Review: Equator Coffee & Teas

Tell us about your first impressions when you arrived.
Equator Coffee & Teas, headquartered in nearby San Rafael, has three outposts in San Francisco; all are unique.

One, in Fort Mason, serves hot chocolate and piping espresso to the chilly masses seeking views of the Golden Gate Bridge. Another, inside the Warfield Building, is a wonderful spot to rest in-between meetings or to get a pick-me-up before a show at the Warfield music venue.

The star, however, may be the cafe at 222 2nd Street, an enormous, airy cafe in the bottom of LinkedIn's office building. The minimalist, clean space has long tables and more seating than most any other cafe in downtown San Francisco.

What was the crowd like?
It's an eclectic group. Start-up founders, writers, and others tap away on their laptops, many of whom have dogs resting by their feet. LinkedIn employees drop by for a warm drink and casual meetings, and businesspeople swing by to grab cups to go.

What should we be drinking?
Equator roasts their own coffees and always has different rotating blends. One of their most anticipated roasts is the Finca Sophia, which premiered in November 2017. Harvested from their own farm in Panama, this coffee has hints of peach, tea rose, milk chocolate, and papaya.

Buy a bag to bring home in addition to a ready-made beverage. They serve classic drinks—espressos, lattes, matcha and loose-leaf teas, and more—as well as some of their own creations. Their menu includes beverages like La Mika Cascara, a coffee fruit tea, and ""Shakeratos,"" coffee shaken with cream.

Non-dairy milk options include cashew, oat, or soy. They also serve wine and beer (and have happy hour!), which includes several rare canned beers from around the country.

Main event: the food. Give us the lowdown—especially what not to miss.
Equator serves typical, upscale cafe fare: pastries, sandwiches, quiches, and some small bites. But, because it's California, there are healthy options, too.

Their organic salads, composed by Urban Remedy, include quinoa-based, gluten-free macro bowls and a crunchy zen salad with cilantro and sesame.

And how did the front-of-house folks treat you?
The baristas are friendly and efficient; most have a student or artist vibe. Even long lines tend to move quickly, and the drinks are always served up as ordered.

What’s the real-real on why we’re coming here?If you're in Downtown San Francisco and need to get a caffeine buzz, or if you want to stop somewhere that you know will have an open seat and a free outlet, this is the place.

Likewise, the locations in Fort Mason and the Warfield are great places to refuel and rest while sightseeing.