Highlights
- Great dessert
- Great coffee
- Great tea selection
oChef » Joy’s Place – San Francisco
Joy's Place - San Francisco
Photo from Joy’s Place
Joy's Place at a glance
San Francisco Lower Nob Hill
- ☕ Café
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 52 of the guests
#1651 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#119 Café out of 162 in San Francisco
Good
7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
342
Reviews
70.8%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Cozy atmosphere
- Friendly staff
Frequently criticized
- Poor value
- Inconsistent service
- No power outlets
The cafe Joy’s Place in San Francisco’s Lower Nob Hill neighborhood offers a truly delightful experience, especially if you’re craving something sweet. You’ll find yourself drawn in by its cozy atmosphere and the promise of great dessert.
It’s a perfect spot to unwind, grab a quick bite, or enjoy a leisurely brunch, all while soaking in the casual, trendy vibe.
Overview: Introducting Joy's Place
Joy’s Place offers a generally pleasant experience, with many appreciating its chilled and quiet vibe and cozy cafe feel. It’s often seen as a good spot to relax or get some work done, especially with its comfortable seating.
However, some experiences suggest inconsistencies, particularly with power outlets being removed, which can be a drawback for a cafe. There are also occasional notes about unapproachable demeanor from staff.
Good
7
out of 10
342
Reviews
70.8%
Satisfaction
81
negative
19
neutral
242
positive
Joy’s Place earns a solid overall score of 7, indicating a good experience for many. This is supported by a 70.8% customer satisfaction rate, suggesting most visitors leave content.
The Food (7.4) stands out as a primary draw, frequently praised for its quality. The Ambience (7) also contributes positively, creating a comfortable setting.
However, the Service (6.4) is noted as average, with some mixed experiences, while Value (4.9) appears to be a significant concern for a portion of guests. These insights come from a substantial 342 customer opinions, with 242 positive remarks balancing 81 negative ones.
What people like
- Delicious food options
- Cozy, quiet atmosphere
- Friendly, kind staff
What people don't like
- Poor perceived value
- Inconsistent service
- Missing power outlets
If you’re seeking a spot with genuinely good food and a relaxed atmosphere for a quiet moment or casual chat, Joy’s Place is worth considering. Its 7.4 recommendation score suggests many find it a pleasant experience overall.
However, be mindful of the value proposition and potential service inconsistencies. It might not be your top choice if power outlets are essential for your visit or if you’re sensitive to pricing.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Joy's Place
Food (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 99% of the guests
Overall, the food here gets a solid thumbs-up, with a 7.4 score indicating its generally good. Customer satisfaction is also quite strong at 75.3%, showing most diners leave happy. With 143 positive remarks out of 190 total, many rave about the delicious breakfast sandwiches, tasty bulgogi sandwiches, and great coffee.
Waffles and various desserts also get a lot of love for being fresh and flavorful. However, its not all perfect, with 35 negative comments pointing to some areas for improvement. Some found the tuna sandwich disappointing or certain items bland.
There were also mentions of inconsistent coffee temperature and taste, and a few felt the croffle or other desserts were overpriced or lacked flavor.
Food
190
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
35
negative
12
neutral
143
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious breakfast sandwiches
- Great coffee options
- Tasty bulgogi sandwich
What people don't like
- Inconsistent coffee taste
- Disappointing tuna sandwich
- Some items bland
Often praised
- coffeeMy experience at the restaurant was great! I had a delicious breakfast sammich and coffee. It's worth noting that they open at 8 AM, not 9 AM.
- foodI had the best latte I've ever tasted. I'm really excited to come back for their food. The atmosphere is fantastic; they decorated the walls with really cute fake moss, creating an indoor garden vibe.
- breakfast sandwichI got a caramel latte and a breakfast sandwich. The sandwich was large and I really liked the aioli and arugula on it.
- bulgogi sandwichooh-so-enticing peanut butter latte and a bulgogi sandwich, both of which were absolutely delicious
- breakfastMy experience at this restaurant was very positive. It's a great quiet place for enjoying good coffee/espresso drinks and breakfast. I tried another place on Saturday morning, and the line was ridiculous.
- hot chocolateThe sandwich is absolutely delicious! The hot chocolate too. We will return during our stay!
- pastriesThe pastries are great. Really soft and flavorful and crunchy in the right spots.
- peanut butter cream lattepeanut butter cream latte - a delectable treat
- bamboo lattespicy chicken sandwich and a bamboo latte; both were very flavorful
- breadThe bread was toasted and tender in the inside
Frequently criticized
- coffeeleft my coffee in an open container
- Operathe Opera and the moose were not good
- baconBacon always comes out raw.
- blandBland
- breakfast burgerBreakfast burger un po’ piccolo
- breakfast sandwichthe sandwich was a little heavy
- cake dessertover priced cake dessert that was not worth it
- cappuccinoOrdered a cappuccino with almond milk. It was so sour I couldn't drink it.
- coffee temperaturegot a tepid coffee in a glass
- cold cup of coffeea cold cup of coffee
If you're looking for a delicious breakfast sandwich, a satisfying bulgogi, or a great coffee, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be mindful that some other items, like the tuna sandwich or certain desserts, might be a bit hit-or-miss, and coffee consistency can vary.
Service (6.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 49% of the guests
Based on 59 customer observations, the service here presents a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 6.4 putting it squarely in the average category, and customer satisfaction hovering at 59.3%, suggesting there's room for improvement. Many guests, in 35 positive remarks, frequently praise the friendly and efficient staff, often highlighting the barista and other team members for their kind demeanor and timely service. The fast Wi-Fi connection is also a definite plus.
On the flip side, 21 negative comments reveal some significant bumps. Patrons have reported long wait times, especially when orders were forgotten, and a few have encountered an unapproachable attitude from cashiers or even the owner. Instances of abrupt service and a general lack of attentiveness have also left some feeling quite disappointed.
Service
59
Reviews
59%
Satisfaction
21
negative
3
neutral
35
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, efficient staff
- Timely service
- Fast Wi-Fi available
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Rude staff/owner
- Abrupt service
Often praised
- serviceI then tried the spicy chicken sandwich, which at first didn't seem that spicy, but the heat creeps up on you as it bursts with flavor. I was delighted to grab a quick bite here, and the service was friendly. I can't wait to bring my partner in crime to this place.
- staffThe food was good, and the prices were normal. The staff were friendly. I would recommend it.
- Korean ownerhappy to meet the Korean owner
- ServiceService:5
- Wififast Wifi is really nice
- baristaThe barista was so friendly and is a sweetie.
- big smilealways greeted with a big smile
- fast wifi connectionthey have fast wifi connection
- gentleman workinghe handled everything well
- guy working thereThe guy working there was really nice
Frequently criticized
- serviceWe will return during our stay! I just find it a shame that the service is not done at the table. There was only one other customer who had already been served.
- attitudeshe had a terrible attitude
- cashiermy cashier didn’t even say hi
- demeanorcompletely unapproachable demeanor
- forgot my orderThe wait time was a little long, even though it wasn't busy, which makes me wonder about rush hour. They also forgot my order. However, the food was good.
- glass of waterI left with a cold cup of coffee. The server was kind of abrupt, and despite a couple of requests, I never could get a simple glass of water. Given the abundance of good coffee in San Francisco, it would be a shame to think this was the best.
- hourswish their hours were a little more clear
- orderAnd no one after us was waiting. We still had to go get our order. We found this place by chance.
- ownerunfriendly owner (announced that he is)
- serverthe server was kind of abrupt
If youre looking for a quick coffee and dont mind potentially encountering some inconsistent service, this place might be worth a try. However, be prepared for possible long waits or less-than-friendly interactions, especially if you value consistent, top-notch customer care.
Ambience (7 out of 10)
mentioned by 54% of the guests
The ambience here generally hits the mark, boasting a good score of 7 and a good customer satisfaction of 73.4%. Many guests (58 out of 79 comments) rave about the calm, welcoming vibe and peaceful atmosphere. Reviewers frequently praise the clean and spacious setting, often highlighting the comfortable seating and overall pleasant vibe.
However, not everyone is entirely thrilled, with 17 comments pointing out some issues. Some found the lighting a bit dim for reading, and a few were disappointed by the music being too loud or lacking taste. A recurring concern was the absence of power outlets, which impacted the experience for those looking to work.
Toilet cleanliness also received a few critical remarks.
Ambience
79
Reviews
73%
Satisfaction
17
negative
4
neutral
58
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Calm, welcoming vibe
- Clean, spacious setting
- Peaceful atmosphere
What people don't like
- Lack power outlets
- Loud, bad music
- Poor toilet cleanliness
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at the restaurant was very pleasant. I enjoyed a great waffle and appreciated the nice atmosphere, complemented by pleasant music. It felt like they were playing Studio Ghibli soundtracks, which created a very peaceful environment.
- placeThe staff is so nice and kind. The place is really good to take a rest and talk with friends. I will visit again pretty soon :) Joy's Place desserts are all delicious!
- cafeJoy's Place is a relaxed and cozy cafe
- locationMy experience at this restaurant was great. It's an excellent spot for breakfast in a central location. The food was good, and the prices were normal.
- outletsNice seating with outlets
- quietThis place is very quiet
- seatingThe fact that it has seating is great
- tablescozy but not-too-crowded tables
- vibeI've often struggled to find a good, smooth cappuccino when visiting San Francisco, but I believe I've finally found the perfect coffee here. The place itself is cute, with a great chilled and quiet vibe, which I personally enjoy. I'm sure it will become very busy given how good the coffee and atmosphere are!
- wifiMy experience at this cafe was great for getting some work done. It offers plenty of tables and good wifi. I found the Bulgogi sandwich and shaved ice to be yummy, and the soy matcha latte was great too.
Frequently criticized
- power outletsThe food was good, and the drinks were made well. However, the atmosphere was significantly impacted because they got rid of all the power outlets. A cafe without outlets is a major drawback, leading to a rating of 2 stars maximum.
- atmosphereplace looks nothing like the photos. In reality, its not warm and cozy, but stale
- MusicMusic is too loud and no tastes
- TablesTables are not well cleaned
- cafe without outletsA cafe without outlets?
- decorThe current decor resembles a shell of what the pictures show
- dishes from a previous customerdishes from a previous customer (which seemed to have been left on the table for a while before I arrived) were cleaned up
- faeces on the streetthere’s faeces on the street outside pretty much everyday
- lightingIn contrast, the bulgogi sandwich offered more value and was more filling. The lighting is a bit dim, so it might not be ideal for reading.
- outdoor seatingPlease don’t use the outdoor seating
If you're seeking a tranquil spot with a welcoming atmosphere for a peaceful coffee or chat, this place is definitely worth a visit. However, if you plan to work on your laptop and need reliable power outlets or quiet music, you might find it disappointing.
Value (4.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 17% of the guests
Lets talk value! While the overall score sits at an 4.9 (average) and customer satisfaction is a mixed 42.9%, there are some bright spots. Out of 14 comments, 6 positive ones highlighted that prices and pricing were often considered fair, even fairly cheap for items like coffee.
Many felt it was definitely worth stopping for the value offered. On the flip side, 8 negative comments point to some significant concerns. Many felt the food was pricey or even overpriced sandwiches, with specific items not delivering on value'.
Some found the coffee to be expensive and not worth the cost, leading to disappointment.
Value
14
Reviews
42%
Satisfaction
8
negative
0
neutral
6
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fairly cheap prices
- Affordable coffee
- Worth a stop
What people don't like
- Overpriced food items
- Poor item value
- Expensive coffee
Often praised
- pricesIt's an excellent spot for breakfast in a central location. The food was good, and the prices were normal. The staff were friendly.
- coffeecoffee was great (and cheap!)
- fairly cheapit was fairly cheap
- pricingIt wasn't very crowded, which made for a nice seating experience. I appreciated the availability of outlets and the nice pricing. My matcha latte tasted good, and overall, there was nothing more to ask for.
- worth stoppingIts worth stopping
Frequently criticized
- priceover priced cake dessert that was not worth it
- foodoverpriced food
- overpriced sandwichesoverpriced sandwiches
- priceyFood is basic and pricey.
- valuecroffle is a bit overpriced for the value
If youre looking for a quick, affordable coffee or breakfast, you might find some good deals here. However, be wary of certain menu items like sandwiches or desserts, as many customers felt they were quite overpriced and didnt offer good value.
How are the prices at Joy's Place?
On average, you’ll spend around 13$ per person – from 52 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $11–$20 category. For a Cafe, that’s mid-range, maybe slightly above.
Most of the prices cluster comfortably in this $11–$20 range, showing a consistent offering, though there are also some more budget-friendly options available.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 52 reviews.
A comparison of value for money at this restaurant versus similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, for a Cafe in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers a good balance for those looking for a quality experience without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Joy's Place
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Finally, Great Cappuccino in SF!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic, especially regarding the coffee. I've often struggled to find a good, smooth cappuccino when visiting San Francisco, but I believe I've finally found the perfect coffee here. The place itself is cute, with a great chilled and quiet vibe, which I personally enjoy.
I'm sure it will become very busy given how good the coffee and atmosphere are!
- coffee10
- Cappuccino9
- place8
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
9
Delicious Vanilla Latte!
I found this place while searching for somewhere that sells vanilla lattes, as they aren't very common. The vanilla latte here is incredibly delicious! I'm so glad I discovered it.
Why didn't I know about this place sooner? ㅠㅠ
- vanilla latte10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Mediocre Coffee Shop Experience
My experience at this coffee shop was very average. The food was mediocre, and the service was also lacking. I'm not sure what people find so exciting here.
I left with a cold cup of coffee. The server was kind of abrupt, and despite a couple of requests, I never could get a simple glass of water. Given the abundance of good coffee in San Francisco, it would be a shame to think this was the best.
- food3
- service2
- cold cup of coffee2
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Peaceful Morning Coffee Haven
My experience at this great café was wonderful. The service was excellent, and the quiet setting made it perfect for enjoying a peaceful morning coffee to start the day. It's ideal for visitors seeking a tranquil atmosphere.
- service10
- setting9
- morning coffee9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
10
Best Breakfast Sandwich Ever!
My experience at this restaurant was absolutely fantastic! I had the breakfast sandwich, and it was truly the best I have ever had, omg. The coffee was also so good.
I enjoyed it so much that I went back 3 days in a row. The quality of the food is excellent!
- breakfast sandwich10
- coffee9
- quality of the food9
What Joy's Place offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Tourists
- College students
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
Popular for
- Solo dining
- Breakfast
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Offerings
- Late-night food
- Coffee
- Organic dishes
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Dessert
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
Is Joy's Place accessible for everyone?
Yes, Joy’s Place is committed to accessibility, offering a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restroom to ensure a comfortable visit for all guests. You can dine in, grab takeout, or opt for delivery.
What kind of food and drinks can you expect at Joy's Place?
At Joy’s Place, you can enjoy a variety of offerings including organic dishes, coffee, and a great tea selection. They serve breakfast, brunch, lunch, and delicious desserts, even offering late-night food options for your convenience.
How does Joy's Place rate overall?
Joy’s Place holds a good overall score of 7. Its Food (7.4) is highly regarded, and the Ambience (7) is also quite good. Service (6.4) is average, while Value (4.9) is an area for improvement.
What makes Joy's Place a pleasant spot?
Many customers enjoy the chilled and quiet vibe and cozy cafe feel at Joy’s Place. It’s often praised for its comfortable seating and being a good place to relax or work.
Are there any common concerns at Joy's Place?
Some visitors have noted issues with power outlets being removed, which can be a significant drawback. There are also occasional mentions of inconsistent service and concerns regarding the value for money.