Andrew H.
Yelp
2022:
I've enjoyed Philz Coffee generally and this location specifically for a very long time, as evidenced from by my last review way back in 2014. After a long break during the pandemic, I've started coming back to this location, and I feel compelled to provide feedback on two incidents that happened last week. This location has an inside / outside hybrid design, and it seems that this has led to people feeling comfortable bringing their dogs (both inside and outside). On Friday, two different customers brought large dogs (like 50+ pounds) into the store. On Monday it was the same thing - multiple large dogs.
While I tend to be in the "service dogs only" camp, I figured it's whatever, that's just the vibe now, EXCEPT on both Monday and Friday, two different dogs aggressively barked at and LUNGED AT other customers. On Monday, the dog (a large German Shepard) actually barked and lunged at two different people, one inside and one outside. Even more amazingly, all three of the "victims" of the lunges were Black customers. In fact, when the second lunge happened on Monday, the "victim" turned to the German Shepard's owner (an older white woman) and said "Wow, your dog really doesn't like Blacks," which she awkwardly attempted to laugh off.
I have always thought of Philz as being one of the most inclusive businesses in the Bay Area, probably in the country, so I have been really troubled by what I observed. All these years later, as someone who has repeatedly brought their toddler to this location (and saw other toddlers there on Friday), I no longer feel comfortable coming here, particularly with my children. It only takes one accident ...
Updated from 2014 (4 out of 5 stars):
Coffee is excellent per usual, and there is rarely a line at this Philz (NOT ANYMORE), which is a huge plus. However, and this is again somewhat universal to all their spots, despite having a big seating area, there is almost never anywhere to sit (GREATLY IMPROVED). Couches are nice, but I'd rather there were more tables. There is ample outdoor seating, but if you're there after 12pm. you'll be baked in direct sunlight. Awnings or umbrellas would be a huge help (NOT ADDRESSED, THOUGH THE NEIGHBORING BUSINESS DID PUT UP UMBRELLAS).