Trouble Coffee Company
Category: Coffee & Tea [Edit]
Neighborhood: Outer Sunset4033 Judah St
(between 45th Ave & 46th Ave)
San Francisco, CA 94122
- Hours:
Mon, Wed-Thu 7:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.
Fri-Sat 7:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.
Sun 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. - Price Range: $
- Accepts Credit Cards: No
- Parking: Street
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
- Outdoor Seating: Yes
- Wi-Fi: None
16 reviews
San Francisco, CA
"This is my office away from my office. Why do I love this place? Let me count the ways. (1) The owner is super sweet and takes great care…" read more »
57 Reviews for Trouble Coffee Company
Who would've thought one of the best coffee shops in the city is located in Outer Sunset? (Sorry Avenue residents... I just don't go there much)
They know what they are doing with their coffee. Only uses whole milk, espresso shots and amount of milk are already set for you unless specially ordered. I usually order large single low fat latte, and I ordered my usual except low fat milk part, but I should've gone with their judgment. Small cup, whole milk, and 1 shot of espresso makes the perfect latte. My latte was still good, but it would've been better with their suggestion.
Just curious. Do they have any food/sweets?
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Unique experiences make the lasting impressions and when coffee houses tend to pop up every other corner, you have to be a little different. Trouble Coffee is very different and I mean different. As soon as you walk in, you'll know what I mean. The interior space isn't large, so don't try come and bring your laptop, it is made to order your cup, gaze at all the weird, but cool things (all found abandoned on across the City) on the wall then go on your merry way.
The coffee beans used for their espresso is smooth with a dark taste, in fact, they load every latte, mocha, etc. with at least three shots and the cups aren't that big. The one of a kind experience outside of the decor, is the fresh young coconut on the menu. Yes, they hack a fresh one open for you. The coconut is meant to have before or after your coffee/espresso to prolong and mellow out the caffeine buzz. You'd think you could ask for a shot of espresso in the coconut, but they highly recommend against it.
Albeit, Trouble Coffee is out of the way for most, it is one of those "not over-hyped" or "good, but super crowded" coffee shops that is worth checking out at least once. and I've been there 4 times!
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I noticed there were no menus to be seen so I asked the behind the counter where it was. He explained what they served. He was friendly about it and taking his time explaining what they served. I eventually ordered hot chocolate to which he mentioned that he forgot to say that was sold there too. I was afraid to take the first sip because I thought it would be very hot, but it was just warm enough and tasted like no other hot coco I've tasted. Best way to explain it is when someone who came from a European trip brings back some chocolate. That chocolate has a different, better taste than local chocolate.
I also explained why I didn't like coffee as much since I crashed hard on it after the caffeine effects start to go away from my system and he went into detail about how their coffee is a bit different than others. I might just try out there coffee the next time I go back.
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Great cafe in a great place. The owners are very kind. The coffee is remarkably good, and every time I experiment with other things on the menu it has been great (I recommend the chai latte).
I agree with the "too cool for school" vibe that you get here. You can walk down to Java Beach and stand line for five minutes, or stand at Trouble and get ignored for five minutes. Wanted to like it. Bummer.
I am a cappuccino freak, I tell ya. That's my order nearly every time. It's how I judge a coffee place. A burrito joint by it's carnitas, a coffee joint by it's capp. Yummmm! Mellow and creamy. Oh, so tasty.
This little place could be considered to be a little out of the way for some. It's definitely seems a little out of place out here near the beach, surrounded by thousands of walk-ups. This area has less an urban hipster vibe, more small village. The decor is eclectic and quirky just like it's owner.
Besides the espresso drinks there is also toast and fresh - and I mean fresh - coconut juice. The toast is thick cut and, if you so desire, slathered in butter and sprinkled with cinnamon. Reminds me of saturday morning cartoons (that's a blast from the past). I haven't tried the coconut juice but it is served straight from a hacked coconut (that's what that big knife is for in addition to security) and is supposed to accent the coffee buzz. Hmmm...something to try next time.
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Trouble Coffee is new in the Sunset. The coffee is good and freshly brewed ($2 for a small). Try one with a cinnamon toast. For $2, you will have huge slice of homemade bread toasted with butter, sugar and cinnamon. Yummy! I dreamed about it for days. A real comfort food!
A cheap thrill for less than $5, very cool ambiance.
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So, I don't want t ruin the vibe of this place, because there seem to be some people that think that this is the best place ever, so i'll apologize up from. I'm sorry that this is not the best coffee ever. My wife and I both had latte's and thought the same thing. Very mild flavor. I actually think it's pretty cool that they only have one size of latte, lends to the "hip" attitude of the place, but that can't make up for the lack of flavor. If I had to judge Trouble on the latte alone, I'd give it 3 stars, but the Toast was great. It was big and flavorful. I don't know that I would return to this place, and if I was in the area, I would probably go to Java Beach instead. Sorry to all you die hard fans of Trouble.
The vibe here is laid back, surfer at the beach with plenty of attitude. For example, they offer "Build Your Own Damn House" on the menu ($8). If you order this, you get coffee, a coconut, and their famous Toast. I don't understand what one does with a coconut especially in the morning? Do you stick a straw in it and drink it?
The menu is limited to various coffee drinks, chai, tea, toast, coconuts and jars of pickled veggies. On the side they have Etch-a-Sketches to play with and free Trouble Coffee stickers. The place is filled with antique knick knacks like a huge tic-tac-toe game mounted on the wall, old boots as the doorstopper, and rusty tools.
I had the impression this place existed in someone's garage but it's a real storefront and although small, it's larger than I expected. They have three indoor stools and a tiny bit of outdoor seating. The feeling there is communal and everyone's friendlier than I'm used to at say, Peet's where people are focused on getting their coffee and getting out the door.
I highly recommend the Toast ($2). The white bread is cut by hand into inch thick slices, lathered with butter, topped liberally with cinnamon sugar and toasted till hot and crispy on the outside (but still soft inside). The bread is really good. It's simple and divine.
The Elbow Grease coffee ($2-2.25) was bold and smooth but I wish it were (much) stronger. I should have gotten a latte but I was afraid it would be too small. Will definitely be back for more Toast and a latte, though the friendliness did throw me for a loop.
Cash only.
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It was my first cup of the day the first time I tried Trouble Coffee. My conversation with the owner went a little something like this:
Me: Hmm, I can't decide between a small and a large.
Her: Go with a small, it will keep you going all day.
Me:
Now imagine my mouth gaping, a puzzled look on my face. I've been up-sized before, sure. But downsized? It was amazing. She was right, I didn't need the large. The small coffee I received was delicious and it did keep me going for hours, without the sweating, jaw clenching, and tummy ache that I often get with "strong" coffee.
Now we all know that the owner roasts her own coffee, but I also heard through the grapevine that she also bakes that amazing bread that the cinnamon toast is made with.
In other words, this woman is my hero, and this coffee shop is my new favorite.
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I live clear across town, and frequently pedal over to buy a pound or two of coffee, and drink some on the spot. When I'm too lazy to go myself, friendly surfin' co-worker Keven, who conveniently lives a block away, helps me out.
A bag of Elbow Grease (and a press pot) is pretty much *all* I need in my own damn house.
A perfect latte and a slice of kick-ass cinnamon toast and I am hooked. I love the stuff that is covering the walls and on display. I was surprised to have such good coffee, friendliness and atmosphere in the way out Sunset.
It is a small place that is utilized well. I didn't really get the coconut part which is fine with me, since I am allergic. I will definitely make a point of going back out there.
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I just had a revelation, maybe from God. If you have been to Trouble and didn't like it, for whatever reason, you should stop what you're doing and write a 'thank you' note to Starbucks. Really! No, I'm not even trying to be a dick - just bear with me. Starbucks totally has your back! There is no need for you to feel alone in the confusing, confounding world of espresso. If you think "extrahot" "sugarfree" and "latte" ever belong in the same sentence or if you don't understand why you can't get your "cappuccino" in a 32 oz Big Gulp container then I PROMISE you will neither understand or appreciate why Trouble is a fucking godsend to the world. If you don't like that the people working/owning/running Trouble actually have personalities and engage their customers two minutes longer than you can wait before you head downtown, simply jump in line at Starbucks, listen to their stunning 'hear music' selection and let your day be filled with joy as you drink a your piping-hot drink though a straw. You won't be disappointed and I won't have to wonder what is wrong with people when I read a review of Trouble by someone who wants a sunshiney, lickety-split Mickey Dee's experience every time they get their coffee.
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1 Previous Review: Show all »
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03/31/2008
The. Best. Coffee. In. San. Fran. Fucking. Cisco.
No, seriously. I had almost given up on this town.… Read more »
A friend recently brought Trouble to our attention so we made a trek to the end of the N Judah line to try it. I remember the old days of riding the line down to the beach and making a stop at Java Beach Cafe. Back then, it was the only place to get a bite and some joe before or after playing in the sand.
Now there is a new community of young interesting businesses in the neighborhood. Trouble, like some of its coffee compatriots, is housed in a very small storefront and has a funky home grown feel. The walls are covered with interesting objects and found photos. My eyes stayed busy as I waited for my coffee to be served.
The staff was friendly and humble. A few people came in as we waited and there was a healthy rapport and familiarity. It felt like a nice place to be. And if it were in my neighborhood I would find myself being a regular. Oh. I guess I should mention the coffee. It was nice smooth and satisfying. My husband really liked his Mocha as well.
One thing about this neighborhood that I noticed, is all the boys had their jeans rolled up in a clumsy sort of way. I thought it was a little mini fashion trend, but now it dawns on me that when you are at the beach, you have to roll up your pants or you end up soggy. Boy, sometimes I think I spent too much time in the "big city" that I think everyone is trying to hard, when some are just simply being. And so too is Trouble.
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Coffee. Toast. Coconuts.
The Fall on the stereo.
That's seemingly it, but it's oh so much more. Shhh!
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Awesome coffee served by awesome people, at great prices. Every experience I have ever had at Trouble has been great. They're an asset to the neighborhood AND they also show love to the local DFL crew... what more could anyone ask for?
There is nothing like a big, fat piece of yummy cinnamon toast here. I constantly crave it, and it's totally worth the $2.
The mocha is so smooth and goes down very easy, but a little pricey if you ask me.
Just don't order when the owner is playing with her phone.... :)
Who knew there is actually quality coffee in the Sunset? I didn't... until this place popped up on Yelp. Trouble Coffee... Trouble indeed! That is, if you're a coffee addict like I am. This place is going to eat through my wallet. Thanks Uncle Sam for the stimulus check! It's all going to be invest into this place!
After numerous attempts to find Trouble Coffee's location, I finally found it by foot. Lesson learned - sometimes it's MUCH BETTER to walk up and down the street to find a place if I'm unable to see it as I drive by. For those who are curious about this place, it is a tiny shop next to a graphic design office. There is also a sign posted on the sidewalk that can help you locate the entrance. I almost walked past it... so look out for it!
Now onto the good stuff.... the COFFEE. Byron, the cool and incredibly friendly guy who worked here this afternoon, recommended the Americano and mmm mmm mmmmm.... great coffee. It was smooth and bold with a hint of sweetness at the end. He even made some coconut cinnamon toast for my friend and I to try. If I lived closer here, I'd probably come by here every morning for breakfast.
Sure Java Beach is just down the street, but for really GOOD coffee (probably one of the best in the Outer Sunset), come here. You won't be disappointed.
I just stopped in here once and I'm personally not taken by their whole revolution by way of dressing punk and knowing your neighbors. Although that's a good way to start. And come to think of it, so is cinnamon toast.
They do their three things here well, so power to 'em. Not much of a space to speak of, but they've figured out how to work it. Dig the mini chairs. Wait, were those for small children only?
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In case you have doubts about the existence of a counterculture scene at Ocean Beach (and I know I once did), look no further than Trouble Coffee: the punkest coffee shop in the city, for which it gets an automatic 5 stars.
There is no menu, no low or non-fat milk, and maybe 2 stools to sit down on. There is exactly one very memorable staff member (I can only assume it was Giulietta) to take the orders, make the minuscule but perfect lattes, and butter up the thick slices of cinnamon toast (which only a fool would forgo). The stereo was (very appropriately) playing The Fall, that most cultish of underground bands.
So be prepared. You wouldn't want to look like a deer-in-headlights yuppie who got lost looking for Starbucks. And I don't want them getting suspicious that they've been "discovered"...
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the best. you can see here.
http://www.jumpcut.com...
movie 2
hey guiliana - you have done a great job with the place. it's a feast for the eyes my dear!! every detail does not go unoticed. we appreciate.
http://www.jumpcut.com...
If coffee was Ecstasy, the people who drink triple shot skinny half-caf sugar free caramel lattes are taking the pills cut with heroin and vitamin B, and the people who drink Trouble coffee are taking pure MDMA.
Not that I'm an expert or anything. Not since 2003 anyway.
Trouble Coffee does not look like a coffee shop - it looks more like a mechanic's studio, with a large red tool chest in the back ...the only indication that there is java to be had is the large espresso machine and the smell of fresh coffee. There is no menu, no real signage, no seating (save for the lone barstool at the counter), but that's fine by Trouble's regular patrons. They're there for the good stuff. The proprietor of Trouble Coffee reminds me of a more punk version of P!nk (the singer)...complete with tattoos, bad ass physique, funky clothing, and tons of attitude (the good kind). Don't be scared when you walk in - she won't bite.
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Are you a fucking loser? Then go to Java Beach, fucking loser face.
Trouble is nothing but. Trouble, that is, unless your idea of Trouble is delicious coffee, people who remember your face AND make witty comments about your travel mug, which they always fill to the top EVERY TIME YEAHH UHHH.
Trouble is also a game. Remember that? It makes a much better coffee shop. P.S. fuck Java Beach.
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Cappuccino .... the best in the city - if you think you can make a better one send me your address and I will try it, otherwise go to Trouble and taste the real thing!
trouble is the shiz.
i drink way too much coffee, i know this but cool ass place like this are not helping me cut back.
trust me, try it.
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You know what I consider 'Trouble', going to this place and finding out it's closed. All day on Saturday the 21st. Too bad yelp can't tell you when a place goes out of business (or the owner just decides not to show up, I don't know which). If they redeem themselves I'm happy to update my review, but people should not go without confirming they are still in business.
Update: OK so I went back when they were open. I had a cup of coffee and it was nothing special at all. I really don't get it. I will say the woman at the counter was nice. It's not even in the same league at Ritual. I don't know what all these people are excited about, but I'll upgrade from 1 to 2 stars as a courtesy.
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This is the anti-Starbucks.
Instead of being able to download the new Paul McCartney song via the ether you listen to a cassette mix tape.
They serve coconuts and toast. I wonder if I contributed jello.
An amazing place that seems apart from the grid.
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I agree, the best coffee in San Francisco and its all the way out in the middle of nowhere, on Judah. Worth the N ride, or worth the drive.
Its a quirky place. They do 3 things, and that's all:
1) killer coffee roasted to perfection by the owner
2) cinnamon toast
3) and coconuts
Yup, ask for a coconut, and they'll cut up a young coco and hand it to you with a big straw. The stuff is mega nourishing. I'm told its a hangover cure, and that they have quite a following on Saturday and Sunday mornings.
I've not had their cinnamon toast, I generally come by for coffee and a coco, or just a coco. I buy their ground coffee to take home.
Someone said there's a Butthole Surfers album on the wall - yeah 80's there is ! The owner can seem snug to some, but let's just say she's her own person and even though it can be alittle off putting, I have to ultimately say I like her a bunch and I prefer quirky folk to yuppies or the young, greedy, and dreary.
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I give this place 4 stars for the coffee, and an extra just for not being Java Beach.
There's barely enough room to stand in line here, so don't plan on bringing a Sunday newspaper with you and perusing the comics for an hour or two. The serving size is a bit on the tiny side, as someone else already pointed out. However, I think this place has a certain vibe to it that transcends comfort or value. Behind the counter, mounted to the wall, are two separate racks of LPs. On my first visit here, the ones that were visible were Yoko Ono, the Butthole Surfers, and Throbbing Gristle.
They made my mocha just barely sweeter than an unsweetened latte, which is how I like it.
If they had more space to dwell in it would be perfect, but its close enough as is.
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i'd give five, but all her friends did that already. excellent alternative to java beach. class act coffee and all those other pressure drinks if you're into them. i'm not quite cool enough to really hang there and there's no real sit-down seating, but i'm always happy to run in there and lay down two bucks for a hot cup.
I don't drink coffee, but this place is really cute. I'm glad to see it expanding.
A log is a portion of a tree. At the end of a crosscut log, there are rings. Each ring represents one year in the life of the tree. How long it takes to a grow a tree. Even though it has stopped growing larger, my log is aware.
My log has guided me to the finest coffee distributor in the Bay Area, where a warm, sprightly young woman in nothing but a Ushanka, leather jacket and ruffled underwear told me stories of her mother, aliens, and reflected upon death whilst brewing the most savory and balanced cup of cappuccino my log has ever consumed. So much so that my log refused to add a dash of sugar.
My log was once fooled into thinking that a finer brew could not be found outside of the Blue Bottle garage in Hayes Valley, but my log was wrong.
I could write an epic poem about the thick, savory slices of cinnamon toast that this coffee distributor had made herself. My log has yet to try the pickled green beans and beef jerky that this java pusher also makes herself, but my log tells me I must return very soon in order to do so.
Also, she sells fresh coconuts.
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"Guts & Heart" in the form of a double-shot 10oz latte.
That's what they serve, and that's how they serve it.
Beans sourced direct trade from El Salvador, locally and independently roasted.
Bold, flavorful, in-your-face-in-a-hawt-way - just like the owner.
You'll like it.
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I discovered this place when I showed early for a tattoo appointment with Jesse Tuesday next door. Turns out the owner is his bestie. I love friends doing things like this, puts a good vibe right into the concrete sidewalk. I ordered a large latte and was told 'i'll only make one size'. Great! I also love people being so serious about their business. And it was delicious. And she was very friendly as the others have said. Friendly in the southern way of just easily chatting with you as if you've vaguely known each other for years. This place is a great respite from the likes of Ritual and Philz, a true diamond in the rough. Hit it up on your way to ocean beach.
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I drove up in my scary car, in a scary suit (wearing the noose of the government known as a business tie) while procrastinating on doing my super scary some think evil job and was treated like a King among men, a Prince among serfs. The conversation with neighbors (formerly strange strangers) was incredible and for a moment I thought that none of what I thought was important really mattered anymore. Wow the Coffee was black and incredible. Drink up, visit often and early and support this amazing little place.
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Someone working an espresso machine in San Francisco who actually gives a shit about getting smooth, velvety foam. Screw Java Beach, hello Trouble.
The menu board is simple:
Elbow Grease
Coffee and Tea
Coconuts and Toast
Aside from the elbow grease these are the only items available.
There are a lot of coconuts, I saw them with my own two eyes. I saw homemade bread with lots of spreadable options - Nutella, peanut butter, plum jam, cinnamon and sugar to name a few.
There is a good vinyl collection, a turntable and CD player. Tones on Tail was playing. Bad Brains was recently taken off the turntable.
There is quite a random collection of stuff adorning the walls. Quite random indeed.
The sole employee/owner treats everyone who walks in like she has known them for longer than the four days she has been open. We had a conversation about janky kitchen timers and the insanity of counting in your head when your timer breaks.
I had THE BEST latte I have ever had or ever hoped to have in the Sunset. It was even organic!
I wish they had longer hours (8-2 daily) and they will as soon as the Mission living, bike riding owner finds a place close to her business. Please give her a place to live so she can open earlier and feed my addiction more often. A garage with a heater is fine with her. She said so.
I was not on drugs when I visited this place. Everything I just wrote is true and accurate.
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butthole surfers vinyl hanging off the wall. hell yeah. triple shots of caffeine perfection. hell yeah!
latte. excellent. cinnamon toast sans crunch. awesome.
byron was more than willing to answer to all my general coffee snobbery. i have a new spot to drop by before work. sweet.
Trouble Coffee just gave me one more reason to love love LOVE my neighborhood. My husband says the coffee rulez(with a Z). Trouble coffee is located in a little strip just below the fog belt. I swear...I just came from Dolores park where the fog was creeping in, to find that my little neighborhood was surprisingly breathtakingly sunny.
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This place is super cute and groovy. Lots of quirky decor and funky art.
It's teeny tiny but also very charming.
The menu offering is simple: Coffee, espresso and toast.
The latte I received was excellent and the toast was tasty.
BUT
Heres the thing. My latte was served in a cup that was tiny, smaller than a Starbucks Tall (and don't pretend you don't know what size that is, we have all been there at least once!).
So for a super extra, extra small latte and ONE slice of toast I paid $5.
Maybe it's just me but that seemed like a lot.
I'm all about supporting the local non-chain businesses but I also like a reasonable price. I will probably be back but maybe just for a latte.....if I'm feeling flush.
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