Paper Son in SoMa has an impressive lineup of coffee drinks tinged with Asian flavors. Yes, the Vacant to Vibrant coffee shop has the usuals—espresso, cortado, and drip—but you should make the trip here for the pandan aerocano that’s frothy and slightly fizzy, and the bubbly Guava Pillow with guava puree foam and Li Hing powder. But the drinks aren’t the only thing worth showing up for—the pastries are just as good. Made daily by a Jina Bakes alum, our favorite of the similarly Asian-inspired cookies and bread is the miso and everything bagel scone so soft it gives your teeth a massage. Keep an eye on Paper Son’s Instagram for daily specials and note that pastries are only available Wednesday to Friday and you can't get them at their Dogpatch location. There are a few two-tops both inside and outside that are usually free even during morning rushes—if they aren’t, there’s a public outdoor seating area across the street.

photo credit: Patrick Wong