Stopped by on the way to breakfast and so glad I did--very cute space with an amazing strawberry matcha latte. Staff were friendly even with how busy they were. My only regret is that we were limited on time--their whole menu seemed so appetizing. Will have to stop again next time I'm in town. read more

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got our matcha fix and this super cute cafe called always awake coffee while visiting the bay late August I loved the decor and color of the cafe. they had a few seats and it was pretty busy for a Saturday. I saw people working on the computer. none of the chairs have back support though service was fast despite crowds and baristas were friendly my only complaint is both of our matchas came out tasting thick like it needed to be whisked more perhaps. it was more on the bitter side as far as taste wise. i couldn't drink it fast. wish one of the us tried a coffee but were both matcha girlies restroom available bonus points for the black and white photo you can take at the shop for a keepsake! read more

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I came here with my friend for a late-morning caffeine pick-me-up. She ordered first and after some deliberation, settled on the peanut butter cream latte. After the barista took her order, she and the other barista got to work on the drink. I was left waiting at the cash register to order. When the other barista handed my friend her drink, I asked her if I could order too. She was nice about it and took my order immediately. My strawberry matcha latte with oat milk was ready shortly thereafter. My friend and I snapped a few pics and took a couple of photos using the retro black & white photo machine. Then we tried the drinks. Our biggest thing is getting drinks that aren't too sweet. The peanut butter cream had a very strong flavor but was almost too sweet by itself. My friend really liked the fusion of the mixed espresso and peanut butter cream though. The strawberry puree in the strawberry matcha latte was great, but the matcha left something to be desired. It wasn't really strong or standout. The taste was neutral and didn't wow me. Best perk overall is the free, fast WiFi. It's a decent spot to work, and paying for a drink is essentially the entrance fee. read more

Always Awake Coffee - strawberry matcha latte, peanut butter cream latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

An aesthetic nook on this street, the inside is clean, minimalistic, and has great interior decor. A bonus is these cute receipt photobooth pictures that you can keep as a memento. The drinks were good, not too sweet and espresso is super sharp in a good way. Tried the nutty caramel latte with a cute rim, and the peanut butter cream latte! As a peanut butter lover, the pb flavor isn't overpowering and a little subtle. read more

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We came by after a workout class nearby to grab coffee on a Saturday morning. This cafe is super cute inside for vinyl playing and an adorable little vintage photo booth that you can print a token to take home. We got the iced peanut butter cream latte and a cold brew to try. The sweet dessert cold brew was nice but the peanut butter latte was honestly a bit disappointing as the latte itself was pretty bland (my pet peeve is when a latte just tastes like milk) and the cream top, while it was nutty, needed something else. It was almost not sweet enough and not roasty/bitter enough to be flavorful. The vibes are great here and I'd come again but perhaps need to try a different drink. read more

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The space is very chic & minimalist vibes! There's some seating along the wall and long table where I saw some people with laptops. Also, a cute photo booth when you walk in for black/white receipt style pictures as a keepsake. Loved this personalized (& free)! I have consistently ordered the iced caramel latte & it has been consistently delicious. If you like a sweet latte with a hint of saltiness to balance it out, this is the drink for you. I loved it, but more of a treat for me :) read more

Always Awake Coffee - iced caramel latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

~3.5 stars We got the Strawberry matcha and Caramel latte. Sadly for matcha lovers, the matcha was like 70% milk, strawberry was thick pieces and seemed to be dipped in syrup. It wasn't bad but barely any matcha :( hope the proportions have improved since.. Caramel latte was just a traditional, nutty latte, was pretty good and presented beautifully but price point is high for something basic and small. Glad another aesthetic coffee/matcha shops around union square, but there's definitely a lot of competition in sf. read more

Always Awake Coffee - strawberry matcha caramel latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

Solid 3.8 stars. I stopped by after a facial to get some work done and was pretty pleased. For starters, free wifi which was a perk! Seating is definitely for temporary visits not long term (high backless stools). Coffee was alright, very small portions but not too bad. Quite the foot traffic with many enjoying the little camera machine they have. Definitely a little hidden gem but a good quick sit down or grab and go if in the area! read more

Always Awake Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

Cute little coffee shop with a photobooth! Aesthetic, minimal and modern inside with one long table. You wouldn't have known it's located in the outskirts of TL if you were inside. Besides coffee and matcha, they also sell pastries and Korean brand Fritz coffee beans. Menu is only located on the front counter Service was quick since we came pretty late in the afternoon around 4pm on a weekend. As a peanut butter lover, I had to get the peanut butter latte! Also because it was one of their popular drinks. My friend got the strawberry matcha. Both were iced but I noticed most their drinks are hot and 1 size only. All their drinks default to whole milk but free to sub soymilk! While we waited, of course we had to get a picture using the free photobooth. The image printed out black + white on a receipt-type paper. Drinks didn't take longer than 5 mins since there was 1 person making the drink and 1 taking orders. Staff instructed us not to mix the PB drink. I love the addition of crushed peanuts and the creaminess of the PB on top. The coffee was strong and good, overall not too sweet. My friend said neither the strawberry or matcha was overpowering or sweet. Overall, a little on the pricy side at $8-$9 per drink but still a cool spot to check out! read more

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Stopped by since I was in the area. It's located in the outskirts of the tenderloin but the vibe inside is clean and minimalistic. Their drinks are unique and lots of hot specialty items which is nice to see! Usually I only see specialty iced drinks. Tried the nutty caramel latte (hot only) and the peanut butter latte (iced only). Soy milk is free (but oat/almond cost extra). The drinks are pretty pricey tbh but both drinks were good! They were sweet but not too sweet. I did feel like the peanut butter latte got watered down after a while though. The nutty caramel latte was very smooth but it was hard to take to go since it has a chocolate rim. Didn't realize they have a photo machine! Very cool and would be fun to come with friends. Service was friendly. read more

Always Awake Coffee - vibe - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Order: peanut butter cream latte, their unique drink Strong coffee, not too milky. Peanut butter with nuts as top layer. sip the top for the sweet cream that was not too sweet, just the right amount. They had bags of Fritz coffee on the counter, which is a Seoul based company. Pasties are available for purchase. Photobooth prints out black and white, grainy photos as a keepsake. Large elevated table for seats. Small place that has a long bench and large elevated table for seating. read more

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New Korean-style cafe in Nob Hill that shoots for a retro, relaxed vibe. I came to Always Awake Coffee on a Thursday morning and there was a small line forming around 8 A.M. Looking at their menu, it looks like they offer a couple of signature drinks such as the peanut butter cream top latte, the nutty caramel, and strawberry matcha. The drinks here, I will call out, are on the pricier end with my single drink costing around $9-$10. While you wait to order your drink, there is a cute photo booth in the queue that you can snap your photo at for free. It might be a bit inconvenient when you are in a longer line, but it is still nice. The service here was friendly, but when I came there was only one barista taking orders and making the drinks, making the line feel a bit longer. I opted for a peanut butter latte to try, as it seems like a lot of folks rave about it. At first I wanted their rose strawberry latte since it looked really good in their photo lineup outside, but I realized that there was no espresso or coffee in it, so I decided to pass. They listed it as a "refresher," and I also asked. My drink came out in 5 minutes and looked pretty. When they delivered it to me, they told me not to mix it when drinking, which made sense so you can get the cream top. The drink itself was good and nutty, but I don't think it was mind-blowing enough for me to justify being a regular here and paying a premium price. The store itself is nice and has a communal table that you can sit at to get some work done, alongside some smaller tables to chit chat, so if you are staying for a bit, maybe paying a bit more might be okay with you. read more

Always Awake Coffee - Peanut butter latte and free photo print from the small selfie "booth?" - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

It was nice to visit and support a new coffee shop in the Tenderloin. They seemed to be doing well, at least on the Sunday afternoon that we came in. The interior is small with a minimalistic-style decor. We tried the peanut butter cold brew and one of the regular cold brew options. The PB cold brew had a nice texture, and I found the flavor to be on the milder side. I really enjoyed the dark blend cold brew. I love the beans they use- they seem to be high quality! read more

Always Awake Coffee - peanut butter cold brew - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

Korean style cafe that uses coffee beans from a well-known brand in Korea. Most well known for their peanut butter latte but I did not try it during my visit. I will have to try the peanut butter latte if I ever go again. I am an iced coffee only person, and I thought it was weird that most of their specialty drinks are hot only. With the peanut butter as an exception. Limited seating available and bathroom is open for customers with a passcode. read more

Always Awake Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

Always Awake was just OK. My boyfriend and I were really excited to try this cafe, as we had seen lots of influencers promoting this spot. When I arrived, I was a bit frustrated that almost half of their menu was out. I was really excited to try their cold brew, only to be told that all of their cold brew options were unavailable. I also couldn't get a decaf americano, as they didn't have any decaf beans to make it. I ended up getting an iced americano, which was just OK. The photo booth in the corner was cool, but nothing worth scrambling for. I would go again if I were in the area, but wouldn't make an effort to drive all the way from San Jose to come again. read more

Four words: Peanut Butter Cream Latte. GET IT! Popular in trendy Seoul cafes, Peanut Butter Cream Latte aka Nutty Cloud is a must for peanut butter lovers. This layered drink starts with a strong, roasty espresso poured over milk then topped with a whipped, velvety peanut cream - perfect balance of sweet and salty...dessert vibes without being heavy or cloying. Sipping this while Marvin Gaye plays in the background - YAS! Sadly, I have to knock off a star... I came specifically for the matcha but was told they were "out." About 10 minutes later, another customer picked up a vibrant strawberry matcha latte from the counter. If the matcha wasn't ready yet, that should have been communicated. It was esp frustrating after a 30 minute drive across the city and the terrible parking situation. O T H E R I N F O * Always Awake Coffee is a Korean-inspired coffee shop that opened last month. It's a rebrand from Joy's Place (they no longer serve bingsu) * Espresso, pour overs, cold brew, tea, matcha, and bottled drinks. NO decaf available. Dairy alternatives: Oat + almond (50 cents), soy is free. * Trendy, minimalist renovated space with rich woods, vinyls, plants, bench seating w/ block tables, and a communal high top. * WiFi available. * Restroom requires a code. I'm surprised they didn't renovate the restroom, it was janky and doesn't match the clean aesthetics they're going for. read more

Always Awake Coffee - Nutty Caramel Latte ($8) + Peanut Butter Cream Latte ($8.50) - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

I almost don't want to write this because it feels like a hidden gem but Always Awake has quickly become my favorite coffee spot in the city. I've been coming here almost every day since I found it, and it's become such a peaceful little routine. The space is beautifully done -- warm wood tones, minimal but thoughtful design, and a calm, cozy energy that makes it so easy to settle in and stay awhile. It's not overly crowded (at least for now), which means you can actually grab a seat, open your laptop, and get work done without feeling rushed. The free WiFi is a huge plus too. The drinks are what really keep me coming back. I'm currently obsessed with the cinnamon caramel cappuccino -- it's smooth, perfectly balanced, and just indulgent enough without being heavy. You can tell there's real care put into each drink. I've heard great things about the peanut butter latte, and after chatting with the incredibly kind barista -- who might actually be the owner -- that's definitely my next order. A small heads up that matches what others have said: since it's still new, there may only be one barista at times, so drinks can take a few extra minutes. Also no good parking so please consider another way of getting there. But the service is genuinely warm, and it feels worth the wait. Overall, it's one of those places that nails both the coffee and the vibe. I'll be working my way through the entire menu. read more

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Really wanted to like and support this place - I thought it might represent the start of something better for this otherwise struggling neighborhood. However, this Korean-inspired cafe is just not up to the mark. We got a matcha latte and strawberry matcha. They said the breakfast sandwich was sold out so we didn't get to try it. Unfortunately I think they don't know how to make a matcha: It was not sifted and possibly not whisked - I only got clumps of matcha stuck together in my drink which tasted only of milk since the matcha was not mixed in properly. The strawberry matcha also had the same problem. Lots of better matcha options in SF so probably best to skip this one! read more

Always Awake Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Had such high hopes for this new, Korean-inspired cafe but was unfortunately a bit let down :( I came on a Saturday around 3pm and was able to order right away -- I got the Peanut Butter Cream Latte, Cinnamon Caramel Cappuccino, and Strawberry Matcha Latte. If you like Wether's Caramel Candies, you'll likely love the Cinnamon Caramel Cappuccino. It's not too sweet, and leans a bit more savory/Butterscotch-y. I personally am not super obsessed with caramel so this drink being very caramel/butterscotch forward was just OK for me. I probably wouldn't order again. The Strawberry Matcha Latte looked super promising, especially with the dark green color, but was such a let down. They use real strawberries, but I think it needs to be pureed down even more since the drink was giving more matcha with cut up strawberries at the bottom (hence why they give you a boba straw so the large strawberry chunks can pass through). It wasn't sweet at all and the nice fruity tartness I normally taste with a Strawberry Matcha wasn't there -- in fact, I don't know if I could actually taste the strawberry in the drink. The matcha also didn't taste very strong and felt a bit watered down :( I honestly can't really remember much from this drink since I basically had 2 sips and didn't want more. The star and savior of this cafe though is their Peanut Butter Cream Latte. They have mastered their cream top! It's super thick and fluffy and very peanut butter forward. Smells just like a Reese's Peanut Butter cup! The sweetness from the cream top balances very well with the coffee at the bottom so the overall drink isn't too sweet, but I will say that if you're a coffee connoisseur, you might find that the coffee itself tastes a bit watered down. Don't think I'd go out of my way to come here again, but if I'm already in the area and am feeling a fun drink, I'd maybe consider coming back for their PB Cream Latte. read more

Always Awake Coffee - Cinnamon Caramel Latte, Matcha Strawberry Latte, Peanut Butter Cream Latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

Came by on a weekday afternoon and there were some small parties inside enjoying their drinks. I was curious about the peanut butter latte ($8.50), which only comes iced. All the reviews said they were told to not stir the drink, so it wasn't a surprise when staff also gave us the same instructions. The drink is definitely very peanut butter forward, so it you aren't a fan of PB, stay far, far away. Soy milk is complimentary but if you want oat or almond milk, it comes with an extra fee. Staff made the drink fairly quickly. However, in the event of a line, there's some magazines and a little photo machine you can play with while you wait around. Photos only come out in b/w and it's not the best quality though. Also, I saw bags of Fritz coffee! It's a cool Korean coffee brand, and very legit. I'm assuming they use those beans, hence the good quality espresso. read more

place is ok. one person handles everything. ambiance is great. they have high table in order for you to put your laptop. the drinks: * matcha latte: usually other stores just put cream on top but this cafe shop put a latte art on it. the matcha is good but i think if they make it fresh and whisk it on the spot will even taste better... * lemon peach iced tea: quite unique that they put a bit peach syrup and then put lemon orange flavour tea bag inside. to be honest, when i got my drink, i was kind of disappointed but then when i sipped it, hey!!! it is pretty good... four stars i think. too bad just small cup though so i will say a bit pricey. recommended coffee shop... read more

Always Awake Coffee - lemon peach iced tea and matcha latte... - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

Stopped by with a friend Saturday around 11 and it wasnt too busy, but a line formed right after we got our drinks and left. We walked here and id imagine finding parking in the area to be difficult. The interior is clean and modern and there's a cute little screen that prints out black and white paper photos, and sole seats at a larger table where you could possibly get some light work done. I got the peanut butter iced latte, and my friend the nutty caramel latte which only comes hot. The drinks were both pretty, and the worker told me not to stir the pb iced latte - I tried a few sips this way and have to confess I had to mix it to drink the rest and I kept getting sips of straight espresso. The drink was nutty, smooth and not really sweet at all, so if you're looking for a dessert type drink this isn't it. Cute spot, though in an area that's a little out of the way but some more unique and tasty coffee drinks I haven't seen elsewhere :) read more

Always Awake Coffee - inside - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

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As someone who loves cappuccinos, I was really excited to try their cinnamon cappuccino but it fell short and tasted very salty. The ambiance is nice and there were benches and tables to sit on and they had a bathroom which was a plus. The customer service here definitely needs some work, the staff weren't very friendly or welcoming. read more

Always Awake Coffee - Cinnamon cappuccino - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

Pretty disappointed with the coffee. We ordered a cappuccino and a latte and both tasted burnt. I know they're still pretty new but for now, I can't see myself coming back. read more

Always Awake Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

Leaving 2 stars because I feel bad leaving 1... The coffee here is just so nasty. I got a nut caramel latte and my friend got a regular caramel latte and it just tasted so bad. I wouldn't recommend. The shop itself was fine and the employees were fine, nothing to complain about. Their lattes are just horrible. read more

This minimalistic cafe had so much potential, but the service and beverage menu creations are lousy. Matcha lovers keep on walking. I took one sip of this frigid (requested hot) matcha and threw that chunky abomination in the trash. read more

Always Awake Coffee - Matcha Latte with oat milk - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

These cafes are getting a little too conveniently located near my routes in the city! As the newest addition to the area, they already seem to get quite a few customers early morning. It may take a few minutes prepare orders since at the time there was only one barista, but service was very friendly. The aesthetics were nicely sleek with a modern/ minimalist vibe. I tried the peanut butter latte which super super smooth and creamy with a few crunchy pieces at the bottom. Loved the coffee, gotta go back to try the matcha some time! read more

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The cafe vibes are super nice once you step in - the area is obviously absolutely terrible and very unpleasant to be in. But what was disappointing was the matcha. You can see from the photos that it wasn't whisked at all - at $8.00 a drink (before tip after tax) it was absolutely underwhelming to drink clumps of Matcha in a drink that tasted only of oat milk. Service was fine but not that great. Overall would not recommend. read more

Always Awake Coffee - Matcha latte + strawberry matcha latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

I stopped by in the morning and luckily the line wasn't too long. It's a bit inconvenient they only have a paper menu near the cashier when you order. Service was minimal and efficient and they answered questions I had on the menu. I ordered their signature peanut butter cream latte and it was really good. Initially was not sure if peanut butter and coffee would go well together, but this drink proved me wrong. The coffee was strong and paired well with the peanut cream on top. The cream is thick and smooth and added sweetness to the coffee after mixing. It was also a nice touch with peanut bits in the drink. The interior is very modern with some wooden benches and a communal high table as seating. Feels more like a place to hang out with friends than getting work done. read more

Always Awake Coffee - peanut butter cream latte ($8.50) - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

New Korean inspired cafe! We came in around 2PM and ordered the Matcha Latte and the Nutty Caramel Latte. The Nutty Caramel Latte was hard to drink outside of the cafe because the lid doesn't fit with the chocolate nut side bits; the drink itself was nutty and caramel-ly though and was the better drink. The Matcha Latte was lacking in flavor. I wanted to try their Peanut Butter Latte but they only make it iced. There's a 2 tables and a small seating area. There's also free wifi for WFH! read more

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Coffee and the shop was aesthetically pleasing to look at, but the coffee was just decent. It was missing some flavor, and the matcha was bitter according to my friends. It was great to try but not sure if I'd come again while in SF. They do have a cute lil photo machine that prints out pictures on receipt paper, so that was cool! read more

Always Awake Coffee - Strawberry Matcha (2), Nutty Caramel Latte (bottom left), Peanut Butter Cream Latte (top right) - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

standard, inoffensive iced latte. unfortunately most of their specialties are hot drinks so i didn't try any. just enough seating for a small coffee shop read more

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Amazing coffee! I usually don't like coffee but this cafe has a coffee I truly can enjoy. I like the ambience and love how we can just chill and relax with the good vibes. The granita(?) was exceptional on a warm sunny day. There are always a lot of people showing that they are exceptional! The peanut butter latte was great and something I had in Korea! Highly recommend it! Pricing is comparably to San Francisco, given now that Starbucks costs like $6, $7. Highly recommend stopping by for a quick drink!! read more

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The male barista who took my order made me really uncomfortable. We made eye contact for a good 3 sec till he widened his eyes to tell me that I should order... Mind you, he was busy with something on his laptop and I was waiting for him to finish because I understand that he may be occupied with other duties. But usually they communicate to you that they're ready to take orders, no? I don't mind waiting to be helped, but there was no communication and this barista expected me to just read his mind. This experience left a really sour taste in my mouth and I felt disrespected. Coffee was ok. I will not be returning. read more

The worst customer service I've ever experienced at a cafe. The male worker that took my order was standing there staring at me, did not even say hi or greet me and offer help with menu suggestionwhen he saw I was struggling to choose. Instead, he opened up his laptop right at the register and started to use it in front of me. When I saw that, I asked him what coffee drink he recommended, he simply looked at me and said "peanut butter latte" and then proceed to go back to his laptop. It was very rude and dismissive. If you don't like interacting with people, then don't work at a coffee shop. The drink was not even that good. I do not recommend going here unless you want to feel unwelcomed. read more

Loved the ambiance here! We sat on the bench & had an amazing time chatting with my friend. My mom got the peanut butter latte, I got the black rose strawberry latte, & my friend got the Lemon Peach Tea. All drinks were fantastic, & it felt like I got transported back to Korea. The staff is very friendly & helpful. There's a cute photobooth too! Highly recommend checking out this cafe!!! read more

Always Awake Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

A cute Korean cafe located in the lower nob hill behind Union square. Nice ambiance with a small vintage photo booth for picture taking. I ordered their signature peanut butter latte, which was a bit pricey, but delicious and strong. . Will come back if in the neighborhood. My doggie gives it 4 paws up. read more

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Always Mid Coffee Even the total renovation did not help. It's still overpriced and just screams capitalism. read more

service was a little lackluster, and drinks are pretty expensive for the size. my peanut butter cream latte ($8.50 pre-tax) had a nice cream but I wish there was more peanut butter involved. the base latte was kind of milky and watery read more

Always Awake Coffee - peanut butter cream latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

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This place has a nice ambiance where you can take pictures that print out but unfortunately the matcha was not good. It was grainy and very milky. read more

Always Awake Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California