- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Cafe La Taza
Categories: Food Coffee & Tea Restaurants Sandwiches Restaurants Breakfast & Brunch Coffee & Tea, Sandwiches, Breakfast & Brunch [Edit]
470 Post St(between Mason St & Powell St)
San Francisco, CA 94102
Neighborhoods: Union Square, Civic Center/Tenderloin
(415) 392-2030
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 6 am - 7 pm
Sun 7 am - 3 pm
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- No
- 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
107 reviews for Cafe La Taza
Review Highlights
-
"I looove their Ahi Tuna Wrap w/avocado." In 9 reviews -
"The cali veggie burger is really good." In 3 reviews -
"...the sandwiches, they have a nice variety of baked goods." In 6 reviews
Loading...
107 reviews in English
-
Review from Rohan D.
San Francisco, CA
3/30/2012
Great coffee shop to work from. Love the baristas - very friendly and down to earth.
Oh, and the coffee isn't bad either! -
Review from Phyu A.
Irvine, CA
1/5/2012 1 Check-in Here
I wish I had a better time here, because it seems like such great potential. On our last day of our san fran trip, the girls and I had some free time. Since we haven't eaten breakfast, we decided to try this place. The lady who rung us up was slightly nice, but she had somewhat of an attitude. Anyways, after ordering the super croissant (egg and cheese) without the ham, I went upstairs because there wasn't any tables available.
The food did come out fast, but as soon as I took a bite..I thought, this tasted really plain. Then I noticed that there wasn't any cheese so I went downstairs and politely mentioned that there wasn't any cheese. They were nice enough to fix it for me and put in some cheese, but I guess the cook got lazy and when I got my "fixed" super croissant..the eggs were not cooked properly and the cheese were frozen. Umm maybe I should've stuck to the plain. All in all, I'm not a fan. -
Review from Jon C.
San Jose, CA
Convenient location to Union Square. Reasonable prices and menu selection. Service on a very quiet Sunday morning at 7:30 was rather questionable. Made me wonder if we weren't bothering the staff by showing up for breakfast. The line cook apparently hadn't made it into work, so they said it might be a while. It took about only 20 minutes to get our food. Not so bad, though. Food was good.
-
Review from Jordan M.
San Francisco, CA
11/20/2011
On this particular day I needed to hang near Union Square for a while and was a bit hungry, needed Wi-Fi for my iPad, etc... So I Yelped what was in the area and chose Cafe La Taza.
It is a rather small restaurant but it wasn't too crowded (there was an upstairs area that I didn't go in too...). The woman who took my order was a bit in a hurry and seemed... impatient? but don't confuse this with rude, she was still nice, and the cook who brought me my food was extremely nice.
I ordered a scramble with bacon, tomatoes and onions, along with sourdough toast, fruit and a nice latte. Everything tasted great, and though I wasn't hoping it would be less expensive, it really wasn't too pricey. -
Review from Jeff C.
Orem, UT
3/7/2012
The philly cheese steak was good and had its own unique style. The Side salad that came with it was great I gobbled it up. I defiantly ordering from here again.
-
Review from Naoko M.
9/6/2011
My friends and I did a free yoga session courtesy of Lululemon in Union Square the morning of Labor Day Monday. We decided to grab breakfast afterward and while on our way to Farm:Table, we decided to eat at Cafe la Taza instead. (We didn't know if FT was open)
I ordered the Mexican Burrito, which came with eggs, potato, green onion, spicy sausage and cheese. It was pretty good and came already cut in half, which most places do not do (bonus points!). That thing didn't look that big compared to other breakfast burritos, but I could not finish it all. I added a little salt and some hot sauce to my burrito, and was slightly disappointed that the "spicy" sausage wasn't spicy at all.
My friends ordered various versions of scrambles and I saw two add salt to theirs. All in all though, we were all very satisfied with our food and were even happier to find the upstairs eating area.
I likely wouldn't go out of my way to eat here, but it's very convenient, the food is pretty good, has good selection, and service is friendly. Can't really complain about that! -
Review from Gil S.
7/12/2011
A deceptively ramshackle little urban coffee house with every unpromising sign: brand name cookies in plastic on the counter, Snapple and soft drinks in the cooler, worn down countertops meeting at odd angles, not much upkeep. Order at the counter, get a number on a stick, pick it up at the counter. The place is way tiny, four or five tables downstairs, a few more upstairs but upstairs feels like a Brooklyn sweatshop.
All that vanishes with a lightning bolt as soon as you take a bite. Do you know those moments? Like, when you realize your lapdog has hero potential or your lab partner is a good kisser? My first taste was a balsamic-marinaded tomato from the flank steak salad, that sent me running home wanting to figure out how to do that myself. How can you get a tomato to taste like that? The steak on top of the salad was medium rare, leak-out knife juicy, warm, and restaurant quality - something I would be happy for $20 instead of $9.50. Plus fresh corn, delicious emulsified blue cheese dressing (tangy but a little overdressed) ...
The pulled pork sandwich was stupendous pulled pork, juicy and flavorful and NOT barbecued, just the pork thank you. Something as simple as vegetable chowder, wow, that's chowder. Everything was comfort food, the stuff that brings the happy with each bite instead of scratching your head and thinking about how much you should enjoy it.
I hope this is clear. It's a little cafe that performs way beyond its class, I can't say it's high cuisine or anything. It's not Michael Minna's lobster pot pie or Perbacco's pasta or Zuni's chicken clay pot. But the food level is beyond all imaginable expectations for a little corner shop like this. A complete and utter surprise, like an angel descended to your corner. I could come here often.
I'm docking a star for the decor, which severely needs an upgrade, or at least some fix ups and polishing. This isn't the kind of place you would take a date, not unless you're serious to know if they're real or not. -
Review from Christine H.
San Jose, CA
6/27/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Good, affordable lunch? Yes, I believe so... except for the oatmeal. Don't ever get that.. it's ASTONISHINGLY OVERPRICED.
Things I've tried:
-Salmon Burger: YUM! 4 stars
-La Taza Salad: YUM! 4 stars
-Oatmeal: Standard oatmeal that took way too long and cost an arm and a leg.
I would suggest coming here for fresh, filling, and quite healthy eats. I guess I'm saying that because they don't serve any fried foods! :[ Their simple salads that come with sandwiches or burgers are yummy, too. -
Review from Mansi A.
6/22/2011
Your average coffee shop. Nothing special, nothing great. Then again, it seems as if the sandwiches here are the true stars, which I did not try. You can't really mess up an iced latte though.
The seating isn't really ideal (indoor nor outdoor), so I say grab your coffee and walk down 1/2 a block to Union Square and relax in the square. -
Review from Jason B.
4/10/2011
Far from the most exciting four star destination. The space is just your standard coffee shop, and service is friendly as so many others are. But sometimes there is something on the menu so good and priced so well that you need to look past all the other stuff and give a high rating based on food along.
House veggie burger. Wheat bread. Side salad. $8. Outstanding. -
Review from ed h.
Palo Alto, CA
3/16/2011
Breakfast burrito was recommended, breakfast burrito was eaten and gone. Delish.
Will be back for other dishes soon. -
Review from Jay N.
San Francisco, CA
12/13/2011
Probably 3.5 stars, but I'm kinda hooked on their sammies, so I'll round them up. This is very much a "grab a quick and tasty bite" place and NOT a "lounge my lunch away" place. That said, for about $10 you can grab a very good sandwich and side salad that is served relatively quickly. The wraps are quite good too. Everything has a latin spice/flair to it that I enjoy.
-
Review from Bud L.
San Francisco, CA
12/27/2011
La Taza is great for lunch. They have a large menu, solid portions, decent prices, and a very friendly staff. My favorites items are the chipotle steak wrap, tuna melt special, pesto chicken wrap, and fish taco special. I work just down the street, so you'll see me there at least once a week!
-
Review from Valerie A.
San Francisco, CA
1/26/2011
I've eaten here twice so far- once for breakfast and once for lunch and the breakfast was way yummier than my lunch.
I ordered a special avocado and jack scramble and I added bacon. I paid $10 without a drink which is somewhat overpriced for what I got. It was good but more like $8.00 good.
In the past I ordered a chicken club sandwich and I recall wanting to kick myself for not walking to the Cheesecake Factory instead! -
Review from Jenny G.
1/17/2011 1 Check-in Here
i work right across the street from Cafe La Taza and come here time to time for my morning coffee if the line at Starbucks up the block is too long. I ordered a Tuna salad sandwich here during my last visit and MAN! was that sandwich good!!!! they offer a large variety of sandwich and burgers, there's also omelets and a few other pastries they serve.
The service here is always pleasant. the workers are nice and offers a fast and friendly services. -
Review from Michael E.
San Francisco, CA
7/2/2011
It's pretty awesome to be able to stumble down from my Kensington Park hotel room at 7AM - right into this decent little cafe. Honestly, it's nearly like heading down to "the kitchen" at home, only you don't have to cook and the food is probably better.
I ordered a large coffee and a "Super Croissant" which is basically a croissant with egg, cheese, and ham. The coffee was fresh and hot and _good_ and the coffee fixing station was clean and well appointed. The croissant took a little bit to make but the eggs and everything else were fresh and delicious and moist - well worth the brief wait.
The service was a bit curt, but it was prompt and efficient, so I didn't mind.
Strongly recommended for a quick and easy morning bite to people staying in the area, especially at the Kensington. -
Review from Iffy B.
San Francisco, CA
4/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
I come in here for coffee before/after class (not both, either or) Although, it probably should be both.
There are two coffee places within a few doors of eachother, but I choose this place because 1) Friendlier staff then next door. 2) They have a station for cream a sugar, which is normal but next door doesn't. I prefer to do it myself and not have to ask the worker to add 'a little sugar' and milk. Also at this place they have a spill cup! I don't think this is a new thing but it's very handy. I haven't needed to use it because they usually pour my coffee to the right level, but if I need it, it's there.
Such a simple thing, but little things make me happy! :) Like, how genius of them to have a spill cup instead of pouring liquids into the trash can which is not made for liquids.
Food looks amazing, but I'm broke so I try not to eat out much. :( It all looks really good though. They have quite a bit of seating, also upstairs which I've never been up. Only because I hate awkwardness and people staring at me, so I don't want to go up alone to see if there are any open seats then people stare at me. o_O -
Review from Greg G.
Buford, GA
10/30/2011
I was in San Fran for vacation/work and ate here for breakfast for about three days straight. It is obvious I liked it. My fave was the oatemal with fresh fruit. It was a winner for me.
-
Review from Autumn K.
1/18/2008
Sweet mother of all that is holy! Please be good little Yelpers and head down here early and buy up all those Coconut Bread Pudding squares before this little piggy has to be vaseline'd up to be squeezed through the door. Seriously. Do it.
Also try the super greasy, super fresh bacon-covered spinach salad. Add chicken breast to redeem yourself and pretend you're eating healthy. For around $5.50, it comes with balsamic onions, FRESH COOKED fattylicious bacon, a hard-boiled egg, and delicious dressing. No, it is not good for you. Yes, it worth the extra jiggle. No, I can not resist it. Yes, I have gained 5 lbs this week. -
Review from Yasmin K.
San Francisco, CA
4/17/2009
This morning I decided to treat myself to breakfast, instead of the usual plain oatmeal and office coffee. My office has great coffee by the way. I was going to go to Starbucks on Powell and Sutter. Their coffee always wakes me up and the breakfast is always fresh. No, I told myself, help the smaller businesses. They need business more, especially these days. Oh, how about that nice little coffee shop Cafe La Taza? They where really nice when I went there last year!
I walk in and there where 2 guys ahead of me so I stood there half asleep (as most do in the morning before caffeine) studying their chalkboard menu high above. Wow, so many choices. You cannot get bored here. Ooh, they have bagel with smoked salmon, cream cheese and tomato. Yum! I should get that. Yes and a 12oz caramel latte. Mmmm.
Ok, it's almost my turn make a decision. Off to the side a lady comes in from an entrance off the building next door. She skips over to the side where the coffee is made and start chatting to the lady behind the counter and the lady starts making her coffee instead of serving me. ME who is NEXT! What the heck just happened here? Maybe she called ahead? No, she decided on a chocolate croissant. That does not sound like she called ahead to me? What do you think? Hmm?
Finally she was done with her and went to me. I felt, while she did do her job on the edge of having no reason to be fired, she was a little cold. I was quiet and polite while she let her friend cut in front of me. I held back on my hissy fit. I almost did an Ashlee Simpson at McDonald's on her. I thought about sitting on the counter asking for the manager. I thought about screaming I was first! I was here first! But I did not. I remained quiet and stood there waiting for my order in the small space. I stood there and made room for the next customers bumping leg into the trash each time.
Every time she finished making someones breakfast she put the food on the counter and said "here ma'am" there where 5 people in the cafe by that time and we where all ma'ams.
My sandwich (croissant with egg, cheese and bacon) was good. The caramel latte was good too. I like that she gave me the option of whole or non fat milk. I did not like how poorly all the customers where treated this morning.
Screw this! Next time I will go to Starbucks. At least it is a sure thing they will treat me warmly or decent. They serve you when it is your turn, they are fast and the food and coffee is good. Starbucks is a sure thing. Yeah Cafe La Taza is a sure thing too. A sure thing I won't return. -
Review from Angela P.
West Los Angeles, CA
10/7/2009 1 Check-in Here
Why do people go here? I used to work by here and would go here all the time out of necessity.
Coffee: bitter, inconsistent
Food: blah, bland, overpriced
Pastries: from Safeway?
Service: friendly, but weird, inconsistent
Vibe: weird, awkward
And I asking too much of a cafe? -
Review from Jessica K.
Roseville, CA
9/11/2009
This is a great little tucked away spot in such a busy neighborhood. I love the selection of coffees, espressos and teas they carry here. Along with food, veggie selections, and pastries, it seems they carry the biggest chocolate covered coconut macaroons I've ever seen. That fact by itself deserved a big ol' hug from me.
I will warn the people who aren't immune to coffee-it'll put hairs on your chest here. Or for women like me, it'll make your eyes pop out and your lips smile in a unfamiliar manner at 8 a.m. This is some G-O-O-D coffee people.
The people here are always genuinely friendly and offering great information about the area to tourist which I noticed. They know exactly what's in the dishes and recommend some really fresh healthy dishes that I'm surprised to find at such a hole in the wall. This is the spot to hide in if you just want to get away from the shopping stress and hop upstairs for a little peace and quiet. -
Review from Matt C.
San Francisco, CA
7/12/2010
I'm torn. I really like the food, but I dislike everything else.
The Ahi Tuna Wrap is fantastic, the tuna is cooked to perfection, mixed in with a great salad and a wonderful sauce.
The problem is that I hate ordering it. The place is small, always chaotic, and the people at the registers never seem to know whats going on - who is next, who had what, what things cost, where to pay - they always seem to be scrambling, even if you're the only one in there.
I really only get food from La Taza if someone else picks it up. -
Review from Gabe b.
Manhattan, NY
11/21/2007
I had intended to go somewhere else then my co-worker walked in with a grilled chicken quesadilla from La Taza and I was sold.
This place can really take you from AM to PM like Christian Milian (what happened to her, btw?)
The breakfast sandwich comes with a robust serving of scrambled eggs and enough melted cheese that I have too specifically ask for 'light on the cheese' and they'll add little accouterments like tabasco or ketchup if you want.
Lunch is where this place really begins to shine:
3 standouts include the Post St Salad (massive and delicious, basically like a Cobb or Chef's salad)
The Seared Ahi Tuna Wrap (seared ahi?!?! at a cafe?!?!)
And the 1/2 salad 1/2 sandwich combo. The spinach salad in particular rocks the party.
I haven't had the baked goods yet, but they have enough to put any midwest bake sale to shame.
you could pretty much go here everyday and never get bored.Listed in: Surviving Union Square, Expensive Sandwiches
-
Review from Carol J.
7/10/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I really liked their scramble egg. It's taste different from a lot of places. Very buttery and tender. Like their fresh squeeze OJ as well. It's a little cafe great for breakfast run or sit in when in the neighborhood.
-
Review from diana s.
Berkeley, CA
9/9/2007
I used to get sandwiches here all the motherfreaking time, until I got food poisoning. Twice. Not the good kind, the kind that waits until you're safe and warm at home with your own personal toilet. Not that kind. No, it was the still at work, one toilet for everyone, kind of food poisoning.
So, I don't get the sandwiches anymore (although my coworkers love the ahi tuna wrap). Instead, I get the baked goods. I LOVE BAKED GOODS! And the counter people are friendly, which makes the baked goods taste EVEN BETTER. See? Food poisoning and all, and they STILL get 3 stars, because butter+sugar+flour+chocolate+whatever-else-is-in-t hem EQUALS deliciousness. -
Review from Nilu r.
San Francisco, CA
12/12/2009
A Note to the owner of Cafe La Taza:
It really hurts me to give a bad review to an independent coffee shop in a world where starf**k's is taking over. But your coffee is AWFUL...
And that is all I had here, the review is purely for the drip coffee...I did not eat here nor did I have an espresso.
For $1.50, plus 50 cents in the tip jar, I got a small cup of brown water.
That is what it was. It was sooooo hot that I could not sip it for about 10 minutes and once I did, I was shocked that it tasted like...nothing. It was the weakest, saddest, most un-coffee cup of coffee I have ever given someone money for...sad.
I've had stronger coffee in a retirement home cafeteria than this coffee!
I waited for the boiling cup of coffee to cool, took 5 sips, realized it was crap, then tossed it. Next time I am nearby and need some caffeine, I will grab a Red Bull :(Listed in: Coffee, nectar of the…
-
Review from Rory S.
Phoenix, AZ
9/30/2011
Wonderful quick deli right off of union square. Great sandwiches, salads and coffee. Highly recommend!!
-
Review from Ki K.
San Mateo, CA
2/8/2009
Come here if you do not mind wasting your time and having so-so coffee.
I do not think that this establishment pays or takes care of their employees much, so in turn their employees do not really care about what they do. -
Review from Patrick A.
San Francisco, CA
2/13/2007
I luuurve cafes that do breakfast.
Now that the commute to my day-job has gone from a 25 minute adventure on the 38AX to a six block walk down Post, I'm trying every breakfast cafe on my route.
There are two things I know: early 1940's Brazilian folk music, and Breakfast sandwiches.
Cafe La Taza sells one breakfast sandwich. it comes with your choice of bread and two eggs..... and that's it. Cheese, extra. Bacon, extra.
"Cheese and Bacon are never extra". It'll be on my tombstone. -
Review from Jessica C.
Fremont, CA
6/18/2008
Came here for lunch today and had the Thai Chicken Salad. My salad was delish and was a very generous serving. For the salad alone, I would give this place 4 stars.
Minus one star though because service was a bit slow for my co-worker and I. We waited over 10 minutes for two salads.
I'd still come back again though to try out the other options on their menu. -
Review from Joseph N.
7/8/2009
The little sibling of their Mission location, the Union Square Cafe La Taza generally delivers. I prefer their coffee drinks to Encore, the other independent coffee shop, a few doors down. And their food is way better.
I really like the sandwiches here, they are big, hearty and made from fresh ingredients. They take credit cards, service is friendly, and the location is pretty good.
Would be a 5er, but I had a breakfast burrito once and it disappointed me; I had to ask for salsa, and it still wasn't anything special. -
Review from Dan K.
Carlsbad, CA
9/16/2011
looked like what I wanted... not open at 630am. strange. Even though they are advertised to open at 6am.
-
Review from Chris M.
San Francisco, CA
6/6/2008
A convenient spot for the Union Square crowd to sit down and grab a quick bite. They offer wifi for customers and there's a small upstairs nook that's the perfect place for checking your email while you finish your bagel and coffee.
I got the super croissant one time and the egg tasted kinda meh, but every thing else I've tried has been decent.Listed in: My Neighborhood
-
Review from J S.
San Jose, CA
2/9/2006
This is my favorite lunchtime sandwich place. Their special sandwiches are great, though overpriced -- I usually go for the La Taza club, but the chicken club and mango pork loin are good as well.
Besides the sandwiches, they have a nice variety of baked goods. Fat-boy crumb cakes are their specialty -- the selection changes frequently, but I've enjoyed every kind I've tried. -
Review from Janell D.
San Francisco, CA
7/31/2009
I ordered the handmade Swiss Turkey Burger with a side salad.
The turkey burger tasted like a frozen patty but it was ok.
It was pretty dry as it came with no sauce at all.
I will give this place a second go round with another sandwich and reevaluate because based on the first sandwich this place was not all that great. -
Review from Cassandra E.
San Mateo, CA
9/17/2009
I consider myself a coffee connoisseur. I love a great cup of coffee, first thing in the morning, to start my day off right. Specifically a double shot small (12oz) soy latte.
I love a barista, that knows what they are doing to the extent that they realize they are making edible/drinkable art! The espresso shot must be pulled to the right amount, and pulled at the perfect amount of time with the most freshest beans possible in order to make a creme with the espresso. The soy milk needs to be shaken before its served. When the milk is steamed it must be the perfect temperature: warm, yet not burn the roof of your mouth.
I honestly refuse to go to Starbucks...too many consistently bad cups of coffee..and lattes..
and I went to another place before this cafe, and wound up dumping the coffee out!
I asked some of the valet parking men where I could get a really good cup of coffee and they pointed out Cafe La Taza to me.
I was so happy after I took a sip! It was so satisfying! It tasted sweet and was absolutely the best Latte I have had all year. When ever I am in the city again, for breakfast, I will not think twice about where I need to go to start my morning right! -
Review from Wes T.
4/12/2010
La Taza is a San Francisco chain, but I like that. You pretty much know what you're going to get at every location, and the quality is pretty good all around. The real genius of this chain was that they hid their chain-ness from me for so long. Well played, La Taz.
This place is convenient to my office, and what-do-you-know, so was the first La Taz I dealt with. It has everything you need for brekkies or lunch, at a reasonable price. I like the service, because they speak Spanish in return. -
Review from Jess L.
4/15/2010 1 Check-in Here
I feel like Cafe La Taza makes the epitome of breakfast burritos. They are REAL breakfast burritos, what you dream about when you think of ordering a "breakfast burrito." Needless to say, I think you should get the breakfast burrito!
Also, I was impressed by their list of coffee drinks. I tried to Mexican Chocolate [Mocha], which was original and tasty. It definitely kept me awake! -
Review from LaSha G.
Oakland, CA
9/13/2008
So we were planning to go see Tropic Thunder at the Metreon and we needed something quick and cheap, with some light and healthy options. La Taza seemed to fit the bill and although they closed at 7, they served their lunch menu and specials until closing.
I choose from one of their many salad options and ordered the thai salad with grilled chicken, which was good (especially the chicken) but the dressing was slightly bland and the salad could have used some sweetness or tangyness, and I also didn't realize the base of the salad was mixed greens, opposed to shredded cabbage ( I prefer the cabbage). My BF had the portebello mushroom burger and house salad and thought it was good -- I enjoyed picking the cranberries off of his plate. He did not enjoy this so much. We tried one of the many baked goods offered, but unfortunately the lemon cake was a bit old, dry and only sligthly lemon-y. Ug.
So while this place is a good go-to lunch/early dinner spot in the limited eating area that is Union Square, I would have to say that the food is just ok, but nothing to go out of your way for...
