[regs]

Some of this list is just plain incorrect.

For example, Rangoon Ruby in Palo Alto is a pale imitation of Burma Superstar in San Francisco, a restaurant is openly models itself after.

Claiming that the best independent coffeeshop is in MV is really going out on a limb and ignoring the myriad of amazing coffee houses in SF - like Sightglass or Blue Bottle.

As someone who's lived in the city and in Sunnyvale and Palo Alto and Menlo Park, I pretty much agree with every that jwz has said and not much has changed.

It's true that there are some great places on the peninsula, but there's no critical mass. And often those places are in a strip mall and severely lacking in ambiance and atmosphere.

[fown9]

I brought up dana roasting and red rock cafe not because they only have great coffee, but also they have a great atmosphere with lively discussions amongst thinkers and live music to boot. No coffeeshops in san francisco has that great combination.

[jessedhillon]

Not to detract from your point, but Burma Superstar has locations in Oakland and Alameda (Alameda almost never has a line) and Blue Bottle's roastery is in Oakland as well. Also Philz.

Tofoo Com Chay is superb and that kind of place (Dong Phuong Tofu is another good one) is found only in SJ. Although Oakland's Chinatown has a great Banh Mi place, Cam Huong.

[voltagex_]

I also visited a Blue Bottle in NYC and had some of the best coffee of my trip.