Muddy Waters Coffee House

521 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA 94110, United States
+1 415-863-8006
$$$ Coffee shop
(308 Reviews)
Price Range $1–10

Welcome to Muddy Waters Coffee House, a beloved community gem nestled at 521 Valencia St in the heart of San Francisco. This charming coffee shop is more than just a place to grab your caffeine fix; it’s a sanctuary for locals and visitors alike, where the aroma of fresh coffee and the warmth of friendly faces envelop you as soon as you step inside.

Muddy Waters is especially renowned for its inviting atmosphere—think cozy seating, ample space to unwind, and a community vibe that makes you feel right at home. Whether you're here to catch up with friends, work remotely, or simply enjoy a moment of peace with a book from their little library, this cozy nook is perfect for every occasion. The unique charm of the shop is reflected in the dedication of its owner, Hisham, who is consistently praised for his kind-hearted nature and deep connection with the neighborhood.

The menu offers a delightful range of refreshments that reflect Muddy Waters' commitment to quality. Start your morning with their House Coffee, a rich and flavorful brew that warms the soul. For those seeking a touch of sweetness, the Mocha is tantalizing, blending smooth chocolate with their expertly crafted espresso. Pair your drink with a tasty bagel, where rave reviews highlight the delicious garlic and everything varieties that are sure to please your palate.

For a refreshing boost, you can also enjoy their fresh Ginger Juice, or a classic Apple Juice. If you're in the mood for something different, don’t miss the Ginger Beer, which is equally invigorating. The selection of hot drinks is expansive—find comfort in a Latte, invigorate your senses with Masala Chai, or treat yourself to a decedent Hot Chocolate during cooler days.

Real customers have experienced the magic of Muddy Waters firsthand; reviews reflect a strong sense of community. Matty J captures its essence perfectly by stating, “It is cash only, but plenty of space and such kind people!” While Vivek Narayan reminisces about the shop's legacy, expressing worries over its closure. Meanwhile, beyza simsekoglu shares appreciation for the remarkably welcoming atmosphere, stating the employees' friendly chats make each visit special. It's this connection to the community that makes Muddy Waters a truly unique coffee house.

So, whether you're grabbing a quick coffee to go or settling in to savor the ambiance, Muddy Waters Coffee House invites you to experience the flavors and warmth of San Francisco’s coffee culture while fostering connections that make life a little more delightful.

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
No wheelchair-accessible car park
Service options
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Serves great coffee
Has great tea selection
Popular for
Popular for breakfast
Good for solo dining
Good for working on laptop
Offerings
Serves coffee
Quick bite
Dining options
Serves breakfast
Serves dessert
Amenities
Has toilet
Has Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy
Crowd
Good for groups
Popular with tourists
Popular with university students
Planning
Doesn't accept reservations
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

7:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Tuesday

7:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Wednesday

7:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Thursday

7:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Friday

7:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Saturday

7:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Sunday

7:00 AM - 3:00 PM

308 Reviews
Matty J

11 Sep 2025

Great community coffee shop! It is cash only, but plenty of space and such kind people! Love this shop and the owner is so sweet and knows the community members very well.

Vivek Narayan

03 Sep 2025

Great coffee at Muddy waters, and it’s terribly sad that they are having to close in February 2021, after being around for 27 years! There is another location on 16th and Valencia, and I definitely plan on supporting Hisham (the super nice owner) there.

Amelia Jane

03 Sep 2025

Great spot, excellent service, perfect atmosphere. Secret gem with heart.

Sidney Stevens

28 Aug 2025

Great place to work. Reasonable prices, friendly host, solid WiFi and lots of outlets

beyza simsekoglu

28 Aug 2025

Amazing hospitality!!!! I often come here just to have a chat with the employees and enjoy a cup of coffee. The atmosphere is really great! I am always surprised by how fresh their coffee is and how incredibly delicious their bagels are, especially the garlic bread and everything bagel. I highly recommend giving it a try!

Alex Hoyau

21 Aug 2025

Excellent service, coffee and pastry The owner speaks French, try her ;) Nice atmosphere, quiet and friendly

Gail Carberry

16 Aug 2025

Good coffee slow service but nice. Maybe I just was desperate for my coffee and didn’t want to wait?

Matteo Pfahler

10 Jul 2025

So refreshing to see the same barista for so many years, she is so loved by the neighborhood, always has something nice and funny to say, we natives need these places where we can see people we know (rarer these days because of tech) and feel the warmth of the community. The food is good gets the job done and cheaper than everywhere lol :) I love the coffee cake and the little library

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