Highlights
- Great coffee
- Great tea selection
oChef » Penelope’s – San Francisco
Penelope's - San Francisco
Photo from Penelope’s
Penelope's at a glance
San Francisco Rincon Hill
- ☕ Café
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 33 of the guests
#1911 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#130 Café out of 162 in San Francisco
Good
6.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
169
Reviews
62.1%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious Food
- Cozy Ambiance
- Friendly Staff
Frequently criticized
- Poor Value
- Inconsistent Service
- Hygiene Issues
The café Penelope’s in San Francisco’s vibrant Rincon Hill neighborhood offers a delightful escape where you can savor truly great coffee. You’ll discover a cozy and casual atmosphere, perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed moment.
Whether you’re starting your day with breakfast or simply seeking a trendy spot for a coffee break, this welcoming cafe has you covered. It’s an ideal stop for anyone looking for quality beverages and a comfortable setting.
Overview: Introducting Penelope's
Penelope’s offers a mixed experience, with many appreciating the pleasant atmosphere and the quality of its dishes. Guests often highlight the friendly staff and the delicious Greek coffee, making for a generally welcoming visit.
However, some aspects could use attention. While the food often hits the mark, there have been instances of inattentiveness from the service team and concerns about the overall value, which can detract from the experience.
Good
6.6
out of 10
169
Reviews
62.1%
Satisfaction
46
negative
18
neutral
105
positive
Overall, Penelope’s holds a Restaurant Score of 6.6, placing it in the average category, supported by a Customer Satisfaction of 62.1%, indicating a mixed reception. With 105 positive remarks against 46 negative ones from 169 total customer observations, there’s a clear appreciation for certain aspects, though some areas warrant improvement.
Looking closer, the Ambience (7.4) and Food (6.9) generally receive good marks, with many enjoying the pleasant setting and quality of dishes. However, the Service (6) is seen as average, and Value (3.9) is a notable concern, often described as poor.
This suggests that while the core offerings are appealing, pricing and service consistency could be refined.
What people like
- Delicious Food Options
- Pleasant, Cozy Ambiance
- Friendly, Kind Staff
What people don't like
- Poor Value/Pricing
- Inconsistent Service Quality
- Hygiene/Comfort Issues
With a Recommendation Score of 6.5, Penelope’s presents a mixed bag. If you prioritize a pleasant atmosphere and enjoy well-prepared dishes like their Greek coffee or avocado toast, it could be a worthwhile stop.
However, be mindful of potential inconsistencies in service and the overall pricing. Ultimately, Penelope’s might suit you if you’re looking for a casual spot with good food and don’t mind paying a bit more, or if you’re willing to overlook occasional service hiccups.
It’s a place with potential, but perhaps not for every occasion or budget.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Penelope's
Food (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot offers a pretty good experience with a score of 6.9, though customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 65.1%. Many guests rave about the delicious Greek Coffee, tasty Breakfast Burritos, and delightful waffle with Nutella and strawberries, along with the refreshing iced banana latte. With 56 positive remarks out of 86 total, theres definitely some culinary joy to be found.
However, not everything hits the mark. Some diners found issues with the bacon flavor in dishes, cold hash, and dry, chewy eggs. A few also felt certain items were overprocessed.
These 17 negative comments suggest theres room for improvement in consistency.
Food
86
Reviews
65%
Satisfaction
17
negative
13
neutral
56
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious Greek coffee
- Great breakfast burritos
- Unique waffle options
What people don't like
- Inconsistent bacon flavor
- Dry, chewy eggs
- Overprocessed food
Often praised
- foodthe food quality was great, rated 4 out of 5
- coffeeWhile the atmosphere was pleasant (rated 4/5), the food and service were subpar (rated 2/5 for both). The coffee was good, but the food, a simple slice of toasted bread with avocado and a soft egg, was honestly pretty standard. I also found the service to be unfriendly, making the tip feel unwarranted.
- Greek coffeeThe Greek coffee was amazing—strong, smooth, and authentically made.
- FoodFood:5
- breakfast burritosMy experience at this restaurant offered a nice selection of breakfast burritos, which were complemented by a unique side of tater tots shaped like a waffle. I'm considering trying a womelette on a future visit if I'm in the area.
- Avocado Toast - Avocado Delightone of the most delicious avocado toast I've had
- Breakfast BurritoRecommended dishes:Breakfast Burrito
- Caesar SaladMy wife and I had a Caesar Salad... It was delicious.
- Greek Coffeethey have a very strong Greek Coffee
- London fogI enjoyed the London fog that I ordered
Frequently criticized
- foodfood was honestly pretty standard
- Bacon WomelletteI ordered The Bacon Womellette and was disappointed. A pile of green onions lay on top of a burnt middle, flavorless, hard bacon bits waffle. It came with two triangles of toast, which I found an odd pairing with the waffle, and a packet of sour cream.
- bacon flavoryou can’t taste the flavour of bacon at all
- burritoburrito didn't really have much besides egg inside
- croissantsThe croissants were stale and not flaky at all.
- eggsThe eggs came out dry and chewy
- fresh croissantsI would hope they would be fresh croissants.
- greek coffeedon't sell any bags of greek coffee!
- hair on my hashthere was a hair on my hash
- hashThe hash was cold, as if it was made long before
If you're looking for a place with some standout breakfast items and excellent coffee, this spot could be a good bet. Just be aware that some dishes might be inconsistent, so choose wisely to avoid disappointment.
Service (6 out of 10)
mentioned by 73% of the guests
Based on 46 comments, many customers really appreciate the friendly staff and their helpful menu suggestions. Folks often mention the easy ordering process and how welcoming they feel. Theres a definite bright side to the service, even with an overall score of 6 and customer satisfaction at a mixed 56.5%.
However, not all experiences are sunshine and rainbows. Some diners have unfortunately encountered rude employees and unprofessional behavior, with complaints about poor attitude and general inattentiveness. These less positive interactions, making up 18 out of 46 comments, suggest theres room for improvement.
Service
46
Reviews
56%
Satisfaction
18
negative
2
neutral
26
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, helpful staff
- Great menu suggestions
- Easy ordering process
What people don't like
- Rude employee behavior
- Unprofessional staff attitude
- Slow, inattentive service
Often praised
- serviceEverything was SO delicious. The service was lovely; everyone was very kind and informative.
- staffhow friendly and efficient the staff is
- ServiceExtremely fast. Service is friendly.
- friendly stafffriendly staff
- ownerHad a chat with the owner as well, very warmhearted person.
- Convenienceworth the quick convenience
- job dutiesWent above job duties
- menu suggestionsgave wonderful suggestions about the menu
- ordering processEasy ordering
- owners/staffOwners/staff were super kind
Frequently criticized
- customercan’t handle a customer by phone
- servicethe service, which was lackluster at best
- MgrMgr is the worst
- attitudeher attitude beyond bad
- customersthey don’t care about customers
- food order forgottenthey also completely forgot to make the rest of our food order
- glovesdidn’t wash her hands or wear gloves
- inattentivenessan overall inattentiveness that detracted significantly
- opening timethey really open between 6:15-6:30
- peoplePeople are very rude.
So, should you go? It seems like service here can be a bit of a gamble. You might be greeted by wonderful, helpful staff, or you could encounter some less-than-stellar attitudes.
If you're willing to take that chance, you might be pleasantly surprised, but be prepared for a potentially mixed experience.
Ambience (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 49% of the guests
The vibe here is definitely a winner, with a 7.4 score indicating a good experience overall. Customers are quite happy, with a 77.8% satisfaction rate! Many folks rave about the pleasant Atmosphere, seating options, and handy outlets, often describing it as a cozy vibe or a cute little spot perfect for working or relaxing.
Out of 27 total comments, 21 were positive, highlighting a generally welcoming environment. However, its not all sunshine and roses. A few patrons, 4 to be exact, pointed out some less-than-ideal aspects.
Concerns popped up about the bathroom situation, and a couple of folks werent thrilled about baby flies new gnats or finding the comfortable seat occupied. These minor issues suggest there's a little room for improvement in certain areas.
Ambience
27
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
4
negative
2
neutral
21
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Pleasant atmosphere
- Ample seating
- Convenient outlets
What people don't like
- No accessible bathroom
- Presence of flies
- Limited comfy seats
Often praised
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- atmospherethe atmosphere was pleasant
- placeCute place
- seatingThe unique part is that the meat is baked into the waffle itself. There are outlets and plentiful seating, making it a great place to work from. The ambiance was calming and good for focus time.
- Noise levelNoise level:Quiet, easy to talk
- ambiancethe ambiance was good for focus time
- ambientambient…owner speak english and spanish very well
- cafeCute and spacious cafe
- cleanlinessMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The staff was incredibly friendly, and the place was really clean. I was particularly impressed with the coffee options and creativity, which were outstanding.
- cozy vibeGreat little spot with a cozy vibe.
Frequently criticized
- baby flies new gnatsobvious, baby flies new gnats something is rotten here
- bathroomNo bathroom that I found
- battle of fliesdon’t like having a battle of flies
- comfortable seatmost comfortable seat in the place was occupied by one of the employees
If you're looking for a place with a great atmosphere, plenty of seating, and convenient outlets for work or relaxation, this spot is definitely worth checking out. Just be aware that a few minor issues like bathroom availability or occasional flies have been mentioned, so manage your expectations on those fronts.
Value (3.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 19% of the guests
When it comes to value, a few customers found the experience quite positive, highlighting the price as surprisingly affordable. With 2 positive remarks out of 10 total, some felt they got a relatively cheap deal, which is a nice touch despite the overall score of 3.9. However, the majority of feedback, with 7 negative comments, points to significant concerns.
Many felt they were overcharged for coffee and were surprised by an additional mandate not clearly advertised. Discrepancies in price compared to online listings and confusion around tip expectations left many feeling dissatisfied, contributing to a very low customer satisfaction of 20%.
Value
10
Reviews
20%
Satisfaction
7
negative
1
neutral
2
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable prices
What people don't like
- Hidden charges
- Price discrepancies
- Overcharged items
Often praised
- affordablevery friendly and affordable
- pricerelatively cheap ($9 after all fees)
Frequently criticized
- priceAt almost $5 a piece, I would hope they would be fresh croissants.
- additional mandate7% additional mandate that is not mentioned anywhere
- online ordering priceWhen I checked their website ($6.30) and online ($7.30) ordering they were both cheaper.
- overcharged for coffeeI was overcharged for coffee
- tipYou tip but not sure why to be honest
- website priceWhen I checked their website ($6.30) and online ($7.30) ordering they were both cheaper.
If youre looking for clear and consistent pricing, you might want to proceed with caution here. While some found it affordable, many felt surprised by hidden charges and price differences. Its wise to double-check all costs before committing to avoid any unexpected surprises.
How are the prices at Penelope's?
You’re looking at roughly 15 per person – reported by 33 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 tend to spend in the 1 to 20 $ range, showing a nice cluster around these more affordable options.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 33 reviews.
Comparing value for money at this Cafe against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Cafe in San Francisco. It offers a good mid-range option without breaking the bank, making it a solid choice for a casual meal.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Penelope's
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Best Iced Banana Latte!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I discovered this place on a whim and decided to try it out. The iced banana latte was the best one I've had so far, and it might become my go-to coffee spot.
The restaurant offers plenty of seating inside and a wide variety of food options to choose from. I'm particularly excited to try their waffles and breakfast burrito. I will definitely be staying here longer next time!
- iced banana latte10
- seating inside8
- food options8
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
3
Disappointing Food and Service
My experience at this restaurant was quite disappointing. While the atmosphere was pleasant (rated 4/5), the food and service were subpar (rated 2/5 for both). The coffee was good, but the food, a simple slice of toasted bread with avocado and a soft egg, was honestly pretty standard.
I also found the service to be unfriendly, making the tip feel unwarranted. Overall, I don't think it's worth stopping by.
- atmosphere8
- coffee7
- food2
- service2
- tip3
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Great Breakfast and Coffee!
My experience at the restaurant was very positive. I enjoyed a Greek coffee that was strong but perfectly balanced for my taste. My partner had the veggie omelette and absolutely loved it!
He praised its good texture and the inclusion of hashbrowns inside, which he found enjoyable. The eggs were cooked just right, not too hard or overcooked. The atmosphere was rated a 5, described as quiet and easy to talk in, and the food also received a 5.
- Greek coffee8
- veggie omelette10
- texture8
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Delicious Food and Lovely Service!
What a cute little spot! My experience was fantastic. I had the chicken sausage omelette, a waffle with Nutella and strawberries, and a Greek coffee.
Everything was SO delicious. The service was lovely; everyone was very kind and informative.
- chicken sausage omelette10
- waffle with Nutella and strawberries10
- Greek coffee10
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
8
Great Coffee Spot with Friendly Staff
My experience at this cafe was primarily positive, especially concerning the coffee and the staff. The cafe itself is described as cute and spacious, offering a wide selection of coffee and tea. I particularly enjoyed their Greek coffee, which is extremely strong and concentrated, akin to Turkish coffee.
While I'm still adjusting to its intense flavor and the coffee grounds at the bottom, it effectively served its purpose after a long night. I wasn't particularly impressed with the food selection, but the friendliness and efficiency of the staff were outstanding. It's a great spot for a quick caffeine stop before work.
- Greek coffee5
- coffee grounds4
- food selection4
What Penelope's offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Solo dining
- Breakfast
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Quick bite
- Coffee
Dining options
- Seating
- Breakfast
- Dessert
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere can you expect at Penelope's Coffee & Tea?
At Penelope’s Coffee & Tea, you’ll find a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere. It’s a welcoming spot where you can enjoy your coffee or quick bite in comfort, whether you choose to dine-in or grab something to go.
Is Penelope's Coffee & Tea accessible and suitable for families?
Yes, Penelope’s Coffee & Tea is wheelchair accessible with an accessible entrance, seating, and restroom. It’s also good for kids, offering high chairs to accommodate families during your visit.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Penelope's?
Penelope’s has a Restaurant Score of 6.6 and a Customer Satisfaction of 62.1%, indicating a mixed but generally average experience. Customers often praise the Ambience (7.4) and Food (6.9), while Service (6) is average and Value (3.9) is a common concern.
What kind of food can I expect at Penelope's?
Customers frequently enjoy the quality of the food, with highlights including delicious avocado toast, strong Greek coffee, and satisfying breakfast burritos. However, some have noted issues with specific items like stale croissants or burnt bacon womellettes.
Is Penelope's a good place to work or relax?
Many find the atmosphere pleasant and cozy, with plentiful seating and a quiet noise level, making it suitable for focus time. However, some experiences mention issues like flies or the lack of a public bathroom.