Highlights
- Great coffee
oChef » Rain Tree – San Francisco
Rain Tree - San Francisco
Photo from Rain Tree
Rain Tree at a glance
San Francisco Inner Sunset
- ☕ Café
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 24 of the guests
#2211 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#146 Café out of 162 in San Francisco
Average
5.8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
305
Reviews
53.8%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Cozy atmosphere
- Helpful staff
- Fair pricing
Frequently criticized
- Uneven food
- Hygiene concerns
- Poor service
The cafe Rain Tree, nestled in San Francisco’s vibrant Inner Sunset neighborhood, invites you to discover a delightful spot where great coffee is just the beginning. You’ll find a cozy and casual atmosphere perfect for starting your day with a healthy breakfast or grabbing a quick bite for lunch.
It’s an ideal place to relax and enjoy quality offerings.
Overview: Introducting Rain Tree
Rain Tree offers a generally cozy and quiet atmosphere, making it a suitable spot for conversation or a relaxed meal. Many appreciate the family atmosphere and the accommodating staff who strive to make guests feel welcome.
It’s often noted for being a straightforward, uncrowded option. However, some experiences at Rain Tree point to concerns regarding cleanliness and a perceived negative vibe.
While some find the food satisfying, others have found it to be unimpressive or of poor quality, which can detract from the overall visit.
Average
5.8
out of 10
305
Reviews
53.8%
Satisfaction
102
negative
39
neutral
164
positive
Rain Tree registers an overall Restaurant Score of 5.8, placing it squarely in the average category. This is mirrored by a Customer Satisfaction rate of 53.8%, indicating a mixed reception from patrons.
With 305 customer remarks, including 164 positive and 102 negative, there’s a clear split in experiences, suggesting it might not consistently hit the mark for everyone. Looking closer, Ambience stands out as a relative strength (6.9), often described as quiet and comfortable.
However, Food (5.8), Value (5.7), and Service (5.5) all hover around the average mark. While some find the food tasty and the service attentive, others report issues with quality and staff interactions, contributing to the balanced overall assessment.
What people like
- Cozy, quiet atmosphere
- Accommodating staff
- Reasonable pricing
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Cleanliness issues
- Unwelcoming service
With a Recommendation Score of 6, Rain Tree presents itself as a straightforward option, particularly if you’re seeking a relaxed, uncrowded spot for a casual meal. It could be a fitting choice for those prioritizing a comfortable setting and friendly interactions over culinary innovation.
However, be mindful that the dining experience can be inconsistent, especially concerning food quality and service attentiveness. If you value a consistently high standard in both these areas, you might find Rain Tree a mixed bag.
It’s best approached with tempered expectations.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Rain Tree
Food (5.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 95% of the guests
When it comes to the food, its a bit of a mixed bag, with a customer satisfaction of 50% and an average score of 5.8. Many diners found plenty to love, with 78 positive remarks out of 156 total. Folks often praised the "blueberry pancakes, " "extensive menu, " and "generous portions, " frequently calling their "breakfast" a "delicious" start to the day.
However, 52 negative comments point to some areas needing improvement. Some found the "food" to be of "poor quality, " "unseasoned, " or lacking "flavor. " Complaints included "soggy toast, " "bland potatoes, " and overall "diner food" that didnt quite hit the mark.
Food
156
Reviews
50%
Satisfaction
52
negative
26
neutral
78
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious breakfast options
- Generous food portions
- Extensive menu variety
What people don't like
- Poor food quality
- Lack of seasoning
- Soggy, bland dishes
Often praised
- foodThe atmosphere was quiet and calm, which made for a relaxing visit. I didn't have to wait long for a seat on a Sunday morning, and the food was very tasty. I would recommend the corned beef hash if you're a fan.
- breakfasta must go to for a good old fashioned breakfast
- coffeeMy experience at this all-American breakfast and brunch restaurant offered a decent food selection with pretty good coffee. The place has an old school cafe charm.
- pancakesIt has a family atmosphere, and they make us feel like part of their family. The food is good, with the best pancakes in town! The prices are reasonable, and so are the staff.
- blueberry pancakesgot blueberry pancakes
- eggswe were very pleased with our food
- California omeletteCalifornia omelette were great
- Eggs Benedictmy friend order eggs benedict was good
- Eggs FlorentineEggs Florentine and Greek Scramble both very good
- Full-Irish breakfastMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic. I had an excellent Full-Irish breakfast, which is surprisingly hard to find during actual breakfast hours in San Francisco. The food was top-notch, and the service and atmosphere were equally impressive, all receiving a perfect 5/5 rating.
Frequently criticized
- foodThe food was unimpressive and honestly a bit boring
- eggsMy girlfriend and I ordered two scrambles, each costing around $19. What we received was soggy toast, undercooked eggs (and not many of them), and bland, watery country-style potatoes. This place used to be great, but I question how they will remain in business charging so much for underwhelming flavors and portion sizes.
- food qualityFood is poor quality
- potatoespotatoes had an ingredient that does not belong
- American cheeseslice of American "cheese."
- Eggs BenedictOnes of the worst eggs Benedict's I've had
- Eggs Blackstoneunseasoned poached eggs on Walmart brand English muffin with wet tissue tomato and a slice of American "cheese."
- English muffinMy experience at this restaurant was quite disappointing, particularly with the "Eggs Blackstone. " I was expecting poached eggs on an English muffin with tomato and parmesan, but what I received were unseasoned poached eggs on a Walmart brand English muffin, accompanied by watery tomato and a slice of American cheese. This dish was priced at $14, which felt excessive for the quality.
- English muffinsout of items I would have ordered, English muffins
- baconthe bacon was a piece of burnt meat that tasted like char.
If you're after a simple, hearty breakfast with generous portions, you might find some satisfying options here. However, be prepared for a potentially inconsistent experience, as some dishes have been noted for poor quality and lack of seasoning.
Service (5.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 82% of the guests
When it comes to service, many diners have had pleasant experiences, with 45 positive opinions out of 87 total. Guests frequently praise the friendly staff, fast service, and attentive servers, often noting how quick and efficient the team can be. While the overall score sits at an average 5.5, and customer satisfaction is a mixed 51.7%, there's a clear appreciation for the positive interactions.
However, not all experiences have been stellar, with 34 negative opinions highlighting areas for improvement. Some customers reported slow service, unfriendly staff, and a feeling of being rushed, while others raised concerns about hygiene practices. This suggests that while many find the service acceptable, consistency can sometimes be an issue.
Service
87
Reviews
51%
Satisfaction
34
negative
8
neutral
45
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Fast service
- Attentive servers
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Unfriendly staff
- Hygiene concerns
Often praised
- serviceservice and atmosphere were equally impressive
- staffThe food is good, with the best pancakes in town! The prices are reasonable, and so are the staff. Sometimes I have guests in town, and they do everything possible to accommodate us.
- wait timeNot a huge wait we were able to get in fairly quickly
- waitressThe waitress though, was absolutely amazing
- ServerServer kindly took our picture
- chat with the cookI visited during lunch and ordered a cup of coffee and a BLT with a side of French fries. I even had a little chat with the cook about the local news. This place is a safe haven for those from sleepy towns.
- cookguy cooking everything was a machine and very efficient
- counter serviceMy experience at Rain Tree Cafe was solid. It lives up to its name, offering breakfast all day and counter service. The portions were decent, making it a good spot to bring the family.
- crepevineThey welcomed us so well
- employeesThree employees worked together to take orders, serve and cook
Frequently criticized
- serviceautomatically tip themselves 18% for poor lazy service
- staffthey would be more attentioned and helpfull to find a solution
- waitressthe waitress was asking all the tables to pay up
- answered me questionsThe way she answered me questions
- cookThe cook here, Edwin, was totally out of line
- customerYou’ve lost a customer.
- demanded we leavethey demanded we leave
- discriminatorythis seemed a bit...well, racist
- familiesThey hate families.
- finish your meal quicklyThis place is good for an omelette breakfast and a calm day. If you like to stay longer, try not to finish your meal quickly. Like any place in America, they will try to kick you out the moment you finish the last bit!
Overall, service here seems to be a bit of a mixed bag. While many appreciate the friendly and fast staff, be prepared for potential inconsistencies or slower moments. If you value quick, friendly interactions, you might be pleased, but don't expect perfection every time.
Ambience (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 46% of the guests
Alright, lets talk about the vibe of this place! The ambience generally hits the mark, with a 6.9 score indicating a good overall feel. Customers seem to agree, with a 71.8% satisfaction rate, showing most folks enjoy the atmosphere.
Based on 28 positive remarks out of 39 total comments, many describe it as a cozy spot with a friendly atmosphere and old school cafe charm, often highlighting the window seats as a nice touch. However, its not entirely without its quirks. A few of the 7 negative observations pointed out not much seating, and some mentioned concerns about cleanliness and hygiene.
There were also a couple of mentions of a negative vibe, suggesting it might not always be the most upbeat spot for everyone.
Ambience
39
Reviews
71%
Satisfaction
7
negative
4
neutral
28
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy atmosphere
- Friendly vibe
- Old school charm
What people don't like
- Limited seating
- Hygiene concerns
Often praised
- atmosphereI went for lunch and found it to be not too fancy, perfect for a working guy. I received so much food that I had to take some home for later.
- PlacePlace was pretty quiet so we could talk without problem
- amount of windowsamount of windows is nice
- bar areaI wasn't initially planning to eat here, but I walked by and decided to stop in. The restaurant offers quite a lot of indoor seating along with a bar area. The menu is extensive, with lots to choose from.
- cozyThe place is very cozy
- crowdSometimes I have guests in town, and they do everything possible to accommodate us. I love the crowd; it's diverse in every way, and everyone is welcome.
- crowdedFor a simple breakfast, Rain Tree works. My experience was positive due to their fast service, the fact that they are typically not crowded, and their decently priced offerings. The food is straightforward, no-frills breakfast fare like eggs and pancakes.
- diner spotSolid basic diner spot
- familyIt lives up to its name, offering breakfast all day and counter service. The portions were decent, making it a good spot to bring the family. I'd recommend being clutch and ordering the local immigrant favorite, The Irish Breakfast.
- family atmosphereIt has a family atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- cleanlinessNot too much cleaningness, need to improve on the higiene part.
- demanding vibethe demanding vibe
- good moodwith a good mood
- hygieneneed to improve on the higiene part.
- negative vibegives a negative vibe
- noisyNot noisy
- seatingNot very much seating
If youre seeking a cozy, friendly spot with classic diner charm, youll likely enjoy the atmosphere here. Just be aware that seating can be a bit limited, and some visitors noted concerns about cleanliness.
Value (5.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 34% of the guests
When it comes to value, many diners find the offerings quite appealing. Based on 23 customer comments, with 13 leaning positive, guests often praise the reasonably priced and decent prices, noting that the food provides good value and is often affordable. The overall score for value is 5.7, suggesting an average but not bad experience, with customer satisfaction at 56.5%.
However, its not all sunshine and rainbows. With 9 negative remarks, some patrons encountered much higher prices than advertised online, feeling that the basicness didnt justify the cost. Issues like a debit card charge and refusal to separate bills also left a sour taste, with some feeling the owner was misleading about pricing.
Value
23
Reviews
56%
Satisfaction
9
negative
1
neutral
13
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonably priced food
- Good value offered
- Affordable options
What people don't like
- Higher advertised prices
- Debit card surcharge
- Refused split bills
Often praised
- pricesGood prices, for simple light tasting meals
- priceFor a simple breakfast, Rain Tree works. My experience was positive due to their fast service, the fact that they are typically not crowded, and their decently priced offerings. The food is straightforward, no-frills breakfast fare like eggs and pancakes.
- good priceMy experience at this restaurant was that of a small town diner nestled in the heart of SF. It doesn't promise more than what it is: simple food for a good price, cooked fresh right in front of your eyes. I visited during lunch and ordered a cup of coffee and a BLT with a side of French fries.
- reasonably pricedreasonably priced
Frequently criticized
- priceIt just didn't seem worth the price in its basicness
- $21 before tip$21 before tip for French toast, 2 eggs, and bacon with coffee seems a bit high
- debit card chargecharge $1.00 extra for debit card
- menusmenus posted online, their prices are much higher
- pricestheir prices are much higher than what is advertised
- separate billsWhen asked to separate bills, they refused
- signowner is misleading people with the sign
If youre looking for simple, no-frills food at what can be a decent price, this spot might be worth a try. However, be mindful that advertised prices might differ, and extra charges for debit cards or issues with splitting bills could be a dealbreaker for some. Its a mixed bag, so manage your expectations regarding the final cost.
How are the prices at Rain Tree?
You’re looking at roughly 17 per person – reported by 24 diners. That puts it squarely in the $11–$20 category. For a Cafe, especially in San Francisco, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most guests find themselves spending within this sweet spot, showing a pretty consistent pricing structure rather than a mix of super cheap and super premium options.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 24 reviews.
How this Cafe’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
We think the pricing feels quite fair for a Cafe, especially considering its location in San Francisco. It offers good value for a comfortable dining experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Rain Tree
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Terrible Diner Food Experience
My experience at this restaurant was very disappointing. The eggs arrived cold, and the coffee was only lukewarm. The side potatoes were bland.
I've never had such bad diner food!
- eggs2
- coffee3
- side potatoes3
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
8
Great Value Diner Experience
My experience at this diner was largely positive, offering really good food for the price. We tried the blueberry pancakes, a breakfast burrito, orange juice, and the California omelette. Most of the dishes were great, with the exception of the orange juice, which was not good and I wouldn't order again.
The burrito was decent, though I would have preferred to swap out the American cheese. The cook was incredibly efficient, working like a machine, and the three employees worked seamlessly together to manage orders, service, and cooking. I was surprised there wasn't a line, especially compared to the busy Cafe Arte down the street.
I would definitely return here over Cafe Arte.
- food8
- price8
- blueberry pancakes9
- orange juice2
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
7
Good for Omelettes, But Stay Longer?
This place is good for an omelette breakfast and a calm day. If you like to stay longer, try not to finish your meal quickly. Like any place in America, they will try to kick you out the moment you finish the last bit!
I had to order another thing just to stay longer. The atmosphere was rated 5, and the service was a 4. There was no wait time and plenty of parking.
The food was rated 4.
- omelette breakfast8
- atmosphere10
- service8
- finish your meal quickly3
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
8
Good Diner Fare with a Twist
My experience at this restaurant was positive. It offers a good blend of standard American diner fare with a touch of Mexican influence. I found both the Eggs Florentine and the Greek Scramble to be very good.
The restaurant has great window seats, and it wasn't noisy, which made for a pleasant atmosphere. The prices were decent, and the service was fast. While there's nothing fancy about the place, it delivers on good food and efficient service.
- Eggs Florentine8
- Greek Scramble8
- window seats8
- noisy7
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
2
Horrible food, decent service
My experience at this restaurant was mixed. The service was good, but the food was horrible. I can’t believe we spent $45 on two meals that looked like they had been pulled from an oven and were two days old.
The bacon and potatoes were definitely not made that day, even.
- service7
- food1
- meals1
- bacon and potatoes1
What Rain Tree offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Solo dining
- Lunch
- Breakfast
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere and dining options can you expect at Rain Tree Cafe?
At Rain Tree Cafe, you’ll discover a cozy and casual atmosphere perfect for any time of day. You can enjoy breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner with comfortable seating available. They also offer convenient takeout and delivery services if you’re on the go, ensuring you always have a delicious option.
Are there family-friendly amenities and healthy choices available at Rain Tree Cafe?
Absolutely! Rain Tree Cafe is good for kids, providing a dedicated kids’ menu and high chairs for your little ones. For those seeking nutritious meals, you’ll find a variety of healthy options alongside quick bites, coffee, and even wine and beer, catering to diverse tastes and needs.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Rain Tree?
Rain Tree holds an overall score of **5.8** out of 10, with a **Customer Satisfaction** rate of **53.8%**. While its **Ambience** (6.9) is generally well-regarded, **Food** (5.8), **Value** (5.7), and **Service** (5.5) receive average marks, indicating a mixed experience for many.
Is Rain Tree a good place for a relaxed meal or conversation?
Yes, many customers describe Rain Tree as having a **cozy** and quiet atmosphere, often not crowded, making it suitable for conversation. The **staff** are frequently noted for being accommodating and friendly.
Are there any common concerns about the food or service at Rain Tree?
Some customers have reported the food as **unimpressive** or of poor quality, with specific issues like undercooked eggs or bland potatoes. Service can also be a point of concern, with some experiences citing inattentive or unwelcoming interactions.