Cafe Francisco

2161 Powell St, San Francisco, CA 94133, United States
+1 415-397-2602
$$$ Coffee shop
(507 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

If you find yourself wandering the vibrant streets of San Francisco, make sure to stop by Cafe Francisco, a charming coffee shop that beautifully captures the essence of local flavor and community camaraderie. Nestled at 2161 Powell St, this cozy spot is a beloved gathering place for both locals and visitors, offering a welcoming escape from the bustling tourist spots nearby.

The atmosphere at Cafe Francisco is warm and inviting, exuding a comforting vibe reminiscent of an old-world Italian café. As you step inside, you're greeted by an array of delightful aromas—freshly brewed coffee mingling with the scent of baked goods, creating an irresistible invitation to linger a little longer. It's a haven where you can savor both your drink and the tranquil ambiance, perfect for quiet reflection or engaging conversations with friends.

Cafe Francisco takes pride in its diverse menu, featuring flavorful options that cater to various tastes. Start your day with their Mocha Latte, celebrated for its rich, velvety blend that captivates coffee enthusiasts. For a light yet fulfilling meal, don't miss the signature Caprese Salad, starring ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fragrant basil, and a drizzle of olive oil that dances on your palate. On cooler days, the Soup of the Day paired with a 1/2 Sandwich is a perfect choice at just $7.95, offering a heartwarming remedy against the San Francisco chill.

Don't just take our word for it—customers rave about their experiences at Cafe Francisco. Norma Kun recalls stumbling upon this hidden gem when other places had long lines, and she was so charmed that she returned the very next day for another bagel. "I can recommend this place 100%," she asserts, encapsulating the spirit of many who discover this off-the-beaten-path treasure.

Patrick Carwile describes his arrival at Cafe Francisco as a "very welcoming greeting," followed by an appreciation of the quiet atmosphere that makes it the ideal spot to enjoy morning coffee on Powell Street. Meanwhile, Juan Carlos Rivera shares how engaging the owner can be, mentioning how he felt a genuine connection with the café’s community. With patrons often returning to order their "regular," as Shannon Force observed, you can sense the local love and familiarity woven into every visit.

Whether you're grabbing a quick bite or looking to immerse yourself in San Francisco's local culture, Cafe Francisco stands out as a delightful escape. From its friendly service to the carefully crafted menu items, this coffee shop promises a memorable experience that resonates long after you leave. Next time you're in the area, make sure to stop in and experience the charm for yourself—it might just become your new favorite café in the city!

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
No wheelchair-accessible car park
Service options
Has outdoor seating
Has no-contact delivery
Offers delivery
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Has fast service
Serves great coffee
Has great tea selection
Popular for
Popular for breakfast
Popular for lunch
Good for solo dining
Good for working on laptop
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves happy-hour drinks
Serves healthy options
Quick bite
Serves small plates
Serves vegetarian dishes
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves breakfast
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Has catering
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has toilet
Has Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Crowd
Good for groups
Popular with tourists
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
Pets
Dogs allowed
Dogs allowed outside
Openings Hours

Monday

Closed

Tuesday

9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Wednesday

9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Thursday

9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Friday

9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Saturday

9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Sunday

9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

507 Reviews
Norma Kun

20 Sep 2025

We loved this place!!! Originally we wanted to go somewhere else but the line outside was crazy so we found Cafe Fransisco and even next day we went back for another bagel we were here in January 2025. I can recommend this place 100%.

Patrick Carwile

14 Aug 2025

A very welcoming greeting when arrived. Mocha latte was great! A quiet lil spot to sit and take in the morning on Powell St.

Juan Carlos Rivera

12 Jul 2025

I enjoyed my brief stay in this lovely Cafe. The Owner is very friendly and it's nice to see him engage with locals and tourists. Really hard working and I liked the sandwich I had , "The San Fran", you must try it! It's about 6-8 minutes walk from Pier 39, I chose to come here to be away from the busy and touristy area. Definitely worth it, easy to locate, just by the corner, few seats outside, you won't miss it! I'll definitely come back -JC from Italy/UK

Shannon Force

20 Jun 2025

What a beautiful, local coffee shop!! I had just arrived in San Francisco, and I asked a trader Joe's employee for a coffee suggestion, she shared about this place (after I adamantly declined directions to Starbucks ) It is clear locals love this place! I watched people order their "regular" and the shop employee knew exactly who they were and what they wanted. Great, unique local art displayed inside as well. The iced coffee was smooth, good flavor!

Afshin Afshar-Ghasemlou

11 Jun 2025

Still going strong! Cafe Francisco is one of the oldest, if not the oldest, cafe's in the neighborhood. Near a quarter of a century ago when I moved to San Francisco, I started coming to this neighborhood cafe where I met many neighbors who later became friends. Many of them have moved on now, but those of us who are still around still get together here and enjoy each other's company over a beer, coffee or a meal. The coffee is good, as are the sandwiches, but my favorites remain the same: the Mediterranean Plate (under Salads) and Falafel Sandwich. For breakfast, I always go with Francisco Bagel with Lox! Those are my picks and I tend to get into routines and that is precisely why you should not limit yourself to my favorites list when you visit! :-)

S N

09 Jun 2025

Coffee, pastries, sandwiches and salads, all made with care and attention to detail. I had a wonderful slice of banana bread that was delicious with my mocha. Seating outside and inside.

Jeffrey Ketron, Sr.

03 Jun 2025

A very relaxing place to spend a few minutes; wonderful feel of a cafe in a small Italian village; enjoyed a delicious salad, nice conversation with the manager, and topped it off with an amazing hot chocolate; definitely need to visit again for lunch.

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