Highlights
- Great coffee
- Great tea selection
oChef » Maxfield’s – San Francisco
Maxfield's - San Francisco
Photo from Maxfield’s
Maxfield's at a glance
San Francisco Duboce Triangle
- ☕ Café
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 27 of the guests
#1808 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#123 Café out of 162 in San Francisco
Good
6.8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
234
Reviews
69.2%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Work-friendly
- Quality beverages
- Good sandwiches
Frequently criticized
- Poor service
- Dated interior
- Limited hours
The cafe Maxfield’s, nestled in San Francisco’s vibrant Duboce Triangle neighborhood, is a true gem for anyone seeking an exceptional coffee experience. You’ll discover a cozy and casual spot where the aroma of freshly brewed coffee invites you in.
It’s the perfect place to grab a quick bite or enjoy a healthy option, making it a favorite local hangout.
Overview: Introducting Maxfield's
Maxfield’s offers a comfortable spot for those seeking a productive environment, boasting strong WiFi and ample seating for work or casual conversation. Many appreciate the quality of their coffee and sandwiches, making it a reliable choice for a quick bite or beverage.
However, the experience isn’t uniformly positive. Some patrons have noted issues with inconsistent service and a somewhat dated ambience, which can detract from the overall visit.
These points suggest a mixed bag, despite its neighborhood appeal.
Good
6.8
out of 10
234
Reviews
69.2%
Satisfaction
55
negative
17
neutral
162
positive
Overall, Maxfield’s holds a 6.8 score, placing it in the average to good range, with customer satisfaction at 69.2%, indicating a generally mixed but leaning positive reception. This assessment is drawn from 234 customer opinions, with 162 positive remarks outweighing 55 negative ones.
Looking closer, the Ambience stands out with a good score of (7.6), often praised for its work-friendly environment. Food also performs reasonably well at (6.9), though some specific items receive mixed feedback.
However, Service (5.5) and Value (4.9) fall into the average category, suggesting areas where improvements could enhance the overall experience.
What people like
- Work-friendly space
- Quality beverages
- Tasty sandwiches
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service
- Dated decor
- Early closing hours
Maxfield’s presents itself as a functional spot, particularly if you’re seeking a place to work or enjoy a decent coffee and sandwich. Its strong 7 recommendation score suggests it’s generally worth a visit, especially if the appealing ambience and specific menu items align with your needs.
However, be mindful of potential service inconsistencies and the somewhat dated interior. If these aspects are critical to your experience, you might find it less appealing.
For a casual, productive stop, it generally delivers, but don’t expect perfection across the board.
Similar Restaurants in San Francisco
- Café
9.1
out of 10
out of 10
80
98.8%
- $$
- Inner Sunset
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Café
9.1
out of 10
out of 10
336
94.6%
- $$
- West SoMa
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Café
9
out of 10
out of 10
282
95%
- $
- Potrero Hill
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Café
9
out of 10
out of 10
252
98%
- $$
- Visitacion Valley
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Café
8.9
out of 10
out of 10
367
93.2%
- $
- Outer Richmond
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Café
8.8
out of 10
out of 10
133
96.2%
- $
- Mount Davidson Manor
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
Verdict: Our expert take on Maxfield's
Food (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 85% of the guests
When it comes to the food and drinks here, many customers are quite pleased! With a score of 6.9, the offerings are generally considered good, and customer satisfaction sits at a respectable 68.5%, indicating a somewhat positive experience overall. Folks rave about the excellent iced coffee, delicious sandwiches, and refreshing cold brew, with pastries also getting a nod.
Out of 89 comments, a solid 61 were positive, highlighting many tasty options. However, not everything hits the mark for everyone. Some found the mango smoothie to be more of a slushie than expected, and while some pastries are loved, others felt they lacked density or tasted similar.
A few also noted issues with the cold brew coffee being bitter or the Italian soda tasting like cheap syrup. These points, from 20 negative comments, suggest there's a little room for improvement in certain areas.
Food
89
Reviews
68%
Satisfaction
20
negative
8
neutral
61
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Iced coffee shines
- Sandwiches are delicious
- Good food quality
What people don't like
- Mango smoothie disappoints
- Pastries can vary
- Cold brew sometimes bitter
Often praised
- coffeeMy experience at this restaurant was consistently great. I enjoyed their smooth textured, aromatic coffee and delicious pastries. The amazing sandwiches were a highlight, and the excellent service made the visit even better.
- foodMy experience at this coffee house was excellent. I found it to be the best coffee house in town, offering good coffee and good food. The establishment had plenty of tables, which is always a plus.
- sandwichesMy experience at this restaurant was largely positive. I enjoyed the good sandwiches and the cold brew, which were both excellent. The restaurant also offers plenty of space to work, making it a comfortable spot for productivity.
- iced coffeeTheir iced coffee is hands-down one of the best I've ever had.
- Chai LatteThank you infinitely for this excellent Chai Latte from 6 years ago :) I was delighted with my visit to your establishment. If I pass through San Francisco again, know that I will return!
- FoodFood:5
- Monterey jack cheesecranberry sauce and Monterey jack cheese...delicious!
- Nutella MochaNutella Mocha es una delicia
- SmoothiesSmoothies are a must try
- beveragesBeverages and comestibles alike are good quality
Frequently criticized
- coffeeYou can get coffee but not good coffee
- cappuccinoThe environment felt cold, and the coffee was just alright. A significant drawback is that they only serve drinks in to-go cups, which is both environmentally un-friendly and terrible for a cappuccino.
- Italian sodaItalian soda was just some old cheap syrup
- Vietnamese coffeeboth of us got sick vomiting 1 hour later
- chilled mango juicechilled mango juice is not what I expected
- coffee ageI’d guess based on how busy they are it’s a few weeks old
- cold brew coffeeMy cold brew coffee was bitter
- creamdidn’t have any of the cream that’s supposed to come with it
- cuisineMy experience at this restaurant was one of potential wasted. The place looks like a cafe from the 80s, and it really needs an effort to spruce up the place and keep up with the design and cuisine of the times and area. I'm sure this would lead to more business.
- fluffybeing overly fluffy without any density to them
If you're looking for a spot with generally good food and drinks, especially their acclaimed iced coffee and sandwiches, this place is worth a visit. While some items like certain pastries or the mango smoothie might be a hit or miss, the overall positive feedback suggests a pleasant experience for most.
Service (5.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 58% of the guests
When it comes to service, many guests rave about the genuinely friendly staff and excellent customer service. Reviewers often highlight the welcoming family who run the place and the efficient crew, making visits feel personal and fast. With 23 positive remarks out of 48 total, theres a clear appreciation for the warm interactions.
However, the service experience isnt always smooth sailing, with a score of 5.5 and customer satisfaction at 47.9%, indicating a mixed bag. Some reports mention instances of rudeness and yelling, along with concerns about discriminatory treatment and rude behavior from certain staff members or even the owner. These 21 negative comments suggest inconsistency.
Service
48
Reviews
47%
Satisfaction
21
negative
4
neutral
23
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Excellent service
- Fast service
What people don't like
- Rude behavior
- Discriminatory treatment
- Unprofessional staff
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was excellent. I enjoyed the good coffee and the great service. It was a pleasant surprise to find a table with wifi and an outlet, which feels like a rarity in San Francisco.
- staffI stop by a few times a week. The food is good, the staff is friendly and professional, and the coffee and espresso is fantastic! Anytime I have to take a different route to work and have to get coffee elsewhere, like one of the chains, I'm reminded of how mediocre chain coffee is compared to places like Maxfields.
- customer servicereally lovely customer service
- ServiceService:5
- counter staffThe counter staff are friendly and helpful.
- crewAnnie and Tiffany and crew are excellent
- familyfamily who run the place are super-friendly and fun
- fastconsistent and fast
- neighborhood regularsThe crew, including Annie and Tiffany, are excellent. They know my order and cater to a host of neighborhood regulars. It's a great space to work during the week with large tables and a great overall vibe.
- ownersIt's a nice, out-of-the-way spot. They offered outside Covid era seating, and the owners were very helpful and friendly.
Frequently criticized
- servicepoor and rude service
- businessnow I am never going to want to purchase anything from this business
- closing timeThey are also closing now at 3pm. Why so early???
- counterfeit penolder woman at the counter proceeds to whip out a counterfeit pen
- discriminatory treatmentdiscriminatory treatment I received
- greetingtook the two lady’s a few minutes to greet me
- hand washingrinsed off briefly with no soap
- line to the restroombeing told that there's a line to the restroom even though I don't see one
- older womanolder woman at the counter proceeds to whip out a counterfeit pen
- ownerI am sad that whoever commented back about having a bad experience as a person of color, the owner instead gave them attitude and sent them a link of proper order etiquette. This was unprofessional.
So, should you go? It's a bit of a gamble. While many praise the friendly and efficient team, there are concerning reports of rude or even discriminatory interactions.
If you value a warm welcome, you might find it here, but be aware that the service can be inconsistent.
Ambience (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 76% of the guests
The ambience here generally hits the mark, boasting a good score of 7.6 and a solid 84.1% customer satisfaction. Many appreciate the peaceful place, natural light, and free WiFi, making it a great spot to relax or work. With 74 positive remarks out of 88 total, it's clear most find the atmosphere quite appealing.
However, not everyone is entirely charmed, with 9 negative comments pointing to some areas for improvement. Concerns include a stern atmosphere, too many rules, and an outdated 80s design. Some also found the environment cold, suggesting a mixed experience for a few.
Ambience
88
Reviews
84%
Satisfaction
9
negative
5
neutral
74
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Peaceful atmosphere
- Great for work
- Natural light
What people don't like
- Too many rules
- Stern atmosphere
- Cold environment
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at this low-key, neighborly coffee shop was primarily about the atmosphere. While the food isn't incredible, it's a great place to relax. It wasn't too crowded, which added to the peaceful environment.
- placeThe place is also quiet and conducive to conversation.
- WiFiMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic for co-working. The place is equipped with lots of plugs and good WiFi, making it ideal for working remotely. The coffee was pretty solid, and the customer service was really lovely.
- seatingMy experience at this restaurant was mixed. While there is solid WiFi and lots of seating, which are definite positives, the overall atmosphere was negatively impacted by a rude staff member. This individual was overheard complaining quite loudly behind the counter about customers who had just visited.
- coffee shopA great neighborhood coffee shop
- environmentthe environment is clean and very low-key.
- lightMy experience at this cute neighborhood spot was pleasant. It's filled with tons of light and offers both outdoor and indoor seating. Access to the restroom requires a key, and internet access is available with a password.
- locationMy experience was great! I enjoyed the iced coffee and the great location. The staff was friendly, making it a really enjoyable experience to grab a coffee and sit outside in the sun or walk a block to Dolores.
- natural lightPlenty of seating and natural light.
- outletsseveral outlets!!
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereVery uncomfortable to relax in and there's a stern atmosphere.
- designMy experience at this restaurant was one of potential wasted. The place looks like a cafe from the 80s, and it really needs an effort to spruce up the place and keep up with the design and cuisine of the times and area. I'm sure this would lead to more business.
- environmentEnvironment is cold
- hoursWish they stayed open longer for weekdays
- loud musicNo loud music or other unwelcome din
- placeLooks like a cafe from the 80s
- rulesSo many rules written everywhere it feels like entering a prison.
- weekendDon’t try to get in on the weekend
If youre seeking a peaceful spot with good WiFi to get some work done or simply relax, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be aware that some find the atmosphere a bit stern or the decor a little dated, especially if youre sensitive to that.
Value (4.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 13% of the guests
When it comes to value, there are definitely some bright spots. Many customers appreciate the reasonable prices and that items are often decently priced, especially considering the quality of beverages and comestibles. With 4 positive remarks out of 9 total comments, its clear that some offerings hit the mark, contributing to an overall 4.9 score.
However, the value proposition isnt universally loved, leading to a 44.4% customer satisfaction thats quite mixed. With 5 negative remarks, some customers felt they had to purchase something and found certain items, like those around a five dollar bill, to be quite expensive or "not the 3+ theyre commanding. "
Value
9
Reviews
44%
Satisfaction
5
negative
0
neutral
4
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable prices
- Good quality for price
What people don't like
- Forced to purchase
- Specific items overpriced
Often praised
- pricedThe staff were nice, efficient, and hard-working. Both the beverages and comestibles were of good quality and reasonably priced.
- pricesprices were good
- reasonable pricesfast with reasonable prices
Frequently criticized
- Price per personPaying $6.50 + tax for chilled mango juice
- commandingnot the 3+ they're commanding
- five bucksdoing all of that over five bucks?
- five dollar billFor a five dollar bill
- purchase somethingI was told I have to purchase something
Overall, the value here is a bit of a mixed bag. While some items are reasonably priced, be mindful of specific purchases that might feel overpriced. Its worth trying if youre careful with your selections, but don't expect every item to be a steal.
How are the prices at Maxfield's?
You’re looking at roughly 11 per person – reported by 27 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 under 20 $, with a good chunk even opting for options under 10 $. This suggests a nice mix of budget-friendly and slightly more indulgent choices.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 27 reviews.
How this Cafe’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
For a Cafe in San Francisco, we think this pricing feels quite fair. It offers good value for a casual spot without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Maxfield's
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Fantastic Coffee and Friendly Staff
I stop by a few times a week. The food is good, the staff is friendly and professional, and the coffee and espresso is fantastic! Anytime I have to take a different route to work and have to get coffee elsewhere, like one of the chains, I'm reminded of how mediocre chain coffee is compared to places like Maxfields.
- food9
- staff10
- coffee and espresso10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Solo Dining
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
3
Spacious Workspace, Disappointing Smoothie
My experience at this restaurant offered a nice and pretty spacious work area, with only a few people around during lunchtime on a Thursday. However, the menu proved to be disingenuous. I ordered a mango smoothie, expecting a blended drink, but instead received a slushie.
Paying $6. 50 + tax for what was essentially chilled mango juice was not what I anticipated.
- work area9
- menu3
- mango smoothie2
- chilled mango juice2
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
5
Nice Location, Average Food
It is nice to be so close to Dolores Park, but the food and coffee itself is just fine in comparison to other cafes in the city.
- Dolores Park7
- food5
- coffee5
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
7
Coffee Great, Service Questionable
I tried this spot for the first time over the weekend, and the coffee was fire. I went back yesterday, and it was still great. Today, I paid with a $5 bill and immediately tipped a dollar on top of that.
The older woman at the counter proceeded to whip out a counterfeit pen for a five-dollar bill. Even after I threw a dollar in the jar and even after the results showed it was real, she still hesitated to accept it 😩. Doing all of that over five bucks?
Y'all okay over there? Who hurt you? It was disappointing.
I want my dollar back 😭.
- coffee10
- younger cashier8
- dollar in the jar6
- older woman2
- counterfeit pen2
- five dollar bill2
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Great Co-working Spot with Excellent Service
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic for co-working. The place is equipped with lots of plugs and good WiFi, making it ideal for working remotely. The coffee was pretty solid, and the customer service was really lovely.
It's a great place to cowork.
- plugs9
- WiFi9
- coffee7
What Maxfield's 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
- Solo dining
- Lunch
- Breakfast
Amenities
- Restroom
- Wi-Fi
Offerings
- Quick bite
- Healthy options
- Coffee
- Beer
Dining options
- Seating
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Dessert
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere and dining options can you find at Maxfield's?
At Maxfield’s, you’ll step into a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere perfect for any time of day. You can enjoy a delightful breakfast, a satisfying lunch, or a sweet dessert, with comfortable seating available for your dining pleasure.
Is Maxfield's House of Caffeine accessible and family-friendly?
Absolutely! Maxfield’s House of Caffeine ensures everyone feels welcome with wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restrooms. Plus, it’s good for kids, offering high chairs, and your furry friends are welcome at the outdoor seating area.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Maxfield's?
Maxfield’s holds a 6.8 score, indicating an average to good overall experience, with customer satisfaction at 69.2%. While Ambience (7.6) and Food (6.9) are generally well-regarded, Service (5.5) and Value (4.9) show room for improvement.
What do customers particularly enjoy about Maxfield's?
Many customers appreciate the work-friendly atmosphere, noting strong WiFi, ample seating, and natural light. Specific menu items like their coffee, iced coffee, Chai Latte, smoothies, and sandwiches also receive positive remarks.
What are some common complaints about Maxfield's?
Some patrons have expressed concerns about inconsistent or rude service, a dated interior design, and an atmosphere that can feel stern or cold. Additionally, the early closing hours are a point of dissatisfaction for some.