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BrainWash Cafe & Laundromat
Categories: Local Services Dry Cleaning & Laundry Restaurants Cafes Dry Cleaning & Laundry, Cafes [Edit]
1122 Folsom St(between 7th St & Langton St)
San Francisco, CA 94103
Neighborhood: SOMA
(415) 861-3663
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 7 am - 10 pm
Fri-Sat 7 am - 11 pm
Sun 8 am - 10 pm
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Hipster
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
468 reviews for BrainWash Cafe & Laundromat
Review Highlights
"Free wi-fi which is always great."
(in 20 reviews)
"The open mic on Monday nights is the best."
(in 42 reviews)
"You can see free live music here."
(in 45 reviews)
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468 reviews in English
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Review from Audrey C.
San Francisco, CA
2/9/2012 1 photo
SoMa Select:
Working in the Civic Center has its drawbacks, but finding lunch at Brainwash is not 1 of them. This cafe and laundromat is a delight to visit and a wonder to behold. I have never been to a laundromat that served food or a cafe that offers wash/dry machines until Brainwash. The locals seem to take advantage of both offerings.
I typically have my midday meal here, but I hear tell the breakfast choices are great. My friend always goes for the deluxe egg sandwich served until 11am. I always look at the daily specials first. Brainwash offers 4 daily specials: a pasta, a fish, a meat and a low carb meal. The meals are nicely proportioned without leaving you hungry or stuffed. The ingredients taste fresh, and the vegetables are seasonal fare. If the daily specials do not entice me, I look to the other culinary delights. The menu offers burgers, sandwiches, pasta and salad dishes. My mainstay has evolved into the Surf n Turf spinach salad with chicken breast and prawns.
If the food does not get you, then the ambiance will. The walls are decorated with art by local artists that constantly changes. An array of music genres are played over your meal. You may be dining to indie rock, to do wop, to who knows what. Either way your meal will be colourful.
I have not tried the laundry facilities, but I do take a look at the pinball machines now and then.
I highly recommend a stop at Brainwash for the food and decor. -
Review from J. S.
San Francisco, CA
2/5/2012
I want to like Brain Wash. I really do.
I guess it's an old mainstay for the neighborhood, and that's great and all, but take a step back and just look at it for a moment.
- As others have mentioned, it's odd that a place that lets you clean your laundry is always so filthy.
- The staff are far cooler than you'll ever be. And they'll take that extra step to make sure you know it.
- The inside's large... but it always feels cramped in there. The tiny tables scattered chaotically doesn't help matters.
- Their kitchen has mastered some sort of new science that ensures all food coming out of there is dry. Good thing they have all those beverages to help you wash that down... only the beverages are sub-par.
- If contracting new contagions is your thing, you'll want to check out their bathrooms.
- They usually have pinball. But they rarely turn it on. A waste.
Coffee joints are a dime a dozen here in the city. Brain Wash would do good to heed that. -
Review from Dyanna Q.
San Francisco, CA
1/31/2012
My roomie introduced me to this "only in San Francisco" spot. BrainWash is literally a place where you can get your brain washed with liquor or caffeine at the same time you can get your clothes washed.
Since I luckily have a washer/dryer at my place, I can only talk about the brain-washed-with-caffeine part:
Atmosphere: Really chill and de-constructed. Floor-to-ceiling walls with a warehouse vibe. One downside - it was FREEZING inside. Way colder than even the downcast temperature outside. Bring a jacket. One upside - the MUSIC. Finally, a cafe that plays a good mix of hip hop. You can't beat a place that puts on Dead Prez's "Hip Hop."
Essentials: The usual complaint - plenty of tables, not enough plugs. I saw maybe two outlet bases on opposite sides of the room. Free wifi though without the hassle of getting a password. Parking was nice - no meters on Folsom and easy to find a spot.
Caffeine: Nothing to write home about, but the food looked decent.
Bottom line: I'd definitely come back, if only for the parking and the good music. -
Review from Patti G.
Reston, VA
1/30/2012
This place is terrible but the community garden plot at the corner @ Howard and Langston is a great place to pass the time.
I expected a cleaner establishment for a place that serves food while you are cleaning your clothes. It had a decent amount of extra large washers there for 2.75 a wash. But the .25 for 5 mins of dryer time was ridiculous.
2.75 x 2 + .25 x 8 + 3.00 parking x 2 hrs = not freaking worth it.
I decided to try the 'edibles' served at the cafe. But if i wanted burnt bacon and rubbery 'pancakes' Id bring in McD's. It took me about 5 mins to pull the guy away from his phone to place an order, finally a clerk flagged him and points at me. If he rolled his eyes any harder they would've fallen on the floor. It's really sad bc by 10a all the available tables were dirty from past customers. It took almost 20 mins for my food and to add to it, another server came on shift and asked the rolly eyeball guy who's food was waiting to be served. Totally oblivious to supplying customer service. Even tho i spilled syrup on my shirt. Ill wash my clothes in my hotel room before I even consider going back.
Totally off subject but the only reason this review should get a star.
Theres a private community garden plot on the back of the block that has gorgeous flowers. If you care, talk to someone in there and the can invite you in. Its something to pass the time if you dont want to stay cooped in the laundry mat.
The gardeners are extremely friendly. You can't pick anything and becareful where you step when the chickens have roaming privlages, but its really peaceful. Nice change of scenery. -
Review from T. E. F.
San Francisco, CA
1/27/2012
Epic Winning. Charlie Sheen couldn't like this place any better. This review is for the Thursday night "Comedy Open Mic Night" but most of it should apply to any night.
50c pinball machines in the laundry - including a Simpsons machine which is pretty well designed.
$1 beers (PBR) on tap. Epic win. If you do your laundry there they give you a $1 off coupon which means - yes - a FREE BEER while you do your laundry. Is there such a thing as a "double epic win"?
Free entertainments from a widely differing array of talents, but with 2 or 3 $1 PBRs in ya they become oddly more talented or I simply care less, either way: win.
The food is a bit pricey for a cafe, but I guess they gotta recoup their profits somehow. Their laundry prices aren't dirt cheap either, but in the $2-3 range are reasonable. What is surprisingly good is their wash and fold at 99c/lb.
So shlep your dirty laundry here, drink some PBRs while doing your laundry (how many laundromats can you do that at?) and listen to some free comics, and get cleansed.
The washing machines and dryers have names: R.V. Hoo Hoo, Billie, PKAY, Boob ($2.25 per load for this Maytag Hi-Efficiency), DJ Jazzy Jeff (25c for this Maytag dryer per spin) &c.
They sell baseball hats, t-shirts, hoodies and laundry bags - how many laundromats are so self-consciously *proud* of themselves?
They have a neon Pabst Blue Ribbon sign (before it was cool to like PBR).
They have laptop stands (standing steel tables) next to electrical outlets for your privately owned computer needs (and some rental stations, but I think I've used those like 3 times in the last decade).
ProTip1: Langton, the small street to the side of BrainWash, is where the stoners "medicate". Avoid/seek as needed.
The comedy night was pure epic San Francisco. The only comparable experience I've had (which wasn't really comparable except thematically) was an open mic comedy night in L.A. some years back: it was the most painful experience ever.
Maybe it's the cheap beer or the pre-show toking up, but the 36 (yes THIRTY SIX) sign ups for the 3 minutes of fame easily equalled or exceeded the number of people sitting around. If you show up and are not performing you are in the extreme minority. That said, I'm guessing 1 in 6 might be worth listening to, but you gotta support people willing to have the cajones to stand up and say anything really, or so says me.
You might even see Charlie Sheen hanging out around the bathroom: he always seems to know the codes.
The bathroom has some pretty epic decorations.
ProTip2: You can get 3 FREE brainwash postcards in back if you ask real nice.
Boxed soap is a reasonable $.75 per box or "bulk soap" in a plastic container for $.60.Listed in: Epic Cafes, Laundromats
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Review from Jennifer L.
Oakland, CA
1/26/2012
I have had this place on my "to do" list for years. Finally grabbed a bite here after an event at the Concourse. So glad I did. My friend and I found the food to be delicious. The vibe in the cafe and laundromat was super low key. I must make plans to come back for one of their events.
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Review from Adam F.
San Francisco, CA
I need to post an update to explain why I stopped going.
What Brainwash Changed: they kept closing their kitchen at 7pm. Last call on the washers is 8:30, the place closes (officially) at 11. I went in once and they closed the kitchen by 7. I figured it was a one time thing since they sometimes close the whole place down before 11 on slow nights. Then I came back 2wks later at 730, no food again. Last try on another night? 8pm, no food again. I only have time for laundry after work, so the combo of food, beer, and coffee shop sold me on the place. Those last three times I was going to other restaurants in SOMA in the little 30min break I had and it cost more money (Citizen Band is awesome BTW!). So sadly, no food, no more brainwash.
What I finally noticed: One time my clothes came out of the dryer smelling like cigarettes. I don't smoke. Not cool. Most of the time I was dumping in double the detergent and still not smelling it when the cycle finished. I started doing laundry at Royal Ground on Fillmore and all of a sudden my stuff smells fresh and clean when the cycle is done! I felt like I won something the first time I went, but realized.. you fool! you were using dirty washers the whole time! So yeah, Brainwash's washers are not exactly the cleanest if you compare to other spots in the city.
I'm sorry brainwash, I loved your place. It was very 'san francisco' and made laundry night fun, but I can't go back now that I've tried other spots.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/23/2010
this place instantly became my go to spot for laundry. I drive down there from pac heights each… Read more »
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Review from Rod M.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 1/10/2012 3 Check-ins Here
Fab coffee and just so urban
1 Previous Review:
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10/28/2011
jsut never the same any night you get there. Fantastic.
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Review from Zachary Z.
Neptune City, NJ
1/7/2012 1 Check-in Here
Brain on Drugs breakfast sandwich is pretty good.
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Review from D. Z.
San Francisco, CA
1/15/2012
I /love/ Brainwash. Loads of options for meat-eaters and vegetarians alike, which is always nice. Breakfast all day (and DAYUM, the Brain On Drugs sandwich is awesome). Their salads are fantastic and /enormous/ -- even a half will fill me up.
It's just a really great little neighborhood hangout. -
Review from Avery L.
Manhattan, NY
1/16/2012
Rumored to be one of the best cafes in the city for a bite and just hanging out with your entertainment of choice, be it laptop or book. My first impression was that it was a very hipster cafe set out beyond the auto shops, definitely an area I wouldn't want to be wandering about after darkness falls. There was an adjacent laundromat, where they got the name from, but it wasn't so much made a part of the cafe as almost an afterthought. The staff was also a bit less friendly than expected from this sort of establishment. I would even go so far as to the say, similar cafes in NYC would have friendlier service.
I was on the verge of staving when I finally arrived after a good half hour of walking at a brisk pace (since this is the only pace at which I know how to walk). I ordered the fish tacos and Thai iced tea. The iced tea had the normal red tea base but rather than condensed milk, it was served regular milk (sweetened?). It turned the tea into a rather unappealing peachy pink color. Perhaps the tea itself was also weaker than usual? Probably the worst Thai iced tea I have ever had, barring the one that was made from Lipton.
With the new taco joints that have been sprouting up all over NYC, I was expecting a more traditional taco, aka bite sized rounds stuffed to the max with the filling of choice. Instead, I was served two monstrous tortillas with what appear to be the same fish fillets as you would get if you ordered fish and chips. I can't know the fish, it was prepared well, crispy on the outside, fall apart on the inside. Unfortunately, the tortillas also fell apart because of the sauce it was doused in. This combined with the mayo dressing from the slaw made it a rather messy operation. I ended up eating just the inside of the second because (a) the first was more than enough to suffice as a meal and (b) the tortilla was too soggy to be good by this point.
All in all, I was quite disappointed by the food and rather annoyed that I had trekked so far away to check it out. It is a nice out of the way cafe if you wanted to sit and chat with friends or immerse yourself in a book for a bit. I suppose, you could also bring your laundry to put in the wash while you're dining. It was riding too much on the gimmick of being a laundrocafe...and forgetting that it also served food. -
Review from DarkNGay H.
San Francisco, CA
1/30/2012
Good food/drink, nice ambiance, low-key, relaxed atmosphere, nice people. Good place if you don't want to trek to the mission for sunday brunch or even a quick bite.
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Review from Francesca m.
South San Francisco, CA
Updated - 10/24/2011
I tried giving this cafe a second chance but the employees again let me down BIG TIME. Is it just me or do the guys who work here think they're the shit? I asked for the Burger of Doom with no cheese and according to my cousin, the harry potter looking guy with the fake rayban's hella rolled his eyes. Why do you care that I ask for a burger with no cheese?
Not to mention that the bathroom was fucking FILTHY. I've seen porta potty's cleaner than that. Don't be surprised if I file a complain with the department of health.
(SMH)1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/19/2011
A cafe adjacent to a laundry mat. They have a good concept going here cept for the fact that the… Read more »
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Review from Ann S.
9/28/2011 25 Check-ins Here
I discovered this place when trying to find a neighborhood laundromat and Brainwash definitely takes washing clothes to a whole other level.
On the laundromat side, you've got rows upon rows of heavy duty industrial washer and dryers, all at your disposal and ready for some fabric sudsing. The walls are decorated with cute vintage-y pop art. On the cafe side, there's this really cool hipster-like vibe armed with nightly entertainment (live music, comedy, open mic and the like) and the space, scattered with tables and a couch seating area.
Now the interesting part is that doing chores has never been so enjoyable. Seriously, you can totally grab a fish sandwich (yummy by the way) and surf the net (free wi-fi) all between your laundry cycles. I also like how this place is dog friendly, so feel free to bring your pooch along.
The bathroom is a little dingy, but what I find pretty cool are the little sayings and quotes all over the tiles of the wall. Makes for good reading material if you ask me.
The customer service is efficient and friendly. The food portions are ginormous. They are very generous with the side dishes, specifically the french fries. The salads are also fresh and tasty.
I would recommend this establishment for anyone looking for a place to have a meal, grab a drink, catch some live music, or simply to wash the funk off of yesterday's underwear. This place has all ends covered. -
Review from jason h.
San Francisco, CA
11/8/2011
Smoker problems
Really great place to hang for a while: decent well portioned normal American lunch fare; coffee & espresso is fine; all the staff is very nice and friendly; music can be hit or miss.
One and only major complaint is the persistent sometimes unrelenting smokers outside with zero courtesy for all else but themselves. An open door or some open windows can either bring you a cool/warm breeze or a cloud of exhaled toxic cigarette smoke from the remorseless smokers who see an outdoor cafe table and assume veritable smoker heaven for puffing and sipping lattes.
I detest smoking if it isn't plainly clear. I don't care if you smoke yourself to a black lung, but where's that feeling of entitlement to dismiss common smoker etiquette come from? No signs and no staff intervention is what gives a 3 star for me. Operating a cafe or bar I think should come with the job of managing the smoking clientele. -
Review from Bry B.
San Francisco, CA
11/13/2011
PROS
Not sure that I have any
CONS
Filthy
Filthy
Sketchy people in and out the establishment and restroom -
Review from Rosie W.
San Francisco, CA
11/22/2011
The next time I feel like eating clumpy fish sticks smothered in mayonnaisey cole slaw in a pastey flour tortilla... I still probably won't come here. Unless I also want to eat in my coat. To be fair, the Mr.'s chicken sammy looked good, but my "fish tacos" were an abomination. It's not the 90's and I have a washer dryer, so I may not be back for a while.
Listed in: My Big But
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Review from Michael D.
San Francisco, CA
12/12/2011
The BrainWash is an acid trip of an establishment, like if Felix The Cat splooged all over a terrible 1980s idea on how to save space during the mortgage crisis. The good news, however, is that the beer is poured in big glases and the burgers are passable. Yet what really gives this place character is the weekly comedy open mics they hold, especially if Sweet Gale shows up.
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Review from Annie L.
8/11/2011 1 Check-in Here
What I like about this place is it's great use of natural light and the bright clean colours.
Free wi-fi which is always great.
Coffee is good and staff for the most part are friendly.
I got the breakfast sandwich which was good and hit the spot but nothing outstanding although I don't suspect they are aiming for that as it's more of a healthier fast food.
Coffee was good as was the cookie. Beer on tap and laundry facilities so that's a winner.
Bathroom was a bit of a horror show, really nasty to be honest and made me a bit queasy especially since I just ate there. The code for the loo is:
1650 -
Review from Alexis R.
San Francisco, CA
10/11/2011
I have been to Brainwash on many occasions, and I have to say I have a love/hate relationship with them. Tip to the wise: morning crew is far more surly than afternoon. I had to practically dance on the counter in order to get their attention.
The "love" bits is that they keep it clean and the prices for doing laundry are pretty reasonable. Especially compared to that hellhole they claim is a laundry around the corner [8th Street Laundry--avoid at all costs, unless you are a true masochist (the kind that really hates his/herself, as opposed to the sexy fun kind)]. I travel 2 extra blocks just to avoid it. Also, usually the evening crew are little less... um... strapped for courtesy. And it's nice to catch a beer while doing your washing.
The patrons: well, lemme tell ya, 2 male individuals sat there and observed a couple of hippyish space cadet girls pick up my bag and start to look through it whilst i checked my dryer. So much for any concern for their fellow (wo)man. However, this has nothing to do with the cafe, and is not reflected in the star rating. -
Review from S. M.
San Francisco, CA
10/28/2011
Food: terrible. Bathroom: I'm afraid to touch anything lest I get MRSA. Dryers: overpriced and sometimes not even hot. Washers: iffy.
In a nutshell, the place is not so clean and the machines are ancient and only sometimes do the job.
The employees: some are nice others are jerks. I dread it every time, but what can you do? SOMA just doesn't have any other options. Thank god I only work in this hood now and don't live in it.
Also, there is always a little scene here of tweakers and what-nots hanging around, that try often to befriend me should I sit in their turf, aka the front outside tables. I am a bitch and hate them all. -
Review from John B.
8/16/2011 2 Check-ins Here
We went here three times in three days in San Francisco. What an awesome concept--- washing your clothes while you drink and eat! The food is good and reasonably priced!
The first trip here was in the evening. We were out of clean underwear and so felt this was the perfect place to spend out Saturday night. Unfortunately last load has to be in at 8:30pm and we came in after that. So, we gave up on the laundry idea and just got drinks from the bar. Beer was amazingly cheap- $3.50 and I had $3 Mike's Margarita. The kitchen was unfortunately closed, so we shared a disappointing pecan bar.
The next morning, it was time to actual wash our clothes or else we were going to have to walk around without underwear and socks. We went to Brainwash for breakfast. I had their veggie scramble and my wife had the tofu scramble. They both came with a huge serving of potatoes and toast. Huge breakfasts! My parents ordered their basic breakfast, which came with a little of everything. All of the food was surprisingly good considering we were eating in a Laundromat. We got all of our clothes washed just about the time we were finished with breakfast. It all worked out perfectly.Listed in: High Five 2011, Three Days In San Francisco
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Review from AwesomeO Lovekind X.
San Francisco, CA
11/22/2011
always clean
perfectly cooked hamburger
still a nice place -
Review from Nick K.
7/11/2011 9 Check-ins Here
Laundromat + Restaurant + Bar + Live Entertainment Venue
I'm fairly certain that this is one of the greatest combinations ever assembled. A few highlights:
- Reasonably priced washers and dryers
- Live music, comedy and open mic 7 days a week
- $2.50 PBR pints and other cheap beverages
- Tasty breakfast plates under $10
- Laundry Happy Hour - $1 off
- A little bit of outdoor seating
- Pinball machine
- Free wi-fi
Most importantly, I am now excited to do laundry. Brainwash deserve 5 stars for that reason alone.
I'd recommend going during the week because it is less crowded (stage placement is somewhat awkward and small) and the food is cheaper (they have a M-F menu and a slightly more expensive S-S menu).
Last wash is at 8:30 PM.Listed in: FolSOMA Fun
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Review from L.A. W.
Tracy, CA
6/25/2011
This is one of those establishments where you wonder, "Why didn't I think of that?"
How many times have you been doing laundry and wanted a nosh? Or some beer suds to go with your duds suds? If I had a place like this near me, I'd be looking forward to laundry day!
The wings are wonderful, and the portions are generous. The price can be a little more than one would expect, but the food is worth it, so I won't complain!
Live music in the evening on the weekends, and the decor is quite interesting. Awkward and alone me can marvel at the interesting furniture while nomming on my wings and slurping a drink.
Never had an issue with employee attitude, but I've only been here twice. -
Review from Kim D.
5/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
I'm rounding up from 2.5 Stars on account of the novelty of my circumstances: kinda hungry and with less than an hour before Festizio started their set at Hotel Utah for Keane's [fake] Birthday.
For whatever reason, Badri N., Scott L., Bookman, Chang L. and the Legion of Leafy Green Darkness aka Vegetarians have been sticking needles into an effigy of me, because I have been going on weird meatless benders. Is Lent(il) contagious? I digress.
Bookman and I perused the menu - he ordered first, but was shot down on the first three attempts because they were out of the Vegetarian Chile, the Fish Tacos and some kind of Tofu Jubilee. Whatever he ended up ordering was too bland for a name.
It's a sad day when I am craving an hummus plate and I am told they're out.
There were two amusing dogs with their human companions sitting at the next table, tucked into the corner off the raised dias. The large dog had comically impossible large paws and giant radar ears - a real sweetie and very well behaved. The scrappier of the two dogs was small and decidedly more interested in the clatter of every dish.
She even seemed intrigued by my flavorless, tofu-laden salad. I picked at Bookman's onion rings, which were probably the highlight of the meal, though I had major reservations about the integrity of the food handling protocol after seeing the uni-sex loo, which hadn't been serviced or re-stocked in a while and inexplicably spelled of cat pee.
We fled our original table, and took seats in the back, on account of it being Open Mic Night for Feminist Womyn, and it's hard to choke down a tasteless salad during a barrage of "Angry Vagina Talk" bits, which garnered sporadic, forced, flinchy, awkward, nervous guffaws from other patrons.
I felt out of place and conspicuous as: (a) I kind of like my life and am not taking a librium-based cocktail to bolster my mood enough to complain in coherent sentences; (b) I was a solid decade older than any other Womyn in there; (c) I did reproduce, and have no regrets about doing so.
My only lingering reget was the onion rings, which resulted in an ominous rumbling in my digestive tract late that night, though I didn't feel off or get sick , it was still rather disconcerting. Fried food, I know, I know... but the salad and possibly lax/lackadaisical food handling in the kitchen forced my hand.
The next day, after ardent prayers to SS. Bourdain, Hamilton, Keller, Farr and Cosentino, I was able to break re-enter the world of Shiny Happy Carnivores.
Praise the Lard! -
Review from Celeste I.
San Mateo, CA
7/16/2011
I played this venue alongside Lily Holbrook and Alex Jimenez on June 11, 2011.
Upon arrival, it was nothing like I had expected from reading prior reviews. You walk in, cafe's directly in front of you, ample seating and tables to your left with an even bigger dining area to your right.
If you keep walking past the dining space, you'll find the laundromat which honestly didn't affect the atmosphere or music at all - it's in a completely different section of the place.
The place is eclectic and the people that roll in are no exception. I think this is a great thing. When I was playing, curious cats would come in from the streets with their friends to check the place out.
It was a full house that night and the show couldn't have gone any better.
I'd play this venue again and would also come check out other musical acts as well.
Two thumbs up for having live entertainment every night. -
Review from Justin G.
San Francisco, CA
7/12/2011
I've been going to the Thursday night stand-up open mic for over a year now and I've never been disappointed with this place.
The food is great, I very much enjoy the Burger of DOOM!!!
I've even done my laundry there before, and guess what, it was awesome. They have a gazillion machines, and you get happy hour deals when you use them. AWESOME.
I love the Brainwash. Especially on Thursday nights.
Except for the hummus. I had some gnarly hummus there one late, late Thursday night. But it was very, very late, and it's just hummus. -
Review from rew c.
Santa Rosa, CA
5/15/2011
More like two $$ because this place isn't cheap. I've even heard people work there say it's a bit overpriced. But........and this is a good but....... really well made delicious food.
It's a big juicy burger w/ lots of flavor and good fries. And a great cheesesteak, tasty meat, lots o'cheese, w/ various peppers. And the caesar salad has a really good caesar dressing - it's not sour or too lemony like some - just a good quality dressing. And a decent beer selection and good coffee. -
Review from Kyle G.
San Francisco, CA
10/8/2011
This place rocks! It's a pretty standard laundromat with friendly staff, but also has a full-blown cafe with free wi-fi. The food is good and quite plentiful. You can do your laundry, eat, drink, and surf the net all in one place. They also do dry cleaning; I brought in some shirts and was pleased with the results. Brainwash takes my multi-tasking efficiency to a whole new level.
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Review from Jules S.
4/14/2011 6 Check-ins Here
It's been more than 15 years since my first visit to Brainwash Cafe & Laundromat. It's still as relaxed an atmosphere as any in SF. The concept of eating, drinking beer, and doing your laundry was all to new to me back then, but now seems like second nature.
I usually come in every month or two to help my grandmother out with some of her errands. The prices for wash loads are very reasonable: $4.50 (L), $3.50 (M), $2.00 (S) which is why she likes to come here.
The laundromat is adjoined by a cafe that serves hearty fare like chicken wings, salads, sandwiches, soups, fish, etc., as well as beer...cool! Laundry doesn't have to be boring anymore. In addition, Brainwash offers free Wi-Fi for those net savvy intellects who don't feel like pounding a few and just want tea or coffee.
Occasionally, Brainwash has live music in the evenings. I only have done my laundry here one time during a performance and it was cool, yet awkward. It's possible, for those in the laundromat wishing to go to the cafe, to run into a drummer or a singer or two...the experience very surreal.
The food at the cafe is good. It can take some time to get your order finished when they're busy, but your laundry's only on its second wash cycle anyways...enjoy, relax, and search for your inner groovy self that has the patience of a croc waiting to snap up its dinner. FYI: My favorite dish here was the sole with capers.
A nice little laundromat that makes you wish you didn't have that washer and dryer at home! -
Review from Layla A.
4/22/2011
HANDS-DOWN, one of my favorite places in the bay area.
Cool staff, sometimes the occasional homeless guy in the front that can borderline on harassing, but that's part of the charm of San Fran. One guy who was a bit violent/crossed the line was promptly cussed out by one of the amazing chicks that works there. yay!
Check out their happy hour deals! I love drinking a beer while doing laundry, can't beat that. doing laundry wasted=more fun. just sayin.
LOVE BRAINWASH! i drank the kool-aid, you guys brainwashed me for sure. -
Review from Brandi G.
Alameda, CA
3/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
I can't help that I have a dirty mind. I detect something sexual in simple sentences, everyday conversations, and random objects that may seem innocent to the average eye, but in my mind, always have some kind of cheesy eroticism. I won't even say what BrainWash makes me think of.
While I chose not to schlep my stash of clothes over, I think my mind alone could use a sudsy high spin cycle. I ordered the Surf and Turf spinach salad with grilled prawns, grilled chicken, red onions, feta, olives, and roasted red peppers tossed in a honey balsamic vinaigrette. The chicken, however, tasted like I was chewing on a dish-washing glove. The rest of the salad, however, was great. Just hold the bok bok.
You can't complain too much about a laundromat with WI-FI and a cafe, nonetheless I spent 10 bucks on some BrainWash, and my mind is still corrupted! -
Review from Casey S.
5/12/2011
You have a laundromat AND a cafe AND standup? Oh BrainWash, you're so silly.
I gotta say though, the cafe part is just so-so, at least from the burger and garlic fries I ordered. Kudos on the $1 Pabsts though; they're perfect before a show at DNA Lounge! -
Review from Emily R.
San Francisco, CA
4/19/2011
I work right around the corner. So when I'm having a rough day I take my lunch break. Order a beer and a burger and sit in the sunshine (if the weather permits it).
One of the best burgers in town. The patty isn't too big, the veggies are fresh. YUM! -
Review from Theresa S.
Martinez, CA
10/25/2011
It is fine because I can't find anywhere else to go around there now that Wicked Grounds closed down. I don't like the employees who work there that often seem like they really don't want to be there. I get that, who wants to be working anywhere, however when it borders on rude, you don't get any more stars. Coffee is fine, food is ok.
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Review from Raquella R.
San Francisco, CA
10/12/2011
So the good; The food is really good. Surprisingly good. Overpriced, but good. The atmosphere is great -- beer and laundry!
The service is bad. And so are the comedians. -
Review from Theodore O.
Pacifica, CA
Updated - 1/4/2011
Wait a minute....am I a hipster?
I used to be afraid of the crowd at Brainwash. A year ago, I felt like I was not quite cool enough to hang with the peeps that frequented the Cafe.
Today I walked in and I knew someone working behind the counter as well as someone eating lunch. They both wished me a happy new year and one of them gave me a kiss on my forehead and said "have a nice day" as she left. I guess I'm in the mix now.
I like to order the specials if they have something with Chicken and rice or Chicken and mashed potatoes - I normally get it. If I don't like the specials - I like either a big chicken Caesar salad or just a burger. They make a good bacon/bleu cheese burger as well as the burger of doom (carmelized onions and bacon). The soup is alright, too, if you just want something on the run.Listed in: By the Central Freeway, City Burgers
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/11/2009
Alright you hippy hippy hipsers, here is a cafe for you. Everyone has uggs, crocs, or a weird… Read more »
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Review from Taryn H.
San Francisco, CA
6/26/2011
This place is fun!
Came in here randomly one day when my boyfriend heard about the "incredible laundry/beer combo". They were having an open mic night which was fun. They have a little cafe area with sandwiches and drinks and stuff. Staff was nice and friendly. I love the smell of laundry too. -
Review from Derek L.
San Francisco, CA
10/12/2011 1 Check-in Here
Great atmosphere and a good amount of seating. There's a definite lack of plugs here, so be aware that you'll have to be on battery power if you want to spend some time working at this coffee shop. The coffee was good and I also had a pastry but didn't get a chance to try their burgers or sandwiches. Bottom line, this is a solid place, and you should give it a try if you get the chance.
