oChef » Beanstalk – San Francisco

Beanstalk - San Francisco

Cafe Beanstalk in San Francisco
Photo from Beanstalk
How do the guests rate it?
Beanstalk at a glance
San Francisco Presidio Terrace
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 45 of the guests
#842 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#78 Café out of 162 in San Francisco
Good
7.8 out of 10
7.9
Food
7.8
Service
8
Ambience
5.2
Value
382

Reviews

82.5%

Satisfaction

Often praised
  • Delicious food
  • Cozy ambiance
  • Welcoming staff
Frequently criticized
  • Price issues
  • Laptop restrictions
  • Service variability

The cafe Beanstalk in San Francisco’s Presidio Terrace neighborhood offers you a truly inviting experience. If you’re looking for a great coffee spot, Beanstalk Cafe – Inner Richmond is your go-to destination.

You’ll find a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed meal. It’s an ideal spot whether you’re starting your day with breakfast, enjoying brunch, or grabbing lunch, with healthy options and delightful desserts available.

Overview: Introducting Beanstalk

Beanstalk offers a pleasant spot where many appreciate the inviting atmosphere and the generally friendly staff. It’s a place where you can find a comfortable setting to unwind or get some work done, often highlighted by its cozy vibe.

However, some visitors have noted occasional issues with service consistency and a few concerns regarding the overall value proposition. While generally well-received, these points suggest areas where the experience might vary.

Good
7.8 out of 10
382

Reviews

82.5%

Satisfaction

45

negative

22

neutral

315

positive

Beanstalk earns a solid 7.8 out of 10, indicating a generally positive experience for most patrons. This is further supported by a strong 82.5% customer satisfaction rate, suggesting that the majority leave content.

These insights are drawn from a substantial 382 customer opinions, with 315 positive remarks outweighing 45 negative ones. Looking closer, the Ambience (8.0), Food (7.9), and Service (7.8) all perform well, contributing significantly to the high overall score.

While the Value (5.2) score is more average, it doesn’t significantly detract from the overall positive sentiment, which remains quite high across the board.

What people like
  • Delicious sandwiches
  • Cozy atmosphere
  • Friendly staff
What people don't like
  • Value concerns
  • Laptop use policy
  • Inconsistent service

Beanstalk presents itself as a comfortable spot, particularly if you’re seeking a pleasant environment and satisfying food items like their well-regarded sandwiches. The overall experience is quite positive, making it a worthwhile stop for a casual meal or a relaxed coffee break.

With a solid recommendation score of 8.1, Beanstalk is certainly worth considering. Just be mindful of the pricing and their laptop policy if you plan to settle in for an extended period, but otherwise, expect a generally good visit.

Similar Restaurants in San Francisco

Verdict: Our expert take on Beanstalk

Food (7.9 out of 10)

mentioned by 92% of the guests

When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark, boasting a 7.9 score and a solid 83.9% customer satisfaction. With 146 positive remarks out of 174 total, many rave about the delicious sandwiches, excellent coffee, and satisfying breakfast options. The fresh salads and unique Korean fusion elements also get a lot of love, making for a generally delightful culinary experience.

However, not everyone is completely won over. A smaller number of 13 comments point to some areas for improvement. A few found the coffee watery or bitter, and some wished for more gluten-free options.

There were also mentions of salty brussels sprouts and concerns about portion sizes, suggesting a few dishes might not always live up to expectations.

7.9 Food

174

Reviews

83%

Satisfaction

13

negative

15

neutral

146

positive

Rating distribution
What people like
  • Delicious sandwiches
  • Excellent coffee
  • Fresh salads
What people don't like
  • Inconsistent coffee quality
  • Limited gluten-free options
  • Salty brussels sprouts

Often praised

  • coffee
  • food
  • sandwiches
  • breakfast sandwich
  • sweet potato fries
  • veggie sandwich
  • French fries
  • bread
  • breakfast sandwiches
  • drip coffee

Frequently criticized

  • coffee
  • food
  • breakfast sandwich
  • brewed coffee
  • brussels sprouts
  • coffee shops
  • gluten free food options
  • greens
  • portion size
  • pour-over option

Overall, if you're looking for a place with generally good food, especially for sandwiches and coffee, this spot is definitely worth a try. While there are minor quibbles, the vast majority of diners leave satisfied, making it a solid choice for a casual meal.

Service (7.8 out of 10)

mentioned by 58% of the guests

When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.8 and customer satisfaction at 78.1%, its clear that many guests have had positive experiences. People frequently praise the "friendly staff, " "attentive owners, " and "excellent service, " often feeling genuinely "welcomed" by the team.

Based on 73 total comments, with 57 positive remarks, the overall vibe is definitely upbeat. However, its not without its hiccups. About 15 comments point to areas for improvement, mentioning issues like waiting time for orders, rude waitress encounters, and inconsistent service where some staff seemed aloof or made order errors.

While the positive experiences far outweigh the negative, there's a clear opportunity to smooth out these occasional bumps.

7.8 Service

73

Reviews

78%

Satisfaction

15

negative

1

neutral

57

positive

Rating distribution
What people like
  • Friendly, welcoming staff
  • Attentive owners
  • Excellent customer service
What people don't like
  • Long waiting times
  • Inconsistent service
  • Order mistakes

Often praised

  • service
  • staff
  • owner
  • people
  • barista
  • Colin
  • Friendly service
  • Service
  • Staff
  • WiFi

Frequently criticized

  • service
  • body language
  • call in
  • cashier
  • closing time
  • laptop use
  • online order
  • operating times
  • order
  • silverware

If youre looking for a place with generally warm and welcoming interactions, youll likely be pleased by the friendly staff and owners here. Just be aware that on occasion, you might encounter a bit of a wait or some inconsistency in service, so manage your expectations accordingly.

Ambience (8 out of 10)

mentioned by 77% of the guests

Lets talk about the vibe! The ambience here truly shines, earning a 8 score and an excellent 90.5% customer satisfaction. With 105 positive remarks out of 116 total, guests consistently praise the charming atmosphere, cozy feel, and abundant natural lighting.

Its often highlighted as a fantastic work space, offering good vibes. However, a few of the 7 negative comments mention concerns about the place feeling a bit run down or old. Some found the music to have ads, and a couple noted it could get cold inside due to heating issues.

A desire for more ambient noise was also mentioned, suggesting a very quiet atmosphere.

8 Ambience

116

Reviews

90%

Satisfaction

7

negative

4

neutral

105

positive

Rating distribution
What people like
  • Charming atmosphere
  • Excellent work space
  • Abundant natural light
What people don't like
  • Dated appearance
  • Music with ads
  • Inconsistent heating

Often praised

  • atmosphere
  • seating
  • vibe
  • Wi-Fi
  • WiFi
  • ambiance
  • cafe
  • cozy place
  • decor
  • great place

Frequently criticized

  • ambient noise
  • atmosphere
  • heating system
  • music
  • open seats
  • place
  • soporific attitude

If you're looking for a charming, cozy spot with great natural light and a productive work environment, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be aware that a few guests found it a bit cold or wished for different music, but these are minor points compared to the overwhelmingly positive feedback.

Value (5.2 out of 10)

mentioned by 20% of the guests

When it comes to value, there's a definite upside for some, with many praising the reasonable prices for coffee and breakfast, and finding the minimum for Wi-Fi quite fair. Out of 19 total comments, 7 positive remarks highlight that some feel they get good quality for their money, making it a pleasant spot to linger. However, the overall picture for value is a bit challenging, reflected in a score of 5.2, which is just average.

Customer satisfaction is notably low at 36.8%, indicating poor overall happiness. Many find certain items not-cheap-at-all or quite expensive, with 10 negative comments pointing to price issues and even discrepancies, making it tough for some to justify the cost.

5.2 Value

19

Reviews

36%

Satisfaction

10

negative

2

neutral

7

positive

Rating distribution
What people like
  • Fair Wi-Fi minimums
  • Reasonable breakfast prices
  • Good quality for price
What people don't like
  • Quite expensive items
  • Price discrepancies
  • Hard to justify

Often praised

  • prices
  • $10 minimum
  • $9.00
  • Prices
  • minimum
  • price

Frequently criticized

  • price
  • not-cheap-at-all

If youre looking for a spot with fair Wi-Fi minimums and some reasonably priced breakfast options, it might be worth a try. However, be prepared for potentially higher prices on other menu items, as many customers find the overall value disappointing. Its a bit of a gamble on what you order.

How are the prices at Beanstalk?

You’re looking at roughly 18 per person – reported by 45 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 what people actually spend, most guests (27 out of 45) are right in that $11–$20 sweet spot, with a few opting for slightly cheaper or pricier options.

Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 45 reviews.

How this spot’s value for money stacks up against similar restaurants in San Francisco.

Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Cafe in San Francisco. It hits that sweet spot where quality meets value, making it a solid choice for a casual meal or coffee.

Customer Reviews: what people think about Beanstalk

Price per Person
  • $21–$30
Visit Type
  • Food Exploration
Service Type
  • Dine-in
Wait Time
  • Immediate (0–5 min.)
Monika P.
Review date: 10/04/2025
7
Charming Atmosphere, Disappointing Coffee
My experience at Beanstalk Cafe was a mixed bag. The atmosphere was truly charming, described as warm, colorful, and full of antiques that made the space feel unique and cozy. I really loved all the little details, from vintage photographs to rustic accents, which gave me plenty to look at while I sat with my drink. However, I was disappointed with the coffee experience. When I asked for brewed coffee, I was told they weren’t making any more for the day. I wish they had at least offered a pour-over option, especially in a city like San Francisco where coffee culture is such a big deal. Honestly, I’ve been pretty underwhelmed by the coffee shops here overall, and this added to that feeling. Still, the latte art was beautiful, and the vibe of the cafe is what really shines. If you’re looking for a cozy spot with great atmosphere, it’s worth a visit — just don’t count on getting a straightforward cup of brewed coffee late in the day.
  • atmosphere10
  • little details9
  • vintage photographs9
  • brewed coffee2
  • pour-over option3
  • coffee shops3
Visit Type
  • Regular Visit
Service Type
  • Dine-in
Noise Level
  • Moderate
Dom P.
Review date: 09/20/2025
10
Absolute Favorite Cafe Gem!
My experience at this cafe was absolutely wonderful. It's my absolute favorite cafe in the city. The food was amazing, the staff were friendly, and the WiFi was fast. I also appreciated the great atmosphere, the availability of filtered water, and the spacious tables. The music wasn't too loud, and the bathroom was clean. I would highly recommend this place to anyone. It's a total gem!
  • food10
  • staff10
  • WiFi9
Price per Person
  • $11–$20
Visit Type
  • Casual Outing
Group Size
  • Solo
Service Type
  • Dine-in
Meal Type
  • Breakfast
Noise Level
  • Quiet
Manjit B.
Review date: 09/20/2025
9
Cute Cafe with Delicious Breakfast Burritos
My experience at this cafe was wonderful! It's a really cute cafe located near Mountain Lake park. I enjoyed their great green tea and lattes. The breakfast burritos were also delicious, and the sausage, which can sometimes be hit or miss, was perfect this time. The owner, who also seemed to be the barista, was very sweet and truly enhanced the overall experience. I highly recommend this place!
  • green tea8
  • lattes8
  • breakfast burritos9
Visit Type
  • Quick Meal
Service Type
  • Dine-in
Wait Time
  • Short (6–15 min.)
Iris S.
Review date: 07/27/2025
3
Normal Coffee, Long Wait
My experience at this restaurant was quite average. The coffee was very normal, the kind you'd get anywhere else. However, it took a considerable amount of time, about ten to 15 minutes, for just one latte, even though it wasn't particularly busy. Because of this long waiting time and the unremarkable quality, I wouldn't return.
  • coffee5
  • latte5
  • Service2
  • waiting time2
Visit Type
  • Regular Visit
Group Size
  • Solo
Service Type
  • Dine-in
Meal Type
  • Lunch
Katia M.
Review date: 07/21/2025
7
Mixed Experience: Great Ambiance, Disappointing Second Visit
My initial experience at this restaurant was overwhelmingly positive. I found the ambiance and character of the place to be great, and the service was super friendly. It's a great spot for work or study, offering wifi (with a $10+ purchase), outlets, good lighting, and ample tables. I enjoyed the garden bowl, particularly the shiitake mushrooms and sesame oil, and the iced matcha latte was good and as expected. However, my second visit was disappointing. While the service remained friendly, the rainbow quinoa bowl was not as good as my first meal. I was also confused by being charged $17. 33 for a dish listed at $15. 95 on the menu. The bowl itself was just okay; I liked the general composition, but the brussels sprouts were very salty, and there was an imbalance with more greens than quinoa, rendering the dressing unnecessary due to the saltiness.
  • ambiance10
  • service10
  • wifi8
  • rainbow quinoa bowl4
  • brussels sprouts3
  • greens4

What Beanstalk offers

Highlights

  • Great coffee
  • Great tea selection

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair accessible entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible seating
  • Wheelchair accessible restroom

Crowd

  • Groups

Payments

  • Credit cards
  • Debit cards
  • NFC mobile payments

Children

  • Kids' menu
  • Good for kids
  • High chairs

Popular for

  • Solo dining
  • Lunch
  • Breakfast

Amenities

  • Restroom

Offerings

  • Healthy options
  • Quick bite
  • Wine
  • Coffee
  • Beer
  • Alcohol

Dining options

  • Breakfast
  • Brunch
  • Dessert
  • Seating
  • Lunch

Service Options

  • Outdoor seating
  • Dine-in
  • Takeout
  • Delivery

Pets

  • Dogs allowed outside

Atmosphere

  • Cozy
  • Casual
  • Trendy

FAQs

What kind of dining experience can you expect at Beanstalk Cafe in San Francisco?
At Beanstalk Cafe, you can expect a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere. You’ll find a variety of dining options including breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dessert. It’s a welcoming spot in San Francisco where you can enjoy great coffee, healthy options, or a quick bite.
Yes, Beanstalk Cafe is good for kids, offering a kids’ menu and high chairs to make your family visit comfortable. Additionally, the cafe is fully accessible, featuring a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restroom, ensuring a welcoming experience for everyone.
Beanstalk receives a good overall score of 7.8 out of 10, with customer satisfaction at 82.5%. Its Ambience (8.0), Food (7.9), and Service (7.8) are particularly well-regarded, though Value (5.2) is more average.
Customers frequently praise Beanstalk’s sandwiches, especially the breakfast sandwich, noting the fresh bread. While coffee is generally liked, some have expressed disappointment with the lack of pour-over options.
Beanstalk offers a cozy atmosphere with reliable and fast WiFi, making it suitable for hanging out. However, be aware of a $10 minimum spend requirement for WiFi access and laptop use, which some customers found restrictive.
Loading map…
Location
4555 California St, 94118 San Francisco
Opening hours
Monday – Thursday
8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Friday – Sunday
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM