Wrecking Ball Coffee Roasters is a must-visit for coffee lovers, especially if you're into unique, well-crafted drinks. One of the standout items on their menu is the iced cappuccino, complete with that perfect layer of creamy foam--a rare find that's executed beautifully here. Another favorite of mine is the Karl the Fog, an earl grey cream drink that's as cozy and indulgent as it sounds. It's the perfect drink if you're looking for something tea-based but still a little decadent. The quality of their drinks and attention to detail always make it worth the trip. Whether you're a coffee enthusiast or just looking for something a little different, Wrecking Ball delivers.
I really love Wrecking Ball. I think they have the best espresso in the city, their drinks are always high quality and exactly what you expect, and while I used to find their price point high, for now at least they're comparable to anyone else. It is kind of a locals place so expect that if you're new--invariably the barista will start chatting (efficiently) with someone they know, cafe seating is limited to the seats at the bar and a few tiny tables outside--giving very much a hyperlocal vibe. I just had the espresso citron tonic and while I will always go for any combination of espresso and tonic this is the best by far.
I'll be honest, I picked this place out for my one stop in San Francisco on the way out of town from a family vacation, based mostly on the provenance of the cafe's founder Trish Rothgeb. I didn't do much further research, and the place I was seeing in my mind... wasn't this place. It's small, kind of a modern-esque and clean "hole in the wall". Very little in the way of seating, and nothing in the way of "dine in" serviceware; I think it's largely designed for take out or just "gulp and go" like a traditional Italian coffee shop. But I had only one thing in mind: straight espresso. It was served up, as many here have pictured, in a paper cup. The only bean available is their Pillow Fight espresso blend, and after giving it a moment to cool, I dug in, and... wow. It was quite good. The shot was clearly on the more traditional side, leading with chocolate and nutty notes, but there was a smattering of fruity acidity as well, owing to the blend containing Ethiopian beans, I'm sure. It was a great combo of flavors in one shot. Service was quick and efficient, and after seating myself at a very utilitarian bench (which comprises most of the seating here), and consuming my drink, I dropped the cup in the trash and was on my way. Folks, visually and "experience-ly", this is not a destination shop. It's not something you make a pilgrimage to (as I did, sort of). But if you're in the neighborhood and wander in for an espresso, you'll be rewarded.
While in town, we stopped to try an iced cappuccino and iced latte. Service was quick. I was actually jealous of my husband's iced cappuccino. It was the best I have ever had with the foam on top. Inside is small but a few seats. They also had a few tables outside. Definitely will return!
Great coffee! They also have cute little seating out front but there isn't that many spots so if it's busy there is no where great to sit. Other than that, highly recommend.
Wanted to try this place out for awhile, and we finally got to stop by! First off, it's easy to miss because of the tiny sign (just look out for their tiny logo, a crane with a wrecking ball). Upon entering, I kinda found it interesting that there was a ramp going up that revealed a small, yet "it has everything it needs" cafe. Like the cafe itself, the options were pretty simple (they said that they had not brought back the pour over options since the pandemic). Therefore, I went with the next best option: batch brew. Oh and we also got an Americano. The batch brew, as described by the person taking my order, had preserved its flavor (and might I say quality) despite having been siphoned from a machine. They were using their Guatemala beans, which produced a lighter cup. The Americano was more of a medium cup without as distinct notes (could not tell). They do have indoor and outdoor seating, but not very many tables inside.