San Francisco, CA
Paper Son Is a Singular San Francisco Coffee Experience
Alex Pong’s Paper Son Coffee is not just a TikTok typhoon for 20-somethings. He opened his business, now with two outposts, in the end of 2023 as an homage to his family’s history emigrating from China. But it’s the quality and combined with the clear point of view that make Paper Son singular in San Francisco.
Each Paper Son is super different: The first one is still a residence inside Dogpatch bakery Neighbor Bakehouse, effectively a window with outdoor seats. The downtown spot has way more of Pong’s influence on display: Gundam figurines, Yu-Gi-Oh! cards taped to the La Marzoco, and lots of young people eating and drinking seemingly all the time.
Go to the Dogpatch outpost on a weekday if you are craving to try a top-tier pastry and a Paper Son coffee without a line. If you want the full line-inducing experience, drop by the downtown spot Wednesday through Friday when Tano is on-site. Do not try the downtown spot on the weekend; it’s closed.