Staying at the awesome Mayflower Hotel just a block away from here, we were looking for a good coffee and Found It! Small cozy eclectic place with excellent cappuccino and such. Just right! read more

One word. Awesome. I love their tea coolers and omelettes because they are delicious and their fillings are unusual. White mochas are a favorite of mine because they are not too sweet. The green tea latte's are the best in the city. I enjoy the couch seating in the bright sunny corner. This cafe is highly recommended for vegetarians. read more

One of the best cafe mochas i have ever had! (and i am coffee snob) my husband used to live in San Francisco and when I went to SF for a visit, one of the first places he took me to was here. I had no idea what to get so he ordered his favorite: large cafe mocha and an "everything" bagel sandwich with creme cheese, tomato, avocado and onion. And. I. Was. Hooked. it was super deelish! Every time I went to San Francisco, i made it a point to stop here for my coffee fix at least a few times! The coffee was delicious every time i went - especially when it is made by Chester! It has been a while since I was last in SF and I still find myself craving it sometimes! One day I will be back, Cafe Bean... one day soon! read more

Won't be coming back here. Had a dutch pancake after all of the positive reviews and yeah "methinks not". Not a fan of oily breadedness for breakfast. Pricey even for the touristy area. Many other delicious options in SF. read more

Quick food in a cute cafe. I like cute, always makes my experience better. Starter: Iced Caramel Latte with skim. VERY GOOD!!! Perfect amount of all ingredients. Gave me my daily needed kick. Cinnamon and Raisin Bagel w/Cream Cheese. Soft, warm bagel and just the right of amount of CC. Hubby + Kid had pork sausage, it was generous in size, scrambled eggs, sour dough toast. (Husband Raved over it) Total bill under $16.00 Good, Cute, Inexpensive and not too busy! read more

Coffee is not the best, but then again it's always better than starbucks...but the setting is very lively, crew is nice, there's free wifi (which isn't the case at Starbucks), and if you've been to Amsterdam, then you've been to the bulldog cafe and you'll be able to appreciate the decor on the wall (don't be mistaken though, they have a poster of the bulldog cafe, not the products...) It,s just a cool little neighborhood joint (no pun intended), nothing pretentious, just nice. read more

I think this place is pretty cute. The staff is a friendly crew. I think they might be family, but I'm not sure. The food is tasty (bagel with cream cheese, avocado and tomato...so good!) While I agree that the coffee isn't the greatest (I'm drinking it right now and it tastes a little watery to me) it's still decent. And yes, better than Starbucks (as I've heard other people talking about in previous posts.) I do enjoy the place though...it's quiet and friendly, the walls are bright so that makes the place seem bigger. I like the curved wall in the back part of the place...just makes it look personable. And I'm currently sitting in the window seat and am enjoying the sunshine (which I was shocked to see after the horrid rains of yesterday). If you're in the hood, check it out. It's a quaint and cute little place. :) read more

FRAUD. After finding out this place serves Dutch pancakes only on the weekend, I made sure that I stopped by here again on a Saturday morning while visiting from Long Beach. We waited 20 minutes for our food and when it finally arrived, I realized what I got was not actually a Dutch pancake. Its American pancake mix made into a very thin, crepe-like pancake. Flavorless by European standards. This Dutch girl and her Belgian companion were not impressed. The only saving grace was the thick, delicious bacon. Four dollars for 3 pieces though... read more

Awesome spot. Don't go if you're in a rush because there are only two employees, but if you have time to sit outside on a sunny day, then Chester will hook you up. My favorite breakfast is the "dog in heat" burrito and iced coffee. The brie and veggie sandwich is prefect for lunch. read more

Cafe Bean - Dog in heat - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - San Francisco, California

I'm not one of those people that write bad reviews constantly, actually, this is my first one: I used to be a regular at Cafe Bean, every Saturday morning. It's around the corner from where I live. I always noticed the mess, for example, for some reason one of their three main tables is always used to pile up old restaurant supplies. I also knew it wasn't the cleanest place, as I've seen the staff go smoke around the corner and go straight back to handling your food. But the decent coffee and their little corner covered with large cushions always made up for it and I continued to drop by for a coffee and a lox... ... but being ripped off and yelled at in front of other customers is not OK. I paid $22.50 for a lox (w/ extra lox), packaged orange juice and a coffee. When I asked for additional lox to simply have enough to cover my bagel I was yelled at and told that moving forward they would not serve me extra lox ever again?!! You will never see me here again! read more

I have been coming here for quite awhile, since it is my neighborhood coffee shop. On my second visit ever, Chester new my name and drink. The coffee is good and the food is prepared to order which is always nice. If yiou are in a rush you can phone in an order and dash by to pick it up. Definitely stop by if you like that local joint feel. read more

These guys are great, really. The owner/manager makes an effort to learn the names of his regulars (i am one of them!) and is always super friendly. It's a small cafe but there's a lot of seating and they have two great tables next to their big corner window so it's always sunny and warm! Plus, there are three or four sidewalk tables for when the weather is REALLY nice. One warning: You will encounter art kids. Lots and lots of art kids. Their campus(es) for Academy of Art are all over this neighborhood and THIS is where they like to go. That being said, I'm usually only in and out for lunch so it's never really bothered me! I've tried a few of their sandwiches and bagels, and they were all good but the one that stands out in my mind is the Club sandwich. Thick, incredibly soft bread (WHERE does this bread come from? It's amazing!!), fresh meat and a generous serving of avocado. Every bit worth the $8.95 they charge for it--they pretty much know me well enough now to know that I never order anything else! Also he keeps two or three seasonal beers on tap which can be really nice to enjoy with your sandwich! Solid, friendly small business overall. A great example of San Francisco's wealth of small, hole-in-the-wall eateries that constantly amaze and entice me :) read more

Warmy, Cozy, neighborhood cafe~ Easy, Simple, Quick way to grab a nice cup of morning coffee and breakfast sandwich. I had Beagle with Peanut butter and Jam..... and it was great! What impressed me the most was that, they do the simple thing RIGHT!! Come on down!! read more

It's a good change of pace from the usual breakfast spot. They have a decent selection of food ranging from dutch pancakes to omelets to sandwiches. There's an art school crowd being so close to the academy. It's a nice spot to read the paper over breakfast, but a little overpriced. Oh, and when you pay with a credit card, they don't have a spot to leave a tip so bring a couple bucks to throw into the pitcher. Update: I have been going back regularly for breakfast and also for beers on a nice day. The food gets better and better! I love people watching at one of their outdoor tables. I'm upping my vote to 4 stars from 3. read more

This has got to stop. Seriously. I figured by the time I reached my current age I would've grown out of the Jewish guilt. But no. It comes back each and every day to bite me in the ass. Why do I walk out of my way to get a cup of so-so coffee? Why do I insist on even having another cup of coffee even though two are already burbling in my tummy and my hands are already shaky? Guilt. Plain and simple. When I lived in this hood I'd go here from time to time and befriended the owner and his wife. I heard about the struggle to stay open, the plight of a small-business owner, and he knows my name and calls me by it! Sheesh...I think I need therapy. :) read more

Had a really good Brie/Spinach croissant sandwich here the other day. The place is a decent size however it was pretty cluttered with product / boxes laying around (maybe temporary?) It's seems like it's a neighborhood joint where regulars come for their cup o' joe. My coworker and I were the only two who really sat down to eat but there was quite a few people coming in and out for their afternoon fix while we were there. The man behind the counter with pink hair was very friendly. I'd come back :) read more

Friendly coffee shop and this is where I GET my coffee everyday! you see lots of tourist here for breakfast, brunch or even for afternoon tea break! a little international coffee shop around the hood. If you ever lost and want to find the direction, ask Justin - I'm sure he has the map ready for you... read more

This coffee shop with Wifi is right below my friend's place where I cat sit. The coffee is good and strong, the CAT (Cream Cheese, Avocado, Tomato) bagels are yummy and the guy who has the same last name as me is real nice. The place is clean well lit and cozy inside with a few tables in the sun outside. I need to try a dutch pancake soon, looks good! read more

I was in Amsterdam a while ago and loved their pancakes. I had a craving for Dutch pancakes and discovered that Coffee Bean serves them. Their pancake is more like a crepe; thin and light. I ordered the pancake with strawberries. They sprinkled powder sugar and cut the strawberries thin and arranged them nicely on my pancake. Add a little syrup and it was delicious. The cafe has a European flavor and their cappuccino was great. I talked to Chester, the owner of the cafe and he was really nice. I work downtown so it's a bit of a walk, but I will make an effort to go again and try their other pancakes! eet smakelijk! read more

Grear Local joint! Good coffee and killer breakfast sandwiches! Small place but lots to choose from on the menu. Dark roast coffee is great! read more

Cafe Bean - Great people watching! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - San Francisco, California

**updated 7/8/06** Downgraded to MEH~ due to mediocre Dutchh pancakes, used to be better before the ownership change. White chocolate mocha was so so. Disappointing. **previous review** 4 stars The place to go for a breakfast of Dutch pancakes, with white chocolate mocha served in a latte bowl. Service falls between good or suck depending on how busy they are. read more

It's a freaking coffee shop! Who cares, right? But really, there is something about the way that ambience can envigorate the taste buds. The ambience here (and it took me a few visits to realize this) is above average. I don't think it's the best, but I think it deserves some credit. Yeah the name sucks, but don't all coffee houses have crappy names? I'm just happy that it's open early on the weekends when I need it the most. And the ham and cheese croissant that I had last sunday was ridiculously good (it was the cheese, but I don't know what kind - gruyere?) But really, who reads reviews about coffeeshops? Have we really become this pathetic in our own daily lives to be writing about coffee shops when what we really want to write about is sex? read more

I've always wanted to go in - there are cute little couches in the window, and I love me some comfy chairs. Unfortunately, it was pretty disappointing. They gave me a cold ceramic mug for coffee, and I was too shy to ask them to heat it up with hot water, so my coffee was lukewarm. I did ask for (and was given) some skim milk for my coffee, which I appreciated. and the TV was on kinda loud, which was distracting - I wanted to read. oh well, it wasn't bad, but it wasn't my kinda place. read more

I live in the neighborhood and come here frequently for brunch on Saturdays or Sundays. I typically order the lox omelet and get it tailored to my taste (plus avocado and tomato.) It's a straightforward meal but it's exactly what I want and crave on the weekends. The gentleman and lady who run the spot are amiable and attentive. I'd encourage you to go but don't steal my comfy couch spot in near the window! ;) read more

Shame for what was once a gem in the neighborhood...Typically had a very European feel and fine espresso but everything has dropped off from there now...Not surprisingly, original owner is no longer the Dutch woman with her parrot that gave the place it's charm. The Dutch pancakes remain and highlight their menu but service, quality and overall feel has really suffered. Used to be one of my favorite stopovers. Too bad...My advice to owners is to at least take your espresso up a notch...Try some Illy! read more

The service could use some work. I've been in eh.. 3-5 times on a few SF trip and everytime was greeted by a different group of college students causing a ruckus. That in itself can put a visitor off. Considering my cafe standards are quite low coming from a southern california point of view. We have very few cafes and they are usually sub par (if even), I ordered an onion bagel with cream cheese, lox, and tomato (awesome) though eh.. a little over priced. I could've walked to some super market and made it myself but hey... why make the effort. I did also order a breakfast plate that wasn't really pallatable. It might've been the eggs or something but it just wasn't good. But to every cloud the silver lining was a breakfast sandwich that took my breath away. Wheat bread, thinly sliced ham, cheese, red onions, over medium egg. Heaven. It sounds like a hodge podge of ingredients but I was in love. Ah. My boyfriend and I don't drink coffee so we ordered their orange juice. Uhm, in all of it's sour glory it seemed VERY fresh squeezed. Sugar anyone? Oh and a few doors down there's a nice shoe shop for any shoe heads out there looking for something different (again in according to so cal standards) Oh and the lady that cooks in the kitchen is terrifying especially if she takes your order. There's a potentially amiable asian man that works register on occasion. I say potentially because it doesn't seem genuine or sincere but at least he faked it. read more

Great place to stop in for coffee. Have not tried the food items although they look good. Coffee is hot and cheap. Service comes with a smile and nice conversation. I like how close this place is to the place I stay very easy to grab a cup of coffee and head back to the place and finish what I need read more

So I may be a bit biased but I am because this place is great. I usually roll in late in the morning to be greeted by smiles and hot coffee. Cool and casual atmosphere, usually very attentive and genuine service. Late afternoon happy hour beers are my favorite, sitting in the sun street side, using the free WI-fi that is provided and people watching. See you there. Aaron read more

The green tea latte here is a must try! It was perfect: not too sweet and not too bitter. It was so tasty that I almost ordered a second one but I refrained...I live close by so I figure there will be plenty of time to indulge in another one. Like this afternoon, perhaps :) The salmon omelette was good but not spectacular. I probably would have liked it more had I not just tried a to-die-for salmon omelette at Canteen the other day. If the salmon were a little bit more smokey it would be better. The portion was huge, so you definitely get your money's worth! I don't think I'll be needing anything to eat until dinner. Cafe Bean's interior is cute and eclectic, the staff is really friendly (they seemed to know a lot of the customers by name which is nice) and the prices are good ($11 for an omelette and a latte). If you're in the Union Square / Lower Nob area you should definitely give this place a try! read more

Came here for lunch with a few friends. We each got a sandwich, and we were each very disappointed. Each sandwich cost about 7 dollars, and consisted of two pieces of bread, with two slices of meat in them, which took probably 3 seconds to put together, and cost them about 35 cents to produce. Was not full or satisfied when I left. This is probably an OK place for a coffee on the go, but not much else. read more

After much debate, my roommate & I decided we'd give Cafe Bean a shot. The pictures of Dutch pancakes were simply TOO freakin' delicious looking to pass up. Crepes? Who needs crepes when you have Dutch pancakes. Perfectly seasoned logic! So after a short walk from our apartment we arrive to find the place littered with locals and tourists alike. A very good vibe. The woman behind the counter was nice and very accommodating. Chester himself, red & yellow hair tips was bustling about, tending to customers, taking orders, etc. Very good service. We take a seat, of which there were plenty, and sip on our delicious coffees and wait for the food. A short while later, the arrive. The Dutch Pancake Blaster with cheese, eggs and ham. And the pancake with strawberrrrrrries. Oh hellz yes. A little slippery on the plate, but WHOLLY delicious. The strawberries tasted very fresh & the ham, cheese, egg trifecta was perfection. Sweet & savory bliss. Really, I could go on and on, but you'd be better off trying it yourself. The place is great & with a smattering of locals, you'll be sure to find well-dressed art students, artsy 20-somethings and tattooed coffee-lovers. Trés San Francisco. Come here for an authentic SF-coffee/breakfast experience! read more

(First off, I really wish there was a better/more detailed rating system on yelp* as this was easily a 3.5-3.75 star rating, just not quite a 4 star.) I went to café bean for breakfast this morning and had the Cinnamon Apple Dutch Pancake. It was very good and I can easily recommend it and would go back there to order it again any day. They have a very good variety of Dutch Pancakes from which to choose, too. And they also have several omelettes on the menu that might need to be checked out. If you would like to read a more detailed review of my meal today, just click on my profile here and check out my stupid 'blog-thingy. read more

I walked in and heard a voice saying, "I'll be right there." I ordered a large coffee, and looked around. I quickly said, "Nevermind." The decor I can only describe as "Hoarder Chic". I was so discussed I had to leave, and if I wasn't late for work I would have went home and showered. read more

I stop almost everyday on my way to work for a cold brew and Chester and Nancy brighten my morning every time. If you become a regular they will get to know your name and remember your favorite order. They are truly kind people and their little spot is a gem in the neighborhood. The atmosphere is homey and eclectic with lots of plants. It makes you feel comfortable right away. This is my favorite coffee shop in the whole city. Oh, AND they have three really good beers ON TAP... its crazy cool. read more

Cafe Bean is a nice coffee place in the lower nob hill/edge of downtown. Decoration is unique and the vibe is good. The place isn't noisy and give you a quality time to work on your laptop and do whatever you need to do. I didn't see lots of food here, but the coffee is good and if you are going to a coffee place for work, and not to work on the other gender then this place is for you. I will be visiting there more. read more

The seating is really nice on one side (the side with the window-bench thingys) and really cramped on the other. If you're going to enjoy your food in the cafe, try to snag a window seat. I got a chai latte and a bagel with lox. The chai latte came out fast and was really nice, but it took a whole thirty minutes for my bagel to arrive, and it was kind of dry. Maybe it was a one time thing, but the wait really was a big deal for me, especially as I had to catch a movie right after. Still, the chai latte and awesome window seat won me over. Neat place. read more

i love cafe bean! i live across the street and am usually there every day. the owner knows me by name and knows what i order. sometimes, hes even got it ready for me when i come in. the coffee is pretty good, as is the food. but, i come here mostly for the company of awesome locals and that everyone knows my name. many afternoons this past summer were spent sitting at the tables in front observing all of the interesting happenings at jones and sutter. my roommate and i even coined our most infamous game here...french or homeless? read more

Clean and comfortable cafe that is a couple of stores away from Huf. It helps when you're in line for a pair of limited kicks and need a pick me up or a bathroom. Really good breakfast, especially the Masher (Everything that's good about breakfast stacked up). I'd recommend the green tea latte, it has to be the best in the city. Friendly owners and Free Wi-Fi. Oh yeah, decent Koffie! read more

Adorable neighborhood cafe channeling old school San Francisco. Eclectic interior full of personality, with everything from Star Wars paraphernalia to old European cafe signs. Friendly barista, really feels like the kind of place where you could become a regular and get to know everyone there. On top of that, amazing and affordable coffee! read more

I had a good cafè au lait but the owner is unfriendly and there are no plugs for anybody to charge their computers. This place is bad if you want to stay there and use your computer, but it's ok if you have to get a coffee to go. read more