San Francisco - June 06, 2005

Ritual de lo Habitual

Ritual Coffee Shop

You wouldn’t say you’re a slave to ritual. But you’re pretty darn close.

You rise at 7:23 a.m. every day. (Okay, 7:43, post-snooze button abuse.) You throw on the obligatory Earnest Sewns, white button-down, and cable-knit sweater. And by 9 a.m. you’re at your desk sipping crappy office coffee.

A daily stop by the Mission’s new coffee shop, Ritual, might be just what your morning routine needs. For starters, the java is top-notch: After tasting coffees from roasters all over the country, the owners decided on the most excellent beans from Stumptown in Portland, which are delivered fresh to the store several times a week.

Also on hand: homemade cupcakes, muffins, scones, and pastries — as well as rotating art exhibits (check out the stuffed animals by Jonathan Grubb). And if you have time to relax and stay a while, Ritual has free wi-fi.

It may not get you to break all your habits.

But you will be tempted to update your routine.

Ritual, 1026 Valencia Street, between 21st and 22nd Streets (415-641-1024).