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Cafe International
Categories: Food Coffee & Tea Restaurants Sandwiches Food Desserts Coffee & Tea, Sandwiches, Desserts [Edit]
508 Haight St(between Fillmore St & Steiner St)
San Francisco, CA 94117
Neighborhood: Lower Haight
(415) 552-7390
- Hours:
Mon 7 am - 4 pm
Tue-Sat 7 am - 10 pm
Sun 8 am - 10 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- 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, Breakfast
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
229 reviews for Cafe International
Review Highlights
"Good food, great drinks, awesome live music."
(in 17 reviews)
"Plus there's an awesome back patio for smoking and such."
(in 14 reviews)
"Ice coffee ice cubes for iced coffee makes for one bad ass..."
(in 17 reviews)
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229 reviews in English
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Review from Meowy C.
San Francisco, CA
10/22/2011
Best coffee shop in the lower haight. I get tempted to walk here even when I don't need a coffee just because they are so friendly and there is always great people around.
love the back patio, and the mural on the wall is one of the best in SF. -
Review from Kelly R.
San Francisco, CA
1/2/2012
This place annoyed me. Their Mediterranean plate was disappointing (runny hummus and dry falafel). We were mostly irritated with the vibe of the place - when we first walked in, there was loud live music (seemed like a lovely band) but this is really too small of a venue to justify loud horns while you're trying to order or sip on some coffee with a book. I literally have to squeeze by the band to use the restroom, then noticed that the door had been locked for a long time, so I asked the staff if I needed a key, and they said, "yeah, we have to unlock that for you," but then no one actually came over to unlock it for me.
The rude woman behind the counter snapped at my boyfriend "no credit cards!" when he tried to pay with plastic, even though there are no clearly visible signs on the door or at the counter that say cash only. She didn't specify whether they bring the food to you or whether you're supposed to wait for it, so after waiting for a couple minutes we decided to sit down. When it was ready, she then yelled to us, "I'm not your momma, I'm not going to bring your food!" (Umm, my momma does not bring me my food, but isn't that part of your job?)
I might have given the food a second change if the staff and been nicer and the atmosphere more accommodating, but I doubt I'll be back. -
Review from Mike B.
Los Angeles, CA
10/14/2011
It's hard to pick up on girls at a cafe like this. Half of them are lesbians and the other half are waiting for their boyfriend to finish up his acoustic set.
That's why I come for the fair trade blend with soy milk. It's delicious. -
Review from DDC C.
San Francisco, CA
1/28/2012
I dont understand the good reviews. Maybe we went there at the wrong time. The Mediterranean Plate was not too appealing. It seemed to be Hummus and stuff that was bought at Costco. The Croque Monsieur was just Safeway ham between two Safeway pieces of bread.
Also why don't they take credit cards?? Oh, its because they don't want to pay their taxes like the rest of us (no proof of income). I hate that. -
Review from Shanna T.
Haight-Ashbury, San Francisco, CA
1/20/2012
I use to like this place. I use to come in from time to time for coffee or a salad and get a few hours of work in during the day. That all changed when I stopped in to use the internet briefly and the lady came by my table to tell me; "aint nothing free honey. our rent is $7,000 a month. if you want to come in here, you should consider becoming a customer". Well... I was, until now. So unprofessional and so unnecessary, I will never support this business again. Sad.
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Review from Ashley D.
San Francisco, CA
1/28/2012
Okay guys.. I never write a review unless my experience was super amazing or extremely awful, and this place was the latter.
Let me just keep it as short as possible and say that the African American cashier/server (didn't catch her name) was terribly stuck up and clueless to the customer's needs. Besides being an awful server in general, she kicked a young girl out of the cafe for READING on the couch, just because she hadn't bought anything. (the girl had only been there for a few minutes and was clearly just waiting for someone). I understand the fact that you need to buy something in order to take up space in a cafe, but the entire seating area was EMPTY and it's not like this woman was a bum/crack head. I used to be a barista and we would NEVER kick people out for sitting as long as it wasn't busy and they weren't disturbing customers!
So let me repeat: the African American cashier/server was terrible. Who actually kicks people out for READING for a few minutes? Two hours is one thing.. but a few minutes? Wow. -
Review from Jason K.
San Francisco, CA
1/26/2012
I've been coming here for years on Sunday's to hear the band, "Miles Ahead West" and I usually have something good to say about it.....until now. 2day I decided to take my friend from out of town there to chill. Big mistake.
The younger woman behind the counter had major attitude. There was a leak in the ceiling and they were using bins to collect the water. We were trying to pass that area to get to a table until she said in a sarcastic tone, "Yall might not want to walk that way." Trust me, we weren't trying to but I managed to overlook that. We got in line for coffee and a polite customer says to the rude cashier, "Excuse me?" She replied, "I'll help you in a minute." The customers response was-"Actually I just wanted to borrow a pen for a second." Suprisingly, she hands her the pen but snaps-"Bring it back!" I was so turned off that we decideded to leave.
Five minutes later, we returned, only because my friend had to use the bathroom. He took a chance and asked her if it was ok to use it while I waited outside. Ten seconds later he came out to tell me that she rudely stated that the bathroom is for customers only. I figured that.
Whatever her name is, she needs to realize one thing-if you disrespect customers they won't come back. -
Review from ju C.
San Francisco, CA
1/11/2012 1 Check-in Here
Not sure why the 4.5 stars... I had a mocha and it's really sweet. They don't use good chocolate or milk. I was hoping I wouldn't get a cup that's like the ones you get at large chains. I was hoping for artisan cup.
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Review from Katie M.
San Francisco, CA
1/18/2012 1 Check-in Here
I have lived in SF for 5 months and this is the best place I have found. A great neighborhood atmosphere the owner and her daughter are incredible and the rest of the staff are so friendly. Their food is fresh and made to order and the coffee is delicious. I love it here and would recommend it for a yummy bagel for breakfast or a delicious sandwich for lunch.
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Review from Shaina C.
San Francisco, CA
12/6/2011
i love this cafe. it used to be right around the corner from where i live. The owner was always very friendly and the service was always great. Being a member of Yelp I always find it irritating when people use the race card to associate bad behavior at an establishment. It's very ignorant and low class. I'd give any place 5 stars if I'm reading a review when someone uses race to prove a point.
But in all honesty, this cafe has always been a great place to just relax and have a cup of tea and a bagel and also have someone with a bright smile greeting you at the door:) -
Review from Jason O.
San Francisco, CA
12/13/2011
I came here on a Sunday afternoon to grab a bite to eat and a cup of coffee before going next door to watch the game. The lady behind the counter was the sweetest lady and happened to be the owner. There menu was extensive, but being so hungry i just ordered the first thing I saw which was the pastrami sandwich and a hot chocolate. I have to admit that probably was the best hot chocolate I have ever had. The owner has definitely honed her craft. The pastrami sandwich was simple yet tasty and came with chips. The only thing that I could improve on the overall meal was ranch or some kind of dip for the chips. I am not going to dock any stars though as the chips were find without the dip and I probably could have gotten some if I had asked. I will definitely be back here soon!
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Review from kaylene C.
Campbell, CA
11/13/2011
sweetest lady ever! great coffee! ATM has a reasonable fee: $1.75 (compared to all other ATM fee's). The woman who was working asked if i wanted steamed milk in my regular coffee to go... ummm yeeees! this place is definitely a great coffee shop!
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Review from shirley k.
San Francisco, CA
11/4/2011
Love to come here and watch people walking by. The coffee is good and the music if nice. Have not had t he food here just drinks but people that were with me at times have ordered and they said nothing but good things about it. If you like to watch people and get a good cup of coffee check this place out
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Review from John S.
12/2/2011
Good casual food.
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Review from Artur R.
San Francisco, CA
11/19/2011
I guess I missed the charm of this place. The people at the counter were really nice, and the live music was great, but everything they serve is below average quality. The coffee was barely drinkable, and the cakes/snacks I were not fresh. Might be a great place to hang out, but not a good place to get work done or enjoy a cup of coffee.
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Review from Benjamin S.
San Francisco, CA
5/4/2011
So whatever homegirl is on, I want. Always in a great mood and always there. Doesn't add up. Right?
Whatever.
I'm embarrassed to say that I don't know her name which is completely my fault because I tend to suck at paying attention in general. What I can tell you is that she knows my name and she makes me feel so warm and tingly inside that I'm going to start calling her mom.
The actual place has...character. A bit dusty, but homely and has free internet. What else is needed? There is a pretty sweet patio in the back too if you're one of those " I like to sit out in the fog because I'm so connected with nature' types.
Oh, it's freaking huge and normally filled with neighborhood types, which is a good thing. Right?
The food selection is decent along with the quality and you get cool extras like a cup of fruit and m&m's on the side. (see: mom)
So as for the coffee: Trust, I love great coffee. But you all be too damn picky about it. The highlight is mos def the iced coffee with "fun-shaped" coffee ice cubes (guns, robots, etc...). That ish melts and you still have another cup! Really satisfies the jew in me.
What really warms the cockles of my heart about this place you ask? Great! Glad you did! Cafe International really positions itself as part of the community by hosting events involving music and other community pleasers that are enough to make any typical SF resident shed a slight tear of pride.
In conclusion this city is too full of stank-eyed baristas. This place has something and someone special about it. See you there in the morning. I'll be hungover. -
Review from farah b.
San Francisco, CA
4/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
The iced coffee is amazing!!!! Coffee ice cubes in the shape of a gun??? Loved it.. I got the falafel sandwich it had hummus cucumber and tomatoes in it with tahini sauce and good pita bread.
My Bf had the ham sandwich with Dutch crunch - yummy yummy sandwich
We shared the veggie soup Which had tons of flavor. The atmosphere is very mellow the owner was super nice and welcoming ;)
I would come here again -
Review from Stephen S.
San Francisco, CA
10/4/2011
Indigestible food, very bad (and very loud) music, and a hostile she-goddess behind the counter (during the day, that is). I would avoid this place like the plague. There are plenty of other wonderful cafes in the Lower Haight. Try Cafe du Soleil, Kate's Kitchen or Squat and Gobble for a relaxing and delicious meal, or just a two-hour cup of coffee. Cafe International represents all the worst in hip-chic. Try it at your own risk!
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Review from Barbra C.
San Francisco, CA
4/13/2011
From the very first time I walked in here, it was "love at first sight" for me and Cafe International--Damian Marley was playing in the background, a very warm welcome from Zahra at the counter, and of course good tasting latte! I was hooked...I can't start my work day without stopping by here! In fact, I was so sad to find out one day that they are closed on Mondays :(
And I fall in love more and more each day with this place...I love my wheat bagel with scrambled egg made by Luz, I love that I get to use my limited Español with Luz, and I love my conversations with Zahra, she even talks to me in Tagalog sometimes :)
You could probably get same or better quality coffee elsewhere but I just love the way Cafe International makes me feel...I feel so welcomed, like I'm family to them. Every morning, I look forward to coming here! -
Review from ruggy j.
11/30/2010 3 Check-ins Here
To reiterate what a lot of folks have echoed in these reviews: you seriously won't find a cooler bunch working behind a coffee counter anywhere else in San Francisco. In a land where detached judgmentalism is commonplace among the tattooed hipster kids that run most operations of similar ilk, it's a breath of fresh air to encounter folks like these. No attitude, just smiles and warm welcomes.
I wouldn't go as far as saying they feature the greatest coffee in the city, but with so much competition 'round these parts, it's really hard to achieve that status. But I'll take an average cup of Joe from some of the friendliest faces in SF than a stellar brew from some trust fund kid with faux bifocals any day. Run and tell that, homeboy. -
Review from Lisa N.
San Francisco, CA
4/13/2011
This is the place I come to when I really start to miss backpacker style travel and I feel that sense of restlessness start to creep in...The vibe here is a laid-back bohemian, come-as-you-are, neighborly kind of place. The decor, atmosphere and funky artwork remind me of a hostel I stayed at in Latin America.
Service is friendly. There is a small back patio with seating for you to enjoy a cup of joe on the days when SF actually has good weather. Inside there are plenty of tables for studying, and they have free wi-fi. It's the kind of place where you can just chill and people watch, or get some work done--and no one will bother you either way. Also, the hours are pretty decent for a mom and pop coffee joint. And in case that's not enough to sway you, they also have 5 beers on tap! -
Review from Zack K.
San Francisco, CA
5/3/2011
Excellent staff and service, friendly atmosphere, and always welcoming -- I'm here at least once a week and am so happy I found a little haven in the middle of the Haight. The food is good, although they tend to have supply problems in the evenings (no bagels, for instance), so make sure you get in early for food.
Excellent pastries/cakes and always some sort of special treat that is hiding under a glass dome. Yum! -
Review from Marc A.
10/19/2010 1 Check-in Here
All of these latte places can be hit or miss. The beans, the milk and even the cup can make a difference but in the end the thing that will turn your frown upside-down is the barista's attitude. At Cafe International the service is all smiles, even on an early Saturday morning.
Grab a cup of joe, log into the wifi and relax.
Bonus points for the patio and local artwork on the walls. Enjoy!Listed in: How You Bean? (coffee and…
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Review from Inigo M.
San Francisco, CA
9/7/2011
Homey. Tasty desserts. Very pleasant staff. Nice outdoor area in the back.
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Review from Dee Dee r.
San Francisco, CA
2/22/2011
For me Cafe International is the place I'd take a tourist they could only visit one San Francisco coffee house. Second would be Cafe Trieste in North Beach.
A vanishing part of San Francisco, a concentration of students, travelers, artsy hipsters working-class people of color, aging gays, musicians ,single parents and many schoolteachers have spent time there.
Cafe International represents many unique SF elements including compassion, style, eccentricity and creativity from aging hippies to slumming celebrities this well loved spot has hosted musical events open mike nights art shows and so much more.
Yes, freaks, Zara will rightfully bust your balls if you're trying to use the sole bathroom as your own private Idaho. -
Review from Monique K.
Laguna Niguel, CA
4/25/2011 1 Check-in Here
This place has the best coffee in the Lower Haight, free wifi and lots of space.
That being said, I hate the dirtiness and griminess. I get it, that's it's part of the "appeal" of a come-as-you-are, all types of people accepted, but it's really hard to overlook that when a giant fly is trying to attack my coffee cup. If you don't mind places like Coffee to the People, Cafe International is good for you. For now, I'm just going to stick with the clean Cafe Du Soleil two blocks over.
ALSO CASH ONLY. -
Review from monica c.
2/3/2011
Ack. Two stars is pretty harsh, I guess. They're so friendly it makes me feel bad.
But friendliness aside, I just don't get it. There's a fair amount of griminess going on, and the outside patio constantly has swarms of flies. Yeah, I know, there are bugs outside. But they don't always have to be in massive huddles 1 inch away from my coffee or glass of wine (again, yeah, I know they like wine especially).
Coffee itself is not so great. Beer is only bottled. Even though I usually get the wine, I can't say I really enjoy it. But I still drink it cause I just can't let it go to waste.
Their veggie platter is pretty good, as is the lentil soup. But I still feel dirty eating it there. -
Review from Sarah S.
Brewer, ME
7/31/2011
Iced coffee is DELICIOUS... it has coffee cubes in delightful shapes, lady at the counter has a great sense of humor.
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Review from Archie R.
7/16/2010 1 Check-in Here
What is it about compliments and sweet talk that makes me shell out money?
I was in an art gallery in France once and I was absolutely butchering the language.
I had no intention of buying anything until the cute art director told me my French was "superb."
Smile. Euros. Receipt. Regret.
And in Hawaii, a $5 tip magically turned into a $10 tip after the surly female bartender told me I had good taste.
I know these people are pros and I know I am a total sucker but it hasn't broken me yet so why bother fixing things?
Is there better coffee than Cafe International?
Yes.
Are there better places to hang out?
Yes.
Are there cleaner bathrooms?
Yes.
Are there places that take credit cards so I don't have to keep scavenging my couch for the requisite funds?
Yes.
Is there a nicer/cooler/more awesome owner?
Nope.
Do yourself a favor and pay a visit to this place.
Gracious. -
Review from Katie H.
San Francisco, CA
9/20/2010
My home away from home. I've been here twice a week (at the very least) since I moved to SF. The thursday and suinday night crowd is nothing but fun and happiness and great music. Duni and the rest of the staff are just amazing; it's rare I have to remind anyone what beer I drink, hehe.
Try the guiness float. SO good. The food is great as well... I don't eat there as much as I should. -
Review from Kristy H.
10/19/2010
Everyone here is so kind and hospitable. I love coming here. I always forget to get her name, but the cute girl behind the counter always makes it such a great time whenever I come here for Open Mics. She always tries to get the crowd movin' and starts dancing. It makes me want to get up and dance with her but unfortunately I am nowhere nearly as confident as she is.
Not only are their Open Mics awesome; Their pastries, salads, and coffee are A+. They carefully brew their coffee unlike other cafe's who just make gigantic batches. They also serve beer and wine. A+++
I've never felt ripped off or lowballed here, ever! They fill your drinks to the brim and the portions for the sandwiches and salads are pretty huge.
Parking is a bitch in the Lower Haight on Fridays though :(
Oh yeah, they also have a smoking section in the back. This place is everything you want in a cafe. I believe they also provide free WiFi. -
Review from Em-eye-gee P.
Sunnyvale, CA
8/8/2010
I've never been here before. I've now been here for ten minutes. Here are just a few examples of the awesomeness that I am experiencing right now.
--Free Wifi.
--Groovy jazz band playing.
--Bathroom of awesomeness.
--Little kids, musicians, hipsters, kooky old dudes, and various other walks of life all interacting and getting along and yucking it up.
--You can drink a beer even with all the kids running around.
--An ABSURDLY delicious falafel sandwich and rice/veggie soup.
Five stars. -
Review from Jamie P.
San Francisco, CA
3/14/2011
I absolutely love this cafe, and it's one of my favorite parts of living in the Lower Haight. I go here at least once a week if not more.
First, the owner and her daughter are super friendly and sweet. Regulars aren't just treated like loyal customers, they are treated like friends. Just being here and seeing all of the community and friendly interactions going on in this place is really uplifting. Plus the whole set up and atmosphere is just plain cozy.
As for the drinks and food-- I always get a coffee, and they have delicious coffee (and it's important to not that, if you get an iced coffee, they use icecubes made of coffee! Pretty genius, right?) and I've tried a few of their food items.
The bagels-- pretty standard, bakery bagels. My favorite is the cream cheese and avocado.
Avocado salad-- The salads are quite large and this one is very tastey. Very fresh lettuce and veggies and tastey vinigarette.
Baked goods-- There are lots here I'm dying to try still, but I just had this amazing Linzer cake there that blew my mind. Their desserts always look amazing.
Overall, I'd say this is one of the best cafe's in the city. -
Review from Mike L.
Chicago, IL
8/11/2010
I've been going to International for years, and it is a fantastic neighborhood joint. They have good coffee and good food. But the thing that separates Cafe International is that it feels like its the heartbeat of the neighborhood. EVERYONE comes in here, everyone knows Zara and her daughter, everyone is treated extremely well. I've had many good conversations about life in the Lower Haight and the world at that counter; it seems like everyone that comes in is introduced and new connections are made.
And there's nothing like it when they get full crowds with music or open mic night, its a beautiful venue to gather in and celebrate.
This place is truly a gift to the neighborhood, go say hi! -
Review from Matt M.
San Francisco, CA
1/9/2011
I come here for the smoothies - they're more like fruit juice concoctions instead of icy headache-inducing things. It's a real treat.
The food I've had here has been solid, and hearty. The owner is awesome, likes to joke around, and will sometimes make suggestions for your sides, soups, etc.
I wish the lighting inside was a little bit better, but they have a neat back patio and I am under the impression that Cafe International hosts music and things of that nature, so I'd love to catch that some time. -
Review from Rachel O.
San Francisco, CA
10/16/2011
freaking awesome. iced soy latte - ice cubes made of coffee so it never gets watered down. outdoor seating is really pleasant, smoking allowed on the patio. try the bagel with brie - you won't regret it.
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Review from Marcus M.
San Francisco, CA
8/1/2011
I like to check out a location before I meet a group at a new place, but I also don't hang around bars long before my friends show up. I waited here for an hour before going to Danny Coyle's for an alumni event, but I'd been meaning to check this place out for a while. The cafe is spacious and airy, with a small stage at the back. The server was helpful, and the saxophonist with whom I conversed in the back seemed a pleasant soul, if far from home. When the music started, I almost regretted that I had to leave for my appointment.
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Review from Edgar N.
A rainy San Francisco Sunday brought me in here to wait on a couple of friends, so I decided I might as well have a cup of espresso in the meantime.
This place reminds of a now-defunct coffeehouse, back in San Diego, where anarchists, college students, hipsters and even a few old folks could hang out at. All kinds of people were here enjoying lunch or a cup o'joe. There's plenty of couches & tables where you can take a seat and watch the passers-by outside. In my mind, it screams Lower Haight.
My cup of espresso was pretty good...not the best ever but certainly worth the price.
I'll definitely be back. -
Review from Jay A.
San Francisco, CA
9/30/2011
DO NOT COME HERE!!!! Had dinner at chevy's we had left overs and Arrived here to have a meeting with co workers. African American women behind counter was very rude. When asked to use restroom she very rudely responded I need to get to ordering if I needed to use restroom I need to go to Chevy's. Told her we have people coming and that ordering wasn't an issue and that when greeting customers it starts with good service. I was then told very rudely that I can go somewhere else. When I asked her name she replied " I don't need to tell you shit" I then ordered a Merlot and was then told that her mother owns the business and she would treat me the same way. I then asked to speak with her mother and was told it didn't matter she's the boss. We still held our meeting, my co workers still ordered drinks but we will never come here again. Please beware of this cafe nothing amazing about it and very rude service. She could have been having a bad day but this was my worst experience ever in a cafe. 0 stars
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Review from Gregory F.
San Francisco, CA
7/8/2011
So cool to see the same sweet lady running this place who was one of the first people I talked to in SF 25 years ago! Lower Haight is a great neighborhood and this spot gets a little of the credit.
