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Café Futo - CLOSED
Categories: Food Coffee & Tea Restaurants Hungarian Coffee & Tea, Hungarian [Edit]
3620 30th St(between Dwight St & Landis St)
San Diego, CA 92104
Neighborhood: North Park
(619) 269-7966
- Attire:
- Casual
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Lunch, Breakfast
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
15 reviews for Café Futo
Review Highlights
15 reviews in English
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Review from thulasi o.
San Diego, CA
7/4/2009
I agree with Summer P., Adam makes the best espresso and cappucino in san diego, way better than calabria, without the sometimes attitude at cafe c.
his sandwiches are fantastic and unique.
the guy takes pride in everything he does there.
its a shame he just sold the place, hope the new owner keeps it up. -
Review from Misty B.
San Diego, CA
1/29/2009
Cafe Futo is an adorable little coffee shop tucked away in North Park. In fact, it's so little you just may miss it. But if you can help it, you must stop by. This one-room establishment is meticulously run by Adam, a Chicago-native, Hungarian, former Marine. And the only reason I list all of these, is because they stereotype him quite perfectly.
I don't remember the last time I visited a shop where the owner took this much pride in everything he had to offer. But I warn you, don't come in and order a "half-caff, one pump sugar-free vanilla, two pumps sugar-free hazelnut, extra-hot, latte, with half soy, half lowfat organic milk, and two paper cups," or you will be directed to Starbucks down the street, as you should be.
During my visit, I did not order the coffee, but had a question in regards to decaffeinated teas. Well, I wasn't told to order one or two teas, Adam actually explained all of the teas he had to offer, and which ones were good for what. I like that. I want to know what I may try the next time I come, and not only what is offered on that particular day.
As stated before, this is a one-room shop, and it could seem a bit cramped, if it weren't for the amazing vibe. Adam is walking around and talking to everyone, so it's as though you are hanging out with friends... even though you may not know a single soul. I look for places like this. It gives a very local feel (which it is).
I hadn't planned on eating here, but Adam mentioned that we needed to try his goulash... and even though I wasn't craving a stew sort of meal, I wanted to continue to give him my business. So, my partner and I ordered the goulash. It isn't the prettiest of dishes, it looked like a bowl of red water with a wheat roll. But let me tell you, the flavor was incredible! Perfectly stewed beef with little potato dumplings. Not to mention that they also serve beer. Which, as noted by Adam, compliments the meal amazingly.
So bravo! An incredible visit to an incredible little shop. I can't wait to come back and order a coffee. And yes, Adam may scoff a little at my decaf order, but I know that is only the coffee snob/Chicago native in you coming out. -
Review from Lety M.
San Diego, CA
1/5/2009
Im in Love!
I think i found my new coffee joint!
After Paesano's we came here on a whim. Mr Real and myself thought after a good lunch a cup of joe is much needed. We walked into the best little Hungarian Cafe in North Park. I ordered a double soy latte in a short cup, Adam the owner who also happened to be the barista did a great job.
He didnt like the way he poured my drink and asked me if i wanted him to make me another.
I said no ill take it anyways.
Im big on first impressions, so for him to tell me that he didnt like the way it poured meant that he cared about his coffee and his business to want to keep me satisfied.
I thought he did a great job. Even if it was a bit foamy i still enjoyed it till the last drop.
Sitting outside intaking coffee and cigarettes, Adam brought out Walnut cake for our enjoyment. AWH man it was so so awesomely perfect the way the flaky butter crust was baked to the mild flavors of the walnut not being over/under spiced!
i think i have found my new coffee shop!
I dig it!
so should you!Listed in: Anyone for a Spot of Coffee..
-
Review from Grace D.
San Diego, CA
1/17/2009 2 photos
I need another cup of coffee after eating the worst burrito in town. Time to check out this little place at North Park called Cafe Futo at 30th St.,
This small place used to be Blissful Bean, the former owner is Cindi Hoang who owns the Point at Point Loma.
The new owner Adam was nice and very friendly.
He makes the best and perfect cappuccino. -
Review from Ken L.
San Diego, CA
4/15/2009
The coffee is alright, but the gulyas (goulash to the non-Hungarians) is outstanding. It's small, but charming joint on 30th that has real beer (Czechvar, Stone, etc.) and some Hungarian food.
About the gulyas, it is excellent. The first time I've ever seen an image of the real stuff is on "Travels in Europe with Rick Steves", when Rick Steves was in Budapest. I grew up on the midwestern Hamburger Helper-like dish made with elbow macaroni, tomato sauce, and bland American "paprika". Futo's is the real deal, hard to find in SD except for this place and Kaiserhof in OB. It has bits of stew meat, spaetzle-like dumplings (I forgot the Hungarian name), broth, and some real Hungarian paprika. It came in a cup served with a wheat roll. The barista also brought me a jar of some Hungarian sweet-hot pepper paste similar to sambal oelek. It is so delicious and it warms my soul (a good gulyas would do that to you). -
Review from P. S.
San Diego, CA
4/23/2009
I like their coffee and their non hippie chalance. Hippy is so easy isn't it?
Sitting outside one morning I thought I heard him put music on inside until I realized he was playing the guitar.
I like the walnut bars he bakes and other goodies. I don't know that I've EVER eaten goulash, I suppose I need to try it.
I wonder if he knows who Gabor Szabo is.
UPDATE 8-23-09 CLOSED. I went by on my way to Cardemom this morning, and noted this place is now a Panini shop. Unopened for business on this Sunday AM at 9:45AM. -
Review from Allison T.
Vallejo, CA
5/18/2009
Beer fest in North Park and what do my friend and I do; go to a bar not at beer fest and drink beer. Ironic? yes. Good times? Yes.
After swiging a couple at Blue Foot, we ventured down the street to find our next watering hole and lo and behold a tiny place with Adam, the owner, beconing us in with promises of beer.
Sold.
This place is TINY. and I mean T-I-N-Y! But the trip was well worth it. The beer was cold and the conversation warm. Adam, a self proclamed Renaissance Man, shared his knowledge of Hungarian culture and even conversed a bit with my Japanese friend in, what else, Japanese.
Three hours later we left with a little bit of new knowledge, a buzzing belly of beer and a promise to return for future discussions of Hungarian culture and American politics over a cup of what I'm told is fantastic coffee. -
Review from Lara S.
Pasadena, CA
2/9/2009
Love the place but can't stand THE DUDE! HAHA Just kidding! Adam, your coffee puts an unexpected honest smile on my silly Russky face:)
Gulash is not just a gulash, it is "THE GULASH!!!
Dear North Parkians, there is no place like Futo's place. -
Review from ivonne c.
3/27/2009
How can you go wrong with a locally owned, non chain coffee joint that serves coffee, beer, wine and goulash? Goulash!
They had me at "we steep our own chai" for my chai tea lattes. No ready made or powdered chai crap here. -
Review from Kelly O.
6/14/2009
Extra points for:
- Good prices
- Something unique in SD - Hungarian food! love it.
The restaurant itself is really tiny and when I was there, really hot inside. I got the goulash and spicy tuna sandwich. The total for both was just $11. We sat outside at one of the few small tables.
The goulash was a large cup of oily (in a good way) red broth with little bits of meat and dumplings. It was hearty and meaty and tasty. It also came with a small roll and some cole slaw that was yummy. It was good, and made me realize I've probably never really had *real* goulash like this before.
I really liked the spicy tuna sandwich, although my bf complained that you couldn't taste the tuna flavor... which was true actually, but it was so tasty, I didn't mind. :) -
Review from Tibor A.
Los Angeles, CA
3/7/2009
Egy Magyar talalkozo hely
This small "Magyar friendly" cafe is about 3 blocks south of the corner of 30th and University. It's easy to miss because it's sort-of small, although clearly seen from the street. If you see the Hungarian flag on the sidewalk, you'll know you came to the right place. Kind of in a cool space in between the center of North Park and 30th/Upas near Balboa Park.
So it's new and hopefully will become a more popular place for Hungarians to meet up as people find out about it and the owner expands the menu. Good coffee here and food, too. He has goulas soup here (gou-lash) and some other Hungarian favorites, like dios pite and cucumber salad. You don't have to be Hungarian to go here, but just be prepared to hear Hungarian music playing here sometimes and Europeans talking in their own languages to each other.
See you there .... they are open @ 5:30am to 6-ish or 7-ish weekdays I think, and open up a little later on weekends.
Oh by the way, Cafe Futo stands for Cafe Runner in Hungarian.
Don't be in too much of a rush in case you meet people here. Also beer and wine is served here too ... even in the morning. He said he has Czech beer now and Hungarian wines. Hopefully I'll have a chance to try these out sometime soon.
Try Tokayi Aszu :) -
Review from Q. M. Z.
San Diego, CA
5/15/2009
We stopped in for brunch today. The espresso and Vietnamese drip coffee were excellent. The goulash and szalami sandwich were very tasty. The goulash tasted authentic. The owner was really nice and helpful. I don't think this place would stay a hidden gem for long.
-
Review from Kim S.
San Diego, CA
10/15/2008
Cafe Futo is the new incarnation of perhaps the tiniest coffee shop in North Park, formerly known as the Blissful Bean. Unless you already knew it was there, you'd probably blast right by it on 30th, due to nearly invisible signage. The old owner Cindy kept a loyal core of customers, I think in large part due to attentive, friendly and competent staff with little turnover.
These days, new owner Adam Futo is personally at the shop most (if not all) of the time, unlike Cindy. This forced him to let go of the old staff, and I'm hoping that doesn't hurt too much. He's also engaging and attentive, but perhaps doesn't foster a relaxing atmosphere like the old staff did. (After all, it's retired Marine vs. Casey and Nina.) On the plus side, he's actually putting some work into improving the place. Goodbye uncomfortable chairs! Hello non-disposable mugs for eat-in coffee! (I know that's a little thing, but it's important to me.) Hello new shelves for improved food prep workflow? The pending beer and wine license could turn the place into a mellow happy hour hangout. I hope that works out!
So yes, the place is in a transitional state, and perhaps what I'm writing about now won't be true in a month or two. Adam has added his own touch -- Hungarian -- to the menu, and so far it's unique and good. Who knew Hungarian food would be spicy? Ask him about it, he'll be glad to explain.
My habit has been a sandwich and cup of coffee for a weekend lunch. They do a spicy chicken or tuna with cranberries and almonds on (good) wheat, probably my favorite items on the menu, though that new Hungarian sandwich with rich szalami and tangy/spicy spread is awfully good too. Adam has switched over to Ryan Bros coffee, and the Ethiopia is fresh and berry-licious.
I'm not a smoothie or espresso-drink person, so I can't truthfully comment on them. One no-no is that the tea is stored in clear glass containers, while they should really be opaque. Like beer, tea is damaged by light!
If you like having plenty of space to spread out, or your own corner where you can withdraw into your own world, this is probably not your place. The size simply doesn't allow you to ignore what's going on around you for hours at a time. Personally, I prefer the cozy feel to relatively close neighbors Claire de Lune or Caffe Forte. They'll actually take time to learn your name, and if you let them, they'll get to know you. How's that for a friendly neighborhood coffee shop? -
Review from Paul M.
San Diego, CA
6/2/2009
I stopped in for lunch for my first time last Friday. You must try the goulash if you're not afraid of a generous serving of meat with a little kick. This was my first time trying this Hungarian dish and I absolutely loved it. I also split a Chicken Pesto sandwich and enjoyed the homemade Hungarian coleslaw. Delicious. I'll be returning again very soon.
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Review from Mera S.
San Diego, CA
2/4/2009
Being a Hungarian-American and new to San Diego, I have a great time reconnecting with my roots and feeling very at home at Adam Futo's, Cafe Futo. I have gone to many of the cafes around towns and Cafe Futo has the best prices for the largest quantity of food. I really enjoy the delicious teas and specialty coffees. The espresso is made so well and the sandwiches just keep getting better. My favorite is the spicy tuna sandwich with cranberry and roasted almonds. I can spend hours reading books about Hungarian culture and history there. This is a unique place that all should check out !!!
