Mario's Bohemian Cigar Store Cafe - Reviews

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

As a third-generation San Francisco native, I’ve seen the City change a lot over the years, but I’m so grateful that Mario’s has remained a constant. It’s the epitome of old-school SF - unpretentious, welcoming, and a space everyone can feel at home. For anyone who doesn’t know, it’s been family-owned and operated for over 50 years, and the dedication they put into their business shows. Now, 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😍). 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. I’ve seen a few comments about the service being slow at times, and I’ll say this: Mario’s is run by a small but mighty team - never more than 3 people on shift (due to limited space) - who are juggling EVERYTHING indoor and out with hustle. This isn’t fast food. It’s real food, made by a family that genuinely cares about what they put on your plate. And in all realness, if eating quality food isn’t a priority for you or you’re deeply impatient/ have attitude issues (like other reviewers sound), then go somewhere else and just have regrets later🤷‍♀️ Beyond and above all, Mario’s is more than just a café, it’s a living piece of San Francisco history. If you haven’t been yet, you should change that! Until then, you’re missing out…big time!

My 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. I was thoroughly impressed with the overall experience.

My experience at this restaurant was a 10/10! I initially came for drinks and was pleasantly surprised by the amazing food, especially the focaccia with eggplant. I also left with some great merch. I can highly recommend this place; the vibes are great, the food is amazing, and the drinks and coffee are perfect. It's the ideal spot to have a drink outside and soak in the SF atmosphere.

My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The food was good, earning a high rating. However, the service was extremely unprofessional, unpleasant, and uninterested, which significantly detracted from the overall experience. Due to the terrible service, I will not be returning.

The place itself is beautiful. That's all. The coffee is nothing like Italian coffee; it's like dirty water. It was a real disappointment because the place is truly characteristic, much like Washington Square.