vibe.
- Fair Trade Commitment: Andytown focuses on quality and community but does not explicitly highlight Fair Trade practices.
- Website: Andytown Coffee Roasters
7. Sextant Coffee Roasters
- Address: 1415 Folsom St, San Francisco, CA 94103
- Unique Offerings: Known for its unique roasting process that brings out a rich sweetness in the beans.
- Fair Trade Commitment: Sextant emphasizes quality but does not specifically focus on Fair Trade certifications.
- Website: Sextant Coffee Roasters
8. Linea Caffe
- Address: 1125 Mariposa St, San Francisco, CA 94107
- Unique Offerings: Offers environmentally friendly global coffees and partners with progressive farmers.
- Fair Trade Commitment: Linea supports sustainable practices and fair labor conditions.
- Website: Linea Caffe
9. Réveille Coffee Co.
- Address: 201 Steiner St, San Francisco, CA 94117
- Unique Offerings: Known for its matcha and coffee, Réveille has a versatile atmosphere for work or socializing.
- Fair Trade Commitment: While not explicitly Fair Trade, Réveille supports local community engagement.
10. The Mill
- Address: 736 Divisadero St, San Francisco, CA 94117
- Unique Offerings: Offers incredible coffee paired with house-made toasts like cinnamon sugar and ricotta+jam.
- Fair Trade Commitment: Partners with Four Barrel for some of its coffee, supporting quality and direct trade practices.
11. Delah Coffee
- Address: 370 4th St, San Francisco, CA 94107
- Unique Offerings: Known for Yemeni-inspired roasts infused with cinnamon and cardamom. Offers a cozy atmosphere with free Wi-Fi.
- Fair Trade Commitment: Delah emphasizes sustainable sourcing but does not explicitly highlight Fair Trade practices.
- Website: Delah Coffee.
12. Grand Coffee Roasters
- Address: 2663 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110
- Unique Offerings: Offers a cozy atmosphere with modern art and a variety of coffee drinks like oat milk lattes.
- Fair Trade Commitment: Grand Coffee supports the community but does not explicitly focus on Fair Trade certifications.
- Website: Grand Coffee.
FAQs
What is Fair Trade Coffee?
Fair Trade coffee is certified to meet specific sustainability and labor standards throughout its supply chain. It ensures that coffee growers receive a minimum price higher than the commodity price, promoting fair labor conditions and community development.
Why is San Francisco a Fair Trade City?
San Francisco was named the first Fair Trade City in the U.S. due to its commitment to promoting Fair Trade practices. This includes regular meetings by a local Fair Trade committee, availability of Fair Trade products across the city, and public support for Fair Trade initiatives.
How Do I Find Fair Trade Cafes?
Look for cafes that explicitly mention Fair Trade certifications or emphasize sustainable sourcing practices. Many cafes in San Francisco highlight their commitment to Fair Trade on their menus or websites.
What Are the Benefits of Fair Trade Coffee?
The benefits include supporting fair labor conditions, ensuring higher prices for farmers, and promoting environmental sustainability. Fair Trade practices also contribute to community development and social justice.