Very cute coffee spot. The coffee is pretty good and the workers are very kind. This is also a great spot to post up and work for a little while. The WiFi is strong and there are a good amount of outlets with varied seating either for an individual or for a group. Definitely will come back for a few more work sessions. read more

Lots of seating, tables, huge windows, friendly worker and wifi. Upstairs area is in the works. Came to grab lunch and a drink. Ordered the black sesame matcha ~7/8$, chicken bread 6$ , and mixed cheese bread ~6$. Black sesame matcha- important to note this is an Arab cafe. Black sesame clumps together and does not mesh well with the cold matcha. Matcha is not strong. I don't recommend the matcha Chicken filling bread item- tasty heated up. Crispy warm and soft bread. I enjoyed this pastry. Don't expect the chicken to be the star though. 8/10 Mixed cheese filled bread pastry - bread is just as tasty as the chicken pastry. The cheese is very light. Tiny tiny hint of the salt. When heated up the cheese is slightly gooey like a fudge or unmelted Brie. 8/10 read more

See all

I visited recently to sip on a virgin pina colada and play some board games in their large upstairs space. I love the rise in popularity of fun non-caf beverages at cafes and I think more cafes should take the cue from Hala Hala! However, the lack of a separate kitchen meant that any time bacon was cooked, the scent permeated the whole cafe for 30+ minutes. With some back to back orders, the bacon-y smell stayed well past its welcome, and for that reason I can't recommend visiting except for a quick togo order. On the other hand, service was great and the staff was incredibly friendly. If you have any questions at all about their extensive cafe menu, they'll be happy to help. read more

Drinks were okay--felt a bit watered down and not the strongest. The black tie (thai tea with espresso) was recommended to me as one of their signature drinks but it really just tasted like thai tea. read more

Hala Hala Cafe - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

My friend and I were walking past this place and were immediately interested by the sign that said they offered iced pumpkin matcha, banana matcha, and mango matcha. We were about to catch the bus to the Chinatown Autumn Moon Festival when suddenly, our bus was cancelled and we had to wait another half hour for the next bus, so we decided to come in and try this place. We saw that the back of the sign said "This is a sign to come & get coffee" which was such a coincidence for these turn of events. We totally manifested this into existence, and yes, this was a sign to come try the place! The interior was nice with the greenery lined at the windows. There was only one other customer here. I believe this cafe just opened up recently, so we were excited to try it out. They had a variety of drink options that I have never seen before (cookie butter latte, horchata latte, etc.). Unfortunately, they ran out of banana matcha which I guess made sense since this place had been open for a few hours now, and we came in around 2pm. I asked the cashier about the sweetness level of the cookie butter latte and the horchata latte, but she said it was just regular sweetness. It wasn't really clear how sweet it could be, but I decided to try it anyways as is. I went with the cookie butter latte ($6.50) and my friend went with the mango matcha. We got our drinks in around 5 minutes. My cookie butter latte was definitely a bit too sweet for my liking, but the saltiness of the cookie butter did help. You can definitely taste the cookie butter spread, so it didn't have an artificial syrup taste. My friend liked her mango matcha, but she said the mango mostly overpowered the matcha. Once the ice in my drink started melting, the drink tasted a bit more separated from the cookie butter which I didn't enjoy as much. I would not order the cookie butter latte again, but I would give this place another chance and try a different drink next time. read more

See all

Change the hours on your door. I tried coming two weekends now, and YOU ARE CLOSED!!!!!!!!

I almost passed out when I first saw that the former Rise and Grind was under new ownership. Thankfully I was able to get myself together quickly after seeing the core menu would not be changing. I used to and still get the iced black sugar latte. It's my absolute favorite! Since becoming Hala Hala Café, I've continued to enjoy coming here. They now have longer hours, an expanded menu, and delicious looking sweet and savory pastries. I haven't tried the pastries yet but they always look so good. The staff continues to be wonderful. They now have straws available and a different set up for if you want to add additional sugar, milk, etc to your drinks. Looks like you can also reserve tables for study sessions! read more

See all

Walking up to the corner of 22nd and Folsom, you can't miss Hala Hala Cafe. It is calm, inviting, and filled with the aroma of fresh coffee. Under its new ownership, this cafe is more than a stop for caffeine. It is a small portal into the flavors of Arabia right in the heart of San Francisco. The staff greeted me like I was a regular, quick with recommendations and genuinely kind. That set the tone before I even sat down. The space itself is spotless, airy, and thoughtfully laid out. There is plenty of room to tuck into some work or catch up with a friend without feeling crowded. I ordered the cookie butter latte and an Asiago bagel sandwich with turkey. The latte arrived first, steaming and rich, with a creaminess that carried just the right amount of sweetness. It had that "can't put it down" quality, each sip pulling me back for the next. The sandwich was just as memorable. The Asiago bagel was warm and slightly crisp, the turkey was fresh, and every bite delivered a balance of flavor that felt crafted with care. By the time I finished, it was clear this cafe checks every box: quality, comfort, and heart. Whether you are a local searching for a new go-to spot or a visitor wanting something authentic and welcoming, Hala Hala Cafe is worth the stop. read more

See all

I used to go here when it was still rise and grind and there service was ok. I believe they have the same staffs and now management changed, service is bad. Waited at the counter while a staff was literally in front of me sitting, talking to her coworker. She SAW me but pretended not to and continued to talk. Then she finally stood up, begrudgingly, and I said "oh I was wondering if this is where I order" and she said, "yeah, I'm just not working today". Uhm.... ? Then she continued to speak to her coworker and did my order. Food had a lot of mayo in it. The bun's texture doesn't taste fresh, it was too dry. Vibe was a little off, seeing how the service was bad. read more

First time coming to this cute coffee shop and I love the ambiance. Great selection of coffee and next I'll be trying the food. I got the spicy mocha and "I LOVE IT" , just the right amount of spice and not overwhelming sweet like other mochas I've tried. read more

Hala Hala Cafe - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

Adam is an amazing person helped me out and choose the right beverage for me! Would recommend this spot to anybody around the area! read more

Hala Hala Cafe - Adam's a life saver best food and coffee on the block!! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

went in during lunch on friday with no wait, large amount of space to study/work. the lattes were good but the chai latte was ok. the cookie butter was better. i'd love to come back to try their matcha drinks like blueberry matcha but they were out. read more

Love the coffee here.. but everytime not joking everytime and i've been here very often since i live next to it, anytime i mobile order i go past my the pick up time and it's still not ready. They are always either talking w coworkers or on the phone and even if they see u they don't continue to talk. They always just say sorry didn't see it on the ipad or nothing at all. It inconveniences your customers! Ever since management changed the service isn't good read more

Saw this place during a sunday morning stroll, they have a sign outside with their signature drinks that caught my attention! I walked in and they greeted me and gave me time to look at the menu. I ordered the hot creme brulee latte wich was good but it was a little too sweet for my liking. But it was still a fun drink with good flavor! Definitely want to go back and try another. read more

I was so excited another Arab coffee place opened! I ordered from DoorDash and they didn't have any options for Arabic coffee on there, but I tried the iced horchata latte and it was great! Their other drinks also sounded really good. I haven't seen their full menu, but as an Arab coffee place, I hope they add Arabic coffee to the menu! Also mana'ish, or Arab deli sandwiches like with mortadella. I'm excited to try this place again! read more

I live next door and come here nearly every morning -- this cafe has improved *so much* in the last few months (it was Rise and Grind before)! Hala Hala is so much more welcoming, warm, and kind. I'm sorry to say, but the odd 1 star comments saying it's gotten worse are maybe not crazy about it becoming an Arabic cafe...? As it has clearly changed for the better, especially re: friendliness. The new manager has been trying to improve everything and asks the customers what they want. He has made changes, including making longer hours/staying open later. He also sometimes asks about the coffee and what they can improve and is working really hard to make this a top tier place. I wish they had regular mugs (everything is to go, which is a little less cozy) and that they shifted the main menu more when they took over (the food has never been good here; I'm not sure what the other comments are talking about!), but I know this place will continue to grow and am super happy it's now Hala Hala :) And please bring back the karak tea, as it is delicious! read more

Rounding up to give the new owners a boost, but I will note that the pistachio baklava I tried was a disappointment. It was pastry filled with cloying pistachio cream...not good. Hope the baklava offerings improve. read more

management is horrible. It does not seem to care for their workers. This used to be a great place where you came to meet friends, work on your computer and try delicious drinks or sandwiches, but ever since it stopped being rise and grind it is NOT the same. read more

Great spot, super nice ppl in there and great coffee. Open late now which is nice if you need to work in the evenings.

I've been coming here for years and the young guy that's always there makes the environment less welcoming. If he's not there, there's workers working alone and it makes orders take 10mins plus to get called out... it used to be a 3-5mins. This place is definitely not the same anymore :( read more

Ever since the new ownership the food and drinks quality service is trash the guy who's mainly there has horrible service I asked for a iced berry tea and he gave me a hot berry tea and just poured ice on it the bread is not the same as well. read more

Stopped by this place on a sunday morning and it was beautiful! Very spacious and nicely decorated for Halloween. They had an abundance of cool drinks besides the standard latte/ espresso drinks which always kind of turns me off when looking at a menu. HOWEVER, I saw they had a black sesame latte which is my favorite latte flavor. I got that along with two turnovers, cheese and chicken. Total (including tip) was about $21, the turnovers were 2 for $10. The service could have been better but it was one girl behind the stand so I understand if she was stressed out, definitely not knocking down a point for that. The drink was actually the best black sesame latte I've ever had, and I will definitely be returning for it. I was also pleasantly surprised by the turnovers, the chicken one had chili crisp oil which really added to the flavor, and the cheese one had good quality cheese. I will definitely be frequenting this place and would easily recommend it. read more