Highlights
- Great coffee
- Great tea selection
oChef » Roxanne – San Francisco
Roxanne - San Francisco
Photo from Roxanne
Roxanne at a glance
San Francisco Union Square
- 🍔 American Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 165 of the guests
#964 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#35 American Restaurant out of 121 in San Francisco
Good
7.7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
790
Reviews
78%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Charming ambiance
- Attentive service
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Tight seating
The cafe, an American Restaurant in San Francisco’s vibrant Union Square neighborhood, is a delightful spot. You’ll discover a truly great coffee experience here, perfect for starting your day or enjoying a quick break.
With its cozy and casual atmosphere, Roxanne invites you to relax and savor the moment, whether you’re dining in or grabbing a takeout.
Overview: Introducting Roxanne
Roxanne offers a charming spot that many find quite appealing. Guests often highlight the cozy neighborhood café charm and the attentive staff who strive to make your visit pleasant.
It’s a place where the atmosphere and service generally leave a positive impression. However, some experiences suggest that while the setting is inviting, the prices can be a point of contention.
There are also occasional remarks about the seating being a bit tight, which might affect comfort for some diners.
Good
7.7
out of 10
790
Reviews
78%
Satisfaction
144
negative
30
neutral
616
positive
Roxanne achieves a solid overall score of 7.7, indicating a generally good dining experience. Customer satisfaction stands at 78%, which aligns well, suggesting most patrons leave content.
This assessment is drawn from 790 customer opinions, with 616 positive remarks outweighing the 144 negative ones. Digging deeper, the Ambience (8.2) truly shines, creating a welcoming atmosphere.
Service (7.9) also performs well, with many appreciating the attentive staff. The Food (7.8) is generally well-regarded, particularly for breakfast.
However, Value (4.7) is an area where opinions are more mixed, with some finding the pricing a bit steep.
What people like
- Charming, cozy ambiance
- Attentive, friendly service
- Quality breakfast options
What people don't like
- High prices, gratuity
- Tight, worn seating
- Inconsistent coffee quality
Roxanne presents itself as a generally pleasant spot, particularly if you prioritize a welcoming atmosphere and good service. With a Recommendation Score of 7.8, it’s certainly worth considering for a meal, especially if you’re in the mood for a classic breakfast in a charming setting.
However, be prepared for the price point, as value is a recurring concern for some. If you’re seeking an affordable meal or spacious seating, you might want to explore other options.
For a cozy experience with attentive staff, Roxanne could be a good fit.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Roxanne
Food (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 94% of the guests
The food here generally hits the mark, with a solid score of 7.8 and a good customer satisfaction rate of 80.3%. Many guests, with 302 positive remarks out of 376 total, raved about delicious bruschetta, outstanding ravioli, and fresh ingredients, often noting generous portions and great menu variety. However, not every dish is a winner, as 58 comments pointed out some misses.
Issues included mushy and cold omelettes, tasteless French toast, undercooked potatoes, and overly salty corned beef hash. Some also found the coffee quality disappointing, suggesting inconsistency in execution.
Food
376
Reviews
80%
Satisfaction
58
negative
16
neutral
302
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious food overall
- Generous portions
- Great menu variety
What people don't like
- Inconsistent quality
- Salty dishes
- Poor coffee
Often praised
- foodThis is a very cute little cafe located on the street corner, offering great views of the cable cars. The food was very good, but it was quite expensive for the portion sizes. The lattes we ordered were delicious.
- breakfastIn late April 2023, I had the pleasure of visiting this restaurant. It quickly became our favorite place to have breakfast during our time in San Francisco. The experience was excellent across the board, with the food, service, and atmosphere all receiving top marks.
- coffeeThe coffee and Matcha option were my favorite
- FoodFood was also top-notch
- potatoesThe potatoes were cooked in their skin and were very good
- salmonMy experience at this restaurant was outstanding, particularly with the food. I had the best salmon I have ever tried in my life. It was cooked to perfection, featuring a crispy top and soft inside, and was perfectly seasoned.
- menuI was pleasantly surprised by how warm and welcoming it felt. The menu is classic but done really well, with plenty options to start the day. The drink options made the meal even better, with the coffee and Matcha option being my favorite.
- portionsThe portions were generous
- California omeletteI ordered the California omelette and my partner had Joey’s scramble. The presentation was nice and the food was tasty. I particularly loved the potato seasoning.
- Eggs BenedictThe menu, while not extensive, offered a good variety of egg options, which made choosing easy. On our first visit, we enjoyed the French Toast with strawberries and the Eggs Benedict, where swapping potatoes for fruit for $3 was totally worth it. Our second visit featured the Roxanne Grande and Joey’s scramble.
Frequently criticized
- foodIt's a really cozy and charming little place. However, the food was just not that great. I decided to get an omelette, and while it looked really nice and well prepared inside, it was just very mushy and cold.
- coffeeCoffee‼️ not the best, small amounts and very expensive
- potatoesThe potatoes are always undercooked
- baconWhen our food finally arrived, it didn’t look appetizing. We immediately noticed the bacon was not what we ordered, and the eggs were also cooked incorrectly. The server acknowledged the mistake and said she’d take it back to the kitchen — first the bacon, then my entire plate.
- eggsWhen our food finally arrived, it didn’t look appetizing. We immediately noticed the bacon was not what we ordered, and the eggs were also cooked incorrectly. The server acknowledged the mistake and said she’d take it back to the kitchen — first the bacon, then my entire plate.
- food qualityThe food, however, is not good.
- Avocado toastAvocado toast is funny and no flavor
- California omelettemodest California omelette
- French toastFrench toast was tasteless covered in fruit.
- avocado toastthe avocado toast is just avocado on toast; I wouldn't order it again
If youre looking for a spot with generally delicious food and generous portions, especially for breakfast and Italian-inspired dishes, its worth a try. Just be aware that some items might be inconsistent in quality.
Service (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 77% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark! With a good score of 7.9 and a good customer satisfaction of 75.8%, many guests rave about the friendly welcome, lovely staff, and attentive service. Special shout-outs often go to individuals like Consuelo, who consistently provide excellent service, making guests feel genuinely welcomed.
However, not every experience is perfect. Out of 223 opinions, 45 did highlight some areas for improvement. Some guests encountered a disappointing welcome, perceived attitude from staff, or experienced slow service and lengthy wait times.
There were also instances where customers felt unacknowledged or had issues with basic communication.
Service
223
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
45
negative
9
neutral
169
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Excellent, warm service
- Consuelo's amazing service
What people don't like
- Slow, inattentive service
- Rude staff attitude
- Long wait times
Often praised
- serviceWe stayed for a week in San Francisco and this was the best breakfast we had. There was a choice of several set menus, very correct prices for SF, a nice dining room, and efficient service. I recommend.
- staffThe service was impeccable—attentive without being overbearing. It's clear that the staff takes pride in making your dining experience memorable. I highly recommend this restaurant for anyone looking to enjoy a fantastic meal!
- ServiceService was excellent
- ConsuelaI always make it a point to stop by when I'm in SF. Today, I was the only patron during breakfast and had a wonderful conversation with Consuela, who has been here for 23 years. She's an amazing, beautiful human.
- ConsueloConsuelo, who was our waitress, such a kind and pleasant person
- waitressMy experience at the restaurant was very good! The waitress was super friendly, and the food was of great quality. However, the prices were excessive.
- serverMy server was attentive but gave me plenty of time to enjoy my meal.
- NadineOur waitress Nadine was very attentive
- attentioncon la atenciĂłn de Consuelo vale la pena el costo
- customer serviceThe customer service was amazing
Frequently criticized
- serviceShe then told him to speak Spanish to her (which he doesn’t speak fluently), and defensively added, “We’re busy, ” in Spanish. At that point, nearly an hour had passed, and all we had received was water and poor service. I asked to speak with a manager, and the server simply said, “You can leave.
- waiting timeAdditionally, they only provided about 2 potato pieces and a mound of lettuce with absolutely no dressing and no flavor. Finally, they automatically added a gratuity charge to our bill when we had to approach them for water and the check after waiting for nearly 15-20 minutes. I would highly recommend if you’re interested in overpriced, cold food and underwhelming service!
- server responseShe responded that she would bring us the check, but my husband explained that we weren’t going to pay for food we didn’t eat. She then told him to speak Spanish to her (which he doesn’t speak fluently), and defensively added, “We’re busy, ” in Spanish. At that point, nearly an hour had passed, and all we had received was water and poor service.
- wait timeWhen we arrived, the line was out the door, which we took as a good sign. We waited about 5–10 minutes to be seated, but unfortunately, things went downhill from there. Once seated, we sat for about 5 minutes without being acknowledged.
- English communicationMy experience at the restaurant was quite disappointing regarding their operational methods and response, especially considering the price point. Basic English communication and an apology for ordering mistakes are expected. However, the food itself was delicious.
- acknowledgementWe waited about 5–10 minutes to be seated, but unfortunately, things went downhill from there. Once seated, we sat for about 5 minutes without being acknowledged. My husband tried to wave down a server, and in response, one of them gestured for him to slow down — which felt rude considering we hadn’t even been greeted.
- apologyNo apology
- attitudethey gave me attitude
- barista skillsThey mostly need to work on their barista skills
- checkcheque arrives
Overall, the service here leans heavily towards the positive, with many guests enjoying a friendly and attentive experience. While there are occasional hiccups with wait times or staff attitude, the general consensus suggests youll likely be well taken care of. Its definitely worth a visit if good service is a priority for you.
Ambience (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 64% of the guests
When it comes to the overall vibe, this spot truly shines! With a good score of 8.2 and a fantastic customer satisfaction rate of nearly 89.4%, its clear most folks love the atmosphere. Based on 126 positive remarks, many rave about the cozy and charming feel, often highlighting the great views and calm and quiet environment.
However, its not entirely without its quirks. Out of 12 negative comments, some found the seating a bit tight and a large television occasionally distracted from the otherwise lovely setting. While these are minor points, they're worth noting if you prefer ample space and no screens.
Ambience
141
Reviews
89%
Satisfaction
12
negative
3
neutral
126
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy, charming atmosphere
- Great views available
- Clean, calm environment
What people don't like
- Seating can be tight
- Distracting television screen
Often praised
- atmosphereThe drink options made the meal even better, with the coffee and Matcha option being my favorite. The service was friendly and quick, and the atmosphere had that cozy neighborhood café charm.
- placeIt's a great no-frills spot for an amazing brunch. The place is so cute and welcoming, and I loved the whole vibe. There was something on the menu for everybody to enjoy, and the prices were reasonable.
- locationamazing location where you can watch classic San Francisco trolleys go by on the hill
- AtmosphereAtmosphere was wonderful
- ambianceMy experience at Roxanne's Cafe was largely disappointing. While the cafe is situated in a nice area with a wonderful ambiance, the food and service were utterly disappointing. I ordered the veggie eggs benedict.
- restaurantMy experience at this wonderful little gem of a restaurant has been consistently enjoyable. I've had the pleasure of dining here for both breakfast and dinner every time I visit the city, and each visit has been a delight.
- viewThe Roxanne primarily benefits from its location and the view through the large windows of the Cable Cars. However, the service is also outstanding and very attentive.
- ambienceThe ambience was lovely with big windows
- arealocated in a nice area
- classic placefeels like a classic place here at SF
Frequently criticized
- placeThis place deserves a reformation. It is a little bit dirty and worn out. I asked for a bruschetta and it was too acidic.
- atmosphereBlack Bear quality, service, and atmosphere is way better too
- parkingDifficult to find parking
- relaxing breakfastIf your after a relaxing breakfast keep away
- seatingseating was a bit tight
- table seatingTable seating is very close and tight
- televisionThe ambiance is lovely, with a pleasant 1920s wood and stone aesthetic complemented by great chandeliers. The only minor drawback was a large television that distracted from the view of the busy street. For breakfast, they offer unique omelets, including one with preserved apples, brie, cilantro, and almonds, which was delicious.
- water qualitythe water quality is very, very bad
- websiteWebsite is deceiving. Good doesn’t look like the photos
- welcoming experienceIt wasn’t a welcoming experience
If you're seeking a charming, cozy spot with great views and a peaceful vibe, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that seating might be a bit snug, but the overall ambiance is a clear winner.
Value (4.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 23% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot has some bright spots! With 19 positive remarks out of 50 total, many diners found the prices to be quite reasonable and fairly priced, often praising the quantity and quality for what you pay. While the overall score is an average 4.7, there's a clear appreciation for certain deals.
However, the value proposition is a bit of a mixed bag, with customer satisfaction at a poor 38%. A significant 29 negative remarks highlight concerns about expensive prices, particularly the automatic 18% tip or gratuity charge. Many felt it led to overcharging and made the overall experience less appealing.
Value
50
Reviews
38%
Satisfaction
29
negative
2
neutral
19
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fairly priced items
- Good quantity, quality
What people don't like
- Automatic gratuity
- High overall prices
- Perceived overcharging
Often praised
- priceI ordered the Veggie Omelette and Pasta Marinara, and both were fantastic. The portions were generous, making it great value for the price. The highlight for me was the Marinara sauce—absolutely superb, with just the right balance of tanginess and flavor.
- pricesI appreciated the free refill on filter coffee, which is a rare find these days. The prices were moderate and clearly itemized, including the "SF mandates" to support the staff. The personal was super friendly, attentive, and calm.
- Happy Hour dealHappy hour, $15 for Burger and Beer
- americanoget an americano from a gem of a coffee shop up the street for less
- decent pricesWe had supper tonight and the food was amazing. We enjoyed large servings and decent prices. We had the steak (with mashed potatoes) and salmon (with potatoes au gratin and mushroom sauce).
- fairly pricedI had a delicious avo toast special here yesterday. The food was fresh, the waitress was lovely, and it was very fairly priced. I can’t recommend it enough!
- price per personPrice per person:$20–30
- quantity and qualitygood prices for the quantity and quality
- reasonable pricesMy experience at this restaurant was positive. It's a good spot with reasonable prices and good service. I enjoyed it so much that I ate there twice on my last trip to the city.
Frequently criticized
- priceMy experience at this restaurant offered good to very good food for breakfast, though it was rather expensive. The cost can be around $40 per person, which should leave you with a fairly full stomach for that rate.
- billthe bill shows up with the gratuity added on the bill
- pricesThe prices are however excessive
- 18% tipthey included an 18% tip automatically
- a la carte pricewhich came to $30!!!! Not worth the walk up the hill
- avocado toast$18 for the most basic avocado toast
- coffee pricecoffee could be more affordable, $5 for a drip coffee in a diner is kinda too much.
- compulsory gratuitythe added Compulsory 18%! Gratuity. Not happy!
- corned beef hash$21 for a super salty corned beef hash
- drip coffee$5 for a drip coffee!!
If youre looking for a deal, you might find some reasonable options, but be wary of the final bill. The automatic gratuity and perceived high prices for some items could make it feel less like a bargain than youd hope.
How are the prices at Roxanne?
You’re looking at roughly 29 per person – reported by 165 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For an American Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most guests find themselves right in that sweet spot, with prices clustering nicely around the average.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 165 reviews.
Comparing value for money against similar restaurants in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels pretty fair for an American Restaurant in San Francisco. It offers a solid mid-range option without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Roxanne
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Fantastic Breakfast with a View
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I highly recommend the California breakfast. The portion was huge and it tasted absolutely delicious.
We visited twice for breakfast, and each time was amazing. The view is also great; seeing cable cars pass by occasionally made the atmosphere even lovelier.
- California breakfast9
- portion9
- taste10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
6
Good food, poor service
My experience at the restaurant was quite disappointing regarding their operational methods and response, especially considering the price point. Basic English communication and an apology for ordering mistakes are expected. However, the food itself was delicious.
- food9
- restaurant operation2
- English communication3
- ordering mistakes3
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
3
Disappointing Service, Food Okay
My experience at the restaurant was marked by significant service issues. First, my wife and I were never offered water until after our meal. To compound this, my wife's food arrived a full 8 minutes after my order, with no apology offered for the delay.
While the food itself was acceptable, the lack of attention and poor timing from the staff made for a frustrating experience.
- food5
- water2
- food arrival3
- apology1
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Fantastic Place, Highly Recommended!
Visiting from Texas, I was recommended this awesome place, and they were right! It's a fantastic place to eat with great service, food, and atmosphere. The vegetarian options are clearly labeled, and we experienced no wait time.
The price per person is around $20–30.
- service10
- food10
- atmosphere10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
7
Mixed Feelings on Breakfast, Potential for Dinner
I've been to this place a couple of times. The service is usually pretty good, unless they're busy; it can be a little bit of a lengthy wait to see a waitress. The potatoes are always undercooked, and the avocado toast is just avocado on toast; I wouldn't order it again.
I'd recommend sticking to a basic breakfast, like ham and eggs, with a request that the potatoes be cooked a tad bit longer. I haven't been here for lunch or dinner, but I think I need to try it as the reviews are pretty good for dinner food. There is that one review about the chicken piccata though 🤔.
- service7
- basic breakfast7
- lengthy wait3
- potatoes2
- avocado toast3
What Roxanne offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Tourists
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi
- Restroom
Offerings
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What dining options and atmosphere can you expect at Roxanne Cafe?
At Roxanne Cafe, you can enjoy breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner with table service. The atmosphere is cozy and casual, perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed meal. Outdoor seating is also available for you to enjoy the San Francisco air.
Does Roxanne Cafe offer a variety of beverages and amenities?
Yes, Roxanne Cafe boasts great coffee and a great tea selection. You’ll also find wine, beer, and cocktails from the bar onsite. For your convenience, free Wi-Fi and a gender-neutral restroom are available.
What is the overall dining experience like at Roxanne?
Roxanne generally offers a good experience with an overall score of **7.7**. Guests particularly appreciate the **Ambience** (8.2), **Service** (7.9), and **Food** (7.8), though some find the **Value** (4.7) to be a point of concern.
What do customers particularly enjoy about Roxanne?
Many customers praise Roxanne’s cozy and welcoming **ambiance**, often noting its great location for watching cable cars. The **service** is frequently described as attentive and friendly, with staff making dining memorable. The **food**, especially breakfast items and salmon, also receives positive remarks for quality.
Are there any common complaints about Roxanne?
The most frequent concern revolves around **value**, with many finding prices to be high and automatic gratuity unwelcome. Some also mention the seating can be tight or the establishment feels a bit worn. Coffee quality and pricing are also occasionally cited as drawbacks.