Highlights
- Great coffee
- Great tea selection
oChef » BeanStalk Cafe – San Francisco
BeanStalk Cafe - San Francisco
Photo from BeanStalk Cafe
BeanStalk Cafe at a glance
San Francisco Lower Nob Hill
- ☕ Café
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 103 of the guests
#1433 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#103 Café out of 162 in San Francisco
Good
7.2 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
487
Reviews
71%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Cozy atmosphere
- Friendly staff
Frequently criticized
- Limited seating
- Slow service
- High prices
The cafe BeanStalk Cafe in San Francisco’s Lower Nob Hill neighborhood is a must-visit if you appreciate exceptional coffee. You’ll find a cozy, casual, and trendy spot perfect for starting your day or grabbing a quick bite.
This welcoming cafe offers a fantastic tea selection alongside its renowned coffee, making it a delightful destination for any beverage preference.
Overview: Introducting BeanStalk Cafe
BeanStalk Cafe offers a generally pleasant experience, often praised for its delightful food and beverages, particularly the coffee and sandwiches . Many find the atmosphere cozy and inviting, making it a comfortable spot to relax or work.
However, some visitors have noted challenges with the seating availability, especially for larger groups, and occasional inconsistencies in service speed. While the overall vibe is often positive, these aspects can sometimes detract from an otherwise enjoyable visit.
Good
7.2
out of 10
487
Reviews
71%
Satisfaction
109
negative
32
neutral
346
positive
BeanStalk Cafe earns a solid overall score of 7.2, reflecting a generally good impression from its patrons. Customer satisfaction stands at 71%, indicating that most visitors leave content with their experience.
This positive sentiment is drawn from a substantial 487 customer remarks, with 346 positive observations outweighing 109 negative ones. The cafe truly shines in its Food (7.5), which garners the most positive feedback, followed closely by the inviting Ambience (7.1).
Service (6.7) is generally considered good, though it doesn’t quite reach the same heights as the food or atmosphere. The primary area for improvement appears to be Value (4.9), which customers frequently find less appealing.
What people like
- Delicious coffee & food
- Cozy, relaxed atmosphere
- Friendly staff
What people don't like
- Limited seating options
- Inconsistent service speed
- Perceived high prices
If you’re seeking a comfortable spot with quality food and beverages, BeanStalk Cafe is certainly worth considering. Its strong points in Food and Ambience make it a pleasant destination for a casual meal or a quiet work session.
However, be mindful of potential seating limitations and the Value proposition, as some find the pricing a bit steep. With a recommendation score of 7.5, it’s a place that many enjoy, provided you manage expectations regarding space and cost.
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Verdict: Our expert take on BeanStalk Cafe
Food (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
Alright, lets talk about the food here! Overall, its looking pretty good, with a solid score of 7.5 and customer satisfaction sitting comfortably at 76.3%. Out of 295 total comments, a whopping 225 were positive, often praising the freshness and tasty nature of the offerings.
Many folks raved about the variety of sandwiches and the delicious lattes , finding them to be a delightful start to their day. However, it's not all sunshine and rainbows, as 52 negative remarks point out some areas for improvement. Some customers encountered stale bagels or dry/bland sandwiches , while others noted inconsistent coffee quality with issues like bitterness or burnt roasts.
A few also felt certain items were overpriced , suggesting a bit of a mixed bag on value for some.
Food
295
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
52
negative
18
neutral
225
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious sandwiches
- Fresh ingredients
- Great coffee/lattes
What people don't like
- Inconsistent coffee quality
- Dry/stale bread
- Overpriced items
Often praised
- coffeeMy experience at BeanStalk Cafe was wonderful. It's a quaint and comfortable cafe offering great coffee and good food to start your day. If time permits, you can relax and observe the hum of the city, and if you're lucky, you might even see the cute dogs that love to visit the cafe.
- foodMy experience at BeanStalk Cafe was wonderful. It's a quaint and comfortable cafe offering great coffee and good food to start your day. If time permits, you can relax and observe the hum of the city, and if you're lucky, you might even see the cute dogs that love to visit the cafe.
- sandwichesMy experience at this cafe was wonderful! It's a super cute cafe with yummy sandwiches and coffee that features latte art. The staff was incredibly sweet, and the overall vibes were very cozy.
- bagelsActually decent bagels, everything is cooked just to the right level of toast
- breadThe bread was deliciously toasted. Crispy and buttery.
- breakfast sandwichI had the breakfast sandwich with egg, sausage and veggies.
- breakfastThe food is prepared fresh, and the coffee is excellent – freshly ground and made with a portafilter machine. Absolutely recommended for a great breakfast before heading to the Cable Car!
- FoodFood:5
- latteOrdered the Lox Bagel and a latte - both prepared quickly and delicious.
- lox bagellox bagel, which was fantastic
Frequently criticized
- bagelbarely toasted. Instead of a crunchy and roasty browned bagel
- breadMy experience with the pastrami sandwich was a disappointment. The bread was hard, and for the price paid, I expected more. There were only a couple of slices of meat, making the portion size small for the price.
- bulgogi sandwichthey said they didn’t make the sandwich anymore 😔
- coffeeCoffee was out of a machine and not even speciality
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was quite disappointing. The bagel was very dry, and overall, the food was nothing great. The coffee was dispensed from a machine and was not even speciality.
- CortadoCortado was not great
- Cragelthey no longer carry the Cragel
- Ethiopian light roast pour overtasted like hot water
- Flat Whitesschlechtesten Flatwhites von SF
- bagel qualityif you want to serve stale bagels
If you're after generally delicious and fresh sandwiches paired with a good coffee, this spot is definitely worth a try. Just be aware that some specific coffee drinks or bagel textures might be a bit inconsistent, and you might find certain items a tad pricey.
Service (6.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 56% of the guests
When it comes to service, many customers have had positive experiences! With 56 positive opinions out of 89 total, terms like friendly, kind, and nice service frequently pop up. The overall service score of 6.7 leans towards good, highlighting the often-praised staff who are seen as attentive and helpful.
However, the experience isnt always consistent. Around 29 negative opinions highlight issues like "long wait" times and "slow" service, with some mentioning "carelessness" or staff seeming "unprepared. " This contributes to a mixed customer satisfaction of 62.9%, indicating that while there are bright spots, theres also room for improvement.
Service
89
Reviews
62%
Satisfaction
29
negative
4
neutral
56
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, kind staff
- Helpful, attentive employees
- Good communication
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Slow service
- Careless order handling
Often praised
- staffWhat was your experience at the restaurant? It's a small, cozy cafe with incredibly friendly staff and a relaxed atmosphere! We tried a bagel and a sandwich – the portions were really generous, easily shareable, but everything was super delicious!
- serviceMy wife and I were visiting from Denver and wanted coffee within walking distance from Union Square. This coffee shop had a great atmosphere and friendly service. Most of all, the coffee is delicious!
- ServiceService was good. Staff were friendly.
- StaffStaff very friendly.
- communicated wellThey communicated well too
- dine-inDine in both great
- employeesemplead@s súper simpáticos y risueños
- food/drinksthe food/drinks do come out in a timely manner
- friendlyReally friendly
- friendly peopleThis is a really cute local cafe with friendly people. I found the best mocha here so far, and the sandwiches were delicious.
Frequently criticized
- staffUpon entering, I noticed it was quite crowded with most tables occupied, even with only 20-25 minutes left until closing. I ordered an egg and cheese bagel, but the staff seemed irritated. To my concern, the employee prepared my bagel without wearing gloves, and then proceeded to touch a cloth used for cleaning tables.
- orderThe coffee was poor, and the overall experience was unexpected. I made an order and was not served because the staff did not communicate properly.
- serviceThe service is consistently very slow
- app orderordering on an app where I pay ahead and when I showed up they still hadn't put my order in again
- callscalls often get disconnected
- carelessnesssuch carelessness was a red flag
- complaints were ignoredauf Beschwerden wird nicht eingegangen
- customer serviceCustomer service appalling
- employeeemployee started making the bagel without wearing gloves
- food servicePretty slow for food tho
If youre looking for genuinely friendly staff, youll likely find them here, but be prepared for potential delays. While the service can be quite good, the inconsistent speed and occasional operational hiccups mean it might not be the best spot if you're in a rush.
Ambience (7.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 54% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot generally hits the mark with a 7.1 score, indicating a good overall vibe. Many customers, based on 56 positive remarks out of 82 total opinions, loved the super cute and cozy ambient atmosphere, often highlighting the vibe and seating options as perfect for catching up with friends or enjoying a French bistro vibe. However, customer satisfaction sits at a more mixed 68.3%, largely due to challenges with seating and space.
With 17 negative opinions, some found it hard to get a table and noted it wasn't ideal for large groups or extended working sessions, feeling a bit too transactional at times.
Ambience
82
Reviews
68%
Satisfaction
17
negative
9
neutral
56
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy, cute vibe
- Pleasant atmosphere
- Good seating options
What people don't like
- Limited seating
- Crowded at times
- Not for large groups
Often praised
- atmosphereWhat was your experience at the restaurant? It's a small, cozy cafe with incredibly friendly staff and a relaxed atmosphere! We tried a bagel and a sandwich – the portions were really generous, easily shareable, but everything was super delicious!
- cafeReally cute and cozy cafe
- placeA nice, tidy place to read and have a coffee
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- environmentVery relax environment even when busy
- seatingIt's a really cute and cozy cafe with ample seating, which is a rarity in the city for those looking to work. I appreciated that there were plenty of comfy seats, and many people were indeed working on their laptops during the day. Their coffee was solid, and I particularly enjoyed my iced dirty chai.
- vibesGreat vibes!
- French vibesMy experience at this cafe was delightful. It's a super cute and quaint spot with semi sweet French vibes. The atmosphere is perfect for sun gazing and indulging in creative pursuits like writing your next novel while watching the world go by through their oversized windows.
- Italian bistro vibeliked the small Italian bistro vibe
- ambienceoverall the ambience is cool
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereThe vibe was, we don't want you business
- seatingnot a lot of seating
- tablesThis is a very cute little cafe in Nob Hill. It might not be suited for large groups, as the tables are rather small. I highly recommend the cragel sando; it was the best breakfast sandwich I ever had, coming out piping hot and delicious.
- ambianceThis felt more transactional
- chairsIt needs a few more chairs for people to sit in
- experiencereally unexpected experience
- getting a seatman bekommt quasi nie einen Platz
- large groupsThis is a very cute little cafe in Nob Hill. It might not be suited for large groups, as the tables are rather small. I highly recommend the cragel sando; it was the best breakfast sandwich I ever had, coming out piping hot and delicious.
- places to sitNot that many places to sit here
- seating spaceVery little seating space
If youre looking for a charming, cozy spot for a quick bite or coffee, especially if you snag a good seat, youll likely enjoy the atmosphere. However, if you're planning to work for hours, come with a large group, or expect ample space, you might find it a bit cramped and disappointing.
Value (4.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 18% of the guests
When it comes to value, many customers found things to appreciate, noting that items were often affordable, reasonable, and offered a fair price. Despite a score of 4.9 and 42.9% customer satisfaction, some felt it was refreshing to find quality at a good price, especially for coffee. These positive sentiments appeared in 9 remarks.
However, the value proposition wasnt universally praised, with 11 comments highlighting concerns. Many felt certain items were overpriced, and disliked having to pay extra for things like decaf or different bread. Some found the prices' for specific items, like sandwiches or iced lattes, to be a bit much, and a credit card minimum was also a point of contention.
Value
21
Reviews
42%
Satisfaction
11
negative
1
neutral
9
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable pricing
- Reasonable coffee prices
What people don't like
- Overpriced items
- Extra charges
- Credit card minimum
Often praised
- priceTheir coffee was solid, and I particularly enjoyed my iced dirty chai. It was also reasonably priced, making me want to come back for their coffee. However, my experience with the food was less impressive.
- Price2 coffees $14.50
- PricesPrices weren’t a shock given the tastes
- affordableIt's also affordable
- priced reasonablyEverything was priced so reasonably
- reasonablecafe is reasonable with such a freshness
Frequently criticized
- pricepay $6.50 (pre tax and tip) for an Ethiopian light roast pour over
- prices$48 for 2 sandwiches and 2 drinks is a bit much
- $5 minimumthere is a $5 minimum for credit cards.
- decafabsolutely ridiculous to charge $1 extra for decaf
- iced latteIt was absolutely ridiculous to charge an extra $1 for decaf coffee. Furthermore, paying $7 for an iced latte felt excessive. The food received a score of 1, indicating a very poor experience with the meal.
- overpricedSandwiches were overpriced
- paidwe had paid our coffees
- pay extrapay extra for the different bread
Overall, the value here is a bit of a mixed bag. While you might find some items refreshingly affordable, especially for coffee, be prepared for certain menu items or extra charges to feel a bit steep. Its worth trying if youre mindful of what you order, but could disappoint if you're expecting everything to be a steal.
How are the prices at BeanStalk Cafe?
You’re looking at roughly 16 per person – reported by 103 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 (a whopping 66 out of 103!) spend within this $11–$20 range, with a good chunk (23) even opting for the cheaper $1–$10 options. This shows prices really cluster around the average, offering a consistent and accessible experience.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 103 reviews.
How this Cafe’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, for a Cafe in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It hits that sweet spot where you get good value without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about BeanStalk Cafe
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
5
Disappointing Expectations vs. Reality
I had breakfast at this restaurant, ordering a sandwich and a coffee. I had high expectations because the reviews were better than those of the Starbucks on the corner. However, after a long wait, the food was not bad at all.
I don't understand why the reviews are so good.
- sandwich5
- coffee5
- reviews5
- long wait3
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
8
Miss the Bulgogi Sandwich!
Every time I visit San Francisco, I make it a point to come here for breakfast. I used to always get a chai and the bulgogi sandwich, but last time I was there, they informed me they no longer make it 😔. I was so, so, so sad!
You guys should really bring it back! It was my faavvvvorite in the world! I love your place so much and would do anything to have that sandwich back 😭 🙏.
- bulgogi sandwich10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Delicious Food, Great Service, Reasonable Prices!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! All the staff were super nice. I thoroughly enjoyed the Pesto turkey sandwich, which was delicious with its soft yet crunchy bread and fresh ingredients.
The specialty coffee, a taro latte, was also a "YUM! " moment. What impressed me further was that everything was priced so reasonably.
I will definitely be coming back.
- staff10
- Pesto turkey sandwich10
- bread9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Great Coffee, Tasty Bagels, Good Service!
I stumbled across this place and had a great experience. The flat white was excellent; they clearly know how to make a good coffee. The bagels were also very tasty and reasonably priced.
The service was good, and overall, I would definitely come back!
- flat white9
- bagels8
- service8
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Hidden Gem with Great Food and Atmosphere
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I found it to be a hidden gem. The food was good, the price was fair, and the environment was welcoming.
It's a definite stop if I'm back in town.
- food9
- price8
- environment9
What BeanStalk Cafe offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Tourists
- College students
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Solo dining
- Lunch
- Breakfast
Amenities
- Restroom
- Wi-Fi
Offerings
- Quick bite
- Healthy options
- Coffee
Dining options
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Dessert
Service Options
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Dine-in
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Paid parking lot
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
Is BeanStalk Cafe accessible for everyone?
Yes, BeanStalk Cafe in Lower Nob Hill is designed with accessibility in mind. You’ll find a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restrooms, ensuring a comfortable visit for all guests.
What kind of dining experience can you expect at BeanStalk Cafe?
At BeanStalk Cafe, you can enjoy a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed meal. They offer breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dessert, with healthy options available.
What is the overall customer sentiment for BeanStalk Cafe?
BeanStalk Cafe generally receives good feedback, with an overall score of 7.2 and a customer satisfaction rate of 71%. Customers particularly appreciate the Food (7.5) and Ambience (7.1), though Value (4.9) is often a point of concern.
What kind of atmosphere can I expect at BeanStalk Cafe?
You can expect a cozy and relaxed atmosphere at BeanStalk Cafe, often described as having ‘French vibes’ or an ‘Italian bistro vibe.’ It’s considered a nice place to read or work, though some customers have noted that seating can be limited.
Are there any common concerns about the service or pricing at BeanStalk Cafe?
While many customers find the staff friendly, some experiences mention slow service or issues with order accuracy. Regarding pricing, some feel that items like coffee and sandwiches can be a bit expensive, especially with extra charges for things like decaf.