Paramo, A Fresh Take on Coffee Downtown

Paramo Coffee Roasters
4 Embarcadero Center, The Embarcadero
Web: paramocoffee.com
Status: Open

Love the craft of third-wave coffee, but would rather do without the snobbery? Paramo Coffee Roasters wants to be your new go-to. "There has been a gap for quite some time between the coffee illuminati and the person that goes to the corner bodega for their cup every day," says co-founder Gabriel Boscana, who would himself qualify for coffee illuminati status with a resume that boasts stints at Intelligentsia, Ritual, and Sightglass. "Paramo will bridge that gap, and won't judge you for liking the more old-school-style coffee, or chocolate in your steamed milk."

The new roaster, which is named after the Spanish term for a high-elevation ecosystem in which coffee is grown, is a collaboration between Boscana and Robert Myers (who's also behind East Bay roaster Highwire). Together, they'll offer five different single-origin coffee "types" explainable in plain language and available by the bag, as well as espresso and decaf options. A different batch-brewed coffee will be offered on tap daily, or via espresso drinks from a La Marzocco Linea PB.

The duo source their beans from local importers and roast them at Flying Goat Coffee up in Healdsburg, and will offer pastries from Starter Bakery and Wholesome Bakery to complement their brews. The subway-tile-lined space is petite, so expect to bring your cup back to your desk. Hours are Monday-Friday, 6 am-6 pm, Saturday, 8 am-2 pm, and Sunday, 10 am-3 pm; their space in Embarcadero Four is just off Drumm Street, near the alley that leads to Justin Herman Plaza.

· Paramo Coffee Roasters [Facebook]
· Paramo Coffee Headed to Embarcadero Center [~ ESF ~]