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    Old Skool Cafe

    4.6 (702 reviews)
    Closed 5:00 pm - 9:00 PM
    Updated a few days ago

    Old Skool Cafe Photos

    Business Info

    OLD SKOOL CAFE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Classy
    Good for groups

    Recommended Reviews - Old Skool Cafe

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    Reviews With Photos

    Shrimp n Grits
    Sarah N.

    I was in town from San Francisco for a basketball tournament and hadn't planned on eating out much beyond quick bites. But when friends invited us to brunch and we had some time before our games, I decided to join--and I'm so glad I did. Parking was easy, either on the street if you get lucky or in the lot next door. Since we made reservations, the wait wasn't long, and in the meantime, we played cornhole--a great touch for families with kids who can't sit still for long. Our server was wonderful (wish I remembered his name--lots of tattoos!) and very knowledgeable about the menu. On his recommendation, I ordered the shrimp and grits, which I later learned had actually won a "Best Grits" award from a grit society. The dish was incredible--full of flavor, and the grits absolutely lived up to the hype. The menu is creative, the atmosphere welcoming, and the food memorable. Next time I'm in town, this will definitely be on my list to revisit.

    Wonderful experience! The ambiance was amazing. The food was even better! And the staff were all friendly and fun. We eloped and made this our wedding night dinner experience. They were friendly and celebrated with us! The food... AMAZING! The shrimp appetizer was delicious! The fried chicken was elevated in a way I didn't know was possible, with greens that made your mouth water and mashed potatoes that were like a cloud that dissipated on your tongue. The braised short rib was the best I've ever had. The drinks were perfectly crafted! And supporting their mission and purpose of helping at-risk youth made the whole experience better! Thank you for a wonderful evening! Mandy & Jesse Cox 4-2-26

    Sharine d.

    Great idea. Loved the restaurants feeling of an old school speakeasy. Loved the kids working and having stories to share. Service was attentive. Loved the high school band members playing jazz in the background (they were very good) . Food was ok... nothing was bad, but neither was it special. At the end of the day... I've had worse, I've had better... that leaves me at average food with a little too much salt for my personal taste. At the table braised rib (fair), fried chicken (I thnk it was the baked variety), mac & cheese (not baked soul food style, think shells and melted white cheese), fried catfish (a few catfish nuggets).... This is a great restaurant to support because of the mission of helping the kids. It is a very cool experience in a challenging area of town... for a premium price.

    Old Fashion
    Michael B.

    Valentine's Day dinner. Perfect ambience. Think Jazz club meets a dinner club. The staff were friendly and attentive without being intrusive. The food was sublime. We'll be going back for sure, especially given we're neighbors.

    Becky V.

    Few parking spots right in front of entrance Just a beautiful restaurant. The interior, people, mission, and good cause. Right when you step in, you'll feel like you're transported to another place, gorgeous and elegant 1920's decor. Food was delicious and plated wonderfully. Tried Abu's peanut butter stew which caught my attention because how often do you see that? It was yummy. There's a bar so you can order cocktails to go with your meal too I had a group of 5 and had the window booth area Happy hour specials available at certain time Live music by young performers was a treat. Check online calendar for performers

    Sea bass over risotto.
    Matt H.

    Gotta' say, I did like this joint. It is everything you've read and heard about. The band wasn't playing when we dined, although a pianist was upstairs playing some nice piano the whole time. Service was excellent and attentive. The food was very good. I had the short ribs, which were pretty perfect. My friend had the sea bass over risotto which he said was great. All in all I'm very happy I went here and it felt good to support a good cause. I would go back!

    AmErica A.

    Took my son, mother and her husband to this gem of a restaurant. I stumbled upon it on Yelp and so glad I found it. When I asked how long they had been around and was told 20 years, my mom and I were surprised. This place is like SF's secret and it shouldn't be. I think everyone should be dining here. What reeled me in was that it's a "speakeasy." I just visited Chicago earlier this month so I am still coming off that high so to see a speakeasy that also featured live music I thought was fitting. So I made reservations via Yelp and the earliest dinner reservations offered was 7:45. So then I emailed to request if we could possibly be squeezed in at 5:00PM since my son and I would be travelling a couple hours and my mom and her husband wanting to eat earlier. I was called later in the day and was told they could accommodate my request. Which we were all happy for. This place was easy to get too off Highway 101. We parked in front of the school along Mendell Street. Walk up to the building that dawned the marquee and was hesitant at first because it's so unassuming. Luckily for us there were a group of gentleman sitting outide bbqing (not for the restaurant just because it was a Saturday) and they pointed out which door to go through. You open the door and are immediately transported back in time. The walls are dark and adorned with various photos in brilliant gold frames. Music lures you in down the hall until you get to a door way that opens up to the roaring 20's. Your eyes immediately lock onto the large bar area where the bartenders are dressed in black shaking and mixing drinks. Then you notice the plush red booths. We were immediately taken to a corner booth that was decorated in everything peacock (my absolute fave) and a crystal chandelier. It was in this moment that I was so bummed I hadn't dressed the part! Typically there is live jazz but they had called off last minute. I can only imagine that the live music is the icing on the cake! We didn't order anything from the bar but we did order the following: Apps: 1. Catfish fingers: seasoned and coated perfectly in cornmeal and served with a delicious aioli dipping sauce. Fingers fried crispy. 2. Warrior Wings: chicken wings deep friend and then dressed in their sweet and sour sauce. Cooked well and sauce was indeed everything you want a sweet and sour to taste like. Dinner: 1. My mother's husband ordered Abu's Peanut Butter Stew with shrimp: It reminiscent of a thai coconut curry. Delicious and served with a mound of rice. 2. My mother ordered Jordan's Fried Chicken: It comes with 3 pcs of fried chicken on top of a mound of mashed potatoes and greens. Chicken was a perfectly golden brown, crisp on the outside and juicy on the inside. Mash was yummy and the greens were cooked well. 3. My son ordered Daniel's Gumbo: It was a shrimp gumbo. My son is used to my gumbo wherein I use shrimp, chicken, sausage and crab legs. That roux was a nice color though, someone back in the kitchen got a sore arm from getting that roux the right color! It came with a mound of steamed rice. Even though the kid grumbled in the beginning he sure did lick his plate clean..lol! 4. I ordered the Smother Pork Chop: what had me convinced was that whiskey mushroom gravy. Delicious and will need to try my hand at it. Pork chop was a thick cut and seasoned and cooked well. It laid on top of a bed of grits and stewed veggies. All components complimented each other well. Dessert: 1. Date Cake: My mom made a face when I ordered it. She said it was because she doesn't like dates. I tried a date cake in Vegas and was a fan. So had my fingers crossed this would change her mind. I was right. She enjoyed it. 2. Lavender Cheesecake: you can't really taste the lavender in it. Delicious cheesecake nonetheless. There are 2 gender neutral restrooms that were spacious, clean and well stocked. Drinks menu looked yummy. Next time I'm bringing a DD so I can enjoy a yummy bevvie. We will be back. This time I am coming dressed the part and I got my fingers crossed we can catch some jazz.

    Ota appetizer
    Michael S.

    My first visit. This was an absolutely delightful culinary experience. Service was friendly and attentive. The food was incredible and such a delight to have live music. I highly recommend dining here and contributing to a very worthy cause.

    Absolutely charming in every way. Great food. Great atmosphere. Lovely people and good music. When was the last time you felt good about patronizing a restaurant? Check out the back story on this place. They're doing it. And it's great.

    a man sitting at the bar
    Lamarr E.

    Was in the area and stumbled upon this soul food restaurant. Who doesn't love a feel good story about someone giving back to the community! It's a walk right into the roaring 1920s inside the establishment. They had live jazz and all the staff dressed the part. I ordered the peanut stew and my wife ordered the Fried Chicken. We both really enjoyed our dishes! The peanut stew was warm and comforting. All the staff were extremely accommodating and attentive. All and all, I would for sure check out this unique place in BayView again!

    Smothered chicken
    Mehrnaz H.

    So glad we dined at @oldskoolcafe tonight. I agree with another Yelper about this being truly the definition of dining with a purpose. Old Skool Cafe is a violence prevention program, that provides job training, employment and a second chance at life by way of a 1920's speakeasy, jazz restaurant, run by at-risk, formerly incarcerated and foster care youth ages 16-22. It allows these at-risk teens/young adults a chance to develop skills in hospitality, life-lessons and getting them ready for a life where they can support themselves. The restaurant is located in not the best neighborhood in SF, but as someone commented, "don't judge a restaurant by its location"! We opted for one special 3-course dinner (which high included fried catfish fingers, smothered fried chicken and a dessert), gumbo and short ribs. We also ordered the side of mashed potato's and mac & cheese. I must say, you cannot go wrong with anything on this menu!!! Everything was finger licking good!!! We tired the sweet potato tart and the date cake with toffee sauce. The food was just an amazing southern culinary experience. The staff is extremely friendly and easy to chat with during dinner. We will definitely be back supporting this great cause and gaining a few more pounds along the way!

    Adam D.

    Old Skool Cafe is a youth-run, jazz-themed supper club. It is a faith-based, violence prevention program, that provides job training, employment, and a second chance at life by way of a 1920's speakeasy, jazz restaurant, run by at-risk, formerly incarcerated, and foster care youth ages 16-22. The food, service, and ambience were incredible. Highly recommended. Pictured here are sweet potato rolls, catfish fingers!, shrimp and grits, fried chicken, and sweet potato tartlets. I love their mission and food. This is a must do.

    Best waitress
    Robert M.

    The food was outstanding the service/ waitress was very nice helpful professional. The ambiance was amazing cool and inviting

    The entrance into the restaurant

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    1 month ago

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    4 months ago

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    1 year ago

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    2 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    7 months ago

    the food is so comforting. great environment, and even better mission! we will definitely be back to enjoy some tunes and bites here!

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    3 years ago

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    11 months ago

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    1 year ago

    INCREDIBLE!!! Fabulous food, great drinks, exceptional service. Our delightful server, Kenia, was the best. We will definitely go back.

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    4 years ago

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    7 months ago

    The food was amazing. Friendly staff and the drinks were bomb too! Everything was flavorful and delicious. Well cooked and seasoned.

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    9 months ago

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    10 months ago

    Everything about this restaurant is great! Service, food + ambiance all AAA++ Perfect for a special night out.

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    Ask the Community - Old Skool Cafe

    How often are the musicians in the house?

    Every time I've been there, there is a calendar in the website that lists who is playing specifically. The talent is real!

    Are they enforcing Covid vaccine cards or results for dine in?

    no covid vaccine cards necessary

    Anyone know why they are closed? I hope they will open soon!

    I was there their second to last night and they said they were closing for renovations, but would reopen in October. Contrary to Kimmie's experience, my group loved it and will be back when they reopen.

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    San Francisco Tequila Shop - PM spirit High proof!

    San Francisco Tequila Shop

    4.9(34 reviews)
    1.4 miBernal Heights
    30 years in business
    Family-owned & operated

    I can't recommend San Francisco Tequila Shop enough! Last year I stumbled upon them when I wanted…read moreto give my son a last-minute birthday gift. (I live in Houston and my son & his husband live in San Francisco.) I visited with Mike, who listened to me closely and then steered me towards three bottles of tequila that were better than the brands I **thought** I should buy. He prepared a gift basket and thoughtfully threw in a small bottle of mezcal for our son to try. One year later: I 'chatted' with Mike again (their web site has a CHAT option that they monitor closely and respond to immediately) and inquired about Del Maguey mezcal options (his gift last year introduced my son to his new favorite tequila) and he guided me well. He asked Moose to contact me and together we created another terrific birthday basket. Both Mike & Moose are friendly, professional, incredibly knowledgeable, and very customer-service oriented. The shop's selection is quite large - if you are a fan of tequila, you will be amazed and very happy to stop in and/or 'chat' with San Francisco Tequila Shop! My rating of the store (and those who work there) on a scale of 1 - 10 is 100!

    Support local! Great tequila shop! Love stopping by when I'm in town! Moose (owner) and Scott know…read moretheir stuff & won't steer you in the wrong direction!

    Photos
    San Francisco Tequila Shop - Nom1123 & nom1414

    Nom1123 & nom1414

    San Francisco Tequila Shop - New!

    New!

    San Francisco Tequila Shop - San Francisco Tequila Shop

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    San Francisco Tequila Shop

    The Epicurean Trader

    The Epicurean Trader

    4.4(170 reviews)
    1.5 miBernal Heights
    $$

    Cute shop with artisanal and unique goods! This is the perfect shop to check out if you're looking…read morefor a food gift, if you're into food or looking for specialty ingredients. They have a ton of cool pantry items from olive oils, tinned fish, pastas, spices & condiments and more. They also have bakery items including bread from local bakeries like Tartine, and chocolates, candy and other sweet treats too.

    I wandered into this location for the first time looking for some cute culinary gifts for…read moreChristmas. They have a ton of cute things from snacks to drinks to random kitchen wares. This particular location seems to have less inventory than the Hayes Valley location but that's understandable as they probably have less foot traffic - there were maybe two other shoppers in the store at the same time as me. I'm a slow shopper so I meandered through the entire store for a bit before choosing a box of candy near the front of the store. I would have wanted 3 boxes but only saw the one box sitting by itself so I asked the only staff member I saw if they had any more. He said something along the lines of "we're not Safeway, we don't have a bunch of inventory laying around" - kind of cold and unfriendly so I didn't even try to ask if other locations might have any or if there was any other similar products he could recommend. I just bought the one item but if I had felt a bit more welcome, I would have potentially bought several more gifts. YMMV.

    Photos
    The Epicurean Trader
    The Epicurean Trader
    The Epicurean Trader

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    Healthy Spirits - The biggest mezcal selection I've seen in San Francisco!

    Healthy Spirits

    4.3(15 reviews)
    1.6 miBernal Heights
    $$$

    Healthy spirits may be the finest liquor store in Northern California…read more.. They are a small network of stores, and each store has a little bit different selection. They communicate well with each other and will send you to the appropriate location if need be. I use the one in Bernal Heights, which is phenomenal. The staff is extremely pleasant, and knowledgeable and pretty much every field of spirit. FYI, I don't really do wine anymore, so I can't offer any insight into that part of their business. Carly (sp?) is the manager and extremely knowledgeable. Parking can be an issue, but compared to the rest of San Francisco, it's pretty good! Decor is not really appropriate, but the good stuff is usually on the floor...

    The cans, all the cans, all the art on the cans. It's…read moreamazing! Everything from graffiti to finely tuned paintings on the side of your beer!! I really like coming here purely for the fun cans. Haven't tried any spirits yet. The employees seem super knowledgeable from what I can gather. I don't often have questions for them. Convenient bike locking area just outside the door to enter/exit. Within sight while you're at the register. Buuuuuut the caveat is insane prices. When I bought 8 ciders & 4 ipas. Guess the total? $76 or so. Not a bargain by any means. If you happen to be walking by, and don't want to spend more than $17 on drinks, it's worth a look inside at the very least.

    Photos
    Healthy Spirits
    Healthy Spirits - I got the last bottle. This is some very good juice. Slightly sweet with a bit of butterscotch on the back. Not super oakey.

    I got the last bottle. This is some very good juice. Slightly sweet with a bit of butterscotch on the back. Not super oakey.

    Healthy Spirits

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    AMS Market Liquor & Bayshore Smokeshop

    AMS Market Liquor & Bayshore Smokeshop

    3.8(8 reviews)
    1.0 miBayview-Hunters Point
    $

    Ok, so, if I go to a Yelp elite event in bumble&&** SF and find out I need some cash from an ATM…read more Johnny the bartender will tell you that the nearest ATM is AMS Market on Bayshore. So I decided to take a disgusting walk of shame passed the bridge of urine and broken dreams. I decided to visit AMS, which I did not know the name of. I needed to ask him where the ATM actually was in the store, which as in the back and slightly to the right. I took at my debit card and proceeded to receive my Andrew Jackson bill. And I had to agree to the $2 or $3 charge for the debit ATM transaction(sorry DAD DDS). Does that mean that I can write AMS a review and stash this in my collection for disgusting street markets. No, I didn't need coconut water today.. Notice the "Nona T's" on sale for $8 by the cash register. They might as well sell "Nona underwear" or "Nona hairnets." HAHA. Have a nice day. Peace. Note: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrew_Jackson

    I just turned 21 and went to cop some henny but boss man told me no. I'd understand if I pulled up…read moredrunk and acted crazy but I just turned 21 and wanted to get a bottle to drink at home. I ended up going to another liquor store (who hooked it up in the excelsior district) but I left my phone and it got stolen so i had to go find the guy who took it. If he sold me a bottle I would've avoided a shitty birthday.

    Photos
    AMS Market Liquor & Bayshore Smokeshop - Sugar free bars

    Sugar free bars

    AMS Market Liquor & Bayshore Smokeshop
    AMS Market Liquor & Bayshore Smokeshop

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    Old Skool Cafe - soulfood - Updated May 2026

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