How to Order at Philz

Co-authored by Wayne Dang

Last Updated: April 2, 2021

Philz is a coffee shop native to Northern California, and their dedication to quality coffee has gotten them a devoted and rabid fan base. Founded by Phil Jaber, Philz prides itself on hand crafting every cup to every customer's specifications. They have some very unique custom blends that often overwhelm first-time visitors and regulars alike, so if you've ever been tempted by Philz but discouraged by the menu or the ordering process, this article will tell you how it's done.

Steps

Download Article

Unfortunately for you non-Californians out there, Philz only has locations in San Francisco and East Bay areas.
At Philz, you order first and pay second, which is opposite most traditional coffee shops. There will usually be a big sign directing you to the proper place.

Advertisement
Your coffee is made-to-order by the baristas, and they can only handle 4 cups at a time. Wait in line until you hear someone say they can take the next person.
4
Choose your drink. If you're new to Philz, ask the barista for a recommendation. They'll figure out what kinds of flavors you prefer and find you the perfect blend. If you're feeling a bit more adventurous, you can also experiment with their extensive menu:
- Dark roasts
  - Jacob's Wonderbar Brew: Nutty and chocolatey, without bitterness
  - Tantalizing Turkish: Rich and dark, with a touch of cardamom
  - Ether: Dark and oily, with a hint of charcoal
  - Julie's Ultimate: Classy and floral
  - Aromatic Arabic: A full-bodied Arabian coffee
  - Code 33: Strong, rich, and oily
- Medium roasts
  - Tesora: The classic Philz blend, and strongly recommended for beginners
  - Philharmonic: Warm, with a hint of cardamom
  - Ambrosia Coffee of God: Warm and sweet, with nutty undertones
  - Anesthesia to the Upside: Oaky and sharp, with a caramel finish
  - Silken Splendor: Warm nutty tones
  - Filtered Soul: Sweet and chocolatey, with traces of hazelnut
  - It's the Best: Soft and smooth
  - Dancing Water: Smooth and delicate
  - Half-Caff: Half Tesora, half decaf Sumatra
- Light roasts
  - Sooo Good: Smoky and sweet
  - Greater Alarm: Strong, sweet, and highly caffeinated
  - Canopy of Heaven: Complex flavors
  - New Manhattan: Earthy and distinctive
- Decaf
  - Decaf Dark French: Bittersweet and full-bodied
  - Decaf Ethiopian: Rich and silky smooth
  - Decaf Sumatra: Sweet and earthy
  - Decaf Organic Swiss Water Peru: Sweet, silky, and decaffeinated using the Swiss water method
- Specialty drinks
  - Ecstatic Iced Coffee
  - Mint Mojito Iced Coffee
  - Gingersnap Iced Coffee
  - Mocha Tesora: A chocolate lover's dream
  - Jamaican Blue Mountain: Full-bodied and smooth
  - Hot chocolate
- Teas
  - Black Tea: Strong, but not too acidic
  - Green Tea: Floral and nutty notes
  - Chamomile Tea
  - Yerba Mate Tea: Smoky
  - Istanbul Treat
  - Mint Tea
  - Herbal Mint Tea
  - Chai
You have two options: small or large.
7
Pick a sweetener. Your options are sugar, Splenda, Equal, Sweet'n Low, stevia, or honey.
- Tell the barista how sweet you want your drink: not sweet, light, medium, or extra.
8
Pick your cream or milk. Your options are cream, whole milk, 2% milk, 1% milk, low-fat milk, almond milk, non-fat milk, soy milk, or vanilla soy milk.
- Tell the barista how creamy you'd like your drink: light, medium, or extra.
Let the person at the register know what blend you ordered and what size. Most blends range from $3 to $4 a cup.
It's important to remember which barista you ordered from and what you got because they'll call out your order and not your name.
11
Give it a taste. Most baristas will ask you to taste your drink while you're at their station—just so they can make sure they got everything perfect.
- Don't hesitate to ask your barista if your drink isn't quite to your liking. They can tweak your drink until it's just right.

Philz Drink List

Philz Drinks List

Community Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

Someone recommended to order "Philz way", what is that?

Victor Willey

Community Answer

Philz Way or Jacob's Way: Phil and Jacob are particular about the way their coffee is made. If you want your drink the way Phil likes it, order it "Philz Way" (medium cream, medium sugar). You can also order it "Jacob's Way" (medium cream, medium honey). A new calling: Phil wasn't always in the coffee business.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 1

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Tips

Consider taking a buddy—preferably a Philz veteran—especially if you're heading to Philz for the first time.

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
If you're brand new to Philz, most baristas will suggest you try a Tesora "medium medium" (medium cream, medium sugar).

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Desperate for Philz but not in the San Francisco area? Virgin America offers Philz coffee on their flights.

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0