RIP robot baristas: 3 locations of SF's Cafe X abruptly close

Cafe X, the robot-operated coffee kiosk, had closed its three downtown San Francisco locations. Cafe X, the robot-operated coffee kiosk, had closed its three downtown San Francisco locations. Photo: Cafe X Photo: Cafe X Image 1 of / 43 Caption Close RIP robot baristas: 3 locations of SF's Cafe X abruptly close 1 / 43 Back to Gallery

If you, a downtown San Francisco working professional, were a fan of receiving your morning cup of joe from the cold, metallic arms of a robot in a glass kiosk, we have some bad news to deliver. Cafe X, the robot-operated cafe that first appeared in 2017, has abruptly closed its three downtown S.F. locations, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.

Cafe X founder Henry Hu confirmed on Tuesday via a Twitter thread that the locations at One Bush Plaza, the Metreon and on Market Street near Montgomery Street had closed.

"Our 3 downtown SF locations helped us develop the newest machine that we launched recently at SJC and SFO," wrote Hu. "Thanks to our amazing customers who supported us in SF over the last 3 years."

While you won't be able to drink robot coffee downtown anymore, it seems Cafe X isn't gone for good — it's shifting its focus to airports. In early 2019, Cafe X opened a kiosk at San Francisco International Airport (alongside another automated coffee vendor, Texas-based Briggo Coffee Haus), and another at San Jose International Airport about a month ago. Both locations remain open.

RELATED: Is the robot barista at the Metreon having a midlife crisis?

"We will (be) offering refunds to anyone with pre-paid app credits and invite them to check out our latest and greatest robotic coffee bar experience on their night flight at SJC or SFO. Will (be) expanding to more airports in 2020," added Hu on Twitter.

While some of the Cafe X robots would occasionally malfunction (the one at the Metreon would repeatedly dump lattes over while it danced), the one perk they offered was an affordable cup of coffee — you could grab a matcha latte for $4 with no extra charge for oat milk, which is pretty much unheard of in this overpriced city. Oh, and you don't have to tip robots.

Rest in peace, robot baristas. Humans: 1. Robots: 0.

Madeline Wells is an SFGATE associate digital reporter. Email: madeline.wells@sfgate.com | Twitter: @madwells22