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Cafe Flore
Categories: Restaurants American (New) Nightlife Bars Restaurants Cafes American (New), Bars, Cafes [Edit]
2298 Market St(between Sanchez St & Noe St)
San Francisco, CA 94114
Neighborhood: Castro
(415) 621-8579
- Hours:
Mon-Wed, Sun 7 am - 12:30 am
Thu-Sat 7 am - 2 am
- Delivery:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Lunch, Breakfast, Brunch
- Music:
- Background
- Best Nights:
- Mon, Fri, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
579 reviews for Cafe Flore
Review Highlights
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"Ooooo and the people watching was always fantastic." In 79 reviews -
"Oh and the outdoor seating rocks." In 69 reviews -
"What a great spot for brunch on a sunny day." In 29 reviews
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- A Yelpy Insight: Vegetarians go nuts for this spot. See more places they like.
579 reviews in English
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Review from Blake H.
Napa, CA
5/12/2012
As mentioned in the video, this place is just a perfect harmony. The staff are always so nice, the food is out of this world and the nightly drink specials are fantastic.
I typically order the steak salad because it's so good. It also can't be beat for brunch -- and that's saying a lot because there so many great brunch spots around!
This place then gets beyond five stars for the drink specials each night. It's really some great deals! The sangria is divine and the martinis are easily the best in the neighborhood (yes, even better than blackbird). -
Review from Edwin R.
San Mateo, CA
The last time I was here was last week when I was out in the field for work and ended my day here having a late lunch/early dinner and ordered the chicken salad. It's been awhile since I actually dined here and to my surprise the food was not bad. Their house chicken salad dressing was actually quite delicious!
I normally come here to chill with friends and catch up. We usually order coffee or tea and one of their many cakes. I like their FUDGY WUDGY CHOCOLATE CAKE! It is out of this world! They also make good margaritas here. I recommend coming here on Friday afternoon after work. They have awesome discounts on drinks! I prefer the shots if I can - especially if I know I am not driving!!
On a nice day - you can hangout at their outdoor seating and really enjoy the sunshine! -
Review from Lori C.
San Francisco, CA
5/10/2012
Came here on a Sunday afternoon for brunch and damn it was PACKED.
This is one of those order then sit places. So my boyfriend and I went to go order, only to find out their kitchen was so backed up they had to close the register for about 10 minutes.
No big. They have a separate bar to order drinks while you wait. I got a Sangria which was five dollars, not too shabby. No chunks of fruit, which bummed me out because that's my favorite part. Only small pieces of orange peel... nonetheless it was yummy. We also got a walnut bread because we were starving, I think that was two dollars? Yummy again.
After the time passed, we got to order. I was initially going to order a benedict, but unfortunately they were all out. So I went with the chicken apple sausage scramble with goat cheese. It was good, but just a typical scramble. There were chunks of goat cheese in only one spot of the scramble, which was weird, but fine.
My boyfriend got the Hawaiian French Toast... THIS was amazingly delicious. We added the caramelized bananas which made the dish. Best part of the meal, hands down.
Also, they only have ONE bathroom, so the line gets long, slight bummer.
Wait is typically long, so come early and get the Hawaiian french toast with the bananas during your Sunday brunch. -
Review from Lucile L.
Redondo Beach, CA
5/4/2012 1 Check-in Here
Cute little place in the Castro.
fun time good time w cousin and friends on a sunday afternoon.
A Cowboys contest singing karaoke was happening, lots of fun!
Few glasses of sangria, half BLT sandwich, half niman ranch burger with fries and a cappuccino to finish, everything was tasting good.
Service was nice and fast.
Plus we had this offer with yelp, makes everything even better!
Too bad it was windy and cold to be able to sit outside.
Will go back if im in SF again. -
Review from Ezequiel R.
San Francisco, CA
5/8/2012 1 Check-in Here
What a lovey patio you have! Too bad it's so popular we have to sit inside :(
O well on with the food! Got the chicken sandwich and it came out in a timely manner. When it got on to the table I noticed it looked like something that just. And out of Denny's. I proceeded with caution. The chicken burger was actually great! Tastey, satisfying. The fries were OK.
What I was truly impressed with was the lemonade that the bartender made. It was just what I needed for the hot day!
Reason why I give it 3 stars? 2 things.
1: the empty tables were not being manned and there were dirty dishes everywhere. Completely unsanitary.
2: the cashier was rude and gave attitude and seemed like he was having a really bad day. I guess it was just too hot for him :/ I'm sure it will get better though :P -
Review from Brian W.
5/2/2012 1 Check-in Here
King's Hawaiian bread French toast, BLT's, corn bread eggs benedict, and a big breakfast platter with toast, delicious hash browns, eggs, bacon, and chicken apple sausage? Fresh OJ too.
Beautiful outdoor sidewalk seating and a charming A-frame for the main building. Set on a triangle shaped corner lot, and on a lovely, sunny spring morning... How could you ask for more?
Well... Prices are pretty good, but the sausage was pretty bland, and they've got a damned lot of competition. Worth a return visit, but only if it's not too busy, because it's not worth waiting in line more than a few minutes. And I can imagine on a typical cool, foggy morning, it's not nearly as pleasant. -
Review from Anne D.
San Francisco, CA
5/21/2012 1 Check-in Here
Good place for people watching and drinks. Food is forgettable but maybe that was due to the drinks. ;-)
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Review from R M.
San Francisco, CA
5/21/2012
Make your own history at this famous cafe. Since 1973 this cafe on the corner has been a part of the community. The menu has been updated, serving creative & delicious food. For a great Cafe Flore experience go on a Wed afternoon during The Farmer's Market which goes from 4-8, pick a seat outside if you can find one, order a pitcher of sangria, bloody Mary's, mimosa's, or whatever your poison and have a great people-watching experience. Then load up at The Farmer's Market before heading home.
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Review from Kate S.
San Francisco, CA
4/19/2012
SKIP IT!
It is such a sad commentary on the Castro....build a business with ethic and pride, poor your heart and soul into it and then sell it after 20 years and watch children take it over and turn it into a spectacle. How sad the prior owners must be...
However, im sure they are not as sad as those of us that live around the corner and have had to watch this pathetic assault on such a fabulous place.
THE FOOD IS CRAP. Organic standards area almost all gone and the chicken is got to be the lowest grade possibly delivered into SF.
The decor is like a drag queen who reversed herself into a an acid infused trip and then woke up at Burning Man and thought that was life.
The wait staff have no idea about really anything....
I am often disgusted just by walking by but then when I see a nicely dressed, classy tourist who obviously is readying from an outdated guide book..well then I feel super sad.
Change is hard but with things like this, it feels intolerable. -
Review from Ty T.
4/9/2012
I enjoyed a very tender Steak with a savory Lemon Drop for dinner here this past weekend. It also seemed like a very hefty piece of meat, I would say it was about in the ~8oz range. I was surprised I was able to get through the entire thing, guess I was really hungry. The Frites came out piping hot and were crisp on the outside, and fluffy within.
I liked the non-aggressive feel of the space inside, even though it was a bit industrial with the exposed rafters. But didn't impede any of the conversation between my friend and I as everything within earshot was very much audible even though there was a lot going on around us. I can't wait to come back and try Brunch here.Listed in: Places That Make Me WHET
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Review from Krista R.
San Francisco, CA
5/16/2012 1 Check-in Here
I came here for a Sunday fun day and then lunch a few weeks later. There food is AMAZING! I had the Eggs Benedict with steak fries. This was soooooooooo good. I saw they used corn bread instead of an English muffin but it can be sub to an English muffin. DEF go with the corn bread it gives it such good flavor. I love this meal so much I went to the grocery store and made this myself a few days later. A few bummers was the portion was pretty small but still AMAZING! And you have to stand in line to order food, and then stand in another line to order drinks. But Its a cute place, outside seating for those random sunny days we get here in SF. Its a great little spot on the corner in the castro where you can people watch for entertainment. LOVE THIS PLACE!!!!
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Review from Thomas D.
San Francisco, CA
4/18/2012
The biggest draw is their location. On a nice, sunny afternoon it's a good place to hang out with a friend and a cup of coffee.
Don't care for the 2 separate lines for ordering. If you are from out of town, then this could be a bit confusing.
Don't care for the hit or miss service especially from the coffee maker.
The vibe feels cruisy at times --in a yucky way. -
Review from Michelle W.
San Jose, CA
4/12/2012 1 Check-in Here
Love their drink specials that they have each day of the week!
Their chicken soup was delicious, lots of chicken peices and the crostini was tasty too. The breakfast sandwich was to die for! Yummmyyy bacon!
Their cosmos are super strong - watch out!!! -
Review from Anh L.
Santa Ana, CA
4/9/2012
CRAB CAKE BENEDICT. yummylicious.
one of the most fulfilling american style breakfasts i've had. LOVE LOVE LOVE! -
Review from Fra'tan L.
San Francisco, CA
3/11/2012 2 Check-ins Here
I hadn't been here in at least five years, until two friends and I decided to come here to talk about a presentation we were working on.
The day was gorgeous, so that is probably worth about one star, but, honestly, we had such a nice time here. The staff is so laid back, they have a beautiful space and they aren't afraid to pull down their pants and show you what they got. Metaphorically, of course.
I had the regular breakfast, or standard breakfast, or that thing on the menu. Two eggs, home fries, toast, sausage, and a side of hunky. We were in the Castro, after all.
I'll be back soon to chill in their outside space, making googly eyes at that cute waiter with the curly hair. Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr. -
Review from Shelley M.
San Francisco, CA
5/9/2012 1 Check-in Here
One of my fave eateries in the city as well as the Castro. Sidewalk,outdoor, and inside dining all great! Comfortable seating all around. Beautiful on a sunny day! Full bar,pastries,and a delicious kitchen towards the back. Nice sized plates, great happy hour specials, live music. What's not to love?
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Review from Will S.
San Francisco, CA
5/12/2012
Made the mistake of coming here on a Saturday. Still sitting here waiting for my salad. Been over 40 minutes. Just asked the woman at the cashier desk what was going on, she was bitchy. Remind me not to come here again.
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Review from Conrad G.
Updated - 2/29/2012
What did we order?
1 Steak Cut Garlic Fries
4 Cosmopolitans
How was the taste on a scale from 1 through 5?
4
How was the service on a scale from 1 through 5?
5
Did we feel it was worth the price?
Yes
Will we visit Cafe Flore in the Future?
Yes1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/9/2011
What did we order?
1 Mac-n-cheese
1 Steak Fries
How was the taste on a scale from 1 through 5?
4
How was… Read more »
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Review from Todd A.
San Jose, CA
3/30/2012
I sure wish they had a 3.5 star option. My wife claims her food was a 3, but she said mine was worthy of 4, but I'm writing the review!!
Walking around Castro, we stumbled across this place for lunch. We passed several restaurants along the way, but it looked busy, full of locals, so you can't really go wrong.
Not a full service place, if that's important to you. You can enter on the bar side, or the front entrance. Bar looked like a lot of fun however didn't have anything to "drink." We worked our way to the menus, made our selection and checked out at the cashier who gave us our order number stand to place on our table. They offer generous indoor and outdoor seating options.
Food took a little while to arrive, but not to the point where I was giving people the eye.
She had the chicken apple sausage scramble, I had the California burger. Food was fresh, tasty, and certainly above average. I wish the food was served a little warmer. Except for being continually accosted by pidgins, it was a fine place. Would I return, sure, if I was nearby, but may not go out of my way.
Service staff / food delivery people seemed very professional and cordial and seemed to care about us :) -I like that. -
Review from Mike B.
What a great place! We went there this past weekend for the first time. I am from the East Coast and always enjoy San Francisco! Now, I have a new place to come and enjoy the city!
First... what a great Bloody Mary that Pink Feather made for us! Not only was it a great drink... he was a fantastic bartender! We really enjoyed talking with him while we waited for the drinks.
The food and atmosphere were great! Very nice Brunch place! -
Review from Gokul R.
San Francisco, CA
3/7/2012
The only reason I frequent this place is because of the location and outdoor seating and I live a block away.
Cons
Way Overpriced food & drinks and they keep increasing prices. Food isnt good either.
Mac & Cheese - $8 for a small bowl.. seriously? and it tasted gross.
(Memphis minnie BBQ has delicious mac & cheese for cheaper price)
Glass of house wine - $10.. wtf? even a nice restaurant like Chow charges less.
You have to order in 2 lines, one for the food and one for the drinks and dont forget to tip at both stations.
Staff friendliness is hit or miss.Comment from Jon P. of Cafe Flore 3/10/2012
Thanks for making me - the owner of the business - aware of… More » -
Review from Tintin and Snowy x.
San Francisco, CA
2/15/2012
This use to be one of my fav hang-outs with Wi-Fi, affordable good food etc. However, I probably will not return after being asked by the owner (big guy that roams around) to leave on a Sunday morning after we had our brunch because he was antsy to make more $$ off the next customers. I get that the faster the turn-around the better the bottom line, but to ask loyal customers to leave!!! Insulting! Bad business! Not cool!
Oh, and they stopped the Wi-Fi some time ago to deter 'sitters' for the same reason.Comment from Jon P. of Cafe Flore 3/5/2012
Dear Customer, Since you indicated through Yelp that you did… More » -
Review from Michelle V.
San Francisco, CA
4/29/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Mmm... Love the Blood Orange mimosas! I can come here anytime of the day or night and have a great time. The food is pretty good, and I'm in love with the mac and cheese and the steak salad. It has a nice corner location, that is easy to get to. I heard that it was "San Francisco's best place to have a first date" for a couple years already-so take advantage of that too! Love Cafe Flore. Totally recommend it.
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Review from Sera P.
2/3/2012 1 Check-in Here
"Girrrrrrrrrrrrl, we see you!"
Can EVERY hungover Sunday mornings be as delightful as in the Castro?
We were having a blood orange mimosa party with the entire outdoor patio! Everyone was chattering about their wild Saturday night. My girlfriend and I thrived in the festivities, marveling at the energy of these flamboyant fashionistas.
My Salmon Benedict and roasted garlic potatoes were CRAZY good. I stuffed my face in bewilderment, wondering why EVERY Eggs Benedict isn't topped on cornbread like at Flore. Oh, they KNOW flavor. My friend's frittata was delicious as well, filled with juicy fresh veggies!
Round 2, at The Lookout across the street.
You know you want to. -
Review from Jenny M.
2/13/2012 1 Check-in Here
I don't know how the usual Friday night here is, but we came here after my birthday dinner and entertainment was quiteeee interesting I might say, if you know what I mean ^.~
Drinks were pretty cheap and delicious. 1 pitcher of Mimosa and Sangria were under $20 each. I love heated outdoor patio areas too, so that is a plus! Only bad thing...parking sucks! -
Review from Amy J.
1/30/2012 1 Check-in Here
This place reminds me of an actual cafe in Paris. It is a little different though because you order right up at the register and then they bring you your food. I scored a Yelp deal for checking in so my BLT was half off. The cashier had never seen any of these deals before though but he honored it anyway.
The fryer wasn't working so I didn't get fries but that's OK. I preferred the salad anyway. They also have a full bar which got a ton of people. There is a lot of indoor and outdoor seating.
Something fell from the ceiling on a woman sitting not too far from us but the staff were very helpful to make sure she was OK.
This is yet another good brunch spot. They serve brunch til 4pm I think? Check the website for the menu so you'll be prepared when you order.
The bathroom is small - it reminded me of an airplane bathroom with a little more space. -
Review from kari and shanta j.
San Francisco, CA
3/13/2012
What did the little fan say to the big one?
One of my favorite haunts and I have no super clear explanation to give. Friday nite was 2 for 1 $7 martinis, that's worth writing to yelp home about. I've done brunch with friends and tourists visiting the city more times than I can count. It's a bit of the sun, the gay, and the vibe here that confirms the magic of this fine city of ours. -
Review from christy c.
North Bergen, NJ
4/5/2012 1 Check-in Here
I love Cafe Flore- probably because the food is really yummy, the coffee is great but most for the location: right on the corner in the Castro. Cafe Flore *is* the SF overcast cafe. When I think coffee in the Castro, I think Cafe Flore.
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Review from Tiffany C.
San Francisco, CA
2/8/2012 1 Check-in Here
Came here for drinks after dinner on a Friday night. Its a very entertaining place. I am not sure if it is like that every Friday, but the Friday that I went had performer. I believe it was a birthday party.
Drinks in general are pretty cheap. 1 pitcher of sangria and 1 pitcher of mimosa was under $40.
I would come here again if they parking did not suck. =/ -
Review from Rachael B.
San Francisco, CA
2/8/2012
Yummmssss!
Great crab cakes.. yummy veggie burgers..
wonderful fresh squeezed o.j in their mimosas!!
great spot for brunch or just a spur of the moment dinner spot!
everyone is super friendly and Zack, the bartender at night is super-sweet and helpful!!
Only draw-back:
The bathroom is kinda weird .. like an updated airplane bathroom. : / -
Review from Clare L.
San Jose, CA
3/16/2012
I came here for breakfast one day after me and my friend ran a 5k marathon and I have to say that I was disappointed.
I got a classic breakfast with my eggs sunny side up and it was way to mushy... The whites were not fully cooked and the potatoes tasted like microwaved potatoes.. The only thing that was good was the toasted bread :) -
Review from Thomas V.
Manhattan, NY
4/3/2012
Food is pretty good (at least the grilled chicken house salad ). Not a fan of the "order at the register and we'll bring it to you". If you're going to bring it out anyway would it hurt to have someone take the order at the table in the first place especially since ordering means you have to stand in the way of workers shuffling back and forth to the kitchen?? Oh yea- if you want a drink you have to get that separately at the bar?? Not a particularly convenient restaurant. The server was nice and the seating area inside and outside is nice though which saves it from only getting 3 stars. Barely.
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Review from Slavisa M.
St Paul, MN
3/16/2012
Wow. This place is amazing. It's got a good Mediterranean feel to it, with beautiful windows and outside sitting area. The bar itself is very pretty too (if you like lots of bottles) and have great drinks. Their daily happy hour deals are great!! I had three cocktails there for $15 only and they were pretty strong. The barista is a cool gay dude, with great accessories (earrings, rings, necklaces, etc), which situates the whole cafe within the Castro vibe. Very nice servers and just overall, it was a good place to go to.
I let the barista decide on my drinks, and his choices were spot on. I didn't have any of the food, though. Overall, a very cool place. I wish it had been warmer so I could have been outside in the patio, but alas... Still, great place to visit for a drink or two (or 5?). -
Review from Richard M.
New York, NY
4/21/2012
Stopped here for a drink on a beautiful day since they have lots of outdoor seating. We ordered a carafe of margarita and found it had literally NO alcohol in it! For $18, I would expect a lot more than a virgin margarita. We also got the distinct feeling that we weren't as welcome since we didn't fit into the 'scene' there. Would not go back.
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Review from Bryson L.
1/8/2012
Very busy place, went in the early afternoon, and the place was pretty packed. Didn't have much trouble finding a seat. Overall the service was pretty good, nothing to complain about.
Now for the food, had the grilled chicken breast sandwich. The sandwich was pretty big, large chicken breast with a sizable portion of steak fries on the side. Very tasty sandwich, a bit on the dry side, but the pesto and foccasia style bread was a great combination for a chicken sandwich. Fries were good as well, fresh and crispy. Their brunch menu looked good, wouldn't mind checking out this place again in the future. Also a friend had a flank steak salad, looked pretty good as well, good presentation on the salad, and the other dishes in general too. -
Review from Will A.
San Francisco, CA
1/17/2012
I went here with a 50% off Scoutmob deal, and even then I didn't think it was worth what I paid.
I got the flore benedict and was fairly unimpressed. I'll admit the garlic potatoes were decent enough, but I was very disappointed with the rest of it. The cornbread, mushroom ragout, tomatoes, and hollandaise all sort of turned to mush, leading to a very unappetizing meal.
My iced coffee wasn't bad either, but overall I'd avoid returning. The outside patio is nice, but not worth the lack of quality in food, in my opinion. -
Review from Sofia R.
I stopped by here with a friend because he planned to study there.
With my previous study experience there in mind, I charged my laptop fully before getting there. What I didn't know was that they turn off their wifi on the weekends. This was a bummer but I didn't really need the internet to study anyway.
I was still full from dinner so I opted to buy a drink. I bought a green tea cheesecake instead. It sounded really good and it was the first thing I saw in the dessert case I sat next to.
The cheesecake was not as good as I was anticipating. It was hard....as in it was too cold to stick my fork in. It thawed out more as I let it sit but I don't like to wait. There also wasn't as much of a matcha flavor as I was expecting. It tasted like regular cheesecake. I was very disappointed!
Maybe their other desserts are better but I didn't like this one.2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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11/23/2011
I stopped by here with some friends hoping to get dinner and study for a bit.
I've seen people go to… Read more »
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Review from James L.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 4/7/2012
Congratulations to Cafe Flore for winning the Bay Guardian's annual The Best of the Gays!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/9/2008
I had dinner with a friend last night, Monday. The music was interesting and not intrusive, one… Read more »
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Review from vicki l.
San Francisco, CA
5/7/2012
Great for people watching; don't miss the $4 sangria deal on Sunday.
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Review from Joe G.
San Francisco, CA
2/26/2012
How Rude!
We have been regular customers at Cafe Flore for years. One of our favorite hang outs. My friends and I have probably spent thousands there on booze, food, coffee, etc.
We were there today, having coffee and pie and out of nowhere one of the employees (not sure if it was the owner or chef) came up to us and asked us to leave because he felt we had been there too long and wanted to turn the table. He didn't even ask nicely.
Know your customers and your business model! Are you a full-on, sit-down restaurant or a cafe where folks can enjoy a cup of coffee and read the newspaper?
Anyway, in the span of 1 minute, they alienated some of their best paying customers and for sure we will not be back . . .
