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Cafe Gratitude
Categories: Restaurants Vegan Restaurants Live/Raw Food Restaurants Gluten-Free Vegan, Live/Raw Food, Gluten-Free [Edit]
2400 Harrison St(between 20th St & 21st St)
San Francisco, CA 94110
Neighborhood: Mission
(415) 824-4652
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 10 am - 10 pm
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Hipster, Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
- Dogs Allowed:
- Yes
Princess Buttercup C. said: "Firehouse Pizzeria, don't you guys change a damned thing. I love you just the way you are. Finally. Great pizza not only for the neighborhood but for SF in general." read more »
879 reviews for Cafe Gratitude
Review Highlights
"mind you, i don't normally care for Key lime pie."
(in 36 reviews)
"YO SOY MUCHO - Mexican Bowl -- A delicious go-to meal."
(in 12 reviews)
"I think it was $9.50 for the nut milk ice cream bar."
(in 7 reviews)
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879 reviews in English
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Review from Lynn M.
Washington, DC
2/8/2012 1 Check-in Here
People who are quick to dismiss & mock the hippie stuff: why? What harm comes from taking seriously that we should love each other like brothers? And develop our planet so that it can sustain future generations? Life is more fun if you embrace the hippie inside. Likewise, Cafe Gratitude is best enjoyed with a positive spirit, although the strictly vegan (and very extensive) menu is ripe for cynicism. Yes, it's a little weird that everything on the menu is in affirmations. No, it's not normal that they give a dish to patrons who cannot afford a meal. But just because something is odd doesn't mean that it isn't right. And while everything wasn't perfect, most of it was really good. The communal tables are fun--especially since the menu is so large, it's nice to able to see what other people order, and how they enjoy it.
My two cents:
I am sassy.
(Champagne margarita with mint leaves = amazing!!!)
I am extraordinary.
(Vegan BLT with avocado and chipolte aioli, made with coconut facon!!)
I am bliss.
(vegan chocolate hazelnut mouse = a little short of bliss. I don't think that I care much for vegan chocolate. The coconut mouse was much much better, but I don't remember the name.) -
Review from Andrea B.
2/3/2012 2 Check-ins Here
I'm slowly growing to accept that I am a food hippie. Secretly, I do care if something is local. I love sprouts and the taste of veggies in my juices and smoothies. I used to think I would rather trade my firstborn child for my dairy and gluten vices. Alas, I am happy now to live (mostly) with neither.
With that said, I can't help but to really like Cafe Gratitude. I think their mission is noble, and I feel really good when I eat their food. Actually, I think the star of this establishment is their smoothies. Holy mother of God, try "I am Cool" - their dairy-less freak of a delicious creamy decadent smoothie with raw cacao and fresh mint and voodoo. My meatasaurus fiance even admitted it was damn good. All of the smoothies are awesome. The juice combos are OK, not a Juicey Lucy creation, but classic and nourishing.
I am partial to their Latin-inspired entrees - I usually get the tacos. Their guac is yummy. I've tried 3-4 other dishes, and they are all good, though it takes time to get used to the textures. I prefer brown rice and quinoa mixed.
I have heard only great things about their desserts, but I've never tried them. I heard they make vegan wedding cakes, but I'm afraid my family would vote me out if I ever did that.
The service is sweet, and it's nice having carafes of room temp water to guzzle during your meal. I don't really mind the questions or having to order dishes as they are written- it's really not awkward, and you can be as unenthusiastic as you like. I think it's sweet that when the staff communicates with one another, they use it as opportunities to tell each other they are beautiful, empowered, kind, etc etc.
My 4 stars is due to...price. It's pretty pricey, and I usually base my stars on Quality : Price. I have lunch here when I want to treat myself and nurture my inner budding hippie. -
Review from Berna T.
1/30/2012 1 Check-in Here
I know that this place has a weird cultish reputation, and yes, it makes me uncomfortable when they try to ask you the "Question of the Day", but I like their food a lot.
The Live Nachos were life changing for me...then they took them off the menu! Regardless, I bought the CG book to learn how to make more of these goodies myself (soak, puree, season). Their house-made kombucha is excellent, and if I could afford to eat here more often, I'd pretty much choose this for lunch almost every single day!
CG is supposed to be closing within the next couple of months, so I'm going to try and get my raw on until I can't anymore! -
Review from Sarah M.
San Francisco, CA
1/25/2012
I am grateful I never have to eat here again.
So is my colon.
Sorry, folks, but the food was mostly bland and, if not bland, the texture was uncomfortable and the flavors... not appealing.
That all being said, I really was intrigued by the place and wish I had better things to say. The woman next to us, of course, LOVED it and raved for about 5 minutes on how it changed her life and how she was so much healthier because of it (yeah, well whatever helps you sleep at night). -
Review from Yanny S.
San Francisco, CA
1/13/2012
I am happy, I am warm-hearted and I am cherished.
Oh how I rolled my eyes the first time I saw their menu. But I do get a warm feeling when I tell people what I ate: "I am happy, I am warm-hearted and I am cherished." Darn it, I think my inner hippie is peeking through (btw, I know an amazing vegan walnut rice loaf recipe if you'd like it).
Eat here with an open mind. If you go expecting to not to like it, you probably won't. If you go expecting to have your mind blown, you probably won't like it either. I won't bother describing exactly what I ate because the menu may change when you do eat here. I was somewhat frustrated that the delicious pictures and descriptions in other people's reviews were not on the menu. But this is a sign of how fresh and seasonal Cafe Gratitude is.
Eat here with an open wallet too, maybe. For dinner, my friend and I only spent $30 total which isn't bad for SF. However, we ordered what a person usually orders alone: appetizer, entree and dessert. I must also admit that nothing really jumped out to me on the menu. It's a bunch of veggies on grains which I eat a lot of at home. But sometimes, it's nice to have someone hand you a dessert and say "You are cherished." -
Review from David G.
San Francisco, CA
1/21/2012
It took me years to really understand, value and appreciate Cafe Gratitude for what it is. To me it is now a place to unwind, feel at ease, enjoy exceptional food, and improve my outlook on nutrition, health, and life in general.
At first the affirmations drove me a little bonkers, but i developed a sense of humor, and, yes, gratitude, when told that I'm "enlightened" or "fulfilled". Of course it's a bit sad that i'm catching on to this way of eating, or at least including this approach to eating, just as stores are closing due to legal problems.
Really encourage trying a few recipes from the Cafe Gratitude cookbook, or Piece of My Heart, A Collection of Vegan Recipes and Cooking techniques, by one of the chefs, Mielle Chenier Cowan Rose. You can can get these books at the restaurant or elsewhere.
Recently, my Sweetie made the raw carrot soup from the cookbook, and took it to a potluck hosted by a chef - the chef, not at all a raw foodist or food faddist, complimented that item, it seemed, the most of the several great dishes brought by all the guests.
Really hope that Grat transitions and in some way survives. In the meantime, highly grateful for how it's helped me savor fresh food, raw food, all food, balanced textures and tastes, amazingly fresh salads, veggies juices, and imaginative dishes, as part of my overall health awareness and restaurant going experience. -
Review from Cassandra E.
San Mateo, CA
1/29/2012 3 Check-ins Here
If you've read any of my other reviews at all, you would know that I am a big fan of all the Cafe Gratitude restaurants-- This particular location is certainly included. There are fantastic raw vegan dishes available, similar to the other locations. There are also delicious cooked items like their soup and tamales.. and so on. One sad thing about this particular Cafe Gratitude is--it's up for sale. As soon as there is a buyer, the countdown to shut the doors for good, will come shortly after (according to our waitress tonight). :-(
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Review from linda b.
San Francisco, CA
1/16/2012
I love the food...... it's hard finding fare as conscientiously prepared as theirs!
While I'm not into the "I am grateful" culture that they promote I dont have a problem. I AM grateful that they are there... and hope they don't close! -
Review from Russell H.
Pacifica, CA
12/22/2011
I'm grateful they've gone out of business!
Goofy place where the dishes all had these cooky affirmations as names (and the wait staff made you say them, then repeated them back to you). Like, "I'd like the My Boobs Are Precious," "...My Vulva Embraces World Peace," and "...Gaia Is Watching You, You Hedonistic Bastard." O, the times we live in! "Yes, your boobs ARE precious!"
I ate here only once (went out with a group of former co-workers, one of whom who was vegan and allergic to everything under [and including] the sun), and while the food was okay--it took two hours for them to prepare it. TWO HOURS... FOR RAW FOOD! There's no cooking involved. How could it take so long?
At one point the conversation died and we felt pressured to read the "conversation starter" cards they have on each table. Question: What objects do you currently have in your life that you truly don't appreciate, and why?" My answer: Mismatching throw pillows--they cause me nightmares.
The best thing on the menu were the desserts. They made soy and cashew surprisingly delicious.
But they're gone now. And I can say I'm truly feeling honored about that! -
Review from Gabby R.
Richmond, CA
12/12/2011
I visit a restaurant for the food. I don't want to be preached at. I visited this location to appease my partner--who RAVES about the grain bowls. I'm game for trying anything once--usually so I can shut someone up about their claims.
I really wanted to be surprised about this place, but I wasn't. I felt like I had been transplanted onto Telegraph Ave. in Berkeley with the number of wanna-be enlightened patrons dining near me. I guess I find it really silly to see Caucasian kids with dreads and wearing a bunch of scarves, etc. trying to act like they are so spiritual. You and I know that mommy and daddy are footing the bill to their "enlightened lives" and that's why they can afford to dine at a place like this. But I digress...
The first thing that floored me about this place was THE PRICE! If you're not going to have any meat in your dishes, then your price should adjust accordingly. Do they go out and talk to the plants as they are growing in the field? Why on earth does a bowl of cereal and kale cost close to $12? I can get a great burger at any other restaurant in the area for that amount or less...Cereal/grain is cereal. I ended up ordering their version of a BLT. I knew it wouldn't taste like one, but I wanted to have a sandwich like item. It didn't taste anything like a BLT, but more like cheese and some other stuff in between two slices of bread. Was it good? It was merely ok. I didn't think it was worthy of purchasing another time.
Everything about this place says RIP OFF to me. They obviously have their servers brain-washed into their philosophy and their patrons seem well on their way as well. Anyone who regularly pays those kinds of prices for grains products is just stupid to me. I guess you vegan folks don't have a lot of choices. I really feel sorry for you--but that's another story. More meat and leather for me.
The server asked me if I wanted to hear the question of the day. I said NO and the look on her face was priceless. The question of the day to me is: Why would you return here? Save your money and find another place that has vegan entrees that doesn't preach to you while you're dining. -
Review from Lynne H.
1/27/2012
My experience at this amazing vegan restaurant wow'd me! Everything comes fresh from their farms, inspired on Maui. Menu items are called, I am Fulfilled, I am Extraordinary. Then when they serve you, they say' Your are Fulfilled, or you are Extraordinary. You have to go and experience it.
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Review from Elgian H.
San Mateo, CA
12/3/2011
We just recently fell in love with this place and are deeply saddened by it's planned closures. Apparently, Gracias Madre is also going to close. :(
They aren't perfect, there's no question about that. None of us are. In truth, they are a little heavy-handed with their philosophies and idealism but I don't think they deserve to be put out of business by a few former employee lawsuits. Their beliefs are a part of what makes them great too. They may deserve to be sued and need to change some policies, to find a better balance but they're certainly worth giving another chance. Their overall contribution and vision brings so much to the table...
Having said that, I'm a huge fan of the tamales, the BLT and the sea vegetable bowl. -
Review from Rae R.
San Diego, CA
12/18/2011
This place is pretty interesting. The food is quite surprisingly good, given that it is an only Raw Food Restaurant.....
While I'm waiting for my food to finish being prepared, I see a deck of cards on the table near me. I open the box and start reading these awesome positive encouraging words, so inviting, it puts a smile to my face and my mood is automatically lifted :)
I luv their "I am cool" smoothie! *A must have!!!!! yummmmmmmmm!
Be ready though to spend a lot because a good complete meal: entree, smoothie, and deserts yummmmm! -
Review from Seth V.
San Francisco, CA
2/3/2012
It's a front for a cult. Don't support it and definitely don't work there.
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Review from Nik G.
San Francisco, CA
12/8/2011
Good food at not-bad prices. Definitely not cheap enough for me to eat regularly here, but sometimes I wish it were! I prefer the lightly-cooked dishes to the all-raw stuff--the raw stuff sometimes sits heavy in my stomach for a while--but it's all tasty. And their desserts are out of this world.
This place has a lot of new age atmosphere and attitude, so if that sort of thing gives you hives, you probably want to stay away. :-) -
Review from Mari M.
11/22/2011
I Love Cafe Gratitude. I've gone to the Oakland location and this one.
I just love that I can feel good after eating knowing it came from their organic farm. And the restaurant has a very calm loving atmosphere (I feel)
I love the I am Cool ( mint chocolate chip milkshake), it has mint, cacao nibs, almond milk and coconut ice cream. Delicious!
I'm not a huge fan of the Thai Coconut Curry Soup but it's amazing how much flavor is packed into it. You would never believe it's vegan!
The salads are great too I am Fulfilled is my favorite. For the cooked plates I like I am Whole, you can have a mix of brown rice and quinoa.
The crackers / bread here are all amazingly delicious with spices and packed with flavor. I'd never have to eat real bread again. -
Review from Sonja R.
11/22/2011
If nothing else good came out of my lunch at Cafe Gratitude, my self esteem came out good. My transforming tacos were absolutely delicious. I am not a vegan. I am not a vegetarian, but i wish I could open a cafe gratitude in St. Paul where I'm from because the food shouldn't be only available in San Fran. It was delicious. I also had a I am luscious shake...which was similar to a chocolate shake but so much healthier and unique.
As far as tips on the experience...you have no need to try a wheat grass shot...not good. If you can sit by the bar, I would. we were offered many free samples of the different drinks going out to other customers.
It was so good. -
Review from Anne-Marie R.
Oakland, CA
11/19/2011
Just a tip: If you called it "salad on a cracker" I'd have not been disappointed. But when you call that "pizza," um..... disappointment ensues.
Plus the whole "I am blah blah blah" seriously made me laugh. Only in America. -
Review from Cristina G.
Tucson, AZ
1/12/2012
Woo Hoo! Cafe Gratitude is still open!!! For now, at least. Get it while you can!
I love the atmosphere of the place. Whatever your feelings about the philosophy behind it, you get served amazing food that is home grown, home made, 100% organic, vegan, almost all gluten free, and loved.... what more can you ask for?
I usually jump for the I am Fortified with seasonal vegetables, rice and quinoa, and Thai Almond sauce. YUM! I love that even when I can't afford to get a pricey meal (being all organic the tab does tend to add up, especially with drinks... ahem I AM COOL! mmmm) I can always get a Grateful Bowl, their donation based bowl - organic brown rice, beans, and kale - at any cost, although the suggested donation is $7. All the reviewers complaining about how pricey Gratitude is should try it, or at least feel good that the prices of other menu items help pay for a program of making organic food accessible to everyone. That's something to be grateful for. -
Review from Terry B.
San Jose, CA
1/9/2012
I was actually blown away by how decent the food was at this location.. I didn't expect much of it, but was pleasantly suprised. This was my first trip to a vegan resturant and it will likely not by my last now =] I'm sorry to see the place is closing by the way, the waitresses seemed quite helpful and really into their jobs.. They also kept asking random questions like "what makes you happy in life" and so on.
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Review from Mischa C.
Berkeley, CA
11/6/2011
When i first came to Berkeley, i was excited that there were so many Cafe Gratitudes around. i figured, if they were this sucessful in order to have a freakin chain of raw food restaurants (hey, raw food is pretty niche; opposite of mainstream), they've gotta be doin something right.
uhh... not quite.
this place is just not doing it for me anymore... their entrees are so overly-salted i'm dying for a juicy fresh salad after i leave. im speaking about the coconut live curry (felt like they unloaded a cup of tamari sauce in here!) and the tamale (ugh, hard as rock crust and saltier than any fast food junk i've ever eaten). hello, i thought the point was FRESH, LIVE, UNPROCESSED food?!
the only thing i truly enjoy here are the desserts. they're overly sweet at times, but i'm always amazed at their glorious raw cheesecakes. even though they cost an arm and a leg, when they only give you a sliver the size of my finger.
the lemon poppy-seed cake left me in withdrawal for days.. DIVINE
To sum up
Pros- dessert, as miniscule as it is.
Cons- overpriced for such excessively salted/sweetened bird-size portions. the sugary sweet conversations leave me feeling a bit drained and artificial- seriously, you don't have to exude that high-off love feeling all the time. i get it. you're happy. i'm not increasing your tip ten-fold for 30 minutes of inattention and the bugs-bunny smile once you finally come round my table.
i'm pining for the LA raw food restaurants back home. I don't care if Juliano is an arrogant prickish Queen- hell, he knows how to do Raw Food right! -
Review from Chiharu S.
San Francisco, CA
1/10/2012
I ate Today's Special that bowl of "French Lentil Soup" it's delicious! It was my first time visiting this restaurant and I would definitely go back!
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Review from Lynn m.
San Francisco, CA
10/15/2011
I have really tried to like Cafe Gratitude, but their meals always leave me needing a real meal afterwards (& I've been vegetarian for 20+ years). I do like their key lime pie though.
Their suggested topic of discussion & the names of their meals "I am abundant" etc. feel condescending. They are trying way too hard. That said I know a ton of people who love it there -- i just don't know why.
The prices are also extremely expensive, especially considering I need to eat again right afterwards.
Much better is their vegan Mexican cafe, Gracias Madre -- I went in expecting typical Cafe Gratitude fare/ambiance but was more than pleasantly surprised. -
Review from Jasmine F.
Bayview/Hunters Point, San Francisco, CA
11/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
I was actually disappointed with almost everything i had. the tamale was a little dry and very hard, the guacamole was a tiny portion and cost about $5 and didn't come with chips or tortillas, so i ordered tortillas, which were also kind of hard, but the meal was satisfying. I have a feeling that i just chose the wrong items, but that other things are better.
Also, i tried the ice cream sandwich, it was not sweet and really not good. the last negative thing i will say is that the servers were waaaay too perky! they were always smiling and cheering at me, this i like on a lesser level and i think it is a little strange when they tell you that "you are grateful" or whatever it is that you ordered.
i did like the ambiance and the style of the place, the bartender server i had was very nice, and i did enjoy my meal, overall i would say i just expected it to be much better than it was, but i will give it another try. -
Review from Monica S.
11/11/2011
I'm neither vegan nor a raw foodist, but I can appreciate (nay, enthusiastically enjoy) what Cafe Gratitude does. They have some incredible avocado hookup, and anything you order with these rich green treasures is bound to please. Occasionally the daily special is a stuffed avocado, and when it is, order it. Their cashew-based "ricotta" shows up in many dishes and is also an indicator of tasty, fatty goodness.
My other favorites are:
the appetizer sampler;
the rice-quinoa bowl with avocado and toasted nori;
the curried coconut soup;
and the incredible vegan raw tiramisu.
I can only eat so much of the dehydrated flax chips. They are tasty (especially with the dips), but I feel like they must expand in my stomach because I always feel a little funky if I don't drink enough water with them. Also, I don't feel like the food sticks with me for long - that's sort of the deal with raw food. It's hard to eat enough to feel full unless you're eating constantly. Assume you are here for a light meal or snack, and that you'll be nibbling on something else within the next couple hours.
The new agey-ness is over-the-top ridiculous. I find that amusing rather than annoying, and it adds something unique to the experience.
I am not sure how I feel about CG as an organization - I've read some critiques that make it seem cultish. But, eh, it's San Francisco, and people have a right to be a little crazy. As long as they keep selling me delicious avocado-heavy treats, I am not going to over think it. -
Review from Ashley T.
Brooklyn, NY
11/14/2011
delicious, vegan, great relaxed atmosphere, friendly wait staff
I am visiting SF for work and came to Cafe Gratitude on the recommendation of a friend of mine from Brooklyn who lived in SF for a short period. THANK YOU ABBY!
I had a bowl with cooked veggies and one of their delicious vegan milkshakes (the coffee and chocolate flavor). Absolute heaven. I may eat here for the rest of the week. You can't beat a healthy and delicious meal that leaves you satisfied but not weighed down. -
Review from Augusta H.
San Francisco, CA
1/3/2012
So I was one of the suspicious ones, after hearing all about "love" and "community", I was pretty sure this place was too out there for me. However, after my first mouth-watering lunch I was rather intrigued. Due to each employees disarmingly postive energy and genuine smile, my cult-fright vanished. The menu was (and is) admittedly hard to get through. Rice with Vegetables is not Rice with Vegetables, it is You are Fortified. And let's make sure to get that with Thai-Almond sauce. Say whatever you want about the name, that is one of the most deliciously healthy dishes I've eaten anywhere...and I am buying into the fortification bit because after eating that bowl of that organic-vegan-magic, I can do just about anything.
My husband, a conservative rational human being who was a huge skeptic, is a convert as well. He and I crave Cafe G constantly. Have I ever paid $12 for a (non-alcoholic) milkshake before? No, okay maybe in Vegas, but this is not a milk-shake. It is a heavenly nut-shake and can match any additive-laden ice-cream concoction you can come up with. The Grace and the Eternally Sweet with Almond Butter are out of this world. The juices are rejuvenating. I don't try too much off of the raw menu (even though their salads are excellent) except the desserts (the Bliss!!!)...how can something raw taste so good? The one downside is that the price can escalate quickly. Its not bad if you can practice enough self control to stick to one entree for $13 or less---you will be satisfied from just that, no doubt, but I can't help but have some soup or a smoothie or a juice or dessert to go with it. And now its $50+!
It is wise to note that you are going to be disappointed if you walk into Cafe G in a hurry. If you want your food fast, call ahead. It is all prepared to order and speed isn't exactly a priority - relaxing and enjoying your time are.
If you can just go objectively for the food and the atmosphere, you will enjoy a really special place that is sadly going to leave SF soon. I love the people that work there - I am certain they will all experience accelerated prosperity after Cafe G closes, which is the only upside to the whole situation. I'm gonna miss it! -
Review from City G.
Bridgeport, CT
1/27/2012
Wow! Awesome raw cuisine! The sushi was amazing! As were the soups, lemonade, side salad. I was so impressed!!
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Review from Ty T.
9/11/2011
I am grateful for a few things of my lunch-experience here yesterday.
1) I am grateful that someone even remembered to take our order... We arrived and waited about 15 minutes, when another couple came in and were seated next to us. Their order taken immediately.
2) I am grateful that it was our waiter's 3rd day, and not her 1st.. as she awkwardly revealed to us when she finally got around to us... as if asking for some remittance from us. Yikes!
When my order finally came, the 'I Am Extraordinary': BLT with sauteed maple coconut bacon, romaine lettuce, slice tomato, avocado, spicy chipotle, aoili on organic wheat bun and a Bison IPA. It was decent, and tasted very fresh.. but not at all filling.
4) So, I am grateful that my level of hunger wasn't teetering on the verge of physical collapse at the time. Because I am sure that given the over-all lack of urgency of this place would have felt even more immediate than it was... and before anyone would even notice a limp body strewn across the floor.
5) I am grateful that there aren't more co-ops.. You'll realize why until you've eaten at one.
6) However, I am grateful that most co-ops that do operate tend to stick to pizza and coffee.. good call. Considering that low-prep foods and an atmosphere of leisure compliment each much better than food that actually requires focus in preparing.
It felt as though we stepped into a time-warp, where everything operates without any standard concept of time. But, considering the high correlation between the every-one-is-equal enterprise, and employees here that use recreational drugs.. I probably shouldn't be too harsh with my expectations..Listed in: Never Again
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Review from Sun Kheng T.
San Francisco, CA
10/20/2011
hmm.... grain and graze came to mind as soon as I read the menu.
The menu reads like a daily affirmation. I had the "I am elated" and my dinner companion had something that was loaded with qinoa and spinach, kale, yadda yadda.
I would never step foot inside a place like this but it was my friends birthday and she loves this place. She turned vegan earlier this year after being vegetarian for 10. I had reservations for 2 at Millennium which is also vegan but she wouldn't have it because Cafe Gratitude is "her spot".
I wouldn't come back on my own accord. The food was good but I would have to knock out 2 entrees with soup, salad, and dessert. Thats nuts! This is why I'll never be a vegan. My body needs dead animal flesh. I almost believed her when she suggested that I might have a tape worm in my digestive tract. I seriously could not get full.
Dessert was interesting. Prices were higher than what you typically encounter at any restaurant. I ordered the "tiramisu". I found out they could justify the price because their desserts takes a couple days to make. Its a lot of blending, mixing, waiting, layering, waiting. Needless to say its extremely time consuming. I did ask if the tiramisu had rum. The waitress replied, "Do you mean is there a lot of love? Because its loaded with love." WOW!! Her tip just went up. For reals.
I instantly thought of Jello 1-2-3. YouTube the commercial with the little kid waiting forever for this awesome dessert. Too bad it was discontinued back in 1994. I loved that stuff. You blend the mix with water, then blend with ice, pour it in individual cups, wait 3 hours and you've got a tasty treat. 1 layer of straberry jello, 2nd later is a mouse, and 3 layer is a fragrant foam.
Listen, I know this food is suppose to be good for you but I cant help but feel unsatisfied. I was not "elated" I was starving after dinner. I couldnt get full. She thought I was a pig but my body needs dead animal flesh. We headed to El Farolito for a taco run and finished the evening at Alembic. Shes a vegan who likes bourbon. =) -
Review from Jessica B.
San Francisco, CA
9/2/2011
When I moved to San Francisco from Southern Virginia, my friends back home (who, like me, had never been to California) thought that I would be stuck in a hippy-dippy love land where everyone wears puka-shell necklaces. I've come to learn that San Francisco is definitely much more diverse than originally thought, but when I have friends visit I'm totally going to take them here first so they can have their preconceptions validated.
When you order you'll have to call your dishes by their "I am ____" name ("I am fulfilled") and get it enthusiastically parroted back to you when your food arrives ("You are fulfilled!"). However, when I finish that delicious bowl of greens, ripe avocado, beets, sprouts, teriyaki almonds, and fig-balsamic dressing, I DO feel damn fulfilled. The food here has been consistently tasty.
The "vegan, organic, loving everyone" vibe is definitely overpowering, but whether I'm laughing at it or actually secretly enjoying it, I have a great time at Cafe Gratitude and leave feeling full and healthy. -
Review from Emily D.
Cambridge, MA
9/16/2011
I'm from the east coast, but I've been to my fair share of raw food restaurants. I understand it's much more common in California, but I was still thoroughly impressed with Cafe Gratitude.
Sure, the names of the dishes are silly, but I don't really consider that legitimate criteria for evaluating a restaurant. The neighborhood is strange, but it makes the restaurant feel even more like a little oasis. It was calm and peaceful when I came in for lunch. I had the deep dish pizza (I forget it's "I am..." name) and it was rich and filling without leaving me stuffed and uncomfortable.
I had the carrot cake for dessert and I was floored. I've had (and made) plenty of raw desserts before, but this cake was exceptional. It's very difficult to create a real "cake" texture using only raw ingredients, but Cafe Gratitude has it down. It was decadent and delicious, but like all raw food, didn't leave me feeling disgusting.
This is a raw food restaurant that puts a lot care and preparation in to their food, so be prepared for the price tag. They also use a lot (or possibly all?) organic ingredients. As someone who's experienced many raw food restaurants and also made her own raw food, this place is not overpriced or expensive. This is what you expect with high-quality food that requires a tremendous amount of preparation. It may be too expensive for a weekly lunch, but it's absolutely worth checking out, especially if you want to experience great raw food. -
Review from S. M.
San Francisco, CA
11/30/2011
http://sanfrancisco.gr...
http://tinyjeanjackets...
Hahahahahaha.....
I am laughing.
I would love to see the pretentious new agey bullshit brought down in this town. They cover it up with spiritual nonsense, but underneath it's the same exploiting crap. -
Review from Mercedes D.
San Francisco, CA
9/29/2011 2 Check-ins Here
If you don't know... You need to know!
Looking up to the sky, thanking god for every bite??? That's good food. -
Review from ARSON P.
Seattle, WA
10/20/2011
So I've made it all the way to Vegan/Organic and thus far I've liked what I've seen and tasted :)
I liked the decor of this place, it was like going to a friend's house that was having a dinner party. Our server Maria was kind enough to go over the menu with us and in no way did I feel pressured to order. I usually order dessert first everywhere I go but it would probably take the duration of the meal to figure out what I wanted.
I ordered the tamale, make with masa AND squash. It was served with salsa verde, black beans and spicy Mexican coleslaw. I didn't know this until way after but what I ordered was called "I AM TRUSTING" Fun Right!
This dish was just was good as any tamale I've ever had, be it home made or Mexican restaurant made. Individually each portion on my plate tasted good, but together each individual taste was delicious and complimented each other like boiled eggs and toast. I don't eat spicy food so the slaw caught me off guard POW!
The only vegan dessert I've ever had was a chocolate chip cookie, it was that in name only. That one and only experience has kept me away from vegan desserts, but since the meal was so good I decided to test my luck with the dessert. Key Lime Pie made with avocado and an almond crust called I AM AWAKENING.
This was interesting, I kept having to tell myself that I wasn't eating sweet guacamole and crushed almonds. I couldn't finish the whole slice but I ate enough of it to say "I gave it the old college try" It wasn't bad but it was too much.
Overall it was a great experience, it is a little pricier than I expected so it's not a place that I'd be a regular. The portion sizes are just about perfect and there's plenty of street parking or you can take public transportation in.
I can't wait to come back and introduce this lifestyle to more of my friends. -
Review from Kathy B.
San Francisco, CA
10/13/2011
Since I realised they don't just do raw food anymore I've eaten here many many times in the past year or so.
They are a little on the expensive side but almost everything I've had has been delicious apart from their greens tasting bitter from time to time. My absolute favorite is their 'BLT' sandwich - I am Extraordinary. This is probably my all-time favorite sandwich, if it was a littel bigger it would be perfect. A lovely soft bun with a hint of crispiness on the outside, thick slice of avocado and tomato and some coconut that has a wonderful salty browned taste topped with a kind of chipotle aioli.
Other favorites include their vanilla milkshake and chocolate hazlenut mousse cake - As a former dairy lover, I've found that a lot of vegan dairy substitutes simply don't satisfy me, but these 2 items are Amazing. -
Review from Ivan L.
8/30/2011
Vegan? Yes.
Goofy? Yes.
Going back? I hope not but probably since I live close by and don't learn from mistakes.
Every menu item is named as is a positive self aspiration. Try the "I am radiant" or the "I am beautiful " or the "I am curious yellow". Snicker and make up your own obscene, ridiculous, revolting names.
The servers are experts at supportive dialog. They attempt to end each dialogue with a compliment Here's a fun game: compliment the waiter as they finish speaking They are then apparently compelled to compliment your compliment. Continue for as many rounds as you can.
Oh! They also serve food. I'm not a terrible fan of it. I find the raw food is often to biting and the sauces - made of nut puree and spice paste - are more intense than pleasurable.
You're a winner! -
Review from Adrian C.
Oakland, CA
11/15/2011
Wanted to like this place. A veggie place in the Mission? Aaight then. Got inside, sat down. Ended up only having a cup of water cause I couldn't get right with the menu. I realize healthy can mean jacked up prices but the lowest price on the menu was seven bucks for a cup of soup? As in the literal, 8 fluid ounces Cup. Not cool, especially considering the location. I suppose this place thinks it's doing the Mission a favor though, as there WERE a couple Mexicans in the back...
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Review from Catherine O.
San Francisco, CA
12/1/2011
I am sad that they are closing. "I Am Cool", you will be missed. I guess I'll probably head to Gracias Madre tonight to mourn the loss.
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Review from Cecilia G.
Brooklyn, NY
9/1/2011
WARNING-
This bird food is overpriced! If you want to experience the power of RAW FOOD....Prepared as we were animals, consider yourself going to a really bad restaurant such as this one. THE EXPERIENCE is a funny one, it tastes gross and you'll be charged 100$ for it, perhaps you'll end up laughing at the fact you tasted overwheming BAD FOOD. Good luck, you've been warned.
