Northern California is home to some of the most exciting and flavorful coffee roasters in the country. Whether you’re after a deep, bold cup or something light and fruity, the region’s coffee scene offers something for everyone. Over the years, we’ve tasted our way through countless blends, and these five stand out as the best of the best.
☕ Carefully chosen for taste, quality, and craftsmanship
🎁 Perfect for your daily ritual or as a California souvenir
🛒 Where to find them (plus insider tips on getting the best deal!)
Let’s dive in!
1. Peet’s Coffee – Major Dickason’s Blend
☕ Tasting Notes: Dark chocolate, smoky, rich
🌱 Sourcing: Ethically sourced from multiple regions
📍 Location: Berkeley, CA
🛒 Where to Buy: Buy on Amazon
This is our absolute favorite. The strength, roastiness, and boldness make it the perfect morning coffee. There’s something about how Major Dickason’s Blend wakes you up, kicks you into gear, and gets you ready for the day. Whether you take it black or with a splash of milk, it’s one of those coffees that never disappoints.
🔥 Pro Tip: Brew it in a French press to bring out the full richness.
2. Verve Coffee – Seabright House Blend
☕ Tasting Notes: Milk chocolate, red fruit, caramel
🌱 Sourcing: Direct trade with small farms
📍 Location: Santa Cruz, CA
🛒 Where to Buy: Buy on Amazon
We knew Verve back when it was just a small coffee shop in Santa Cruz. Now, it has expanded not only across California but even internationally. It’s been amazing to watch them grow over the years. But no matter how big they get, Verve will always have a place in our hearts—and on our taste buds. Their Seabright House Blend is smooth, balanced, and has just the right amount of sweetness. If you want a reliable, everyday coffee that never disappoints, this is it.
🔥 Pro Tip: Works beautifully as a drip coffee or pour-over.
3. Ritual Coffee Roasters – Sweet Tooth Blend
☕ Tasting Notes: Berries, vanilla, sweet cream
🌱 Sourcing: Organic farms, fair trade
📍 Location: San Francisco, CA
🛒 Where to Buy: Buy on Amazon
We still remember our first visit to Ritual Coffee in the Mission District years ago. Walking into the shop, we were hit with the scent of freshly roasted beans and a lively atmosphere where baristas truly cared about their craft. Their Sweet Tooth Blend became an instant favorite. It’s naturally sweet, lightly fruity, and smooth—perfect for anyone who enjoys bright, vibrant flavors in their cup. Whether you’re new to specialty coffee or a seasoned enthusiast, Ritual has a way of making each cup feel special.
🔥 Pro Tip: Best suited for espresso-based drinks like cappuccinos and lattes, but also works well as a bold, flavorful Americano.
4. Temple Coffee – Three Pillars Blend
☕ Tasting Notes: Dark chocolate, dried fruit, nutty undertones
🌱 Sourcing: Directly traded from sustainable farms
📍 Location: Davis, CA
🛒 Where to Buy: Buy on Amazon
When our curators used to visit Davis, we discovered Temple Coffee, a local favorite. The moment you step in, you feel the minimalist vibe—a space that clears your mind. Yet, somehow, drinking Temple’s coffee gives you a new kind of energy. Their Three Pillars Blend is rich, balanced, and layered, making it a great coffee for both relaxation and motivation.
🔥 Pro Tip: This is a perfect gift for coffee enthusiasts who enjoy complex, layered flavors.
5. Blue Bottle Coffee – Three Africas Blend
☕ Tasting Notes: Berry, citrus, dark chocolate
🌱 Sourcing: Blend of Ethiopian and Ugandan beans
📍 Location: Oakland, CA
🛒 Where to Buy: Buy on Amazon
Blue Bottle has gone global, but we still remember the days when the founder would give talks in the Bay Area about his inspiration. He was deeply influenced by Japanese kissaten culture and started Blue Bottle with a similar mindset—carefully brewed coffee using techniques like siphon brewing (vacuum coffee brewing). Knowing this backstory made us appreciate their attention to craft even more. Their Three Africas Blend brings together the brightness of Ethiopian beans with the rich, chocolatey depth of Ugandan coffee, creating a truly balanced and layered cup.
🔥 Pro Tip: Best enjoyed as a pour-over or Aeropress brew to highlight its fruity complexity.
A Perfect Coffee for Yourself or as a Gift
Northern California is packed with amazing coffee roasters, but these five stand out for their quality, craftsmanship, and unbeatable flavors. Whether you want a bold, strong brew or a bright, fruity sip, there’s something here for you.
🎁 Thinking about souvenirs? A bag of specialty coffee from California makes a perfect gift for coffee lovers. It’s way more interesting than a postcard and brings a true taste of NorCal to friends and family.
📌 Want the best deal? Prices fluctuate, so check the links above for discounts!
With these five incredible Northern California coffees, you’ll never have to second-guess your next brew. Whether you’re looking for a smooth morning cup or a bold afternoon pick-me-up, these carefully curated selections ensure you’ll always have a great coffee on hand. Enjoy every sip, fuel your day, and share the love of great coffee with others! ☕✨