HITW Coffee

Permanently Closed

HITW Coffee

Permanently Closed

Pour over coffee, fresh coconut water, loose leaf teas

Information

524 Union St, San Francisco, CA 94133 Get directions

$1–10

@onthegrid

18,031 Postcards · 836 Cities

On the Grid : Hole in the Wall Coffee

"Dark, medium or light? That is the question that comes out of what is literally a hole in the wall. Owner Zac Green will set you up with the finest pour over coffee in North Beach. While you are waiting, strike up a conversation with him or one of the other local denizens. After all, that is why he spends the time serving pour over instead of slinging coffees - conversation and coffee is what it's all about. Also try the ice coffee, fresh coconut water or the loose leaf teas from SF Herb Company." - Volume

https://onthegrid.city/san-francisco/chinatown-north-beach/hole-in-the-wall-coffee

onthegrid.city

HITW Coffee

@onthegrid

18,031 Postcards · 836 Cities

"Hole in the Wall Coffee, Chinatown North Beach by Volume. Dark, medium or light? That is the question that comes out of what is literally a hole in the wall. Owner Zac Green will set you up with the finest pour over coffee in North Beach. While you are waiting, strike up a conversation with him or one of the other local denizens. After all, that is why he spends the time serving pour over instead of slinging coffees - conversation and coffee is what it's all about. Also try the ice coffee, fresh coconut water or the loose leaf teas from SF Herb Company."

San Francisco

HITW Coffee

@infatuation

132,791 Postcards · 3,235 Cities

Hole In The Wall Coffee Review - North Beach - San Francisco - The Infatuation

"This street-window spot takes up about 15 square feet of total real estate (wonder what their rent’s like…), and has four pour-over coffee options: Blonde, Brunette, Redhead, and the North Beach roast. While your coffee’s being made, the friendly barista – there’s only room for one – will make conversation. Take your coffee with you on a morning stroll." - Calder Silcox

https://www.theinfatuation.com/san-francisco/reviews/hole-in-the-wall-coffee

Mary Lagier

HITW Coffee

Alex D.

Google

💎 TOTAL GEM! 💎 They say the best coffee comes from holes in the wall and HITW is no exception. The espresso drinks are great and the coconut cold brew is made with fresh coconut milk straight from the source. Great vibe, great service, great prices. Definitely worth the visit!

K M

Google

I love this little shop. I don’t live too far away and it’s such a cool shop. Got a coffee here while I did laundry. One of the cool things about this place is you can text ahead if you’re busy. All drip coffee, outside seating, nice people. I got the north beach which is a dark roast. If you’re looking for coffee and around I would suggest here for a drip.

Katie R.

Google

Truly a hole in the wall, such a unique spot! Tried the coconut cold brew (featuring an actual coconut!) and definitely recommend. Barista was so friendly and helpful, they had lots of recommendations for our visit to the city. Thanks HITW!

Yü W.

Google

I wanted to like HITW given how people raved about this cute little neighborhood coffee joint, but I think people romanticized what it is. It's a porch that sells grab-and-go home-made style coffee. I ordered a cold brew (since they don't offer espresso based drinks and I wanted something chilled). When the barista poured cold brew into a small (measuring) cup, he was pretty casual about it and the cold brew overflowed over his hand and went into the coffee cup beneath. Coffee was not bad, but I guess the place is too hippie for me.

Fabien Curto M.

Google

This place *is* literally a hole in the wall and looks adorable. They have a selection of pour over coffees on offer - I tried and really liked the Redhead. The barista was super friendly. A very nice San Francisco experience.

Google

Dark roast iced latte was mediocre My friend did not like the pourover

Nick G.

Google

BEST COCONUT COFFEE EVER!. This is what actual coffee with coconut should taste like. Absolutely divine. (Made with an actual coconut). Great vibes all around, definitely visit if you're in the area!!

Asher M.

Google

Great little spot for a pour over. A true hole in the wall. Although they are posted open 7-3PM make sure not to go around lunch time when the barista takes a lunch break 12:55-1:15 or you could be waiting a while for a simple cup of Joe. Limited services, seating and odd hours may steer your group to many of the other fantastic coffee bars in the area with continued service. Enjoy North Beach.

Eric C.

Yelp

Loved my time stopping by Hole in the Wall coffee for a quick afternoon pick me up. There were a handful of pour over choices and I decided to grab The North Beach based on the Yelp reviews I had been reading. It was a very strong and robust cup of coffee, exactly the way I like it! Barista was friendly and had great recommendations as we were visiting SF when we went. As others have noted this was probably one of the best pour overs I have had in a long while.

Allan A.

Yelp

Like everyone's said, literally a hole in the wall spot. One of my fave spots for coffee in the area. Best part is the coconut cold brew and the great stories from the barista. If you're in the area, definitely stop by

Afshin A.

Yelp

The name is what it is! Hole In The Wall Coffee is indeed a hole in a wall in which the counter is set up! But, do not let the name fool you. This place offers good coffee to all coffee lovers, who love good basic coffee. They have their own beans, about four or five of them. My favorite is the North Beach. Over the years Hole In The Wall Coffee has become a gathering place for the locals in the morning, especially over the weekends. If you are visiting, you can always get good info about the neighborhood from the locals. The baristas, no matter which one may be serving, are always helpful if you are not sure which bean you should pick for your coffee. If you are visiting, swing by once and experience this unique North Beach experience. You will leave with a good cup of coffee in your hand and a smile on your face!

Victoria W.

Yelp

My favorite cold brew place to hike up to in the city. I can't remember how I came across this gem of a hole-in-the-wall, but I've been coming up here every free weekend with good weather since I can remember for their famous Coco Cold Brew. The story behind the Coco Cold Brew is funny and clever, and I love the type of coconut they source for it! This refreshing cold brew needs to be more of a regular weekend ritual for me, it truly both wakes me up as most pourovers and coffee drinks do for me, but the fresh coconut juice rehydrates me, so I don't feel dry mouth or headaches after ingesting that much caffeine. Only thing I wished this place had was a bathroom after both of those drinks together, but that aside, the baristas who work here are super nice and fun to talk with and the drinks here are always consistent!

Stella W.

Yelp

Love the friendliness of the establishment. It seems like the local and neighborhood's go-to. The coco cold brew is interesting as they pour a bit of the coconut water into the cold brew, so there is a bit of sweet note to it.

Vanessa H.

Yelp

Literally a hole in a wall, this is a great place to grab a cup of coffee to go (though there are some seats on the sidewalk if you wanna chill). I am a huge fan of the Redhead blend. For me, when I can drink the coffee black, it's good. I think it's the most popular blend bc it is out sometimes, both for pour-over and bag of beans. Recommend this if you're in North Beach and just need a cup of coffee to go. Trieste is good for chatting and tourists, but HITW is the best if you just need a solid pour-over.

Sam L.

Yelp

A literal hole in the wall. Probably the smallest coffee shop you'll ever visit. The hole is just big enough for the worker to stand and take orders. In fact, they probably walk two steps in either direction and they reach the end of the hole. It is a bit pricey, but the drink that I thoroughly enjoyed was their coco cold brew. It comes with an actual baby coconut that you can keep and eat the meat afterwards! They only use a portion of the coconut water in the drink, so the rest of the water is also for yours to drink as well. So even though it is the most expensive item on the menu, I think it is well worth it since you're essentially also paying to eat a baby coconut.

Molly T.

Yelp

Maxine welcomed me to the neighborhood with a kind smile and great conversation. The North Beach pour over coffee was tasty, and this place is worth stopping by for so many reasons in addition to all that's been said. It's charm is undeniable.

Alexandre M.

Yelp

I really fw their pour overs. Well brewed and reasonably priced. The service was chill

Kevin F.

Yelp

Great strong San Francisco coffee, served literally out of a hole in the wall in the No Beach, near Upper Grant and close to Wash Square! Perfect locale!

Dave S.

Yelp

Such a lovely surprise find just above Washington Square Park--smooth like silk full flavored pour over coffee--I had the North Beach--and I loved every sip. I'm sure the other coffees are just as good. barista was very nice too.

Christina M.

Yelp

This place is one of our favorite coffee shops in SF. They also offer fresh coconuts, which I love! It used to be a small hole in the wall cupcake stand, and has since turned into a small hole in the wall coffee shop. The staff is always so kind, and there are a few small tables and chairs to enjoy on the sidewalk.

Whitney L.

Yelp

Perfect for a great quality pour over coffee. If you're in the area and consider yourself a coffee enthusiast, this is a wonderful little neighborhood gem and absolutely worth a visit.

Emma F.

Yelp

Charming neighborhood spot, you really get the community vibe of this shop. We had some coffee as well as fresh coconut water. There are some tables to sit at and people watch as you enjoy your drinks. It was heartwarming to see how the people walking by all recognized the owner and would strike up conversation with him. Truly a gem.

Wilson M.

Yelp

It's pretty awesome there's a literal hole in the wall coffee shop serving well-crafted pour-overs. Their blonde coffee was bright without tasting acidic. It's everything I would want in a light roast pour-over.

Brad R.

Yelp

Simple menu. Mostly pour overs. Great coffee. GF cookie and muffin tops for food On a nice day chairs and two tops on the sidewalk for a place to stay. Nice service. Try this place

Sophie E.

Yelp

Literally the best pour over I've had. The North Beach is my fav. Bold and robust flavor with so much balance.

Joan W.

Yelp

This place is so cute, it's exactly what it says: a hole in the wall. I always like coming here to get a coffee if going to hang out at nearby Washington Square Park. On a hot day it's nice to get a coconut, it's the only place I know that sells these besides a Thai restaurant. Hole in the Wall has a neighborhood hangout vibe and it seems like the baristas always knows a lot of the people that come by.

Monica B.

Yelp

The guy working was really friendly - I didn't catch his name but I'm kinda guessing he's the owner. He was very knowledgeable and clearly passionate about coffee given his descriptions of the different coffees! I love me some oat milk which he tragically didn't have, but he had almond! You can actually text them your order in advance. I found this out by calling them to check if they were open - in their voicemail, they mentioned you can text! So then, I texted the number to actually ask if they were open and I got a reply that they were! Soo, good to know you can text them for quick/easy ordering if you're on the way. I had a cold brew ($5) and my partner had the Brunette coffee. We both enjoyed it! I also read on a sign you can buy a bag of coffee beans for $18 and get a free cup of coffee - that definitely seems worth it if you make coffee at home! You can get quality beans for home and enjoy a nice cup in the moment. Cute lil spot in North Beach, highly recommend supporting this local biz!

Christina J.

Yelp

So cool! Super nice staff and most importantly... They have coconut water!! Found a gem here:)

Kenneth L.

Yelp

Definitely an overlooked coffee stop in SF. HITW Coffee offers cold brew/pour over based drinks so don't expect your normal espresso based caps or lattes here. Definitely more of a to go stop, but they do have some small tables for seating (max like 6 ppl can sit across the 3 tables).

Leilani G.

Yelp

Literally a hole in the wall. Lol. Coffee was delicious! They have a a great selection of pour overs. Customer service was great! Super friendly and outgoing. I enjoyed visiting this coffee stand!

Luke L.

Yelp

When I saw that the name of this place was Hole In The Wall Coffee, I didn't think it was literally a hole in the wall. But I guess some books can be judged by its cover, or at least its name. I was honestly hoping for a place to sit down and wait for my table at the nearby pizza restaurant, so I was a little disappointed when I saw that there was no indoor seating. But I suppose that's my fault for assuming a name like "Hole In The Wall Coffee" was some sort of strange euphemism. The coffee itself was very good. The pour over was smooth and tasted like it could easily have cost $7-8. Very glad it was only $4! Even though there was no indoor seating, sitting on the chairs outside with a steaming cup of coffee actually turned out to be perfect.

Bidisa M.

Yelp

I really haven't heard much about this spot but was glad I stumbled upon it on a morning walk one day - I'm not the biggest fan of hot coffee but ordered their Brunette from a rec from the barista, and I actually really enjoyed it!! Service is super friendly and you can tell it's a common neighborhood/ locals spot which is always nice. I am excited to try the cold brews one day as those look super good too.

Amanda I.

Yelp

This coffee shop is cute - literally a hole in the wall. Their business model is simple and the shop itself is no frills. The lady who helped us was very authentic, albeit a bit scattered when we arrived. Unlike the fancy coffee shops that pop up in cities, this place has a sort of down-to-earth genuine feel to is that sets it apart. They set up chairs and tables on the sidewalk to sit and enjoy your coffee and had a speaker playing lovely music that just relaxed us on the warm Saturday morning we hung out there. All of their hot coffees are pour over and they ask if you want cream and sugar. The prices are extremely reasonable at $4 per cup. I am used to paying much more and was therefore very happy with the value. Beyond the price, the coffee itself was delicious. My husband got the coconut cold brew which is a very unique drink HITW offers. To make the drink, they hack open a coconut in front of you, pour some of the coconut water into a cup of cold brew, and then give you the rest of the coconut water in its original coconut. It is pretty expensive at $9 each, but for the experience and the fact that you are practically getting two drinks, I would say it is worth it to try once! Overall, I am a fan of Hole In The Wall. It felt very grounded and the coffee was a good value. The vibe was relaxing and joyful. I could not have asked for more from the experience.

Chase E.

Yelp

They're never open when I visit during business hours. Don't waste your time. Try a more dependable shop in the area like Reveille

Piyush P.

Yelp

You get fantastic smooth coffee that's better than most coffee shops. Way better then Starbucks

Maura V.

Yelp

I don't drink coffee, but according to my fiancé: "One of the smoothest cups of coffee that I ever had that I sipped while walking up to the Coit tower. Smooth without being bitter Italian roast." I think the rest of the reviews are accurate and I couldn't add anything more. Great little find in San Fran while walking around Coit Tower.

Nicholas C.

Yelp

Had the opportunity to stop into this literal hole in the wall coffee spot after grabbing breakfast food nearby. They offer a surprising variety of pour over options, as well as beans for purchase, within it's small location. I ended up ordering their regular ice coffee beverage ($5.00). Nothing too crazy, but definitely gets the job done. The one server here was extremely hospitable and also gave us tips and recommendations for other places nearby (since we were visiting). I'd definitely recommend it if you're looking for a coffee spot in close proximity to Washington Square Park.

Alexander C.

Yelp

The name says it all. A hole in the wall. There are a couple outdoor tables to enjoy your drink when the weather's nice. This spot definitely has its die hard fans and I can see why. The coffee is great and the simplicity is what really makes it!

Sanjeev V.

Yelp

This is quite literally a Hole in the Wall!! This is one of my favorite places for a morning coffee. All the baristas here are super kind and fun to talk to, and they also have great coffee!

Jack G.

Yelp

I didn't know coffee could be this good. The cold brew is the best in the city as well. Everyone there is extremely welcoming and friendly, it's a great place to shoot the breeze or just grab and coffee and go.

Marcos S.

Yelp

Really cool coffee shop dude Is really cool . It is like a bar for coffee this is a hidden gem in sf.

Bill S.

Yelp

Great place to pick up a. Cup! Nick is great to just shoot the breeze with, very friendly. Had a great double espresso and bought a bag of their own roast. Highly recommend.

John Kevin G.

Yelp

Awesome place for a grab and go coffee spot. I honestly love how the barista serves your drink by having the coffee grounds poured over coffee cups that have holes on the bottom of the glass to either another cup you want to drink there or in a to-go cup. Their menu is simple and straightforward, and the barista are helpful and will make sure you secured your lid on your to go cup.

Cassidy H.

Yelp

This place is super cute & literally is a hole in the wall. There aren't a ton of options, but the coffees my boyfriend and I got were great. We got the blonde and the redhead and while both were strong, they were also incredibly flavorful and delicious. I would definitely recommend going here. The coffee isn't overpriced either, it's very reasonable at pretty much $4 for every flavor. Loved it.

Robert R.

Yelp

I walk my dogs twice a day in Washington square park, this place is great for a quick coffee while hanging around the park. Coffee: This place, even tho small, has a great variety of coffee and beverages. I have yet to be disappointed by a coffee choice light or dark. The pour over coffee is very fast and they can do a few people at a time. Service: The staff is super friendly each time I go. I have had a different person each time I visit and it's always someone super helpful with my coffee choices. Cost: Pricing is inline with the area and I think a great value. Overall: A great place for coffee and I would highly recommend to anyone!

Shawna F.

Yelp

HITW Coffee was the saving grace for me and my boo as we waited in a severely long line for Mama's brunch just around the block. I walked up the hill to find HITW and watched the romance of pour-over coffee. But the most romantic part is the fact that it's a hole in the wall, it's an unassuming window-like hole serving up classic pour-over goodness.

Jason S.

Yelp

This place wins most appropriate name ever. Literally a 27-square foot coffee shop cut into the side of a building, and it is super convenient, reasonably priced, and good quality. It's definitely a to-go place, though if you so choose, there are a few chairs on the sidewalk for lounging around. All of the coffees are pour overs and are $3.50 a cup. I went with the brunette which the barista recommended and it was a solid cup, strong but not overbearing. Also, you can't go ordering yourself a chocolate chip cookie dusted with sea salt. A tad too much salt but it hits the spot nonetheless.

Emma M.

Yelp

Super cute, quiet place. Got an iced blonde with cream and my mom got the north beach. Awesome coffee and service was great!

Stephen H.

Yelp

Pour over coffees are not only really good here but probably the cheapest in the city. Now they have got muffin tops too

Adam H.

Yelp

ColdBrew on a hot day! We found this place by simply walking past it. When they say it is a hole in the wall, it is literally a hole in the wall. And we liked it for that very reason alone. The selection wasn't bad for being such a small space. So we decided to go with the Coco cold brew. We didn't know that it came with a whole hollowed coconut. So we use the coconut water and the coconut for our cold brew, and it was delicious. Have I had better cold brew? Sure. But the whole coconut experience made it fun and different. On the way to work or just strolling into your next meeting, this would be a fun little place to swing by.

john w.

Yelp

Small hole in the wall with friendly staff and even friendlier locals. We really enjoyed it

Nat B.

Yelp

fun little window, you'll see it when walking by! the menu was a little intimidating to me. however the kind barista walked me through it and was able to order just what I wanted! definitely go and support, they do online orders if you want to pick up and are in a rush!

B S.

Yelp

Coffee was good, it wasn't great. I asked the barista to tell me more about it, and although he knew where it came from he didn't share anything more about the roast or the coffee's story. If I'm paying $4 for a 12oz pour over, I really want to learn about it, too. And, it ended up not being very hot. I know the pour over means it won't brew *as* hot as other methods, but tepid ain't cool. That said, love the concept and the neighborhood and appreciated the friendly albeit not super coffee-forward service.

Nicole S.

Yelp

I walk by this little coffee stand all of the time and finally decided to stop and try their espresso recently. Very happy I did - not only was the coffee incredible, but the owner was warm, welcoming, and quite the conversationalist. My friend and I stayed for about 45 mins, we had such a lovely time. Can't wait to go back!

The G.

Yelp

This place is a gem. The folks who work there are genuine folks and their coffee is out of this world delicious.

Monica C.

Yelp

This is such a great spot - real neighborhood vibes. And the owner is great. Come by and hang and get to know North Beach locals while enjoying a cold brew mixed with fresh coconut water.

Tiffany D.

Yelp

The name of this coffee place is what it is, literally! I got their North Beach Blend and their coffee is strong, yet smooth. It's simple. Get your coffee in a hole in the wall!

Molly M.

Yelp

This place is very cute! It is quite literally a hole in the wall, and it only has a few outdoor seats. They have a small selection but a good one. The Coco cold brew is interesting. It comes with an actual coconut that they let you sip on after putting some of the coconut water into the coffee. This is a charming little spot, although a little pricey, but I wouldn't expect any different from a little cafe stand in SF. The staff is very friendly and it's a nice place to hang out for a little bit while in North Beach.

@onthegrid

18,031 Postcards · 836 Cities

On the Grid : Hole in the Wall Coffee

https://onthegrid.city/san-francisco/chinatown-north-beach/hole-in-the-wall-coffee

onthegrid.city

HITW Coffee

@onthegrid

18,031 Postcards · 836 Cities

San Francisco

HITW Coffee

@infatuation

132,791 Postcards · 3,235 Cities

Hole In The Wall Coffee Review - North Beach - San Francisco - The Infatuation

https://www.theinfatuation.com/san-francisco/reviews/hole-in-the-wall-coffee

Mary Lagier

HITW Coffee

Alex D.

Google

K M

Google

Katie R.

Google

Yü W.

Google

Fabien Curto M.

Google

Dark roast iced latte was mediocre My friend did not like the pourover

Nick G.

Google

Asher M.

Google

Eric C.

Yelp

Allan A.

Yelp

Afshin A.

Yelp

Victoria W.

Yelp

Stella W.

Yelp

Vanessa H.

Yelp

Sam L.

Yelp

Molly T.

Yelp

Alexandre M.

Yelp

I really fw their pour overs. Well brewed and reasonably priced. The service was chill

Kevin F.

Yelp

Great strong San Francisco coffee, served literally out of a hole in the wall in the No Beach, near Upper Grant and close to Wash Square! Perfect locale!

Dave S.

Yelp

Christina M.

Yelp

Whitney L.

Yelp

Perfect for a great quality pour over coffee. If you're in the area and consider yourself a coffee enthusiast, this is a wonderful little neighborhood gem and absolutely worth a visit.

Emma F.

Yelp

Wilson M.

Yelp

Brad R.

Yelp

Simple menu. Mostly pour overs. Great coffee. GF cookie and muffin tops for food On a nice day chairs and two tops on the sidewalk for a place to stay. Nice service. Try this place

Sophie E.

Yelp

Literally the best pour over I've had. The North Beach is my fav. Bold and robust flavor with so much balance.

Joan W.

Yelp

Monica B.

Yelp

Christina J.

Yelp

So cool! Super nice staff and most importantly... They have coconut water!! Found a gem here:)

Kenneth L.

Yelp

Leilani G.

Yelp

Literally a hole in the wall. Lol. Coffee was delicious! They have a a great selection of pour overs. Customer service was great! Super friendly and outgoing. I enjoyed visiting this coffee stand!

Luke L.

Yelp

Bidisa M.

Yelp

Amanda I.

Yelp

Chase E.

Yelp

They're never open when I visit during business hours. Don't waste your time. Try a more dependable shop in the area like Reveille

Piyush P.

Yelp

You get fantastic smooth coffee that's better than most coffee shops. Way better then Starbucks

Maura V.

Yelp

Nicholas C.

Yelp

Alexander C.

Yelp

Sanjeev V.

Yelp

This is quite literally a Hole in the Wall!! This is one of my favorite places for a morning coffee. All the baristas here are super kind and fun to talk to, and they also have great coffee!

Jack G.

Yelp

Marcos S.

Yelp

Really cool coffee shop dude Is really cool . It is like a bar for coffee this is a hidden gem in sf.

Bill S.

Yelp

Great place to pick up a. Cup! Nick is great to just shoot the breeze with, very friendly. Had a great double espresso and bought a bag of their own roast. Highly recommend.

John Kevin G.

Yelp

Cassidy H.

Yelp

Robert R.

Yelp

Shawna F.

Yelp

Jason S.

Yelp

Emma M.

Yelp

Super cute, quiet place. Got an iced blonde with cream and my mom got the north beach. Awesome coffee and service was great!

Stephen H.

Yelp

Pour over coffees are not only really good here but probably the cheapest in the city. Now they have got muffin tops too

Adam H.

Yelp

john w.

Yelp

Small hole in the wall with friendly staff and even friendlier locals. We really enjoyed it

Nat B.

Yelp

B S.

Yelp

Nicole S.

Yelp

The G.

Yelp

This place is a gem. The folks who work there are genuine folks and their coffee is out of this world delicious.

Monica C.

Yelp

This is such a great spot - real neighborhood vibes. And the owner is great. Come by and hang and get to know North Beach locals while enjoying a cold brew mixed with fresh coconut water.

Tiffany D.

Yelp

The name of this coffee place is what it is, literally! I got their North Beach Blend and their coffee is strong, yet smooth. It's simple. Get your coffee in a hole in the wall!

Molly M.

Yelp

HITW Coffee

Information

Postcards

Media

On the Grid : Hole in the Wall Coffee

Hole In The Wall Coffee Review - North Beach - San Francisco - The Infatuation

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On the Grid : Hole in the Wall Coffee

Hole In The Wall Coffee Review - North Beach - San Francisco - The Infatuation