PlanJam!From your screen to the scene

I'm a big fan of the "don't blink or you'll miss it" sorts of places – shops, restaurants, coffee houses, art galleries – any variety of place where, were it more noticeable, I'd have a hard time getting in and out with my sanity intact. San Francisco is full of such out of the way nooks and crannies; right in the heart of the busiest neighborhoods, you can find these tiny places only by either knowing that they're there, or entering each door on a street, hoping you aren't busting into someone's home uninvited.

One such place is Castro Cheesery, located at 427 Castro. With just room enough for two or three people to stand side by side, and a street side window that's obstructed by shelving, this storefront may well be one of the easiest places to miss, particularly amid the brightly colored signage of Castro's surrounding businesses. You'll want to make sure you find this covert operation, though; particularly if you live in the neighborhood and need caffeine to jump start your day, or if you're visiting the Castro and could use a midday pick-me-up.

Despite its name, Castro Cheesery sees more customers for coffee than for cheeses, though their selection there is admirable and well priced. Signs around the shop categorize both coffee and cheese by type, strength, and location of origin, and the family members who staff the cheesery are knowledgeable, friendly, and efficient. You can get freshly ground or whole bean coffee by the pound, or have a drink made for you in moments. Grab a package of madelines or one of many flavors of biscotti, and your morning (or afternoon) is off to a running start. The prices are lower by far than those at chain coffee shops, and that combined with the knowledge that you're supporting an independent business is usually more than enough to make it worthwhile for any local SFer.

I've tried several of the standard coffee drinks here, and have yet to be disappointed. Their dark roasts in particular are robust and not as acidic as those I've found elsewhere, and the additions to the sweet beverages temper the coffee just enough without overwhelming the brew. If you're looking to get your fill of great coffee without emptying your wallet, be sure you don't miss this spot.