Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » TJ Cafe – San Francisco
TJ Cafe - San Francisco
Photo from TJ Cafe
TJ Cafe at a glance
San Francisco Richmond District
- 🍔 American Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 35 of the guests
#911 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#38 American Restaurant out of 121 in San Francisco
Good
7.7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
358
Reviews
81.6%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Friendly service
- Great value
- Good food
Frequently criticized
- Food inconsistency
- Basic ambiance
- Service issues
The restaurant TJ Cafe is a welcoming American Restaurant located in the vibrant Richmond District of San Francisco. You’ll find a cozy atmosphere perfect for a quick bite or a relaxing meal.
Whether you’re starting your day with coffee or looking for a casual dinner spot, this neighborhood gem offers a friendly experience.
Overview: Introducting TJ Cafe
TJ Cafe offers a casual spot where many appreciate the friendly service and affordable options, especially given its location. Guests often praise the well-executed dishes, from breakfast burritos to fish and chips, making it a reliable choice for a satisfying meal.
However, some experiences point to inconsistent food quality, with certain items falling short of expectations. While the overall setting is practical, a few visitors found the ambiance rather basic, lacking a more inviting atmosphere.
Good
7.7
out of 10
358
Reviews
81.6%
Satisfaction
49
negative
17
neutral
292
positive
TJ Cafe generally performs well, reflected in its solid Restaurant Score of 7.7 and a strong Customer Satisfaction of 81.6%. This indicates a largely positive experience for many patrons.
The feedback, gathered from 358 customer opinions with 292 positive and 49 negative remarks, paints a picture of a place that consistently meets expectations. Diving deeper, Service stands out as a particular strength (8.4), often described as friendly and efficient.
Value also scores highly (8.1), with many appreciating the reasonable pricing. While still good, Food (7.6) and Ambience (7.0) receive slightly lower marks, suggesting areas where experiences can vary, though they remain above average overall.
What people like
- Friendly, quick service
- Great value pricing
- Delicious, hearty portions
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Basic, dated ambiance
- Occasional service issues
With a strong Recommendation Score of 8.1, TJ Cafe is generally a solid choice, especially if you prioritize friendly service and good value. It’s a practical spot for a casual meal where many find their dishes satisfying and portions generous.
If you’re seeking a no-frills, affordable meal with reliable service, TJ Cafe is worth a visit. However, manage expectations regarding ambiance and be aware that food quality can occasionally vary.
It’s a dependable local spot for what it offers.
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Verdict: Our expert take on TJ Cafe
Food (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 99% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark, boasting a 7.6 score and a solid 79.8% customer satisfaction. Many of the 154 positive remarks rave about the BLAST sandwich, fresh prepared dishes, and generous portions. Youll often hear praise for the great food and even claims of the best breakfast around.
However, not everyone is completely thrilled, with 30 less favorable comments noting issues. Some found the food to be bland or overcooked fish and chips. There were also complaints about the hamburger meat tasting like a frozen patty, and some found the French toast' disappointing.
Food
193
Reviews
79%
Satisfaction
30
negative
9
neutral
154
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- BLAST sandwich excellent
- Generous food portions
- Freshly prepared dishes
What people don't like
- Food can be bland
- Overcooked fried items
- Frozen burger patties
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was very positive. I was impressed with the great portion sizes and the delicious food. The low prices were also a highlight, offering excellent value.
- fish and chipsThe service was incredibly warm and welcoming, making me eager to return soon. The fish and chips were absolutely amazing – fresh, crispy, and full of flavor. I highly recommend this spot!
- friesIt's a true gem. I enjoyed the Fish and chips and a blast sandwich with fries. The service was friendly, and the prices were not high.
- burgersenjoyed the burgers, and there were many choices
- BurgerBurger and Club Sandwich are delicious!
- breakfastthe best breakfast in sf
- breakfast burritothe breakfast burrito... were all delicious
- burgerThe burger was great
- coffeeMy wife and I enjoyed some delicious omelettes and potatoes. While the presentation was simple, with food served on paper plates and plastic forks, the quality of the food and the really good coffee were outstanding. It's a no-frills establishment, but it likely offers the cheapest breakfast in Sunset.
- BLAST sandwichThe food was fresh and delicious, and the owner was so kind. Try the BLAST sandwich, it is so good!
Frequently criticized
- foodMy husband and I became ill shortly after eating here, right at the start of our trip. From the first bite, everything tasted off. I threw away half of my chicken sandwich and still felt sick, almost vomiting on the way to our hotel.
- fish and chipsI wish my fish and chips came with a lemon wedge and salt
- FoodFood:1
- French friesI threw away half of my chicken sandwich and still felt sick, almost vomiting on the way to our hotel. Even the French fries tasted wrong. You can waste your time reading other reviews, but I promise this one is authentic.
- French toastMy French toast was disappointing
- French toast ingredientsOn the positive side, the bacon was good and the eggs were cooked easy over. However, my French toast was disappointing; it was made without milk or sugar, essentially just bread dipped in scrambled egg.
- PattymeltThe patty was a solid pressed disk of quasi meat.
- bacon cheeseburgerWe were excited to try it after reading reviews and ordered the fish, chicken tenders, and bacon cheeseburger with fries. To our disappointment, everything tasted exactly the same like old deep fryer grease. I definitely would not recommend this place if you’re in the Lands End area.
- biggest comboordered the biggest combo on the breakfast menu and left hungry
- burger pattyburger was a frozen patty
If you're looking for a casual meal with generous portions and generally tasty options, especially for breakfast or a burger, this place is worth a try. Just be aware that some experiences mention blandness or issues with certain fried items, so stick to the popular choices for the best experience.
Service (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 71% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits it out of the park! With a solid score of 8.4 and customer satisfaction at a fantastic 88.2%, its clear most folks are thrilled. Based on 67 positive remarks, you can expect genuinely friendly service, awesome owners, and attentive staff who often add a personal touch, making your visit truly enjoyable.
However, its not entirely without its bumps. While rare, with only 6 negative remarks, there was a concerning incident involving a chef owner who was described as screening me, shaking his fist, and even threatened to spit in food. This isolated but severe experience stands out amidst the overwhelmingly positive feedback.
Service
76
Reviews
88%
Satisfaction
6
negative
3
neutral
67
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Kind owners
- Quick service
What people don't like
- Hostile owner
- Aggressive behavior
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at the restaurant was very positive. I was impressed by the fast, friendly service. The food was great for the price, and the fish and chips were well executed – they were crisp and flaky.
- staffI got the chicken teriyaki with an avocado burger, and both were delicious. The staff was lovely and friendly, making the visit pleasant. However, the food was a little pricey for what you get.
- ownersThe owners of TJ Cafe are very nice
- friendly serviceMy experience at this nice little spot, tucked away from the beach front, was fantastic. I had the awesome breakfast burritos, which were truly delicious, and the friendly service made the visit even more enjoyable. The food was rated a 5 and the service a 5, with the atmosphere a 4.
- nice peoplethese nice people out
- wait timeMy experience at this restaurant was overwhelmingly positive. We didn’t have to wait long, and the people were incredibly kind. You’ll pay half the price here as elsewhere, offering fantastic value.
- workersVery nice workers
- Friendly serviceThe service was friendly
- ServiceService:5
- StaffStaff - 5/5
Frequently criticized
- ServiceService:2
- chef ownerchef owner is racist
- personal questionsasking personal questions about my job
- screening mehe started screening me
- shaking his fiststarted shaking his fist at me
- threatened to spitI am a local 3 operating engineer inspector, and I informed him of this. On a subsequent visit, he started shaking his fist at me and threatened to spit in my food. I did not engage in any inappropriate behavior towards him whatsoever.
Overall, the service here is a major highlight, with most guests raving about the friendly and efficient staff. While there's one very serious negative account, it appears to be an isolated incident. You can generally expect a warm welcome and great care, making it well worth a visit.
Ambience (7 out of 10)
mentioned by 42% of the guests
The ambience here generally hits a good note, with a solid score of 7 and customer satisfaction sitting at a respectable 71.2%. Many of the 37 positive remarks out of 52 total opinions highlight the charming mom and pop vibes, cliff views, and al fresco dining options, creating a cozy place that feels like a true neighborhood gem for many. However, not every guest is completely charmed.
The 10 negative comments point to a greasy diner vibe and a lack of airy inviting beach cafe ambiance. Some also noted the use of plastic forks and knives and the small space, suggesting theres room for an image makeover' to elevate the overall feel.
Ambience
52
Reviews
71%
Satisfaction
10
negative
5
neutral
37
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Mom and pop vibes
- Great cliff views
- Clean place
What people don't like
- Greasy diner vibes
- Lacks beach cafe ambiance
- Plastic cutlery
Often praised
- locationThe location by the beach was a definite plus
- placea clean, quiet place
- Great placeGreat place, would go again.
- Kid friendlyKid-friendliness:Kid friendly , next to the beach.
- Outer Richmond localsTJ is a mainstay for Outer Richmond locals
- WiFiit was convenient that they offered WiFi
- al fresco diningPerfect for al fresco dining on the beach
- atmosphereyou feel like you in a guest house cafe in Nepal
- bathroomThe cashier was also very nice and willing to clean tables if needed. The place itself is very clean, and the bathroom is available upon request.
- beachside cafeIt’s an affordable beachside cafe
Frequently criticized
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:1
- airy inviting beach Cafe ambiancelacks the airy inviting beach Cafe ambiance
- ambienceDon't expect a charming comfy ambience
- areaDodgy area though
- greasy diner vibesgreasy diner vibes
- image consultantshould really hire a image consultant
- placeCould use a good scrubbing down
- plastic forks and knivesPlastic forks and knives were not fun
- spaceThe place is a little small
- utensilsPlastic knives, forks, spoons
If youre seeking a casual, no-frills spot with great views and a local feel, youll likely enjoy the atmosphere. But if you're expecting a polished, modern beach cafe, you might find it a bit rough around the edges.
Value (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 42% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot truly shines! With a strong score of 8.1 and an excellent customer satisfaction of 91.9%, guests consistently find it to be a fantastic deal. Out of 37 total remarks, 34 positive comments highlight how reasonably priced and inexpensive the affordable selections are, ensuring you get your moneys worth.
However, a small handful of 3 negative remarks suggest that a few diners felt the food was a little pricey for what you get. While generally seen as a great deal, some experiences indicate that the cost didnt always align with expectations for certain dishes, making them feel a bit overpriced.
Value
37
Reviews
91%
Satisfaction
3
negative
0
neutral
34
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable, good value
- Reasonably priced
- Great prices, SF
What people don't like
- Some items pricey
- Overpriced for quality
Often praised
- priceI used to frequent this restaurant years ago and absolutely loved it. The owners are absolutely lovely, and the food is pretty good and reasonably well priced. A great bonus is its location, just a few steps away from Ocean Beach!
- pricesGreat prices, especially in San Francisco
- AffordableIt’s an affordable beachside cafe
- Reasonably pricedReasonably priced too
- San Franciscovery reasonable for San Francisco
- Value for moneyValue for money - 4/5
- affordable hole in the wallOver all..affordable hole in the wall
- affordable selectionsbest places I’ve been to in SF for affordable, hearty selections
- cheaphow cheap it is
- cheaper dining optionMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I stumbled upon this shop while looking for a cheaper dining option near the beach, and it turned out to be a hidden gem along the Pacific. The freshly breaded Swai fish served with a mound of golden fries and homemade tarter sauce made for the best meal I've had during my entire vacation in San Francisco.
Frequently criticized
- $54For $54, we could have just gotten fast food
- food priceFood was a little pricey for what you get
- priceI expect much better for 55 bucks.
If you're looking for a spot that offers great bang for your buck, especially in a city like San Francisco, this place is definitely worth checking out. Most diners rave about the affordable and reasonably priced options, making it a solid choice for budget-conscious meals. Just be mindful that a few found certain items a bit expensive for their taste.
How are the prices at TJ Cafe?
You’re looking at roughly 17 $ per person – reported by 35 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For an American Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what folks usually spend, most diners (28 out of 35) stick right within that $11–$20 sweet spot, showing prices are pretty consistent around the average.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 35 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for an American Restaurant, especially given the consistent spending habits of most customers. It offers good value for a mid-range experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about TJ Cafe
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Best BLT Sandwiches in the City!
I had to stop at TJ Café because of their incredible BLT sandwiches. They are truly the best in the city! My experience was so memorable that it even caused a legendary bowler to abandon a perfect game.
The food quality is exceptional, making it a must-visit for sandwich lovers. 5 Stars ☆☆☆☆☆
- BLT sandwiches10
- food quality10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Cute Cafe with Delicious Food
We happened upon this cute little cafe while visiting Golden Gate Park and it didn't disappoint. The food was fresh and delicious, and the owner was so kind. Try the BLAST sandwich, it is so good!
- food9
- owner9
- BLAST sandwich10
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Great Value and Friendly Service
My experience at the restaurant was very positive. I found the food to be really good for the price, offering bigger portions than what I'd expect for the cost, especially compared to San Francisco. The staff was friendly, and I was very satisfied with my chicken sandwich and fries.
:)
- food9
- price9
- portions9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Hidden Gem with Great Food and Views
My experience at this restaurant was a delightful surprise! The food was great and the prices were very reasonable. While the place has a "greasy diner vibe" and lacks a more "airy inviting beach cafe ambiance, " I was charmed by the "mom and pop vibes.
" I believe an "image makeover, " including adding a few salads and an espresso machine, could significantly boost their business. The "good very reasonably priced food" is a "hidden gem hole in the wall flavor. " I'll definitely be back and recommend checking it out, especially for the "beautiful cliff views" which are understated.
Overall, it's a "very hidden gem" with "good very reasonably priced food. "
- food9
- prices9
- image makeover8
- image consultant3
- greasy diner vibes3
- airy inviting beach Cafe ambiance3
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Great Beachside Mom and Pop
This is a nice little mom and pop shop located just 1 block from the beach. I enjoyed the corned beef and hash, which was very finely cut and perfectly fried. My husband had the hot links and eggs, which he said went great with his eggs and potatoes.
Instead of hash browns, they served country fries, which I personally like. The only minor drawback was the use of plastic silverware for dine-in, but it seems understandable given their apparent volume of take-away orders. Overall, it's a great place, and I would definitely go again.
- corned beef and hash9
- hash9
- hot links and eggs8
What TJ Cafe offers
Crowd
- Family-friendly
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Quick bite
- Coffee
Dining options
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What dining options and services does TJ Cafe offer?
At TJ Cafe, you can enjoy a meal throughout the day with breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner options. For your convenience, you can choose to dine-in, grab a quick takeout, or have your order delivered right to you.
Is TJ Cafe in San Francisco accessible and suitable for families?
Yes, TJ Cafe in the Richmond District is designed to be welcoming for everyone. It features a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restroom. Plus, it’s considered a great spot for kids, making it a family-friendly choice.
What is TJ Cafe's overall rating and customer satisfaction?
TJ Cafe holds a Restaurant Score of 7.7 and a Customer Satisfaction of 81.6%. Customers particularly appreciate the Service (8.4) and Value (8.1), while Food (7.6) and Ambience (7.0) also contribute positively to the overall experience.
Is TJ Cafe considered affordable?
Yes, many customers highlight TJ Cafe for its affordability and great value, especially compared to other options in the area. It’s often described as reasonably priced and a cheaper dining option.
What are some common criticisms about TJ Cafe?
While generally positive, some feedback points to inconsistent food quality, with certain dishes not meeting expectations. The ambiance is also occasionally described as basic or lacking a more inviting atmosphere.