Highlights
- Great coffee
- Great beer selection
- Great tea selection
oChef » Bean Bag Cafe – San Francisco
Bean Bag Cafe - San Francisco
Photo from Bean Bag Cafe
Bean Bag Cafe at a glance
San Francisco Alamo Square
- ☕ Café
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 106 of the guests
#811 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#76 Café out of 162 in San Francisco
Good
7.8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
466
Reviews
81.8%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Cozy atmosphere
- Delicious food
- Friendly service
Frequently criticized
- No power outlets
- Self-bussing
- Higher prices
The cafe Bean Bag Cafe, nestled in San Francisco’s vibrant Alamo Square neighborhood, is a popular spot where you can always count on a great cup of coffee. This cozy and casual cafe offers a trendy atmosphere perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed gathering.
Whether you’re starting your day with breakfast or unwinding with happy hour drinks, you’ll find a welcoming space here.
Overview: Introducting Bean Bag Cafe
Bean Bag Cafe offers a generally pleasant experience, with many finding the food delicious and portions generous. The friendly staff often contributes to a welcoming atmosphere, making it a comfortable spot for various occasions.
However, some experiences point to areas for improvement, such as occasional issues with greasy items or prices being on the high side. Practical aspects like no power outlets and having to bus your own table also come up.
Good
7.8
out of 10
466
Reviews
81.8%
Satisfaction
69
negative
16
neutral
381
positive
Overall, Bean Bag Cafe earns a solid 7.8, indicating a generally good dining experience. This aligns well with a strong 81.8% customer satisfaction, suggesting most visitors leave content.
These insights are drawn from a substantial 466 customer opinions, with 381 positive remarks outweighing 69 negative ones. Diving deeper, the Ambience (8.4) stands out as a particular strength, creating a pleasant environment.
Both the Food (7.8) and Service (7.7) also perform well, contributing positively to the overall impression. However, Value (6.2) registers as more average, indicating some find the pricing a bit less competitive.
What people like
- Cozy, inviting atmosphere
- Delicious, varied food
- Friendly, attentive service
What people don't like
- Lack of power outlets
- Self-bussing tables
- Higher prices
With a solid 8 recommendation score, Bean Bag Cafe is certainly worth considering for its inviting atmosphere and generally good food. It’s a comfortable spot for a meal or coffee, especially if you appreciate a friendly setting.
However, be mindful of the average value and some practical inconveniences like self-bussing. If you prioritize a cozy environment and don’t mind potentially higher prices for certain items, you’ll likely find it a pleasant experience.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Bean Bag Cafe
Food (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 90% of the guests
The food here generally hits the mark, earning a 7.8 score and a solid 82.4% customer satisfaction. With 187 positive remarks out of 227 total opinions, diners frequently rave about the delicious food and impressive variety of dishes. Many highlight the generous portions, especially for items like crepes, tacos, and the standout breakfast potatoes, along with great gluten-free and vegan/vegetarian options.
However, not every dish is a home run. A few of the 32 critical comments point to issues like greasy food, particularly some burgers and omelettes. There were also mentions of coffee grounds in espresso drinks and occasional small portions, such as for toast, which left some wanting more.
Food
227
Reviews
82%
Satisfaction
32
negative
8
neutral
187
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious food options
- Generous portion sizes
- Great dietary options
What people don't like
- Greasy food items
- Coffee grounds present
- Some small portions
Often praised
- foodThe lady serving us was very friendly! The food was delicious, portions were generous, there was a lot of variety in the dishes, and the prices were accessible. A special mention goes to the background music, which was beautiful and allowed for conversation without being intrusive.
- coffeeMy experience at this coffee shop was very positive. It's a stylish and cozy place with affordable and delicious coffee. They also have a complete full menu that I'm looking forward to trying later.
- tacosThe cafe food is good, with my favorites being the beet salad with chicken and the shrimp pasta. They also offer great breakfast and tacos. The environment is cozy and casual, with nice people, making it a good spot for working, meeting friends, or just grabbing food and coffee.
- breakfastMy experience at this cafe was fantastic, offering a great breakfast with top-tier breakfast potatoes and huge portions. The service was friendly, and the atmosphere was enjoyable, with a bonus point for the Karl Marx art.
- friesI had a bit of a mushy potato, but the taste was still good. I’ll definitely get fries next time!
- menuIt's a stylish and cozy place with affordable and delicious coffee. They also have a complete full menu that I'm looking forward to trying later.
- portionsThe lady serving us was very friendly! The food was delicious, portions were generous, there was a lot of variety in the dishes, and the prices were accessible. A special mention goes to the background music, which was beautiful and allowed for conversation without being intrusive.
- beermuch cheaper beer
- breakfast burritoI love the breakfast burrito
- burritosWe really need to find something to share. The burritos and burgers are huge. My carnitas burrito was delicious and came wrapped up in foil.
Frequently criticized
- coffeeGas station quality coffee for four dollars?!
- foodfood is way more expensive than it's worth
- omeletteomelette was greasy and didn’t taste like it was made with actual real eggs
- smoothiemuch lighter-colored smoothie that looked very watery
- Chagaccinomade it with dairy milk
- Dawn's burgerMy carnitas burrito was delicious and came wrapped up in foil. Dawn's burger was a little too greasy making the bun soggy. The slushy was good.
- breakfast sandwichMy experience was disappointing, especially considering the cost. I paid over $12 for a breakfast sandwich and $20 for an omelette, and that was before tax and tip. Adding to the inconvenience, you have to bus your own table.
- butterTo make matters worse, the manager had the audacity to ask if anything was wrong. The portion of toast was meager, with a single small pat of butter. Furthermore, there were absolutely no refills of brewed coffee, and I was told I'd have to pay for another cup before leaving?
- coarse coffee groundsused coarse coffee grounds for making espresso
- coffee groundsfull of coffee grounds and coarse ones
If you're looking for a spot with a wide array of generally delicious and generously portioned meals, this place is a strong contender. While some minor issues like greasy items or coffee quality might pop up, the positives far outweigh the negatives, making it worth a try for a satisfying meal.
Service (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 77% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark, boasting a 7.7 score and a solid 75.2% customer satisfaction. Out of 105 comments, a whopping 79 rave about the experience, frequently praising the great service, friendly owner, and kind staff. Many appreciate the personalized service that makes guests feel truly welcomed.
However, its not all sunshine and rainbows, with 25 remarks pointing to areas for improvement. Some guests encountered long waits for orders or experienced staff who seemed apathetic. Issues like unprofessionalism and inflexible rules regarding closing times' or coffee refills occasionally dampened the experience for a few.
Service
105
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
25
negative
1
neutral
79
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Great service
- Personalized care
What people don't like
- Long waits
- Inflexible rules
- Apathetic staff
Often praised
- staffThis is my favorite cafe near my house. The service here is amazing and the staff are so kind. It offers a great atmosphere for getting some work done and having a solitary breakfast, though I often go alone.
- serviceThe service also gets a 5-star rating
- ownerI enjoyed my experience at this restaurant, particularly the breakfast food, coffee, and ambience. It’s a nice place to relax, and the owner is very friendly. The food was good, but not quite 5-star level, which is why I rated it 4 stars overall.
- serverthe server offered to remake the dish
- peopleThey also offer great breakfast and tacos. The environment is cozy and casual, with nice people, making it a good spot for working, meeting friends, or just grabbing food and coffee. A nice touch is that they always feature local artists with works for purchase.
- FoodThe people who work here are all super nice and helpful. Food comes out quickly, and they were even open during Christmas! The menu is super diverse and cool.
- baristaThe barista was super nice
- baristasThe baristas are consistently friendly, engaging, and professional.
- customer servicethe customer service was great
- elegant baristaperson behind the counter was the most elegant barista I had ever met
Frequently criticized
- serviceEl servicio estuvo bien aunque tardaron bastante
- Wifitimed Wifi
- bus your own tableYou also have to bus your own table
- cashierThe cashier was really rude
- closing timekitchen was closed well before the restaurant closed
- closing timesclosing times are not updated
- coffee refillsThe falafel burrito bowl was both delicious and filling. On the downside, there were no free coffee refills, which was a minor inconvenience.
- integritywhat happened to basic professionalism and integrity?
- kitchenI tried to get a meal here well before the restaurant closed, but was told the kitchen was closed. I drove all the way over for no reason.
- ladyShe just shrugged, clearly not interested in resolving the issue.
Overall, you can expect a warm welcome and attentive service here, making it a great choice for a pleasant experience. While there might be an occasional hiccup with wait times or specific policies, the overwhelmingly friendly staff usually ensures a positive visit.
Ambience (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 63% of the guests
The ambiance here truly shines, earning a good 8.4 score and an impressive excellent 92.5% customer satisfaction! With 99 positive remarks out of 107 total, guests consistently rave about the bohemian vibe, cozy atmosphere, and artistic touches like the mural and local artists' work. Many appreciate the Brazilian samba soundtrack and the overall welcoming, chill energy that makes it a quality place to be.
While overwhelmingly positive, a few of the 3 negative comments noted minor issues. Some found the atmosphere didn't always convey impeccable cleanliness, and a couple mentioned the scarcity of working power outlets as an inconvenience. However, these are small points in an otherwise glowing picture of a beloved neighborhood spot.
Ambience
107
Reviews
92%
Satisfaction
3
negative
5
neutral
99
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy atmosphere
- Artistic decor
- Great vibe
What people don't like
- Limited power outlets
Often praised
- atmosphereIt offers a nice view of the streets of San Francisco. The staff is nice and the atmosphere is very calm, making it a perfect place to study or chill. However, the prices are a little on the high side.
- locationThe service was phenomenal. Finding a delicious sandwich and side salad for $15 in such a clean, cozy shop in a great location is incredible. We also enjoyed people watching and taking in the city sounds and sights through the windows.
- cafemade the cafe a welcoming place to be
- ambianceà l'ambiance étudiante et une déco wanabe french des Alpes qui nous a amusés
- environmentOn the positive side, the food tasted great, the environment was very clean, and the staff were nice and friendly. The chill environment and great location also contributed to a pleasant atmosphere. However, there were several significant drawbacks.
- vibeFor four dollars, I expected much better than gas station quality. I'd recommend going somewhere else for your coffee, despite the nice vibe and friendly service. 🤷🏽♂️
- ambienceI enjoy the ambience
- cleanlinessit was very clean
- placePerfect place to study or chill
- vibesThe vibes are always good
Frequently criticized
- power outletsHowever, there were several significant drawbacks. There were no power outlets available, as they were covered to prevent use. The Wifi was timed, which was surprising and inconvenient even for paying customers.
- atmospherean atmosphere that does not convey an idea of impeccable cleanliness
If you're looking for a place with character, a great vibe, and a cozy atmosphere perfect for chilling or working, this spot is definitely worth a visit. Just be aware that power outlets might be limited, so charge up beforehand if you plan to plug in!
Value (6.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 24% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot presents a bit of a mixed bag, with a customer satisfaction of 59.3% and an average score of 6.2. Many patrons appreciate the reasonable prices, good quality-price ratio, and often find it worth it, especially noting positive experiences with happy hour deals and inexpensive prices for coffee. These positive sentiments are reflected in 16 favorable remarks out of 27 total.
However, some diners have encountered higher prices than anticipated, leading to a bit of sticker shock, particularly concerning items like breakfast sandwich price and omelette price. There were also a few instances where happy hour deals for beer weren't honored as expected, contributing to the 9 negative comments.
Value
27
Reviews
59%
Satisfaction
9
negative
2
neutral
16
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable pricing
- Good quality-price
- Happy hour deals
What people don't like
- Higher prices
- Sticker shock
- Happy hour issues
Often praised
- pricesThe lady serving us was very friendly! The food was delicious, portions were generous, there was a lot of variety in the dishes, and the prices were accessible. A special mention goes to the background music, which was beautiful and allowed for conversation without being intrusive.
- priceReasonably priced
- coffeeMy experience at this coffee shop was very positive. It's a stylish and cozy place with affordable and delicious coffee. They also have a complete full menu that I'm looking forward to trying later.
- foodFood was very reasonably priced for SF area
- happy hourthe four dollar draft beer during happy hour is a great deal
- inexpensive pricesInexpensive prices too.
- price to portion ratioprice to portion ratio is reasonable
- pricingreasonable pricing (for SF)
- quality-price ratioa very good quality-price ratio
- reasonable pricesReasonable prices
Frequently criticized
- priceThe price is a bit higher than expected
- beercharged me $7 for one instead of the advertised $4
- breakfast sandwich priceMy experience was disappointing, especially considering the cost. I paid over $12 for a breakfast sandwich and $20 for an omelette, and that was before tax and tip. Adding to the inconvenience, you have to bus your own table.
- happy hour dealdid not honor the happy hour deal for a beer
- omelette priceMy experience was disappointing, especially considering the cost. I paid over $12 for a breakfast sandwich and $20 for an omelette, and that was before tax and tip. Adding to the inconvenience, you have to bus your own table.
- pricesPrices are a little on the high side
- sticker shockthere is always a little sticker shock
If you're looking for generally reasonable pricing and good happy hour deals, this place could be a solid choice. However, be mindful that some menu items might feel a bit pricey, so check the menu before you commit to avoid any sticker shock.
How are the prices at Bean Bag Cafe?
You’re looking at roughly 20 per person – reported by 106 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Cafe in San Francisco, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most guests find their sweet spot right in that $11–$20 range, making it clear where the value lies. While some options go higher, the bulk of the spending clusters around this mid-tier, offering a consistent experience.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 106 reviews.
Comparing this Cafe’s value for money against similar spots in San Francisco.
For a Cafe in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers a good balance, catering to both those looking for a solid mid-range option and those willing to spend a little more for a special treat.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Bean Bag Cafe
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Stylish Coffee Shop with Great Coffee
My experience at this coffee shop was very positive. It's a stylish and cozy place with affordable and delicious coffee. They also have a complete full menu that I'm looking forward to trying later.
- coffee shop9
- coffee10
- menu8
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Noise Level
- Moderate
7
Great Food, Coffee Needs Work
I would totally go here again for the food… not so much for the coffee.
- food8
- coffee3
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Exceptional Service and Personalized Experience
My experience at this restaurant was outstanding, primarily due to the consistently friendly, engaging, and professional baristas. I always felt welcomed, and they were excellent at remembering my usual order. They clearly go the extra mile to provide personalized service, whether it's assisting with a complex request, offering excellent menu recommendations, or simply brightening my day with a warm interaction.
- baristas10
- personalized service10
- menu recommendations9
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
2
Disappointing Smoothie Replacement
I used to frequent this restaurant over 20 years ago with my young child, as we lived nearby, and we always enjoyed it. Now, as a nod to tradition, my adult son and I still visit about once a month for breakfast. Despite knowing the ownership has changed, we've continued to appreciate the memories.
Today's visit was one of those occasions. We ordered our usual breakfast, and my son also got a smoothie. While sitting outside, the smoothie accidentally tipped over, spilling about half of it.
I asked my son to get a refill. A lady came over, saw the spill, and agreed to replace it. However, she returned with a smaller to-go cup containing a much lighter, watery smoothie.
The original was thick and rich; this was pale pink and runny. When I inquired if it was the same "Fruity Ruby" smoothie, she confirmed it was, despite looking and tasting completely different from the one I saw being made. She simply shrugged, showing no interest in resolving the issue.
It felt as though she diluted the remaining original smoothie with water and presented it as a fresh replacement, which was both disappointing and unprofessional. I would have understood if they had charged for a replacement, but this felt dishonest. We left it there.
It makes one question the professionalism and integrity of the establishment if this is how they handle a simple smoothie. Unfortunately, I won't be returning.
- smoothie2
- replacement2
- lady2
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Great Refuel Spot Near Parks
This is a great place to refuel after a trip to the Painted Ladies and Alamo Square Park. The food was excellent, the service was top-notch, and the atmosphere was perfect for a relaxed meal. It was quiet and easy to talk, making it a very pleasant experience.
- food10
- service10
- atmosphere10
What Bean Bag Cafe offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
- College students
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Breakfast
- Solo dining
- Dinner
- Lunch
Amenities
- Restroom
- Wi-Fi
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Vegan options
- Happy hour drinks
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What dining options and dietary choices are available at Bean Bag Cafe?
At Bean Bag Cafe, you can enjoy a variety of dining options from breakfast and brunch to lunch, dinner, and dessert. They cater to diverse preferences with healthy, vegan, and vegetarian options, alongside small plates and quick bites. You’ll find something delicious no matter your mealtime or dietary need.
Is Bean Bag Cafe suitable for families and those requiring accessibility?
Absolutely! Bean Bag Cafe is considered good for kids, offering high chairs for your little ones. For accessibility, you’ll find a wheelchair-accessible entrance, seating, and restroom, ensuring a comfortable experience for all guests. Dogs are also welcome in the outdoor seating area.
How does Bean Bag Cafe generally perform?
Bean Bag Cafe holds a good overall score of 7.8. Its Ambience (8.4) is particularly strong, with Food (7.8) and Service (7.7) also performing well, though Value (6.2) is more average.
What are the standout features of Bean Bag Cafe?
Customers frequently praise the cafe’s cozy and clean environment, along with its delicious food, generous portions, and the friendly, attentive staff.
Are there any common drawbacks at Bean Bag Cafe?
Some customers note the lack of accessible power outlets, the need to bus your own table, and that prices can sometimes be higher than expected.