Highlights
- Great coffee
- Great beer selection
oChef » Mario’s Bohemian Cigar Store Cafe – San Francisco
Mario's Bohemian Cigar Store Cafe - San Francisco
Photo from Mario’s Bohemian Cigar Store Cafe
Mario's Bohemian Cigar Store Cafe at a glance
San Francisco North Beach
- ☕ Café
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 82 of the guests
#536 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#55 Café out of 162 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.1 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
431
Reviews
82.6%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Italian food
- Cozy ambiance
Frequently criticized
- Slow service
- Overpriced drinks
The cafe Mario’s Bohemian Cigar Store Cafe in San Francisco’s vibrant North Beach neighborhood offers you a truly authentic experience. You’ll discover a place renowned for its great coffee, perfect for starting your day or enjoying a quick pick-me-up.
This historic spot invites you to relax in a casual, trendy atmosphere, whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or settling in for a longer visit.
Overview: Introducting Mario's Bohemian Cigar Store Cafe
Mario’s offers a delightful escape with its inviting atmosphere, often described as charming and cozy. Many appreciate the authentic feel and the opportunity for great people watching, especially from the outside seating.
You’ll find the food to be a consistent highlight, with many praising the delicious offerings and generous portions, making it a popular spot for a satisfying meal.
Excellent
8.1
out of 10
431
Reviews
82.6%
Satisfaction
56
negative
19
neutral
356
positive
Mario’s earns a solid 8.1 overall, reflecting a generally positive experience for many patrons. Customer satisfaction stands at a healthy 82.6%, indicating that most visitors leave content.
This positive sentiment is built on 356 positive remarks against only 56 negative ones, out of 431 total customer comments.
What people like
- Delicious Italian food
- Charming, cozy ambiance
- Good overall value
What people don't like
- Inconsistent, slow service
- Overpriced drinks
- Parking can be difficult
With a strong 8.3 recommendation score, Mario’s is certainly worth considering for its excellent food and inviting atmosphere. If you’re seeking a place with character and delicious Italian fare, it’s a solid choice.
Just be prepared for the possibility of varied service and potential parking challenges.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Mario's Bohemian Cigar Store Cafe
Food (8.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 91% of the guests
When it comes to the food here, youre in for a treat! With a solid score of 8.6 and customer satisfaction soaring at 89.3%, its clear most diners are loving whats on offer. Out of 205 comments, a whopping 183 rave about delicious focaccia, amazing tiramisu, quality sandwiches, and perfect pizza.
However, its not entirely without its minor hiccups, as 14 comments point out. A few folks found the focaccia bread over-toasted, some eggplant dishes lacked memorable flavor, and there were mentions of disappointing coffee or cannelloni. But these seem to be isolated incidents rather than widespread issues.
Food
205
Reviews
89%
Satisfaction
14
negative
8
neutral
183
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Amazing focaccia
- Delicious tiramisu
- Quality sandwiches
What people don't like
- Over-toasted focaccia
- Excessive mustard dressing
- Poor coffee quality
Often praised
- foodNow, let’s talk about the FOOD! You really can‘t go wrong with anything on their menu, it’s all so good! My personal favorites are the Chicken #2, any of the paninis seriously, the breaded eggplant, all of their salads with bacon or chicken added, and their meatball sandwich (meatballs and marinara made from scratch😍).
- sandwichesThe "half" sandwiches—baked eggplant for one of us, Italian sausage and onions for the other—were only half in name.
- coffeeThe coffee is from Graffeo another gem in this neighborhood
- tiramisuMy personal favorites are the Chicken #2, any of the paninis seriously, the breaded eggplant, all of their salads with bacon or chicken added, and their meatball sandwich (meatballs and marinara made from scratch😍). And, don’t get me started on the heaven that is their tiramisu! I can be picky, but I’ve never had something at Mario’s that I didn’t want to eat on repeat.
- focacciadelicious focaccia from Liguria Bakery, one of the best in the city
- meatball sandwichYou really can‘t go wrong with anything on their menu, it’s all so good! My personal favorites are the Chicken #2, any of the paninis seriously, the breaded eggplant, all of their salads with bacon or chicken added, and their meatball sandwich (meatballs and marinara made from scratch😍). And, don’t get me started on the heaven that is their tiramisu!
- beerThis is a super cool spot to pop in for a beer and meet people. I’m a huge fan.
- drinksThe drinks were also great
- espressoI wholeheartedly recommend Mario's to anyone visiting San Francisco. Our usual order includes a basket of Liguria focaccia, a combo sandwich, espresso, and a house Campari and prosecco. We love to sit outside, especially in the parklet, where there are ample seats, and spend our time people watching.
- FoodFood:5
Frequently criticized
- foodthe food is nothing special
- CappuccinoCappuccino doesn't have 3/4 +half cup of milk/foam
- FoodFood:2
- another sandwichWith only one cook and one server during lunch, the food was spotty and so was the service. While the grilled panini were good, another sandwich was inedible due to excessive mustardy dressing. It's a gamble eating here.
- cannelloni dishtricked us into the cannelloni dish without even a sheet of pasta
- coffeeIl caffè non ha nulla di italiano, acqua sporca
- eggplanteggplant inside did not have a memorable flavor
- foccacia breadfoccacia bread of our sandwich was way over toasted
- meatball sandwichesI hate meatball sandwhiches
- milk/foamdoesn't have 3/4 +half cup of milk/foam
If youre looking for a place with consistently good Italian fare, especially their focaccia, sandwiches, and tiramisu, youll likely leave very happy. While there are a few minor misses, the overall food experience is highly recommended for a satisfying meal.
Service (6.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 67% of the guests
When it comes to service, many guests have had some truly delightful experiences. With 54 positive remarks out of 90 total opinions, patrons frequently praise the friendly staff, super service, and attentive approach, often highlighting how accommodating the team can be. It seems many appreciate the genuine warmth and extra effort from the crew.
However, the picture isn't entirely rosy, with 32 negative comments pointing to areas for improvement. Some customers have unfortunately encountered slow service, felt ignored, or found the staff to be occasionally unprofessional. This contributes to an overall score of 6.5 and a customer satisfaction of 60%, indicating a mixed bag where experiences can vary.
Service
90
Reviews
60%
Satisfaction
32
negative
4
neutral
54
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Goes extra mile
- Super service
What people don't like
- Service can be slow
- Customers feel ignored
- Staff unprofessional at times
Often praised
- serviceI enjoyed the excellent sandwiches, the diverse drink selection, and the pleasant ambiance. Despite the restaurant being busy, the service was speedy, making me feel like a priority rather than an afterthought. I was thoroughly impressed with the overall experience.
- staffHowever, the service was super slow, which seems to be a common issue as it's taken a ton of time for our server to take orders and bring out food and drinks on previous visits. Despite the slow service, the staff is friendly, and I believe they might be short-handed on weekends. It's a good place for a good meal at a fair price, but don't expect it to be super quick.
- ServiceService:5
- BradBrad our waiter was great
- DanielaWe have had many things on the menu and are never disappointed. We got engaged here tonight, and Daniela made our night. This place is simple and has old-world charm.
- Dario and his sisterAs I mentioned at the beginning, it's a family-run business for a few generations. Currently, Dario and his sister run it, and both maintain the Mediterranean warmth and natural smiles :)). The food and wines are wonderful, and the price-to-value balance is superb.
- StaffBoth the cannelloni and the lasagna were delicious. Staff was very friendly and service was excellent.
- Super serviceSuper service
- Wait timeWait time:No wait
- attentionmuy buena la atención
Frequently criticized
- servicenightmare service from a young, red-headed “server”
- staffThe ignorance is insane. They will blatantly ignore you and wait for you to leave. The staff should be ashamed of themselves.
- waitressWatched as the waitress served a patron that came in after us.
- attentioneven though we went to called her many times but she never bothered
- bossthe boss had told him that there were no cannelloni
- customer serviceto maintain a business, you need customers
- experienceabsolutely horrified at how bad my experience was
- girl waitressdidn’t appreciate this girl waitress who today basically kicked me off
- honestyPlease, it is better to be honest from the beginning
- ignoredI watched as the waitress served a patron who came in after us. We moved to a table and continued to be ignored until we finally left. I can only infer that this establishment doesn’t value certain minority business.
If youre looking for a place with potentially warm and attentive service, its worth a try, especially if you're not in a rush. Just be prepared that experiences can be a bit inconsistent, so patience might be key on busier days.
Ambience (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 78% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot truly shines! With an impressive score of 8.4 and an excellent customer satisfaction rate of 90.3%, its clear most folks love the vibe. Out of 124 comments, a whopping 112 rave about the outside seating, local vibe, and old-world charm, creating a great atmosphere that makes you want to linger and enjoy the views.
However, not every experience is perfect. A small handful of 8 comments out of 124 pointed out a few minor snags. Some found parking a challenge, while others wished for chair pads for outdoor comfort.
One even mentioned a specific interaction that killed the vibe of the place' for them, suggesting consistency could be improved.
Ambience
124
Reviews
90%
Satisfaction
8
negative
4
neutral
112
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great atmosphere
- Outdoor seating views
- Old-world charm
What people don't like
- Difficult parking
- No chair pads
- Vibe disruption
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at Mario's Bohemian Cigar Store Cafe in San Francisco's North Beach was truly delightful. This beloved local gem offers a charming and cozy atmosphere, enhanced by its vintage decor and eclectic artwork. The menu features a wonderful selection of Italian fare, with their signature focaccia sandwiches being a standout.
- ambianceMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed the excellent sandwiches, the diverse drink selection, and the pleasant ambiance. Despite the restaurant being busy, the service was speedy, making me feel like a priority rather than an afterthought.
- musicMy experience at this low key joint was fantastic. The atmosphere was great, with great music and a friendly staff. I highly recommend trying the meatball sandwich, it was delicious!
- locationWhat saved the experience for us was the location
- placeThis is a cute little place that's great for sightseeing. The drinks and food are good, and the views and ambience are cool.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- historydelivers generations of history
- outside seatingMy experience at this restaurant was simply the best in North Beach and San Francisco. The bar offered a great vibe, and the outside seating was a lovely addition. They have a great selection of beer and wine, and the food was excellent.
- people watchingspend time people watching
- sitting outsideEnjoyed sitting outside
Frequently criticized
- cigar storeI was chased away for smoking, which was particularly disappointing given that I had previously enjoyed Cuban cigars there 8 years ago. It's a business that calls itself a cigar store, yet it prohibits smoking. Despite this, the excellent food, ambiance, and people watching made for an enjoyable experience overall.
- chair padsneed some chair pads for the outdoor sitting
- parkingParking is a pain in this neighborhood
- parking spaceSomewhat difficult to find parking
- placeplace is a totally what gives SF a bad name
- red wine glasseschallenge their red wine glasses
- vibe of the placeShe killed the whole vibe of the place for me
If youre looking for a place with fantastic character and a lively, welcoming feel, this spot is definitely worth a visit. Just be prepared for potential parking challenges, and youll likely have a wonderful time soaking in the unique ambiance.
Value (7 out of 10)
mentioned by 12% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot generally hits the mark! Many folks appreciate the price-to-value balance, finding the food and portions to be fairly priced and accessible. With a solid score of 7, it seems you often get what you pay for, especially with options like a reasonable price per person for a good meal.
This positive sentiment is echoed in 7 out of 12 customer remarks. However, not everyone is completely thrilled, as customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 58.3%. A couple of comments point out that some items, specifically the wines, are considered basic yet overpriced, and the $7 Peronis also raised an eyebrow.
While the overall value is good, there might be a few specific items where the pricing feels a bit off.
Value
12
Reviews
58%
Satisfaction
2
negative
3
neutral
7
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fairly priced food
- Superb value balance
- Accessible prices
What people don't like
- Overpriced wines
- Expensive Peronis
Often praised
- pricedecent size too for the price so you definitely get what you pay for
- fair priceDespite the slow service, the staff is friendly, and I believe they might be short-handed on weekends. It's a good place for a good meal at a fair price, but don't expect it to be super quick. The nice view of the park was a pleasant addition.
- fairly pricedIt’s a Fairly priced, huge, high quality sandwich
- price per personthe price per person was reasonable
- price-to-value balanceCurrently, Dario and his sister run it, and both maintain the Mediterranean warmth and natural smiles :)). The food and wines are wonderful, and the price-to-value balance is superb. We loved it and definitely recommend it!
- pricesthe prices were accessible
Frequently criticized
- $7 peronis$7 peronis could be better
- wineswines are basic yet overpriced
If youre looking for a meal that offers good bang for your buck, this place is generally a solid choice. Just be mindful that while the foods value is often praised, some specific drink options, like the wines and Peronis, might feel a bit steep. Its worth a visit for the food, but perhaps stick to other beverages if youre watching your budget closely.
How are the prices at Mario's Bohemian Cigar Store Cafe?
You’re looking at roughly 22 per person – reported by 82 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Cafe, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what people actually spend, we see a good mix! While the average is 22, a big chunk of guests found options in the $11–$20 range, and even some budget-friendly bites under 10 $. So, there’s definitely flexibility to spend a little less or a little more, depending on your craving!
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 82 reviews.
How this Cafe’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, for a Cafe in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels pretty fair. It offers enough variety to suit different budgets, making it a solid choice whether you’re looking for a quick, affordable coffee or a more substantial meal.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Mario's Bohemian Cigar Store Cafe
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Mario's: A 40-Year Love Affair
I've been a loyal customer of Mario's for over 40 years, visiting every time I'm in San Francisco. My first visit, on a cloudy, rainy day, was made warm and memorable by a delicious cafe mocha and a focaccia sandwich. I absolutely love this cozy, friendly, corner spot on the park.
I've shared my affection for Mario's with my wife and two sons, who also appreciate the ambiance, offerings, and location. We're such fans that we all wear Mario's t-shirts! I'm already eagerly anticipating my next visit.
- cafe mocha9
- focaccia sandwich9
- ambiance10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Quiet
8
Cool old place with outdoor seating
My experience at this restaurant was enjoyable. It's a cool old place with a lot of history, perfect for grabbing a sandwich. I particularly enjoyed sitting outside and watching the traffic and people in the park across the street.
The atmosphere was quiet, easy to talk.
- cool old place8
- history7
- sitting outside8
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Tasty Sandwiches and Great Coffee
My experience at the restaurant was very positive, primarily due to the tasty sandwiches. The chicken pesto panini was a standout favorite, and I also loved the bread used for my eggplant sandwich. To complement the food, I enjoyed a great Americano.
The overall experience was enhanced by the pleasant atmosphere.
- chicken pesto panini9
- bread8
- Americano9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Great Music and Late-Night Pizza!
My experience at this restaurant was very good! Even though they were about to close the kitchen, they were kind enough to bake pizzas for us anyway. The music was great as well!
- pizzas9
- music9
- kitchen closing9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Authentic Italian Experience with Great Beer
My experience at this restaurant felt like being back home in Italy. The Peronis, while priced at $7, were incredibly good. The food, service, and atmosphere all received a perfect 5/5 rating.
- Peronis9
- food10
- service10
- $7 peronis4
What Mario's Bohemian Cigar Store Cafe offers
Crowd
- Tourists
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- High chairs
Popular for
- Solo dining
- Lunch
- Breakfast
Offerings
- Late-night food
- Vegan options
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Organic dishes
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
- Dogs allowed
Parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Historic
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere and dining options can you expect at Mario's Bohemian Cigar Store Cafe?
You can expect a historic, casual, and trendy atmosphere at Mario’s Bohemian Cigar Store Cafe. They offer dining options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, along with dessert, and provide comfortable seating with table service.
Does Mario's Bohemian Cigar Store Cafe cater to specific dietary needs or offer late-night service?
Yes, Mario’s Bohemian Cigar Store Cafe offers vegan and vegetarian options, as well as organic dishes. You can also enjoy late-night food, making it a great spot for a quick bite anytime.
What is the overall customer experience like at Mario's?
Mario’s generally provides a good experience, with an overall score of 8.1 and customer satisfaction at 82.6%. Customers particularly enjoy the Food (8.6) and Ambience (8.4), while Value (7) is good, though Service (6.5) can be a mixed bag.
What are the standout menu items at Mario's?
Customers frequently praise the paninis, especially the meatball sandwich and breaded eggplant. The focaccia, often sourced from Liguria Bakery, is also a favorite, as is the tiramisu for dessert. Many also enjoy the coffee and diverse drink selection.
How is the service and atmosphere at Mario's?
The atmosphere is often described as charming, cozy, and having an old-world charm, with many enjoying the outside seating and people watching. Service can be inconsistent; while some report speedy and friendly staff, others have experienced slow or inattentive service.