Royal Ground Coffee

Inside Royal Ground Coffee

Royal Ground Coffee sits comfortably on 4th Street in San Rafael as a no-frills neighborhood coffee shop that locals rely on for their morning jolt and easy casual bites. The space feels bright and clean, with a straightforward, welcoming setup that invites both quick stops and lingering over a cappuccino or iced Americano. There’s a quiet efficiency in how the friendly staff move—fast without feeling rushed—and a calm that suits early risers looking for a dependable cup alongside a fresh sandwich or bagel.

The menu leans into approachable comfort with a handful of toasted sandwiches like Tuna Avocado and Bacon Avocado, alongside bagels topped with avocado or lox, making it an ideal spot for grabbing a simple breakfast or light lunch. Those mornings after sunrise hikes or bike rides often draw locals here to recharge; the thoughtfully foamed milk and the careful roasting visible just behind the counter hint at a real commitment to coffee craft without unnecessary fanfare.

Royal Ground is well-suited for people who appreciate a tidy and cozy environment where the chatty yet calm atmosphere feels like catching up with a neighbor. While it’s not the place for extravagant café lounging, its steady buzz and simple pleasures fit perfectly into a daily routine—best visited early in the day when the place is fresh and the coffee is hot. Whether stopping by solo or meeting a small group, this café thrives as a reliable local hub on the edge of downtown San Rafael.

Highlights & Local Essentials

Highlights

Serves great coffee

Has great tea selection

Popular for

Popular for breakfast

Popular for lunch

Good for solo dining

Good for working on laptop

What they serve

Serves coffee

Sells prepared foods

Quick bite

Serves small plates

Best for

Serves breakfast

Serves lunch

Serves dessert

Accessibility

Has wheelchair-accessible car park

Has wheelchair-accessible entrance

Has wheelchair-accessible seating

Has wheelchair-accessible toilet

Local Moments in Photos

Find It on the Map

Openings Hours

Checking

Monday

6:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Tuesday

6:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Wednesday

6:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Thursday

6:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Friday

6:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Saturday

7:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Sunday

7:30 AM - 3:00 PM

What Locals & Travelers Say

152 Reviews

Jackie Kenzie

31 Dec 2025

Great coffee shop. Clean and bright. Fast service and friendly. Prices are good too.

Imtinan Abdulaziz

22 Dec 2025

Such a lovely cafea! I went this morning with my family and we really enjoyed it. The staff were super friendly and nice to chat with. The place feels fresh and cozy. Highly recommend!

Kirill Lucenko

18 Nov 2025

The owner is wonderful person. I had such a great experience there. Also check the roasting machine on the back

Colleen F

12 Nov 2025

The owner of the Royal ground is the best. This is your straightforward, local coffee joint. No frills, but everything that you need and want for an early morning. Drip 4/5.

Jessica M. Golm

29 Oct 2025

You have to stop here for morning coffee and beyond! Lenny & Chang took such good care of us every morning on our Mt. Tam hiking trip. They are welcoming and warm. Chang makes foamed milk like meringue! Every sandwich is made fresh and with lots of love. The place is spotless. Total gem! Highly recommend!

AnitaBonita Renzetti

20 Oct 2025

Best coffee beans in town!!! To treat myself, I bought a pound of decaf, which comes with a free coffee. The bagel sandwiches, mouthwatering baked goods, and protein options (like hardboiled eggs) make this a perfect meet-up spot for breakfast!or lunch. They have a few tables outside that are great for dog-owners. Delightful owners, and nice quiet music in the cozy cafe where I watched the world go by today. Ahhh.

jaycee Baird

06 Oct 2025

Quite literally the BEST customer service I have every experience in my life. The women at the counter was so helpful, kind, and supportive with what I was drinking. Gave me wonderful food suggestions. Overall just a wonderful experience.

Mandy Lam

15 Sep 2025

Great selection of high quality beans. I am very picky about my dark roast coffees. Aunt really loved the dark roast drip coffee. Also enjoyed a chocolate cream cheese muffin that was yummy. The service, by possibly the owner, was very kind. Felt like a nice mom and pop shop. Definitely recommend. Also reasonable prices

Inside Royal Ground Coffee

Highlights & Local Essentials

Local Moments in Photos

Find It on the Map

Openings Hours

What Locals & Travelers Say

152 Reviews

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