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Cafe Que Tal
Categories: Food Coffee & Tea Food Bagels Coffee & Tea, Bagels [Edit]
1005 Guerrero St(between 22nd St & Alvarado St)
San Francisco, CA 94110
Neighborhood: Mission
(415) 282-8855
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
131 reviews for Cafe Que Tal
Review Highlights
"Best bagel & cream cheese in SF."
(in 13 reviews)
"...out: the coffee, coffee cake, friendly staff, free wi-fi."
(in 4 reviews)
"The tuna melt here is highly regarded."
(in 6 reviews)
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131 reviews in English
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Review from Danny C.
San Francisco, CA
2/2/2012
Good food, super friendly staff. A bit slow, as a result of said friendliness.
Can't come here super often because it's only open during the daytime. -
Review from Jack K.
San Francisco, CA
11/12/2011
perfectly acceptable.
super fast wifi. -
Review from Ken M.
San Francisco, CA
9/2/2011
I really enjoy this place.
Sometimes it can be a little slow because the staff is just so friendly and wants to talk to everyone! I guess it isn't a bad thing, but I don't come here when I am in a rush.
The Que Bagel is delicious, and their tea selection is one of the best in the area. -
Review from Vivek N.
San Francisco, CA
1/23/2012
This quiet neighborhood cafe is a cool little spot. The service is prompt and friendly, the cafe is bright and clean, there is free wifi, and it usually has just the right number of people. I usually give a business 5 stars if it is exceptional, but I'm happy to give cafe quetal 4.5 stars. Oh and I forgot their house coffee is pretty good as well. Can't really ask for much more in a cafe now can you?
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Review from Sebastian L.
Beverly Hills, CA
8/28/2011
A neighborhood coffee shop that I make sure to visit anytime I'm up in The City visiting the fam. They have a large selection of food items and I've always been particularly fond of their lentil soup and their sandwiches.
A couple of benches outside. Plenty of indoor seating, although the laptop crowd typically tends to hoard the tables for hours on end (what are you people doing? All the screenwriters are in LA).
I will say that the prices are a bit steep ($2.20 for a 'large' coffee that is more like a medium size cup at Coffee Bean?!) but then again, it's SF. things tend to be a bit pricier up here.
When I first started coming here, it was mostly an artist, true-hipster crowd, but nowadays as the edge of the Mission district becomes more gentrified it's not at all uncommon to see a hottie sporting Lululemon tights after a run.
The owner, Andy, is just an all-around great guy. And it shocks me that he always remembers me even though I only make it up here about every 4-5 weeks. So, kudos to you, Andy, you rock! -
Review from Dennis L.
San Francisco, CA
11/4/2011 1 Check-in Here
Great neighborhood cafe with plenty of seating and free wifi. They have an awesome assortment of teas and I believe some pastry items. For me, it was a great place to study while enjoying a few drinks. Beware not to sit at the corner table near the fountain. I discovered this only after discovering indoor rain on the forecast. Yikes.
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Review from Karin H.
Los Altos, CA
10/16/2011
This is such a cute little neighborhood cafe. I love their Mexican Mocha and enjoy looking at the art posted on the walls from local artists, especially Nicholas Coley's work. The staff is very personable and the service is quick. Nice place for a good cuppa Joe.
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Review from C J.
San Francisco, CA
5/1/2011
Great little neighborhood cafe! Wonderful atmosphere, cute interior and friendly staff. The owner, Andy is so nice and genuinely kind. We love coming here whether it be on a lazy weekend day to sit and read the paper or grabbing a coffee to go in the mornings.
Neighborhood gem. -
Review from B L.
Oakland, CA
10/24/2011
I've been going to this cafe for years. Wonderful staff, good coffee, and usually enough tables to get a seat in their light-filled room. Nice place to read the paper or a book.
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Review from E-dough R.
San Francisco, CA
5/12/2011 13 Check-ins Here
Okay, so I stop by this place every morning and order a banana and a large coffee for $2.70 total. Its usually rather empty when I get there (before 8) and Andy or the two cousins are always helping out with a smile.
The coffee here is pretty damn good, and not expensive, and they make good espresso as well. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy Philz, Ritual and Blue Bottle coffee just fine, but the guys over at Cafe Que Tal make their Mr. Espresso coffee just right and for cheaper.
Also, they have a rather decadent fruit and yogurt setup that I had once on the weekend.
My biggest complaint is that this place gets pretty freak'n full on the weekends. Then again, what place with free-wifi, good coffee and friendly service wouldn't get full on the weekends in SF?
Cheers! -
Review from Karen N.
San Francisco, CA
1/13/2011
Pros:
Great selection of teas and other caffeinated beverages. Ample seating and free wifi.
Cons:
Cash only and the music is way too loud. -
Review from Jcee l.
Fairfield, CA
12/9/2011
I really like this place! They have great coffee and food. We always go for bagels, coffee and juice- always delicious. I love that they are generous with the cream cheese. They are my local coffee shop so I go here often. I was disappointed to see that their hours changed and that they now close earlier. I remember they used to close at 7pm but now they close early at 5pm- wish they could go back to their old hours- only reason it doesn't get a 5 star from me. Also, their prices have gone up, but understandable because of the economy and items costing more. Still this place is my favorite coffee shop in the area!!
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Review from Elaine Y.
Los Angeles, CA
4/21/2011
I usually can't work in cafes...This is the first one I can actually site down and work. With a little cascade :P
Like it. Ambience completely.
Food and coffee is soso -
Review from P. William G.
San Francisco, CA
8/29/2010
I order two bagels and pay for them before I realize I am only ordering for one. My routine controls me, instead of me controlling my routine. I take a seat and wait for my bagels. There is framed art on the wall. The art is good. I feel like I've seen similar art in a small gallery in Barcelona. Or perhaps some other city. Toulouse?
There are only a few people at the restaurant this morning. There are plenty of tables free. I don't plan to eat here, though. They don't sell Diet Cokes, only these flavored sparkling water things that are too expensive and taste like flat ginger ale. I have a can of cold Diet Coke in my refrigerator. My apartment is not far away. My empty apartment is not far away. I hear a siren as a cop car passes by. -
Review from maureen f.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 7/24/2011
Cafe Que Tal still rocks ... after nearly 20 years in business! Just had a delicious granola/yogurt/fruit breakfast there this morning and great cup of coffee. This is where you go for a real community feeling, but also to write in your journal or catch up on reading. Beautiful art on the walls, too. Que Tal is a true San Francisco treasure!
Listed in: My Neighborhood, 5 Cures For Depression
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/18/2008
Cafe Que Tal is where you go to write your thesis .. or the great American novel ... or just use the… Read more »
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Review from food y.
San Francisco, CA
9/17/2011
Best wifi cafe in the mission. Tons of seating / tables and outlets for power cords.
I live in Pac Heights and travel all the way down here on weekends to do work. Try their Mayan spiced mocha latte...it's divine -
Review from Melanie C.
San Francisco, CA
1/8/2011
Totally non-hipster like Ritual or Summit, but it's quiet and has wifi and tasty snacky food and pastries.
Gets more crowded in late afternoon/eve. -
Review from Krys T.
9/15/2010 2 Check-ins Here
I visit a good friend of mine in San Fran as often as I can and she lives a block or two away from this place so we always pay it a visit. Our order generally consists of coffee and breakfast sandwiches, and my most recent visit was no different.
I don't really get the name. There's not really a Spanish theme as far as the food or names of drinks are concerned. But, the walls are covered in pics of friends and family members of the owners that make you wish you were backpacking through Central America. They're beautiful, real, honest.
The service can be a bit slow and sporadic. My breakfast mate found her way to a bagel and cream cheese in about two minutes flat, while my sandwich took almost 10 minutes to deliver. It was delicious though, so I can't complain too loudly...Listed in: Breakfast not of the taco…
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Review from Jen T.
San Francisco, CA
11/10/2010 9 Check-ins Here
I went to Cafe Que Tal during NaNoWriMo to get out of the house for a few hours - I just ordered a couch and it hasn't come so I spend hours writing in bed which is horrible for your back.
I got a pot of tea (English breakfast then a Chocolate Pu-erh) and an everything bagel with cream cheese. As a New York native, I can honestly tell you their bagels are quite delicious. The tea however was all boxed tea which was slightly disappointing because I could have that at home, but they had good flavors and really, I was just looking to get out of the house.
I LOVE the interior. It's a lot bigger than it looks on the outside and most every table was full of other writers and people reading thick books, or thin iPads. Lovely place to just relax.
I sat in the window seat which was very relaxing as they had flowers and pumpkins in the windows and the street outside has that lovely San Francisco/East Coast feel. Great place to work if you're looking for quiet.
Try the Mexican Chocolate!!! Scrumptious! -
Review from Saul G.
Fremont, CA
4/12/2011
The service and hospitality is really bad! I found them very rude and favored certain folks. In the 2 hours I was there! I found the peeps that work there take food/coffee to the regulars. Whereas I and someone else, were called by our drinks. I left them a tip because I know how hard it is to get tips, but come-on! I was shocked and very disappointed. I thought to myself maybe it was a bad day. I went back another time, and the same attitude! They both spoke Spanish and could overhear all the rude comments/gossip about certain customers. I figured this was the safe to disclose my frustration. Then I asked what time they closed. And rudely responded "6" with a raised ton and pitch in her voice. I walked out the cafe never to return! CUSTOMER SERVICE FOLKS LEARN THEM!
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Review from Lauren K.
Oakland, CA
8/10/2010
This place is great. In fact, I'm here right now.
I just moved in to the neighborhood and dont have internet, but i can come here, order a little teapot of earl grey for $2.49 and sit uninterrupted using the wifi for almost as long as I like.
sometimes they play good music like Elliott Smith or Aretha Franklin, sometimes they play music more in tune with their name - always at a pleasant volume.
Wish they had more options for cream cheese other than plain, but hey, im just getting greedy now.
thumbs up all around for a unpretentious chill spot to sip a cheap tasty bev and use free wifi. -
Review from Jen D.
7/23/2008
This has become my go to spot for breakfast on my way to class at the Mission Campus. Iced coffee with a toasted bagel with cream cheese.
The coffee is slightly strong and very flavorful. Great for iced coffee.
The bagels are hit or miss. They don't make them in-house. On Monday's I see a big brown sack full of bagels. They transfer them from the brown bag to the glass jars on the shelf. So on Monday's, they are soft and great. Later in the week they can be a little tough and stale.
The place is simple and cute. And free wifi. and the rest of their pretty large menu looks goooooood. Must go back for more than just iced coffee and bagels one day. -
Review from Vikram A.
San Francisco, CA
3/27/2007
I like that this place is seldom busy, making it a great alternative for when Ritual is packed up. My main problem is that they don't have much seating available. They have a lot of small two person tables, and there's often that unspoken rule that even if only a single person is at the table, then the table is filled up.
As for the offerings there, their yogurt parfait is pretty good. -
Review from Thadd L.
San Francisco, CA
10/30/2006
How can I have missed Que Tal? Damn dude.
Ok, so here is the deal... When I was a teenager I was a suburban punk kid right? Well, right at the height of my punk days was when Starbucks first location was moving into my hometown of Stockton, CA.
So I would roll by in my Mom's mini-van and scream at the patrons of the Starbucks that they were contributing to the corporate ownership of EVERYTHING and then speeding away.
So needless to say there is still a big piece of me that loves the small indie coffee house. I like that the same people are here every day and that one of them is the owner. I like that people seem to enjoy working here and being here and that it isn't just a filling station for caffeine junkies. In general this is the perfect neighborhood hang out spot. Just grab a paper and lounge around this place for an hour on a Sunday.... it is perfect.
Only reason that I am docking a star is that it takes forever to get a bagel toasted with cream cheese, I know that efficiency isn't the end all be all goal for this joint but... holy jebus! it seems like those bagels take 40 minutes to toast or something. -
Review from Big S.
San Francisco, CA
11/19/2005
Que Tal is the closest coffee shop to my apartment. That's a lie. Did you see that? I just straight fucking lied to you. I'm sorry. Actually Muddy Waters is closer, but over there everybody's all chatty, like "howz it goin?"
Well, I don't know how it is going, but I think I know where this is going. This cat is gettin' ready to unload his life's frustrations on me. Just because I'm in public doesn't mean I want to talk. Just because I sat next to you at the table where you were reading a book by yourself, just because I've been staring at your ear for five minutes straight without blinking, that does NOT mean it is time for you to share. So just back the fuck off, Johnny Bravado! Why can't I just sit quietly and judge you? Huh?
uh.....oh, QueTal. Right. I don't know, its cool. Never too crowded, coffee is fair but the service is little slow. But friendly, well, more pleasant than friendly. The decor however, is severely wanting. It looks like a model home for a retirement community in Coral Gables. A little too bright. Anyway, good review. Let's do this again. -
Review from Amy C.
2/6/2007 1 Check-in Here
I learn many U-F-C things from Lonely Planet's Spanish phrasebook. Such as:
"No debes venir mucho por aqui porque me habria fijado en ti antes."
(You mustn't come here much, because I would have noticed you sooner.)
"Oye rico, por que no te vas a tomar por el culo."
(Listen, why don't you go and get f*cked.)
When I saw "Que Tal," I immediately thought (Awesome coffee shop stumbling distance from my apartment with great vibe, good coffee, large selection of teas, and DSL). But as it turns out, it means "How are you?"
Which is perfect actually since "Cafe How Are You" is all neighborhood-y and friendly like. Like Cafe Que Tal.
"Que Guay!" (How cool!)Listed in: Sweet Home Mission, Food BFFs
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Review from Jacob H.
San Francisco, CA
11/4/2010
Not the fastest, but it may be the friendliest. I came here after missing this place for a long time. Sure enough, I forgot it's cash only, so I became the person everyone mocks as they spill out their change and crumpled up singles onto the counter only to come up a day late and a dollar short.
I looked up and said, "I gotta run to the ATM." They said okay and I turned and ran out the door with my head hanging low. When I got back, they moved me to the front of the line and had my drinks waiting for me.
Usually quiet without that snobish touch. Great for enjoying quiet moments while pondering the great mysteries of the ages or sharing a moment with friends. -
Review from Mike G.
New York, NY
9/29/2007
Que Tal is the anti-Ritual. It's a relaxing, friendly place, in contrast to the crowds and unrelenting hipsterism of its Valencia street competitor. These days I find myself there much more often despite the fact that is so obviously not "du jour". But sometimes you really want the mellow hippie cafe of San Francisco's past - rather than the anxious edginess of San Francisco's today.
They have good coffee, smiley service, and relaxing (yet stimulating) music to get all caffeinated to. Usually it's a steady, rhythmic jazz or classical - but sometimes it's country, sometimes it's "world", and sometimes even rock and roll.
The food is pretty good too - the bagels are superb (with generous amounts of cream cheese!) and I've also had good luck with the salads and the granola/yogurt bowl.
When all the skinny, damaged kids at Ritual grow up and slow down, they'll start hanging out in places like Que Tal. Perfect for the aging hipster! -
Review from Kim J.
Los Angeles, CA
10/10/2009
Starved after getting off the plane and this place looked inviting. Cool, low key vibe. A bunch of folks typing away on laptops.
I had a toasted sesame bagel with cream cheese and a pot of ruby chai. Huge selection of bagged teas, by the way. -
Review from chad n.
Chicago, IL
10/3/2007
Clean, happy, neighborhood cafe with lots of plants, pastels, and room to sit for a while on the laptop. Yeah for free wifi.
Coffee is OK (not bad, not great), scones, bagel sandwiches good.
They have lots of plants and flowers (i LOVE greenery), tranquil water fountains and soothing jazz playing in the background. Seems to fit with all the yoga studios around.
Outdoor seating is a bench on the sidewalk.
3/5 coffee
5/5 atmosphere
4/5 service
3/5 food
4/5 value -
Review from Danielle L.
San Mateo, CA
3/11/2008
Two words:
Mexican Mocha.
One word:
Yum.
Nuf said. -
Review from Audrey B.
1/10/2009 6 Check-ins Here
I love this cafe. It's so cozy inside and I find the folks who work here to be really smiley and nice all the time. There is a nice laid back vibe here - it isn't too hip and cool like Ritual and it's not as crowded and there's no line. They have an awesome tea selection complete with the herbal cold and throat remedies, and my very most favorite drink is the Mexican hot chocolate. They also have bagels and other good cafe food - sandwiches and such.
It seems to be a good place to come with your laptop. There's always a contingent of people hanging out with their computers but it's much quieter and nicer than Ritual. And when you leave you don't smell heavily of coffee. -
Review from Sasha L.
San Francisco, CA
7/10/2008
Though I've been in the mission for awhile, I recently moved to a house where I'm more or less equidistant from both Ritual and Cafe Que Tal. Was working from home today for once and really didn't feel like doing the Ritual...scene. Que Tal didn't disappoint.
Tasty veggie melt as other yelpers have noted, lots of tea and coffee options and one of my favorite things ever: excellent natural light. A bit early for the five starts perhaps but I was enjoying the free wifi so much I had to yelp a little. -
Review from Kia B.
San Francisco, CA
6/4/2008
Cozy and inviting.
I stopped by to kill some time before having a pedi next door.
I like the neighborhood feel of this place. Service was friendly and I was able to unwind a bit with my book and a small pot of jasmine green tea. I didn't try any of the menu offerings, but the sandwiches and bagels being served look yummy. A few people were hanging out with their laptops and others were coming in after a morning run at nearby Dolores Park. Lots of space and a warm atmosphere. . . -
Review from Jeremy W.
San Francisco, CA
8/5/2006
Grad students, Yoga Matters, trust fund hippies and "Cool Parents" should all love this place. Quiet, even with 10,000 Maniacs playing.
Their coffee starts out as a bean and is ground, then brewed with hot water. After which it's put it in a cup. Bog-standard. If the taste of coffee offends you, this joint has the largest selection of Torani syrups in The Mission. You need never sense your espressos fundamental again.
The tuna melt here is highly regarded. Woody, overly sprouted and with too much onion, I regarded it without gusto.Listed in: Coffee By Name, Sandwich Me Nice
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Review from Kai H.
San Francisco, CA
1/17/2006
Definitely my favorite cafe in the city. The people are great, and elena who owns the place is wonderful. I can't say enough good things....love the coffee, the chai, the free internet and sometimes they show some cool art too!
but don't tell anyone, its hard enough to get a table on a saturday morning as it is. -
Review from Stephanie P.
Oakland, CA
7/18/2008
Reasons to come to Que Tal include its better-than-average offerings of food options, including what's almost always delicious homemade soup. If you're working it sure beats most cafes' selections of second-rate muffins. Also the chai is better than most and from a small local supplier.
BUT you cannot count on staff to boot out the space-hogging laptop folk on the weekends, so when locals come in for a sweet morning coffee there is no place to sit. Also I have seen the owner handle food with her bare hands without washing them first more times than I can count. She'll pull up in her car and load in a bunch of food, like pastries and bagels. So how many things has she touched, including the inner and outer surfaces of her car, before putting the bagels in a glass jar? Eww.
There is a consistency issue with the music. Just as soon as you've decided it's a mellow place to get work done without music blaring you're proven wrong. I like the variety Que Tal offers--the selection is all over the map--but often it's entirely too loud, like the bluegrass the last time I was there. Another eww. -
Review from Nicole N.
San Francisco, CA
7/22/2007
Que Tal is great! I live closer to Ritual but I totally prefer Que Tal's mellow, welcoming, warm vibe first thing in the morning. I haven't been here in a while and since I skipped swimming this morning I had the opportunity to just roll out of bed and wander over for my sunday cuppa joe. I used to spend a lot more time here before my neighbor kindly started sharing their wifi =)
Today I was reminded of all of the good things I've been missing out on. Que Tal has a great mix of people including young, old, hip, not-so-hip, single, couples, and families. But as Vikram A. mentioned the seating here fills up quick with single laptop goers taking up two person tables. I've been this person so I'm not complaining - just acknowledging that it's a popular place and you can't always get a table. However, if you do and you're hungry, then try some of my favorites:
- Bagels (mmm...cream cheese and lox)
- Mexican Mocha (very rich - it's a nice treat and it's my sister Dominique's favorite and she's visiting soon, yay!)
- Breakfast sandwich bagel if you're sharing, hung over, or have an appetite!
- Soup - they make some very good vegan soups!
- Coffee - eh, not as great as ritual's coffee of course, but it's still a nice cup of coffee.Listed in: Ma hood!, Oops, I forgot my lunch!
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Review from Gladys c.
Los Angeles, CA
4/8/2007
I love coming here during the weekend morning for a tea, bagel and people watching.
They have a big menu filled with deliciousness - the Que Tal bagel with egg and ham, yogurt with fruit is super fresh and I love that they have a zillion selection of tea, many of them organic.
The atmosphere is casual and friendly. You'll find families with little ones especially during the mornings. It feels very international and tropical with the interior painted with palm trees and pictures from south america. There are a bunch of tables for 2 and a lot of people come here solo with their laptops or books as well.
Good food selection, decent prices and friendly service. I can't wait to come back next weekend.Listed in: tasty places in sf
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Review from ally r.
Pittsburgh, PA
12/31/2008
Que Tal scored five stars for me because they served me the best Latte I've ever had.
The service was friendly and experienced- these people know how to make an espresso drink and I plan on going again before leaving town on a short visit (meaning I don't have a lot of time, but I am going back for another latte).
The atmosphere is mellow and high ceilings. Free wifi and I didn't have a hard time finding a place to plug in and work.
Water kept on the counter- thank you!
Located in a neighborhood w/ other shops and restaurants- so easy to fit into a multipurpose kind of day.
Cash only.
