Highlights
- Great coffee
- Great tea selection
oChef » Cafe Encore – San Francisco
Cafe Encore - San Francisco
Photo from Cafe Encore
Cafe Encore at a glance
San Francisco Union Square
- ☕ Café
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 87 of the guests
#896 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#81 Café out of 162 in San Francisco
Good
7.7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
473
Reviews
81.4%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Breakfast delights
- Parisian charm
Frequently criticized
- Limited space
- Service inconsistency
The café Cafe Encore in San Francisco’s vibrant Union Square neighborhood offers you a delightful escape. You’ll discover a cozy and casual spot perfect for starting your day or grabbing a quick bite.
Known for its great coffee, this cafe provides a welcoming atmosphere where you can relax and enjoy. Whether you’re seeking a healthy option or a vegetarian meal, Cafe Encore has you covered with its diverse menu, making it a true local gem.
Overview: Introducting Cafe Encore
Cafe Encore offers a delightful escape, often praised for its charming Parisian atmosphere and delicious breakfast sandwiches . Many visitors enjoy the friendly staff and the overall pleasant vibe.
However, be mindful that the space can feel small, and some have noted limited seating during busy times. While the food and ambiance generally hit the mark, a few experiences point to occasional inconsistencies in service.
Despite these minor points, it remains a popular spot for those seeking a cozy cafe experience with good offerings.
Good
7.7
out of 10
473
Reviews
81.4%
Satisfaction
67
negative
21
neutral
385
positive
Cafe Encore earns a solid Restaurant Score of 7.7 , reflecting a generally positive experience for its patrons. This is supported by a strong Customer Satisfaction rate of 81.4% , indicating that most visitors leave content.
These figures are drawn from 473 customer opinions, with 385 positive remarks outweighing 67 negative ones. Delving into specifics, Food leads the way with an excellent (8.1), highlighting its quality.
Value (7.6) and Ambience (7.5) also score well, contributing significantly to the positive sentiment. Service (6.8) is rated good, though it’s the lowest of the four main aspects, suggesting some room for improvement.
What people like
- Delicious breakfast items
- Charming Parisian ambiance
- Reasonable pricing
What people don't like
- Limited seating
- Inconsistent coffee quality
- Occasional slow service
Cafe Encore appears to be a worthwhile stop, especially if you’re seeking a cozy spot with good food and a pleasant atmosphere. With a Recommendation Score of 8.1 , it generally delivers on its promise of a charming cafe experience.
If you prioritize delicious breakfast and a unique ambiance over spacious seating or guaranteed lightning-fast service, Cafe Encore is certainly worth trying. Just be prepared for a potentially intimate setting and occasional service variations.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Cafe Encore
Food (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 95% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark, boasting a strong 8.1 score and a solid 89.2% customer satisfaction. With 240 positive remarks out of 269, guests frequently rave about the tasty breakfast sandwiches, excellent coffee, fresh salads, and delectable pastries, making it a reliable choice for many. However, a smaller number of 22 negative comments point to some areas for improvement.
Concerns include microwaved eggs, underwhelming coffee quality, and occasionally small portions, with one mention of a bland burrito. While not widespread, these are worth noting for a better experience.
Food
269
Reviews
89%
Satisfaction
22
negative
7
neutral
240
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Tasty breakfast sandwiches
- Excellent coffee options
- Fresh pastries, salads
What people don't like
- Microwaved eggs
- Underwhelming coffee
- Small portions
Often praised
- coffeeThe staff were incredibly friendly, and the menu offered a wide variety of tasty breakfast sandwiches, salads, and lunch sandwich options. I was also impressed by the great selection of coffee. For San Francisco, the prices are very reasonable; a meal for two with drinks would likely cost around $30-$40.
- foodThe staff were friendly, and it was clear that a parade of locals stop by for their morning coffee. The food was good, and the atmosphere was excellent.
- breakfastThis is an excellent place for breakfast, especially since the hotels in the area don't offer it. It's conveniently located near Union Square.
- breakfast sandwichthe breakfast sandwich and lattes are sooo good!
- breakfast sandwichesMy experience at this teeny tiny cute Cafe was delightful. I enjoyed their delicious breakfast sandwiches and coffee, which were available to stay or go. The bagels tasted incredibly fresh!
- pastriesMy experience at the restaurant was wonderful. I enjoyed a delicious breakfast sandwich and chose the sunnies, pastries, and coffee. The staff was incredibly nice and welcoming.
- sandwichesThe staff is very kind, especially a young woman who spoke a little French with a lovely accent. The little sandwiches are prepared on-site, and everything is fresh. Top!
- dessertsThe atmosphere is quaint with a Parisian theme and complemented by relaxing oldies music. They offer a good selection of sandwiches, including breakfast options on bagels or croissants, a variety of beverages like coffees, teas, and cold drinks, salads, and desserts. The service was friendly and fast.
- saladsThe atmosphere is quaint with a Parisian theme and complemented by relaxing oldies music. They offer a good selection of sandwiches, including breakfast options on bagels or croissants, a variety of beverages like coffees, teas, and cold drinks, salads, and desserts. The service was friendly and fast.
- AmericanoMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed a great Americano, and the service and vibes were excellent. The pastries looked absolutely delicious, so I'm looking forward to returning to try them.
Frequently criticized
- portion size4oz of "cappuccino", when you paid for 12oz
- sandwichnot ever good of a sandwich
- Cappuccinoordered a 12oz Cappuccino ... why is it so light. So I looked at the bottom of the cup, which said 8oz
- Meaty sandwichI had the Meaty sandwich and the eggs didn’t look real
- breakfast burritorather bland and small breakfast burrito
- cappuccinosomeone else took my cappuccino
- caramel latte” The coffee itself was underwhelming. I ordered a caramel latte expecting something sweet, but it was surprisingly bitter and I couldn’t really taste any caramel at all. Maybe it was just an off day—I get that it happens.
- coffee itselfThe coffee itself was underwhelming. I ordered a caramel latte expecting something sweet, but it was surprisingly bitter
- coffee qualityThe coffee is Robusta and not great.
- cup sizehow is it possible to order 12oz and receive a half full 8oz cup
If youre seeking a place with generally good food, especially for breakfast and coffee, youll likely be pleased. Just be mindful of potential inconsistencies with egg preparation or coffee quality, but overall, it's worth a try for its popular offerings.
Service (6.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 70% of the guests
When it comes to service, many guests have had a pleasant experience, with a 6.8 score indicating it's generally average, leaning towards good. With 67 positive remarks out of 105 total, customers frequently praise the friendly staff, kind and quick employees, and even amazing service. Many appreciate the attentive and welcoming approach.
However, the 63.8% customer satisfaction suggests a mixed bag, as 32 negative comments highlight some significant issues. Concerns often revolve around rude or slow staff, extended waiting time, and instances of poor customer service where interactions felt cold or unwelcoming.
Service
105
Reviews
63%
Satisfaction
32
negative
6
neutral
67
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Quick service
- Attentive employees
What people don't like
- Rude staff
- Slow service
- Long wait times
Often praised
- servicethe service was friendly and obliging
- staffstaff behind the counter work hard and are very attentive
- ServiceService:5
- customer serviceThe place is incredibly cute, reminding me of a Paris cafe with its decor. The staff behind the counter were very nice, providing good customer service in a clean place. It's a very tiny inside establishment, but the food is good and the prices are decent, especially considering its downtown location on Post Street.
- workersVery nice workers!
- BedienungSehr freundliche Bedienung
- amazing servicewith an amzing service
- availabilityThey are also open when other places are not
- baristasbaristas really know their craft
- employeesThe employees were kind and quick
Frequently criticized
- staffMy experience at this cafe was quite negative due to the rude and slow staff. They were not courteous at all and acted as if they were doing me a favor by preparing food. It took them 15 minutes to prepare my sandwich, even when there were no other orders.
- customer serviceworst customer service I ever had
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was quite negative due to the terrible service. After two ladies in front of me ordered a double cappuccino and an americano, I ordered a latte and a cappuccino.
- staff memberThe breakfast and bakery delights were amazing! I just wish it was bigger or had a staff member to clean tables and empty trash. I could have changed her trash bag for her as she was alone and handled everything on her own.
- waitthe wait can be longer than one would like
- waiting timeThey took 15 minutes to prepare my sandwich
- acknowledge Black customersRefuses to acknowledge Black customers
- acknowledge when we orderRefuses to acknowledge when we order
- cancel the orderI could not even cancel the order
- doing businessI do not like doing business with them
If youre looking for a quick, friendly interaction, you might be pleasantly surprised. However, be prepared that service can be a bit of a gamble, with potential for long waits or less-than-stellar customer interactions. Its worth a try if you're not in a rush.
Ambience (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 50% of the guests
The ambience here generally hits the mark, scoring a 7.5, which is good, and customer satisfaction is also strong at 78.7%. Many of the 59 positive remarks out of 75 total highlight a small and cozy feel, often praising the atmosphere and cozy vibe. Guests frequently enjoy the decor, finding the place lovely and inviting, sometimes with a charming Parisian theme.
However, it's not without its quirks. A few of the 11 negative comments point to issues with space and seating, with some wishing for more seating inside or cleaner tables. While the cozy feel is appreciated, the limited capacity can be a consideration, especially during busy times.
Ambience
75
Reviews
78%
Satisfaction
11
negative
5
neutral
59
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy, warm atmosphere
- Charming Parisian decor
- Relaxing music
What people don't like
- Limited seating
- Small space
- Unclean tables
Often praised
- atmosphereThe staff were friendly, and it was clear that a parade of locals stop by for their morning coffee. The food was good, and the atmosphere was excellent.
- placeThe place is incredibly cute, reminding me of a Paris cafe with its decor. The staff behind the counter were very nice, providing good customer service in a clean place. It's a very tiny inside establishment, but the food is good and the prices are decent, especially considering its downtown location on Post Street.
- locationThey also serve yummy coffee, tea, and hot chocolate. What's even better is that the prices are reasonable, especially considering the central location. Thanks for being here!
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- cafeIt reminds me of the cafe in Fleabag, if you've seen the show. The people are very sweet, and the cold brew is yummy :) I give it a 10/10 and it's my favorite cafe in the city. Studying here feels so nice.
- spaceThe coffee was okay, and the food was not bad at all. The atmosphere was quiet this morning, and the space felt small and comfortable. It seems like a popular spot!
- spotVery cute, quaint and fairly unassuming spot
- CafeMy experience at this teeny tiny cute Cafe was delightful. I enjoyed their delicious breakfast sandwiches and coffee, which were available to stay or go.
- French musicFrom the moment I stepped inside, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and warm croissants enveloped me. The ambiance truly transported me to the streets of Paris, with quaint bistro tables and the soothing sounds of French music. The baristas skillfully crafted expertly brewed coffee, and the menu offered a selection of delectable pastries and authentic French breakfast options.
- amazing placewhat a discover, amazing place
Frequently criticized
- seatingThis place is a gem, but don't come here if you're in a hurry or expecting a lot of seating. We have come here three days in a row while staying at a nearby hotel and love the eggsy and meaty breakfast sandwiches for takeout.
- spaceThe breakfast and bakery delights were amazing! I just wish it was bigger or had a staff member to clean tables and empty trash. I could have changed her trash bag for her as she was alone and handled everything on her own.
- busyThey get busy though
- clean tablesThe breakfast and bakery delights were amazing! I just wish it was bigger or had a staff member to clean tables and empty trash. I could have changed her trash bag for her as she was alone and handled everything on her own.
- empty trashThe breakfast and bakery delights were amazing! I just wish it was bigger or had a staff member to clean tables and empty trash. I could have changed her trash bag for her as she was alone and handled everything on her own.
- more seating insideThe atmosphere is small and cozy. One suggestion for improvement is that it may need a refurbishment to accommodate more seating inside. I recommend this place if you are looking for something other than a big or purely American-style breakfast.
- store namesVery confusing store has three or four names
- tablesLas mesas estaban un poco sucias
If you're seeking a charming, cozy spot with a great vibe for a relaxed visit, this place is definitely worth checking out. However, if you need ample space, guaranteed seating, or are in a rush, you might find it a bit challenging.
Value (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 20% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot generally hits the mark with a 7.6 score, indicating a good experience for most. Customers are quite happy, with a 79.2% satisfaction rate, showing that many find it affordable and priced reasonably. Based on 19 positive remarks, guests often feel its worth it and offers great value for money, especially compared to other places.
However, its not a perfect score for everyone. A couple of diners, out of 24 total comments, felt it was a bit pricey in general or even overpriced. While these opinions are few, they suggest that a small segment of customers might find the cost a little higher than expected, despite the overall positive feedback.
Value
24
Reviews
79%
Satisfaction
2
negative
3
neutral
19
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable pricing
- Excellent value
- Reasonable for location
What people don't like
- Can be pricey
- Overpriced for some
Often praised
- pricesI was also impressed by the great selection of coffee. For San Francisco, the prices are very reasonable; a meal for two with drinks would likely cost around $30-$40. I particularly appreciated that they happily accommodated a modified breakfast sandwich for me, and the vegetables tasted very fresh.
- priceThe desserts were incredibly cute and visually appealing. The staff was very nice, and the overall experience was not pricey at all.
- Price per person$10–20
- affordableAffordable
- price per personCusta em torno de 10-15 dólares por pessoa
- priced reasonablyThe prices were affordable. I also got sandwiches to go, which were very good and priced reasonably.
- reasonable priceat reasonable price
- valueIt's a nice little cafe, perfect for a drop-in brekky while on the move in Union Square. The burrito was great and offered excellent value. The staff were friendly.
- value for moneywenn man für zwei Personen nicht immer 50$ zahlen möchte
- value per pricemuch better value per price than Starbucks
Frequently criticized
- overpricedOver priced place
- pricey in generalThe workers were very nice, and the coffee was good. While it was a bit pricey in general, the case of desserts looked fresh and were ordered often. I would go back to do work and have a coffee for a long period of time, enjoying the atmosphere.
If you're looking for a place that generally offers good bang for your buck, this spot is a solid choice, especially given its location. While a few might find it a tad expensive, the vast majority agree it provides excellent value, making it worth a visit.
How are the prices at Cafe Encore?
You’re looking at roughly 15 per person – reported by 87 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 diners keep it in the $11–$20 range, with a good number even opting for the cheaper $1–$10 options. So, while there are a few higher spenders, the vibe is definitely centered around good value.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 87 reviews.
How this Cafe’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing here feels pretty fair for a Cafe, especially considering it’s in San Francisco. You can definitely find good value without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Cafe Encore
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
9
Gem of a Cafe with Delicious Pastries
Cafe Encore is an absolute gem! From the moment you walk in, the warm aroma of freshly baked pastries and rich coffee fills the air. The pastries are always fresh, flaky, and full of flavor — you can tell they’re made with care and quality ingredients.
Whether it’s a buttery croissant, a fruit tart, or one of their daily specials, everything tastes homemade and delicious. The coffee is just as impressive — smooth, bold, and perfectly brewed every time. They offer a great variety of espresso drinks, and the baristas really know their craft.
It’s the kind of place where your latte art actually makes you smile before the first sip.
- pastries10
- coffee9
- baristas9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
9
Great Breakfast and Coffee Spot!
My experience at Café Encore near Union Square was fantastic! The staff were incredibly efficient and friendly, handling the busy downtown rush with remarkable smoothness. I thoroughly enjoyed their sandwiches, which were fresh, flavorful, and made with care.
The breakfast items were also delicious, and the coffee was simply amazing. The dark roast beans, in particular, reminded me of Paris – rich, bold, and full of flavor. It's definitely one of the best spots in San Francisco for a great breakfast and coffee!
- staff9
- sandwiches9
- breakfast items8
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
1
Terrible Service, Missed Order
My experience at this restaurant was quite negative due to the terrible service. After two ladies in front of me ordered a double cappuccino and an americano, I ordered a latte and a cappuccino. However, I only received the latte.
When I inquired about my cappuccino, the lady was rude and claimed someone else took it, despite not having made it in the first place. Instead of rectifying the mistake, she skipped me and rolled her eyes. It was a terrible experience, and I believe you are better off somewhere else.
- service1
- rude1
- cappuccino1
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Great Americano, Service, and Vibes!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed a great Americano, and the service and vibes were excellent. The pastries looked absolutely delicious, so I'm looking forward to returning to try them.
- Americano9
- service10
- vibes10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Colleagues
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Incredible Coffee and Treats!
My coworker and I were here for a conference and needed an afternoon boost. We stumbled upon this place and the great coffee and sweet treat hit the spot. I didn't even select; the staff just asked my favorite flavors, picked something, and it was incredible.
I went back again the next day for a repeat coffee and will probably go again tomorrow.
- great coffee9
- sweet treat9
- incredible10
What Cafe Encore offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Solo dining
- Lunch
- Breakfast
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Coffee
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Dessert
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed inside
- Dogs allowed outside
- Dogs allowed
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Paid parking garage
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What food and drink options are available at Cafe Encore?
Cafe Encore offers a delightful selection, including great coffee and a wide tea selection. You’ll find healthy and vegetarian options, perfect for a quick bite. Enjoy breakfast, brunch, and lunch, plus tempting desserts. It’s a cozy spot for diverse tastes.
What is the atmosphere like at Cafe Encore, and is it pet-friendly?
Cafe Encore offers a cozy and casual atmosphere, ideal for a relaxed visit. You’ll be pleased that dogs are welcome both inside and outside, making it a truly pet-friendly spot. Plus, the cafe features a wheelchair-accessible entrance for your convenience.
What is Cafe Encore's overall rating and what contributes to it?
Cafe Encore holds a Restaurant Score of 7.7 , driven by strong Food (8.1), good Value (7.6), and pleasant Ambience (7.5). Service (6.8) is also rated well, though slightly lower.
What do customers enjoy most about Cafe Encore's atmosphere?
Many customers appreciate the cafe’s cute, Parisian-inspired atmosphere, often noting the charming decor and French music that create a comfortable and inviting space.
Are there any common issues customers experience at Cafe Encore?
Some customers have noted challenges with limited seating and occasional inconsistencies in service speed or coffee quality.