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SPRO Coffee Lab
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
SPRO Coffee Lab
7.7
Craft-focused café with a proper salmon everything bagel and quick breakfast sandwiches steps from the park. Service is efficient, seating is casual, and it’s a dependable grab-and-go before the workday or ballgames.
Must-Try Dishes:
Salmon Everything Bagel Sandwich, Egg & Bacon Breakfast Bagel, Avocado Egg Bagel
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 6.9
Cultural Relevance: 7.1
What makes it special: Precision coffee program paired with legit bagel sandwiches.
Who should go: Commuters wanting fast, quality handhelds
When to visit: Weekdays 8–10am for shortest waits
What to order: Salmon everything; egg-bacon bagel; avocado egg
Insider tip: Order online and pick up at the counter to skip the line.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along 4th Street and nearby garages at UCSF; mornings are easiest before 9am.
Dress code: Casual and work-friendly—activewear, scrubs, or business casual all fit in.
Noise level: Moderate—morning chatter and espresso noise, but fine for solo work or brief catch-ups.
Weekend wait: N/A – closes by early evening.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait; typically under 5 minutes even at rush hour.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several egg, cheese, and avocado-based sandwiches available.
Vegan options: Limited – avocado toast or custom no-egg options possible.
Gluten-free options: Limited – no dedicated gluten-free bread but some dishes can be modified.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a formal date, but fine for a quick, low-pressure coffee meet near UCSF or Mission Creek.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-in only with counter service; small tables and stools open up frequently.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for quick visits; casual seating and open space nearby, though no kids’ menu or high chairs.
Best For
Better for: Faster, more consistent coffee and breakfast execution than nearby chains; excellent for grab-and-go before events.
Skip if: You want a long, sit-down brunch or large group seating—space and menu are geared for speed.
SPRO Coffee Lab
8.3
Craft-focused café serving a proper salmon bagel sandwich—smoked fish, garlic-herb schmear, capers, and red onion on a toasted everything bagel—alongside precise espresso. It’s the reliable Mission Bay move for a quick, dialed-in bagel before work or a Chase Center event.
Must-Try Dishes:
Smoked Salmon Everything Bagel Sandwich, Plain Bagel with Herb Schmear, Breakfast Bagel Sandwich
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: House salmon bagel with proper schmear on a true everything bagel.
Who should go: Bagel fans who want quality and speed
When to visit: Weekdays 8–10am for fastest service
What to order: Salmon everything; plain with herb schmear; breakfast bagel
Insider tip: Order online and pick up at the counter to bypass the morning line.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited street parking along 4th Street and nearby blocks; easiest before 9am or after 3pm. Paid garages available at UCSF Mission Bay campus within a short walk.
Dress code: Casual and polished; athleisure or smart workwear fits the crowd.
Noise level: Moderate buzz with espresso machine sounds—fine for casual conversation or laptop work.
Weekend wait: N/A – closes before dinner service.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait; peak rush 8–10am for coffee and bagels.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – plain, avocado, and egg bagel options available.
Vegan options: Limited – non-dairy milk for coffee and plain bagels possible.
Gluten-free options: No gluten-free bagels, but gluten-free pastries rotate occasionally.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for a casual coffee meetup than a romantic first date—ideal for low-pressure morning catchups.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes – counter-service only; seating is first-come with a few indoor tables and outdoor stools.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids; no kids’ menu but friendly staff and quick service make it manageable for short visits.
Best For
Better for: Faster, more precise coffee and better-quality bagels than nearby chains like Starbucks or Joe & The Juice.
Skip if: You want a full breakfast or sit-down brunch—head to Cafe Réveille or Mission Rock Resort instead.
SPRO Coffee Lab
7.9
Craft-minded cafe known for precise espresso, zero-proof drinks, and house pastries in a bright corner space. Morning regulars use it for a quick cup, light breakfast, and laptop time with steady Wi-Fi.
Must-Try Dishes:
Breakfast Croissant, Matcha Latte, Nitro Cold Brew
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: Precision espresso program with inventive non-alcoholic beverages.
Who should go: Coffee geeks and remote workers
When to visit: Open to 10am for easiest seating
What to order: Breakfast croissant; matcha latte; nitro cold brew
Insider tip: Grab the window counter for outlets and natural light.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited metered street parking along 4th Street and nearby blocks; easiest before 9am.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable — athleisure or jeans are perfectly fine.
Noise level: Low to moderate — ideal for conversation or laptop work without headphones.
Weekend wait: N/A — closes before dinner hours.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; busiest 8–10am with light queue for coffee orders.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several pastries and breakfast items are vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited — offers plant-based milks and select vegan pastries.
Gluten-free options: Some options — gluten-free pastries or snacks rotate seasonally.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual meetups than formal dates — ideal for a low-key coffee or creative chat in a bright, airy space.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s walk-in only; seating is first come, first served, with best availability early mornings.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for quick visits — space is stroller-accessible but geared toward adults working or grabbing coffee.
Best For
Better for: Quality espresso, experimental coffee drinks, and a quiet work environment compared to busier neighborhood cafés.
Skip if: You want a full breakfast menu or heavy brunch fare — this is a light, beverage-first stop.