On a lively Monday afternoon at 1 p.m., the Blackbird Cafe near Ocean Beach has transformed into a bustling hub.
With customers filling its chairs and tables, the atmosphere is a vibrant mix of energy and a sense of community.
Elderly patrons are savoring their black coffee while seated at a four-top table near the window, embodying the cafe’s ‘analog space’ charm.
However, it’s the enticing menu at the bookstore’s cafe that is drawing the most attention from visitors.
Acclaimed local producers such as Loquat, Little Bee Bakery, Dynamo Donut, and Florecita Panaderia make appearances in the pastry case, showcasing a rich variety of treats.
Yet, it’s Rocky’s Matcha — the exclusive provider of a unique SoCal-produced green tea — that has garnered a massive following, solidifying the cafe’s reputation in the city.
The journey of Blackbird Cafe, since its relocation to Irving Street from its previous location, has been nothing short of remarkable.
Reflecting on the growth from summer 2025 to 2022, the contrast is unmistakable.
Now, each weekend, crowds create a lively scene that spills over onto Irving Street, with long lines and a constant stream of people navigating between Hook Fish Co. and Blackbird.
This surge in foot traffic is a testament to the emerging popularity of this neighborhood, enhanced by community-friendly spots like a busy yoga studio catering to residents looking to unwind on Mondays.
Additionally, the christening of the Great Highway as Sunset Dunes in April 2025 has contributed to the area’s revitalization and charm.
At the helm of Blackbird is owner Kathryn Grantham, who speaks thoughtfully about her experiences.
She notes that the olive oil spelt cake was the first sign that her cafe was amassing traction, gaining considerable attention on TikTok.
As her friends and staff brought news of the buzz, the arrival of matcha enthusiasts became evident.
Rocky’s Matcha has more than 20,000 followers on TikTok, making it a pivotal force driving fresh customers to Blackbird.
Granham recounts a serendipitous encounter with the Rocky’s team, which led to Blackbird becoming the exclusive source for their sought-after green tea.
Now, patrons often travel from distant neighborhoods such as Potrero Hill and Bayshore to experience the renowned ceremonial grade matcha.
“Rocky just connected with us on this vibe level,” Grantham reveals.
Moreover, she emphasizes their shared belief in the outstanding quality of the matcha, unaware at the time of its extensive TikTok fanbase that would soon flock to their cafe.
The thriving environment at Blackbird coincides with a notable resurgence of matcha’s popularity in the 21st century.
San Francisco has seen a wave of matcha lovers, illustrated by SoMa’s Telescope Coffee introducing its own tinned ceremonial matcha, and Cafe Shoji’s matcha einspänners entrenching themselves in the community with lengthy wait times.
Meanwhile, a simultaneous global shortage is presenting challenges, driving prices upward for local establishments like Le Dix-Sept.
Mizuba Tea’s report highlights this sector’s transformation into a booming crop, marking a historical turning point in tea exports from Japan.
Amidst these challenges, Grantham operates Blackbird with a vision focused on community connection.
She launched the original Blackbird on Judah Street in 2017, deliberately choosing to create a space that could foster interaction and enjoyment.
Having previously lived in New York and worked with activists to establish the Blue Stockings bookstore, Grantham envisioned creating a similarly welcoming atmosphere in the Outer Sunset for her children and local families.
In 2022, when Three Fish Studio vacated its Irving Street location, Grantham seized the opportunity.
With a larger space and a spacious backyard now at her disposal, she decided to expand her establishment to include a cafe.
Almost immediately, customers began to fill the cafe, choosing to spend hours enjoying its offerings.
Blackbird has also embraced an events program reminiscent of her Blue Stockings days, hosting open mic nights, pop-up events like Malaysian pastry pop-up Batik and Baker, and children’s reading hours regularly.
As Sunset Dunes continues to draw crowds, Blackbird’s airy layout filled with books and coffee remains an invaluable treasure for locals.
“I create space, and people fill it,” Grantham shares with a sense of pride.
Her vision extends beyond personal achievements, attributing the cafe’s success to the collaborative spirit within the community.
image source from：sf
