This Peet's epitomizes their 2007-2008 corporate strategy of carpetbombing the city with new cafés - just as Starbucks reeled back on losses. Opening in Nov. 2008, this café was built on an odd patch of street-facing pavement between the 595 Market St. office building and Stacey's Bookstore - on what used to be a flower market kiosk. The building was constructed on essentially 'squatter' land, molded around the angular corner of the neighboring office building. They added patio sidewalk seating with railings, metal tables and chairs, and parasols outdoors. Indoors, they have a simple tables. This location was immediately popular with the locals, despite there being about three other Peet's with a block's walk - so you can't say that they're oversaturated. Using dual two-group La Marzocco Linea machines, they pull shots with an even, plain (it almost looks fake), medium-to-light brown crema of a modest thickness. While served as a properly short shot, there's a medicinal edge to its flavor of pepper and some smoke that's unusual - and not altogether positive - for a Peet's. Served in a Peet's logo cup without a saucer.
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