Highlights
- Great dessert
- Live music
- Great wine list
oChef » Old Skool Cafe – San Francisco
Old Skool Cafe - San Francisco
Photo from Old Skool Cafe
Old Skool Cafe at a glance
San Francisco Bayview District
- 🍔 American Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $41–$50
mentioned by 53 of the guests
#50 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#1 American Restaurant out of 121 in San Francisco
Excellent
9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
731
Reviews
93.8%
Satisfaction
Often praised
Frequently criticized
The restaurant Old Skool Cafe, an American Restaurant in San Francisco’s vibrant Bayview District, invites you to a truly unique dining experience. You can immerse yourself in an atmosphere where delicious food meets captivating live music, making every visit memorable.
This cozy and trendy spot is perfect for an evening out, offering a great wine list to complement your meal.
Overview: Introducting Old Skool Cafe
Excellent
9
out of 10
731
Reviews
93.8%
Satisfaction
29
negative
16
neutral
686
positive
What people like
What people don't like
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Verdict: Our expert take on Old Skool Cafe
Food (8.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 95% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot truly shines! With an impressive 8.9 score and an excellent 92.9% customer satisfaction, diners are consistently raving. Based on 312 positive remarks, guests adore the soul food vibe, praising dishes like shrimp and grits, peanut butter stew, and fried chicken for their incredible flavor and quality.
However, out of 336 total opinions, 14 did point out some areas for improvement. A few found the gumbo a bit too salty or flat, and some fried chicken was noted for lacking seasoning or being over-fried. While these instances are few, they suggest slight inconsistencies.
Food
336
Reviews
92%
Satisfaction
14
negative
10
neutral
312
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious soul food
- Flavorful peanut stew
- Excellent Mac & Cheese
What people don't like
- Salty gumbo
- Bland fried chicken
- Over-fried items
Often praised
- foodEveryone was so friendly; seasoned restaurant staff at other establishments could learn about hospitality from these teens & young adults. The food was far better than I anticipated, and I have been thinking about the Sweet Potato Biscuits (sadly these aren't available to purchase, they're a complimentary starter) since our dinner. My only problems were that they were hard to find, and we actually drove by twice without realizing it, and the dark entryway/walkway to the dining area.
- fried chickenThe young wait staff are always charming, the drinks are great, and the food is well-prepared and really good. We often return for the short ribs and fried chicken, but I'm eager to try the shrimp next time. The atmosphere is enhanced by up-and-coming young jazz musicians setting the mood.
- drinksThe staff was the absolute best part of our visit, providing exceptional service. This was followed closely by the beautiful aesthetics of the place and the fantastic food and drinks. We absolutely loved our time here and are eager to return soon.
- soul foodAll of the employees were so friendly, and the restaurant is really supportive of high school students and the community. I definitely recommend stopping by for HANDS DOWN the best soul food served in a speakeasy vibe.
- gumboWe were recommended this place by friends, and it exceeded expectations. The food was absolutely delicious, with highlights including the fried chicken, gumbo, and short rib entrees, as well as the taumoepeau ota and catfish fingers starters. We also indulged in most of the desserts – sweet potato tarts, chocolate surprise (brownie), and fruit crumble – all of which were fantastic.
- shrimp and gritsThe drinks, including the Aviation, Bee's Knees, and Cotton Club, were tasty, and the food was delicious! Our favorites included the complimentary biscuit to start, the Tongan appetizer, collard greens, and the shrimp and grits. It's definitely worth a visit for a classy time!
- peanut butter stewpeanut butter stew easily stealing the show—it was rich, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned
- Peanut Butter StewPeanut Butter Stew: Works on alot of different levels
- cocktailsMy experience at this restaurant was wonderful. The establishment itself is beautiful, and they serve great cocktails. The service was fantastic.
- lavender cheesecakethe lavender cheesecake and the Guittard chocolate brownie were fabulous!
Frequently criticized
- gumboThe gumbo was served cold on the outside and watery, but had flavor.
- fried chickenI ate the fried chicken last night, I could immediately tell something was off
- Blackened CatfishThe one truly disappointing dish of the night. The catfish was too rubbery and the spices didn't kick at all.
- Fried Chickena bit over-fried on the outside. There was also a bit too much rubbed on, so the exterior taste was a bit too overpowering.
- chickenMy chicken was far too salty
- entreesout of 2 of 5 entrees
- foodnot sure the food is going to bring me back
- food poisoningexplosive case of food poisoning
- seasoningFor mains, the short ribs and mashed potatoes were outstanding. The shrimp and sausage were great, but the gumbo was flat and both the fried chicken and gumbo needed more seasoning. The chicken was very moist but a little bland.
- spare ribout of 2 of 5 entrees - spare rib
So, should you go? Absolutely! With overwhelmingly positive feedback and an excellent score, you're likely in for a delicious meal, especially if you lean into their signature soul food dishes.
Just be aware that a few items, like the gumbo or fried chicken, might occasionally miss the mark on seasoning.
Service (9.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 80% of the guests
Its clear that the service here is a major highlight, boasting an excellent score of 9.1 and an impressive 93.5% customer satisfaction! Out of 169 comments, a whopping 158 rave about the friendly staff, excellent service, and warm, attentive hospitality. Many appreciate the dedicated youth hire program and the restaurants social mission, making every interaction feel meaningful.
However, a small number of 7 comments did point out some areas for improvement. A few experiences mentioned issues with food delivery, particularly via Grubhub, and some noted less-than-ideal seating arrangements or isolated instances of poor service from a waitress. These seem to be minor hiccups rather than widespread concerns.
Service
169
Reviews
93%
Satisfaction
7
negative
4
neutral
158
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Excellent service
- Support youth mission
What people don't like
- Delivery issues
- Seating concerns
- Isolated poor service
Often praised
- serviceThe service was on point and the servers were so friendly and attentive!
- staffThis was a few months ago, so I'm sure he's gotten over his nerves by now. Everyone was so friendly; seasoned restaurant staff at other establishments could learn about hospitality from these teens & young adults. The food was far better than I anticipated, and I have been thinking about the Sweet Potato Biscuits (sadly these aren't available to purchase, they're a complimentary starter) since our dinner.
- youthThe atmosphere was great, enhanced by the live music. What truly stood out was their commitment to what they are trying to do for our youth. 👏🏼 💪🏼 ✊🏼
- Chef KevinChef Kevin checks on all the tables personally
- ServiceThe Service and atmosphere were both rated a perfect 5
- experienceThat concept was enough for us to give them a try. Overall, we had a great experience. Our waiter was newer and you could tell that he was nervous, but he was extremely sweet.
- serverserver telling us all about Old Skool’s mission
- serversThe servers are young so give them a break… They’re learning to be professionals
- waiterOld Skool Cafe completely destroys this misconception. Had I not been told by our waiter that it was designed for at-risk youth to stay off the streets and learn valuable business skills, I would've thought that it was just a wonderful soul food restaurant with an incredible ambiance for a great night out. What they are doing is phenomenal for these kids, but even more, what they are doing is phenomenal for the dining public.
- attention to detailMy experience at this restaurant was exceptional. It's more than just a place to eat; it's a vibrant community, a supper club, and an immersive dining experience with extraordinary attention to detail. The moody interiors, complete with velvet booths, a live jazz band, and glass chandeliers, created a wonderful atmosphere.
Frequently criticized
- GrubhubGrubhub blames restaurant
- businessAnother indication of their valuing our business
- food deliveryPoor results with food delivery from Grubhub
- food orderFood order canceled without explanation
- seatingSeating on the other side of the bar, so far away from the other patrons
- serviceI never pay for poor service
- waitressthe look a waitress gave us and the signal she gave to the maitre d
If youre looking for a dining experience where the service shines and genuinely makes a difference, this place is a must-try. While there might be a rare minor snag with delivery or seating, the overwhelmingly positive and attentive staff ensure a memorable visit. Youll leave feeling well-cared for and inspired!
Ambience (9 out of 10)
mentioned by 78% of the guests
Alright, lets talk vibes! The ambience here is truly a standout, scoring an excellent 9 with an impressive 95.7% customer satisfaction. Based on 202 positive remarks out of 211, guests absolutely rave about the "live music, " "great atmosphere, " and the overall "jazz music" experience, often highlighting a unique "speakeasy vibe.
" It sounds like theyve really nailed the mood! However, its not entirely without its quirks. A handful of comments, 7 to be exact, mentioned that the "live music" could sometimes get a little "loud, " and a few folks noted issues with the "seating arrangement" not always facing the performers.
While these are minor points given the overwhelmingly positive feedback, theyre worth keeping in mind.
Ambience
211
Reviews
95%
Satisfaction
7
negative
2
neutral
202
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Excellent live jazz
- Great atmosphere/vibe
- Unique speakeasy decor
What people don't like
- Music can be loud
- Suboptimal seating arrangement
Often praised
- atmosphereMy only problems were that they were hard to find, and we actually drove by twice without realizing it, and the dark entryway/walkway to the dining area. Other than that, it's great food, a great experience, a great atmosphere, and a great cause.
- live musicMy experience at this old-school cafe was fantastic! I loved the amazing live music and the drinks were also good. It's inspiring to know they're helping the youth, which adds a special story to this place.
- ambianceincredible ambiance for a great night out. It's dark and intimate, with an incredible singer and pianist performing random (but great renditions) of popular pop songs.
- musicMy experience at the restaurant was wonderful. I was impressed by the wonderful ambiance and the great music. The food was good, and the service was also good.
- live jazzMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed epic soul food and killer live jazz, all for a very very very good cause. It's a must-visit off the beaten path for any trip to SF.
- vibeThe vibe. The jazz music. The incredible food.
- missionI enjoyed their delicious home style food, and the kind staff made the visit even better. They also have a great mission.
- ambienceMy experience at the restaurant was fantastic! I was impressed by the great music, great ambience, and great food. The restaurant also has a great purpose, which I appreciate.
- decorawesome decor definitely added to the jubilant flair
- AtmosphereThe Service and atmosphere were both rated a perfect 5
Frequently criticized
- live musiclive music from the upper terrance can to be a loud contrast
- restaurantThe food was far better than I anticipated, and I have been thinking about the Sweet Potato Biscuits (sadly these aren't available to purchase, they're a complimentary starter) since our dinner. My only problems were that they were hard to find, and we actually drove by twice without realizing it, and the dark entryway/walkway to the dining area. Other than that, it's great food, a great experience, a great atmosphere, and a great cause.
- loudsometimes it can get a little loud
- seatingThe brussels sprouts were also surprisingly good. The live music is a fantastic touch, but the seating was all facing the wrong way, making it hard to enjoy.
- seating arrangementseating arrangement could use a little adjustment since most tables face away from the performers
If you're looking for a place with fantastic live jazz and a truly immersive atmosphere, this spot is definitely worth a visit. Just be aware that the music can get lively, and you might want to snag a good seat to fully enjoy the show.
Value (8.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 10% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot truly shines! With an excellent score of 8.8 and an outstanding customer satisfaction of 93.3%, its clear guests feel theyre getting a great deal. Many of the 14 positive remarks highlight the good cause, reasonable prices, and the impressive quality, quantity, and price for what you pay, especially supporting a youth program.
While overwhelmingly positive, there was only one minor point raised among the 15 total opinions. A single comment noted some difficulty with parking space, suggesting it might be a slight inconvenience for some visitors, but it's a very small blip on an otherwise stellar record.
Value
15
Reviews
93%
Satisfaction
1
negative
0
neutral
14
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good cause
- Reasonable pricing
- Quality, quantity, price
What people don't like
Often praised
- priceThe staff was incredibly friendly and attentive throughout our dinner. For the price range of $10–20 per person, it was a great value.
- pricesThe prices are cheap
- SF pricingDon't be put off by the neighborhood; we were so glad we went! The food was excellent for SF pricing, and the staff are incredible – they really are the show. Their stories and the entire cafe demonstrate how each of us is capable of achieving a better life with hard work, grit, some help, and some love.
- cheaperI came to Old Skool Cafe specifically for their fried chicken. While it was pretty decent, I found the chicken at Frisco Fried, just a couple blocks away, to be better and cheaper. I do appreciate the mission of Old Skool Cafe, but I'm not sure the food alone is enough to bring me back anytime soon.
- dollarsFor anyone who cares about doing good and helping society, I strongly recommend Old Skool Cafe. The employees are all marginalized and at-risk youth, learning and working in all levels of the organization, so you know your dollars are going to the right place. It is run as a non-profit, and has grants and donations to help foot the bill.
- good causeMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed epic soul food and killer live jazz, all for a very very very good cause. It's a must-visit off the beaten path for any trip to SF.
- happy hourthey had happy hour on their appetizers
- missionsupport such a fantastic mission!
- non-profitThe employees are all marginalized and at-risk youth, learning and working in all levels of the organization, so you know your dollars are going to the right place. It is run as a non-profit, and has grants and donations to help foot the bill. A plus, would absolutely recommend anyone go there!
- pricingyou cannot beat the pricing
Frequently criticized
- Parking spaceSomewhat difficult to find parking
If youre looking for a place where your dollars go to a fantastic cause and you get great food for a fair price, this is definitely worth a visit. Dont let a potential parking hunt deter you from an otherwise excellent experience.
How are the prices at Old Skool Cafe?
You’re looking at roughly 45 per person – reported by 53 diners. That puts it in the $41–$50 category. For an American Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Whats interesting is that while the average sits in the mid-range, the prices are quite spread out. This means youll find options ranging from more budget-friendly bites to some premium experiences, offering a good mix for different wallets.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 53 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
For an American Restaurant, we think the pricing feels pretty fair. With options spanning from more casual to a bit more upscale, it seems like they’ve got something for everyone.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Old Skool Cafe
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Fantastic Food, Lively Atmosphere!
My experience at this restaurant was overwhelmingly positive, largely due to the fantastic food. The peanut butter stew was a standout, described as rich, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned. The brussels sprouts were also a delightful surprise, noted for being crispy and full of flavor.
The restaurant boasts a cozy, lively atmosphere enhanced by live music, which effectively sets the mood. However, a minor drawback was the seating arrangement, as most tables faced away from the performers, making it difficult to fully enjoy the show. Despite this, the combination of great food, friendly service, and upbeat energy makes it a place I would happily visit again.
- peanut butter stew10
- brussels sprouts8
- live music8
- seating arrangement3
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Great Experience at Old Skool Cafe!
My experience at Old Skool Cafe was great! Matthew, thank you for your passion and insight into the mission/purpose behind this speakeasy. We will be back!
- passion10
- insight10
- mission/purpose9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Exceptional Food, Service, and Vibes!
My experience at Old Skool Cafe was exceptional! The food was outstanding, with the Tongan Oto appetizer and Gumbo being particular highlights. I also enjoyed the fried chicken from a previous visit; the food truly does not disappoint.
The vibes were 10/10, enhanced by the live jazz band. The service was also top-notch. I highly recommend everyone experiences Old Skool Cafe.
- food10
- service10
- live jazz band9
Price per Person
- $51–$60
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
10
Exceptional Experience, Must-Try Dishes!
My experience at this restaurant was exceptional in every way. The vibe, the jazz music, and the incredible food all contributed to a memorable evening. The Zoot-suited staff added a unique touch, and the story behind the place made it even more special.
I highly recommend you do not sleep on this place – seriously, do not miss out! For drinks, the French 75 and the Sidecar were fantastic. For starters, the flaky catfish and the brussel sprouts were delicious.
For mains, I suggest the pork chop or the fried chicken. And for dessert, the date cake or the lavender cheesecake are both excellent choices.
- vibe10
- jazz music10
- incredible food10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Exceptional Food, Service, and Atmosphere!
My experience at this restaurant was truly incredible! The service was on point, with servers who were so friendly and attentive. We enjoyed appetizers while listening to live jazz, creating the perfect environment with a cozy, elegant atmosphere.
I especially appreciated how well-cooked the shrimp was and the spicy sauce, which was bursting with flavor. The crostinis were delicious, and our server graciously offered more when she noticed we had to leave. This place is more than just a restaurant; it's a community mutual aid fund, supporting youth wellness and empowering them to break cycles of incarceration and poverty.
I will definitely be coming back for more food, lovely jazz, and the impeccable ambience!
- service10
- atmosphere10
- shrimp9
What Old Skool Cafe offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Transgender safespace
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Offerings
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Private dining room
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Catering
- Dessert
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Romantic
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of dining experience can you expect at Old Skool Cafe?
At Old Skool Cafe, you can look forward to a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere, ideal for a romantic dinner or relaxed evening. They offer dinner, seating, catering, and delightful desserts. You can choose from dine-in, takeout, or delivery options.
Are there specific amenities or accessibility features available at Old Skool Cafe?
Yes, Old Skool Cafe is fully equipped with a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restrooms to ensure comfort for all guests. You’ll also find free street parking, a convenient bar onsite, and gender-neutral restrooms, enhancing your overall experience.