Cafe XO

3.5 star rating
121 reviews Rating Details

Categories: Coffee & Tea, Sandwiches  [Edit]

1799 Church St
(between 30th St & Day St)
San Francisco, CA 94131
Neighborhood: Glen Park
(415) 826-3535
Hours:

Mon-Fri 6 am - 6 pm

Sat-Sun 7 am - 6 pm

Good for Kids:
Yes
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
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:
Breakfast
Alcohol:
No
Noise Level:
Average
Has TV:
No
Caters:
Yes
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes
Yelp Ad Radish
4.0 star rating
128 reviews

Christine A. said: "Aww, what a cute little gem in the Mission!  Came here for brunch and ordered the French Toast.  Yum!  It's easy to make French toast super, super dry, but Radish got it just right.  The portion was perfect, and the waiter was very…"   read more »

Review Highlights   

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"The in-house pastries and desserts are delicious." (in 24 reviews)
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"Comfy chairs and free wi-fi made it even better." (in 2 reviews)
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"I always order the Mighty Leaf passion green tea." (in 5 reviews)
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120 reviews in English

  • Review from Athena S.

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    Updated - 11/7/2011

    Seems I'm going to have a new addiction: Cafe XO's Homemade Spanakopita... flaky, fresh, delicious. It's better than my Mom's, but don't tell her that.
    Asked the owner if it was tiropita (or is it spelled tyropita?) Who cares. If it was, I would have likely bought the remaining of the tray. That stuff is why I work out.
    Ya, I think I need to marry a Greek woman yet I'm very straight. haha.
    Just love authenticity in people & what I choose to grub on.

    This place rocks and gets 6 stars.

    Listed in: This SF Native speaks...so…, drink out loud!, why I work out

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    • 5.0 star rating
      10/18/2011

      Solid & cozy cafe.  I'm starting to get nauseated from the Mission cafes, I'm not into the hipster… Read more »

  • Review from Mike O.

    •  
    • 2 friends
    • 3 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    2.0 star rating
    11/4/2011

    Stay, stay, stay away from the breakfasts. This place has excellent danishes and very good coffee - but call it for what it is - a coffee shop.

    They do have a  fair selection on their Chalk Board under "Breakfast Section" I was in the mood for French toast, which the owner said they do not make. I asked him if it would be possible to do, and I would gladly pay whatever he thought was fair, but after hesitating, he said "I can't because we only carry two types breads which we buy at Whole Foods". He also held up the two loaves showing me what I would guess is bread that was a few days old.

    Anyway, I said, okay, I'll take the waffle with butter and maple syrup and fruit and a cup of coffee - which was right at $10...okay again, pretty much the going rate for this breakfast.

    Now seating...availability was limited due to the computer users consuming most of the tables, so the seat I selected was in some serious need of "busing"; which after a while and some lost patience, I decided to do myself - used paper coffee cups, trash, used plates and utensils and powdered sugar spread all over the table and on one of the seats.

    Okay all of that was fine because I'm in a laid back mood, so after busing and washing my hands all is cool.

    Next, they brought the plate - one waffle, and not very thick or large at that! With the butter and maple syrup already on the waffle so there was nothing you could do to have less and didn't offer any way to add more - one small, sad waffle. And the fruit? yeah right; one medium sized strawberry cut in half and used to "danish" the plate. They did have a shot of whipped cream to aid the plating (but that was of no use to me).

    So in the end, (because I was in one of those passive states-of-mind, I ate what they gave me and then went across the street to have breakfast at Toast.

    I would have given them only 1star, but they are an excellent coffee shop so I had to give them 2 - ust stay away from their meals!!!!!!!!

  • Review from Julio A.

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    9/29/2011 25 Check-ins Here

    Cafe XO is a good, honest coffee shop.  It reflects the attitude and ethic of the "Upper Noe" neighborhood, sleepier and more blue collar than Noe proper along 24th Street. Like the other shops and restaurants at the corner of Church and 30th, XO surprises you with the quality of its offerings, in this case, solid coffee and great baked goods. The decor and ambiance isn't for everyone, and I suppose that even after years of coming here, it still isn't for me. I like coffee shops that are stripped down, wooden, and modern. Influenced by its owners, XO is more European and baroque.
     True to the neighborhood, service is warm and unassuming. It's not so much a response to San Francisco's ice cold hipsterista movement as much a parallel world where Ritual, Four Barrel and Blue Bottle don't exist.

    It's probably not worth a dedicated trip from outside the neighborhood, particularly since the only forms of public transportation that will get you here are the No. 24 bus and the dreaded J-Church. However, for those with an early reservation to La Ciccia, Pomelo or Tataki South, XO is a solid, underappreciated place to grab a coffee.

  • Review from William H.

    •  
    • 53 friends
    • 77 reviews

    Santa Monica, CA

    5.0 star rating
    1/2/2012 3 Check-ins Here

    My favorite cafe in Noe Valley and San Francisco!  The homemade Greek foods are amazing! Love the Moussaka and Spanakopita.  The Greek owner and his very friendly staff are amazing!  They are very accommodating and attentive.

  • Review from Mark C.

    •  
    • 3 friends
    • 40 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    2.0 star rating
    Updated - 12/2/2011

    Fussy over priced cafe decorated for a grandmother.

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    • 2.0 star rating
      5/11/2008

      Seems nice enough but it's way to fussy and crowded for my taste. This is a coffee shop for old… Read more »

  • Review from Ed b.

    •  
    • 4 friends
    • 11 reviews

    Mountain View, CA

    4.0 star rating
    12/17/2011

    Today is my first visit to Cafe XO.  Like it a lot.  Free Wifi, nice and cozy atmosphere.  Neighborhood is great as far as I can tell.  If I'm in the city and need a nice place to eat and work, I'll be back!

  • Review from Michael M.

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    7/18/2011 4 Check-ins Here

    A little farther away from the house than two other coffee places, but worth a stop now and then.  

    After dropping off some mail, I decided to walk around a bit and found my way here.  Located near a transportation hub with a streetcar, it looks to get a lot of business.  I think many of the morning employees grab some coffee, etc before hoping on the shuttle to either Genentech or Google as both stop nearby.

    The coffee was just about as good as I can get elsewhere nearby, and the pastries were warm, available from the counter.  A lot of other things are available, like sandwiches, salads.

    Another place to add to my list in my neighborhood to check out in more detail.

  • Review from Johny X.

    •  
    • 1 friend
    • 22 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    9/11/2011

    Wonderful place.  Great atmosphere, very cozy.  Good pastries, good coffee, and even has a breakfast menu with bagels, waffles, potatoes etc.  It's one of those places that makes you feel good on a weekend morning.  Everybody was in a good mood and it has that neighborhood feel of a European cafe.

    Not sure how to describe it, just a great energy.

  • Review from Colin M.

    •  
    • 2 friends
    • 39 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    12/28/2011

    My favourite coffee shop in Noe. Nice coffee, good service, great pastries, comfortable chairs and a great location. I'd give it five stars except for the fact that it's frequently a little hot and stuffy inside.

  • Review from Ches W.

    •  
    • 31 friends
    • 81 reviews

    Menlo Park, CA

    5.0 star rating
    5/7/2011

    I don't have much to say here, except that the people who run the place clearly care about what they do, and it shows.

    I remember seeing the one of the owners at Safeway with a shopping cart filled with maybe 30 gallons of milk. We chatted a bit, and he explained to me that Safeway just has the best milk for frothing, no other milk does the trick, even Whole Foods. I don't know why that sticks with me, maybe that he doesn't send someone else to fetch the milk / doesn't get it delivered. Or that he bothered to test all local milks to find the best froth.

    Even if you don't indulge in all the amazing baked goods they have, the smell of all that is a pleasant greeting to the shop.

    I just feel really lucky to have this place around the corner from where I live.

  • Review from Jackson W.

    •  
    • 0 friends
    • 1 review

    San Francisco, CA

    1.0 star rating
    Updated - 12/31/2011

    visited this again because it's nearby but I struck out again.  Poor to mediocre food & service, ok atmosphere though loud, too expensive, & obnoxious owner

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    • 1.0 star rating
      11/17/2011

      Beware.  the homemade pies are from Costco. Owner buys for $5 or $6 & sells for $30 or more. Boasts… Read more »

  • Review from Inigo M.

    •  
    • 25 friends
    • 1240 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    6/2/2011

    Cozy, like someone's living room.

    Heavenly chocolate-dipped macaroons and biscotti.

    Bring your own music and headphones if you don't like Josh Groban, Celine Dion, Elton John on permanent rotation.

  • Review from Melissa S.

    Pittsburgh, PA

    5.0 star rating
    3/21/2011

    I shed a tear when I think of Cafe XO, as it was a block from our apartment in Noe Valley. I probably spent more time here than I did at home, mostly due to grad school and constant homework.

    If one were on a quest for the BEST crossiant around, XO has it- crispy, buttery and fluffy-soft on the inside. There is a cute little nook in the back as well, which is perfect for studying and cramming. My now-husband also proposed to me here so it holds a special place in my heart for that reason. The location is perfect-- it is right on the corner of Church and 30th so you will hear the hum of the train while sipping your perfect espresso. If you are looking for a place to have a perfectly lazy Saturday morning with a book, or a loved one, check it out!

  • Review from Brooke H.

    •  
    • 17 friends
    • 50 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    3.0 star rating
    12/4/2010

    Food is fantastic. Pastries are wonderful. Seriously delicious eats! And the owner cares. He's there and he's hands-on with the food.

    Unfortunately, the ladies behind the counter = way too sloppy with the lattes. Had too many bad experiences now, including (from least to worst):

    1. Always brittle foam. Why does everyone else manage to make creamy foam -- including Starbucks?
    2. Grounds in the coffee. Sloppy.
    3. Skim milk when I didn't ask for it (TOO many times -- is it because I'm fat?). GROSS. Ruins my cup.
    4. Caffeinated when I ask for decaf -- this is a HUGE problem. It means 8-12 hours of stomach and bladder pain and needing the bathroom every 30 minutes. This is enough to put me off coffee for a week. I've been decaf since 2003 and drink it almost daily, but this is the only place that I have REGULAR problems with the coffee giving me pain and torment.

    I'm currently enduring one of these 8-12 hour sessions, and as lovely as the owner and his food is, I'm not going back there EVER for COFFEE!!!!!! :-(

    SLIGHT UPDATE ON THE PASTRIES: Despite the fact that they're often quite delicious, I've now had four occasions where I've been sold stale pastries: uncut bagels, scones, and croissants with dry, hard areas (in the case of the uncut bagels, we're talking rock-hard and inedible).

    DEAR CAFE XO OWNER -- GET ON THIS!!!

  • Review from J.Maurice C.

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    • 28 friends
    • 3 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    9/11/2011 10 photos 21 Check-ins Here

    The best in S.F Cali's Noe Valley you've gotta come an have the best cakes pies cookies so wonderful.. Staff is the bomb.. Awesome best service ...gotta come new things to come awesome staff owener really cool :-)  more space an bigger changes coming soon..more things

  • Review from Sam I.

    •  
    • 4 friends
    • 23 reviews

    Oakland, CA

    2.0 star rating
    6/17/2011

    nice atmosphere, nice menu, nice lettuce in my salad.
    oh wait, scratch that last one. they forgot to wash it. dirt/mud kind of stands out among cesar dressing and i don't recall cesar dressing being gritty other times i've had it.

  • Review from cristina k.

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    • 0 friends
    • 2 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    8/29/2011

    Best in Town!
    Try the scrumptious muffins.
    You are always served with a smile.
    The anbience and very welcoming and inviting.
    Wish there were more places like this.
    Great place to chill!!
    Cristina on Dolores street:-)

  • Review from Lauren S.

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    • 406 friends
    • 676 reviews

    Stockton, CA

    1.0 star rating
    7/25/2010

    I got an overpriced stale ass bagel here. I don't even know if it was toasted or not, it was that stale. Coffee was no bueno either.

    Methinks not.

  • Review from Christa K.

    •  
    • 3 friends
    • 16 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    1.0 star rating
    11/7/2011

    Definitely not a fan of this place. You'd think the owners would be a little more on point with so many competing shops in the area. I've been here in three (painful) occasions. I live around the corner and sometimes can't wait to get downtown for a cup of Peet's, so I settle for XO. I give their service a solid "F." The first day I went there, I tried paying with a credit card and got a snobby, "we don't take those." Totally understandable.. but was there a sign? No. And was it necessary to be so rude to a first-time customer? Second time I visited, the line was through the door with only one employee behind the counter. The employee was having a conversation with the first person in line about how he works too much and is too tired to be working. The third time I visited, I was the second person in line and the service took forever, once again. My Americano (water and espresso - pretty simple) took at least 5 minutes to make and the three employees in the back were scrambling back and forth around the kitchen and arguing about who knows what. This isn't the type of atmosphere I look for in a coffee shop. I'll be trekking down to Martha's down the street next time for a friendlier brew.

  • Review from Lindsey D.

    Austin, TX

    5.0 star rating
    10/10/2010

    I'm not sure why this wouldn't be 5 star, except is a bit hot without AC.
    Service was great - friendly, efficient and fast.
    Food was awesome - the tomato and goat cheese quiche is one of the best things I have ever eaten. Loaded with goat cheese.
    Tremendous selection of pastries, salads, sandwiches, coffee, tea and Odwalla products.
    Decadent hunks of red velvet cake, chocolate dipped macaroons, and thick slices of pound cake.  I fell in love with the "healthy nut cookie", although I expect very little is "healthy" about it.

  • Review from Courtney B.

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    • 22 friends
    • 24 reviews

    San Ramon, CA

    5.0 star rating
    11/12/2010

    First time here today and am in love with the place! I didn't try any food, but the coffee was delicious and the atmosphere was awesome. Will definitely come back to try the delicious homemade goodness.

    BIG PLUS: There's a changing table in the bathroom!!! :) I am a mom and believe that there should be one required in EVERY bathroom....like ADA requirements.

  • Review from Lotion M.

    •  
    • 1 friend
    • 23 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    2/7/2011

    The place is warm and inviting, comfy, beautifully decorated, a great location for people watching, and a gorgeous Greek owner, who could probably melt iron with his smile.

    Excellent, high-quality food and huge variety of desserts. The $10 salads are generous, making them a pretty good value. Not a bargain place, but quality matches the prices. The coffee is outstanding.

    Extras include free wifi, use of NYT, and Chronicle. Only negatives are loud bad pop music and sloppy service when the owner leaves the latinas alone sometimes in the afternoon. Their poor service might be a language issue, but they are otherwise friendly, if shy to communicate. The air can get stuffy, but the staff seem happy to let you open one of the many big windows. Generally love the food and atmosphere here.

  • Review from Eric A.

    San Francisco, CA

    3.0 star rating
    8/8/2010

    I love the fact that this is a one minute walk from my place. I'm definitely a fan and just love the coziness of the place.

    This is one of my favorite coffee shops in the city.

    Cafe Mocha is a must when you come here.

  • Review from Miika m.

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    1/28/2009

    la la la

    Anything for a neighborhood cafe joint that reminds me of the little tea tents that may have been erected during the Victorian days replete with cute outdoor furniture and charming accoutrements that detract from the modernity hustling away on rails right outside.

    I stepped in because my date was putting our names down for brunch at Toast down the street and my obvious caffeine addiction had already kicked in: meaning I was not up to my spastic verbal self.

    The staff are pretty laid back and especially nice if they personally know you.  An extra star for their obvious love for pups of the day since they let dogs on the outdoor bench as well as a watering bowl.  

    My latte was extra hot, just like I ordered and ready to go.  Slightly expensive, but what does one expect?  If you can afford to live in Noe Valley, then expect a slightly higher tab.  I've already gotten use to it   :(

  • Review from Adrienne g.

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    8/21/2009 1 photo

    Looks like everyone's heard about the amazingly smooth Soy Lattes at Cafe XO - no need for sugar. When I was there this morning, 5 out if 6 people ordered soy coffees & I was no exception.

    Just the lightest sprinkle of cinnamon & I had a warm, velvety, creamy latte to welcome me to my day

    Since I'm traveling this wknd, thought a nice sugary treat would be appropriate to pair w/ my coffee so I opted for Choc Chip Cookie..... was just a bit underdone which is exactly how I like them - delish!

    Also got their homemade BANANA-BREAD Bread Pudding served in muffin wraps - super moist & schooshable....YES!  Banana Bread made into a Bread Pudding!  It was delightful & worth a special trip just for that!

  • Review from Lola L.

    •  
    • 115 friends
    • 307 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    8/12/2008

    For a quick lunch, I usually hit this spot. It's not always busy and when it is, the service is fast and always with a smile! Today i wasn't in the mood to be adventurous so I had the BLT on wheat. It was pretty good and fresh, the same thing I could make at home. Unlike most places there were 5+ strips of bacon on there and not a meager strip or two. It came with a salad and orange slices on the side to compliment the sandwich. Most of the sandwiches are under $10 so you cant beat that. Jars of brownies, macaroons, biscotti and a display case with pastries. Oh and trays of fresh muffins every morning! Huge cakes, quiche and tiramisu all tempting you. Bronze buckets of water, pellegrino, orangina, snapple and oj and apple juice. For a morning pick-me-up, they've got my white mocha with soy.

    Inside it's very cozy and inviting. Warm terra cotta walls with cloth and leather chairs. Round marble tables for two. There's free wifi so you can surf and eat.

  • Review from Ketty N.

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    • 0 friends
    • 1 review

    Melrose, MA

    5.0 star rating
    7/25/2011

    We recently visited San Francisco and stayed near Cafe XO. We love everything about Cafe XO. The coffee (especially Coffee Mocha Milan) is very good. The pastries were fresh and delicious. Our favorites were the almond croissants (flaky, buttery and full of almond flavor --YUM) & the homemade Greek cookies :) The service was always good as well. The woman behind the counter greeted us every day. On our last night, knowing that we only came to visit, she gave us some extra cookies to enjoy on our flights. We really appreciated the great service and being treated so well :)

    Thank you, Cafe XO! We will stop by whenever we are in SF.

  • Review from Ryan L.

    •  
    • 27 friends
    • 211 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    2.0 star rating
    11/26/2009

    Does the woman behind the counter really need to be loudly gabbing away on her cell phone as she makes the latte?  Maybe that has something to do with me being served the wrong cup of joe.  

    If the staff can be whipped into shape, this place has real potential.  Luscious-looking pastries and nice stylish atmosphere make me want to give this place a second chance.  Let's just hope the barista runs out of minutes on her cell phone plan.

  • Review from Chris O.

    •  
    • 83 friends
    • 31 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    1.0 star rating
    12/28/2008

    Though it gets decent marks for charm, I can't recommend this place. Stopped by for a quick bagel sandwich and latte to go and was stunned by:

    1) the service. Our rather simple order was mishandled and forgotten. I had to remind them to make my sandwich and then they brought it out without the egg I requested. When I told them I asked for egg, the cashier said she didn't charge me for egg, but then checked the tape and realized that she did. Which leads to...  
    2) the prices. 8 bucks for a bagel with egg and ham--are you kidding me?
    3) the coffee. Terrible. Burned. Ick. I wouldn't call myself a coffee snob, but this stuff was not drinkable; even after applying a last-resort dose of sugar.

    I didn't sample any of the pastries, but I won't be returning to give them a try. There are plenty of other more deserving places.

  • Review from clay s.

    •  
    • 7 friends
    • 24 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    2.0 star rating
    12/15/2009

    The food choices here are solid. Not so much for a vegan like myself, but I often get stuff for my busy student girlfriend. Their egg and cheese bagel is very substantial, and tasty I'm told. The coffee is decent. Not amazing but better than a lot of places.

    The atmosphere is pretty nice. More "posh" than hip, but better than a lot of the dumps out there (e.g. Phil'z on 24th street -- not knocking their amazing coffee though!).

    But the thing that kills this review is the STAFF. Several of them are just curt and unknowledgeable -- particularly this one Hispanic girl who looks to be in her late 20's and often takes the orders. I finally decided to write this review when I walked in today and she was on her mobile phone finishing up a phone call. As if it wasn't already unprofessional enough for her to be on the phone in plain view (as opposed to behind the coffee machines for instance), she didn't immediately put the phone away saying, "I have a customer" when I approached the till. She just stared right at me, finishing up her phone call for about 10 full seconds. I stared at her incredulously.

    To me, good baristas make about 40% of the experience of a café. I would never go to this place if it weren't 2 blocks from my house.

  • Review from Adam L.

    •  
    • 81 friends
    • 125 reviews

    Mountain View, CA

    4.0 star rating
    7/16/2006

    Spotted in my Entertainment (2-for-1) book, I decided to give this cafe a try and I'm glad I did. The people behind the counter were helpful and friendly, and the menu is pleasantly diverse (soups, sandwiches, desserts, and lots of coffees and teas). Comfy chairs and free wi-fi made it even better.

    My Cafe Milan (mocha with orange syrup) was quite tasty and not too sweet. My sandwich (pastrami) was okay, but nothing to write home about. I asked for a panini, expecting a grilled 'n' crispy delight, but it was basically just a regular sandwich.

    So I'd suggest coming here and lingering over some cups of fine coffee and tea, perhaps sampling a dessert, but I don't think the sandwiches are worth the price.

  • Review from David O.

    •  
    • 3 friends
    • 25 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    2.0 star rating
    10/15/2009

    If you love going to a nice cozy coffee shop and quietly working or reading...this is not the place to go.  This place is LOUD.  And I'm not even talking about the rumble of the passing J-Church or the whirring of the milk steamer.

    I'm referring to the customers.  For whatever reason, the customers here think it is perfectly acceptable to shout from one end of the cafe to their friends at the other end, where screaming children are a regular occurrance, where the finer art of talking quietly on your cell phone or to your tablemate is lost.  The tables fill up frequently and the customers feel to need to raise their own voices in order to be heard over the cacaphony surrounding them.

    The decor is lovely and sophisticated.  I wish the clientele were as well.

  • Review from Antonio L.

    •  
    • 4 friends
    • 6 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    Updated - 10/29/2010

    update:  10/30/10

    I just finished what is arguably the best pumpkin-cheesecake I've eaten in SF.  The in-house pastries and desserts are delicious!  

    I wish someone would hurry up and invent a teleportation machine, mass produce it, and give me one for Christmas.  Then I'd be able to enjoy Cafe XO's pastries as soon as I wake up, without having to put on any clothes and leave the house.  

    I wish they had a Facebook page...

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    • 4.0 star rating
      10/1/2010

      Have been coming here off and on for close to 4 years and I really like this place.

      Some of the… Read more »

  • Review from Marz W.

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    • 59 friends
    • 344 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    3/1/2007

    I have never been served a piece of Pumpkin Chocolate bread that was so enormous. It was literally enough for 3 in all its chewy goodness. I split it with my friend and still could not finish it.

    I liked the environment. It seems like the perfect little neighborhood coffee shop. But with exceptionally large portions of Pumpkin Chocolate bread.

    If I lived near here I would spend far too much time here eating nothing but enormous pieces of Pumpkin Chocolate bread.

  • Review from hillary h.

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    • 60 friends
    • 39 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    3.0 star rating
    9/26/2006

    Cafe XO - with the lush red walls, plush chairs in the back, decent drip coffee but even better espresso drinks, etc. etc. etc.  All in all a nice (perhaps even romantic) place to go get a cup o' joe).......

    .....until the damn J-Church squeals around the corner.  My goodness, it's loud -- even with headphones on and music blaring.  I think Muni has tried recently to address this issue, but that's definitely the one thing that kept this place from becoming my "office away from my home office."

    Otherwise, good coffee, good eats (try the croissant egg sandwich), and free WiFi (or at least it used to be free).

  • Review from tal n.

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    3/6/2010

    Go! It's pleasant! Especially when it is part sunny and slightly cool and you need to work (on a Saturday)...

    The person behind the counter is very sweet.
    The pastries behind the counter are very sweet. (Maybe too sweet but I still enjoyed my chocolate/almond horn).

    Not so sweet: the espresso. I'll have another one in a bit and report back if it turns out that the first one was just a case of bad luck.

    Idea for the perfect day: walk slowly to XO. chat with pal while having tea and cookie. keep on doing that until you are about to faint from the desire for food and then cross the street to La Ciccia!

  • Review from Jane L.

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    • 84 friends
    • 150 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    2/8/2007

    FINALLY made it to this place....and I'm glad I did.

    Plusses: Nice atmosphere, yummy lunches (my friend ordered a BLT and I got the chicken gyros sandwich),  good treats (though no cupcakes - boo hoo), decent coffee, nice selection of armchairs and tables for sitting with your laptop to get work done.

    Minuses: You only get a ceramic mug if you order a MEDIUM beverage, otherwise you will get a paper cup.  And the bathroom light is on an automatic timer, so you may find yourself sitting on the toilet in the dark (I know I did)!

  • Review from Maya S.

    •  
    • 38 friends
    • 93 reviews

    Denver, CO

    4.0 star rating
    5/1/2006

    I am actually embarrassed that I had never been here before. I will blame my mother. Partially because I'm used to and it rarely steers me wrong. And partially because when I am willing to eat at coffee shops, my mother makes a face and says "I want REAL food."

    So I finally convinced her to eat here because we were in a rush to go shoe shopping for THE wedding. That motivated her. It was gorgeous outside and all the windows and the door were open. We ordered espresso drinks and bagels with lox and all the fixin's.

    By the end of the day, she was talking more about Cafe XO than the shoes. Trust me, this is stop-the-press news. We just loved the atmosphere, the people, the lox, the coffee and the adorable red mugs the coffee was served in. Oh, and I drooled over the waffle that walked by me that was beautifully covered in strawberries and bananas. (And I don't even like bananas!)

    Listed in: Java

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  • Review from Jason B.

    San Francisco, CA

    2.0 star rating
    Updated - 2/14/2009

    I wish I could give XO more stars. As I wrote before, nice ambiance, and the service is friendly. My sandwich was so so, though the salad on the side was a nice addition. Coffee was fine too. But negative marks for spotty wifi, lack of honey (who doesn't carry honey?), and the kicker, charging $0.75 for flavored syrup. I think that is excessive, and tend to yelp down because of it.

    Not the worst place to end up, but one can do better (try Nervous Dog down the street).

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    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 3.0 star rating
      6/22/2008

      Lots of mini reviews in this experience:

      - Five stars for 1) letting me see the yogurt container to… Read more »

  • Review from Dan M.

    •  
    • 8 friends
    • 56 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    3.0 star rating
    9/2/2006

    This is a great spot in Noe. I think it's probably the best, hang-out and get something done place around. There are a few others in the 'hood, but a lot of them fall short of providing a friendly staff, decent seating, and more than crappy snacks. XO actually has real food that actually pretty good for Cafe food standards.

    Needs: better chairs (comfortable, but not great), more power outlet for laptops, stay open later in to the evening.

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