There’s something about an iced vanilla latte that just feels right — especially in a city like San Francisco, where foggy mornings turn into sunlit afternoons and a good cup of coffee can make or break your day. Over time (and after probably too much money spent), I’ve developed strong opinions about what makes a great one. It’s not just about the espresso or the syrup — it’s the vibe, the consistency, the balance.
After bouncing between dozens of cafés across the city, these are my personal top five places to get an iced vanilla latte in San Francisco. They’re ranked based on taste, experience, and that hard-to-define feeling of satisfaction you get when it’s just done right.
1.
Red Bay Coffee – Ferry Building
Red Bay is, hands down, my favorite. The iced vanilla latte here is smooth, rich, and just sweet enough. It tastes like it was made with intention — like someone actually cared. The Ferry Building location adds to the magic: watching the water, people-watching tourists and commuters, all while sipping on something bold but not bitter. It’s not overly flashy, but it delivers every single time. Red Bay gets it.
12 minutes to Galileo by car
2.
Postscript Café – Pacific Heights
Postscript feels like a secret. Tucked away in Pacific Heights, it’s quiet, calm, and beautifully designed — kind of like walking into someone’s Pinterest board. Their iced vanilla latte leans more subtle, with vanilla that enhances the espresso instead of masking it. It’s a great spot to sit, think, write, or read. It’s not trying to be cool — it just is.
9 minutes to Galileo by car
3.
ONE65 Patisserie – Union Square
If a latte could be luxurious, this is it. ONE65’s iced vanilla latte tastes refined — the kind of drink that makes you slow down and enjoy it. It pairs perfectly with their pastries (especially the croissants), and the café itself feels like a slice of Paris in downtown SF. It’s ideal for anyone who wants their coffee experience to feel a little elevated, a little extra — in the best way.
16 minutes to Galileo by car
4.
Neiman Marcus Rotunda Café – Union Square
This one is more about the vibe than just the drink — but the iced vanilla latte is still solid. The café is on the top floor of Neiman Marcus, under a stained-glass dome with a view of Union Square. Drinking coffee here feels like pretending you’re a character in a movie — maybe one with a trust fund and an Upper East Side zip code. It’s definitely more of a splurge, but sometimes the mood calls for a little drama.
14 minutes to Galileo by car
5.
Ritual Coffee – Valencia Street
Ritual is a Mission District classic. Their iced vanilla latte is strong — probably the boldest on this list — and definitely made for people who like their coffee to taste like coffee. The vanilla is light, the espresso is front and center, and the café itself has that modern, slightly edgy Mission vibe. It’s great for a casual meet-up or getting work done if you don’t mind a little background noise.
21 minutes to Galileo by car
