Coffee Shops of the Mission: The Blue Fig

First, a big thank you to this new Mission coffee shop for letting us sit for almost three hours, as the place went from so full we couldn't hear each other speak across the tiny table to nearly empty as lunchtime ended.   It is indeed true that they haven't worked out the kinks yet.  My waffle came out quickly but someone flat-out forgot to make my iced coffee.  Word to the wise: coffee is not a joke here, add milk.  And it is also true that the space is warm, loud, and you will share elbow room with your fellows.  But the staff is genuinely nice, which is sometimes a rarity in Hipsterville.  The menu is small but interesting, with lots of amazing-looking savory vegetarian options including two sandwiches made with fresh mozzarella.  I do wish the sweet options were more plentiful.  I ordered the signature cornmeal waffle with whipped cream and fig reduction.  It also comes with bananas, which of course I shunned but which would have balanced the fig's tartness better than just syrup, as it was a tad overwhelming.  They must be hiding a traditional Belgian waffle iron in the back, because the waffle was nice and thin.  Non-veggies should also take a look at the croque monsieur, which passed our table smothered in real bechamel sauce.  In short, if you hit the place on off hours, a nice addition to the Valencia Street pantheon.