Highlights
- Great coffee
- Great tea selection
oChef » Royal Ground Coffee – San Francisco
Royal Ground Coffee - San Francisco
Photo from Royal Ground Coffee
Royal Ground Coffee at a glance
San Francisco Laurel Heights
- ☕ Café
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 15 of the guests
#1589 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#112 Café out of 162 in San Francisco
Good
7.1 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
156
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Good Value
- Work-Friendly
- Varied Menu
Frequently criticized
- Hygiene Issues
- Coffee Inconsistency
- Staff Demeanor
The café Royal Ground Coffee invites you to discover a cozy and casual spot in the heart of San Francisco’s vibrant Laurel Heights neighborhood. If you’re searching for a quick bite or simply craving an exceptional cup of coffee, this is your destination.
You’ll find a welcoming atmosphere perfect for starting your day or enjoying a relaxing break. They are renowned for their great coffee, ensuring a delightful experience with every visit.
Overview: Introducting Royal Ground Coffee
Royal Ground Coffee offers a generally pleasant experience, particularly for those seeking a good deal and a comfortable spot to settle in. Many appreciate the fair prices and the inviting comfy atmosphere, making it a solid choice for a casual visit or getting some work done.
However, some aspects could use attention. While the food menu offers variety, there are concerns about inconsistent coffee quality and occasional issues with staff attitude.
The establishment seems to balance its strengths with areas needing improvement, particularly regarding service.
Good
7.1
out of 10
156
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
31
negative
8
neutral
117
positive
Royal Ground Coffee earns a respectable overall score of 7.1, indicating a generally good experience for many patrons. Customer satisfaction stands at 75%, which is also a good rating, suggesting that most visitors leave content.
This positive sentiment is supported by 117 positive observations compared to 31 negative ones, reflecting a largely favorable perception. Looking closer, the Ambience (7.9) is a standout, often praised for its comfortable and work-friendly environment.
Value (7.3) and Food (7.2) also score well, with many finding the offerings reasonably priced and the menu diverse. However, Service (5.1) lags significantly, presenting a mixed bag for customers and highlighting a key area for potential improvement.
What people like
- Good Value
- Comfortable Workspace
- Dependable Coffee & Food
What people don't like
- Hygiene Concerns
- Inconsistent Coffee Quality
- Staff Attitude Issues
If you’re seeking a spot with a pleasant atmosphere and fair prices, Royal Ground Coffee could be a suitable choice, especially for working or relaxing. The 7.4 recommendation score suggests it generally hits the mark for many, offering a comfortable setting and a decent selection of food and beverages.
However, be mindful that service can be a mixed experience, with some patrons noting hygiene and attitude concerns. While the food and ambience are often praised, the coffee quality can be inconsistent.
It’s a place worth considering for its strengths, but manage expectations regarding service consistency.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Royal Ground Coffee
Food (7.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 78% of the guests
When it comes to food, this spot generally hits the mark with a 7.2 score and a 75.4% customer satisfaction. Many rave about the delicious Royal ham and cheese and bacon sandwich, highlighting the fresh quality ingredients and care taken. Folks also love the thick New England Clam Chowder, great bagels, and the Best House Bean Blend of Coffee, with 43 positive remarks out of 57 overall.
However, not everything is perfect, with 11 negative remarks pointing to some areas for improvement. Some found the coffee inconsistent, and there were complaints about missing items on the menu. Experiences with drinks like the blended mocha or almond milk latte sometimes resulted in a watery mess or just steamed milk, suggesting a need for better consistency.
Food
57
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
11
negative
3
neutral
43
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious sandwiches
- Fresh ingredients
- Great bagels
What people don't like
- Inconsistent coffee
- Missing menu items
- Mediocre blended drinks
Often praised
- coffeeget your sandwich and coffee in no time
- latteserves a dependable latte
- sandwichesThe sandwiches got good reviews
- snack barsone of the many snack bars that they have to offer
- Best House Bean Blend of CoffeeMy experience at this restaurant was centered around their Best House Bean Blend of Coffee. It was a truly enjoyable cup of java.
- New England Clam ChowderOn a cool and misty San Francisco morning, this Santa Fe, NM resident found a delightful stop for a hot, steamy bowl of New England Clam Chowder. The chowder was thick and satisfying, perfectly complemented by two generous slices of sourdough bread.
- Oat ChaiThe Oat Chai was good
- Royal Bagelthe Royal Bagel was really refreshing
- Royal ham and cheese and bacon sandwichRoyal ham and cheese and bacon sandwich on wheat bread is so damn good
- bagelsGreat bagels
Frequently criticized
- almond milk latteI went in to get an almond milk latte
- blended mochagot a watery mess
- breakfastpay a good amount of money for breakfast for 2
- caperscould have used some capers
- coffeeCoffee is made inconsistent.
- drinkthe drink was mediocre at best
- foodMy experience at this restaurant has been marked by inconsistent coffee. The prices have been increasing without any new food or better tasting coffee.
- items on the menuMissing items on the menu
- menutheir menu is out of date
- steamed almond milkcame out with just a cup of steamed almond milk
If you're looking for delicious sandwiches, bagels, and a good cup of coffee, this place is worth a visit. Just be aware that some drinks might be inconsistent, so stick to the tried-and-true favorites for the best experience.
Service (5.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 43% of the guests
When it comes to service, it's a bit of a mixed bag here, with a score of 5.1, placing it squarely in the average range. Many customers praised the lightning-fast service speed, with baristas and younger employees often described as friendly and courteous, especially in this super friendly family-owned cafe. Out of 29 total opinions, 13 highlighted these positive experiences.
However, the customer satisfaction sits at 44.8%, indicating a mixed reception, and 14 opinions pointed to some significant issues. Concerns arose around an employee not washing hands or using gloves, leading to health code worries. Some also reported encountering a rude attitude and even a disrespectful hand gesture from staff, particularly from an older individual often perceived as the owner.
Service
29
Reviews
44%
Satisfaction
14
negative
2
neutral
13
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fast service speed
- Friendly baristas
- Family-owned cafe
What people don't like
- No gloves used
- Rude staff attitude
- Health code concerns
Often praised
- servicethe service was some of the fastest I have ever received
- baristasbaristas friendly and courteous
- everything perfectDespite having only one guy working by himself, I didn’t have to wait long. He made everything perfect. It was a great experience overall.
- family owned cafeSuper friendly family owned cafe
- man who worked behind the counterthe man who worked behind the counter emerged and took my order
- one guy workingone guy working by himself. Didn’t have to wait long
- owner or managerThe owner or Manager is Manager is so sweet
- service speedMy experience at this restaurant was great for a quick lunch. I was able to get my sandwich and coffee in no time flat. They offer no frills but have tons of options at a reasonable price.
- wait longDidn’t have to wait long
- wifithe wifi is fast too
Frequently criticized
- ownerowner who works alon here have no gloves
- attitudeworst attitude
- disrespectdon't treat them with such disrespect
- empathyHaving empathy for customers and following health code
- employeeEmployee didn’t wash his hands before making my sandwich
- foodthrow my food on the counter
- girl working behind the counterseemed like she hated being there
- glovesmake sandwiches for us without gloves
- handsWhile I didn't want to cause a scene, I politely asked him to put on gloves. His blunt response, "my hands are clean, " was unacceptable. Even with clean hands, health regulations require washing before donning gloves.
- health codefollowing health code should be PRIORITY
If you're looking for quick service and a friendly vibe from some of the staff, you might find it here. However, be aware that there are notable concerns about hygiene practices and potentially rude interactions with other employees, which could make for a less pleasant experience.
Ambience (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 59% of the guests
This spot truly shines when it comes to its atmosphere, earning a good score of 7.9 and an excellent customer satisfaction of 90.2%. With 55 positive remarks, guests love the cozy spot and relaxing work/hangout vibe, often highlighting the free wifi and classical music that create a welcoming environment. It’s a charming place to settle in.
However, out of 61 total opinions, a few (5) point to areas for improvement. Some found the seating less than ideal, while others were put off by hands hygiene concerns and the Fox News playing, which can detract from the overall peaceful feel of the place. These are minor but notable points.
Ambience
61
Reviews
90%
Satisfaction
5
negative
1
neutral
55
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy atmosphere
- Great for work/study
- Free fast Wi-Fi
What people don't like
- Uncomfortable seating
- Hygiene concerns
- Distracting TV
Often praised
- atmosphereWhile the menu is out of date, the place is consistent with other Royal Ground locations. I enjoyed the solid coffee, found the prices fair, and appreciated the comfy atmosphere. It's also warm during foggy mornings, making it a solid spot to grab a coffee, bite, and break from the day.
- wifiI had walked by it before without much thought, but after going in, I realized it's a true gem. The cafe offers great seating, readily available outlets, and reliable wifi, making it ideal for work or relaxation. They have a large assortment of different food items, catering to various tastes.
- classical musicMy experience at this excellent neighborhood cafe was fantastic. It's a great spot for working from home or studying, offering guest WiFi, classical music, and a clean restroom. The coffee, smoothie, and food options were great.
- noise levelThe baristas were friendly and courteous. A major highlight is that they play classical music, and the noise level is minimal. It's a great spot!
- placeAll around solid place to grab a coffee
- seatingIt has great seating
- WFH spotGreat WFH
- Wi-Figood Wi-Fi!
- WiFiFree WiFi and bathroom for customers
- ambianceGreat ambiance
Frequently criticized
- Fox NewsSometimes, the younger employees provide really friendly and spot-on service. However, other times, the older gentleman, who seems to be the owner, is surly and stingy, with Fox News playing in the background. Unfortunately, I've only encountered the latter for the past few months.
- food safetyunderstand the importance of food safety and sanitization
- handsserving customers with dirty cigarette disgusting hands
- sanitizationunderstand the importance of food safety and sanitization
- seatingSeating could be more comfortable
If you're looking for a cozy, productive, or relaxing spot with great Wi-Fi and a pleasant atmosphere, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be aware that some seating might not be the most comfortable, and there have been occasional hygiene and TV distractions mentioned.
Value (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 24% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot generally hits the mark, earning a good score of 7.3. Many guests have raved about the fair prices and finding things at a reasonable price, often describing the value as amazing or simply cheap. With 6 positive remarks out of 9 total, it seems you can often snag a great deal here.
However, customer satisfaction is a bit more mixed at 66.7%, suggesting theres room for improvement. While only 1 negative comment was noted, it pointed out that prices have been increasing without corresponding improvements in food or coffee quality. This indicates that while many find it cheap, some feel the rising cost isnt justified.
Value
9
Reviews
66%
Satisfaction
1
negative
2
neutral
6
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fair prices
- Great value
- Cheap options
What people don't like
- Increasing prices
Often praised
- priceat a reasonable price
- cheapQuiet coffee shop that is cheap
- pricesfair prices
- valuevalue was amazing
Frequently criticized
- pricesMy experience at this restaurant has been marked by inconsistent coffee. The prices have been increasing without any new food or better tasting coffee.
Overall, if youre looking for a place where you can often find good value, this spot is generally a solid bet. Just be aware that some recent price increases have left a few customers feeling less satisfied, especially if youre expecting consistent quality for your money.
How are the prices at Royal Ground Coffee?
You’re looking at roughly 12 $ per person – reported by 15 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Cafe, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at the individual prices, it seems many guests actually spent less, in the $1–$10 range, while others opted for slightly higher-priced items, creating this balanced average.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 15 reviews.
How this Cafe stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco when it comes to value for your money.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Cafe in San Francisco, especially with options available for different budgets. Its a good spot if youre looking for quality without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Royal Ground Coffee
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
8
Charming Spot for a Dependable Latte and Lox Bagel
My experience at this little coffee shop was quite pleasant. I enjoyed a dependable latte and a delicious lox bagel. They also offer an egg and cheese bagel for under $8.
The atmosphere is rustically charming, with old school grinders on the wall adding to the appeal. It's a small spot where you order and pay at the counter, and they bring your items to you. Overall, it's a lovely little coffee shop.
- latte8
- lox bagel9
- egg and cheese bagel6
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Chill Oasis with Great Hummus Bagel
My experience at this restaurant was centered around their hummus bagel and coffee. The atmosphere inside is described as sooo super chill, providing a welcome escape from the busy Geary Blvd. Outside.
It felt like a mini oasis 🌴. The food and atmosphere were rated a perfect 5, with no wait time and a quiet noise level that made conversation easy.
- hummus bagel10
- coffee10
- atmosphere10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
9
Delicious Bagels and Coffee!
It was a very pleasant place to sit and enjoy a meal. I had delicious bagels and sandwiches that I haven't had in a long time, and they were at a super price. There's a lot of choice in coffee types, and they also have homemade banana bread.
If you're nearby, you should try it.
- bagels and sandwiches9
- price9
- coffee types8
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Almond Milk Latte Confusion
My experience was quite confusing. I went in to get an almond milk latte, but I came out with just a cup of steamed almond milk. It seems they don't know what a latte is.
- almond milk latte2
- steamed almond milk2
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
9
Solid Local Chain Cafe
My experience at this local chain cafe was quite positive. It has a bohemian vibe and offers solid cafe food and drinks. The cafe provides free WiFi and a bathroom for customers, along with the local paper for reading.
There's also a comfy sofa area in the back. While the menu is out of date, the place is consistent with other Royal Ground locations. I enjoyed the solid coffee, found the prices fair, and appreciated the comfy atmosphere.
It's also warm during foggy mornings, making it a solid spot to grab a coffee, bite, and break from the day.
- cafe food and drinks8
- WiFi9
- bathroom9
- menu4
What Royal Ground Coffee offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Solo dining
- Lunch
- Breakfast
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Quick bite
- Coffee
Dining options
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Dessert
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What dining options are available at Royal Ground Coffee?
At Royal Ground Coffee, you can enjoy a variety of dining options throughout the day. They serve delicious choices for breakfast and lunch, and you can also treat yourself to a delightful dessert.
Does Royal Ground Coffee offer accessibility features and allow pets?
Yes, Royal Ground Coffee is wheelchair accessible, including the entrance and restroom. If you’re visiting with your furry friend, dogs are welcome in their outside seating areas.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Royal Ground Coffee?
Royal Ground Coffee holds an overall score of 7.1, indicating a good experience for many. The Ambience (7.9) and Value (7.3) are particularly well-regarded, while Food (7.2) is also good. Service (5.1) is an area where experiences are more mixed.
Is Royal Ground Coffee a good place to work or study?
Yes, many customers find it ideal for work or relaxation. It offers a comfortable atmosphere with good seating, reliable Wi-Fi, readily available outlets, and a minimal noise level, often featuring classical music.
Are there any common concerns about the service or food quality?
Some patrons have noted concerns regarding hygiene practices, such as staff not wearing gloves, and occasional issues with staff attitude. Additionally, while the food menu is varied, the coffee quality can sometimes be inconsistent.