Fourth Wave Coffee

Delicious lattes made by baristas with personality make for delightful mornings and mid-​day pick-​me-​up sessions.
I was stopping by for my regular soy lattes on a daily basis until I realized that $ 4.25/day starts adding up. Although I’ve switched over to brewed coffee at work, it’s still nice to walk into Fourth Wave for those needed treats.

Good chai latte. Yum.
Friendly barista and space to plug in my laptop while I hung out.

I loved how open, airy, and light-​filled it is. The girl working there was very nice and helpful. There was quite a lack of food items, but I’m not sure if that’s how it always is. Their menu is also rather small, but that’s alright. I could sit by the window all day long.

Just to be clear — I’m reviewing this place based on one take-​out coffee. But that’s all I got, so that’s what you get. I definitely had to smile because I ordered a cappuccino with an extra shot… and was asked if I’d like the shot in the cup or on the side. Wow. Have people really come to this? That’s what I more or less asked the lovely server except it sounded like «what do people do with a shot on the side?». She frankly didn’t know. LOL Anywhoo, the cappuccino was good. The place was open and airy and I can imagine sitting for awhile. The only tip for now — please carry raw sugar. That is all. Thank you.

DRINK SNACK:
1.) coffee croissant
SERVICE:
Nice
ATMOSPHERE
great café, spacious, outlets, bathroom, not overcrowded, on polk next to a lot of restaurants
8.17

I’ve been here a few times now as I get a feel for local coffee shops. This is becoming my nearby favorite.
So far, I’ve had consistently-​good espresso drinks. This is huge to me because the quality of the caffeine-​preparation is often directly proportional to how may day goes, and most places can be hit-​or-​miss depending on the barista. Breakfast sandwiches are pretty good– I’m no expert at all, but the croissants used seem better than the ones at the arbitrary donut shop– mine have been flaky and not overly grease-​soaked.
As important as the coffee to me is service– and everyone I’ve met working here has been extremely friendly. As a newcomer to SF, I’ve left here each time with some great general tips.
Plenty of tables, a decent number of power outlets, and free wifi– very good place to get work done or chat, and I haven’t had trouble finding a table. There is also a small hightop at the front window where Polk-​watching can take place.
Coming from SoCal most recently, the surfer-​theme was fun.

I’m not entirely sure what distinguishes a Fourth Wave of Coffee from the three that came before, and the barista (an owner, maybe) didn’t seem to be interested in giving an explanation.
But the espresso is adequate, if a little on the side of lungo. The interior bright and airy owing to the large windows. It really seems to fit the neighborhood, and I can think of plenty of worse places to ingest caffeine.
[Polk Street Station Diner used to be here]

I had a good cup of joe here on a stroll Jamie W. and I took one evening to Aquatic Park. It was a coffee shop for a long time, the Polk Street Station Diner, as greasy a spoon as there ever has been in this city, and a part of me sheds a tear for the gradual extinction of such artery-​clogging places like Bob’s Broiler. But then there was a long period when the space was shuttered and deserted, so it’s reassuring to see an independent coffeehouse come in and occupy the prime corner space. They specialize in espresso drinks, but their drip coffee is pretty decent on a brisk evening.
The sweets and pastries in the display case look pretty standard, especially at that hour, but everything is pretty reasonably priced. Yes, they offer free Wi-​Fi, and at least on that night, the place was not nearly as crowded as the nearby Quetzal Internet Café. Currently they’re not open very late, just until 8PM, but hopefully a bump in business could encourage them to stay open later. I also wouldn’t mind a little live music, something acoustic, or at least some poetry readings — just some activity to liven up the ambiance a bit. If you’re in the area, you should stop by since they have a long counter and several tables facing Pine Street.
COFFEE — 3 stars… good drip coffee worth nursing
AMBIANCE — 3.5 stars… quiet except for the chattering tourists who stumble in looking for Fisherman’s Wharf
SERVICE — 3 stars. a bit disengaged
TOTAL — 3 stars… still worth a stop

Walking in, you’ll notice right away that this place is no Central Perk. For a coffee shop, it’s pretty large in terms of space. I’m not sure if it’s an everyday occurrence, but there were some weird «characters» meddling around. One guy had a croissant, listening to his Walkman (yes they’re still around), and head tilted 90 degrees to one side. There was another person talking to himself, shouting and mumbling.
Anyway, I ordered an iced coffee that comes from a pitcher (obviously pre-​made and stored in the fridge). For a regular size cup, it was around $ 3. The coffee wasn’t so bad, but I didn’t really come in with any type of expectation. I just wanted a caffeine fill-​up.
Another observation that was pretty noticeable was how stinkin’ hot it was inside. I’m sure the heater wasn’t on since it was a nice Sunny and cool July day in the heart of the city. Once I walked outside, there was much needed relief (like a 20 degree difference). For a minute, I was wishing I ordered a block of ice instead.

I love this place!
And I don’t mean, I love it because I hang out there for hours, or because they have wi-​fi.
These guys/​gals know how to make coffee. They roast their own and the espresso is very, very tasty. And I know good coffee. «How?» you may ask; well, not only have I been drinking espresso since a wee teenager; I’ve also had my share working as a barista and doing extensive research on the whole espresso process.
But I digress, this isn’t about me; this is about how they know how to steam their milk properly. They do not boil the milk (and soy milk) to a point where it gets bitter or burnt. The coffee ends up being at the perfect temperature.
You don’t have to pour horrendous amounts of flavor or sugar in the espresso to get the bitter, burnt taste out like you would at some other chain coffee joints.
The staff is awesome! They are attentive, appreciative and very helpful.
Even if you’re not a bit espresso drinker, go in and try a cup. You may change your mind!

Good vibrations.
Beach Boys get back together. Cafes with surfboard menus appear on Polk.
What is happening?
Good coffee for one thing. Smooth and potent. Minimal fuss. Minimal cost. Sugar free syrups available. WiFi too. Plenty of warm and welcoming service.
Not one for the Beach Boys sound. Unless played here.

My favorite java joint on Polk. The staff are very friendly and they have good coffee & teas. Get the ocean vibe here when you can’t make it to the beach.
Oh, and they’ve got goodies for your sweet tooth too.

This is a solid low key neighborhood coffee spot. Noise level is low which promotes a good study or relaxed environment. The spacious corner location with big windows allows for lots of natural lighting is great, as other cafes can make me feel a little claustrophobic.
The staff was attentive, efficient and most importantly, not snooty. I enjoyed watching them make my cup of Joe at the bar. Their coffee is smooth and flavorful even when enjoyed without cream and sugar. Also, try their cookies which go well with their coffees.

I added an additional star. Per the owner, the seating arrangement had been changed, and I felt it only reasonable to give Fourth Wave another visit. I popped in for a quick coffee and saw that 1 – 2 person tables had been added. It goes a long way when businesses are not only receptive, but responsive (by way of action) to criticism. Bravo!
I will have to return yet again for the pour-​over drip coffee, because the pre-​made batch still wasn’t cutting it for me, unfortunately.

Corner of Polk and Pine Streets.
It has the biggest sign you’ll see advertising for COFFEE.
The COFFEE I had was good, and not bitter.
There is a generous amount of seating.
Big, big windows to go with that sign.
Perfect for watching the krazies go by…

Just stopped in for breakfast on my way to work. The owner hustled out from behind the counter to hold the door for me. (They let you bring your bike in if it’s not too crowded! Name another coffee shop of which that’s true!) Good, strong, competitively-​priced coffee. The fruit smoothie is made from fresh fruit and coconut water. I was having my coffee for there and the smoothie to go, and the owner waited until just before I left to blend the smoothie, so it wouldn’t separate out while I was drinking my coffee.
In other words, these guys think of EVERYTHING!
AND they carry Bob’s Donuts!

Closed.

Stopped for a cup of coffee on a lazy Sunday morning, and ended up having a great drink and wonderful conversation.
Most coffee shops around feel small and crowded but this one is spacious and inviting. Bernie was so welcoming and a great person to talk with. The bright, clean, and friendly environment was lovely.
I’ll be back soon!

Noticed a new sign and the fact that i needed a cup of coffee.
place looked/​felt new, the coffee was good and place was spacious. free wifi too!

4^th Wave is like that coffeeshop that you dream of opening when you retire — run by family members, completely chilled out, and totally reflecting you and your interests. In this case, it’s obviously surfing.
I had the good luck of stumbling in before their doors were officially open, and had an awesome chance to meet the owners, Bernie and Brian, who are long-​time San Francisco residence and knew this neighborhood back when it wasn’t a good idea to be wandering around here. They’ve managed to turn an abandoned corner into what looks to be a lively and fun place who’s doors are open to all. Amazingly, Bernie handmade all the furniture from recycled wood pieces.
What’s more, Funky Door Bikram lovers, we finally have a spot to chill before/​after classes!
Excited to come back next week for their official opening, and check out their own roasted coffee.
Awesome neighborhood find!