Highlights
- Great coffee
- Great tea selection
oChef » Karma Cafe – San Francisco
Karma Cafe - San Francisco
Photo from Karma Cafe
Karma Cafe at a glance
San Francisco Panhandle
- ☕ Café
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 38 of the guests
#1193 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#92 Café out of 162 in San Francisco
Good
7.5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
338
Reviews
77.2%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Unique atmosphere
- Friendly staff
- Good food
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Limited seating
- Unreliable hours
The cafe Karma Cafe in San Francisco’s vibrant Panhandle neighborhood offers a truly inviting experience. You’ll discover a cozy and casual spot perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed meal.
Known for its great coffee, this trendy cafe is a local favorite where you can unwind. Whether you’re starting your day with breakfast or grabbing lunch, you’ll find a welcoming atmosphere and excellent brews.
Overview: Introducting Karma Cafe
Karma Cafe offers a truly distinctive experience, celebrated for its incredibly welcoming and artistic atmosphere . Guests often praise the thoughtfully decorated space, which radiates warmth and unique charm, making it a beloved neighborhood spot.
It’s a place where the decor sparks joy and conversation. However, some visitors have noted that the cafe’s functionality can be a mixed bag.
While the vibes are consistently positive, there are occasional concerns about it feeling more like a grab n go spot due to limited indoor seating, which might disappoint those looking for a longer sit-down experience.
Good
7.5
out of 10
338
Reviews
77.2%
Satisfaction
70
negative
7
neutral
261
positive
Karma Cafe earns a solid overall score of 7.5, reflecting a generally positive customer experience. This is further supported by a good Customer Satisfaction rate of 77.2%, indicating that most patrons leave content.
These figures are drawn from a substantial 338 customer remarks, with 261 positive observations outweighing 70 negative ones. Delving deeper, the cafe shines in its Ambience (8.1) and Service (7.9), both rated highly for their inviting nature and attentive staff.
The Food (7.2) also performs well, offering a good selection of items. However, Value (4.1) stands out as a clear area for improvement, with many finding prices to be on the higher side, creating a noticeable contrast with the otherwise strong performance.
What people like
- Welcoming, unique atmosphere
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Good coffee and bites
What people don't like
- High prices
- Limited seating
- Inconsistent hours
If you’re seeking a cafe with a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere and friendly service, Karma Cafe is certainly worth considering. Its unique charm and solid food offerings make it a pleasant stop for a quick bite or a coffee.
Just be prepared for a potentially bustling environment. With a Recommendation Score of 7.6, it suggests a generally positive experience for many.
However, be mindful of the pricing, especially if you’re on a budget, as the value aspect is where it tends to fall short for some patrons.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Karma Cafe
Food (7.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 89% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark! With a good score of 7.2 and customer satisfaction sitting at a good 74.8%, many folks rave about the delicious coffee, fresh pastries, and a great mix of options, including tasty smoothies and homemade food. Out of 155 comments, 116 were positive, showing a strong appreciation for the offerings.
However, not everything is perfect. About 33 comments pointed out some areas for improvement, such as the breakfast quiche being rubbery, issues with bacon, and a desire for more diverse vegan options or better breakfast sandwiches. Some found certain items dry or tasteless, suggesting inconsistency in execution.
Food
155
Reviews
74%
Satisfaction
33
negative
6
neutral
116
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great coffee
- Delicious smoothies
- Fresh pastries
What people don't like
- Rubbery quiche
- Dry breakfast sandwich
- Limited vegan options
Often praised
- coffeeMy experience at this neighborhood spot was great! They offer great coffee and a good selection of quick bites, perfect for a snack or light lunch. The main space is adorned with friendly decor and a high ceiling that provides a warm sense of spaciousness.
- foodMy first visit was a special occasion, reconnecting with a close friend after a time apart. The food was also delicious. I hope you all get a chance to stop by and enjoy it.
- sandwichesSmoothies, sandwiches and coffee are all solid
- smoothiesThe staff were friendly, and they offered good coffee. I also appreciated the selection of sandwiches, salads, and smoothies. Additionally, there was a decent amount of seating available.
- pastriesMy experience at this local coffee shop was fantastic! I enjoyed the yummy pastries, good coffee, and coffee drinks. The terrific breakfast sandwiches and breakfast burritos were also a highlight.
- Very Berry smoothieI have yet to try more items on the menu, but I love the chicken pesto panini! Even though it might be pricey, it is extremely good :) The chicken pesto panini and Very Berry smoothie are about $18-$19.
- breakfast burritoI got the breakfast burrito and it was yummy
- breakfast sandwichesI enjoyed the yummy pastries, good coffee, and coffee drinks. The terrific breakfast sandwiches and breakfast burritos were also a highlight. I particularly loved the vibe here; they even change the theme to meet the holidays.
- coffee drinksI had an experience with excellent vibes at this restaurant, featuring a hip interior and eclectic decor. I loved the unique coffee drinks they serve, and it was a bonus that they have WiFi. However, I wasn't as impressed with their breakfast sandwich.
- drinksmonthly changing drinks!
Frequently criticized
- breakfast sandwichsmall, overpriced breakfast sandwich
- English muffin breakfast sandwichThe English muffin breakfast sandwich was horrible in all the same ways but the muffin itself was greasy and had a texture of a cheese puff.
- Lavender LemonadeLavender Lemonade tastes like potpourri
- almond milkshe watched them put whole milk in it
- arugulathere was arugula on the bagel and it did not match well with the flavors.
- avocadothe avocado’s were not fresh
- baconThe bacon was gray, it didn't taste like bacon
- bacon quicheit was so rubbery it was gross
- breakfast burritoso soggy that it was inedible
- breakfast quichetasteless rubbery breakfast quiche
If youre looking for great coffee, fresh pastries, and delicious smoothies, youll likely be pleased. Just be mindful that some breakfast items and specific vegan options might be a bit of a hit or miss. It's worth a try for a casual bite, but perhaps stick to their strengths.
Service (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 63% of the guests
Alright, lets talk service! This place really shines, boasting a strong score of 7.9 and a fantastic 80.6% customer satisfaction. With 50 positive remarks out of 62, many customers rave about the friendly staff, kind baristas, and overall excellent service, often highlighting their efficiency, attentiveness, and genuine care for customers.
However, its not all perfect. The 12 negative comments point to some areas for improvement, particularly concerning weak customer service skills, occasional rudeness from staff, and frustratingly long wait times, sometimes leading to incorrect orders. It seems communication and consistency could be clearer at times.
Service
62
Reviews
80%
Satisfaction
12
negative
0
neutral
50
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, kind staff
- Excellent, attentive service
- Efficient and caring
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Weak customer service
- Incorrect orders
Often praised
- staffThe outside of the cafe is very inviting, with colorful walls and bubbles flying everywhere! The inside was just as whimsical, and the staff was very nice. I ordered an americano with oat milk and a breakfast bagel sandwich.
- service5 star service and satisfying.
- WiFithe WiFi is stable
- baristasWarm and friendly baristas
- AlexAlex was kind to offer what was available.
- People working therePeople working there are very nice
- awesome staffgive a shout out to the awesome staff here.
- baristaBarista was friendly and did his job well
- convenientThis is a nice place to grab a sandwich, salad, or smoothie. It's particularly convenient for those waiting for the 21 Hayes or 43 Masonic bus routes.
- conversations with customersI always love coming to Karma Cafe for lunch while I wait for my next class. The people are very friendly and always have conversations with their customers! I have yet to try more items on the menu, but I love the chicken pesto panini!
Frequently criticized
- staffstaff could care less if the food and drink taste bad
- business hoursvisited during business hours in AM and it’s just closed
- communication50 per sandwich just to switch the bagel type (from plain to everything, even though those are the same price in stores). The problem was that they didn’t tell me about it. It seems a bit dishonest to not inform me when THEY were the ones who asked if I wanted a different bagel type.
- counter serviceCounter service felt pretty transactional
- customer service skillsstaff to have weak customer service skills
- hoursduring their hours, it is closed
- order incorrectI placed a takeout order for two breakfast burritos and a salad. The order took thirty minutes longer than initially estimated, and to make matters worse, they got the order incorrect.
- restaurant closurearrived 1.5 hours after it was supposed to be open only to find it was not
- wait timesWait times are too long
- waiting timetook thirty minutes longer than they said
If youre looking for a spot with genuinely warm and attentive people, youll likely be pleased here. Just be prepared that on occasion, you might encounter a longer wait or a minor hiccup with your order.
Ambience (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 80% of the guests
The ambience here truly shines, earning a solid 8.1 score and delighting 86.8% of customers! Guests rave about the festive decor, cool atmosphere, and eclectic interior design, often highlighting the unique dog wall of fame. With 92 positive remarks out of 106, its clear the vibrant vibe and welcoming space make a big impression.
However, a few points could use a tweak. Some visitors noted issues with indoor seating availability, feeling it was more of a grab n go spot rather than a sit-down cafe. There were also comments about the space feeling a bit cramped' or the chairs not being comfortable.
These 13 negative observations suggest minor areas for improvement.
Ambience
106
Reviews
86%
Satisfaction
13
negative
1
neutral
92
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Unique, eclectic decor
- Dog-friendly atmosphere
- Welcoming, vibrant vibe
What people don't like
- Limited indoor seating
- Can feel cramped
- Decor can be cluttered
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at Karma Cafe was truly reinvigorating and uplifting. The thoughtfully decorated space radiates warmth, solidarity, and inclusion, creating an atmosphere that feels like a feminist fever dream come true. It's the soul of our neighborhood.
- decorI had an experience with excellent vibes at this restaurant, featuring a hip interior and eclectic decor. I loved the unique coffee drinks they serve, and it was a bonus that they have WiFi.
- vibeMy experience at Karma Cafe was fantastic! The cafe boasts a wonderful vibe and offers amazing coffee/food options at extremely good prices. The staff and owner were both attentive and friendly.
- decorationsThe chocolate croissant was very yummy. The atmosphere is beautiful and very hippie, with tons of decorations filling every inch of the place. It's so much fun to stare at all the knickknacks and details.
- placelovingly decorated place that includes a ton of puppies and fairies
- vibesThe atmosphere is incredibly welcoming and adorable, making it my favorite cafe in the whole world and my favorite place in SF. It's always themed with the seasons, offering good vibes and even cute dogs! I love, love, love it.
- bathroomthe bathroom is accessible
- cafeloving place. Dog friendly to the point of doggos are sacred there
- environmentLovely environment with great service
- insideThe outside of the cafe is very inviting, with colorful walls and bubbles flying everywhere! The inside was just as whimsical, and the staff was very nice. I ordered an americano with oat milk and a breakfast bagel sandwich.
Frequently criticized
- indoor seatingMy experience was that all indoor seating is gone and the top floor was closed to employees only. This made it more of a grab n go spot than a sit down cafe like the pictures show, which was unfortunately disappointing.
- cafe interiorthe entire cafe interior looks like a hoarder's treasure trunk
- chairswish the chairs were a bit more comfortable
- grab n go spotmore of a grab n go spot
- padlockedMy experience at this restaurant was that it seems to be closed. Every time I have visited during their stated hours, I have found it to be closed and padlocked.
- parkingParking is limited
- placeThe structure fools you into thinking the place might actually have good food
- restaurantthis place is closed
- signSign said 4:00 on the door
- sit down cafeMy experience was that all indoor seating is gone and the top floor was closed to employees only. This made it more of a grab n go spot than a sit down cafe like the pictures show, which was unfortunately disappointing.
If you're looking for a place with a unique, vibrant, and dog-friendly atmosphere, this spot is definitely worth checking out for its delightful decor and good vibes. Just be aware that seating might be limited, making it better for a quick visit or if you prefer a more casual, grab-and-go experience.
Value (4.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 17% of the guests
Based on 15 customer comments, the value here gets an average score of 4.1, though customer satisfaction sits at a poor 20%. Some folks really appreciate the good prices for certain items, finding them fantastic for the city, especially for coffee and food options. However, many feel the overall experience is quite pricey or even expensive, especially for items like breakfast sandwiches.
Extra charges, such as for a bagel type switch fee or plant-based milks, also contribute to a feeling of being overcharged.
Value
15
Reviews
20%
Satisfaction
12
negative
0
neutral
3
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good prices
- Affordable options
What people don't like
- Pricey items
- Extra charges
- Expensive sandwiches
Often praised
- pricesThe staff were incredibly friendly, and the location was cool. I was particularly impressed with the super tasty food/drinks, which were also offered at good prices : -) We visited twice, once for breakfast and again for lunch, and I can wholeheartedly recommend it!
- pricegreat price for the city
Frequently criticized
- priceHowever, I wasn't as impressed with their breakfast sandwich. It was very expensive and ultimately bland. I think I'd save money by sticking to their drinks instead.
- priceyI have yet to try more items on the menu, but I love the chicken pesto panini! Even though it might be pricey, it is extremely good :) The chicken pesto panini and Very Berry smoothie are about $18-$19.
- bagel type switch feecharged me $1.50 per sandwich just to switch the bagel type
- breakfast sandwichoverpriced breakfast sandwich (paid $11+)
- expensivethe coffee was pretty expensive
- placePersonally I find this place too overrated
- plant-based milksextra was charged for plant-based milks
- pricesthey just raised prices by $2 per smoothie
- pricingthey’re already pretty pricy
- smoothie to go$12 plus tip for a smoothie to go?
If you're looking for a good deal on coffee or certain food items, you might find some value here. However, be prepared for potentially high costs on other menu items and extra charges that can quickly add up, making it feel less like a bargain.
How are the prices at Karma Cafe?
You’re looking at roughly 16 per person – reported by 38 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.
Most guests (25 out of 38) stick to this $11–$20 range, showing a pretty consistent pricing experience.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 38 reviews.
How this Cafe’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing here feels pretty fair for a Cafe in San Francisco. It offers a good mid-range option without breaking the bank, which is always a plus!
Customer Reviews: what people think about Karma Cafe
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
8
Cozy Cafe with Good Food
My experience at this "crazy" café was very pleasant; I felt comfortable. The food was delicious, although there's room for improvement with the coffee. Overall, it's recommendable.
- food9
- coffee6
- atmosphere8
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Great Neighborhood Cafe with Seasonal Charm
My experience at this neighborhood cafe was overwhelmingly positive. The smoothies, sandwiches, and coffee were all solid, indicating good quality across the board. I particularly appreciated the extensive rotating seasonal decorations, which added a unique and engaging atmosphere.
The addition of a ferry garden was a delightful bonus, further enhancing the overall ambiance. The service was prompt with no wait time, and the atmosphere was rated highly.
- smoothies8
- sandwiches8
- coffee8
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Great Vegan Finds and Cozy Vibe
I'm a big fan of this place! It has a unique, hippy vibe, and the food and coffee are great. They offer a few vegan options, which is fantastic.
My chai was wonderful – not overly sweet like at other cafes, but rich, gingery, and herbal. I enjoyed the vegan banana bread and a vegan vege wrap. It's a great find for vegans!
The service was polite, friendly, and speedy. Bathroom and water were readily available. They even offer free puppy snacks, which is a nice touch.
While waiting for food, you can enjoy board games and browse the little nick-nacks around the place. Parking is a bit limited, though mostly free on the street. It's a great spot for a lunch break.
Highly recommend!
- food9
- vegan options10
- chai10
- parking4
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
7
Great Atmosphere, Lacking Smoothie Options
My experience at the restaurant was marked by a great atmosphere and yummy options. However, I encountered a limitation as I wish they had a plant-based protein option for the smoothies.
- atmosphere8
- yummy options8
- plant-based protein option4
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Old pastries and disappointing bread
My experience at this restaurant was largely disappointing due to the quality of the food. While the coffee was fine, the ham and cheese croissant was days old and chewy. I ate it out of hunger.
I then tried a cherry danish, which was also days old. I returned it and received a slice of coconut/mango bread, which was hard and old. Bad Karma.
- coffee5
- ham and cheese croissant2
- cherry danish2
- coconut/mango bread1
What Karma Cafe offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Solo dining
- Lunch
- Breakfast
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Vegan options
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Happy hour food
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Seating
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Dessert
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of dining options and atmosphere can you expect at Karma Cafe?
At Karma Cafe, you can enjoy a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dessert. They offer comfortable seating, including outdoor options, and even allow dogs outside. You’ll find a welcoming spot whether you’re dining in or grabbing a quick bite.
Does Karma Cafe offer healthy and dietary-friendly options, and what about accessibility?
Yes, Karma Cafe provides healthy, vegan, and vegetarian options, ensuring there’s something for everyone. The cafe is also fully accessible, featuring a wheelchair-accessible entrance, seating, and restroom. You can also enjoy free Wi-Fi and a gender-neutral restroom.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Karma Cafe?
Karma Cafe has an overall score of 7.5 and a Customer Satisfaction of 77.2%. Customers generally appreciate the Ambience (8.1), Service (7.9), and Food (7.2), though Value (4.1) is a weaker point.
What makes the atmosphere at Karma Cafe stand out?
The atmosphere at Karma Cafe is frequently described as incredibly welcoming and unique, with a hip interior and eclectic decor. Many find the space thoughtfully decorated, radiating warmth and good vibes, often themed seasonally.
Are the prices at Karma Cafe considered reasonable?
While some customers find the food and drinks tasty, many opinions suggest that the prices are on the higher side, particularly for items like breakfast sandwiches and smoothies. This contributes to the lower score for Value.