Spro and their handful of SF locations have been keeping people caffeinated for years. We, like many others, usually go for the mini-chain’s less conventional drinks over the coffee standards. At this Embarcadero outpost in particular, signature matcha and espresso concoctions feature ingredients like salted vanilla syrup, blended honeydew, and black sesame paste. The best among the bunch is the coconut pandan matcha latte that adds some sweetness without making you forget there’s green tea lurking in there.
The food, on the other hand, is more useful than satisfying. The tight menu does a fine job shaking up a stale workday breakfast or lunch routine, but dishes are still a bit off-kilter. The chicken caesar wrap comes overdressed, while a salmon bowl swings too far in the other direction and eats dry. If you’re already here and hungry, go for it, but Spro is ultimately a place we’re visiting for liquids first.
Food RundownCoconut Pandan Matcha Latte
Our drink of choice. The coconut and pandan are a wonderful pair and don’t try to outdo the matcha flavor. If you want more coffee flavor, try the black sesame latte (no upcharge for alternative milks, and any espresso-based drinks can be made decaf, by the way).
Golden Hour
This breakfast sandwich gets the job done, but the Sriracha mayo overwhelms the eggs and caramelized onions. It’ll fill you up, though, if that’s what you’re after.
Chicken Caesar Wrap
This tends to be a lunch special, along with the unadon and teriyaki salmon bowl. Of the three, this is our least favorite. There’s too much dressing, which makes the wrap wet and flimsy.
Unadon
If this is available and you’re ordering food, get it. The unagi is juicy and arrives nice and warm. Like the CCW, there’s still a bit too much sauce, and it’s edging on being too sweet, but that’s a minor flaw.
Teriyaki Salmon Bowl
We appreciate the light, smoky char on the salmon and the generous serving, but the fish is dry and there’s not enough sauce to compensate.