Ritual Coffee Is Your New Living Room in the Haight

After two years of permitting and construction combined, Ritual Coffee has opened its fifth location in the Haight.

Owner Eileen Rinaldi says the location came about when the landlord approached her about opening a coffee shop in the prime corner space, which was lacking a vibrant cafe. "I fell in love with the building," said Rinaldi. "It's a special building— it should be open as a community space for lots of people to enjoy it, like a living room." The new space was designed by Lizzie Wallack (Envelope A +D), harkening back to the old school European-style cafe's of the 30s and 40s, with high ceilings and lots of windows with views of Buena Vista park.

Chris Harris/ Ritual Coffee

[Photo: Chris Harris/Ritual Coffee

The café is now open, offering the same selection of batch brew, cold brew, pour-overs and espresso drinks as Rinaldi's other four locations, plus pastries from Firebrand Artisan Breads and quick breads from Batter Bakery.

And as far as more cafés in the future, Rinaldi says she has no plans at the moment. "People try to get me to open cafes every day," she said. "This location was too special to pass up." In the meantime, the Hayes Valley shipping container cafe will receive an update, with an enclosed glass space for rainy days, while the Napa Oxbow market location will also expand.

The new location is open from 7 a.m.- 7 p.m., seven days a week.