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Cafe La Boheme
Category: Food Coffee & Tea Coffee & Tea [Edit]
3318 24th St(between Mission St & Osage St)
San Francisco, CA 94110
Neighborhood: Mission
(415) 643-0481
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 6 am - 10:30 pm
Sun 6 am - 9 pm
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
131 reviews for Cafe La Boheme
Review Highlights
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"There's always a bunch of guys playing chess." In 6 reviews -
"BEST fresh squeezed orange juice EVARR." In 3 reviews -
"the people watching at this place can be pretty great." In 8 reviews
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131 reviews in English
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Review from David Y.
El Cerrito, CA
3/11/2012 1 Check-in Here
A great place to hold conferences and meetings. There is also Mediterranean food in addition to cafe drinks.
A great place do to homework, if you are seeking out an indy coffee shop. -
Review from Marilyn B.
Danville, CA
2/13/2012
Super chill. Excellent coffee. Owner is proud of his establishment and should be.
Cafe La Boheme has that chill feel of coffee shops of yesteryear, like the 90s. Sit down and read your book while you have some dark, strong coffee. Add in a sandwich or a baked good.
Watch people use the internet. Watch people from drag queens to tourists to any random ethnicity.
Contemplate the reused wood tables and chairs and the bright walls. Wish you could spend the afternoon. -
Review from Sue Y.
2/11/2012 1 Check-in Here
$2 Large Hot Coffee. Reader's choice if it's a good deal or not...
After months of walking by this place with construction out front, I was excited to finally walk through the door and check out the place.
In the mornings, I'm usually dashing through the Mission, trying to catch the BART, so I was happy to find their service prompt and their coffee hot. They didn't have soy milk at the counter as a standard, but had some behind the counter.
For a coffee shop, they had a surprisingly large offering of both beer and wine. The wooden interior and assorted tables had potential for a fun, laid back spot to read a book or meet with friends, but the loud reggae music ruined the chill ambiance and potential for me. -
Review from Daniel R.
San Francisco, CA
5/9/2012
Fantastic Cafe!
The coffee is good, but the food is excellent! They bring an authentic taste of the middle east to the mission. Free wifi and comfortable seating and lighting make a great "work from a cafe" spot. -
Review from Peter H.
San Francisco, CA
4/23/2012
A good place to bask in diffused early morning Mission sunlight, and to hold meetings. But not much else. I am convinced that there is little place for generic cafés like la Boheme in San Francisco's future. (Pardon my pessimism.)
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Review from Jannea T.
San Francisco, CA
5/15/2012
Cute little cafe with nice little salads and pretty tasty cookies. Love the outdoor seating.
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Review from Leah M.
Oakland, CA
10/22/2011
I'm not sure why this place serves food, since they really seem annoyed whenever I order any. Their food is generally ok, though I would stay away form their unfortunate egg situation (Definitely cooked in the microwave, as was the bacon). Their bagels are normal SF bagels (nothing special). I've only gotten coffee here a few times but it's been burnt every time. I generally prefer Muddy's Coffee House on Valencia and 24th for bagel-type things and Arizmendi for my coffee and muffin needs.
It's redeeming qualities: It's a pleasant space, and the patrons are really friendly. I'm a nanny and sometimes bring the baby here The few older folks hanging out will often chat me up and tell corny jokes. Maybe they should be hired to work the counter... -
Review from Sarah M.
San Francisco, CA
9/26/2011
Alright, so the owner was a bit of a jerk when I first walked in. Seemed like a huge chore to give me a rundown of the daily wines, even though there was no menu for me to look at on my own. He poured a taste of a solid red, so I ordered a glass. By the end of our transaction he was only half a jerk. And, by the time I left the shop a couple hours later, he was my bud.
The rest of my experience here was wonderful. I got the best seat in the house as far as working remotely goes. A little glass enclave looking out onto the street, with a re-purposed, vintage Singer sewing table for a work station.
Flamenco guitar played in the background, and the crowd was truly diverse. -
Review from Chris R.
San Francisco, CA
12/24/2011
I really like the vibe of this place,and often stop in to read a book with a cup of coffee or tea, particularly early in the morning. It's got nicely understated wood decor, and they often play interesting music at a low level that isn't obnoxious.
The prices of the baked items seem oddly high, but they have a kitchen with a surprising range that has items for all times of day. Their eggs are regularly overcooked so I'm steering clear going forward, but you can get coffee and a bagel with cream cheese for $3.75, and they actually spread the cream cheese for you instead of just handing you a cold plastic tub.
One of my favorite things about this place, though, is the clientele, which is more diverse than you might expect in a place like the Mission, which despite its cultural breadth has such a high coffee shop density that demographics seem to be able to self-stratify into different establishments.
In particular, I love the open games of speed chess that are frequently running. Guys lay down their sets and clocks for ongoing pickup games that attract an impressive variety of folks. Having not played chess in many years, and never having played with a clock, I've found myself far too intimidated to give it a go, but the short time limits the players tend to use make for a great spectacle. It's definitely a thousand times better than a shitty TV endlessly blaring from the ceiling. -
Review from McCrea C.
San Francisco, CA
11/14/2011
Ooooohh, I just love the offbeat vibe of this place, very chill. The artwork is fun eye candy! Plus Howard is awesome at remembering customers after I had been there a total of 4 times (even tho' it had been in 3 months ago). You can't beat the wonderful hours too.
Now the food... I simply adore their breakfast options! The Pancake was near Perfection & its actually baked: crispy outside, & soft inside!! I noticed the warm & fuzzy touch to the dish with the berry garnish carved into a tiny fan. I also tried their desserts: ginger cookie (huge size, spicy, and chewy), and chocolate cake with chocolate icing (smooth richness bordering criminal). I also tried their mmm: various hot teas and hot apple cider. FYI they serve Turkish Coffee for those who like it strong! I can't wait to try more...
Great place for small or large groups, solo eating, TCB, pet-friendly, or out-of-town guests. -
Review from Adam H.
West Hollywood, CA
3/5/2012
Had dinner at Cafe La Boheme on Saturday and had a great evening. Arrived on time and were promptly sat down in the outside patio area.
Great atmosphere, not too noisy and beautiful surroundings. Loved the fire place too.
Had the roast chicken with potatoes and broccoli. Was great!
Wine was awesome, well chosen by our waiter and the service was impeccable.
Couldn't say a bad word about the place. We all loved it.
Will definitely be back. Can't wait.
A big thank you to Tom. -
Review from ashley d.
El Sobrante, CA
10/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
I have can sit in this place and write for hours. In fact, I have. I've also come to share a glass of wine with a friend and to do some reading.
Cafe La Boheme provides a friendly, eclectic and respectful atmosphere. The menu consists of Mediterranean and American options for the most part and they have vegan options - including vegan brownies!
Sometimes I'll come in for fresh squeezed orange juice in the morning. I am always greeted with a smile and a warm hello.
The internet has been largely dependable and speedy.
I really have only good things to say. I spilled my water all over the floor and the proprietor laughed as he brought out the mop. Wonderful hospitality. -
Review from Arun G.
Huntington Station, NY
6/28/2011
I signed up for Yelp to review this place because it is that amazing. Great great great food and reasonable prices. There is something about the chicken here... it is the best I have ever tasted. If you are thinking about going here definitely do!
The owner is especially friendly. He made an effort to learn my friend's and my name. And then he remembered them days later! It might be cause we go there so often though :-P.
Also I think that philz coffee review might be a fake... -
Review from Fulvio C.
San Francisco, CA
7/20/2011
This place rocks. It's got an interesting mix of people (young, old, hipsters, Latinos, you name it), great atmosphere and, when necessary, a flatscreen playing important games (whether it be the World Series or a World Cup match). The wi-fi is pretty fast and when you get bored with coffee, you can always switch it up to a beer or wine and a meal. (The corn chowder is super good).
The place is run by its owner - who is extremely nice and approachable - and his family. Cafe La Boheme is one of the original cafes in the Mission/Valencia cafe scene. And although it doesn't need to try hard to be hip (like the newbie cafes on Valencia), you can tell that the staff puts a lot of effort into making this place distinctive: funky art, eclectic music, always new stuff on the menu. Plus, like others have also said, this place is great for people watching.
This cafe has been around forever, which in SF means that the locals appreciate it! -
Review from Jason B.
7/9/2011
Almost everything is a little bohemian (definition #2*).
Lunch: Hummus made a standard turkey sandwich not so standard.
Service: Suspect at first. Friendly by the end.
Internet: Not cooperating. But outlets and multiple networks saved the day.
Space: Funky vibe from the music to the seating to the art.
Coffee: Only non-bohemian part. Nothing special americano.
*noun
1. a native or inhabitant of Bohemia.
2. a person, as an artist or writer, who lives and acts free of regard for conventional rules and practices. -
Review from Colin C.
Santa Barbara, CA
3/30/2011
Guy at the bar was extremely rude. We had gone to Philz for some coffee and their Wifi was broken, so we went here to get a beer and work for a bit.
My girlfriend went up to the bar to order the beer, and the guy told us we couldn't have the Philz coffees in the cafe, even if we bought something there. "I don't want to advertise other coffee shops", and basically told us to leave, and gave us dirty looks.
Their Wifi was broken, too, so we left across the street to Cafe Venice AND BOUGHT THINGS. Nice way to entice customers to spend their money! Jerkface. -
Review from Maitai N.
San Francisco, CA
1/23/2012
Easy going atmosphere. Good pastries and drinks. Free internet service (No password required) A worker is unbelievably friendly. The best thing is that it is next to Dance Mission theater! http://www.dancemissio...
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Review from Lark L.
Lafayette Hill, PA
4/27/2011
Best Cafe au Laits---ever! Some may poo-poo my drink choice but it is absolutely delicious the way they make it---very generous and in a pretty mug so you feel extra special.
Staff is super nice and the atmosphere is cozy and cool. -
Review from Athena S.
3/22/2011
I'm a fan. The staff is always pleasant, the crowd is always weird, the selection is extensive, the food is good, the drinks are varied.
With so many cafes in the Mission, I have to admit I'm not a fan of hanging out at any one spot. I'd rather take my yummy quick breakfast to go (sesame wheat bagel, egg, jack cheese).
Tried their salads before for lunch, which are pretty good. They obviously use fresh, quality ingredients. -
Review from marylou l.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 7/15/2011
As of this summer I've been going to this cafe for five years, and it continues to be one of my favorites. I went again today to meet a few friends (two dates, three people), had a lovely chat with the couple who own La Boheme, had an AMAZING sandwich (the club on an fancy white roll....omg I want it again now) and just reveled in the ambiance, array of wonderful people who I've seen since I started coming, who still frequent the place (one of which is a famous poet), and just enjoyed hanging out with my friends who came and went over the two hours I was there.
This is authentic. It's no Four Barrel or contrived hip themed coffee place. La Boheme is an organic meeting place. In the age of trendy/fake, support these real establishments. And get the club on a roll. Incredible.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/28/2009
Love this cafe and the family that runs it. They are true gems and extremely hard-working, lovely… Read more »
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Review from Terri M.
San Francisco, CA
10/16/2011 1 Check-in Here
I really want to like this place since it's so close to home, but there just isn't enough magic. The food is fine, but a bit on the pricey side. The atmosphere is ho-hum. The service is fine. I won't complain, but I also won't praise. I wish I could give it a 2.5 for the middle-of-the-road-ness, but I can't so 2 stars for "Meh. I've experienced better."
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Review from Alexis R.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 6/22/2011
Went back a little peckish and so ordered the dolmas. They were good, but not exceptional.
I was served by a disaffected young lady; I would guess the owner's daughter, or another relative. Not pleasant, but she took my order. Later there seemed like there was some family dispute behind the counter wherein at least the daughter's (?) voice was raised. Not exactly a comfortable setting, but perhaps this was an off day.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/1/2011
Comfortable environment, extensive tea selection, super close to BART. I will probably update upon… Read more »
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Review from Luis A.
Santa Ana, CA
3/8/2011
Great Neighborhood coffee shop, it kind of reminds of the friends coffee shop. it is very mom and pop, service is okay, but the only reason why I love this place and went there very morning while I was in San Francisco, was for their Mexican Cocoa. This taste like an "Esquimo" anyone who is or has been to a Mercado in Mexico City, knows exactly what I am talking about. Except this one is hot and the one in Mexico is cold. Oh yeah and they have some good vegan cookies.
¡Salud! -
Review from Mike K.
San Francisco, CA
2/11/2011
Depending on what you need, what you are looking for in a San Francisco neighborhood coffee shop, you might go across the street to the McDonalds. It will be cleaner,the service will forever be spot on, cuz the kids are like robots...
but if you can be patient, and want some real hospitality, then try this joint. The food is great, unique, fresh, and hot, the coffee smells like home, and the people are interesting and very nice. That goes for the waitpersons and the patrons. The owner is a great guy and will change the CD if you ask nice. I love this place! -
Review from Emily K.
San Jose, CA
10/8/2011
Very impressive! Great menu, super lentil soup, and some of the best coffee I've had in a LONG time.
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Review from Ajesh S.
San Francisco, CA
6/10/2011
The staff is super friendly, the owners especially. Each time he will come up to us, and make recommendations or asks feedback about the dishes we've ordered. Their mocha shakes are out of this world. My wife tried their pizza breakfast and it was, in her worlds, Yummy-licious. We've tried most of their breakfast items, and give thumbs up to all of it. We usually end up spending 4-5 hours here without a problem. They do run out of most of the bagels by mid-day.
Wifi speeds are good as well!
I just read a review, where the person was complaining about not being able to bring food from outside. Dude, it clearly states in bold that not to bring outside food or drinks in. And you could've just thrown away your coffee and ordered it from the place, but no, you did not want to let go of your philz coffee and you want to play the victim and scream about how badly you were treated. I've seen jerkfaces similar to you that try to bring in food and drinks into cafes. Why would any cafe want to serve you when you clearly don't respect their establishment. -
Review from Jonathan B.
San Francisco, CA
7/7/2011
I really enjoy everything about this place. The owner is really friendly, the turkey melt is delicious, and a good size, and you can get breakfast sandwiches. What more could an Americano ask for?
Good coffee, and a good vibe. -
Review from Amar K.
I love this spot. Lots of table space, a great mix of people, free wifi, great for a beer or a coffee and open late. Super great location next to the bart makes a great spot to meet up with all different folks. And the baklava... just what I need after a long day, yum. Some nights there is wild chess play (beware of falling chairs). great family run place and people come here to actually eat the food too, great music and vibe.
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Review from John T.
San Francisco, CA
9/18/2008
Every time I come here, there is always a different sexy girl working on her laptop, reading poetry, writing in her journal, having sexual fantasies about John T, stepping outside to smoke a clove cigarette. (I'm only joking about the writing in her journal part).
Indeed, this is my favorite coffee shop in the city. The owners are nice and the food is not bad. Plus they serve beer and wine. There are only a few things in life that make me happier than beer and wine: free wifi, a well prepared gyro, sexy girls smoking clove cigarettes, and puppies.
If Café La Boheme could find a way to incorporate puppies into their business model, I don't think I'd ever leave. A free puppy with every 10th coffee purchase perhaps? Just an idea.
My only complaint is the James Taylor mix played on continuous loop. I don't mind his music per se, but if I hear "Fire and Rain" one more time, I might start growing a vagina.
5 stars.
* One of these days, I'm going to work up the nerve to actually talk to the sexy girl smoking a clove cigarette. Maybe we can talk about our favorite songs. If she mentions "Fire and Rain", my clitoris might start to enlarge. -
Review from Josh S.
11/14/2010 1 Check-in Here
It's a roomy, cute, and fun cafe you can meet up for a lunch or a drink with your friends. They offer plenty of menu -- you'll know what I mean when you stare at giant boards on wall. They have nice varieties of foods you can select from as well as coffee and smoothies.
I went with Mexican Mocha only because I've never had it before. The host asked me if I knew what I'm ordering and told him I have no idea but you sold me on the 'mexican' part of the Mocha. I couldn't tell the difference, blah, whatever - it still was a decent drink.
I ended up staying there about two hours just web-surfing and watching football on TV. Most people there were either studying or busy looking at their laptop and smartphones but plenty of chatters too. It was a nice scene for Sunday afternoon.
There are plenty of coffee cafes nearby but this place was nearly full - telling me locals enjoy this place. I didn't get to try any foods because I just had lunch prior to coming here but wish I were still hungry so I could have ordered something - something Turkish.
In all, I'd say this is a pretty decent spot for meet up for coffee with friends, spend lazy Sunday afternoon just catching up. -
Review from X marks the spot ..
San Francisco, CA
9/7/2006
This place is surreal. Have you ever noticed the male to female ratio? I agree w/Maria d. if you're a lady and pass by this place you will feel the men's eyes burning holes into you. The coffee, and food is okay for the price you are paying.
I was meeting a friend here once and I grabbed a table next to this lady dressed in head to toe black. I see this lady in black pull out a mirror, and tweezers and proceed to pluck her chin. Such a strange thing to do in public, I thought. Well, she continues doing this to her upper mouth area, all the while she's playing chess and chatting with her friend. So surreal.Listed in: Coffee...it's the new vitamin
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Review from Trav M.
Oakland, CA
1/12/2011
This place has a pretty homely feel to it, I enjoy it. I come here pretty often, as I live a block away and I enjoy the quiet time I have here when things in the apartment get pretty hectic.
Pretty basic cafe, very spacious. The menu looks pretty broad and encompassing, although I have never eaten here. I've heard complaints about the coffee being too bitter, but I have yet to share that complaint. I usually stick with my large coffee and a pastry.
Wi-Fi is available if you have your own device, or you can rent one of the house computers for a period of time. The crowd here can look kinda shifty at times, but this is The Mission...so take it as you will.
One star lost because the bathroom is a hot friggin' mess everytime I try to use it. I've learned my lesson. -
Review from Molly W.
7/14/2007
I love Cafe La Boheme. Now, to tell the truth I have only had their coffee, tea (loose leaf) , and hummus plate so I can't rate the food that well. But obviously that isn't why i keep going back. I love the atmosphere!
Sometimes as I sit reading or typing on my computer, I forget that I am in San Francisco! It kind of feels like some little cafe in Buenos Aires instead (granted I haven't been yet, but thats what I imagine...lol) . There are always regulars outside conversing in Spanish about politics or soccer, and people inside playing chess. If you want to feel inspired and get a taste of "la vida boheme" this is the place.Listed in: Best Bay Area Cafes
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Review from Alexandra M.
Brooklyn, NY
11/17/2009
I just gave this place five stars over four. Some asshole was just playing his music loudly on his laptop, making me wanna leave after 3 hours of getting work done. I wasn't going to say anything, but the owner noticed I was upset and went up and asked him to turn off the volume. FUCK YEAH!
I love this place. It's got a good community vibe. My only problem with it is that I am more likely to get distracted here than other places and it doesn't have that many outlets for your computer. It's not my ideal work place, but I like to go here when I'm working on a more creative project (one I actually enjoy concentrating on) and just be around people.
For those who don't have a big ton of work to do like me and want to come here to relax, god it's great! It's a cafe with wine and beer and the owner remembers your name! I love that! I also throughly enjoy their corn chowder soup with french bread. The music is also good. It's an inspiring atmosphere and quite frankly I always wish I wasn't coming there to work because I know I would have a better time if I wasn't. Despite that I never quite meet my purpose when I come here, I still enjoy coming to this place and I think I'm going to keep going back -- at least twice a week.
Also in their favor: they have the biggest selection of food I've seen at coffee shops and they have SO many drinks. I often miss that at coffee shops where I've been there for five hours and I just want a meal - not a bagel and cream cheese. Fortunately Cafe Boheme delivers in this department. Go check it out, but don't be so loud that I can't work ;) -
Review from Janna M.
7/8/2010 1 photo
There are some businesses that feel like home the minute you step inside. Cafe La Boheme felt that way to me. The beer I ordered added to this fuzzy feeling - it's a good thing they don't have cushy sofas or I might have wound up spending the night.
Yelpers who have identified La Boheme as good for people-watching are spot on. There were a bunch of things going on at the same time: a couple of students reading a few tables apart (will the cozy atmosphere spark a romance?), friends catching up over glasses of wine, a few people tapping furiously on laptops, a group plotting a revolution, a girl waiting for a douchebag craigslist buyer who never shows (me).
I only had the aforementioned beer (Fat Tire), but my friend had a cup of coffee and declared it to be very good. They also have quite a few food options - yummy-sounding salads, baba ghanoush, big cookies. I'll definitely come back next time I'm in the neighborhood. This time I'll be plotting a revolution, though, not being stood up. -
Review from Sharon T.
San Francisco, CA
10/15/2006
Do you like flies? Unemployed oddballs? Spelling out your order to the 9th graders behind the counter? If not, this might not be your first choice in cafes.
Unfortunately, there is a serious dearth of bagels in the 10-block radius of my apartment, and I like theirs best. So I usually send my wonderful boyfriend to fetch them. -
Review from Marsha Z.
San Francisco, CA
3/24/2006
Right across from the 24th St BART station, La Boheme has a Muddy Waters-type atmosphere in terms of the patrons and interior setting. Folks can be seen doing a variety of things, from banging away on the keys of their laptops, to reading, to playing games, like chess or dominos. I can't comment on the food or the coffee, but $3 for a pint of beer was good stuff. After being carded, the 13-year-old girl at the counter expressed shock and said that I looked younger than her...
Bitch. -
Review from Pietari G.
Davis, CA
5/19/2011
Good drip coffee. Relaxed atmosphere. Not too crowded. Super nice guy running the place. :)
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Review from O'Shea J.
San Francisco, CA
3/10/2009
It was either here or Cafe Venice across the street.
I was in the area running errands on my lunch break and needed a quick bite. Normally I would go for a burrito or taco from one of the many tacquerias around but I've been eating too much of that stuff lately. The menu at Venice wasn't what I wanted so I came here instead. Business looked decent and that was a good sign - everyone here was on a laptop.
I ordered the Napoli sandwich which was sun-dried tomatoes, mozzarella and pesto. By itself, the cost rang up around $7.75 or so. But I'm a carnivore and can't go a meal w/o meat so I added chicken. I was quite disappointed to see my sandwich had increased 50% for this option to $11.xx. Ouch. But I was hungry and in a rush so whatever.
Did I mention I was in a rush?
My order took 15 minutes. In their defense, it seems only one person handles the food and the chicken is really grilled. But had I known, I would've just gone sans meat for a day and saved myself a few bucks and the stress of beating the clock.
Lunch break is over so I have to enjoy my food on the job. Sprouts, tomatoes and lettuce are served on the side. Call me crazy but I was quite bothered to find pickles inside the sandwich. Who puts pickles in something w/ sun-dried tomatoes, pesto and mozzarella?? It just seemed odd to me. Overall it wasn't bad but for the time, money and trouble, I just expected a little bit more. -
Review from Erica K.
San Francisco, CA
10/1/2009
I LOVE Cafe La Boheme!!! This spot is one of my favorite cafes in the Mission. It's run by a really sweet couple and their son, whom I've had the please of watching grow up behind the counter. They are very attentive, and have almost everything on their menu and everything I've had here is so good. Not only do they serve coffee, but they also serve beer and wine. Cafe La Boheme is a great meeting spot for groups or if your just hanging out with your laptop. There's always some sort of exotic music on, and host all sorts of people the old men playing chess to the travelers who stay at the hostel around the corner.
Oh, and they make a stellar cappuccino!
