Highlights
- Great coffee
- Great tea selection
oChef » Mellis – San Francisco
Mellis - San Francisco
Photo from Mellis
Mellis at a glance
San Francisco Union Square
- ☕ Café
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 88 of the guests
#593 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#50 Café out of 162 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.1 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
366
Reviews
84.2%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Friendly Service
- Great Breakfast
- Cozy Spot
Frequently criticized
- Limited Seating
- Service Inconsistencies
- Parking Difficulty
The café Mellis, nestled in the vibrant Union Square neighborhood of San Francisco, invites you to experience its cozy and casual atmosphere. You’ll find it’s a perfect spot to enjoy a great cup of coffee, whether you’re starting your day or taking a quick break.
This welcoming cafe is known for its excellent coffee, making it a go-to destination for locals and visitors alike seeking quality brews in the heart of the city.
Overview: Introducting Mellis
Mellis offers a welcoming experience, often highlighted for its friendly staff and efficient service. Many appreciate starting their day here with a delicious breakfast and excellent coffee, making it a convenient stop for many regulars.
While generally praised for its inviting, cozy spot, some visitors have noted occasional inconsistencies in service or found the limited seating to be a drawback, particularly during busy times. It’s a place that clearly prioritizes a warm reception.
Excellent
8.1
out of 10
366
Reviews
84.2%
Satisfaction
44
negative
14
neutral
308
positive
Mellis generally earns a strong reception, reflected in its overall restaurant score of 8.1 and a solid customer satisfaction rate of 84.2%. These figures are based on a substantial 366 customer remarks, with a clear majority of 308 positive comments outweighing the 44 negative ones.
Diving deeper, the Service (8.8) stands out as a particular strength, often described as friendly and efficient. The Food (8.1) also receives high marks, especially for its breakfast and coffee offerings.
While the Ambience (7.6) is considered good, and Value (6.7) is seen as fair, these areas show a bit more room for improvement compared to the stellar service.
What people like
- Friendly, welcoming service
- Delicious breakfast items
- Cozy, convenient spot
What people don't like
- Limited seating options
- Occasional service issues
- Parking can be difficult
With a strong recommendation score of 8.3, Mellis is a solid choice, particularly if you value a warm welcome and a satisfying start to your day. It excels in delivering a friendly experience and quality breakfast items that many customers appreciate.
However, be mindful of its smaller footprint and potential parking challenges, especially during peak hours. If you’re looking for a quick, pleasant meal in a cozy setting and don’t mind a grab-and-go style, Mellis is certainly worth considering.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Mellis
Food (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 95% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot truly shines! With a solid score of 8.1 and an impressive customer satisfaction rate of 85.8%, its clear most diners are leaving happy. Out of 219 total opinions, a whopping 188 rave about delicious sandwiches, fresh pastries, and great coffee, making it a go-to for many.
However, not every bite is perfect. There were 27 less enthusiastic remarks, with some mentioning small portions, disappointing bagels, or issues like microwaved eggs and turkey bacon. While these are minor compared to the overall praise, theyre worth keeping in mind for a truly optimal experience.
Food
219
Reviews
85%
Satisfaction
27
negative
4
neutral
188
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious sandwiches
- Fresh pastries
- Great coffee
What people don't like
- Small portions
- Disappointing bagels
- Overcooked eggs
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed the amazing coffee and found it to be a quick stop for food. The staff, particularly Luis Daniel and Melba, provided exceptional service.
- coffeeIt's a cozy spot with a welcoming atmosphere and friendly staff. The coffee is excellent, the pastries are fresh, and the breakfast options are delicious. It's a perfect place to start the day or relax with a cup of coffee.
- sandwichesMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed their great coffee and sandwiches. The staff was super friendly, which made the visit even better.
- FoodFood and drinks here were excellent
- sandwichThe location is also great, despite some minor distractions. I would definitely recommend this place for a quick sandwich or a drink!
- bagelReally nice bagel with good flavour
- bagelsthe bagels were amazing
- breakfastMy experience at this restaurant was incredibly positive. I enjoyed a good, affordable breakfast with fast and friendly service. It was also incredibly convenient, so much so that I went here every day during my trip.
- pastriesIt's a cozy spot with a welcoming atmosphere and friendly staff. The coffee is excellent, the pastries are fresh, and the breakfast options are delicious. It's a perfect place to start the day or relax with a cup of coffee.
- bacon egg and cheesehis bacon egg and cheese was one of the best
Frequently criticized
- bagelI ordered the New York special (bacon, egg, and cheese) on a cheese bagel and a plain bagel with butter. My bagel wasn't the greatest, but I am also accustomed to New York bagels. The complete sandwich was good.
- bagelsthe bagels are just on the smaller side
- coffeeWhat cafe messes up a coffee???
- FoodFood:2
- actual baconturkey bacon instead of actual bacon
- avocadoMy experience at the restaurant was centered around a great sandwich fix. However, I believe they forgot my avocado. Since it was late, I wasn't too worried about it.
- bad foodNice people but bad food
- cheap cheesevery cheap few pieces of cold cheese
- cold cheesevery cheap few pieces of cold cheese
- cold haman inch of cold ham
If youre looking for a place with genuinely delicious sandwiches, pastries, and coffee, youll likely be very pleased. Just be mindful that some experiences with bagels or portion sizes have been less stellar. Overall, it's definitely worth a visit for a tasty meal.
Service (8.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 76% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot truly shines! With an impressive score of 8.8 and an excellent customer satisfaction rate of 90.6%, guests consistently rave about the friendly staff, quick service, and excellent attention. Out of 85 total remarks, a whopping 77 were positive, highlighting how welcoming the owners and people working there are, often providing prompt service with a passion for what they do.
However, it's not entirely without its bumps. A small number of 6 negative remarks point to isolated incidents, including concerns about rude behavior or a discriminatory attitude from an individual, and some instances of orders being wrong. While these are few, they suggest that consistency might occasionally waver, particularly regarding specific employee interactions or order accuracy.
Service
85
Reviews
90%
Satisfaction
6
negative
2
neutral
77
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Quick service
- Welcoming owners
What people don't like
- Rude behavior
- Discriminatory attitude
- Order mistakes
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was incredibly positive. I enjoyed a good, affordable breakfast with fast and friendly service. It was also incredibly convenient, so much so that I went here every day during my trip.
- staffMy experience at Mellis Café was wonderful. It's a cozy spot with a welcoming atmosphere and friendly staff. The coffee is excellent, the pastries are fresh, and the breakfast options are delicious.
- ServiceSuper friendly (especially at 0530)
- peopleles gens sont très sympathiques, souriant et très aimable
- customer serviceThe following day, I enjoyed a veggie, egg and cheese bagel, which was also delicious. While it might have been a little pricey for me, the great customer service and the abundance of tasty options made it well worth it.
- ownerthe owner is so welcome
- CustomerCustomer is exceeding 10 out of 10
- English and Spanishthey speak english and Spanish
- business growingThe staff are very nice, and they work hard to get your food prepared because they’re so busy. I’m happy for their business growing; it’s a great little business. I’m happy that they’re back.
- everyoneFinally, after all this time, I've returned specifically to eat it again, and it was fabulous! The owner is so welcoming, and everyone is so nice! Strongly recommend!
Frequently criticized
- customer service settingWhat was especially concerning was the discriminatory attitude shown, as the employee spoke in Spanish in a manner that felt intentionally exclusive and disrespectful. Such conduct is unacceptable in a customer service setting, where all individuals should be treated with respect and fairness regardless of language or background. I hope this issue is taken seriously and addressed appropriately to ensure a welcoming environment for all customers.
- discriminatory attitudethe discriminatory attitude shown
- employee behaviorThe individual displayed rude and unprofessional behavior
- instructionsSimple and clearly stated instructions
- ordergot my order wrong
- tip screenshove the tip screen at you
Overall, you can expect a very positive experience here. The service is generally excellent, with friendly and efficient staff making your visit enjoyable. Just be mindful that, like anywhere, isolated incidents can occur, but they are rare.
Ambience (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 44% of the guests
When it comes to the ambience, this spot generally hits the mark! Customers frequently praise the overall *atmosphere* and *vibe*, often calling it a *cozy gem* or *cute spot*. Many enjoy the *outdoor patio* and appreciate the *convenient location*, making it a great place to relax.
With a solid score of 7.6 and 71.7% customer satisfaction, its clear most find the setting quite appealing, based on 33 positive remarks. However, its not without its quirks. A recurring concern, highlighted in 7 negative comments, revolves around the *limited seating* and *space*, with some noting there are often *no seats* available, making it feel more like a grab-and-go.
While some find parking easy, others mention *difficult parking space*. This suggests that while the vibe is good, the practicalities of settling in can be a challenge.
Ambience
46
Reviews
71%
Satisfaction
7
negative
6
neutral
33
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy, welcoming vibe
- Lovely outdoor patio
- Great, convenient location
What people don't like
- Very limited seating
- Parking can be tough
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at Mellis Café was wonderful. It's a cozy spot with a welcoming atmosphere and friendly staff. The coffee is excellent, the pastries are fresh, and the breakfast options are delicious.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- authentic spotReally cool authentic spot
- cafeteriaClean and well-organized cafeteria
- convenienceI enjoyed a good, affordable breakfast with fast and friendly service. It was also incredibly convenient, so much so that I went here every day during my trip.
- convenient spotThis is just a convenient little spot.
- cozy gemMellis Cafe is a cozy gem tucked into the busy streets of SF
- cute spotCute spot with reasonable prices
- experienceLoved every experience
- good placeJust a really, really good place!
Frequently criticized
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:2
- SeatingI did grab a few for my flight and they were tasty. Seating is extremely limited, and overall, the place is more of a grab and go.
- atmosphereAtmosphere:2
- no seatsThere are no seats
- parking spaceDifficult to find parking
- spacespace is very limited to eat
- tables outsideplace just has 2 tables outside
If you're looking for a charming spot with a great vibe for a quick coffee or snack, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared that seating might be limited, so it might not be ideal for a long, leisurely meal.
Value (6.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 18% of the guests
When it comes to value, many diners found the prices quite reasonable and affordable, especially for breakfast, often noting it was cheaper than hotel breakfast. The bonus of free street parking also added to the appeal for some. The value here lands at an average score of 6.7, with customer satisfaction sitting at a mixed 62.5%, based on 16 customer comments, with 10 positive remarks.
However, not everyone was convinced, with 4 negative comments mentioning that some items felt expensive or questioned why so much. A few also found difficult to find parking, which can certainly impact the overall perception of value, especially if you're paying for parking elsewhere or spending time searching.
Value
16
Reviews
62%
Satisfaction
4
negative
2
neutral
10
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable breakfast
- Reasonable prices
- Free street parking
What people don't like
- Can be expensive
- Parking is difficult
Often praised
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was incredibly positive. I enjoyed a good, affordable breakfast with fast and friendly service. It was also incredibly convenient, so much so that I went here every day during my trip.
- reasonable pricescute spot with reasonable prices
- affordableIt was affordable
- cheaper than hotel breakfastThe breakfast sandwiches were amazing, and I particularly enjoyed the egg and cheese bagel. It was also cheaper than hotel breakfast, making it a great value. I highly recommend this place for a quick bite.
- free street parkingand the next morning I sent my sibling to grab breakfast for the bridal party.
- pricesthe prices are reasonable
Frequently criticized
- difficult to find parkingalthough finding a spot can be difficult.
- expensivebut expensive
- pricewhy so much
- pricesLARGE prices
If youre looking for an affordable breakfast or a spot with generally reasonable prices, this place could be a solid choice. Just be prepared that some items might feel a bit pricey, and finding parking could be a challenge. Its a mixed bag, but often leans towards good value for many.
How are the prices at Mellis?
On average, you’ll spend around 15 per person – from 88 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $11–$20 category. For a Cafe, that’s mid-range, maybe slightly above.
Most diners find themselves in the $11–$20 sweet spot, though a good number also enjoy more budget-friendly options below 10 $. It’s a nice mix!
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 88 reviews.
How this Cafe’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering it’s a Cafe in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers good value for a casual meal or coffee break.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Mellis
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Delicious Food and Charming Staff!
My experience at the restaurant was absolutely wonderful. Everything was delicious, and the staff were incredibly charming. They have some lovely outdoor tables where you can eat peacefully.
I highly recommend this place!
- food10
- staff10
- outdoor tables9
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
10
Exceptional Service and Great Coffee!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed the amazing coffee and found it to be a quick stop for food. The staff, particularly Luis Daniel and Melba, provided exceptional service.
I highly recommend trying it!
- coffee10
- food9
- staff10
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Friendly, Warm, and Generous Experience!
My experience at the restaurant was wonderful. The staff were friendly, warm, generous, professional, and kind, truly living up to the name Mellis. I loved every experience and will definitely go back.
❤️❤️
- staff10
- experience10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
9
Delicious Treats and Great Service
My experience at this restaurant was excellent. We visited late one night and enjoyed waters, a rose lemonade, a strawberry Fanta, a baklava with butter pecan ice cream, and a walnut baklava. Everything was tasty.
The next morning, I sent my sibling to pick up breakfast for the bridal party. We ordered chocolate croissants, an almond claw, a bagel with cream cheese, and a caramel latte. All of these items were delicious.
The service was outstanding, rated a 5, and the food also received a perfect score of 5. The atmosphere was rated a 4. The restaurant is very accessible for wheelchairs, and there is free street parking, although finding a spot can be difficult.
- baklava with butter pecan ice cream9
- walnut baklava9
- chocolate croissants10
- difficult to find parking4
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Meal Type
- Breakfast
10
Amazing Bacon Egg and Cheese Bagel!
Do yourself a favor and start your day with a bacon egg and cheese on a bagel from here. 🤤
- bacon egg and cheese on a bagel10
What Mellis offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Solo dining
- Lunch
- Breakfast
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Offerings
- Late-night food
- Coffee
- Small plates
- Organic dishes
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Lunch
Service Options
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Paid parking lot
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere and services can you expect at Mellis Cafe in San Francisco?
At Mellis Cafe, you’ll discover a cozy and casual atmosphere, perfect for a relaxed visit. You can enjoy onsite services, including dine-in and outdoor seating, or opt for convenient takeout and delivery. The cafe also provides free Wi-Fi and accessible facilities, ensuring a comfortable experience for everyone.
What dining options and special offerings are available at Mellis Cafe?
Mellis Cafe offers a wide range of dining options throughout the day, including breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, and dessert. You can find quick bites, small plates, and even late-night food. The menu features organic dishes and vegetarian options, alongside a great tea selection and, of course, excellent coffee.
How does Mellis generally perform according to customer feedback?
Mellis holds a good overall score of 8.1, with its Service (8.8) and Food (8.1) being particularly well-regarded. The Ambience (7.6) and Value (6.7) also contribute positively to its reputation.
What do customers appreciate most about Mellis?
Customers frequently praise the exceptionally friendly staff and welcoming atmosphere. Many also highlight the delicious coffee, fresh pastries, and satisfying breakfast options available.
Are there any common drawbacks or challenges when visiting Mellis?
Some customers note that seating is quite limited, making it more of a grab-and-go spot. Additionally, finding parking in the vicinity can sometimes be difficult.