I got a light roast blend from Graffeo. The espresso had a good texture to it, with subtle chocolate/nut flavors. No bitterness, but this was a light roast. The store is a bit underwhelming and could benefit from a make over. Also, I paid $23/pound beans, which is in my opinion a bit pricey. Overall 4 stars.
Hands down the best coffee I have ever gotten.
I have been buying Graffeo coffee since the mid-eighties. I was turned on to it when Cafe Flore on Noe and Market in SF used it for their house coffee. The coffee has a great balance of bitter and sweet. The fragrance is wonderful particularly if you brew it that day. When living in SF, I bought from the Columbus Ave store. After my move to Marin, I was very pleased to find they had a store in San Rafael.
Both SF and SR stores are spartan and usually there is just one person there as it typically is not mobbed, doing roasting, packing or just chilling. Never had bad service.
I've been getting my dark roast beans from Graffeo for over twenty-five years. With rare exception, their beans have consistently provided the rich taste I prefer in my expresso Americano. This consistency reflects the owner's unwavering standards regarding the source/harvesting of the beans he purchases and his proprietary roasting process. I have tried other coffee bean roasters, but I have not found any selling comparable beans. Their prices are reasonable, and their staff is personable. They get my highest rating.
2015-2016 — Some coffees are nearly as good, but I have been brewing Graffeo coffee for decades and I have never been disappointed. The people behind the counter are always friendly, courteous, responsive and efficient. If only more of the world had their style! And if I ever had to leave the Bay Area, I'd order Graffeo coffee by mail before settling on a substitute.
Update 1-21-2019 — Now living permanently in the East Bay, I visit San Rafael only occasionally to see movies at the Rafael Theater. However, I still drink Graffeo coffee. Every couple of months I have four pounds shipped to my home. Worth it.
Fell in love with Graffeo on Columbus Avenue in San Francisco decades ago. This unique coffee roaster has been famous for very long time and has a third store in Beverly Hills. If you truly like coffee beans- ones that are excellent- you will hither into Graffeo and treat yourself.
Only sells roasted beans. They are fresh and make good coffee. I have only had the light roast, which I find a bit on the dark side to be a true light roast. This is quite common though and will suit many tastes.
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These guys keep it simple and do it right: Light Roast or Dark Roast, VERY fresh, great to work with. What else to you want? I like being able to order smaller quantities so I always have super fresh brew--the secret to great coffee IMO.
Excellent fresh roasted (same day!) coffee. Once you try it you can't go back to other, lesser roasts.
I found this place totally by accident! Great coffee. I'll have this place on my must stop by list when i am back in San Francisco
Best local coffee rooster in the Bay area
I've been buying coffee here for 30 years.
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