Highlights
- Great coffee
- Live performances
- Great tea selection
- Live music
oChef » AURA CAFE – San Francisco
AURA CAFE - San Francisco
Photo from AURA CAFE
AURA CAFE at a glance
San Francisco Rincon Hill
- ☕ Café
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 57 of the guests
#763 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#69 Café out of 162 in San Francisco
Good
7.9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
429
Reviews
81.8%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Great Service
- Quality Beverages
- Good Ambiance
Frequently criticized
- High Prices
- Hygiene Concerns
- Operational Delays
The cafe AURA CAFE in San Francisco’s vibrant Rincon Hill neighborhood offers a truly unique experience. You’ll discover a cozy and casual atmosphere, perfect for enjoying great coffee or a selection from their great tea menu.
This trendy spot is known for its captivating live performances and live music, creating an engaging backdrop for your visit. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite, delicious vegan options, or vegetarian dishes, AURA CAFE provides a welcoming space.
Overview: Introducting AURA CAFE
AURA CAFE generally provides a pleasant experience, with many appreciating the well-crafted drinks and the welcoming atmosphere. The staff often receives praise for their attentive and friendly approach, contributing to a comfortable visit.
However, some guests have noted concerns regarding the perceived price of items. There are also occasional mentions of loud music and specific inconsistencies in the quality of the boba itself.
Good
7.9
out of 10
429
Reviews
81.8%
Satisfaction
70
negative
8
neutral
351
positive
AURA CAFE earns a solid overall score of 7.9, reflecting a generally positive experience for many patrons. Customer satisfaction stands at a strong 81.8%, indicating that most visitors leave content.
The Service (8.6) truly shines, often highlighted for its attentiveness, while the Ambience (8) also contributes significantly to a pleasant setting. The Food (7.8)—particularly the beverages—is well-regarded, though the Value (5.3) receives a more average assessment, suggesting some find it a bit pricey.
These insights are drawn from 429 customer comments, with 351 expressing positive sentiments and 70 detailing areas for improvement.
What people like
- Exceptional Service
- Quality Drinks & Boba
- Inviting Atmosphere
What people don't like
- Perceived High Prices
- Sanitation & Loud Music
- Operational Delays
AURA CAFE presents a compelling option for those seeking quality beverages and a pleasant environment, reflected in its strong recommendation score of 8.1. While it excels in customer interaction and drink preparation, be mindful of the pricing.
If you prioritize friendly service and well-made drinks over strict budget concerns, AURA CAFE is certainly worth considering. However, if value is your primary driver or you’re sensitive to loud music, you might want to explore other options.
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Verdict: Our expert take on AURA CAFE
Food (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 93% of the guests
When it comes to the food and drinks, this spot generally hits the mark with a 7.8 score and a solid 81.1% customer satisfaction. Based on 189 positive remarks out of 233 total, patrons frequently praise the keto friendly boba shop options, authentic flavors, and fresh, delicious drinks that are often noted for being not too sweet. It seems theyve mastered unique and balanced beverages.
However, not all experiences are perfectly sweet. With 38 negative comments, some guests have encountered issues like raw boba or drinks described as watery and occasionally too sweet. There are also mentions of an underwhelming' taste profile, suggesting some inconsistency in the beverage quality.
Food
233
Reviews
81%
Satisfaction
38
negative
6
neutral
189
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic, fresh drinks
- Keto-friendly options
- Unique, balanced flavors
What people don't like
- Raw, bad boba
- Watery, too sweet
- Inconsistent drink quality
Often praised
- drinksThe drinks were a whole vibe start to finish. DELICIOUS.
- bobaMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I found the best boba in NorCal here. The service was great, and the flavor was unbelievable, especially considering it's only 45 kcal.
- matchaMy go-to drink is the matcha. Nice and strong, just the way I like it.
- banana matchaI've been meaning to check out this spot for a while, and I'm so happy I finally made it by. The matcha is refreshing, and the banana flavor is fresh and light. I felt really good after having the drink; it wasn't too sweet!
- foodquality brevages/food that tried new ideas out
- almond milkalmond milk (which they make the milk from scratch, in-house)
- flavorThe flavor was amazing after that
- flavorsLove the flavors and that the almond milk!
- menuMy experience at Aura was great. It's a great local coffee shop with a great menu. The location is perfect, right in the middle of downtown by the Salesforce tower.
- tealoves this tea too
Frequently criticized
- bobathe boba was an additional $1.50 and it was raw
- iceThe strongest flavor in this drink is the ice
- Chai and Maggistaff who was cooking the Maggie did a very bad job
- banana breadthey said banana bread was discontinued
- boba itselfboba itself is flavorless and almost a bit bitter
- boba teaprobably the worst boba tea I’ve ever ordered
- chaiit was SUPER gritty (like the cardamom wasn’t strained out?)
- disposable cupsserved in disposable cups even for sitting in
- drinkdrink was so sweet I couldn’t even finish half
- drink tastemy drink and friend's drink tasted like dish soap
If you're looking for fresh, unique, and often keto-friendly drinks with authentic flavors, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be aware that a few experiences mention inconsistent boba texture or sweetness, so manage your expectations for every single sip.
Service (8.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 67% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot really shines! With a strong score of 8.6 and customer satisfaction at a fantastic 87.4%, its clear most folks are walking away happy. Based on 104 positive remarks, guests consistently praise the friendly service, attentive baristas, and knowledgeable staff, especially during popular latte art classes.
Many feel treated like family, appreciating the enthusiasm and patience shown by the team. However, its not entirely perfect. Out of 119 total comments, 14 did point out some bumps in the road.
A few experiences mentioned a pushy attitude from staff or even a rude owner, leading to significant service issues and delays. Some felt employees were too chatty or unprepared, adding to wait times and overall frustration.
Service
119
Reviews
87%
Satisfaction
14
negative
1
neutral
104
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Knowledgeable instructors
- Engaging customer service
What people don't like
- Rude, pushy owner
- Significant service delays
- Unprepared, chatty staff
Often praised
- ownerI was lucky enough to meet Kash, the lovely owner of Aura Cafe, and I requested an off-the-menu drink: the Matcha Espresso Latte. She did not disappoint!
- latte art classparticipated in a latte art class taught by Kat, and it was so much fun!
- staffThe hot Milky Way tasted like a hot chocolate and really hit the spot on a rainy day. They were busy when we arrived so we had to wait a bit for our drinks, fine for us, but the staff was so polite to keep apologizing for the wait and even gave us coupons for our next visit. Since it's the only boba place in the city that doesn't give you a sugar crash I'll definitely be back.
- serviceAud whisks the matcha in real time like a pro.
- instructorThe instructor was hands on, considerate, mindful
- Aura teamThe vibes from the Aura team and owner were positive
- baristaIt's also more affordable than the average latte art class offered in the city! My barista was very experienced and knowledgeable in coffee. In one hour, we covered espresso basics, steaming milk, and latte art, of course.
- KashishKashish , She’s amazing and thank her for her help and enthusiasm
- ServiceService:5
- friendly serviceFriendly service, but probably the worst boba tea
Frequently criticized
- staffThe staff said we can take a cinnamon donut without offering refund
- ownerrude an owner
- serviceIn all my years of dining in SF, this has been my absolute worst experience so far. I never imagined a cafe could possibly have such terrible service and such a rude owner! Absolutely never coming here again.
- conversationone of the employees try to engage in a conversation regardless of whether I'm interested or not.
- employeesthe employees seem to be too chatty towards me
- ladylady was a bit pushy about wanting me to spend more money
- people’s timeMy experience at this restaurant was marked by significant delays and poor food quality. The movie night event, scheduled for 7 PM, did not start until 8 PM, which felt like a blatant disrespect for people’s time. Furthermore, it took an hour to prepare a simple Chai and Maggi.
- printed receiptsNo printed receipts tho
- store hoursLimited store hours
- wait timeadds to the wait time of the drink.
If youre looking for a place with genuinely friendly and knowledgeable staff, especially for a fun class, youll likely have a great experience. Just be aware that a few customers have encountered some service hiccups or less-than-ideal interactions, so manage your expectations for consistency.
Ambience (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 43% of the guests
The ambience at this spot truly stands out, earning a good score of 8 and a fantastic 86.2% customer satisfaction! With 50 positive remarks out of 58 total, guests consistently praise the inviting atmosphere, cool vibes, and thoughtful decor, often highlighting the ample seating options. It’s clear many find the overall feel to be a major draw.
However, a few of the 8 negative comments do point to some areas for improvement. Some guests noted the music can be consistently loud and explicit, which might not be for everyone. Additionally, a couple of concerns were raised regarding sanitation, with mentions of flies in the shop, suggesting a need for closer attention to cleanliness.
Ambience
58
Reviews
86%
Satisfaction
8
negative
0
neutral
50
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Inviting atmosphere
- Great vibes
- Ample seating
What people don't like
- Loud, explicit music
- Questionable sanitation
- Flies in store
Often praised
- atmosphereI've been a daily customer for four months and can confidently say they treat their customers like family. They genuinely care about people and the community, creating a great and comfortable atmosphere for everyone. I highly recommend giving Aura Boba Tea a try at 121 Spear St suite B05, San Francisco, CA 94105.
- vibesThe vibes from the Aura team and owner were positive
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- locationThe location and drinks were a whole vibe
- placeAdditionally, you have to pay for parking, and the music in the tiny shop is consistently loud and explicit. While the place itself is cute, San Francisco offers many excellent, well-made boba places that are more worth your money. If you're looking for sugar-free options, try Zero&.
- Coffee and Tea hangouta nice little Coffee and Tea hangout
- activitySuch a fun wholesome activity
- apparel and other itemsThe location is perfect, right in the middle of downtown by the Salesforce tower. They even have apparel and other items for sale to represent the shop.
- areain a super clean area
- authenticitywarmth, authenticity, and genuine excitement
Frequently criticized
- cleanliness of toolsquestion the cleanliness of the tools used
- fliesFinally, the third star is removed for sanitation! Multiple visits there's been questionable cleaning or drinks tasting off, including my most recent visit I counted at least 6 flies buzzing around the store, which is surprising in SF. My latte was yummy but I couldn't finish it because the flies grossed me out.
- locationsThey never disappoint. I just wish there were more locations.
- movie nightevent called movie night, which was scheduled for 7 PM but they did not start until 8 PM
- musicmusic is always loud and explicit
- sanitationremoved for sanitation
- shopThe staff member was a bit pushy about wanting me to spend more money (a VIP thing, food, to-go bottle), which was awkward. Additionally, you have to pay for parking, and the music in the tiny shop is consistently loud and explicit. While the place itself is cute, San Francisco offers many excellent, well-made boba places that are more worth your money.
- strawgives a terrible sound every time it touches the cup
If you're seeking a place with vibrant energy and a welcoming atmosphere, this spot is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that the music can be loud, and a few past comments suggest keeping an eye on cleanliness if those are dealbreakers for you.
Value (5.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 18% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot presents a bit of a mixed bag, with an average score of 5.3 and customer satisfaction sitting at a mixed 42.1%. On the bright side, many customers appreciate finding things that are cheap and at an affordable price, especially with happy hour specials offering great value. These positive sentiments come from 8 opinions out of 19 total.
However, not everyone feels theyre getting their moneys worth. Some opinions describe the experience as a waste of money and pricey, with specific concerns about being cashless and having to pay for parking. These 10 negative opinions suggest that for some, the cost doesn't quite align with the perceived value.
Value
19
Reviews
42%
Satisfaction
10
negative
1
neutral
8
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Happy hour deals
- Affordable classes
- Great value
What people don't like
- Can be pricey
- Cashless only
- Paid parking
Often praised
- affordableit’s affordable as well
- affordable priceat an affordable price
- cheapit’s cheap
- great valueIt’s great value.
- happy hour specialsThe happy hour specials are incredibly cheap
- larger sized drinksMy experience at this amazing little boba spot was fantastic! The happy hour specials were incredibly cheap, even for the larger sized drinks. I enjoyed a delicious watermelon tea with keto friendly boba.
- latte art classMany people may not know that Aura offers a latte art class in shop. It's also more affordable than the average latte art class offered in the city! My barista was very experienced and knowledgeable in coffee.
- priceall for under $10
Frequently criticized
- priceThe boba here simply sucks. It was definitely not worth 10 bucks. I suspect that the good ratings were made up.
- $10Wasted $10 on a non-drinkable boba
- cashlessThey went cashless, card only
- customizationother shops might charge $4-6, offer more customization
- drinkThe whole drink came out to be almost $10 EACH
- parkingYou have to pay for parking
- price of my drinkscashier bump up the price of my drinks by like 20%
- priceyIt felt quite pricey
- waste of moneyjust a waste of money
If youre looking for a bargain, especially during happy hour, you might find some cheap and affordable options here. However, be prepared for potentially pricey regular items and the cashless policy, as some customers felt it was a waste of money'.
How are the prices at AURA CAFE?
Youre looking at roughly 12 per person – reported by 57 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Cafe in San Francisco, thats generally considered mid-range.
However, looking closer, it seems most guests actually spend in the $1–$10 range, making it quite budget-friendly for many. There are a few who spend more, but the vibe is definitely more on the affordable side.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 57 reviews.
See how this Cafe’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Cafe in San Francisco, especially given the mix of budget-friendly options and a few higher-end choices. It offers good value for different budgets.
Customer Reviews: what people think about AURA CAFE
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Colleagues
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Great Latte Art Workshop Experience
I had a great time taking the Latte Art Workshop here. I would recommend it for anyone looking for a fun activity to do with friends or colleagues.
- Latte Art Workshop9
- fun activity8
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Takeout
7
Authentic Chai with a Gritty Hiccup
As an Indian, I found the chai to be amazing and truly authentic. I'm so happy to have discovered a place in the Bay Area that serves the kind of chai I've been searching for! My only concern was that it was SUPER gritty, possibly due to the cardamom not being strained out.
I'm unsure if this was a one-off mistake. I had to go home and strain the chai myself. The flavor was fantastic after straining, so I kindly request that you strain your chai!
- chai9
- flavor10
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Aura Cafe: Delicious Shakes and Lively Events!
My experience at Aura Cafe was fantastic! The cafe truly lives up to its name, exuding a wonderful aura. I tried their Banana matcha shake and it was absolutely delicious.
I visited over the weekend when they hosted a morning rave, which packed the entire plaza. It was so much fun, and I really hope they organize more events like that! Aura Cafe is a great addition to the city, and their name deserves to spread all across the bay area!
- Banana matcha shake9
- morning rave10
- great addition9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
9
Excellent Latte Art Class
I took a Latte Art Class which was very informative. The instructor was hands-on, considerate, mindful, and clearly explained the latte art process. I highly recommend this class.
- Latte Art Class9
- instructor10
- latte art process9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
9
Amazing Latte Art Class with Giana!
I took a latte art class from G (Giana). She is an amazingly patient teacher. Totally recommend her sessions.
- latte art class9
- patient teacher10
What AURA CAFE offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
- College students
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Restroom
Offerings
- Vegan options
- Happy hour drinks
- Coffee
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Organic dishes
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Delivery
- No-contact delivery
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Outdoor seating
Pets
- Dogs allowed inside
- Dogs allowed outside
- Dogs allowed
Parking
- Free street parking
- Paid parking garage
- Paid parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What parking and accessibility features does AURA CAFE offer?
AURA CAFE provides convenient parking, including free and paid street parking, plus paid garages and lots, often with ample space. For accessibility, you’ll find a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, seating, and restrooms, ensuring a comfortable and inclusive experience for all guests.
What menu highlights and atmosphere can you find at AURA CAFE?
AURA CAFE boasts a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere, ideal for enjoying great coffee. Their menu features diverse offerings like vegan and vegetarian options, organic dishes, and small plates. You can also enjoy happy hour specials, and dogs are welcome both inside and outside.
How does AURA CAFE generally perform according to customer feedback?
AURA CAFE receives an overall score of 7.9. Customers particularly appreciate the Service (8.6), Ambience (8), and Food (7.8), though Value (5.3) is considered average.
What do customers typically enjoy most about AURA CAFE?
Many customers highlight the quality of the drinks, the welcoming atmosphere, and the attentive, friendly staff. The owner also receives praise for their positive engagement.
Are there any common concerns or drawbacks mentioned by visitors?
Some visitors express concerns about the perceived price of items, occasional issues with sanitation like flies, and loud music. There are also mentions of specific boba quality inconsistencies.