Highlights
- Great dessert
- Great coffee
- Great tea selection
oChef » Progressive Grounds – San Francisco
Progressive Grounds - San Francisco
Photo from Progressive Grounds
Progressive Grounds at a glance
San Francisco Bernal Heights
- ☕ Café
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 44 of the guests
#898 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#83 Café out of 162 in San Francisco
Good
7.7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
396
Reviews
81.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Work friendly
- Varied menu
- Outdoor seating
Frequently criticized
- Laptop restrictions
- High prices
- No pets
The cafe Progressive Grounds in San Francisco’s vibrant Bernal Heights neighborhood is a true local gem, offering you a delightful escape. You’ll discover a cozy and casual atmosphere perfect for a quick bite or a leisurely brunch.
Known for its great coffee, this spot also provides healthy and vegetarian options, ensuring there’s something for every palate. Whether you’re looking for outdoor seating or a comfortable dine-in experience, you’ll find it here.
Overview: Introducting Progressive Grounds
Progressive Grounds offers a welcoming atmosphere, often praised for its pleasant patio and various seating areas perfect for work or relaxation. Many appreciate the diverse menu, featuring good coffee, sandwiches, and breakfast options, making it a reliable spot for a casual meal.
However, some visitors have noted concerns regarding the weekend no laptops policy, which can be a drawback for those seeking a workspace. While the friendly staff generally receives positive remarks, occasional service issues and the perceived price of certain items have been mentioned.
Good
7.7
out of 10
396
Reviews
81.3%
Satisfaction
55
negative
19
neutral
322
positive
Progressive Grounds earns a solid overall score of 7.7, reflecting a generally positive experience for many patrons. Customer satisfaction stands at a commendable 81.3%, indicating that most visitors leave content.
These figures are drawn from a substantial base of 396 customer observations, with 322 positive remarks outweighing 55 negative ones. Diving deeper, the Ambience (8.2) and Food (7.9) are clear standouts, frequently highlighted for their quality and appeal.
Service (6.8) also performs well, though it doesn’t quite reach the same heights. The primary area for improvement appears to be Value (5.2), which some guests found to be less compelling, suggesting that pricing for certain items could be a point of contention.
What people like
- Comfortable work atmosphere
- Varied food options
- Inviting patio spaces
What people don't like
- Weekend laptop ban
- Perceived high prices
- Not pet-friendly
Progressive Grounds presents itself as a strong contender for those seeking a comfortable spot with good food and a welcoming atmosphere, especially for daytime work or casual meetups. With a Recommendation Score of 8, it’s certainly worth considering for its strengths.
However, if weekend laptop use is crucial for you, or if you’re particularly sensitive to pricing, you might find some aspects less appealing. Overall, it’s a solid choice for its core offerings, but be mindful of its specific policies and pricing structure.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Progressive Grounds
Food (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 87% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark, boasting a 7.9 score and a 83.4% customer satisfaction rate. With 141 positive remarks among 169 total, guests frequently rave about the delicious food, healthy options, wide variety, and excellent smoothies. However, a few of the 16 negative comments suggest there's room for improvement in specific areas.
Some diners noted inconsistent quality and taste, particularly expressing disappointment with the matcha latte. A couple of guests also wished for more vegetables in certain dishes or had issues with specific chai tea lattes.
Food
169
Reviews
83%
Satisfaction
16
negative
12
neutral
141
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious food
- Wide variety
- Healthy options
What people don't like
- Poor matcha
- Inconsistent quality
- Lack vegetables
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was mixed. While the staff is cool and the food is good, it's important to note that there are no laptops allowed on the weekends. Therefore, if you're looking for a place to work or study on the weekend, this is not the ideal spot.
- coffeeThe staff were warm and friendly, and the food menu is extensive. I also enjoyed their great coffee!
- ice creamIt's a great place to work with good WiFi and low volume music, creating a pleasant atmosphere. More importantly, they offer really good espresso and coffee options, along with a variety of food including breakfast and lunch sandwiches, bagels, pastries, and ice cream.
- bagelsI particularly enjoyed the grilled cheese on lavash and Mitchell’s ice cream, which they conveniently have in store. The menu also offers a variety of soups, sandwiches, bagels, smoothies, and more. The restaurant is noted as having lots of vegetarian options and is very kid friendly, making it a highly recommended spot for vegetarians with a large vegetarian selection.
- sandwichesI particularly enjoyed the grilled cheese on lavash and Mitchell’s ice cream, which they conveniently have in store. The menu also offers a variety of soups, sandwiches, bagels, smoothies, and more. The restaurant is noted as having lots of vegetarian options and is very kid friendly, making it a highly recommended spot for vegetarians with a large vegetarian selection.
- smoothiesI particularly enjoyed the grilled cheese on lavash and Mitchell’s ice cream, which they conveniently have in store. The menu also offers a variety of soups, sandwiches, bagels, smoothies, and more. The restaurant is noted as having lots of vegetarian options and is very kid friendly, making it a highly recommended spot for vegetarians with a large vegetarian selection.
- wrapsMy experience at this coffee shop was wonderful. They offer a variety of items including sandwiches, wraps, and soup. The smoothies were delicious, and I was pleased to find they serve Mitchell's ice cream.
- breakfaststaple during our trip for breakfasts
- breakfast optionsI've been coming here for decades, and it remains a favorite for several reasons. The food is excellent, offering real breakfast options that aren't greasy. I also love their smoothies and the friendly people.
- breakfast sandwichesThey also have a breakfast sandwiches, lavash and soups that always a must have.
Frequently criticized
- ChaiThe only reason I gave this review 4 stars is because of the Chai
- Diet CokeMy experience was that I paid $9 for a Diet Coke and a protein bar and was then asked to leave at 3 pm on a Monday. They should really put up a big sign with the hours so people don’t have this experience.
- breadThe bread was chewy
- chai tea lattesI generally find veggie wraps very dry and lacking in flavor but not this one, they really surprised me and I loved everything about this grilled veggie wrap 😀 The Iced chai tea latte was a surprise too. I generally find chai tea lattes very dull and plain because I am used to really strong flavored Indian home made chai but I was surprised that I finally found a chai tea latte that I really liked. Maybe the secret is to buy a cold chai tea latte and not a hot one but anyways definitely a must try for all those who can't have coffee for some or the other reason like me.
- crab soupCrab soup was very liquid
- cup of milkpaying $6.50 for a cup of milk!
- eggthe egg didn’t run like I had hoped
- grilled ChZ with eggsandwich was not at all what I had expected
- grilled salmon wrapit was quite fishy
- matchaMatch is clumped up.
If youre looking for a place with a diverse menu, plenty of healthy choices, and generally delicious food, youll likely be very happy here. Just be mindful that some specific drink items, like the matcha, might not always hit the mark, and occasional quality inconsistencies have been noted. Overall, it's worth a try for its strong food offerings.
Service (6.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 66% of the guests
The service here generally leaves a good impression, scoring a solid 6.8, though customer satisfaction sits at a more mixed 65.8%. Many guests rave about the friendly staff and great service, often highlighting the welcoming owner Marco. Out of 73 comments, a solid 48 were positive, praising the kind and personable interactions that make visits special.
However, it's not all sunshine, as 23 comments point to some areas needing improvement. Some folks experienced slow service, while others were frustrated by a strict laptop policy on weekends. There were also reports of a rude clerk and general staff inconsistency, suggesting that the overall customer experience could be more uniformly positive.
Service
73
Reviews
65%
Satisfaction
23
negative
2
neutral
48
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Great service
- Welcoming owner
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Rude staff
- Strict laptop policy
Often praised
- staffMy experience at this restaurant was marked by pleasant staff and clean facilities. There's a nice backyard seating area, though unfortunately, what used to accommodate over 20 people now only seats 6 if tables aren't shared.
- serviceI really appreciated the service as well
- ownerIt remains one of my favorite neighborhood spots, offering great coffee, tasty sandwiches and wraps, and a charming space with cozy seating and a lovely back patio. The friendly staff and welcoming owner truly make this place special.
- friendly stafffriendly staff :)
- Friendly serviceFriendly service made our visit
- ServiceService:5
- barista conversationsee the barista have a conversation with one of his regulars
- batistaThe food options were good, and I appreciated the abundance of electrical plugs available for working on my computer. The batista was very helpful, even creating a custom drink not on the menu. The bathrooms were very clean.
- customersThe atmosphere here is truly great, embodying the essence of a local neighborhood coffee shop. The staff are very friendly, the coffee and sandwiches are good, and it naturally attracts friendly customers. It's a rare gem in San Francisco, and I have many fond memories of studying here.
- friendly peopleThe food is excellent, offering real breakfast options that aren't greasy. I also love their smoothies and the friendly people. The delightful outdoor dining area adds to the overall positive experience.
Frequently criticized
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was marred by what I perceived as prejudice from the owner and staff. I felt that if you are a conservative, they would refuse you service. It seemed their focus was more on their woke leftist politics than on providing good service to their entire community.
- hoursMy experience was that I paid $9 for a Diet Coke and a protein bar and was then asked to leave at 3 pm on a Monday. They should really put up a big sign with the hours so people don’t have this experience.
- staff memberAll he had to do was walk over and talk to me
- appearancedon’t like your appearance they will refuse your service
- bait and switchVery much a bait and switch
- dog friendlythis place is NOT dog friendly
- female clerkRude female clerk who ignored me for 8 minutes
- hearingI have a hard time hearing because I am partially deaf
- judgementthey will judge you
- laptop policynot a good place to work on weekends, you are not allowed to use your laptop on weekends
If youre looking for a spot with generally friendly vibes and good service, its often a pleasant experience. Just be mindful of potential inconsistencies like slow service or specific policies, and you'll likely have a good visit.
Ambience (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 87% of the guests
This spot truly shines when it comes to its atmosphere, boasting a good score of 8.2 and an excellent customer satisfaction of 90.2%! With 129 positive remarks out of 143, guests consistently praise the cozy atmosphere, comfortable seating, and lovely patios. Many appreciate the chill vibe and the various seating options, making it a welcoming neighborhood gem.
However, a few of the 11 negative comments mention that the home-style decor isn't for everyone, and some find the smoothie maker to be quite loud. There are also specific concerns about no laptops on weekends and some pet policy confusion, which might be a drawback for certain visitors.
Ambience
143
Reviews
90%
Satisfaction
11
negative
3
neutral
129
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy, comfy seating
- Versatile seating areas
- Work-friendly amenities
What people don't like
- Weekend laptop ban
- Loud smoothie maker
- Unclear pet policy
Often praised
- patioThis is one of my favorite places to grab my morning americano and bagel before work. I particularly enjoy the nice patio.
- atmospherenice atmosphere to concentrate to work
- coffee shopMy experience at this cute coffee shop was very positive. The food options were good, and I appreciated the abundance of electrical plugs available for working on my computer.
- placeI love everything about this place. Whether you sit out front, in the front room, backroom, or on the patio, it is all my favorite.
- back patiohaving a beautiful back patio
- nice patioMy experience at this coffee shop was fantastic! I loved the three distinct areas to eat: the front with great music, the back which is quieter for working and has plenty of outlets, and a nice patio. The food options are plentiful, and they even offer gluten-free options.
- vibesuch a homey comfy wonderful vibe
- comfortable seatingMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic, especially as a study/work spot. It offers plenty of accessible outlets, comfortable seating, and good lighting, along with free wifi. The food and drink options are also great.
- musicMy experience at this restaurant was very positive. It's a great place to work with good WiFi and low volume music, creating a pleasant atmosphere. More importantly, they offer really good espresso and coffee options, along with a variety of food including breakfast and lunch sandwiches, bagels, pastries, and ice cream.
- quiet placeThe service was awesome, and the coffee was delicious. I'd recommend it if you're looking for a quiet place to study or read, provided you have headphones.
Frequently criticized
- seatingnot much for seating in the front
- divisiontheir division of the community
- dog friendlyTheir chai is also especially great. I wish it was dog friendly, but even without that, it's a favorite. I just wish I lived a little closer!
- home-style decorcozy home-style decor isn't my thing
- new ruleno laptops are allowed on the weekends
- no laptopsno laptops on the weekends
- petsthey do not allow pets
- restaurantcausing everyone inside to turn and look at me
- senselessthis is just senseless
- smoothie makertheir smoothie maker is LOUD. Like super loud.
If youre looking for a super cozy and welcoming spot with great seating options and a chill vibe, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be aware of the weekend laptop policy and the occasional loud smoothie maker if youre planning to work or need absolute quiet.
Value (5.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 13% of the guests
When it comes to value, this place has a bit of a split personality. On one hand, some customers found the prices and price per person quite reasonable, especially for an affordable sandwich, noting that you get good bang for your buck compared to other places. Out of 11 opinions, 4 were positive, contributing to an average score of 5.2.
However, the overall customer satisfaction for value sits at a rather poor 36.4%, largely due to concerns about the price of drinks. Several folks felt their beverages were surprisingly expensive, with 5 negative opinions highlighting that the cost of a simple drink could be a real shocker. It seems the value proposition for drinks just doesn't quite add up for many.
Value
11
Reviews
36%
Satisfaction
5
negative
2
neutral
4
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable prices
- Affordable sandwich
What people don't like
- Expensive drinks
- Unexpected drink prices
Often praised
- Price per personPrice per person:$1–10
- affordable sandwichnice affordable sandwich
- pricefor the same price other coffees only have a smaller size
- pricesreasonable (for SF) prices
Frequently criticized
- pricewhy so much? His reply..I don't know man..I just work here
- $6.50paying $6.50 for a cup of milk!
- Somewhat difficult to find parkingSomewhat difficult to find parking
- drinkmy drink was surprisingly expensive
If youre looking for a reasonably priced sandwich, you might find a decent deal here. However, be prepared for potentially high drink prices that could significantly impact your overall bill. Its a mixed bag, so manage your expectations, especially concerning beverages.
How are the prices at Progressive Grounds?
You’re looking at roughly 15 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.
Looking at what people actually spend, most prices cluster right around this average, with the majority of diners spending between $11–$20.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 44 reviews.
See how this Cafe in San Francisco stacks up against similar spots when it comes to value for money.
Overall, for a Cafe in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels quite fair. Its a good spot if youre looking for quality without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Progressive Grounds
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Hours unclear, expensive drink
My experience was that I paid $9 for a Diet Coke and a protein bar and was then asked to leave at 3 pm on a Monday. They should really put up a big sign with the hours so people don’t have this experience.
- Diet Coke2
- protein bar2
- hours2
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Amazing Vibe, Food, and Service!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The vibe was amazing, complemented by beautiful Moroccan artwork all over the shop. The service was incredibly kind and personable.
I highly recommend the roasted eggplant pesto wrap, which was SOOO good. It's also a great spot for working, with super accessible outlets for laptops.
- vibe10
- Moroccan artwork9
- service10
Visit Type
- Solo Dining
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Quiet
8
Great atmosphere for work and relaxation
My experience at this restaurant was positive. I found the internet to be good, and the atmosphere was nice for concentration and work. They also have a cool patio, which would be great for warmer days.
- internet9
- atmosphere8
- patio8
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Delicious Bites and Great Coffee!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! I tried the pb and j bagel and a cookie/brownie thing from the counter, and both were absolutely delicious. The coffee was also delicious.
To top it off, I had some ice cream, which was a definite yes, buddy!
- pb and j bagel9
- cookie/brownie thing9
- coffee9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Neighborhood Gem with Delicious Food!
My experience at P Grounds was simply the best! I enjoyed a delicious wide variety of food, from salmon to ice cream and everything in between. This spot is a neighborhood gem that supports the community as a hub 💞.
The cozy atmosphere and lovely staff made for a wonderful visit.
- wide variety of food10
- neighborhood gem10
- cozy atmosphere9
- Somewhat difficult to find parking4
What Progressive Grounds offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Groups
- College students
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Solo dining
- Lunch
- Breakfast
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Dessert
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Onsite services
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
Is Progressive Grounds accessible for everyone?
Yes, you’ll find that Progressive Grounds is committed to accessibility. It offers a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, seating, and restroom, ensuring a comfortable visit for all guests.
What kind of dining experience can you expect at Progressive Grounds?
At Progressive Grounds, you can enjoy a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere perfect for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or just dessert. With options like outdoor seating and a selection of healthy and vegetarian dishes, it’s a versatile spot for any meal.
How does Progressive Grounds generally score, and what are its strongest areas?
Progressive Grounds holds a good overall score of 7.7. Its strongest aspects are its Ambience (8.2) and Food (7.9), followed by Service (6.8). Value (5.2) is noted as an area for improvement.
What kind of atmosphere can I expect at Progressive Grounds?
You can expect a comfortable and versatile atmosphere, often highlighted for its pleasant patio, quiet areas suitable for working with plenty of outlets, and a generally homey vibe with good music.
Are there any specific policies or concerns I should be aware of before visiting?
Yes, be aware that laptops are not permitted on weekends. Some customers have also found certain items to be expensive, and the restaurant is not pet-friendly.