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Muddy Waters Coffee House
521 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA 94110, United States
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Muddy Waters Coffee House
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Ti
Review №1

Ive been coming here for coffee for years. The coffee is excellent and so are the bagels and pastries from which to choose. The owner is a wonderful, warm-hearted woman who serves you. Her prices are cheaper than most cafes in the area.

Vi
Review №2

Great coffee at Muddy waters, and it’s terribly sad that they are having to close in February 2021, after being around for 27 years! There is another location on 16th and Valencia, and I definitely plan on supporting Hisham (the super nice owner) there.

Mi
Review №3

The coffee was okay. I ordered a double short mocha and got the medium size that I did not ask for. And they dont have their seven-layer bar like they used to. So not the same as Im used to getting. Not a bad place but just doesnt stand out like it used to.

Ph
Review №4

The perfect place to grab a coffee and have a productive sit down to write or work.

Ci
Review №5

Don’t come in here unless you got Cash on hand. I ended up spending $6.00+ dollars for a small coffee because I had to use the damn ATM cuz the owner decides they don’t tell you before you order but after they’ve made u a coffee that they only accept Cash. What a great way to ruin someone’s day! -.-

Pi
Review №6

A pleasant spot for a cup of coffee and a sandwich. Every member of the staff at this coffee business wears a smile.

Sh
Review №7

Just discovered this place.. Extremely relaxing atmosphere..

Gu
Review №8

Laid back cafe with lots of charging stations.The lady @ the counter was really nice ... & she recommended some great places nearby to visit.

TE
Review №9

Nice and calm atmosphere..to read chat just relax..people that work are nice always got a smile on their face..i go daily...love this place..the beggols with cream cheese and jelly are the best

no
Review №10

Woman working most days is super nice. Good bagels and coffee also extra treats

Em
Review №11

I asked for a receipt but I was not given one. I hope that IRS closes down this establishment.

Mi
Review №12

Best in city Mediterranean style Great price Forget Starbucks They got plenty Support your local coffee shops (everywhere)

Sa
Review №13

Calm atmosphere. Great place to meet up with someone, or as well as going by yourself. Staff is friendly, attentive, and very helpful. They definitely have peak times, such as morning rush hour & can be chaotic. Overall definitely would recommend it to anyone who is a coffee lover!! Even if your not. Plenty of other choices..

Be
Review №14

Great coffee, good prices

Ch
Review №15

We enjoyed the coffee. Recommend this quaint place. Also, the person in charge is human. She allowed us to use the restroom. Many places in SF dont in my experiences despite ones recent purchase at their respective establishments. This is the part of SF I detest when one is taking in the local fares. I will go back to Muddy Waters! Thanks person in charge! Youre a gem!

Ki
Review №16

Spacious location with plenty of tables to work. I love the bohemian feel of the place. Location is perfect - right in the middle of the action in the Mission. Coffee here is hit or miss... definitely get some burnt tasting roasts from time to time.

Ma
Review №17

Great little gem in the mission. Still has the same quirky atmosphere of those locally owned spots we all love about San Francisco but that continue to slowly disappear. Great coffee, bagels and pastries. The owner makes her own hummus which I highly recommend served on any one of the fresh bagels. Speaking of owners, she can be found working the counter most days serving with a smile and some fun sassy attitude if you want!

Er
Review №18

Great place to get some work done - getting five starts because it was cash only and I was a few cents short and the cashier was really nice about it. Super college coffee shop vibe.

Sh
Review №19

A little dicey but a perfect example of the Mission before gentrification really went bezerk. Decent coffee and espresso beverages and cookies, pastries and snacks. Good free WiFi for 3 hours with a purchase

Ro
Review №20

This place is a gem and I hope they stay in the neighborhood forever. The people that work here are real, there are usually tables to work at & the wifi is nice. They have excellent taste in music and remind me of all the beautiful coffeehouses with artistic baristas that used to exist in oakalnd and the mission. While the back can be a little dark it’s an optimal space for creation.

Ва
Review №21

No frills? Lol. They give you a smaller coffee serving while charging more than Starbucks. Five bucks for a medium cappuccino which had 80% foam and two sips of the actual coffee. On request to splash some brew to at least finish the cookie purchased here too, was offered to pay for another cup. Such a rip off

Ni
Review №22

Sweet little hide-a-way in the heaet of the Mission District ... friendly staff, really good coffee, great bagel/breakfast sandwiches, quiet space to work or chat w/ friends or have meeting over a cuppa joe

Jo
Review №23

The coffee is the best and is the service

Ni
Review №24

Funky and fun coffee shop. Lots of drinks, lots of interesting snacks. Only downside is its cash only.

Co
Review №25

.. love the poetic justice atmosphere.. enjoy the Wi-Fi.. not many coffee shops open early early nowadays.. constant hours.. staff is always keeping a safe environment ☺

Ni
Review №26

I dont really understand the concept of MW. The shop is big but quite dark, definitely not the standard SF artsy coffee spots. Besides that, coffee is good and people seem to feel comfortable about chilling / working / reading there.You should go if you want to stay away from the more traditional SF techie crowd.

Mi
Review №27

Good coffee, expertly made each time. great service. Super friendly staff. What more do you want from a coffee shop?

Fi
Review №28

Muddy Waters is a classic of the mission district: wood floors and a cosy feel, but sort of run down since its been there for years. The people watching here is hilarious, usually you will see some very strange interactions between mission characters. Overall the coffee is not the best, but they have snacks, are open late and a restroom for customers that is decently clean for the mission.

De
Review №29

The service and coffee was top notch! Not sure how to spell her name but Nadjet went out of her way to assist me while I was waiting for a friend arriving in from the airport. I wanted to go next door and grab a taco for my friend so he would have something to eat when he arrived and Nadjet offered to put my suitcase behind the counter while I ran next door. We also exchanged some life stories, this is what coffee shops are supposed to be! My friend finally arrived and she treated him equally as well. Loved it!

Gr
Review №30

Super quaint for the neighborhood comfy space with coffee, tea, bagel and dessert choices. Great find.

Ja
Review №31

An idiosyncratic, conveniently located coffee shop. I didnt like the decor very much but its a matter of taste. Unfortunately, they have no food but bagels or pastries - not good for lunch, unless you are a bagel person. Though its inexpensive. Note that the coffee house is cash-only.They have a plenty of power outlets but only will let you use the wifi for three hours. If you want to work, also check the semi-hidden back section of the place.

Pa
Review №32

Really solid bagels (fluffy insides, perfectly toasted), and affordable!

An
Review №33

Voted coolesthipster hangout coffee shop in s.f, by me .

Ev
Review №34

Feels like a real coffee shop. lots of room to sit. comfortable atmosphere. nice people. local artists work on the walls. cash only.

CR
Review №35

I love this place. Very good coffee but a little pricey

Bi
Review №36

One of the last unpretentious coffee houses in the Mission. No pour-overs, no waiting for 20 mins. Almost the last coffee house in the Mission where you can actually get a latte. Enjoy freedom from $9 pour-overs!

We
Review №37

Wonderful shop with excellent service, an especially comfortable atmosphere, and expertly crafted drinks. Clean bathrooms. Cash only.

Ta
Review №38

Free chocolate and marshmallow samples. Very delicious chocolate coffee. Reasonable prices. Cool environment with visibility into the creation of their products.

Ni
Review №39

Best coffee Ive found in town. And a great staff as well

Lu
Review №40

I love the main barista, the mochas are on point, she makes my bagels perfect, & they have good pastries. Its also a great atmosphere for studying, working, or just unwinding.

da
Review №41

Friendly service, good selection of old-style, unhealthy but tasty baked goods. Great coffee without any of the hipster-cold-drip-almond-milk-only purist BullS..& its open early for those who have to get to work before 9!!Hope this place doesnt get replaced by yet another unfriendly, good-looking funked-up roaster.

Ud
Review №42

I love this hole in the wall unlike the uptight Valencia fancy coffee shops this one is perfect

Ke
Review №43

Good: The atmosphere is pretty mellow and theres a lot of seating.Bad: The drip coffee is mediocre. Ive tried it several times and its always so-so. Afraid to say that McDonalds coffee may be better compared to here.Final: Swing by here after a local meal to wind down, but dont be expecting great coffee.

De
Review №44

Nice atmosphere and average coffee drinks in a modest setting. I like the old fashioned look the bar has.

He
Review №45

Decent, genuine place with a local vibe. My go-to spot. Coffee is not the greatest, but at least you are not going to look like a douche like in other places around where the regular conversation topic usually involve how rich I am.

Wo
Review №46

Good coffee house. Good vibes. Good for reading books and chatting. WiFi is offered but doesnt work. Dont come here if looking for access to WiFi

Ma
Review №47

I had a mocca, very good, with cream. Loved it. The bar is not waow but the atmosphere is good inside

Je
Review №48

Youve got to know what youre getting coming here, but I love the fact theyre open so late. Grab a tea and a table and its a great spot

Do
Review №49

Last of the old style Mission coffee shops. Good jazz on the sound system....

Ka
Review №50

The barista is friendly and the coffee was good, will go again when in the neighborhood.

Ke
Review №51

Stanza has a lot better coffee. This place is a little cooler temperature wise and less pretentious than Four Barrel. They also kicked me out for having an iced mocha from dandelion, Ive been there a few times but I wont be returning.

Ha
Review №52

Excellent coffee shop where you can get some work done. The coffee bread rocks! So does the banana bread! The wifi is a bit slow, but it is most other places Ive been in town as well. The folks who work here are very friendly and helpful!Last update 6/5/2015Reason for being here:Waiting for the traffic on the L train to die down.

Ho
Review №53

The owner is amazingly friendly. Bagel was great. Strongly recommend hot chocolate

Na
Review №54

I came here to use the bathroom and the lady at the front was very kind. I bought an Americano and she wanted to make sure I wasnt buying it because I wanted to pee. She was so kind! I bought the Americano and it was fresh and tasty. Great service from a down to earth business owner.

Ri
Review №55

Decent cold brew (a bit bitter) but great for the price esp in SF. Small collection of paperbacks you can read, and overall great place to catch your breath!

Ab
Review №56

Funky, community coffee house worth strong coffee thats not pretentiously priced

Cl
Review №57

Excellent atmosphere great service

Co
Review №58

Old reliable muddy Waters. Give them money so the brogrammers dont displace them with another trendy french fry bar

Gr
Review №59

Plenty of fine folks, no attitude and a good place for talking.

Re
Review №60

No ATM so no lattee I walked 2 extra blocks for

Ro
Review №61

The people who work the counter have zero politeness

mi
Review №62

I often play SSF2 Tokugames and I love you run 3

Al
Review №63

Good local coffee shop vibe. Friendly and most of all serves good coffee!

Ne
Review №64

Favorite coffee house in the mission. Real people work here, not hipsters whom think coffee is life. People are life.

Bl
Review №65

A classic Mission coffeehouse: friendly, strong coffee, eclectic. In other words, excellent.

So
Review №66

Cozy spot. Wi-Fi password good for 3 hours. Only con was the bathroom was out of order but coffee is solid.

Fr
Review №67

Fun, funky, unpretentious coffee shop that reminds me of the old days in SF. One wall is covered floor to ceiling with flyers touting the traditional coffee shop memes of local theatrical and music performances, writing classes, music lessons, and household services.

Pa
Review №68

Muddy Waters is pretty much my go-to coffee house in the Mission... its the place I suggest to meet up with friends or (my last visit) clients. Great atmosphere and vegan options for snacks.

Na
Review №69

Nofrills coffee shop, felt a little overpriced though. There are plenty of small tables, so you can work away quietly on your laptop. Parking is very difficult nearby but very well connected to transit.

Ja
Review №70

A coffee shop with blues in the background, plenty of space for small meetings between small groups. Food, computer friendly atmosphere, and artsy.

Li
Review №71

Nice stop for nonfranchise coffee. Better description. Jazz in the morning...neighborhood coffee at its best.

Sv
Review №72

Good drinks and treats as well as a cozy comfortable environment to enjoy them or whatever in good atmosphere

Kh
Review №73

Tom is incredibly rude and disrespectful. Answers simple questions with an attitude and tends to react aggressively.

N
Review №74

It is what it is - rather bland coffee, Pillsbury pastries, but nice vibes and plenty of room to sit and do your thing.

Na
Review №75

Cash only. Local coffee and baked goods. WiFi.

El
Review №76

Good service, horrible coffee. Two sips and dumped it in the trash around the corner. Burnt acid water. Barista was friendly and attentive, but the product made it a waste of time and money.

L
Review №77

A delicious to go cup.

Ai
Review №78

Nice staff:very friendly, courteous, and good food ~I 💟 It!!!

Ro
Review №79

Very nice place to have coffee with a friend and the person behind the counter is very friendly to there customers.

Je
Review №80

Unfriendly/rude, as well as not a great latte. Bleh. 😒

Ta
Review №81

Good prices friendly staff. Cool bathroom artwork.

Sa
Review №82

Loved the vibe of the place - the friendly barista with her recommendations and good conversation, the wall of liberal posters and ads, and the clientele! Must visit in the mission!

Tr
Review №83

Around 9:00pm I have a coffee in this place, bad customer service and racism. I ordered a coffee with cream and he gave me a coffee without cream. Mr. said that I would milk the coffee. I asked for a code for the wifi and he gave me one that did not work. Negroes are definitely not welcome in this place

Ch
Review №84

Great coffee shop, gives you 3hr limited internet, other than that staff is nice.

Mi
Review №85

I like this coffee place to go and sit in with my computer and a nice late, is fairly quite.

Ca
Review №86

Good jazz and good coffe is good enough the rest will came along with it

Ol
Review №87

Good coffee in friendly, but Spartan surroundings. WiFi

Wi
Review №88

Lmao at the only cup sleeves being bright blue ads for listerine

Sc
Review №89

This isnt some shiny, white-walled coffee shop. Muddy Waters is a staple of the mission, and been around as long as Ive lived here. If youre kind to the staff (and you should be), theyll be kind back. Plenty of seating, free wifi, and a menu of food along with coffee and tea selections. Its cash only, but theres an ATM inside. If youre going to sit inside on a laptop, make sure you tip accordingly ;)

Ra
Review №90

This is what I felt like a true Mission-ish coffee place.

Ad
Review №91

I came here because my cell phone was dying and I need some juice to catch my next Uber. Despite the name Muddy Waters the coffee house played smooth jazz. The jazz was nice while I sipped on my ice cold Sanpellegrino and recapped the day with my beautiful wife.

jo
Review №92

Says they close at 10 its a lie they are open u walk in they tell u they r close wont come here ever again

Ke
Review №93

They have delicious pastries and internet and coffee.

An
Review №94

Convenient..for coffee..tea..lite food..on 16th & Valencia Strs.

Ja
Review №95

Lots of seating with power outlets, reliably good coffee and food. Wish it wasnt cash only, and wish the wifi was better.

Bo
Review №96

Every time I am in the city I visit the cafe..... also the place I basically met my boyfriend

Ni
Review №97

Plenty of tables. Good selection of drinks. Okay service.

Vi
Review №98

The atmosphere is laid back, and the service was alright, but the coffee is pretty bad.

Ch
Review №99

One of my favorite spots in the city to sit and catch up with friends

Ze
Review №100

Great place awesome coffee nuff said

Information
57 Photos
100 Comments
4.1 Rating
  • Address:521 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA 94110, United States
  • Phone:+1 415-863-8006
Categories
  • Coffee shop
Service options
  • Takeout:Yes
  • Delivery:No
Highlights
  • Fast service:Yes
  • Great coffee:Yes
  • Great tea selection:Yes
Popular for
  • Breakfast:Yes
  • Solo dining:Yes
  • Good for working on laptop:Yes
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair accessible entrance:Yes
Offerings
  • Coffee:Yes
  • Quick bite:Yes
Dining options
  • Dessert:Yes
Atmosphere
  • Casual:Yes
  • Cozy:Yes
Crowd
  • College students:Yes
  • Groups:Yes
  • Tourists:Yes
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