Ghirardelli Chocolate

Overall Rating: 3.400
Address: 44 Stockton St.
Cross Street(s): Btwn Ellis & O'Farrell Sts.
City, State ZIP: San Francisco, CA 94108
Neighborhood: Union Square
Phone: 415.397.3615
Hours: Su-Th 9:30am-8:30pm; F-Sa 9:30am-9pm
Type of Establishment: Confectioner (Chain)
Cafe Rating: 2.20
Barista: 3
Savvy: 2
Ambiance: 2
Presentation: 2
Consistency: Consistent
Espresso Machine: Conti
Coffee Rating: 4.60
Aroma: 5
Body: 5
Brightness: 3
Crema: 6
Flavor: 4
Taster's Correction: 0.0
Size: M
Primary Taste: Smoky
Coffee Beans: Lavazza
Cup Manufacturer: Paper
Price: $1.75
Last Update: 12/20/2005
First Reviewed: 12/12/2003
Notes: None
Review
Union Square chocolate outlet with a small bar café. No seating. The staff leave the portafilter handles out on the drip grill of their two-group Moschetti Conti, but they do take time to prep the espresso. They serve it with a very even, medium brown crema of moderate thickness. And while they use Lavazza coffee (no grinder), it lacks any characteristic flavor. What's there is a little smoky, with no ashiness and a hint of spice (camdamom?).