Highlights
- Great coffee
- Great tea selection
oChef » Cable Car Coffee – San Francisco
Cable Car Coffee - San Francisco
Photo from Cable Car Coffee
Cable Car Coffee at a glance
San Francisco Union Square
- 🥪 Sandwich Shop
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 59 of the guests
#103 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#8 Sandwich Shop out of 65 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
232
Reviews
94.4%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Quality food
- Warm service
Frequently criticized
- Small space
- Mixed atmosphere
The sandwich shop Cable Car CoffeeSF in San Francisco’s vibrant Union Square offers you a delightful escape. You’ll discover a cozy and casual atmosphere, perfect for a quick bite or a relaxing moment.
Known for its great coffee, this spot is ideal whether you’re starting your day with breakfast or grabbing lunch. It’s a welcoming place for you, your kids, and even your dog.
Overview: Introducting Cable Car Coffee
Cable Car Coffee offers a delightful experience, particularly noted for its delicious sandwiches and friendly service. Patrons frequently commend the attentive staff and the quality of the food, making it a reliable spot for a satisfying meal.
While many appreciate the reasonable prices and charming outdoor seating, some observations point to a more rustic atmosphere. The unique setting, often described as a ‘cute little location, ‘ contributes to its character, though seating can be limited.
Excellent
8.8
out of 10
232
Reviews
94.4%
Satisfaction
9
negative
4
neutral
219
positive
This establishment boasts an impressive `Restaurant Score` of `8.8` and a `Customer Satisfaction` rating of `94.4%`, reflecting a highly positive overall impression. This strong performance is supported by 219 positive remarks out of 232 customer comments, indicating widespread approval.
The `Food` (9) stands out as a top performer, consistently earning high praise for its quality. `Service` (9.3) is equally commendable, with staff frequently described as exceptionally kind and attentive.
`Value` (8.1) is generally considered fair, offering a good balance, while the `Ambience` (7.1) provides a pleasant, albeit sometimes rustic, backdrop to the experience.
What people like
- Delicious food quality
- Exceptional friendly service
- Good value for money
What people don't like
- Limited seating options
- Mixed ambience perception
With a robust `Recommendation Score` of `9.1`, Cable Car Coffee is certainly a place to consider for a casual and satisfying meal. It consistently delivers on its promise of quality food and excellent service, making it a dependable choice for those seeking a pleasant experience.
If you prioritize delicious, freshly prepared food and genuinely friendly interactions, this spot is likely to impress. While the physical space might be compact, the overall positive experience makes it a worthwhile stop.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Cable Car Coffee
Food (9 out of 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot truly shines! With an excellent score of 9 and an impressive 97.3% customer satisfaction, it's clear diners are thrilled. Out of 150 opinions, a whopping 146 rave about the high quality, fresh ingredients, and delicious breakfast sandwiches, making it a top pick for many.
While overwhelmingly positive, a couple of minor hiccups were noted. Only 2 negative comments surfaced, mentioning the occasional unavailability of everything bagels and one specific expensive sandwich at $13. These are small points in an otherwise stellar food experience.
Food
150
Reviews
97%
Satisfaction
2
negative
2
neutral
146
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- High quality food
- Delicious breakfast sandwiches
- Fresh ingredients
What people don't like
- Bagels run out
- Expensive sandwich
Often praised
- foodThe shop is conveniently located on the subway level, accessible by stairs or escalator. The shopkeeper was friendly, and the food was made fresh on the spot. It was also very reasonably priced.
- breakfast sandwichesDelicious, generously portioned breakfast sandwiches
- coffeeMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had a great breakfast sandwich and good coffee. The outdoor seating was a nice touch, and the prices were reasonable.
- breakfast sandwichAbsolutely loved the breakfast sandwich I ordered here
- sandwichesMy experience at Cable Car Coffee SF was superb! I enjoyed their great coffee and delicious sandwiches. The service and atmosphere were also superb 👍.
- FoodThe Food was outstanding
- everything bagelI added turkey, and it was sooo good. The sandwich was packed with hummus, cucumber, tomato, avocado, sprouts, and red onion, all on an everything bagel. The bagel was toasted to perfection!
- bagelThe bagel was toasted to perfection!
- coffee drinksIt was so worth the search! They offer a great variety of breakfast sandwiches and hot and cold coffee drinks. I mentioned I was vegetarian and was recommended the San Francisco sandwich, with added egg.
- drip coffeeand a drip coffee and I’m thrilled
Frequently criticized
- bacon egg and cheeseexcept for the $13 bacon egg and cheese.
- everything bagelssadly they had run out of everything bagels
If youre looking for a place with consistently delicious and high-quality food, especially for breakfast, you absolutely cant go wrong here. While they might occasionally run out of a specific item or have a pricier sandwich, the overall food experience is overwhelmingly positive and worth trying.
Service (9.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 67% of the guests
Wow, talk about a warm welcome! The service here is truly something special, earning an excellent score of 9.3 and an incredible 97.4% customer satisfaction. Based on 38 glowing comments out of 39 total, folks consistently rave about the friendly staff, service, and the owners who make everyone feel right at home.
Youll often hear praise for the lady at the counter and the speedy service. Interestingly, theres absolutely no negative feedback to report on the service. It seems this place has truly mastered the art of hospitality, leaving every customer delighted with their experience.
With zero negative remarks among all the opinions, its clear theyre doing something wonderfully right.
Service
39
Reviews
97%
Satisfaction
0
negative
1
neutral
38
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Fast service
- Welcoming owners
What people don't like
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed delicious, generously portioned breakfast sandwiches and experienced super friendly service. I highly recommend trying the 'breakfast on ciabatta', and the bacon egg and cheese on an English muffin (with added sprouts!) is also a great choice.
- staffThe staff was so friendly and kind
- ServiceService:5
- ownersMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic. Although the physical space is very small as it's an actual train car, the owners are extremely nice and offer a pretty big menu. We had breakfast sandwiches that were absolutely fantastic.
- peoplesuper nice people
- attentionexcellent attention
- employeeemployee who took my order was very friendly
- lady at the counterthe lady at the counter was really sweet
- lady behind the counterLady behind the counter was so nice
- lady taking ordersthe lady taking orders was smiling and had patience
Frequently criticized
No complaints so far.
If youre looking for a place where youll be treated like family and served with a smile, this is definitely it. The service is consistently praised as outstanding, making it a must-try for anyone who values a friendly and efficient experience.
Ambience (7.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 38% of the guests
The vibe here is definitely a highlight, with a 7.1 score indicating a good experience for most. Customers are quite happy, with 76.9% satisfaction. Many of the 20 positive comments rave about the unique cable car themed kitchen and the lovely outdoor seating.
Its often described as a "hidden gem" in a "historic location, " offering a "warm and inviting atmosphere" where you can watch the world go by. However, its not perfect for everyone, as 5 negative comments out of 26 total mentions point out. Some found the atmosphere a bit run down or felt uneasy, especially since its "outdoors.
" A few also mentioned "not many areas to sit, " which could be a drawback if youre looking for ample space.
Ambience
26
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
5
negative
1
neutral
20
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cable car theme
- Outdoor seating
- Hidden gem
What people don't like
- Limited seating
- Run-down feel
- Outdoor exposure
Often praised
- atmospherecreated such a warm and inviting atmosphere
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- outdoor seatingI had a great breakfast sandwich and good coffee. The outdoor seating was a nice touch, and the prices were reasonable. What more could you ask for?
- Noise levelNoise level:Quiet, easy to talk
- cable car themed kitchenThe cable car themed kitchen was a nice touch
- cleanOutdoor seating and clean.
- cute little locationserved at a cute little location
- hidden gemhighly recommended hidden gem
- historic locationa great little gem in a bustling historic location
- people and pigeonswatch the people and pigeons
Frequently criticized
- atmospherethe atmosphere was run down
- areas to sitNot many areas to sit
- homeless peoplerun down my homeless people
- outdoorsits outdoors.
If you're seeking a charming, unique hidden gem with outdoor seating and a good vibe, this spot is definitely worth a visit. Just be aware that seating might be limited and the outdoor setting might not appeal to everyone, especially if you prefer a more enclosed or pristine environment.
Value (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 29% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot truly shines! With a solid score of 8.1, indicating a good performance, and customer satisfaction soaring at 88.2%, its clear patrons feel theyre getting a great deal. Many rave about the reasonable price, extremely reasonable price, and how its worth it, often calling it a way better value than competitors, based on 15 positive remarks out of 17 total.
However, its not entirely without its quirks. A couple of voices did find certain items a bit pricey, specifically mentioning a $13 bacon egg and cheese as a point of concern. While these 2 negative comments are few, they suggest that while overall value is strong, there might be one or two exceptions to watch out for.
Value
17
Reviews
88%
Satisfaction
2
negative
0
neutral
15
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable prices
- Great value
- Worth the cost
What people don't like
- A little pricey
- Expensive specific item
Often praised
- priceWhat a hidden gem in a big city! I had delicious sandwiches for a normal price. The service was super friendly!
- pricesThe prices were reasonable
- extremely reasonable priceShe said 5-7 minutes, and it was! We were able to get the delicious breakfast at an extremely reasonable price and still made it early to work. Everything is so fresh and perfectly cooked and made at a reasonable price, exactly what everyone wants!
- price of the sandwichesThe sandwich was generously loaded with veggies and sauce and offered a good portion for breakfast. The employee who took my order was very friendly, and the price of the sandwiches seemed reasonable.
- reasonable pricemade at a reasonable price
- reasonable pricesSuper reasonable prices
- way better valuea way better value than any of the chain fast food places
- worth itbut worth it
Frequently criticized
- $13 bacon egg and cheesethe $13 bacon egg and cheese.
- priceyIt's a little pricey
If you're looking for a place where your money goes far, this spot is definitely worth checking out. Most customers find the pricing to be incredibly fair, offering great value for delicious food. Just be mindful that a specific item or two might lean a bit pricier than the rest of the menu.
How are the prices at Cable Car Coffee?
You’re looking at roughly 14 per person – reported by 59 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Sandwich Shop, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most guests tend to spend right in this $11–$20 range, showing that prices cluster nicely around the average.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 59 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
For a Sandwich Shop in San Francisco, we think this pricing feels pretty fair. It’s a solid mid-range option that won’t break the bank for a good meal.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Cable Car Coffee
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Exceptional Breakfast Sandwiches & Coffee!
My experience at this restaurant was absolutely exceptional, particularly for breakfast. The breakfast sandwiches and coffees were outstanding. I was pleasantly surprised by the reasonable prices, especially considering the generous portions and the high quality of the food.
I truly love this place and will definitely visit every opportunity I have while visiting San Francisco!
- breakfast sandwiches10
- coffees10
- reasonable prices9
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Superb Coffee, Sandwiches, Service & Atmosphere
My experience at Cable Car Coffee SF was superb! I enjoyed their great coffee and delicious sandwiches. The service and atmosphere were also superb 👍.
- coffee9
- sandwiches9
- service10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
10
Flawless San Francisco Morning Combo
My experience at Cable Car Coffee was a flawless start to the day. The Ciabatta Breakfast Sandwich was exceptional, and it was perfectly complemented by their smooth, rich coffee. This combination truly felt like the ultimate San Francisco morning combo!
- Ciabatta Breakfast Sandwich10
- coffee10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
10
Delicious Homemade Food & Great Service!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! The service was incredibly friendly, and the food and coffee were absolutely delicious. I especially recommend trying the spicy mayo – it's a must-try!
The meal truly felt like real homemade food, which I loved. The atmosphere was also a highlight, rated a 5 out of 5.
- service10
- food10
- coffee10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
9
Amazing Bagel Find Near the Station!
What a find! This restaurant is conveniently located right at the station; you'll need to go down the escalator to find it. They offer a wide variety of options.
I tried the bagel with cheese, avocado, bacon, and spicy mayo on the side, and it was AMAZING! Everything tasted incredibly fresh, and it truly felt like it was made on the spot. The flavors were super tasty and abundant.
I would definitely visit this place again.
- bagel cheese avocado bacon10
- freshness9
- flavors9
What Cable Car Coffee offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Solo dining
- Lunch
- Breakfast
Offerings
- Quick bite
- Coffee
Dining options
- Seating
- Lunch
- Breakfast
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Pets
- Dogs allowed
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere can you expect at Cable Car Coffee?
At Cable Car Coffee, you’ll find a wonderfully cozy and casual atmosphere. It’s the perfect spot in Union Square, San Francisco, to relax and enjoy a great coffee or a quick bite in a comfortable setting.
Is Cable Car Coffee pet-friendly and accessible?
Yes, Cable Car Coffee welcomes your furry friends, with dogs allowed, and offers outdoor seating. It also features a wheelchair accessible entrance, ensuring a welcoming experience for everyone in San Francisco.
How does Cable Car Coffee generally perform?
Cable Car Coffee maintains a strong `Restaurant Score` of `8.8` and `Customer Satisfaction` of `94.4%`. Its `Food` (9) and `Service` (9.3) are particularly well-regarded, with `Value` (8.1) also scoring well. The `Ambience` (7.1) is good, though some aspects are noted as rustic.
What kind of food can I expect at Cable Car Coffee?
Customers frequently praise the `delicious breakfast sandwiches` and `good coffee`. The food is often described as `outstanding` and `made fresh on the spot`, with items like bagels `toasted to perfection`.
What about the service and value at Cable Car Coffee?
The `service` is consistently highlighted as `super friendly` and `attentive`, with staff often described as `kind`. In terms of `value`, many find the `prices reasonable` and a `way better value` than chain alternatives, though a few specific items were considered `pricey`.