Long walk in the SF fog - Bean There Cafe

Last night we had several power outages. Even this morning, as Janine was getting ready for work the lights went out. In five or ten minutes, I could hear the police whistle helping to direct traffic at Oak and Masonic near our apartment. I decided it was time for a long walk, ultimately to coffee, but also to see which blocks in the neighborhood were also down.

I decided to walk across the Panhandle, scooted by Central Coffee, Tea, and Spice, didn't see anyone I knew, then decided it was time for what I call the three parks walk before I ended up at Bean There Cafe on Steiner. I had earlier crossed the Panhandle, would make my way up to Alamo Square, then would come down Pierce, after taking in the Foggy city scape, to Duboce Park, scurry around the Noe and Sanchez area west of Market before cutting back to the Cafe. Along the way, I walked down Noe, south of Duboce Park, and saw Jumping Java Cafe just north of Henry. I thought about going in, but since it was foggy and overcast, I wanted more light.

I made it to a packed Bean There. I ordered a cap and sat down to write in my journal. The coffee here, using Mr. Espresso roasted coffee is great. I sipped my morning coffee while listening to a group of local neighbors who I have often seen here talk about the political history of the 1980s. I like this cafe because it is a well lit space that allows for friends to chat up a storm, while right next store someone else can work on her laptop. It also has a wide sidewalk on the other side of the length of windows, that offers the perfect row of outdoor tables to take in a sunny morning cup of coffee or a $2 (4 cup) pot of tea from their wide variety of blends and pure varieties. If this cafe was not a bit closer to my apartment, I would make this my morning hangout on my 6 a.m. walks. It is a perfect 15 minute walk away from my place, which allows me to escape the confines of my neighborhood, without taking too long to get there. The fact that it is close to Duboce Park does allow for the morning detour to a place where I can watch people and their dogs before setting up a writing and coffee experience.

Location:Bean There Cafe, Steiner at Waller, SF