After a series of delays, CONTRABAND COFFEE BAR should be finally opening (if they pass their final inspections). The project is from Nathan Wyss, barista Josh Magnani, and photographer Ron Starr. If all goes well, you’ll be able to come by the 30-seat cafe this Thursday—it’s opening in the former John Barleycorn space. They have a Hydra espresso machine, and will be doing single origin espresso grinding on their Versalab grinder. The coffee is roasted in the East Bay with their roasting partner, Vincent Virzi (there will be both coffee blends and single origin espresso). The focus is on fair-trade and organic beans (whenever possible), and they are very attuned to tracing the beans to specific micro-lots. There will also be a coffee lab starting in January on Saturdays, when anyone can come by and experiment with brewers, beans, side-by-side tastings, and more.
The space features a communal table with room for 8-10, window seating, and a European-style walk-up bar. The art will rotate each month, and is starting with photographer Patrick Lee. While the focus is primarily on coffee, you’ll be able to eat empanadas, Peasant Pies, pastries from Mission Beach Cafe, and donuts from Dynamo Donut. Hours are 7am-10pm. 1415 Larkin St. at California, 415-839-7388.
