It's 8:00 AM on the nose and I just skipped every other step on my way up the stairs at the Powell Street Bart Station. I’m on my way to work at the Astro Complex on 6th street. 2 minutes and a block later I cross the threshold of Blue Bottle Coffee. I only stop in The Blue Bottle if there are less than 3 people in front of me in line. This may seem odd unless you have either waited in line at Blue Bottle, or had to check yourself because you don’t have $7.50 for toast and coffee. But once or twice weekly I will wait my turn and fork over the dough for such awesome coffee and probably the most bitchin’ toast I’ve ever had. They are basically perfectionists about everything they do here. They roast their beans in small batches and grind and brew each cup individually. The coffee has more than ample caffeine but is smooth as silk and is a dream to drink.

Bottle half empty: So no to be a big harpy, and I know the staff is busy “perfecting things”, but if everyone behind the counter could move just a little bit quicker I would love this place that much more. I spend more time waiting for coffee instead of enjoying it in the pretty room with the pretty people sipping their coffees. Alas I have to get to work, where I work, ahem, extremely quick and efficiently.

Because I’m a glutton, have a general fondness for Blue Bottle, and wanted to visit when I had more time, I decide to go to the Bottle for lunch. ViLO, my constant companion and resident photographer at Astro, packs the electric eye and away we go.


We pass our vibrant neighbors on our way up 6th street. We take a right on Jessie Street and get in line. The lunch/snack menu is pretty limited, but everything sounds good if not a bit light. I have nothing against a Gruyere sandwich, I don’t think, but there is a Hot Dog on the menu. I decide to order a Hot Dog and lemonade. As I wait for my food to come, I realize it is a much nicer experience for me in the early afternoon here. The sun has lit up the room, I’m not so cranky because it isn’t the morning, and I actually have some time to read the newspaper on a stick that the patrons seem to love. Side note: I find the newspaper stick cumbersome and unnecessary. If not for the persuasive power the sticks wield for prodding the slow workers, I’d say the newspaper sticks are almost useless. Happy Tom patiently waits for his Hot Dog and lemonade. It comes my way and is delicious. They undoubtedly mix their lemonade in small batches; it is nice, tart, and not too sweet. The Hot Dog rules! It is a Prather Ranch ¼ lb. all beef frank, on a shiny and crunchy Acme Bakery hot dog bun with caramelized shallots. It is served with organic yellow mustard and Muir Glen Ketchup, yes their ketchup like most of their ingredients have proper names.

Couple things to check out:

Siphon Pots of coffee, these serve 2 people. The siphon pots are brewed by the really cool looking halogen Bunsen burners behind the counter. This science crafts your brew to bleeding perfection. The pots run around $10 depending on your bean choice.

Kyoto style iced coffee, delicious and served in the afternoon. $3.25

Poached eggs served atop thick Acme Bakery toast and whipped butter. These are the best poached eggs I’ve tasted in a couple years. $6.50

So, when your pockets are flush and you aren’t in a hurry, make it down to Blue Bottle, you’ll never feel so Uptown and close to 6th street at the same time.