Highlights
- Great coffee
- Live performances
- Great tea selection
oChef » Dolores Park – San Francisco
Dolores Park - San Francisco
Photo from Dolores Park
Dolores Park at a glance
San Francisco Mission District
- ☕ Café
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 88 of the guests
#1763 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#121 Café out of 162 in San Francisco
Good
6.8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
567
Reviews
67%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Park views
- Friendly service
Frequently criticized
- Overpriced items
- Order errors
- Bitter coffee
The cafe Dolores Park Cafe, nestled in San Francisco’s vibrant Mission District, invites you to experience its unique charm. You’ll discover a cozy, casual, and trendy spot renowned for its great coffee, perfect for starting your day or enjoying a quick bite.
With live performances adding to the lively atmosphere, it’s a local favorite where you can unwind and savor delicious offerings.
Overview: Introducting Dolores Park
Dolores Park offers a pleasant experience, often praised for its tasty options and friendly service . Many appreciate the fresh, well-made food and the accommodating staff, making for enjoyable visits.
However, some experiences are marred by issues like order accuracy and an expensive place for certain items. While the good vibe is a draw, be mindful of potential service hiccups or pricing concerns.
Good
6.8
out of 10
567
Reviews
67%
Satisfaction
149
negative
38
neutral
380
positive
Dolores Park achieves an overall Restaurant Score of 6.8 , placing it in the average category. Customer feedback indicates a Customer Satisfaction of 67% , which falls into the mixed range.
This suggests that while many patrons have positive experiences, a notable portion encounters areas needing improvement. Diving deeper, the Ambience (8) stands out as a strong point, frequently highlighted by guests.
Food (6.6) and Service (6.5) are both rated as average, indicating a solid but not exceptional performance. The Value (4.1) is perceived as average, leaning towards the lower end.
These insights are drawn from 567 customer remarks, comprising 380 positive and 149 negative observations.
What people like
- Delicious, fresh food
- Great park views
- Friendly, quick service
What people don't like
- Overpriced items
- Order accuracy issues
- Bitter coffee
Dolores Park presents a mixed bag, offering a pleasant atmosphere and generally good food, but with some notable inconsistencies. If you prioritize a nice setting and fresh, simple fare, it could be a good fit for a casual visit.
With a Recommendation Score of 7.1 , it leans towards being worth a try, especially for its location. However, be prepared for potential service quirks or higher prices on certain items.
It’s a place with charm, but manage your expectations.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Dolores Park
Food (6.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
When it comes to the food, opinions are a bit of a mixed bag, reflected in a 6.6 score and a 65.4% customer satisfaction. With 193 positive remarks out of 295 total, many folks praise the delicious options and great variety, especially the vegan choices. You'll find mentions of freshness, good quality, and tasty items like the Dolores Egg Sandwich and various smoothies.
However, 74 negative comments point to some significant concerns. Recurring issues include blandness and tastelessness in dishes like the veggie burrito, along with worries about inconsistent food quality. Some even reported a sour, spoiled odor in a turkey sandwich, leading to stomach issues, which is definitely a dealbreaker for many.
Food
295
Reviews
65%
Satisfaction
74
negative
28
neutral
193
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious options
- Great variety
- Vegan friendly
What people don't like
- Bland food
- Inconsistent quality
- Spoiled food concerns
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant has been great. I've been there twice for breakfast and enjoyed the great and healthy food. The nice view on Dolores Park added to the pleasant atmosphere, and the friendly service made the visits enjoyable.
- coffeeThe coffee and food met my expectations perfectly.
- vegan breakfast burritovegan breakfast burrito with fruit, and it was incredibly tasty
- sandwichestwo of the best sandwiches that I’ve tried
- FoodFood:5
- breakfast burritobreakfast burrito it was really good
- Dolores Egg SandwichEverything we had was delicious: Dolores Egg Sandwich
- Lox ScrambleEverything we had was delicious: Lox Scramble
- baconbacon, some fresh arugula and tomato....PERFECT.
- breakfastMy experience at this restaurant was consistently positive. It's one of my favorite daytime spots, perfect for a light snack, a full breakfast, or a grab-and-go lunch. The food is incredibly fresh and well-made.
Frequently criticized
- coffeeBefore we could inform her that we had ordered and paid for 20oz drinks, she was gone, meaning we lost money on the incorrect order. We ended up paying over $30 for two 6oz coffees and a hummus plate. I used to really like this coffee shop, but I won't be returning.
- foodIt would be a 5/5 if they just improved the food quality a bit. I live 1 block away and never go because I know the food is going to be 'meh'.
- sandwichI can get a bigger, better tasting, and $5 cheaper of the same type of sandwich
- breakfast burritosThe breakfast burritos are flavorless, mostly just egg, not seasoned
- everythingeverything tasted watery and off putting
- grilled pineappleforgot the grilled pineapple from my vegan bahn mi twice
- matchaone of the worst matchas of my life here
- French toastFrench toast was very soggy
- Golden Lattemy Golden Latte was lazily made and tasted of turmeric and milk
- MargaritasNever but never buy Margaritas in this place
If you're looking for a spot with a wide menu and some genuinely delicious options, especially for breakfast or vegan choices, it might be worth a try. Just be aware that some dishes can be a bit bland or inconsistent, so choose wisely to avoid disappointment.
Service (6.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 60% of the guests
The service here generally hits an average note with a score of 6.5, and customer satisfaction sitting at a mixed 63.2%. Based on 117 comments, with 74 positive remarks, many guests rave about the friendly staff who are often described as quick and helpful, going above and beyond with their professional behavior to ensure a pleasant experience. However, 41 negative comments highlight some bumps in the road.
Issues like receiving the wrong food, encountering staff who were rude to coworkers, and concerns about order accuracy and waiting time suggest that consistency can be a challenge, sometimes leading to frustration.
Service
117
Reviews
63%
Satisfaction
41
negative
2
neutral
74
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Quick service
- Helpful employees
What people don't like
- Rude staff
- Order accuracy
- Long waiting times
Often praised
- serviceThey got my order wrong in a few different ways, which was initially frustrating. However, the service was great, and they made the wrong right quick and easy. The coffee was super good, and the seating was perfect for a quick lunch outside.
- staffEverything they have is absolutely delicious. The prices are really affordable, and the staff is more than awesome. I highly recommend checking them out if you're in the area 👍.
- ServiceService was lovely
- customer servicethe customer service is excellent
- employeesnice employees
- quickfood comes out quick
- accommodatingvery accommodating!
- attentionthe drinks and the attention are very good
- baristaServer and barista are nice
- big welcomeand big welcome once you come inside
Frequently criticized
- orderLater, the manager, who I knew from another cafe, accused me of always trying to steal or get free food. She doubted I had paid for my order and demanded to see my order number. To make matters worse, she refused to give me a cup for water even after I had paid for my food.
- servicequite negative due to the service
- waiting timeI found this super cute cafe near the park. I ordered a drip coffee and waited like 10 minutes, which was confusing as to why it was taking so long. Apparently, they completely forgot about my coffee.
- employeelazy and indifferent employee forgot half of our order
- managerthe manager went and reluctantly made us
- order accuracyMy experience at this cafe was a mixed bag. While it's a cute cafe with a pleasant atmosphere (rated 4/4), there were significant issues with my order accuracy and food handling. I specifically requested a wrap with no bacon and a side of fruit instead of chips.
- NicoleHowever, my experience was significantly marred by one employee named Nicole. She mistakenly called out a different name, and when I didn't respond (as it wasn't my name), she yelled at me. To make matters worse, she gave me the wrong food and then blamed me for the error.
- baristawas super rude about it
- blamed meShe mistakenly called out a different name, and when I didn't respond (as it wasn't my name), she yelled at me. To make matters worse, she gave me the wrong food and then blamed me for the error. I also observed her being very rude to her coworkers, which made me feel bad for them as they all seemed pleasant.
- cashier attentionthe cashier then went on to chat with their coworker
If youre looking for generally pleasant and efficient service, youll likely find it here. Just be prepared that, like any place, there might be an occasional hiccup with order accuracy or wait times.
Ambience (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 64% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot truly shines, earning a good score of 8 and a good customer satisfaction of 85.6%. With 107 positive remarks out of 125 total, guests consistently rave about the awesome location, vibrant atmosphere, and fantastic views, especially of the park. Many appreciate the clean environment, comfortable seating, and chill music that sets a relaxed mood.
However, its not without its minor quirks, with 14 negative comments noting it can get quite noisy and feel crowded at times. Some visitors also mentioned issues with the bathrooms and a scarcity of power outlets, which might be a drawback if youre looking to work or study there.
Ambience
125
Reviews
85%
Satisfaction
14
negative
4
neutral
107
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great park views
- Lively, clean atmosphere
- Comfortable seating options
What people don't like
- Can get noisy
- Often feels crowded
- Limited power outlets
Often praised
- locationFurthermore, the coffee was one of the worst coffees I've ever had, tasting like dirty water from a coffee machine. While the good location by the park is a positive, it's the only redeeming quality. I would avoid this place.
- atmosphereThe atmosphere was lively and social, with just the right noise level for conversation.
- viewI've been there twice for breakfast and enjoyed the great and healthy food. The nice view on Dolores Park added to the pleasant atmosphere, and the friendly service made the visits enjoyable.
- placeWonderful place for a morning coffee
- vibeThe patio and window seating with views of the park are awesome. It's usually crowded and has a good vibe.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- cafeI had the best sandwiches I've ever tried. The service was top-notch, the food was outstanding, and it's the best cafe in San Francisco. The establishment was also incredibly clean.
- cute cafesuper cute cafe near the park
- seatingHowever, the service was great, and they made the wrong right quick and easy. The coffee was super good, and the seating was perfect for a quick lunch outside.
- vibesvibes r good
Frequently criticized
- parking spaceThe service is also very warm. It can be a bit difficult to find parking, but it's truly worth circling a couple of times or parking a bit further away and walking. I recommend it.
- atmosphereAtmosphere:2
- bathroomtheir bathroom is often out of order
- break into his carfriend had a break into his car
- crowdedcrowded only downsides
- local cafelocal cafe turned into a pretentious bistro
- noisyCan get noisy
- non-service dogsdisappointed about their tolerance for allowing non- service dogs
- outletthey don’t have outlet to charge your laptop
- outlet locationsonly one outlet, which is not in the main sitting area
If youre seeking a lively spot with great park views and a comfortable, clean vibe, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be prepared for potential noise and crowds, and perhaps dont plan on settling in for a long work session due to limited outlets.
Value (4.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 21% of the guests
When it comes to Value, this spot is a bit of a head-scratcher, landing an average score of 4.1. Some patrons found the prices quite reasonable, noting good value for money with tasty and affordable options. Out of 30 total comments, 6 positive remarks highlighted how impressed they were with the taste and price of certain items.
However, customer satisfaction for value is quite low at just 20%, indicating a poor experience for many. A significant 20 comments expressed frustration, pointing to recent price raises and feeling things are generally expensive or even overpriced. Many felt they were paying too much for the quality or quantity received, leading to disappointment.
Value
30
Reviews
20%
Satisfaction
20
negative
4
neutral
6
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable prices
- Good value
- Affordable options
What people don't like
- Recent price raises
- Often overpriced
- Feels expensive
Often praised
- pricesThe prices are very reasonable
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was positive. The Mocha with soy had an OK taste and a good price. The Wifi was available, and the space was bright with plenty of seating both inside and out.
- value for moneyThe prices offer value for money, with tasty options ranging from $5-15
Frequently criticized
- priceWhat should have been a maximum 5-minute interaction took over 15 minutes. I paid almost $13 after tip for this experience and will not be back.
- coffee pricepaying $5 for something i can get half the price
- cup discountHowever, recent price raises make me go elsewhere for coffee. It doesn’t help that I always bring in my own 8oz cup and somehow get charged for a large coffee with no cup discount every single time. Prices were raised too, so I feel extra ripped off paying $5 for something I can get for half the price literally anywhere else in the city.
- disappointmentHuge disappointment
- expensiveA little expensive
- expensive placeIt's a very expensive place for what it offers
- matchacheapest matcha in the area, overpriced food
- menuit skews more towards having a menu rich with items lending to good margins for the operator/ owner.
- moneywe lost that money
- pastries and donutsThe coffee is bitter and often burnt. The pastries and donuts are alright, but even for San Francisco standards, they are ridiculously priced for the quality. Additionally, the lattes are poorly made.
If youre seeking specific affordable items, you might find a good deal, but proceed with caution. Many feel the overall pricing, especially after recent increases, makes it an expensive spot that doesnt always deliver on quality for the cost. It's a gamble, so choose wisely!
How are the prices at Dolores Park?
You’re looking at roughly 18 per person – reported by 88 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.
While 18 is the average, the prices actually show a nice mix. Most folks spend in the $11–$20 range, but there are also quite a few options for less, and some premium choices if you’re feeling fancy!
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 88 reviews.
See how this Cafe stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco when it comes to value for money.
Considering its a Cafe in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels pretty fair. Theres a good range of options, so you can find something whether you’re looking for a quick, affordable bite or something a bit more special.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Dolores Park
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Delicious Sandwiches for a Park Picnic
My experience was great! I ordered the Veggie divine and the Kids grilled cheese. The portion size for the kids' grilled cheese was huge.
They offer a good variety of sandwiches. I grabbed the sandwiches to go and enjoyed them at Dolores Park.
- Veggie divine8
- Kids grilled cheese9
- variety of sandwiches7
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
6
Exploding Burritos, Great Atmosphere
My experience was mixed. I encountered a significant issue with the breakfast burritos, which essentially exploded with liquid. Despite this food-related problem, I genuinely love the location, the atmosphere, and the staff.
- location5
- atmosphere5
- staff4
- breakfast burritos2
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
1
Disturbing Experience with Spoiled Turkey
I had a very disturbing experience at Dolores Street Cafe. I ordered a turkey sandwich, and the turkey immediately tasted unusually salty. When I smelled it, it had a sour, spoiled odor — the unmistakable sign of meat that’s gone bad.
I had already eaten most of it by then, which made it even more concerning. A few hours later, I developed nausea, felt uncomfortably full after only a few bites at dinner, and then became extremely bloated. These are classic foodborne illness symptoms, which strongly suggests they served me spoiled meat.
This is more than a bad meal — it’s a serious public health risk. Serving spoiled turkey is unacceptable and dangerous. No customer should have to worry about food poisoning after eating here.
Management needs to take immediate responsibility, ensure proper food storage and safety practices, and stop serving contaminated food. Until they do, I cannot recommend this café to anyone.
- turkey sandwich1
- sour, spoiled odor1
- nausea1
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Moderate (16–30 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Charming spot with delicious food
I absolutely love this place! It's very tranquil, the food is ready in a timely manner, and they have delicious options. The service is also very warm.
It can be a bit difficult to find parking, but it's truly worth circling a couple of times or parking a bit further away and walking. I recommend it.
- tranquil atmosphere10
- food readiness8
- delicious options9
- parking space3
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Divine Veggie Sandwich with a View
My experience at this restaurant was delightful. I tried the divine veggie sandwich, which was surprisingly easy and enjoyable to eat, despite its appearance. The coffee was also good, evoking memories of my coffee appreciation journey.
I particularly loved the view from the large windows, which enhanced my occasional visit to SF.
- veggie sandwich9
- coffee8
- view9
What Dolores Park offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Transgender safespace
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Family-friendly
- College students
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Solo dining
- Lunch
- Breakfast
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Vegan options
- Happy hour drinks
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Organic dishes
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Dessert
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere and dining options can you expect at Dolores Park Cafe?
Dolores Park Cafe offers a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere perfect for a quick bite or a leisurely meal. You can enjoy breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dessert with options for dine-in, outdoor seating, or takeout, making it versatile for any occasion.
Is Dolores Park Cafe accessible and suitable for families?
Yes, Dolores Park Cafe is fully wheelchair accessible, featuring an accessible entrance, seating, and restroom for your convenience. It’s also very family-friendly, offering a kids’ menu and high chairs to accommodate your little ones.
How does Dolores Park generally perform according to customer feedback?
Dolores Park holds an overall Restaurant Score of 6.8 with Customer Satisfaction at 67% . Its Ambience (8) is highly rated, while Food (6.6), Service (6.5), and Value (4.1) are considered average.
What aspects do customers frequently praise at Dolores Park?
Many customers appreciate the tasty options and fresh food , particularly breakfast items. The friendly service and good vibe with nice view of the park are also commonly highlighted.
What are some common criticisms or areas for improvement at Dolores Park?
Recurring concerns include overpriced items and order accuracy issues. Some customers have also noted bitter coffee or flavorless burritos , and occasional long waiting time for service.