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Gallery Cafe
Categories: Food Coffee & Tea Food Internet Cafes Coffee & Tea, Internet Cafes
1200 Mason St(at Washington St)
San Francisco, CA 94108
(415) 296-9932
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 6:30 am - 7 pm
Sat-Sun 7:30 am - 7:30 pm
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
114 reviews for Gallery Cafe
Review Highlights
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"...of espresso, and with the cable car museum right across the..." In 15 reviews -
"constant art rotation, low-key vibe, and free wi-fi." In 9 reviews -
"...up ordering a turkey/cranberry sandwich and then treated..." In 3 reviews
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114 reviews in English
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Review from Alyssa W.
Nob Hill, San Francisco, CA
For some reason Gallery Cafe doesn't show up on the Yelp search for nearby coffee and tea. It took a while to try it, but we finally stopped by on Christmas Eve.
Ordering was a pleasant experience. The folks behind the counter were nice and unpretentious. We ordered one espresso, an espresso macchiato, and a "Big Oat Bar". I enjoyed the presentation of the espresso drinks - it was simple (no latte art for the macchiato) but not in a bad way.
The macchiato itself was quite good; it didn't taste burnt or too bitter. The Big Oat Bar complemented the espresso...although I wouldn't get it by itself.
The cafe has many seating choices. There's a communal section made up of small tables lined up parallel to the counter. There are also many 2-seater tables along the large windows and in small nooks. A comfy-looking couch section is set up in one corner.
As other reviews have mentioned, the music is a little bit loud. If I came here to work I would probably bring earplugs. The acoustics make the cafe feel a bit empty, but it's easily overlooked. I enjoyed watching the cable car swing around the corner, and the big windows offer a lot of natural light and the promise of people-watching. -
Review from Niklas A.
San Francisco, CA
5/12/2012 3 Check-ins Here
This place is literally just a block away from me so I end up here quite often. It's a great place for a to go coffee, working/studying or just chillin' a few minutes while watching the happy tourists swing by in the Cable Car. Free WiFi. The outdoor seating in the sun is nice!
It's a bit pricey but the chill lounge music and hipster art inside makes up for it. -
Review from Mel G.
3/4/2012
This cafe is literally a block away from my apartment, making it the most convenient spot to grab coffee/a bit to eat when I don't feel like venturing very far. The grilled cheese with tomato is my favorite sandwich there, and the lattes are pretty good. There's some seating outside, and there are cool tables alongside the windows. Good local spot.
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Review from Jordan M.
San Francisco, CA
I'm new to San Francisco and decided to search for a cafe near my place that has nice ambiance, food, drinks, wi-fi, and isn't too expensive. I found it at Gallery Cafe!
(This isn't to say other places would be similarly excellent though)
Upon walking in, I saw plenty of seating, and found a nice little table for two (though it's just me) in a banquet window. There are actually two of these little alcoves, both with power-outlets for my laptop and good lighting.
I ordered the Grilled Chicken Panini which comes with tomatoes and caesar dressing, as well a side of mixed greens and balsamic vinegrette. I also ordered a latte with a hint of syrup (they have a nice syrup collection) and everything came to less than $10. The wi-fi is secured but they aren't shy about sharing the password.
There is an ATM available here and it's right on the corner of Mason & Washington. Great Nob Hill/Chinatown location! -
Review from Dorian T.
San Francisco, CA
7/11/2011
Note to self: Never hike up Mason St. from Market.
This place served your everyday sandwiches. A little expensive and cash only. Not really a place I would go often. But you know who would?
Hipsters.
Super chill music, crazy art on the wall, quiche, coffee and expensive sandwiches.
It might not be my cup of tea, but if you wear thick framed glasses and tight pants; shop at Goodwill or Salvation Army; and ride a fixed gear bike, this place is for you. -
Review from carl c.
San Francisco, CA
12/22/2011
I would love to give this 5 stars since it's round the corner, but I can't even give it one....or maybe one..........it does not have an inviting atmosphere at all.....I popped in for a happy hour wine, but oh dear, wine is not on the happy hour list ...$6.50 for a glass of medicocre wine from trader joe's, ...i guess I am an idiot........maybe they should write that on the chalkboard outside - only beer..............the music was way too loud, radio channel even though there were a total of 2 inside....night club bad music......I eventually had to ask the guy to turn it down...what a shame it is such a dingy place, such a great location......
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Review from Dominic C.
Rancho Cordova, CA
8/20/2010
Ordered the pesto tomato parm sandwich. It was weak. Sister had the grilled cheese, even weaker and for some reason, had tomato in it.
The coffee wasn't very flavorful but the location is nice... except for random trash everywhere. -
Review from Max A.
San Francisco, CA
8/18/2011
This place is screaming for a makeover. Apart from the filth in every container and crevice, there's this overwhelming malaise ... the ghost of something past, I don't know.
If there's one plus it's the location: right next door to a laundromat, which means you don't have to watch your clothes go round and round and round and .... -
Review from phil h.
7/2/2006
Everything about this place screams 'eh'
The food? eh
The coffee? eh
The staff? eh
I come here from time to time since it's the closest cafe to my house and they have outdoor seating. Other than that? Eh.Listed in: Caffeinate Me
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Review from Donny S.
San Francisco, CA
2/23/2009
"Gallery" Cafe. More like "My-semi-retarded-child's-crayola-fingerpainting-n onsense-hanging-on-my-refrigerator-because-I-feel- guilty-when-he-pulls-that-shit-from-the-trash-can- and-looks-at-me-with-his-big-bovine-eyes" Cafe.
I didn't notice any "gallery." I checked the website--oddly, there is no mention of said eponymous gallery, only an asinine bio for Vincent Van Gogh. Pretension is a dish best served...not by the Gallery Cafe, the culinary equivalent of seven popped collars.
I did, however, notice the potted-plant topiary decor. No doubt aphid infested and ripped off from some local marijuana horticulturalist. And the overpriced menu. And the bad panini. And the cardboard to-go cup in which I was made to enjoy my English Breakfast tea while sitting outside due to the cafe's unbearable heat and humidity, a function of its biodiversification, perhaps?
It was lucky that I was sitting outside eating my lackadaisical Mozarella Tomato Pesto panini, made with marshmallow for bread and anthrax for the rest, watching Amanda F. eat her anemic mixed green salad, because it was there I saw the only redeeming quality of the establishment and the only reason to write this review (otherwise, it would not have even deserved the generous star I've granted).
In front of the restaurant on the sidewalk, beyond the overhead scaffolding supports, with a backdrop of the historic Cable Car museum, there stood a city garbage receptacle, and a surprisingly kempt-looking elderly Chinese gentleman performing his civic duty and collecting the recyclables carelessly deposited in the trash can.
There were so many things that were right about that moment--me, suffering through the sulfur and brimstone on my plate, drinking from my Mother Earth destroying cardboard tea-cup, already scratching at the bug-bites I expected to leave with--and this guy, Champion of the Elements, Son of Man, earning a living while saving the environment even in his waning years, wearing a thick, rich overcoat of dignity.
My sandwich, ashen in my mouth. My thirst only whetted by this soulless tea. And behold, this giant in front of me, crushing cans with his fist.
Places like the Gallery Cafe should be bulldozed like a Palestinian city block. -
Review from Miriam W.
3/10/2006
The Gallery Cafe has me hopeful about my new neighborhood. Stopped in while on a break from unpacking this week and ordered a lemonade to match with the sun. It was perfect. I am looking forward to sampling more from their menu.
Love the space. Dig the boy workin' the counter (his eyeliner added extra flair).
Will definitely be back.Listed in: Nob Hill and surrounding…
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Review from Kevin S.
San Francisco, CA
8/19/2005
I liked the general layout and the sofa area. I didn't much care for the cramped, rattle-y little tables in the windows. The neighborhood is definitely a challenge but there's lots of residential in that area and they deserve a good cafe. I've only been for an event, but I would definitely come back for the free wi-fi and decent coffee and comfy sofa seating in front of the big teevee.
I also liked the amount and kind of art they seemed to be selecting for the walls, particularly the Filipino-American artist who is up there now. -
Review from Gil S.
4/8/2007
So-so coffee house with a few sandwiches, breakfast items, salads, etc. The big space is underused. Not a fan of the dercor of exposed plywood, spray-on ceiling plaster, a ladder and, office depot / target level furniture. The couches are shady as far as spillage and vermin population. Music volume to bearability ratio is off by half.
Plus side is that it's sunny and open in the afternoon, it's across from the Cable Car barn, and the wine selection is good if a bit expensive when not on happy hour.
Free wifi. -
Review from Jason B.
12/30/2009
There are worse ways to spend an afternoon than nibbling on a turkey cranberry sandwich, scooping a generous bowl of granola and yogurt, keeping up with the world thanks to the free wifi/plentiful outlets and sipping a good nonfat vanilla latte.
All while lounging at tables inside this friendly and roomy cafe that look out onto the cable cars crossing the Washington/Mason intersection.
There are much, much worse ways to spend an afternoon.Listed in: Cafes
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Review from nicole c.
San Francisco, CA
8/15/2005
I enjoyed the drinks & HH at Gallery Cafe, but the truth is I still see it more as (surprise) a Cafe and maybe a Gallery. At the Yelp event, one of the barristas/bartenders made me a special mango concoction (amazing)...besides that, I think I'd stick w/ a tea or coffee if I was to return.
The best thing about this place (besides the wonderful smiling staff) is the cafe itself. I adore all the windows..And those intimate NOOKS & CRANNIES..oooh! With the numerous large windows and the front door coming to a point, I felt as if I was on a wooden deck of a classic ship... I wanted to hang off the edge with my hair waving like Leonardo...
Comforted by the narrow streets of Nob Hill, and the passing trolley cars, I felt like a true San Franciscan at the Gallery Cafe! In the rare case I'm back in that area, I'd definitely stop in...but, I'd wear my slippers & PJs and get all snuggly in a corner. -
Review from Shannon V.
San Francisco, CA
1/25/2007
I don't eat oatmeal unless I need to regularize myself, you dig? Of course you do. Or unless I'm at work and don't want to be poisoned by cafeteria food. I believe in breakfast, even when it's covered in brown sugar.
HOWEVER Gallery Cafe? They make theirs with soy milk and honey. It might sound unimpressive, but holy shit this is oatmeal?? It's candy in a bowl! I'd eat it every morning if I could be super late to work and always had cash on me. -
Review from Kelly F.
San Francisco, CA
10/13/2006
Im sad to say, but the gallery cafe is on the road to dumpsville...the new owners, while cool, nice guys, have turned it from a great neighborhood cafe into a tourist trap...goodbye good sandwiches, poetry nights, cute cafe boys and awesome music...hello crappy music (I swear I heard the backstreet boys, at 8am no less) played at deafening loud levels, higher prices and good coffee, plus these annoying frappacino or whatever the heck they are signs everywhere.
Please gallery cafe, bring back the good sando-s (and I dont mind paying $8 for a sandwich if its tasty) coffee and music...its not too late! -
Review from Chris L.
San Francisco, CA
11/7/2006
I'm always pretty happy when I make the trip over to this sunny cafe on a quiet little corner. The coffee is pretty great, the sandwiches are good (if a little overpriced for what you are getting) and the staff is always easygoing, enjoyable and cute. I could easily see this being a good place in your neighborhood to do whatever-it-is-you'd-do-at-home but when you would rather do it somewhere else.
That said, the BEST part about the GC is the counter where you order. Let me explain. Clearly they have the customer in mind, because the person that takes your order is standing about a foot below you. This makes you feel super tall and really really good about yourself, which in turn makes your food & drink taste that much better and therefore your whole day takes a positive turn. Why don't all establishments do this?? The world would be a more peaceful place if they did, FO SHO. -
Review from m A n I k.
San Francisco, CA
1/31/2006
Hills, cable cars, coffee, tea, picture windows, free wifi, outdoor seating, AND art--they thought of everything here. I order up their chai latte. Milky spiced tea warms my tummy as I nestle into a window seat. The blissful smile I wear lets the world know there's something good going on here.
Note: They close at 7:30pm during these winter months. Too early for my taste. Stay open later, GC!Listed in: Grab Some Coffee and Stay a…
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Review from Marjorie B.
San Francisco, CA
11/28/2008
Gallery Cafe, situated at a cable car crossroads, is the first checkpoint after the initial steep descent from the tip top of Nob every morning on my walk to work. I am renewed with a hot cup of house dark roast. Bringing a commuter cup is always preferable-- their cups are a bit small (order a small and you will get TINY) and are prone to coffee jumping out of the spout and onto your work shirt.
The floor behind the counter is almost a foot lower than the rest of the cafe, which gives me the extra boost of self-confidence I need to kick off the day. There are computers available for use in the corner if you didn't bring your laptop to enjoy the free WiFi. The enjoyment is cut off around 7pm, and you'll have to migrate to another hotspot up and over the hill if you want to keep surfing. -
Review from Margaret R.
San Francisco, CA
9/8/2010
I ran in needing to use the restroom...Got myself a drink so I would be a paying customer. After I paid, I was told the restroom was out of order. Sigh.
The cups are a bit on the smaller size. However, the chai tea is pretty good. The woman who runs the place seems very sweet. -
Review from Lauren H.
San Francisco, CA
9/2/2006
Stopped by to kill some time before a movie this afternoon. They had what we needed:
A bathroom, complete with gianormous pipe attached to the key
Espresso, complete with pretty latte art
Couches to curl up on and bitch about boys
The desserts and food looked yummy, but we were too stuffed from dim sum to eat anything.Listed in: Espresso junkie hangouts
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Review from Amy K.
9/6/2010
OVERALL:3.4 FOOD:3 SERVICE:3.5 AMBIANCE:4 VALUE:3
Across from the Cable Car Museum, this is a spaciously cozy spot to people-watch, catch some Vitamin D on the sidewalk tables, enjoy some breakfast/coffee, and maybe even a cold pint at the bar! Great balance of neighborhood locals and the occasional trickle of Euro tourists.
Mostly solid coffee (espresso drinks vary, depending on who's manning the steam wand), but I come mostly for the convenience, abundant seating, GQ library (I know, guilty pleasure!) constant art rotation, low-key vibe, and free wi-fi. Menu features variety of simple sandwiches, salads, pastries, daily quiches, limited wine selection....haven't tried the breakfast, but looks reliable. Sandwiches are pretty unremarkable and mostly just disappointing (think homemade, but not in the impressive way)....stick to the liquids.
Great place to spend a relaxing weekend! -
Review from Meghan P.
9/19/2008
A little over-priced but really good... I used to frequent the Gallery Cafe when I lived right around the corner. It's also right next to a good laundromat so it's a great place to hang out while your clothes are sudsing.
I highly recommend their iced coffee and cappuccinos. The panini sandwiches and salads are really good too. They also serve beer and wine and I believe they have a happy hour special on alcoholic beverages too :).
The cafe is really comfy for reading, studying, chatting with friends, etc and provides free WiFi too! :) You can pick a table in the sunny windows, outside, or in a darker corner.
Yum, yum, yum! -
Review from Natalie G.
San Francisco, CA
5/27/2009
I always thought that Gallery Cafe is one of those cute little local places that would be fun to work at. Serving coffee, toasting bagels, all the while watching patrons sit outside in the sun drinking their lattes.
Gallery Cafe makes a mean bagel and they always put on the tomatoes and red onions for me just right! The coffee is nice and strong, but a little expensive. They make breakfast sandwiches too with bacon that are delicious on a hungover Sunday morning. I live in the neighborhood and love to stop by. You can even wander into the cable car museum across the street if time allows. -
Review from ruby y.
San Francisco, CA
10/29/2010
I LOVE GALLERY CAFE!!!
i might be a little biased since this is my neighborhood cafe, but this place rocks my socks. free wifi and a good amount of seating. i'm always lucky enough to find an outlet for my laptop. they're always playing a loungey-pandora-type station (which i love). the people that work here? always awesome. only kinda/sorta sucky thing? they're kinda on the pricey :/
the food here has always been good. their breakfast bagels--eggs, bacon, sausage, cheese on an everything bagel--have been my go-to as of late. their chai teas are excellent! as are their grilled cheese and tuna salad sandwiches, which all come served with some greens and balsamic vinegar. always, always good.
they make me happy :) -
Review from sarah k.
Phoenix, AZ
1/2/2006
Perfect spot for a Saturday Suduko marathon. Mellow, good natural light, relatively quiet, and plenty of tables. I cheated on my coffee detox here. It was worth it! The coffee is really good! Other reviews are right. Not at all overroasted or bitter.
I almost subtracted one star because the barrista gave me some attitude. He looked annoyed because I spent more than 32 seconds contemplating the merits of poppy seed bread versus an egg and cheese sandwich. Understandable if there was a line but there wasn't. I hadn't had coffee for days. My brain was operating at the speed of a 386. Give me a break! Nevertheless, Mr. Sourpuss did not ruin my morning. And after a few sips of Joe I was back to myself. -
Review from Liz T.
Kansas City, MO
4/6/2008
Having lived up the hill from this joint, I've been here many many times. Through the years ownership has changed, happy hours took over and lost some good local artists. What remained is good coffee at high prices. Being right across from the cable car museum, there is a lot of noise, but once again if you live in the area... you've already learned to filter it out.
Good place to grab quick breakfast, OK sandwiches that comes with salad and I like their OJ (it tastes fresh with lots of pulp, but I think I saw them pour it out of a carton).
Cash only- I have a feeling that this is what filters tourists out of this place.
Seating- good luck trying to find a seat on weekends. Everyone comes out with their lap-tops and pretends to work while drinking their coffee. But it's totally neighborhood cafe.... and yes you'll run in to your neighbors, make new friends and who knows maybe you'll even get a date out of it -
Review from Chris M.
San Francisco, CA
8/23/2008
I enjoy setting up shop here every couple of days or so. Very cozy place for working on your laptop (with the requisite free wi-fi, of course). Lots of seating options, including outside tables if that's your thing. The food is good (I love their egg and bagel sandwich), and the coffee always hits the spot.
It's right across from the Cable Car museum and a crossing -- I saw some people remark that it's noisy, but I personally love the ambiance the location brings.
only caveat is cash only, but there's also an ATM inside. -
Review from Geof M.
Brooklyn, NY
3/22/2006
I used to live around the block from this place, so this review might be a little dated. When I was there, though, this used to be my second home.
They pull a great shot of espresso, and with the cable car museum right across the street this happens to be a pretty swell people watching spot. Good wine/beer selection...tasty food and pastries...the white chocolate macadamia cookies...mmmmm.... -
Review from Phill W.
Alameda, CA
5/13/2006
Back when Estrella was pulling espressos this place was five stars. But she left for another business and the quality has been in gradual decline since. They still use great beans but the newer Baristas don't seem to be as conscientious as in the past.
Still, Gallery cafe has great price to quality ratio for their coffee and food, especially compared to the competition down the road in North Beach. And the scene is great -- an even mix of locals, tourists from the cable car museum, and even the occasional group of cable car operators getting their morning cup of Joe. -
Review from Danie D.
San Francisco, CA
5/23/2011 37 Check-ins Here
This is my neighborhood cafe / coffee shop. I subtracted one star because it does not accept cards. Otherwise I love this place. The staff is always friendly. The coffee is always good. The food is always delicious. If you're in the neighborhood, stop in and grab a bite.
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Review from Peter O.
San Francisco, CA
1/17/2006
One of the best chill cafes in town.
The clientele is quite, intellectual and cool. -
Review from Claire b.
Nob Hill, San Francisco, CA
3/26/2010
Coffee is only mediocre. And... the barista had no idea what a "dry" cappuccino was... I tried to explain... and the drink I got was very much a wet capuccino. This is why people so many people want to go to Peet's or Starbucks for good coffee!! and they rarely make a drink wrong. get it together! make your coffee good!
PS there are some exceptions, ie blue bottle and philz.... -
Review from Mike P.
Belen, NM
12/28/2011
Great coffee and pastries and you can watch the cable cars turn a corner. Its close to Chinatown and across the street from the Cable Car museum (worth a visit). Despite its proximity to so much tourism, it still has a local feel.
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Review from James B.
San Francisco, CA
11/25/2008
You know that local coffee shop that if you go to enough people start knowing your name? The other day the sweet lady at the counter asked me "the usual?" I knew I was in.
Gallery is a great place to bring a laptop to work (free wi-fi) or just to have a nice cup of Chai Latte on a nice day. It is spacious, nice staff, and good food.
Remember to wave the the tourists as the cable car rolls by. They love it. -
Review from A L.
Newport Beach, CA
7/28/2011
Over priced for what it is. Adequate food. Cash only. Would only go back if it were close to where I was and if I were starving
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Review from Marjie T.
1/31/2010
I love small cafes like this and decided to try it after visiting the Cable Car Museum. They have a decent selection of sandwiches, panini, coffee, tea, and pastries. I'm always a fan of any place that serves grilled cheese, so I ordered that and an iced tea. The sandwich came with a good amount of cheese and tomato on white or wheat bread. My only complaint (and many a restaurants are guilty of this) is that the cheese was not all the way melted. It's a huge pet peeve of mine. If you offer grilled cheese, keep it on the grill long enough so it's completely melted! It was still good, though.
The inside had a decent number of seats inside and outside, plus a couch and it was still difficult to find an empty seat at lunchtime on a Saturday. I loved that they had books and magazines there so you could enjoy your food or drink with some reading material. I think they also had some games, too. -
Review from Brenda C.
3/17/2010
Lately, I've been on a small quiet cafe hunt.
I use to live on the same block as Gallery Cafe, but those were back in the days .. way before I became a caffeine addict. Since I was in the neighborhood on a early Tuesday morning, with hours to spare, I gave this place a shot. Right when I entered, the server was so energetic, friendly, and attentive. My skinny latte was made to perfection and topped off with a beautiful swirl. The setting is very chill, with relaxing music, and plenty of chairs. Adding on, they have outdoor seating, so on a nice day .. you'll be able to enjoy a nice cup of coffee while watching the Cable Cars go by. -
Review from jacqui m.
Brooklyn, NY
8/5/2006
I moved north of Market a little more than two months ago, and I finally have begun exploring the neighborhood.
I took a walk over to Gallery Cafe today to meet up with a friend who had been there before. What a gorgeous walk over there! Coming up Powell Street I had a great view of St. Peter and Paul Church - the one on washington square with two spires - and the bay, and even that bridge that isn't the GG or the Bay Bridge, north of the City. whatever it's called.
Back to the cafe: it is very cute, spacious, and does have little nooks and crannies where you can sit and be somewhat hidden from everyone else by plants and half a wall. They have a good, typical selection of espresso drinks, teas, juices, italian sodas, a decent breakfast menu (mainly eggs and meat on bagels), panini, pastries, and cake.
Oh, and free wifi. They're across the street from the cable car museum which is a very cute all brick building. I'd definitely come back.
