"Can I get something started for you?" Avoid that familiar phrase from the corporate coffee giant and step into the whale. Wonderful single origin coffees available -pour over style as well as a variety of various espresso drinks, and tea. In the back is the master roaster machinery, and a nice lounge with pinball machines to hang out in and create conversation with other patrons. The staff is real knowledgeable and real personable and frequently make me laugh, and they know their product very well and will share information with the consumer. It's OK to ask a question and they won't yell at you if you want cream in your coffee. They do keep it behind the counter in the refrigerator, by request only. For some reason, coffee always taste better to me on site than at home. Maybe it's the temperature of the water, maybe it's just the ambience and the brief conversation? I don't know but I prefer to have my cup outside of the home. I'm a rather social being. The owner has a knack for hiring, competent, talented and friendly staff! Truly the BEST coffee anywhere, seriously...... maybe that's why they won so many awards?! Beans are available daily and frequently with half-price sale on your second bag. A great gift to send somebody in a different city, throw in a T-shirt or other swag while you're at it. I found that relatives and friends really dig stuff from the Bay Area. There are a variety of "at home barista"accoutrements available for sale to include the lovely Chemex glass coffee maker. Grinders, scales, etc. A coffee paraphernalia shop- "legal speed". Check out the pastry case with some local favorite bakeries representing. In closing, five stars throughout*****! Now get over there, I hope I got something started for you...... read more

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This was my first visit to Red Whale Coffee, and I was really looking forward to it. I loved the atmosphere, especially the pinball machines, and I was excited to recommend this place to my friends. Unfortunately, my experience was disappointing. I ordered an iced mocha with oat milk during a busy time and waited about 20-30 minutes. While I was waiting, I noticed several customers who ordered after me received their drinks. I went up to the counter to ask about my order, and the cashier seemed confused. The barista remembered making my drink and believed someone may have accidentally taken it since there had been a drink sitting on the pickup counter for a while. The barista told me he would remake my drink and even offered the drink to another customer instead of discarding it. However, he continued making other orders before remaking mine. Just as I was about to ask for a refund, I finally received my coffee. I understand that mistakes happen, especially during busy periods, but better communication and order tracking would have made a big difference. Unfortunately, my first experience left a bad impression. As much as I liked the atmosphere, I won't be returning, and I can't recommend this coffee shop based on the service I received. read more

How cute is this place. Lil red Whale tucked down this street... Not sure what I was expecting but they had snacks, pinball and a microwave!!! Service was super sweet! Very happy with my strawberry latte and breakfast burrito. I can't wait to visit again! read more

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One of the most interesting coffee shops I've been to as of late! I love their vibe and the fun pinball games they have in the back! Parking is a bit of a pain, but the coffee was worth it! I got their Strawberry latte (seasonal) and Banana latte (seasonal). Both were delicious, but I preferred the strawberry as it was a little sweeter! We also got the red eye and the chocolate cold brew! The chocolate cold brew was a bit sweeter than I expected which I liked since I'm not a big coffee drinker. The red eye was also yummy and strong! read more

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Love ambiance and coffee taste. My colleague brought me here and will come back again tomorrow!

Was in Marin recently and popped on Yelp looking for a local coffee shop to get some fuel for the body. Red Whale Coffee stood out in my search with great reviews. I initially tried to place an online order through their website but they weren't taking online orders at the time so I ended up walking in to order. Located in between several industrial companies, it can be easy to miss if you're not looking. Plenty of street parking along the front or just across the street. The shop is segemented into 3 connected sections; the main room where orders are taken, crafted, and served along with bags of coffee beans. The connected room had shirts, sweatshirts, and a fridge with grab n go items. The back room, had a few vintage pinball machines along with some tables and chairs. That'd be such a fun place to hang out at! Ordered a vanilla latte with almond milk and ice maple latte, also with almond milk. Both were wonderfully crafted and provided the morning jolt needed. read more

What a great find! Unique sweeteners used and the coffee itself has a very smooth flavor. Hubby had some at a car meet and so when we were driving by we had to stop. They have the cutest little back room with old school arcade games that just help to create the best environment. The sugar free vanilla does not taste sugar free- a total treat! read more

Red Whale Coffee - Maple latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Rafael, California

We were looking for somewhere new on our way to the city and we found it with Red Whale. The coffee was very good and I am happy I have a new place to stop when heading down 101 to San Francisco. I do recommend you stopping off to try their coffee. read more

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Red Whale is a lively coffee joint off the beaten path, in a commercial business area close to the freeway. Generic coffee menu with some great, fun, personal additions like Chocalate Milk Cold Brew or Cold Brew Float that features ice cream, that you can only find at RW. I don't like the recycled paper straws but LOVED it had their logo on them- cute little touch. The 2 men behind the counter were friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable about their coffee. They have their coffee beans for sale and some baked goods, snack bars, nuts for purchase. Never been? Worth it to check it out. read more

What a cute coffee shop they were nice enough to make me a iced cortado and they have pinballs machines for 75 cents a game. Sadly their bathrooms were out of order hopefully they can't that fixed for their customers read more

Red Whale Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Rafael, California

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*This review is specifically for their mobile coffee service at the Sunday Marin Farmer's Market. tl;dr Blah service, okay coffee. If you're looking for coffee at the farmer's market, I'd personally avoid this one and help yourself to the other two options there. -- Situated right in front of one of the entrances to the market, I was excited to get my caffeine fix quickly before I started my shopping. Unfortunately, the person at the register was more focused on everything else but me when it was my turn to order - no acknowledgement, no greeting (even when I said good morning), no eye contact, nothing. Which was odd, considering they spoke to the customer before me. Ordered my cold brew, they handed it to me, and as they seemingly avoided eye contact, they turned the screen for me to pay, but not even all the way towards me - it was facing off to the side, making me have to reach over awkwardly to tap to pay. The coffee itself was okay, but the whole experience was so bizarre and a very frustrating way to start my morning off. I ended up getting another coffee from Myriad Coffee in the back of the market where I was met with way friendlier staff that did at least the bare minimum of acknowledging my presence. read more

All the times I've been here it always smells like sewage. Owner is also very unprofessional.

This is a neighborhood coffee place with outstanding pinball to wake up the senses. It would be nice if there were a coffee special - e.g. some coffee drink for $3, once a week, say on hump day. OR on Friday. It's not about the money - it's about creating customer loyalty and connection. There are locals and there are visitors - also putting a chair under the tree outside would be phenomenal. read more

I came in at a time when they had low customer volume so the atmosphere was nice and quiet. They have pinball machine so I suspect it could get louder. The decor is very inviting. I saw some cold brew process so I inquired about it and the barista went into a pleasant detail. I ordered a caramel latte. It was delicious! Here's a little back story; I'm a mail carrier in San Rafael and when I was delivering to a business on Lindaro and Lincoln, I saw their mobile coffee set-up. It was in the morning and I forgotten my coffee at home so I stopped to get a latte. Turns out they weren't selling coffee but providing free coffee to employees on behave of the business. Anyway, they gave me a free caramel latte and was better than what I ever had at Starbucks. I research their location and it turns out they are only two exits from my house. I'll be getting a cold brew to go. read more

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An unusual morning of no traffic on my commute allowed me time to get a latte before work. Yelp to the rescue with Red Whale Coffee. Cute and quaint coffee shop. Not much space for enjoying there but perfect for on the go! Super friendly barista. Lots of options. Tasty latte. Great little spot for a drink read more

Red Whale Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Rafael, California

Gung Hay Fat Choy to the Red Whale Team! I miss my Red Whale Cortados and hope to visit you again soon. This is a wonderful secret spot for relaxation and a "cuppa joe" off the beaten track in San Rafael. Mahalo! read more

fire building, interesting bathroom with a shower and clothes washer/dryer and a locker. but more importantly, delicious brownie and deliciousssss strawberry latte yummmyy read more

Red Whale Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Rafael, California

Good! Good pour over coffee, good service, bit eclectic. Not what I'd expect given the location being in a fully commercial area, but 100% worth it. read more

Great coffee, great team with a welcoming environment. This spot is the best coffee in Marin. You can call in your order which is an extreme perk for a new mom in a rush often. You pay for what you get, quality all the way. read more

I got the matcha. Not green enough for real matcha heads stay safe out there. The 7 wonder bar was good though. The maple flavoring is fire too. read more

Red Whale Coffee - Matcha - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Rafael, California

I miss you so much Red Whale. I got recruited to a job in Sonoma County. Can you open somewhere up here, too? read more

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Looking for a quick coffee while visiting a friend nearby, and was surprised to find this little place off the beaten path. The service was good, the coffee was good, and I'd go back if I were in the area again. read more

After wrapping up a wedding coordination in Calistoga, my friends and I took a well-deserved break at Red Whale Coffee. I ordered a vanilla latte with whole milk, recommended by the barista, while one friend opted for a vanilla latte with almond milk, and the other chose a large hot matcha latte. To our surprise, all the drinks were exceptional. My vanilla latte hit just the right note--pleasantly sweet but never overwhelming. I sampled my friend's almond milk version, and it had the same perfectly balanced sweetness. Meanwhile, our other friend raved about her matcha latte. The café itself exudes a laid-back, "hipster" charm, complete with arcade games in the back and coffee items for sale, adding to its unique atmosphere. read more

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Nice guy behind the counter, but wow what a disappointing coffee experience. Ordered 2 oat lattes, one was full, the other had 3/4" room at the top. Both were bitter and dark. Torani syrups, nothing special. No interesting specials etc. but most importantly just mediocre fundamentals around coffee quality and prep read more

Such a fun coffee shop with great tasting coffee. I ordered their specialty strawberry latte and it was so smooth! I'm usually not a fan of fruit flavored lattes, but they were able to balance the sweetness with the bitterness of coffee perfectly. The pastries and food items are all in a little fridge. I'm not sure I would like a refrigerated croissant or cold burrito. They do have a microwave, but was unsure of the freshness. In the back, there are pinball machines which I thought was super unique! Overall, this place has quality coffee but I wish there were tables and chairs to hang out or study (there was only a bench inside) and their food menu could use some work. The service was pretty quick too as there were only 2 people inside at 9am. read more

Tried to buy a cup of coffee here yesterday, came in, 1 person ahead of me ordering, 3 employees behind the counter, 3 girls 1 guy, when the person in front of me finished ordering her drink, she stood there chit-chatting with the employees, all of the employees dodnt seem to care that someone was waiting to order.After hearing them discussing what to order for lunch, and I realized I've been standing in line for spmetime, just waiting for someone to acknowledge and take my order, I finally grew impatient, Anyways I left and didn't bother to order, dont think they need my business anyway. read more

I started coming here because I can walk here from work. I kept coming here because their coffee and tea are 5/5. I'm very impressed with their tea selection. I have been to good coffee shops before, but this is the first time I've encountered a place that does both really "whale" (hehe). The pricing is consistent with other coffee shops. They have a little indoor arcade area and they do have restrooms. It does usually take a few minutes to get your coffee and tea (because it is made RIGHT). Overall, I recommend to anyone looking for a flavorful cup of coffee and/or tea, made by people who know their products. read more

I was working in Novato recently and I decided to stop by for some coffee. It's located off the freeway in what seems to be off the beaten path. Street parking was easy with a short walk. It's a cute little shop. There's a small room in the back where they sold merchandise with some food options, and further back they have some seating with pinball machines. Didn't expect that. I asked if they had other locations and unfortunately there are not. I have only seen them at the farmers market. Because I don't venture out this way often, I decided to buy some beans. They only sell whole beans so I also asked them to ground it. I wanted to order a nitro cold brew but they were out so I ordered a true cold brew instead with oat milk. I loved the taste of their coffee. It's nice and strong just how I like it. Employees were friendly. Definitely will return when I'm ever in the area. read more

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I'm so glad I was able to find this place and I was really excited. They were open so early since the bakery I wanted to go to in Novato wasn't open until 9 AM, as I walked in this particular café carried those exact same baked goods, so I was able to get gluten-free pastries and try out their red whale!! Since I got semi lost and went around the corner initially to the red wood café, I had a hot coffee in the car from them and I wanted to try the iced maple latte with oat milk here. It smelled delicious and I love how they did the pour over with espresso. That way you can really taste the flavor of the espresso and it's separated from the milk/oat milk for me. The maple was a little sweet, but I let the ice melt down, and everything even out pretty much for me. The three pastries I got were amazing! I got a coffee cake, a pumpkin Bundt, and a chocolate tort that had a base that was like a vanilla flavor. I actually think the chocolate torte/cake I got was in the wrong section because it said "raspberry tort. "Which was fine because the chocolate was a surprise for me especially when I was driving. Lol , all three gluten-free pastries were delicious and I really want to go back to the red whale café! As I ordered, the lady was very sweet and understanding since I told her I had never been here before and I wanted something sweet, but not too sweet and an iced coffee. She suggested the maple latte. Service was fast and quick, and I loved the decor as I got to walk around! Video games, a whole little lounge area further in the back, and even , coffee, siphon and espresso/beans you could buy! Very homey feeling!! I will definitely be back here again and again! Plus it's right off the freeway, which is another great thing about this spot! Only drawback I would say is that there's another coffee shop literally The next parking lot over with a similar sounding name just maybe with the color "red. "But maybe just me because I literally listened to my GPS and it said turn right. Not to just park. Lol oops! I turned right into a parking lot instead of parking on the street and came across a restaurant instead of a café. Lol, I'm sure that is operator error. But I'm glad I found both spots! Hee. read more

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Great coffee. Cool things inside. Friendly service. Enough said. Give it a try and you will not be disappointed.

I've been coming here for a couple years now and it's by far the best coffee in marin. The ambiance is relaxed but I love the vibes of all the regulars coming and going and everybody saying hi to each other. I always get good service and everybody knows most of the customers by name. Several of the employees even treat you like family. You may have to wait a minute or two for your coffee sometimes but I've never felt like I've waited too long. They also have treats like pastries and parfaits. Plus there's a whole room in the back where you can sit and hang out or even play some pinball. All in all this place is awesome. Thanks Red Whale. read more

Great people and so many flavors to make a latte any which way with all the milk options. And latte art! read more

Red Whale Coffee - Latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Rafael, California

The whole place smelled like a porta-potty. The coffee was fine but don't plan to linger here unless you miss being trapped at burning man.

Really good coffee. The layout of the cafe is a mess. No good system for getting orders to the correct customer and no apparent interest in doing so. Because they are so confused behind the counter, my coffee was taken away by another customer as the barista was setting it on the counter. The guy working didn't seem to care, so I had to wait for my order, again. I'm surprised that there is nowhere to sit outside. read more

High quality coffee. High quality baristas. High quality pastries (sourced off-site). I've visited twice for espresso beverages and they were good both times, though in my last visit after a minute or two my eggnog latte sort of took on a fishy aftertaste. I argue it to a bad espresso/eggnog combo, poor pastry pairing, or maybe my own faulty taste buds. I also got a pound of coffee to brew for a work meeting. It cost an eye-watering $28 but was appreciated by all attendees and treated great even in a drip brewer. This is definitely one of the better choice shops, if not the best, in San Rafael. read more

I've tried to like this coffee because it's a cute place that is convenient for me to access. I've yet to have a decent coffee here. Nearly everything I've tried, from cortados to pour overs has been mediocre at best. And the servers are not very friendly to the customers, to say the least. They are friendly to each other, though, to the point that I feel like I'm bothering them when I ask for my order. Today was my last day buying coffee from here. read more

As we were driving up 101 we desperately needed some caffeine and breakfast bites, so we made our Yelp search for good coffee roasters and decided to hit Red Whale. It did not disappoint. They have the barista just as you walk in the front door, and in the next little room is coffee making materials and food items (a pastry case and a refrigerator case). Further back is a seating area with some gaming and a view of their cold brew set up. We got two coffees and two foodie things, and everything was tasty! Adding it to the list of great places when driving 101 through the north bay! read more

Red Whale Coffee - Front room - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Rafael, California

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Stopped by to do work in their back lounge area - good wifi, fun vibes (old school pinball machines) and a great place to pick up presents for the coffee lovers in your life! I also got their eggnog latte and iced americano (they call it a long black). read more

Red Whale Coffee - 12oz bag for $20.95 (buy one get one 50% off tho!) Smelled legit like milk chocolate as my barista was grinding the beans for me - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Rafael, California

Absolutely amazing coffee/espresso - so rich and flavorful, perfectly balanced. Highly recommend

This little gem is tucked away in San Rafael just 15-30 minutes north of San Francisco. The store itself is small and there aren't any places to sit. It's more of a place where you go and pick up your cup of hand poured joe and mosey on. You can buy their roasted beans there as well. I'll defer to the other coffee connoisseurs to comment on this place. I did very much enjoy my cup of iced mocha but if I happen to be in the area next time I'll opt for something like a flat white. The baristas were very friendly and nice. Worth a pit stop if you're a coffee lover. read more

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