Highlights
- Great coffee
- Great tea selection
oChef » Mercury Cafe – San Francisco
Mercury Cafe - San Francisco
Photo from Mercury Cafe
Mercury Cafe at a glance
San Francisco Hayes Valley
- ☕ Café
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 42 of the guests
#1767 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#122 Café out of 162 in San Francisco
Good
6.8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
372
Reviews
66.4%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Cozy ambiance
- Good coffee
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Slow service
The cafe Mercury Cafe in San Francisco’s vibrant Hayes Valley neighborhood offers you a delightful escape. Known for its great coffee, this cozy spot provides a perfect setting for you to relax and enjoy.
Whether you’re starting your day with a rich brew or seeking a casual lunch, you’ll find a welcoming atmosphere here. It’s a trendy yet comfortable destination for locals and visitors alike.
Overview: Introducting Mercury Cafe
Mercury Cafe offers a distinct experience, blending a pleasant atmosphere with solid food and drink options. Many appreciate its cozy atmosphere and the quality of its coffee and sandwiches, making it a comfortable spot for a casual visit.
However, some aspects, particularly the overall value and occasional issues with service, temper the experience. While the setting is inviting, be mindful of potential pricing concerns and inconsistent staff interactions during your visit.
Good
6.8
out of 10
372
Reviews
66.4%
Satisfaction
97
negative
28
neutral
247
positive
Looking at the numbers, Mercury Cafe holds an overall score of 6.8, placing it in the ‘good’ category. This is supported by a ‘mixed’ customer satisfaction rating of 66.4%, indicating a generally positive but not universally acclaimed experience.
These insights are drawn from 372 customer observations, with 247 positive and 97 negative remarks. The cafe truly shines in Ambience (7.9) and Food (7.1), which are clearly its strong suits.
However, Service (5.5) registers as average, suggesting room for improvement in consistency. The most significant area for concern is Value (3.8), which falls into the ‘poor’ range, indicating that many patrons feel the pricing doesn’t quite align with the offering.
What people like
- Cozy atmosphere
- Quality coffee
- Tasty sandwiches
What people don't like
- Poor value
- Slow, rude service
- No power outlets
If you’re seeking a cafe with a genuinely pleasant atmosphere and reliable food and coffee, Mercury Cafe is worth considering. Its 7 recommendation score suggests a generally positive sentiment, especially for those prioritizing a comfortable setting over strict budget adherence.
However, if value for money and consistently prompt service are your top priorities, you might find aspects of Mercury Cafe disappointing. It’s a place to enjoy the vibe and a good cup of coffee, but perhaps not for every occasion or every wallet.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Mercury Cafe
Food (7.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 91% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark, earning a 7.1 score which is quite good! Many customers rave about the delicious coffee, excellent scones, and great sandwiches. With 116 positive comments out of 169 total, it seems like theres plenty to love, especially the espresso drinks and fresh-baked goods.
However, its a bit of a mixed bag with customer satisfaction at 68.6%. Some folks found the avocado toast a bit stale or the bread hard, and there were mentions of limited gluten-free options. A few also noted issues with cold brew or the overall food quality, with 35 negative comments highlighting areas for improvement.
Food
169
Reviews
68%
Satisfaction
35
negative
18
neutral
116
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Excellent coffee
- Delicious scones
- Great sandwiches
What people don't like
- Stale avocado toast
- Limited gluten-free options
- Hard bread
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed the delicious food and coffee for breakfast/brunch. I highly recommend their BLT + avocado or the Portobello mushroom sandwich.
- coffeeI love coming here to write, listen to jazz, and soak in the extremely pleasant ambiance. This is a classic San Francisco cafe, not overly crowded and not chasing trends, simply serving fantastic coffee, tasty treats, and homey meals. The staff are all kind and friendly, which adds to the already cozy atmosphere.
- sconesIt's my go-to spot for great coffee, tasty food, and a comfortable workspace. They brew modern, third-wave coffee, offer solid pour-overs, and serve delicious egg dishes, avocado toasts, sandwiches, and scones. Despite the modern coffee offerings, the cafe retains a charming, traditional 80s-90s San Francisco feel with informal service, a worn-in look, and used books scattered around.
- sandwichestheir sandwiches and espresso drinks are top-notch
- cold brewI usually get their cold brew or drip coffee.
- drinksOverall, I love this place. It’s a great place to work, with good vibes (usually) and good drinks. Unfortunately, today we were under the impression they closed at 6 (it said so on Google).
- espressoone of the best espresso I’ve had in SF
- espresso drinkstheir sandwiches and espresso drinks are top-notch
- ingredientsowner sources all of his ingredients from local farms
- mochaMy friend really enjoyed his mocha as well.
Frequently criticized
- avocado toastthe avocado toast was a bit stale
- coffeeI was charged $12. 50 for a tiny tuna sandwich and $5 for a coffee. Additionally, the wifi didn't work.
- foodI’m not sure that the food was really worthwhile
- drinkAbsolutely disgusting. Sad excuse for what should be the simplest drink
- Mercury Eggegg was sliced avocado and soft-boiled egg
- Turkey sandwichTurkey sandwich, it was inedible
- avocadopay about $5 extra to sub for avocado
- avocado with egg1 avocado with 1 egg on top and a little tomato
- biscuitsserved on biscuits that were, for my taste, large but a little dry.
- black coffeepaid 3.50 for a black coffee
If youre looking for a place with solid coffee, tasty scones, and satisfying sandwiches, youll likely be pleased. Just be aware that some menu items, particularly the avocado toast and gluten-free options, might not always meet expectations.
Service (5.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 66% of the guests
On the positive side, many guests, contributing 37 favorable remarks out of 79 total, frequently highlight the friendly staff and efficient baristas. People often rave about the great service and the kindness they receive, with drinks served quickly, making for a welcoming experience. However, the overall picture is a bit of a mixed bag, with an average score of 5.5 and customer satisfaction at 46.8%.
An equal number of 37 negative comments point to concerns like slow service, instances of being ignored, and encounters with rude staff or an unfriendly attendant. This suggests some inconsistency in service quality.
Service
79
Reviews
46%
Satisfaction
37
negative
5
neutral
37
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Efficient baristas
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Rude staff
Often praised
- staffThis is a classic San Francisco cafe, not overly crowded and not chasing trends, simply serving fantastic coffee, tasty treats, and homey meals. The staff are all kind and friendly, which adds to the already cozy atmosphere. Additionally, they might have one of the best espressos I've had in SF.
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had an awesome sandwich and enjoyed the great service. The scones were also exceptional looking.
- baristamade by wonderful barista who spent a night at techno rave
- ServiceService:4
- employeesThe employees were very nice during my visit. However, I found the food to be not a good value.
- friendly staffPlus a friendly staff.
- baristasbaristas are nice and kind
- customer serviceCustomer service was also good, despite the rush.
- drinks served quicklyThere are plenty of tables available, perfect for customers to work, study, or relax while enjoying their drinks. The baristas were friendly and efficient, and our drinks were served quickly. They offer a variety of coffee and tea drinks, including special and seasonal options, with choices for different sizes and dairy alternatives.
- efficient baristasThe baristas were friendly and efficient
Frequently criticized
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was marked by terrible service that was both rude and slow. The avocado toast was a significant disappointment; it was essentially cold bread with a minimal amount of avocado.
- slow serviceburned one too many times by the slow service
- waiterThe waiter is a little impatient
- waiting timeI had an apple scone for $5, which was just okay. I also waited a long time for a very mid latte that cost $6. 50.
- 30 minutes for sandwichwaited 30 minutes for my sandwich
- WiFiWiFi can be spotty
- attendantAttendant was unfriendly at best
- baristathe barista starting clanging all the possible metalware and started to loudly shift furniture
- being ignoredI really wanted to like this place, but my experiences here have been consistently negative. As a Black patron, I’ve often been ignored while waiting in line, and when I do get acknowledged, I’m met with rude or dismissive responses from staff — things like “what? ” or “I’m busy” when I’m simply trying to order.
- cashierthe cashier got mad at me
Your service experience here could be a toss-up. While many enjoy friendly and efficient interactions, be prepared for potential delays or less attentive service. It might be worth a try if you're not in a rush and hope for the best.
Ambience (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 70% of the guests
The ambience here generally hits all the right notes, scoring a solid 7.9 and earning a good customer satisfaction of 86.8%. Based on 92 positive comments out of 106, guests frequently praise the modern design, bright atmosphere, and calming atmosphere. Many also love the live music and jazz nights, contributing to a truly welcoming vibe.
However, it's not entirely without its quirks. A smaller number of 12 comments point out issues like a lack of accessible power outlets for those looking to work. There were also a few mentions of wifi being slow and, in one instance, a bad smell which is definitely something to note.
Ambience
106
Reviews
86%
Satisfaction
12
negative
2
neutral
92
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Modern, bright design
- Calming, welcoming vibe
- Live jazz music
What people don't like
- Limited power outlets
- Unreliable Wi-Fi
- Occasional bad smell
Often praised
- atmosphereThis is a classic San Francisco cafe, not overly crowded and not chasing trends, simply serving fantastic coffee, tasty treats, and homey meals. The staff are all kind and friendly, which adds to the already cozy atmosphere. Additionally, they might have one of the best espressos I've had in SF.
- locationoverdose of feel good from the location
- placeThe pour over coffee was delicious, and the sandwiches were really tasty, made with fresh bread. Overall, it's a really tasteful and tasty place to visit!
- ambianceIt's so incredibly nice. I love coming here to write, listen to jazz, and soak in the extremely pleasant ambiance. This is a classic San Francisco cafe, not overly crowded and not chasing trends, simply serving fantastic coffee, tasty treats, and homey meals.
- vibelove the vibe of this place, unpretentious and raw
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- cafeSuper cute cafe
- jazz nightsThursday jazz nights there, I would recommend checking your local musicians out
- musicThe coffee, the food, the staff, the music, the light, the ambiance.
- pianoThere was a piano in the cafe, and one of the customers went up to play and it was professional and incredible!
Frequently criticized
- outletsthey frown on their patrons using the cafe's outlets
- wifi50 for a tiny tuna sandwich and $5 for a coffee. Additionally, the wifi didn't work. I won't be returning here anytime soon.
- bad smellwhole place smelled like piss and trash
- fliesplace also infested with flies
- musicmusic is a bit intense and not very relaxing
- place to work remotelyrated highly as a good place to work remotely
- power connectorspower connectors are blocked
- power outletsNo power outlet that I could find
If you're looking for a spot with a great vibe, especially for a relaxed coffee or a jazz night, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be aware that it might not be the best choice if you need reliable power outlets or fast Wi-Fi for a long work session.
Value (3.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 21% of the guests
Looking at the bright side, a couple of diners found the price per person to be quite reasonable, especially if youre aiming for a meal around the $8-10 range. These positive remarks suggest that for some, the overall price offered a decent deal, making it a quick and satisfying choice. However, the general consensus points to a less-than-stellar experience, reflected in a score of 3.8 and a low customer satisfaction of just 11.1%.
With 13 negative remarks out of 18 total, many felt the food was simply overpriced, citing extra costs and poor food value. Even the coffee and latte price were frequently mentioned as being too high, leaving some feeling it was a waste of $30'.
Value
18
Reviews
11%
Satisfaction
13
negative
3
neutral
2
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable meal options
What people don't like
- Food is overpriced
- Coffee is expensive
- Waste of money
Often praised
- Price per personPrice per person:$1–10
- pricefor about $8? Done.
Frequently criticized
- priceMy experience at this restaurant involved a tasty mocha, though I found the coffee to be kind of weak. Additionally, it was more expensive for the size compared to other places in the area. The service and atmosphere were rated highly (5/5), and the food received a 4/5.
- coffeeThe coffee is very expensive.
- extrapay about $5 extra to sub for avocado
- food valuefood not a good value
- latte priceVery Mid $6.50 Latte
- overpricedFood is very overpriced
- overpriced, yuppie chainsThe environment is sunny and relaxed, and the staff appear to know the whole neighborhood. It's a welcome break from the overpriced, yuppie chains popping up all over the city.
- waste of $30A waste of $30
If youre on a tight budget and looking for a quick, cheap bite, you might find a decent deal. However, be prepared for potentially high prices on many items, especially drinks, as most customers felt the overall value just isnt there.
How are the prices at Mercury Cafe?
You’re looking at roughly 14 per person – reported by 42 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.
Looking at what people actually spend, most diners keep it in the $11–$20 bracket, which is right where the average sits. There’s also a good chunk of folks spending less, in the $1–$10 range, and just a few venturing into the $21–$30 and even $31–$40 territory. This shows a nice variety, catering to different budgets.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 42 reviews.
How this Cafe stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco when it comes to value for money.
Considering it’s a Cafe in San Francisco, the pricing feels quite fair. We think it offers good value for a casual meal or coffee, with options to suit different budgets.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Mercury Cafe
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Ridiculous Price for Avocado Toast
My experience at this restaurant was quite disappointing, primarily due to the pricing and limited options for dietary restrictions. I rarely leave reviews, but I felt compelled to share my thoughts. For $16 (which is closer to $20 after tax and tip), I received a dish with just one avocado, one egg, and a small amount of tomato.
This felt ridiculous for the portion size. As someone with celiac disease, I cannot eat gluten, and the restaurant offered very few alternatives. I had to pay an additional $5 to substitute bread for avocado, which seemed excessive considering the small portion of avocado provided.
Additionally, the lack of accessible outlets was an inconvenience.
- avocado with egg2
- gluten3
- options3
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
2
Consistently Negative Service Experience
I really wanted to like this place, but my experiences here have been consistently negative. As a Black patron, I’ve often been ignored while waiting in line, and when I do get acknowledged, I’m met with rude or dismissive responses from staff — things like “what? ” or “I’m busy” when I’m simply trying to order.
It’s disheartening to feel brushed off and unwelcome in a neighborhood spot that should be open and friendly to everyone. As both a community member and a school administrator at a nearby school, I cannot recommend this coffeeshop, especially for people of color who may not feel respected here. There are plenty of other places in the area where kindness and good service are part of the experience.
Sadly, I won’t be coming back.
- kindness and good service8
- staff responses1
- being ignored1
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Wait Time
- Moderate (16–30 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
7
Great Drinks, Interesting Food Choices
I visited with some friends and we tried the Egg McMercury, the brunch combo, and a couple of drinks. The drinks were definitely the highlight of our experience – generously sized and well executed, with no complaints. The food orders seemed quite backed up, and I felt for the staff who appeared to be handling a lot.
The Egg McMercury and brunch version were interesting; I suspect the poached eggs were cooked in ramekins or a mold, resulting in a medium poached consistency. They were served on biscuits that, for my taste, were large but a bit dry. The breakfast potatoes on the side were decent.
Despite the order queue, we received our food and drinks quite quickly, and the customer service was good even during the rush. I'll definitely return for the drinks, but might explore different food options next time.
- drinks10
- Egg McMercury6
- brunch version6
- biscuits4
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Great Coffee and Jazz Nights
My experience at this coffee shop was definitely a great one. The espresso drinks were amazing, and their Thursday evening jazz nights were lots of fun. The service was rated a 5, and the atmosphere was also a 5.
The price per person was between $1–$10, and scones were recommended.
- espresso drinks9
- jazz nights9
- Service10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Best Scones Ever Discovered!
My experience was fantastic, especially with the food. I had the best scones I have ever tried in my life and I'm kinda proud of myself for discovering this hidden gem for scones 😅. If you are lucky enough, your coffee will be served and made by a wonderful barista who spent a night at a techno rave prior to the shift (at least this is what my imagination whispers).
The service and atmosphere were also rated a perfect 5/5.
- scones10
- coffee8
- barista8
What Mercury Cafe offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
- College students
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Solo dining
- Lunch
- Breakfast
Amenities
- Restroom
- Wi-Fi
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Healthy options
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Dessert
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
- Dogs allowed
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
Is Mercury Cafe in San Francisco accessible for everyone?
Yes, Mercury Cafe is designed with accessibility in mind. You’ll find a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restroom, ensuring a comfortable experience for all guests. This commitment to inclusivity makes it a welcoming spot in Hayes Valley.
What kind of dining experience and atmosphere can you expect at Mercury Cafe?
You’ll find a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere at Mercury Cafe, perfect for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dessert. They offer a great tea selection, healthy options, and vegetarian choices, alongside coffee, beer, and wine. Enjoy your visit with comfortable dine-in or outdoor seating.
What is the overall rating for Mercury Cafe and what are its strengths and weaknesses?
Mercury Cafe holds an overall score of 6.8. It shines in Ambience (7.9) and Food (7.1), offering a pleasant setting and quality items. However, Service (5.5) is average, and Value (3.8) is a notable concern for many patrons.
What kind of atmosphere can I expect at Mercury Cafe?
You can expect a cozy atmosphere with a classic San Francisco feel, often featuring live jazz nights or piano music. Many appreciate its unpretentious vibe, making it a tasteful and relaxing place to visit.
Is Mercury Cafe considered good value for money?
Opinions on value are mixed, with many finding items like coffee and food to be overpriced, and some mentioning a ‘waste of $30’. While some find the ‘price per person’ reasonable for certain items, the overall sentiment suggests it’s not its strongest suit.