Highlights
- Great coffee
oChef » El Cafe – San Francisco
El Cafe - San Francisco
Photo from El Cafe
El Cafe at a glance
San Francisco Parkside
- ☕ Café
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 44 of the guests
#394 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#31 Café out of 162 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
306
Reviews
88.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Friendly staff
- Comfortable setting
Frequently criticized
- Coffee inconsistency
- Chilly indoors
- Order delays
The cafe El Cafe in San Francisco’s vibrant Parkside neighborhood is your go-to spot for an exceptional coffee experience. You’ll discover a cozy and casual atmosphere perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed meal.
With its reputation for great coffee, this local gem also offers a variety of healthy and vegetarian options, making it a welcoming destination for all tastes.
Overview: Introducting El Cafe
El Cafe offers a generally positive experience, with many appreciating the good coffee and fresh food options available. The staff are frequently highlighted for being friendly and welcoming, contributing to a pleasant visit.
However, some guests have noted occasional issues with coffee consistency, and the indoor atmosphere can sometimes feel chilly. While generally good, a few experiences mention a longer wait for orders.
Excellent
8.3
out of 10
306
Reviews
88.9%
Satisfaction
19
negative
15
neutral
272
positive
El Cafe holds a commendable overall score of 8.3, reflecting a generally positive experience for patrons. Customer satisfaction stands at a strong 88.9%, indicating that most visitors leave content.
This assessment is drawn from over 300 customer opinions, with a significant majority being positive. Diving deeper, Service (8.7) leads the way, consistently praised for its attentive staff.
The Food (8.5) also receives high marks for its quality and variety. While still good, Ambience (7.9) and Value (7.1) round out the experience, offering a comfortable setting and generally fair pricing, though some specific costs have drawn minor criticism.
What people like
- Delicious food variety
- Friendly, efficient staff
- Comfortable, clean setting
What people don't like
- Inconsistent coffee quality
- Chilly indoor temperature
- Occasional order delays
El Cafe is a solid choice for those seeking a reliable and welcoming spot, particularly for breakfast or a casual bite. With a strong recommendation score of 8.5, it clearly resonates with many customers looking for a pleasant daily stop.
If you prioritize friendly service and a good selection of fresh food in a comfortable environment, El Cafe is certainly worth considering. Just be mindful of potential coffee variations and the occasional draft, which are minor points in an otherwise positive experience.
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Verdict: Our expert take on El Cafe
Food (8.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 92% of the guests
When it comes to the food and drinks here, youre in for a treat! With an impressive score of 8.5 and an excellent customer satisfaction rate of 92%, its clear that most folks are loving what's on offer. Based on 138 positive remarks out of 150 total, patrons consistently praise the delicious food selection, wide variety of coffee options, and fresh ingredients, especially highlighting items like the bagel sandwiches, paninis, and delightful smoothies.
However, a few of the 5 negative comments suggest there might be some minor hiccups. Some customers found certain espresso drinks to be sour or acidic, while others mentioned a latte that tasted a bit burnt. There were also occasional remarks about the amount of syrup in drinks, indicating a slight inconsistency in preparation.
Food
150
Reviews
92%
Satisfaction
5
negative
7
neutral
138
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious food options
- Great coffee variety
- Fresh ingredients
What people don't like
- Espresso drinks disappoint
- Latte sometimes burnt
- Syrup amount inconsistent
Often praised
- coffeeI come here almost every day. The staff is very friendly, the coffee tastes good, there's a nice food selection, and the price is fair!
- foodSince visiting, I've come back a few times, and there's always a handful of people hanging out here. The food is really good, and I love how their salad is so fresh and has such a variety of items in it. They also serve breakfast items which seem just as good.
- breakfast paninithe breakfast panini is 7.75!
- paninisThe paninis were fresh and hot.
- smoothiesThe outdoors tables were a definite plus! I also enjoyed their good coffee and yummy smoothies.
- bagelsbagels and they were really good
- breadMy experience at this cute cafe, discovered on the way to SFO, was wonderful. The sandwiches were excellent, made with fresh, yummy bread. I particularly appreciated that the two halves were wrapped separately.
- breakfast placeMy experience at this good little breakfast place was quite positive. They offer a plenty of options, including bagels, toast, and burritos.
- coffee cakeI particularly appreciated that the two halves were wrapped separately. The staff were really friendly and gave a great recommendation for coffee cake 😍. It was perfect on all fronts, and I'm thankful for the great experience!
- croissantI'm so glad I stopped by! The food was absolutely delicious, specifically the croissant and chai latte. The folks working there were very kind and welcoming.
Frequently criticized
- coffeenot giving people the coffee they should get
- espresso drinkstheir espresso drinks are El Crapo- sour and acidic
- hot milkpay $7 for a cup of hot milk
- lattethe latte was a little burnt after-tasting
- syrupamount of syrup that you get didn't do it for me
Overall, this spot is definitely worth checking out for its fantastic food and diverse drink menu. While most coffee and food items hit the mark, be mindful that some espresso drinks might not always be to everyones taste. Still, its a solid choice for a delicious meal or a great cup of coffee.
Service (8.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 68% of the guests
Get ready for some seriously good service! With a solid score of 8.7 and customer satisfaction hitting 88.7%, it's clear that the friendly staff, great service, and warm hospitality truly shine here. Many folks rave about the quick breakfast and the pleasant experience, with 55 positive remarks out of 62 total opinions.
However, a few guests did note some minor hiccups. There were occasional mentions of a wait to receive orders, some order preparation taking a little longer, and even a mix-up in the initial order. But with only 5 negative comments, these seem to be isolated incidents.
Service
62
Reviews
88%
Satisfaction
5
negative
2
neutral
55
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, helpful staff
- Excellent, quick service
- Warm hospitality
What people don't like
- Occasional long waits
- Order mix-ups
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was largely positive, with great food and kind, personal service that gave it a lovely local feel. The only significant drawback was that they left the door open early in the morning, making the place freezing.
- staffIt is everything you would expect from a local cafe, and a great place to study. The staff are very friendly, and it was an overall very enjoyable experience.
- employees75! The employees are always super kind and quick. Love the mural too.
- ServiceService:5
- great serviceprovide great service
- PatriciaMy experience at this great corner cafe was wonderful. Patricia is always friendly, and her food and drinks are yummy. I love visiting this spot.
- baristasthey are all very friendly and nice
- dog-friendlysit on the sidewalk seats with your dog
- experiencea overall very enjoyable experience
- folksthe folks working there were very kind and welcoming
Frequently criticized
- initial orderthere was a mix up in the initial order
- order preparationOrder took a little longer to prepare
- servicebut not the service
- trustI do like the coffee, but not the service. They didn't trust me what I ordered so the woman asked the guy to verify it.
- wait to receive my orderquite a wait to receive my order
If you value a warm welcome and efficient service, this spot is definitely worth a try. While there might be an occasional wait, the overwhelmingly positive interactions with the friendly team make it a great choice for a pleasant experience.
Ambience (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 65% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot really shines! With a strong score of 7.9 and customer satisfaction at a solid 85.5%, its clear most people love the vibe. Out of 76 total opinions, a whopping 65 were positive, praising everything from the cozy atmosphere and clean environment to the lovely sidewalk seats and local feel.
Many appreciate the Wifi and outlets, making it a great place to relax or get some work done. However, its not entirely perfect, with 6 negative opinions noted. A few folks mentioned it could get a bit chilly inside, especially when the door was left open, which made some areas freezing.
There were also comments about the place closing a bit too early for some, and a minor wish for porcelain cups for dine-in drinks.
Ambience
76
Reviews
85%
Satisfaction
6
negative
5
neutral
65
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy atmosphere
- Clean environment
- Outdoor seating
What people don't like
- Chilly indoors
- Early closing
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was mixed. The atmosphere is great for relaxing, working on a laptop, or just chatting indoors, as it is currently open for indoor dining. I ordered a latte, which unfortunately had a slightly burnt aftertaste, leading to my four-star rating.
- placeI love the food, coffee, and the music, which was delightful and cheerful. It's an awesome place to take a break and rest. I had a house-made sun-dried tomato cream cheese bagel with a large coffee while taking a break from work, and it was great!
- cleanIt's clean with plenty of seating
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- coffee shopMy experience at this coffee shop was very positive. It's a very small, cozy neighborhood coffee shop. Most of the seats inside were taken, but there are a few small tables outside, with a view to the park.
- corner cafeThe prices were reasonable, and the service was friendly. It's a nice corner cafe conveniently located next to Muni and McCoppin park.
- locationGood location
- outletswith outlets
- WIFIWIFI worked!
- WifiSeating was not an issue, as there are 14 seats inside and some outside. Wifi was also available.
Frequently criticized
- chilly in thereit was a little chilly in there.
- closing timethey close too early...5pm
- door openMy experience at this restaurant was largely positive, with great food and kind, personal service that gave it a lovely local feel. The only significant drawback was that they left the door open early in the morning, making the place freezing.
- front doorI wish they would've kept the front door closed, it was a little chilly in there.
- placethe place was freezing
- porcelain cuphave your expensive coffee drink in an actual porcelain cup when dining in
If you're looking for a cozy, clean spot with a great atmosphere and outdoor seating options, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared for potentially cooler indoor temperatures and note their earlier closing time if you plan to linger.
Value (7.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 22% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot generally hits the mark! Many folks rave about the affordable and reasonable prices, often noting how the cost makes the experience truly worth it. With a good score of 7.1 and customer satisfaction at 77.8%, it's clear that most of the 14 positive remarks out of 18 total experiences found the pricing to be a real win.
However, not everyone is thrilled, as 3 negative remarks highlight some specific concerns. A few customers felt that certain items, like an extra shot, were overpriced, with one even calling it asinine and gouging the price. These instances, though fewer, suggest that not every item consistently offers the same great value.
Value
18
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
3
negative
1
neutral
14
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable overall prices
- Affordable menu options
- Great value experience
What people don't like
- Extra shot overpriced
- Some items gouged
- Not always a bargain
Often praised
- pricesMy experience at this cafe was generally positive. It's a nice cafe with very reasonable prices, especially for their iced coffee, which is a personal go-to. They offer a selection of syrups and self-serve sweeteners.
- priceat the right price it makes it feel like a deal
- PricesEl cafe is my favorite quick breakfast spot in the city! Prices are affordable compared to other spots in the city, the breakfast panini is 7. 75!
- affordablevery affordable breakfast place
- price per personprice per person is $1–10
Frequently criticized
- bargain placebut definitely not a bargain place.
- extra shot$1.25 for 1 extra shot is absolutely asinine
- pricegouging the price charging 350% of cost
If youre looking for generally affordable and reasonable prices for your meal, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be mindful of specific add-ons, as a few items might feel a bit steep, but overall, its a good value.
How are the prices at El Cafe?
You’re looking at roughly 12 $ per person – reported by 44 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.
Most guests are enjoying meals in the $1–$10 and $11–$20 brackets, showing a nice concentration around the average. It’s not a place with wildly varying cheap and premium options.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 44 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
For a Cafe in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers good value for a mid-range experience without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about El Cafe
Visit Type
- Solo Dining
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
9
Delightful Morning at El Café!
I had a truly wonderful experience at El Café this morning. I'm so glad I stopped by! The food was absolutely delicious, specifically the croissant and chai latte.
The folks working there were very kind and welcoming. I found a comfortable spot against the wall, which offered a lovely view of the park, making it a very pleasant place to relax, read, or work. Thank you for a great visit!
- food10
- croissant10
- chai latte10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Serene Atmosphere and Delicious Bagels
My daughter and I had a wonderful experience at this restaurant. We enjoyed really good bagels and great coffee. The atmosphere was particularly serene, enhanced by a ginormous painting of a town square with impressive perspectives that truly mesmerized me.
The service and food were both rated a perfect 5, and the noise level was quiet, making conversation easy.
- bagels8
- coffee8
- atmosphere10
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
10
Favorite Breakfast Bagel Spot
My favorite spot in the outer sunset to grab a breakfast bagel and iced latte! The food, service, and atmosphere are all top-notch, earning a perfect 5/5.
- breakfast bagel10
- iced latte10
- food10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Takeout
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
7
Delicious Bagel, Slow Service
My experience at the restaurant was a mix of delicious food and some service hiccups. I tried the "Healthy Vegan" bagel, which was pretty delicious. However, the "Chagaccino Latte" was a bit weak, though soothing.
The order took a little longer to prepare, and there was an initial mix-up with the order. Despite these issues, overall, it was good.
- Healthy Vegan bagel9
- Chagaccino Latte5
- order preparation3
- initial order4
Visit Type
- Delivery
Service Type
- Delivery
Meal Type
- Breakfast
8
Delicious Delivery Breakfast and Lunch
My experience with this restaurant was through food delivery. I ordered the Breakfast Burrito with added bacon, a Tuna Melt, and a Mexican Mocha. The food arrived nicely packaged.
Since it was a delivery, I did not comment on service or atmosphere.
- Breakfast Burrito8
- Tuna Melt8
- Mexican Mocha8
What El Cafe offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Solo dining
- Lunch
- Breakfast
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Coffee
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Dessert
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Outdoor seating
Pets
- Dogs allowed
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What kind of dining options and offerings can you find at El Cafe?
At El Cafe, you can enjoy a range of dining options including breakfast, brunch, and lunch, alongside delicious desserts. Their menu features healthy and vegetarian options, small plates, and, of course, great coffee, perfect for a quick bite.
What are the accessibility and parking facilities like at El Cafe in San Francisco?
El Cafe is committed to accessibility, offering a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restroom. For your convenience, you’ll find free street parking, a free parking lot, and usually plenty of parking available, alongside paid street parking options.
How does El Cafe generally perform?
El Cafe maintains a strong overall score of 8.3, with customer satisfaction at 88.9%. Its Service (8.7) and Food (8.5) are particularly well-regarded, while Ambience (7.9) and Value (7.1) also score positively.
What kind of food and drinks can I expect at El Cafe?
Customers often praise the good coffee , paninis , bagels , and smoothies . Many find the food selection fresh and varied, including breakfast items and sandwiches with yummy bread .
Are there any common issues visitors mention about El Cafe?
Some visitors have noted that the indoor atmosphere can be chilly if the door open is left open. There are also occasional comments about coffee quality or wait times for orders.