The Center SF

I’ve visited The Center before and remember it being a community space where purchases were optional. This time, the manager pestered me multiple times to buy the pass for “unlimited tea” and then scoffed when I declined. Don’t claim to be a “community space” if you don’t want to serve the community and are rude if someone doesn’t want to pay $15 to sit for an hour. Even cafes or bars will let people sit at a table and chat. Do better. To the reply: If you “truly care about community feedback,” please listen to the feedback and change your policies. Serve the people of the community instead of exploiting unknowing guests for profit. Even normal cafes will charge by drink, not make people pay $15 to simply be there. If not, rebrand and be transparent as a rental meeting space and do not co-opt messages of gratitude and mindfulness from yoga and artists.

I had high hopes for Center SF when I first started visiting. I was introduced to the space through a Meetup event, and over time, I kept coming back to see a friend who volunteered there. However, today I was abruptly told by someone who worked there that someone in the community was uncomfortable with my visits, and as a result, I was asked not to return. No prior conversation, no attempt at understanding-just a cold dismissal. It's disheartening to see a place that promotes community and connection act in such an exclusionary manner. If they had concerns, then they could have addressed them with me directly, instead of making a decision behind my back. Instead, I was made to feel unwelcome, and cast aside without a second thought. If you're looking for a truly open and exclusive space, I would strongly suggest looking elsewhere.

Love this place! Will absolutely be back :) Had an afternoon tea and read a to share astrology book they had on a shelf :) then I attended a lovely cacao ceremony later in the evening :) 🤍 the perfect spot :) planning to go back tomorrow with my journal for more tea and to hopefully pour over the astrology book again :) met some really cool people too!

Super calm area to grind or just hang. I noticed the deep community aspect when I went which is welcoming! There were also yoga classes going on when I went. Got a Shakti chai tea which was super good! Love the additions in there. Overall, an interesting and calm place to go

Yoga, tea, this is the cutest yoga studio I have ever visited. The studio is has a lot of comfortable sitting to hang around and tastefully decorated. Spend a day at the Center is one of my best day in San Fran ♥️

How have I slept on this treasure? Amazing tea house and yoga studio, take your shoes off at the door, indulge your senses in the smells of brewing teas, chocolate, the gentle vibrations of conversations and hushed voices interspersed with laughter and the sounds of classes starting and stopping. Yoga Nidra with Miguel was great, I’ll be back.

Wonderful community, educational, and co-working space in San Francisco. Special spot. Very cozy. Great tea.

Oh my goodness how, I’m so impressed with this place! The atmosphere there is so naturally chill, relaxed, calm and friendly. And it’s a very-very beautiful place both inside and outside. *Also best mint tea in the city!

The Center is truly a unique and special place for me and many who have dropped in. I have been a volunteer for 3 years and active for over 2 years serving the local community. There is nowhere I feel more safe and comfortable connecting with people in a real open and vulnerable away. I can't tell you the number of people I see come in and immediately their spirits are lifted after entering the space. VIBE is the most appropriate word for describing the ambiance-decor is magical and calming about sitting on ground and pouring tea in a half below grand basement. I almost always suggest to meet up with friends from all walks of life at the space because of it breeds vulnerability. Make no mistake this is not a cafe as there is no coffee or cooked food. The space has endured it's own challenges with balancing a community (open to the public), business, co-living, yoga, events, etc... I hope we can raise the space to a new transcendent level in 2025. If you read this review and happen to drop by, I hope to meet you

I've been coming here for a few months to attend Communication Dojo, which is terrific. I'd never availed myself of the free tea that comes with the class. But since last Tuesday (2/4/25) night was cold and blustery, I decided to do so. A sign on the counter tells us to "See the tea list," but I couldn't find one, so I asked the young man at the counter where it was. He curtly replied, "There's no list. You can look at all the tea in the cans on the shelves below you." So I did. I didn't want anything with caffeine, so double checked by asking him, "Is the ginger turmeric tea non-caffeinated?" He answered, "All the ingredients are listed on the can. But if you can't read, you can bring the can to me, and I'll read it aloud for you." Wow. Isn't a tea server supposed to know what's being sold? As a person of color, I found his comment extremely offensive. I walked away, and will not try to order tea here again. This place calls itself "a community hub dedicated to personal, spiritual, and social transformation through . . . tea." Yet, this is the type of people it hires to serve tea?? Shame on them.

I have reached out to the center Sf multiple times via email and tried to get through by phone over 10 times. Maybe this will work. I by accidentally signed up for a membership back in July when there was a 30 dollar summer deal. Since then I have been unable to go to yoga due to bodily injury and illness. I have not attended one class at the Center SF and am getting charged for the monthly membership. I just need to cancel it, please contact me!

This place is really neat. I'd been meaning to check it out and finally got a chance after signing up for a Vinyasa class with Kirin. I came around 6pm and was able to find parking within 1-2 blocks so that was a good start. The entrance is hidden off to the side but once you walk through, you can immediately tell it's a little sanctuary type of space. It also smells zen. For newbies and introverts like me, they check you in at the studio door. If no one is there, the tea bar can check you in. They also can help you get water and hair ties. The bathroom is by the studio door on the right when you enter. This is foremost a community space and tea bar that also offers classes. Everyone seemed to know each other so when I walked in, I felt like I was in the wrong place. Couldn't tell if it was cliquey, I'm a serious yogi vibe or get to know us and we will love you just as much vibe. I will need to drop by more to find out! Kirin's class was a delight and relaxing way to kick off a busy week. I loved her flow, music choice, and her cool and joyful attitude. I'm definitely scheduling more classes with her. Her practice feels authentic but not stuffy. After class, I continued to wander around like a lost puppy trying to explore everything the space has to offer. I sat at the bar and got a cacao drink. Yummy and calming -- been thinking about it ever since. I quickly learned that the staff there are volunteers and while not remarkably friendly, they were helpful and quick when I approached them. I would like to come back and do a work session here or have a drink with a friend! Highly recommend if you're looking for a place to hang, maybe take a yoga class and have some tea!

What a little hole in the wall! Super ZEN and peaceful! Coming in you have to take off your shoes and it's so homey. I had both their Shakti Chai Latte and their Saffron Spice Latte and you can't go wrong with either. (My favorite was the saffron one tho!)

I came here at the recommendation of a friend along with a few other people and we got a pot of turmeric chai to share so we could sit inside and chit chat. They have quite the selection of teas which are pretty fragrant and the menu is helpfully organized based on the level of caffeine in the teas. I thought the tea was decent. I learned that The Center is a space where events and classes are often held, and that there's actually people who live here (presumably upstairs). When I went on a Sunday afternoon, there were quite a few people there to talk or work on their laptops. I admit this place is a bit too "woowoo" for me, but I'm sure for some other people this would be a good fit for their desired atmosphere.

A lovely third space! The inside is a lot bigger than I was expecting, since the entrance is a little hidden down an alleyway. This space feels super homey compared to other cafes as everyone mainly sits on the floor and you also take your shoes off inside. There's a huge selection of teas, and you can get free refills on the pots for as long as you want ($12)! I came on a Sunday afternoon and it got SUPER packed while I was there and pretty loud. I'd recommend coming earlier if you want to snag a table. I saw a lot of people catching up or doing work as well!

I really appreciated that during kundalini yoga, the teacher, Rebecca Blondell, noticed when each student needed even more ergonomic or injury prevention tips. (She's also a massage therapist). I also appreciated that yoga nidra led by Dan and Miguel focused on helping us manifest what we'd like. Thanks also to all volunteers, such as ones helping the teahouse be green and washing reusable cups for tea! This is my favorite yoga and teahouse with help-yourself-tarot decks in the world! And yes, I've been to the ones in Bali :)

SHOES OFF! The intention of this space is everything. I attended a "kinetic dance" event which was crowded, sweaty, and incredibly freeing. The bouncer even allows a "sneak preview" if you haven't paid an admission ticket yet! It's an all-around smart and incredibly unique space. I have yet to try the food, but I know the tea is great.

This is a volunteer run community space that offers tea, yoga, and other spiritual classes like tai chi. You take your shoes off when you enter the cozy space. They have a cute little outdoor area as well. The yoga room is beautifully decorated and they have manduka yoga mats to borrow for free! Several of the yoga instructors are actually Indian.

Came for a free yoga weekend and how fun!!! I got to try all sorts of different yoga practices/styles, and the teachers were so patient and welcoming. They had so many snacks in the center and multiple classes throughout the day. The studio was beautiful with plenty of space for many yogis. Getting to try so many yoga disciplines, I had a ton of fun! I'd love to go back for some more classes!

Took a yoga class here and it was one of the best yoga classes i've taken. It was challenging but relaxing, and the instructor did a great job leading the class. I wish I could do this every week because I felt great afterwards!

No alcohol and no unruly behavior. You are setting foot into the yoga and tea room that's called The Center. Every healthy super food drinks and snacks once tried were all gathered here, in its comfy café. To me, it's like Elixart without kava drinks. You still get the buzz, not the booze. The holy water, once used by monks and shamans, was good even when used to blend with super food flavors into handcrafted drinks. Made me feel right at home in a very relaxing urban oasis. My first drink was Saffron Spice Latte, which I never once had back in Elixart. The saffron flavor is a whole new different level of spice still within reach. I've heard about these thread like tips that melted into a yellow dye. Good as Mediterranean food coloring. It sure gave me a good dose of dopamine after I finished the whole ceramic cup. I might have it again the next time I come to The Center. Glad I found another good place running for business. Like Beloved Cafe in Mission District, I felt welcome in The Center SF. Friendly owners and patrons, we're all equal to the pleasant atmosphere.

Such a great spot to have a cup of tea and work or catch up with a friend! Very hippie ambience with low seating, rugs, and cushions. Everyone is a volunteer and so nice. Looking forward to coming back and trying their loose leaf tea and a yoga class!

I'm absolutely in love with this place! Came for tea with a friend but seeing the community - I may have to start coming here for regular work sessions. The tea selection is wonderful, the card decks are inspirational, and even though I knew one person there no one felt like a stranger.

This place locks you into the VIBES My friend and I came on a Sunday when they opened at noon, and they gave us the $12 teapots despite a large crowd coming in soon The entrance is a bit hidden from street view, and seems to attract the techy hippie reader type (me). Shoes off, games available, and the CHILLEST of vibes. I imagine it's quieter in mornings and late afternoons, but would love to stay until midnight to see what happens. I walked in on an astrology reading that I could've finessed better (no hate, I just think deeper convos could've been had low key but go off). Will definitely be coming again to try a yoga class. My only suggestion is add plants and get a cat

What a great weekend! Tried all kinds of yoga styles, and the teachers couldn't have been more welcoming. The studio is beautiful, with plenty of space and lots of snacks. Loved exploring different practices and the warm atmosphere. Definitely planning to return for more classes. This place is a gem!

I've lived in the neighborhood for 20 years and have been tempted to explore this place for a long time. I finally bit the bullet and purchased some (not cheap!) tix to an event on Saturday evening. It was stuffy, over crowded (not enough space for my yoga mat even!) and very clique-y. I was excluded from an area with space for my mat by people telling me "this space is for couples only". Ouch. Thanks for that. I left. Anyways, I'm never going back. I feel like I paid a lot of $ for the opportunity to be treated like shit.

Such cozy, homey vibes! I tried their chai latte and quite liked it. Would love to try their kava drink next. Great spot for working if you're tired of cafes, or for unwinding with friends. Great service too!

This place was absolutely lovely, relaxing, and so friendly. I took my son there after a day at the Academy of Sciences. We took our shoes off and enjoyed their rooibus tea sitting in a cushioned, large couch. So fun and just a wonderful late afternoon. If you were walking down the street, you will literally miss this little gem. You need to map it and look for this small, wooden sign and continue down the alley way!

I once was blind, but now I can see....after taking MG Brill's power vinyasa flow class. You are breathing, you are bending, you are finding ease and challenge. You are suddenly aware of a sweat moustache that has formed below your nose. I am balancing on one leg with the other leg crossed over the other. My arms are intertwined and I am squatting. The last time I was in this position was 31 years ago in the womb. Somehow for the duration of the class that particular sequence heals my childhood trauma. Once your arms start to tremble in various plank configuration you get to pick up one of your feet and point it straight up in the air toward ceiling. This is pretty smart because then your body doesnt know which pain to focus on, so you just hone in on breathing and not drooling all over yourself. And thats how we get better together, my friends. As one, we are all so slimy with sweat, the pedestrians looking into the room may mistake us for a family of glistening sea otters. And they do. It feels like i can no longer move my limbs on my own. You are me and I am you. We are moving. We are one body supporting each other in the flow. Teacher speaks in soft soothing voice occasionally telling amusing stories to keep you going and remind you to breathe. And the hard work is done before I get to start wishing hateful things upon the instructor. To my surprise I feel grateful that he has led me on this journey of challenge. The sweet relief enters your body as yoga practice settles into your cells and ego lets go. In shavasana we be here stacking churches over here. Ceremonies back to back. Poetry. Guitar music. The sound of OMs vibrates the room. Infinite wisdom tells me to come again next week. I m glad he doesnt do the corny floor clap motion at the end. (Which makes me want to say the name of my favorite Indian restaurant as everyone incoherently mumbles different words because we all still dont know the Sanskrit mantra after doing yoga for 17 years.) We namaste our way out of there, bunch of little mermaids coming out of the ocean of sweat, lugging soaked yoga mats which are now as heavy as truck tires. Everybody glows, we all lost five pounds. Please don't respond to this saying it was all water weight. I don't believe you. Highly recommend. Oh and turns out you will make so many awesome friends here too, as you joyously struggle and practice together .

Ambiance is like a tea place in Bali but indoors. Service is lovely. The volunteers are often young women who are just entering the world of yoga and super nice. It gives me good femme energy and I've had quite a few hangouts with GFs here. Honey mama chocolate here is divine.

Delicious and fresh, Friendly staff who go the extra mile to make your dining. Cozy and inviting atmosphere, this is perfect for any occasion.

I love this place. The environment is so peaceful and perfect for meeting with a friend, reading a book or getting some work done. I wasn't expecting their drinks to be so good but they are. I got the chai and a matcha with almond milk. They only have alt milk options which were really good. The drinks seem to come sweetened and are extremely creamy and delicious. The staff also went out of their way to help and provide friendly service. It can get pretty full so there might be a wait for a good seat and they often close areas for private events. If you're looking for a relaxing place to spend some time, come here!

Super cozy! Remember to take off your shoes as you enjoy your tea and snacks :) Support this wonderful spot!

Such a vibe! I came here on a Saturday evening around 4 pm to meet up with a friend because we weren't in the mood for "drinks". What else does one do when you don't want to drink? Tea! This is the PERFECT spot. I swear you walk in and you feel like you've been transported to some bizarre opium den where everyone is having an existential experience- in a good way. I felt high by association haha. If you're not into taking your shoes off then this might not be the spot for you, they request shoes off at the door. I thought it was a cool different vibe and can't wait to come back!

Their pot of mystic mint tea was the best herbal tea I've ever had! The space is calm and relaxing. The seating is comfy and cozy.

What a sweet little space. Tucked away down a side alley but a true gem in the city. I stumbled in here one day after an ecstatic dance nearby. I had just been robbed (boo) and this is where I chose to patiently wait for my spare car keys. I had a cacao elixir drink which was divine and so calming. The employee tending to me also offered some complimentary herbal tea (because I was robbed) and I really appreciate her for that. Thank you for being human and making an icky scenario quite enjoyable. I look forward to coming back!

I was at a Sofar concert yesterday at The Center, and I was attacked by a WILD RAT. We were all sitting in the backyard. Out of nowhere, a rat just ran up inside my shirt, ran all over me, and bit me until I pulled it out. I was wriggling around for half a minute with a wild rat inside my shirt. I had to go to the emergency room right away. Multiple people saw this happen (including the venue organizer), and yet the concert was not stopped. No one else was informed that there was a wild rat running around. The person from the venue said they had 8 rat traps in place and couldn't understand how this had happened. Maybe hosting an event with over 50 people sitting on the floor wasn't the greatest idea if you have a known rat problem? No one bothered to call up later and check on me (despite having taken my friend's number). The one silver lining was that the person at the venue offered me a first aid kit right away. I cannot believe something like this is taken so lightly. Having a wild rat running around which attacked someone is a huge health hazard to the audience. I cannot believe the event was organized in the first place, and even worse, continued despite the venue clearly knowing about the rat problem beforehand.

Super great tea selection, smells like incense and good vibes. They have open mics, yoga, and events but you can also stop by just for tea! A really wonderful place to work, take off your shoes, and enjoy some nice vibes.

This is a wonderful space to hang out and get tea. It also has good yoga classes. A little hidden gem in the city.

Join the movement of being at your own center in the growing city of San Francisco! This Center is my sanctuary whenever I want to collect my thoughts altogether, find calmness and be in meditation while sipping on their fragrant tea varieties. I love how they offer yoga sessions here. It helps me thrive. It's a communal social spot that offers tranquility and quietness. It's a great community that houses events as well. I dropped by for this complimentary essential oils class and found myself striving for a healthier lifestyle. It was a helpful and educational class to a better being. The Center is where one can tap into their spirituality and let things just be. I was reflecting and practicing my inner peace while enjoying this lovely lychee black tea. Being at one's Center, is a ritual! I treasure my ritual and this hidden gem.

There are so many things about this space that are wonderful: the teas, the classes, and the sweet ambiance. This comment is more about the patrons and the need for The Center to reel in this kind of behavior before it loses its serene atmosphere and essentially becomes a WeWork for brogrammers. I recently came in on a busy Sunday afternoon. I couldn't believe how loud it was inside--not the restful atmosphere I was accustomed to in there. It was hard to find a seat. I finally found one at the big communal table in the back room. I put my stuff down at the table, ordered my tea, and returned to the table. Two people in the large group at the table informed me that they were holding a business meeting and "sharing personal information" and asked me to leave the table. Just wow. If you're "sharing personal information," maybe get an office or reserve a table at a mediocre business lunch-friendly restaurant like Il Fornaio for your business meeting instead? It's not my nature to impose or be rude but it's a public space, not their personal office. AFAIK, no tables can be reserved at The Center SF. What is The Center SF going to do as a business to help keep the tech bros from getting territorial with communal tables and determining who can and cannot sit at the table?

I enjoy the cacao and the relaxed vibe of the place and the staff and appreciate the venue's other offerings - various classes, yoga....

It's like a coffee shop without the chaos. Incredible vibe of comfort & curiosity. Beautiful space where you can lounge with a likeminded community. Great variety of classes you can attend - highly recommend the monthly Full Moon Circle.

Very cute shop serving a variety of teas and a few chocolate selections! Memberships offered friendly service and calm vibes. Love it and cant wait to come back already!

One of my favorite places in the world for tea! It is so tranquil and telling here. They offer amazing yoga classes and have a wonderful community vibe. My favorite tea is the turmeric ginger and try the lavender chocolate! The staff is also so friendly and kind. Great quiet spot to work and also really awesome date spot!

If you're looking for a place to escape and unwind, look no further. Come for the unique and peaceful setting and stay for the extensive selection of high quality teas.

This center is awesome! I like their interior design. They have one room for yoga workouts. They have a tea bar for like $5/tea. They have another room to hang out in. It's really quiet though and not a place to talk. It's for relaxation and retreat. Vaza led the vinyasa yoga class for 75 minutes. I took it seriously for a half hour and then dwindled in interest, but stayed in the room and just relaxed. They have mats for people(no rental). The yoga room is dim. It's a nook in San Francisco worth visiting. It's near Fillmore and Fell. I took the Haight St. bus to The Center. Vaza was really nice and her daughter was present too. I would visit again for sure.

I come here just for Wataya'a yoga classes (and I stay for the tea and Cacao)! Give your mind and body a gift and try out a few of her classes. She heavily invests in your form/alignment (I always get compliments at other studios) and will offer grounding mantras that help you carry your practice off the mat. I've noticed that once students attend a few of her classes, they're hooked for life. I have gone or still go to classes across the city (e.g. Garden, Moxie, Love Story, Equinox, Grace Cathedral) and Wataya is my favorite.

The dark cacao is hella good. Turmeric chai too. Great place to be off quarantine. Definitely coming back.

Purchased a sound bath class and was excited untiI drove around for 1/2 hour and could not find parking. No street parking in 4 block radius in either direction or on the adjacent streets. The hours on the Center website are to 10PM on Saturday and Sunday. I called for 1/2 straight from 7 PM - 7:30PM. No answer. No voicemail. After 8 rings straight the phone just hangs up. I just gave up, went home, and forfeited the ticket I paid for in advance. I will just have to find an online meditation place.

Find yourself a yoga studio that has a community, beautiful pottery, and delicious tea all built into it. I came her for Vinyasa on Sunday and instantly felt a sense of calm when I walked in - despite the fact that I only got there a couple minutes before class (oops). The teacher was wonderful, the class was fantastic, the room was cozy and spacious all at the same time. Afterwards, I grabbed a cup of tea, found myself an incredibly comfy spot, and read a book for a solid hour. It was magic and I didn't want to leave! I can't wait to come back soon and am so glad I finally found this very special spot. (They also have a drinking chocolate menu that looks super yummy - that's next on my list for sure.)

The teas are overpriced, nobody cleans the seating arrangements and it's pretty dark to get any sort of reading done. It's really just a hang out spot for kids who either do not have a job or do not have a stable place to call 'home'.. Sorry, I will never recommend this place to my large friend's circle in the Bay Area

This space is unique. It's hidden by Oak street, you're lucky if you found this space coincidence. Too huge to spend for working more than hours and the atmosphere feels us relax and disconnect from the city of San Francisco.

Tiny tea house with yoga and ceremony. Ive only been a few times but its the right vibe. VERY SF. New agey and relaxed. Every one is chatting or hanging over their laptops and sipping tea. Me. I show up for the sound baths and head home. It's very out of the way.. i cannot get there easily from Oakland, but it's worth the periodic trip to hang with my friends and experience another side of life. Got some Reiki and a reading on top of my sound bath in a relaxed setting with 30 of my newest friends. A GREAT community.

This review is for the Tea House at the Center. I went here recently w/ a friend & we shared a pot of Ginger Turmeric Herbal Tea. The tea had a great flavor & is highly medicinal as I try to have both turmeric along w/ ginger daily. Besides Ginger Turmeric Herbal tea there was several other blends of herbal tea on offer. The tea was served in a clear glass pot w/ nice ceramic mugs. I love the ambience here as love the floor seating w/ low tables which is my preferred way to have tea anyways. The Tea House is quiet & peaceful as is a great place to enjoy some tea or have conversation w/ a friend or loved one. Great vibe here & a membership to have a pot of tea every day costs $59 a month. Look forward to returning here soon!

The Center was sadly not my cup of tea. I was surprised how quickly it filled up. It was actually hard to find seating. Although reading or studying are seemingly viable options, it is not ideal for either as the lighting is too dim. At basement level, the space gets barely any natural light. Food is not served here so bring snacks if you're planning on staying long or eat elsewhere. I had a $4 cup of tea and my friend had a $5 drinking chocolate in a very small cup. My chai tea was okay. It might make more sense to get a pot of tea for $12 which comes with two refills but even those pots look fairly small. I think this place is more about the ambiance and community than the tea? It's just not what I was expecting.

Fantasy place for getting together with friends over tea. The seating area is quiet and beautifully decorated and they have plenty of tea options