Highlights
- Great coffee
- Great tea selection
oChef » Sutter Street Cafe – San Francisco
Sutter Street Cafe - San Francisco
Photo from Sutter Street Cafe
Sutter Street Cafe at a glance
San Francisco Union Square
- ☕ Café
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 117 of the guests
#243 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#22 Café out of 162 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
572
Reviews
89%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Friendly service
- Good value
Frequently criticized
- Limited seating
- Hidden location
- Wait times
The cafe Sutter Street Cafe invites you to experience a delightful break in the heart of San Francisco’s vibrant Union Square. Known for its great coffee, this casual spot is perfect for a quick bite or a leisurely meal.
Whether you’re starting your day with breakfast, grabbing lunch, or enjoying a sweet dessert, you’ll find a welcoming atmosphere. It’s a fantastic choice for anyone seeking quality coffee and a comfortable setting in the city.
Overview: Introducting Sutter Street Cafe
Sutter Street Cafe offers a delightful experience, particularly noted for its well-prepared dishes and generous portions. Many appreciate the fresh ingredients that go into their substantial sandwiches and satisfying breakfast options.
The friendly staff consistently provides attentive service, making for a welcoming visit. While the cafe shines in its offerings, finding it can be a bit of a challenge, as its entrance is somewhat tucked away.
The seating is also quite limited, which might not suit everyone looking for an extended dine-in experience. Despite these minor points, it remains a popular spot.
Excellent
8.5
out of 10
572
Reviews
89%
Satisfaction
37
negative
26
neutral
509
positive
Sutter Street Cafe maintains a strong overall standing with a Restaurant Score of 8.5, indicating a good dining experience. This is supported by a Customer Satisfaction of 89%, reflecting a generally pleased clientele.
The positive feedback is largely driven by the excellent Food (8.7), where many patrons commend the quality of their sandwiches and breakfast items. Similarly, the Service (8.9) receives high marks for its friendly and efficient approach.
While Ambience (7.1) is considered good, some note its tucked-away location and limited seating. However, the cafe offers good Value (7.8), with many appreciating the reasonable prices for generous portions.
These insights are drawn from a substantial body of feedback, including 509 positive remarks against only 37 negative ones, out of 572 total customer comments.
What people like
- Delicious, fresh food
- Friendly, quick service
- Affordable, good value
What people don't like
- Limited seating
- Challenging to locate
- Occasional wait times
If you’re seeking a reliable spot for a satisfying meal with excellent service and reasonable prices, Sutter Street Cafe is a solid choice. It particularly excels for those looking for a quick, quality breakfast or a substantial sandwich.
The overall Recommendation Score of 8.7 suggests it’s well worth considering for your next meal. However, be mindful that it’s more suited for a grab-and-go or a brief visit due to its smaller dining area and somewhat hidden entrance.
If a spacious, leisurely dining experience is your priority, you might find it less ideal. For a convenient and tasty option, it generally delivers.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Sutter Street Cafe
Food (8.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot really shines, boasting an impressive score of 8.7 and an excellent customer satisfaction rate of 95.3%! With 322 positive remarks out of 338 total, patrons consistently rave about the amazing sandwiches, diverse breakfast options, and the quality of fresh ingredients. Many also highlight the delicious coffee and baked goods.
However, a few diners noted some minor hiccups. There were occasional mentions of burnt bagels or a stale hashbrown, and some found certain drinks disappointing or their coffee lukewarm. These instances, though infrequent, suggest a slight inconsistency in execution.
Food
338
Reviews
95%
Satisfaction
13
negative
3
neutral
322
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Amazing sandwiches
- Fresh ingredients
- Excellent coffee
What people don't like
- Burnt bagels
- Stale hashbrowns
- Lukewarm coffee
Often praised
- foodDon't let the fact that you have to go through the lobby of the building intimidate you from checking this place out! It's a great little breakfast spot with terrific food and very friendly staff. There is room to dine in, yet it might not be able to fit the whole volleyball team.
- sandwichesThe SW deli Chicken sandwich was huge and delicious, and the Cappuccino was one of the best I've had. I will definitely come back to try more sandwiches. The lady working was having her lunch (it was late afternoon) but quickly took my order and made the sandwich before going back to her lunch.
- coffeeIf you're looking for a place to go in the morning and don't have any specific preferences, I recommend this spot. When you order breakfast, they include coffee and hash browns, which are truly delicious. It's a meal that makes you feel like a true American office worker.
- sandwichevery sandwich on the menu including the breakfast croissant looks so amazing
- breakfastIf you're looking for a place to go in the morning and don't have any specific preferences, I recommend this spot. When you order breakfast, they include coffee and hash browns, which are truly delicious. It's a meal that makes you feel like a true American office worker.
- FoodThe eggs were cooked perfectly, as was the bacon. Everything was delicious.
- espressoA great espresso on the go!
- ingredientsThe sandwiches and smoothies were both wonderful! Although the service was a little slow, it's understandable because all the ingredients are fresh and the food is made from scratch. I'd highly recommend this spot!
- portionsportions are very big
- ReubenThe Reuben and the smoked salmon bagel were both fantastic
Frequently criticized
- foodfood and drinks were disappointing
- FrappuccinoFrappuccino was so thick it was nearly impossible to drink
- Other breadsOther breads keep these from being 5 star sandwiches
- bagelMy experience at the restaurant was marked by a 20-minute wait for a bagel, despite there being only 3 people in line. To make matters worse, it was not a gourmet bagel. I would avoid this place.
- burnt bagelsWe were given burnt bagels
- cappuccinomy cappuccino defaulted to a paper cup
- chai mixchai mix has milk powder
- coffeecoffee had way too much milk and was pretty lukewarm
- drinksdrinks were disappointing
- finer dining optionsI was sick of the finer dining options
If youre looking for a place with fantastic sandwiches, great breakfast choices, and quality coffee, this spot is definitely worth a visit. Just be aware that a rare item might not hit the mark perfectly, but overall, its a solid bet for a tasty meal.
Service (8.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 68% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot truly shines with an 8.9 score, indicating an excellent experience, and an impressive 91.6% customer satisfaction. Based on 109 positive remarks, guests consistently praise the friendly, helpful staff and accommodating owners. Many highlight the great service, quick efficiency, and personable team, often mentioning specific individuals like Joe or Carmen for their infectious energy and dedication.
However, out of 119 total comments, a few (6 to be exact) did point out some minor hiccups. Some customers experienced longer waiting times, especially for pre-orders through platforms like Doordash. A couple of folks also noted the lack of coffee refills as a small downside, but these are rare exceptions to the overwhelmingly positive feedback.
Service
119
Reviews
91%
Satisfaction
6
negative
4
neutral
109
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, helpful staff
- Quick, efficient service
- Excellent customer care
What people don't like
- Service can be slow
- No coffee refills
- Pre-order issues
Often praised
- serviceI used to frequent Starbucks on the corner before my dentist appointments in this building. However, since they removed the seats, I've found a better experience and service at Sutter Street Cafe. The owners were nice and accommodated my special order of a bagel with avocado and tomato with no issues and smiles.
- staffDon't let the fact that you have to go through the lobby of the building intimidate you from checking this place out! It's a great little breakfast spot with terrific food and very friendly staff. There is room to dine in, yet it might not be able to fit the whole volleyball team.
- ServiceService is quick and polite
- ownerThe owner or the person that took our order was super nice and attentive
- waitIt's a truly small business and the staff really cares, being so friendly and organized. There isn’t much of a wait, but you can also call an order ahead and pick it up.
- JoeI truly enjoyed taking the time to relax and enjoy my sandwich. The staff was incredibly sweet and hospitable, especially Joe! I always look forward to getting my usual here.
- peopleI had the OMG best burger I've had in America so far. The place itself is great, with friendly people and delicious food and drinks. We will definitely come back.
- Carmencarmen is so so so so nice
- Joe’s infectious energyThanks Joe for your patience and great service. The service can be a little slow, but the quality of the coffee and food, as well as Joe’s infectious energy way make up for that.
- accommodatingaccommodating to our family
Frequently criticized
- addressYelp page gives you the wrong address
- coffee refillsNo refills on coffee though unfortunately
- pre-order DoordashDon't bother with pre-order Doordash
- serviceThanks Joe for your patience and great service. The service can be a little slow, but the quality of the coffee and food, as well as Joe’s infectious energy way make up for that.
- wait20 minutes wait for a bagel
- waiting timeGot food 45+ min7tes after ordering
If you value a warm welcome and efficient service, this place is definitely worth a visit. While there might be an occasional wait or a minor pre-order snag, the overwhelmingly friendly and dedicated staff ensures a great experience. Expect to be well taken care of!
Ambience (7.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 51% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot often shines as a delightful hidden gem! Many appreciate its cozy and welcoming feel, noting the warm atmosphere and even the groovy music. With 55 positive remarks among 88 total, the general sentiment is quite good, reflected in a score of 7.1.
However, its not without its quirks. Some find the entrance a bit hard to find, and there are frequent comments about limited seating and the potential for it to get crowded. This leads to a mixed customer satisfaction of 62.5%, suggesting theres room for improvement in these areas.
Ambience
88
Reviews
62%
Satisfaction
16
negative
17
neutral
55
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Hidden gem feel
- Cozy, warm vibes
- Groovy music
What people don't like
- Hard to find
- Limited seating
- Can get crowded
Often praised
- atmosphereSince it's inside, it's a little quieter than street-side cafes.
- hidden gemMy experience at this restaurant was that of a hidden gem
- placeThe place is warm
- cozyit feels very cozy
- hole in the wallwonderful hole in the wall in the neighbourhood
- ambianceambiance. Friendly staff
- areaI also tried the hashbrowns for only $3, and they were the best I’ve ever had. The restaurant was not crowded and is located in a nice area. I definitely would come here again.
- busy morningsmornings is it very busy, that speaks well for the quality.
- convenient locationit's in a very convenient location
- conversationshear the friendly conversations they had with regulars
Frequently criticized
- entranceentrance to the Cafe is IN THE GARAGE
- locationMy experience was a perfect breakfast, though it was a little hard to find as it's located inside another building. You can ask anyone working nearby for directions, as it seems to be popular with locals.
- dining areaThe dining area is very small and older
- placeI ordered online and went to pick up my food. The place was a bit hard to find and didn’t look very clean; honestly, I wouldn’t have ordered from here if it wasn’t for the online option. However, the sandwich was really good!
- seatingI also found it to be not too expensive, offering good value. The main drawback was that there is not much seating available, which makes it less ideal for dining in, but it is a great take out deli!
- ambiencelokalen inte den bästa för att äta på plats
- crowdedMight get crowded and backed up in the morning
- fancydoesn’t look super fancy
- tablesnot many tables
If youre seeking a charming, cozy hidden gem and dont mind a little adventure to find it, this spot is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that seating can be limited, so it might be best for a quick stop or off-peak hours.
Value (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 20% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot truly shines, earning a 7.8 score and boasting a fantastic 85.2% customer satisfaction. Many guests, 23 out of 27, raved about the reasonable prices and overall affordability. They consistently found the food offered good value, with some even enjoying perks like free coffee and hash browns, making it a cheap breakfast option.
However, a couple of voices, 2 out of 27, did express some minor concerns. One felt that expecting a tip for takeout was unreasonable, while another mentioned their food wasn't quite worth the money. These isolated comments suggest that while value is generally strong, there might be occasional discrepancies.
Value
27
Reviews
85%
Satisfaction
2
negative
2
neutral
23
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Offers great value
- Prices are reasonable
- Includes free perks
What people don't like
- Takeout tip issue
- Food not worth
Often praised
- pricesI wandered into Sutter Street Cafe because I was staying at the Marriott next door and saw on Google Maps that it had good reviews and reasonable prices. It's a bit hidden away inside a Wells Fargo parking garage, but I was looking for an affordable pastry and good coffee, and I got exactly what I wanted.
- priceThe food was good, and the coffee was also enjoyable. The portions were decent for the reasonable price. However, the seating was very limited, which was a significant drawback.
- affordabilityMy experience at this shop was fantastic! I found it to be a great little place with tasty affordable sandwiches. They use some high end ingredients, which really makes a difference.
- $15My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had the best toasted sandwiches for <$15. I wish I worked closer so I could eat here every other day.
- cheap breakfast optionI'm a fan of this place! It's a cheap, solid breakfast option in the Union Square area. I stopped in for an omelet, which I think only cost $6 and was packed with lots of veggies, cheese, and sausage.
- free coffee and hash brownif you’re in before 11 AM you get a small coffee and hash brown for free??
- good valuedelicious and good value
- pricingpricing is very reasonable
- valueThe food was great and really tasty. I also found it to be not too expensive, offering good value. The main drawback was that there is not much seating available, which makes it less ideal for dining in, but it is a great take out deli!
Frequently criticized
- takeoutexpecting a tip for takeout feels unreasonable
- worth the moneyMin mat var inte värd pengarna
If youre looking for a place that offers great bang for your buck, this spot is definitely worth checking out. Most customers agree youll find delicious food at reasonable prices, making it a solid choice for an affordable meal. Just be mindful of takeout expectations.
How are the prices at Sutter Street Cafe?
On average, you’ll spend around 16 per person – from 117 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $11–$20 category. For a Cafe, that’s mid-range, maybe slightly above.
Looking at what people actually spend, most guests (a whopping 92 out of 117!) keep it within the $11–$20 bracket, right around that average. A few go a little cheaper or a bit more, but it’s pretty consistent.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 117 reviews.
How this Cafe’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels pretty fair for a Cafe, especially considering its location in San Francisco. Its a solid choice if youre looking for good value without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Sutter Street Cafe
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
9
Great Staff and Delicious Food!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic. The staff were some of the nicest in the city, and the food was great! I will definitely come back.
- staff10
- food9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Fantastic Sandwich Experience!
On a recent business trip, I was tired of the finer dining options and just wanted a really good sandwich. Sutter St Cafe, located inside the lobby of a large building, is a bit of a hidden gem. While not huge, the space is cozy and welcoming.
Most importantly, the sandwiches are fantastic! I created my own on a sourdough roll, which was toasted and warm, while the toppings were cold and fresh. I couldn't have made it better myself.
I highly recommend giving Sutter St Cafe a try; I'll be thinking about that perfect turkey sandwich for a long time.
- sandwich10
- sourdough roll8
- sandwich toppings8
- finer dining options3
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Delicious Joe Special Sandwich!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic. The Joe Special sandwich was a delight. I also received very good service from the gentleman at the cash register.
- Joe Special sandwich10
- service9
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Excellent Sandwiches, Coffee, and Service!
My experience at this restaurant was VERY good. I had VERY good sandwiches and VERY good coffee, which is rare for the US. The service was also VERY good ☺️☺️☺️☺️.
I highly recommend this place! ☺️☺️☺️
- sandwiches9
- coffee9
- service9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Delicious Breakfast, Perfectly Cooked
I had an unassuming experience at this little spot. I picked up breakfast here and it was exactly what I was looking for. I got the breakfast combo with over easy eggs.
The eggs were cooked perfectly, as was the bacon. Everything was delicious.
- breakfast combo9
- eggs10
- bacon10
What Sutter Street Cafe offers
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Solo dining
- Lunch
- Breakfast
Offerings
- Quick bite
- Coffee
Dining options
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Dessert
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What dining options are available at Sutter Street Cafe?
At Sutter Street Cafe, you can enjoy a variety of dining options throughout the day. They serve breakfast, brunch, and lunch, making it a versatile spot for any meal. You can also stop by for a quick bite or a delicious dessert.
Does Sutter Street Cafe offer delivery and parking options?
Yes, Sutter Street Cafe provides convenient service options including dine-in and delivery. For parking, you’ll find both paid parking lots and paid street parking available nearby, ensuring easy access for your visit.
What are the main strengths of Sutter Street Cafe?
Sutter Street Cafe is highly regarded for its delicious food, especially its sandwiches and breakfast items, and its exceptionally friendly and efficient service. Customers also appreciate the good value and reasonable prices.
What should I be aware of before visiting Sutter Street Cafe?
The cafe can be a bit challenging to find due to its tucked-away entrance, and seating is quite limited. While service is generally good, some patrons have noted occasional wait times, particularly during busy periods.
How does Sutter Street Cafe score overall?
Sutter Street Cafe holds a strong overall Restaurant Score of 8.5. Its highest marks are for Service (8.9) and Food (8.7), followed by good scores for Value (7.8) and Ambience (7.1).