Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » Creative Ideas Cafe – San Francisco
Creative Ideas Cafe - San Francisco
Photo from Creative Ideas Cafe
Creative Ideas Cafe at a glance
San Francisco Visitacion Valley
- ☕ Café
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 53 of the guests
#401 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#36 Café out of 162 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
269
Reviews
87.7%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Authentic food
- Friendly staff
- Cozy atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- Long waits
- Limited seating
- Food safety
The cafe in San Francisco’s Visitacion Valley, Creative Ideas Cafe, invites you to discover a welcoming spot. You’ll find a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere perfect for enjoying healthy, vegan, and organic dishes.
Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a relaxed meal, this cafe offers a diverse menu to satisfy your cravings.
Overview: Introducting Creative Ideas Cafe
Creative Ideas Cafe offers a delightful culinary experience, with many praising the authentic and flavorful food that often comes in generous portions. Guests frequently highlight the warm and attentive service, noting the friendly staff who contribute to a welcoming atmosphere.
However, some experiences with customer service have been inconsistent, particularly concerning waiting times for online orders. While the cozy atmosphere is generally appreciated, limited seating can be a consideration for those planning a visit.
Excellent
8.3
out of 10
269
Reviews
87.7%
Satisfaction
27
negative
6
neutral
236
positive
Creative Ideas Cafe earns a solid overall score of 8.3, reflecting a generally positive dining experience. Customer satisfaction stands at a strong 87.7%, indicating that most patrons leave content.
This positive sentiment is drawn from 236 positive remarks against 27 negative ones, out of 269 total opinions. The Food (8.8) is clearly a standout, often described as excellent and a primary draw.
Ambience (8.1) also receives good marks for its inviting feel, and Service (7.2) is generally well-regarded. However, Value (6.1) is perceived as more average, suggesting some find the pricing a bit high for the portions.
What people like
- Delicious authentic food
- Attentive, friendly staff
- Cozy, welcoming atmosphere
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service/wait times
- Limited seating space
- Food quality concerns
Creative Ideas Cafe offers a compelling culinary experience, particularly if you’re seeking authentic flavors in a cozy setting. With a strong recommendation score of 8.6, it’s certainly a place worth considering for its standout dishes and generally welcoming vibe.
While the food and atmosphere are often praised, be mindful of potential inconsistencies in service, especially during busy periods or for online orders, and limited seating. If you prioritize delicious, genuine cuisine and a friendly environment, it’s a worthwhile visit.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Creative Ideas Cafe
Food (8.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
It seems the food here is a real crowd-pleaser, boasting an excellent score of 8.8 and an impressive 93.7% customer satisfaction! With 164 positive comments out of 175, diners rave about the authentic arepas, delicious empanadas, and the unique Colombian-Mexican fusion. Many also appreciate the generous portions, fresh ingredients, and excellent vegan options.
However, a few of the 9 negative comments mention some specific misses. There were concerns about doughy almojabana, poor quality steak in a quesadilla, and even an unfortunate observation of mold on pumpkin tea bread. While these are isolated incidents, they're worth noting.
Food
175
Reviews
93%
Satisfaction
9
negative
2
neutral
164
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Latin flavors
- Delicious Arepas & Empanadas
- Great vegan options
What people don't like
- Poor quality steak
- Doughy almojabana
- Mold on bread
Often praised
- foodWhen it finally arrived, the empanadas were entirely missing, so another 15-minute wait ensued. The food was good, but absolutely not worth the over an hour wait. To summarize: they messed up our order several times and we had an incredibly long wait.
- arepasThis establishment is growing in popularity and does cater. They have a variety of arepas, Colombian breads, and weekly Colombian soups which are just amazing. When we visited today, they had ajiaco, which I haven’t seen in years, along with bandeja paisa, pandebono, and arepa de queso, and so many other treats.
- empanadasgetting the empanadas (GF) and having those to go
- Colombian foodmost authentic and homemade Colombian food I’ve tried
- bandeja paisaReally high quality bandeja paisa
- cafe de ollaThe cafe de olla is super tasty and authentic
- Bandeja Paisathe Bandeja Paisa is incredible!
- Colombian and Mexican foodThe Bandeja Paisa was the best I've had in town. I definitely would recommend this place to anyone who wants to try good Colombian and Mexican food.
- FoodFood:5
- Latin bowlThe host was very friendly. I ordered a Latin bowl, which was tasty, healthy, and served in a big portion. I will certainly come back to try other items.
Frequently criticized
- arepasAt 8: 00 PM, we received the notification that our food was ready. Upon arrival, someone ordered an arepa, and we were then informed that there were not enough arepas to fulfill our order. We then waited an additional 30 minutes for our order to actually be ready.
- empanadasWe then waited an additional 30 minutes for our order to actually be ready. When it finally arrived, the empanadas were entirely missing, so another 15-minute wait ensued. The food was good, but absolutely not worth the over an hour wait.
- almojabanathe almojabana is not recommended as it was more doughy than cheesy
- dishesno me parecieron lindos los platos donde sirven la comida, parecen como de cárcel
- mold on pumpkin tea breadobserved mold on the pumpkin tea bread
- rest of the foodrest of the food gave some stomach upsetting feeling
- steakterrible quality steak for my quesadilla, there was so much fat
If youre looking for flavorful, authentic Latin food with plenty of options, this spot is definitely worth a try. While a few items might miss the mark, the overwhelming positive feedback suggests youll likely leave satisfied and full.
Service (7.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 62% of the guests
The service here generally shines, boasting a 7.2 score and a solid 72.5% customer satisfaction. Many guests rave about the incredibly friendly staff and excellent customer service. People often highlight the warm attention from the owner and the overall welcoming vibe, making for a truly pleasant experience, with 37 positive remarks out of 51 total.
However, not all experiences are perfect. A few of the 13 negative comments point to issues like poor customer service, with some finding staff to be rude or bossy. There were also concerns about long waiting times, suggesting the place might sometimes be understaffed, and frustrations with catering quotes and online order follow-ups.
Service
51
Reviews
72%
Satisfaction
13
negative
1
neutral
37
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, welcoming staff
- Excellent customer service
- Attentive owner
What people don't like
- Poor customer service
- Rude staff
- Long waiting times
Often praised
- serviceWhat really stood out was the service — everyone was super kind, welcoming, and attentive
- customer serviceI had the cafe de olla, which was amongst the best I’ve ever had, and the breakfast burrito with chorizo was just amazing. Beyond the incredible food, I want to give huge props to the team for their top-notch customer service and the friendly family-style vibes. It was a real treat.
- staffthey were very friendly, warm, and smiling
- ServiceService:5
- attentionthe attention that they provide makes it feel grand
- peoplevery nice people
- cateringThis place was perfect to get Columbian Empanadas for a party
- catering armI can’t wait to try out the other items on the menu. They also have a catering arm of the business. All their stuff look so pretty.
- employeesall of the employees are so friendly
- family-ownedI particularly enjoyed their empanadas, which were both vegan and gluten-free, and their tofu bowls were amazing. The cafe is friendly and family-owned, and I absolutely cannot recommend this place enough!
Frequently criticized
- serviceI was incredibly disappointed with the service. We placed our online order for pick up at 7: 10 PM, which included 2 arepas and 2 empanadas.
- waiting timeThe food was good, but absolutely not worth the over an hour wait. To summarize: they messed up our order several times and we had an incredibly long wait.
- catering quotereached out for a quote for a catered event
- customer servicevery poor customer service
- follow upfollowed up over email every week for 4 weeks
- horrible attitudela cajera tiene una actitud horrible
- online orderThe food was good, but absolutely not worth the over an hour wait. To summarize: they messed up our order several times and we had an incredibly long wait.
- operating hoursThe arepas are delicious! I just have a slight disagreement regarding their operating hours. Today, Monday, Uber Eats states that the restaurant is closed and will resume taking orders on Wednesday.
- rude and bossylady who served us was very rude and bossy
- understaffedunderstaffed for what they offer
Overall, the service here is generally quite good, making for a pleasant visit for most. While there are occasional hiccups with wait times or specific interactions, the friendly staff and welcoming atmosphere usually win people over. If you value a warm, attentive team, it's definitely worth checking out, but be prepared for potential minor delays.
Ambience (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 54% of the guests
The vibe here is definitely a winner! With a score of 8.1 and a fantastic 86.1% customer satisfaction, its clear guests love the atmosphere. Many of the 31 positive remarks praise the "cleanliness, " "pleasant atmosphere, " and "outdoor sitting" options, often highlighting the "fun music" and overall welcoming "environment.
" It truly sounds like a lovely, friendly spot to enjoy. However, its worth noting the few concerns, with 2 negative comments pointing out the limited inside seating and general space. While not a major issue given the overwhelmingly positive feedback from 36 total opinions, it's something to consider if you prefer dining indoors, especially during peak times.
Ambience
36
Reviews
86%
Satisfaction
2
negative
3
neutral
31
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Pleasant atmosphere
- Great outdoor seating
- Spotless cleanliness
What people don't like
- Limited indoor seating
Often praised
- atmosphereThe atmosphere is cozy, family-friendly, and makes you feel right at home
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- cleanlinesseverything was super clean
- ambiancegood ambiance
- cute placeThank you, cute place and I will be back!
- environmentWhether it was the different sauces or the food itself, everything was just amazing! The whole environment is active and happy. What a nice selection of foreign songs!
- family style vibesfriendly family style vibes
- foreign songswhat so nicely foreign songs is!
- friendly placeReally friendly place
- gem of Leland St.This place is the gem of Leland St.
Frequently criticized
- inside seatingIt’s obvious they take pride in the lovely food they offer, and the staff were all super friendly as well. The only potential downside is not a lot of inside seating (one table inside and a few outside). If we lived nearby, we would absolutely be regulars here but will definitely make the effort to return when we are nearby.
- spaceno hay espacio para comer
If you're looking for a clean, pleasant spot with great outdoor seating and a lively atmosphere, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be aware that indoor seating is quite limited, so plan accordingly if you prefer to dine inside.
Value (6.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 10% of the guests
When it comes to value, it seems like a bit of a mixed bag, with a customer satisfaction hovering around 57.1%. Many folks found the experience to be more than worth the trip, praising the delicious food at reasonable prices. They often highlighted the generous portions for the price point, noting that prices are generally low.
These positive sentiments came up in 4 observations, focusing on reasonable prices and the overall price point. However, the value score sits at an average 6.1, and not everyone agrees. Out of 7 total observations, 3 pointed out that it can be quite expensive for the portion size, with some feeling the place is a bit overrated and that prices are a bit high.
So, while some find it a steal, others might feel theyre paying a premium for what they get, especially concerning portion' size.
Value
7
Reviews
57%
Satisfaction
3
negative
0
neutral
4
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable prices
- Generous for price
What people don't like
- Expensive for portion
- Prices are high
Often praised
- price pointgenerous for the price point too.
- pricesPrices are low
- reasonable pricesdelicious food at reasonable prices
- triphonestly, it was more than worth the trip
Frequently criticized
- overratedthink this place is overrated
- portionit is quite expensive for the portion
- pricesprices are a bit high
If youre looking for a good deal and generous portions, you might find this place hits the mark. However, be mindful that some feel the portions dont always justify the cost, so manage your expectations on that front.
How are the prices at Creative Ideas Cafe?
You’re looking at roughly 22 per person – reported by 53 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Cafe, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what people actually spend, while the average is 22, a good chunk of guests spend a bit less, in the 11-20$ range, showing there’s a nice mix of options available.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 53 reviews.
How this Cafe stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco when it comes to value for money.
Overall, we think the pricing here feels pretty fair for a Cafe in San Francisco. Youve got options whether youre looking for a quicker, cheaper bite or something a bit more substantial.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Creative Ideas Cafe
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
7
Great Food, Terrible Service
What was your experience at the restaurant? The food was excellent, but the cashier had a horrible attitude. I hope they can improve the service because the place has very good food.
- food10
- good food9
- horrible attitude1
- service2
Price per Person
- $81–$90
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
2
Poor Service, Overpriced, and Long Wait Times
My experience at this restaurant was quite disappointing. The customer service was very poor, and they seemed understaffed for what they offer. The lady who served us was incredibly rude and bossy.
I believe this place is overrated, as the prices felt a bit high for the level of service provided. I've had much better service at other Colombian restaurants. Be aware that your food can take around 30 to 40 minutes to arrive, as they prioritize DoorDash and Uber orders.
It's a shame that the customer service is so pésimo.
- food5
- customer service1
- understaffed2
- rude and bossy1
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Takeout
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
6
Good Food, Poor Service and Space
The food is delicious, but unfortunately, the service is lacking. The meals were served at different times, and there isn't enough space to eat comfortably. It's better to order for takeaway, but I don't recommend dining in.
- food9
- service2
- space1
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Delicious Green Salsa with Vegan Dish
My experience at the restaurant was great! The green salsa was so good, and it went perfectly with the vegan dish we ordered. The food was excellent, and the atmosphere was also a highlight, rated 5/5.
The service was also rated 5/5.
- green salsa9
- vegan dish8
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
10
Delicious Food and Amazing Service!
I visited this restaurant for the first time for lunch with my daughter, and I must say, the food was delicious. I was pleasantly surprised! The customer service was amazing as well.
This has become one of my new favorite spots.
- food10
- customer service10
What Creative Ideas Cafe offers
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Vegan options
- Happy hour drinks
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Organic dishes
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Delivery
- No-contact delivery
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Outdoor seating
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
- Dogs allowed
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of dining experience can you expect at Creative Ideas Cafe?
At Creative Ideas Cafe, you’ll discover a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere perfect for any occasion. You can enjoy a wide range of healthy, vegan, vegetarian, and organic dishes, complemented by coffee, wine, beer, and cocktails. It’s an ideal spot for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner.
What convenient services and amenities does Creative Ideas Cafe offer?
Creative Ideas Cafe offers delivery, takeout, curbside pickup, and dine-in, including outdoor seating. You’ll find a gender-neutral restroom and a bar onsite. The cafe is wheelchair accessible, with accessible entrance, seating, and restrooms. Paid street parking is available but can be somewhat difficult to find.
How does Creative Ideas Cafe rate overall, and what are its strongest aspects?
Creative Ideas Cafe holds a strong overall score of 8.3 with 87.7% customer satisfaction. Its Food (8.8) is highly praised, followed by Ambience (8.1) and Service (7.2). Value (6.1) is considered average.
What should I know about the service at Creative Ideas Cafe?
While many customers find the staff friendly and attentive, some have reported issues with customer service and long waiting times, particularly for online orders.
What kind of food does Creative Ideas Cafe offer, and are there any concerns?
Creative Ideas Cafe is known for its authentic Colombian and Mexican dishes, including popular items like arepas, empanadas, and bandeja paisa. While the food is generally excellent, there have been isolated concerns regarding specific food quality issues.