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 Richmond District
- ☕ Café
$
Price per Person $1–$10
mentioned by 10 of the guests
#1629 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#117 Café out of 162 in San Francisco
Good
7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
194
Reviews
73.2%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Warm Ambience
- Breakfast Quality
- Coffee Selection
Frequently criticized
- Pricing Issues
- Staff Conduct
- Cleanliness Lapses
The café Royal Ground Coffee invites you to discover a true gem in the heart of San Francisco’s vibrant Richmond District. You’ll find a welcoming spot known for its truly great coffee, making it a perfect destination for your daily caffeine fix or a relaxed break.
Step inside and you’ll immediately feel the cozy, casual atmosphere that makes this cafe a local favorite. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a leisurely brunch, this is a place where you can unwind and enjoy quality beverages.
Overview: Introducting Royal Ground Coffee
Royal Ground Coffee offers a generally pleasant experience, particularly noted for its appealing ambience and a solid selection of food items. Many appreciate the comfortable setting and the quality of their breakfast offerings, making it a decent spot for a casual visit.
However, some aspects could use attention. While the service is often friendly, there are instances where staff interactions fall short.
Additionally, the value proposition can be inconsistent, with certain items feeling overpriced, which might impact overall satisfaction for some patrons.
Good
7
out of 10
194
Reviews
73.2%
Satisfaction
41
negative
11
neutral
142
positive
Overall, Royal Ground Coffee holds a respectable standing with a Restaurant Score of 7, indicating a good experience for many. This aligns well with a Customer Satisfaction rate of 73.2%, suggesting that most visitors leave content.
These figures are drawn from 194 customer opinions, with 142 positive remarks outweighing 41 negative ones, providing a solid foundation for these ratings. Looking closer, the Ambience (7.4) and Food (7.1) are clear strengths, often praised for creating a welcoming environment and offering enjoyable items.
However, Service (6.3) and Value (5.5) present areas for improvement. While service is generally acceptable, value is perceived as average, with some finding prices a bit steep for what’s offered.
What people like
- Welcoming atmosphere
- Enjoyable breakfast items
- Quality coffee offerings
What people don't like
- Inconsistent pricing
- Unpleasant staff interactions
- Maintenance concerns
With a Recommendation Score of 7, Royal Ground Coffee is a reasonable choice if you prioritize a comfortable setting and a good breakfast. It offers a pleasant spot to relax or work, especially if you appreciate a solid coffee and specific menu items.
However, be mindful of potential inconsistencies in pricing and service. While many find it appealing, those sensitive to value discrepancies or occasional staff issues might find the experience less satisfying.
It’s worth a visit if the positives align with your priorities.
Similar Restaurants in San Francisco
- Café
9.1
out of 10
out of 10
80
98.8%
- $$
- Inner Sunset
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Café
9.1
out of 10
out of 10
336
94.6%
- $$
- West SoMa
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Café
9
out of 10
out of 10
282
95%
- $
- Potrero Hill
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Café
9
out of 10
out of 10
252
98%
- $$
- Visitacion Valley
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Café
8.9
out of 10
out of 10
367
93.2%
- $
- Outer Richmond
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Café
8.8
out of 10
out of 10
133
96.2%
- $
- Mount Davidson Manor
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
Verdict: Our expert take on Royal Ground Coffee
Food (7.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 91% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark, boasting a 7.1 score which is quite good, and a solid 74.1% customer satisfaction. Many patrons rave about the delicious coffee, excellent bagel sandwiches, and a wide variety of menu options, including tasty breakfast sandos and fresh smoothies. With 60 positive remarks out of 81 total, theres a lot to love about their offerings.
However, not everything is perfect. Some customers have noted issues with weak or burnt coffee, and a few found the sandwiches small or not exciting. There were also mentions of below-average breakfast burritos and concerns about the quality of some lattes.
These 17 negative comments suggest theres room for improvement in consistency.
Food
81
Reviews
74%
Satisfaction
17
negative
4
neutral
60
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious coffee options
- Excellent bagel sandwiches
- Wide menu selection
What people don't like
- Inconsistent coffee quality
- Small, unexciting sandwiches
- Below-average breakfast burrito
Often praised
- coffeeI love coming here because they’re so sweet and the coffee is good. I've never been dissatisfied until today.
- foodPretty solid food for the price
- BLTThe BLT is a 10/10
- Lox and Bagel sandwichesLox and Bagel sandwiches were an added bonus
- Max's blendtry Max's blend!
- bacon, egg, and cheesebest bacon, egg, and cheese I've had
- bagel sandwichBagel sandwich and matcha latte was exactly what I was looking for
- bagel w/Lox and cream cheeseI always get the bagel w/Lox and cream cheese
- best beansroast the best beans in SF!
- breakfast menuthey had a breakfast menu
Frequently criticized
- coffeeWhile there was plenty of space and it's a reasonably nice cafe to work in, the food and price were not up to par. The coffee was a bit weak, and the sandwiches were small and not particularly exciting, especially considering the price.
- sandwichessandwiches are small
- FoodFood:1
- breakfast burritobelow average breakfast burrito
- burnt milkThat’s just how burnt the milk was.
- chai latteWorst chai latte ever.
- cortadothe cortado is listed at 4.25 on the menu
- latteThis is a really cute place, but the staff isn't nice and it was the worst latte I've ever had. The coffee tasted burned.
- milkcharge me tax on the milk I ordered
- red velvet dream cakecharge me tax on the red velvet dream cake
If you're looking for a place with generally good food and a wide selection, especially for breakfast and coffee, this spot is definitely worth a try. Just be mindful that some coffee drinks or specific items like breakfast burritos might be inconsistent, so stick to the highly praised options for the best experience.
Service (6.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 46% of the guests
The service here often shines, with many customers praising the friendly staff and their efficient and attentive approach. Patrons frequently highlight the wonderful owners and the convenience of calling in orders, making for a smooth experience. With 15 positive remarks out of 26 total, its clear theres a good foundation, contributing to an average score of 6.3.
However, the service isn't without its bumps, as indicated by a mixed customer satisfaction of 57.7%. There are 7 negative comments pointing to instances of unfriendly and even rude staff, with specific complaints about an uncaring attitude and the use of profanity. These isolated incidents suggest that while many experiences are positive, consistency can be an issue.
Service
26
Reviews
57%
Satisfaction
7
negative
4
neutral
15
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, efficient staff
- Wonderful, attentive owners
- Quick, ready orders
What people don't like
- Rude, uncaring staff
- Staff uses profanity
- Surprisingly unfriendly service
Often praised
- serviceThe Lox and Bagel sandwiches were an added bonus and delicious. The service was incredible and so friendly. I love you!
- staffThe staff is always friendly and attentive
- WiFiFree WiFi
- call in an orderyou can call in an order and it’ll be ready when you get there
- customer servicegreat customer service
- efficientThey are efficient
- ownersowners are absolutely wonderful
- serverHowever, fewer people also had its advantages; it felt very quiet. Upon entering Royal Ground Coffee, the decor seemed simple and a bit dated, but the server was surprisingly warm and welcoming. The coffee itself wasn't exceptionally delicious, but sitting on the wooden chairs outside the coffee shop, watching local residents walk their dogs and enjoying the leisurely feel of the street was a truly great characteristic of San Francisco!
- sweetnessI love coming here because they’re so sweet and the coffee is good. I've never been dissatisfied until today.
- timingmade it fast with amazing timing
Frequently criticized
- staffThis is a really cute place, but the staff isn't nice and it was the worst latte I've ever had. The coffee tasted burned.
- ServiceService:1
- middle-aged womanThe middle-aged woman said if I'm not satisfied with the pricing, I can talk to the owner; she said she doesn't care
- staff profanityshe said F*** word to me
- staff responseshe said she doesn't care
- staff speaking badlyThen she started talk in the bad about me
If youre looking for a place with generally efficient and friendly service, youll likely find it here, especially with the convenience of call-ahead orders. However, be aware that some experiences have been marred by surprisingly rude or uncaring staff, so it might be a bit of a gamble.
Ambience (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 72% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.4 and customer satisfaction at a high 81.9%, most visitors find the vibe quite good. Many of the 59 positive remarks praise the spacious and clean environment, often highlighting its cozy feel and good WiFi, making it a great place to relax or get work done.
However, it's not entirely without its quirks. A smaller number of 10 negative comments point to some areas for improvement. A few guests mentioned issues like sticky tables, an occasional smell of mildew, or finding parts of the place a bit run down, and some were bothered by loud pop music.
Ambience
72
Reviews
81%
Satisfaction
10
negative
3
neutral
59
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Spacious, clean environment
- Cozy, relaxed atmosphere
- Reliable WiFi, outlets
What people don't like
- Sticky, dirty tables
- Occasional mildew smell
- Distracting loud music
Often praised
- atmosphereThe atmosphere is warm and welcoming
- WiFiWiFi, soft music all give a great atmosphere
- spaceplenty of space to sit, relax, or get some work done
- cleanVery clean, but not sterile
- couchesI enjoyed the atmosphere and the coffee was good. There wasn't a ton of seating, but there were some comfy couches and a few individual tables.
- quietWalking the streets of San Francisco on a weekday felt a bit deserted, and the September weather was already a little cold. However, fewer people also had its advantages; it felt very quiet. Upon entering Royal Ground Coffee, the decor seemed simple and a bit dated, but the server was surprisingly warm and welcoming.
- spaciousThe atmosphere was relaxed and spacious
- alternative to big chainsIt’s good alternative to the big chains
- cafe to workMy experience at this cafe was mixed. While there was plenty of space and it's a reasonably nice cafe to work in, the food and price were not up to par. The coffee was a bit weak, and the sandwiches were small and not particularly exciting, especially considering the price.
- choice of musicThe place was super clean, and the customer service was great. I also enjoyed the great choice of music. The coffee is delicious, and I will definitely be coming back.
Frequently criticized
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:2
- chain optionsmuch better than the chains in the area
- kitchen areafelt the kitchen area could have been more tidy
- loud pop musicloud pop music ruins the formerly nice vibe
- negative vibeNegative vibe
- nice viberuins the formerly nice vibe
- run downThe hot chocolate was delicious, but I was charged an extra dollar for almond milk, which felt a bit shifty. Despite this, the place itself is really cozy and a great spot to chill, although it is a bit run down.
- smell of mildewthe smell of mildew was in the air
- sticky tablestables were sticky
- tablethe table I sat at was dirty and sticky
If you're seeking a generally good and cozy spot with reliable WiFi, this place is worth a visit. While some minor issues like sticky tables or loud music occasionally arise, the overall vibe is positive for most guests.
Value (5.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 28% of the guests
When it comes to value, many guests have found the prices to be quite good and even reasonable, often feeling that the food and drink quality made them worth the price. This positive sentiment is reflected in 8 positive remarks out of 15 total comments, with many appreciating the friendly prices for a good experience. However, the overall value score sits at an average 5.5, with customer satisfaction at a mixed 53.3%.
Some patrons felt staggered by the prices, especially concerning specific upcharges for items like an iced cortado, custom orders, or almond milk, leading some to label certain practices as those of scamsters. These concerns are highlighted in 7 negative observations.
Value
15
Reviews
53%
Satisfaction
7
negative
0
neutral
8
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable food prices
- Good drink value
What people don't like
- High custom order fees
- Excessive drink upcharges
- Perceived overpricing
Often praised
- pricesMy experience at this restaurant was very positive. I enjoyed the very good drinks and food, and the friendly prices made it even better. The atmosphere was great, thanks to the vintage-looking wooden chairs, tables with paintings, and large windows.
- priceFood and drink quality are still worth the price
- good pricegood food for a good price
Frequently criticized
- almond milkcharged me a dollar extra for almond milk
- custom ordercharged 1.50 more because it is “custom order.”
- iced cortadocharged me 5.75 because I ordered an “iced” cortado
- pricefor the price
- pricesI was legitimately staggered at the prices for what appeared to be a sleepy local coffee shop. For $10 before tip, I received a below-average breakfast burrito that was honestly worse than a microwave Jimmy Dean one.
- scamstersAbsolute scamsters
- tax on milkwhy would they charge me tax on the milk I ordered?
Value here seems to be a bit of a mixed bag; you might find standard items reasonably priced and worth it. However, be cautious with custom drink orders or specific modifications, as these can significantly inflate your bill and might leave you feeling overcharged.
How are the prices at Royal Ground Coffee?
Hey there, foodies! Expect to pay around 10 per person here, based on what 10 recent diners reported. That average puts it squarely in the $1–$10 price bracket.
For a Cafe in San Francisco, wed call that a sweet spot – comfortably mid-range, offering good value. But heres the interesting bit: prices arent all clustered together! We see a nice split, with half of guests spending in that $1–$10 range, and the other half opting for something a little more, landing in the $11–$20 bracket.
So, whether youre grabbing a quick coffee and pastry or a more filling lunch, there seems to be something for everyone.
This chart shows what people usually spend per person, using the 10 most recent reviews.
How this Cafe’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering the flexible pricing and the average of 10 per person, we feel the pricing is quite fair for a Cafe in San Francisco. It’s a spot where you can tailor your spend to your appetite, which we always appreciate!
Customer Reviews: what people think about Royal Ground Coffee
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
1
Overpriced and Underwhelming Breakfast
I was legitimately staggered at the prices for what appeared to be a sleepy local coffee shop. For $10 before tip, I received a below-average breakfast burrito that was honestly worse than a microwave Jimmy Dean one. I felt like they were absolute scamsters.
There are many great spots in this area, so please don’t waste your time here.
- prices1
- breakfast burrito1
- scamsters1
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Cozy Neighborhood Gem with Great Coffee
My experience at Royal Grounds Coffee was fantastic! It's a neighborhood gem that consistently delivers. The coffee is rich, smooth, and made with care.
Their menu offers plenty of options for any mood, from a strong espresso to a creamy latte. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, with ample space to sit, relax, or work. The staff is friendly and attentive, making everyone feel like a regular.
If you're in the Richmond District and seeking a cozy spot with great coffee, Royal Grounds is the place to be!
- coffee10
- menu options9
- atmosphere10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Best Cappuccino and Lox Bagel!
My experience at this place was absolutely wonderful! I had the best cappuccino and latte ever. The Lox and Bagel sandwiches were an added bonus and delicious.
The service was incredible and so friendly. I love you!
- cappuccino and latte10
- Lox and Bagel sandwiches9
- service10
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
9
Excellent BLT and Coffee!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had the BLT, which was a 10/10. The service was incredibly fast, with amazing timing.
I also enjoyed their caramel coffee. I highly recommend going here if you are living in San Francisco.
- BLT10
- timing9
- caramel coffee8
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Royal Ground: A Coffee Gem
In the country of Starbucks and American drip coffee, Royal Ground is a rare find. A bit out of the way, but highly recommended for their coffee. Beautifully decorated too.
- coffee9
- decoration8
What Royal Ground Coffee offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Groups
- College students
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Solo dining
- Breakfast
Amenities
- Restroom
- Wi-Fi
Offerings
- Quick bite
- Coffee
Dining options
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Dessert
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
Is Royal Ground Coffee accessible for everyone?
Yes, you’ll find that Royal Ground Coffee is designed with accessibility in mind. It features a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and even a wheelchair accessible restroom, ensuring a comfortable visit for all guests.
What kind of dining experience and atmosphere can you expect at Royal Ground Coffee?
At Royal Ground Coffee, you can enjoy a cozy and casual atmosphere perfect for various dining options. They serve breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dessert, alongside their excellent coffee and tea selection. It’s also a great spot if you’re looking for a quick bite.
How do customers generally rate Royal Ground Coffee?
Customers generally rate Royal Ground Coffee with a Restaurant Score of 7 and a Customer Satisfaction of 73.2%. The Ambience (7.4) and Food (7.1) are well-regarded, while Service (6.3) and Value (5.5) are seen as average.
What are the main strengths of Royal Ground Coffee?
Patrons often praise the welcoming atmosphere, comfortable seating, and the quality of specific breakfast items like BLTs and bagel sandwiches. The coffee selection, including Max’s blend, also receives positive remarks.
What are some common complaints about Royal Ground Coffee?
Some customers have noted issues with inconsistent pricing, including extra charges for milk alternatives or custom orders. There have also been reports of unpleasant staff interactions and concerns about general cleanliness or maintenance.