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Grove Cafe
Categories: Restaurants Sandwiches Food Coffee & Tea Restaurants Breakfast & Brunch Sandwiches, Coffee & Tea, Breakfast & Brunch [Edit]
2250 Chestnut St(between Avila St & Scott St)
San Francisco, CA 94123
Neighborhood: Marina/Cow Hollow
(415) 474-4843
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 7 am - 11 pm
Fri 7 am - 11:30 pm
Sat 8 am - 11:30 pm
Sun 8 am - 11 pm
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Paid
- Good For:
- Lunch, Breakfast
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
556 reviews for Grove Cafe
Review Highlights
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"I hear the fresh squeezed OJ is pretty amazing as well." In 20 reviews -
"decor is a bit ski lodge but not overbearingly so." In 22 reviews -
"I got the chicken pot pie and the crust was perfectly baked." In 17 reviews
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- A Yelpy Insight: Vegetarians go nuts for this spot. See more places they like.
556 reviews in English
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Review from Mark i.
San Francisco, CA
+4 stars for food. Some places get try to get your lunch $ with portions the size of a small gymbag - usually skimping on quality. The Grove offers right-sized-ness and right-tastiness.
Congrats guys. Huzzah! -
Review from Ryan B.
Santa Rosa, CA
I typically stroll on into the Grove on Chestnut on Saturday mornings for breakfast. Great food but super over priced for what it is. Fresh ingredients and great espresso drinks definitely bring the score up a bit. It's a nice atmosphere and keep coming back.
Breakfast is one thing, the dinner/evening options are another. I got a lemonade and meatballs on parmesean toast...$18! Refilled my lemonade...another $4.50. Meatballs were pretty tough, the sauce had very minimal complexity with a hint of red pepper. There are really not many options beyond this and a Pot Pie. Was pretty disappointed.
My suggestion, hit it up for breakfast, espresso, or fresh-squeezed juice. Walk 3 blocks in any direction and find a far more suitable option in the evening. -
Review from Assaf B.
San Francisco, CA
I really try to like this place, but unfortunately, they disappointed me one too many times.
Their biggest minus is how over priced they are, I feel like if you're charging this much for brunch, you should at least give a decent size portions.
The service is ok.. but as this is a self service, I can't give them a lot of points for it.
Overall, I rather go to Delarosa or Greens -
Review from Nancy K.
Disclaimer: By far the most obnoxious place we've visited in San Francisco. Despite my wanting to punch nearly all of the Sunday morning clientele in the face, I try not to rate patrons.
Onward: Frommer's suggested starting Day 2 with a stop here. I've got to believe they've never been here on a Sunday morning. The staff, except for one waitress, was happy and helpful but the clientele was Friends with trust funds at the ski lodge. Yes, I judge.
We seated ourselves before heading up to order. A couple walked in and stole our crappy seats. They should have paid more attention because as they did this a primo bench seat by the fireplace opened so K grabbed our stuff and moved it over.
It was hard to decide on what to get. Breakfast sounded awesome, bagel sandwiches with house-made hummus called to us, lunch was appealing. K got the healthy pomodoro eggs (they were out of poached and offered scrambled instead), mom got a fruit cup and hash browns, and I had the turkey club with the Harissa mayo. We also got freshly-squeezed oj and coffee.
The man taking our order had some significant issues getting it right. He was really focused on banter but after adding a sandwich and leaving off all the drinks four times, I was getting a little worried about what would show up. Focus on getting it right first and then I'll banter with you to your heart's content. Finally he got it right and we were off. I'm undecided on the tip situation. You pay before your food comes, which is great for convenience but I'm a tipper who tips based on service. And a good tipper. Do I give the standard 20%? Write "cash" and hope for the best? Will a nice tip up front influence service? (it won't). Next time I encounter a spot like this I'll write "cash" and keep my fingers crossed.
Service was slow, understandable since the place was packed but we were given drinks up front so that was good. When the food came our waitress made sure it was correct, asked, "Do you need anything else?" and then we never saw her again at our table. Never to see if things were okay. Never to check if we wanted more coffee. Nope. So much for that up front tip.
The food was good. K and mom had perfect portion sizes. My sandwich was huge. Too huge. Definitely better for sharing than one person. And sharing between three or four would be best. I took half (as I'm known to do) with the hope of giving it to someone begging but this area of San Francisco seems to have a lack of homeless people.
I don't know that this place is all it's made out to be. Steep prices, minimal service, repeating the order five times? Meh. -
Review from B H.
San Francisco, CA
I would give five stars if I liked their choice of music better. But great OJ, lattes, cookies and best outdoor hangout spot on the street.
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Review from Gina R.
San Francisco, CA
The Grove Cafe on Chestnut has a nice ambiance with a fireplace, different types of chairs and tables and outside seating. It feels like your in a nice, cozy cabin. The only time I haven't enjoyed this place is when it is super packed and busy. When it's that busy, the food is sometimes cold and there are not places to sit and eat. Other than that that, I love the Breakfast Special, Huevos Rancheros, Breakfast Burrito, coffee and fresh squeezed orange juice!
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Review from Alexis B.
San Francisco, CA
This is a current review. This place USED to be great, a cozy alternative place to work, study, lounge, talk, drink anything from the oj, the coffee or a beer and also decent food. It WAS a way better alternative than sbux and peets, especially for the Marina. That is something the Marina lacks.
Now, like others have said, removing the power outlets (very subtle), raising the prices, decreasing the quality and blasting the music (this is not a club) - I am pretty sure you will decrease the amount of customers as well. That is one of the many great things about this city, people are not idiots and they have options. So they will move elsewhere. Its looking emptier than normal.... Pick something and do it well! -
Review from Spanky M.
San Francisco, CA
Why they would take out their outlet strips for laptop users is beyond me. I mean seriously...you don't come here for the food. It's atrocious....and slightly racist ( Asian salad- we don't eat salads with fried noodles and shit from the Safeway ethnic isle in it.). Their coffee is OK but now that they have no power outlets. They only thing justifying my $12 beer and coffee is gone.
I hope they improve their menu. Although my most recent visit dashes all hope of that.
And the snarky Asian host lady. What was your deal with the attitude...was I busting in on your token Asian thing you had going here? Didn't appreciate the attitude when I'm ordering or asking for something you should have provided, like napkins.
Anyway, the food here is two stars. I've had nearly everything on the menu and I still can't seem to find anything worth the $$$.
The ambiance is kitchy enough to distract from the marina people. The tables are small and the floor is " antiqued" wood....translation, uneven tables.
So to review the food is mediocre at best, the staff are generally nice ( better at the fillmore location) and they have beer and wine.
Two stars . If they still had the outlet strips this place would be 3 stars. Better food.... 4 and keep the outlets. -
Review from Casey L.
Inside Grave Café one might mistake oneself to be in a ski lodge because of the décor. Ordering at the counter remembering its Friday on Lent, I looked through their non meat items and hoped for the best.
Pear and Gorgonzola grilled cheese sandwich was amazing, but probably only for those who enjoy a nice stinky cheese. It hits the nose before you bite and lingers in your mouth after the bite.
Vegetarian chili was nothing to scream about, but it was a nice warm feeling of tomato soup housing vegetables and beans.
I can see how one might want to lounge around a ski lodge and sip a beverage of your choice around a fire, but there was nothing really standing out from Grove Café. I thought I was jealous of my friend opting for the Chicken Pot Pie, but no crust on the bottom is no bueno. I might swing by if I'm in the area because their menu does have variety. -
Review from Limor B.
San Francisco, CA
The ambiance is great. It feels like you're eating in an old cabin in the woods. The food is pretty good, although the first time we went I got the beet salad and it was drenched in dressing to the point where I couldn't eat it. My boyfriend gobbled it down though so I guess it wasn't too much for him. We usually go for breakfast which never disappoints although their service is spotty, multiple times they've forgotten an item I ordered in my omlete or on the side.
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Review from Doris K.
Larkspur, CA
I was accosted by the wormy little goth douche manager the other night. He thought i was smoking pot in the bathroom. He told me "you cannot do that in the bathroom" when i exited. I said "what, go to the bathroom?" He said "no, smoke pot". I said, "i assure you, i was not smoking the doobage, I was throwing a 2 bagger". The smug little ridiculously dressed tool said "you should leave now". Since when did restuarant managers dress like ducky from pretty in pink?
Essentially, it was all i could do to take the little moron and dunk his face into the toilet. I informed him that i was not smoking pot, and maybe someone else was.
What entitles a "night manager" to act like such a little fool. I can only wonder what those that work with him think. My guess is "he is a tool". And "ducky from pretty in pink wants his outfit back".
The fact that this idiot feels so entitled to falsely accuse people of crimes, and then smugly shrug off his own asinine behavior troubles me for a place that has always been high quality.
Time for some quality control Grove Owners. Do not get too happy with your success. -
Review from Annalise F.
San Francisco, CA
Went to the Grove on Thursday night to enjoy a light dinner with a girlfriend of mine. Although I've been to this establishment before, this was my first time at the Chestnut location...and as far as I'm concerned, the Yerba Buena location is still my favorite.
Per usual, I ordered the tomato basil soup- which I still really love. The lavender lemonade caught my eye as well. It was good, but I'm not sure lavender belongs in lemonade. Something about my purple drink was a little off-putting. (I do love lavender scones though!)
This location is like the others, cozy, quaint, nice staff. That being said, I felt rather squished. It is not a place to go for a private conversation- but a great place to eavesdrop! -
Review from Rick H.
San Francisco, CA
What can I say? It's a neighborhood institution. As other reviewers have pointed out, the Grove's recent expansion represents a giant step backwards in its appeal to locals and regulars, but I guess they needed to pay for that space somehow, right? The prices were borderline before, but have now gone nuclear -- it's both the literal and figurative "restaurant in a great location." Ownership and management have excellent style and a system that works, but the bitter, cranky old man in me just misses the way things were.
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Review from Colleen B.
San Francisco, CA
The Grove is consistently disappointing. Prices are entirely too high for the quality of food product and preparation. The gamesmanship and gouging with the size and price of drinks is a repugnant business practice. For example, more than $5 for a pot of chamomile tea? - last time I was at Chez Panis they didn't charge that much.
The one thing The Grove has going for it is the outside seating on a nice day. Seeing as how nice days and a spot at one of those tables are few and far between, The Grove only earns one star. -
Review from David G.
San Diego, CA
I returned for their Turkey Club - I know, so gay to eat a turkey club. But that sandwich is damn good here!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/26/2010
Went to this place on a recommendation from a friend. Staying in the City for about a week and a… Read more »
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8/26/2010
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Review from Regina W.
I've been going here for years. It's been on and off. The first was when I lived in the city and was in law school. I then moved away, but would stop by when I was in town. Now I live in Berkeley, but I'll stop by if I'm in the area.
That's what I did the other day. I had their breakfast, which they serve until 4pm: awesome. I also had some loose leaf tea. My breakfast was good: poached eggs, apple smoked bacon, hash browns and toast. The bacon was particularly tasty and I could tell it wasn't the stuff you pick up in the grocery store. I chose the mint tea.
The layout is still the same. I'm not sure if it's still owned by the same people though. I say that because when I walked in a really enthusiastic older man approached me as if I was brand new. Now granted I'd not been there for awhile, but I've been going there since the late 90s. He was friendly, but it was just a little odd because I wasn't expecting it. Everything else was pretty much the same.
It's still packed with yuppies, but that's not surprise because those are the people who live in the Marina. However, it's a nice cafe with some good drinks and good food. Any place where I can get good service, good drinks, good and get a bit of work done is a good place.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/12/2009
It's been years since I've hung out here, but it's still a great spot. I was a law student back… Read more »
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4/12/2009
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Review from Eliot J.
Portland, OR
If you just so happen to be in the the marina, and you want a quick bite to eat that is relatively cheap. You should stop here. Not everything on their menu is exactly innovative and eye-catching, but I LOVE their Chicken Pot Pie. The Mac n Cheese is not to be missed. It used to be a much cozier place to sit, with a blazing fire, good music, and good people, but now it's more of just a place you want to pass through.
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Review from Mark S.
San Francisco, CA
I was very disappointed in the business practices at The Grove on Chestnut street today. I was at work with my associates and we were extremely busy. In a moment of down time one of our employees ordered lunch from the Grove. He used my credit card to pay over the phone. When he arrived, they did not have our order. We discovered he called the wrong location. Not a big deal. It was our fault. When we contacted the location where we placed the order they simply said it was too bad and we still had to pay for it. So we paid almost $90 for three sandwiches. Come on. You can not work with somebody who make an honest mistake. At least give a discount or something. No they wouldn't. It was an expensive mistake. I'll never go to the Grove for anything again. I often brunch with friends on Chestnut. From now on we will choose Judy's Cafe instead. I hope it was worth losing a few customers and a bad Yelp review.
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Review from Gen L.
Walnut, CA
I was pleasantly surprised about the taste of the food and coffee here. We had scrumptious sandwiches good to the last bite. The coffee was perfect. Strong and smooth. The orange juice glass is super-sized, as some would say. Many many restaurants and eateries give you a small or regular size glass of OJ, which makes you crave for more after gulping it up in several seconds. This place allows you to enjoy your meal with the tall glass. That's definitely worth raving about -- in my opinion.
They have nice seating arrangements with unconventional seats in the center of the room. I forget exactly what they were and didn't take photos but I recall that it was interesting. The seats/tables by the window are close to each other so you better be comfortable cuddling into a small space with all your stranger friends around you.
It's a bit pricier but I had already anticipated it considering the neighborhood that it is in.
I'd definitely will come back here when I return to SF and wander my way to the Marina again. -
Review from Xin S.
Los Angeles, CA
Cozy. Like a ski lodge in the spring time. Vegetarian chill was amazing.
Saturday 11am. This place is the place to be. Everyone strolling in with their sat morning workout gear. Lulu Lemon everywhere. Young people, old people, families, singles eating by themselves at the bar top. Everyone comes here! -
Review from Galen W.
San Francisco, CA
There's just something wrong with a place that evokes 60's Haight Street funkiness charging $9 for a breakfast burrito that you eat among well dressed, intense folks hunched over their iPads.
Of course, the incongruity is not the restaurant's fault. Except that the food delivery service and table clearing is too efficient for the laid-back facade. The food itself is also jarringly too rich, creamy, unspicy, and upscale.
I enjoyed my OJ, coffee, and breakfast burrito. But, they weren't special and 16.65 felt expensive.
The place also feels like a cash cow and it obviously popular and meeting the needs of the neighborhood. If I owned it, I probably wouldn't change anything. But, if I really had intended to open a relaxed coffee shop, I would be disappointed in my creation. As a customer, I am simply reminded why I don't go to the Marina often. -
Review from Heather E.
San Luis Obispo, CA
The best place for breakfast or lunch in SF for this non-local who doesn't visit without a trip here. Great food, good value and hip vibe.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/8/2011
My favorite place for breakfast in the city...love it. Great juice, coffee and food....I always go… Read more »
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6/8/2011
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Review from Tim S.
San Francisco, CA
Much to my surprise and disappointment, a couple of happenings to drop the Grove down a couple of notches.
Arguably, the food at the grove has never (or will it ever) be "great" - it's acceptable. It is also "pricey". The desserts and coffee, food-wise, were where it hit its highest marks. Now, the pastry chef has changed for both cakes and muffins. Both the new Red Velvet and bran muffin have fallen a couple of notches (IMHO).
Outside of the sweets, the Grove has made major changes to discourage the folks coming in with the laptop to knock out a few email while enjoying meal or coffee. Definitely understand the need to flip tables, but still - disappointing.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/13/2011
This is the marina breakfast staple and fall-back for lunch and dinner. One thing the Grove is… Read more »
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9/13/2011
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Review from Bridget B.
San Francisco, CA
Although I usually frequent the Grove on Fillmore, I really enjoy this Marina location. The food is always excellent, and the atmosphere always enjoyable, especially on a sunny day!
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Review from Cate A.
San Francisco, CA
Great place to grab a quick lunch or hang with friends.
I have had the tuna melt, grilled cheese w/ tomato soup, nachos and mac and cheese! ALL AMAZING! I have a hard time deciding every time!
Also, their cookies and hot chocolate top off every meal.
Atmosphere is great! Feels like you are in a Tahoe ski lodge! -
Review from Britt B.
San Francisco, CA
The only reason they lose a star is because it's always so crowded that it makes it hard to really get settled in. Also, last time I came they ran out of oatmeal before noon. Come on people!
Overall though, it's got a cool ski lodge vibe. Can't go wrong with a huge glass of fresh squeezed OJ/coffee while sitting in a ski lift chair. -
Review from Shannon B.
Seattle, WA
The frequent The Grove whenever we're in town. Good, solid food and great service.
Add in Wi-Fi (when it is working) and The Grove is golden. -
Review from Kim S.
Great place for food & drink and people watch. Always crowded - does anyone work??! lol! Tough to get a seat which is a bummer.
Apple Chicken Salad - scarborough farms spring mix, granny smith apples, grilled chicken, point reyes blue cheese and walnuts in a champagne-raisin vinaigrette. A delish combo. -
Review from Karen T.
I had the lasagna and it came with bread and a salad. It was really fresh and tasty. I love the atmosphere after a stressful painting session the place had a very relaxing calm feel to it. Oh and the guy at the register, I'm sure he knows, Hot! heehee had to throw that out there.
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Review from Michelle T.
San Francisco, CA
You cannot go wrong with this Marina standby for brunch, tea, drinks, lunch, work, really whatever. They have yummy sandwiches and salads, good beers on tap, and a cozy interior including a fireplace. It is spacious enough that you can almost always find a seat, and on warm days it's lovely to sit outside, pretend you are European, and watch all the yuppies drift by.
I have to say though - I've had a few disappointments recently. I had a glass of wine that was pretty awful - and once I ordered tea and the water was so lukewarm that it didn't brew at all. I ended up with a cup of warm milky water... -
Review from Mike B.
Chicago, IL
A solid choice for breakfast. Nothing is better when you are hungover and tired from the night before.
All of the egg dishes I've had have been great and filling.
The OJ is out of this world, and comes in a pint glass!!!!!!!!!!! (you can also get a pint of bloody mary if you want, but I can't stomach those in the morning)
You order, get a number, then choose where in the Telluride ski lodge-style restaurant where you would like to sit.
On one occasion, we sat outside and complained that one of the tables was wobbly. Due to rust, it wasn't fixable and the guy picked it up and trashed it; right there, on the spot. Now THAT is what I call service!
I love this place and will be sure to check it out again the next time I visit my friends in SF! -
Review from Kyle J.
San Francisco, CA
Horrible experience!! I have been to the grove many times and have good or decent experiences. Despite being over overpriced it typically is ok. This morning my boyfriend and I went in early (8:30) and ordered. The restaurant was not busy but our food took 30 min to come. When it arrived we asked for ketchup and the rude bus boy simply replied "we are out" and in a manner that was annoyed as if we were asking for something ridiculous. How is breakfast place out of a widely used condiment like an hour after being open??? And why is this a ridiculous request?!
Then we start to eat our food and my boyfriend's omelet is full of bacon when it was supposed to be veggie omelet with goat cheese. after he takes it back, we snack on my in the interim. He takes a bit of avocado and the full hard skin is on it. That is sloppy!! Could have been dangerous too. Then his food comes out and there is huge chunks of goat cheese. Disgusting.
Bottom-line is grove you when by default. This place is sloppy, overpriced and rude. I wont be returning. -
Review from Danielle v.
San Francisco, CA
Today I am loving the Grove. Great service, super friendly and happy people and a delicious tuna salad. They don't use mayo, but have made an excellent tasty tuna salad. Add a diet coke hold the bread and call me a marina girl.
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Review from Mansi A.
I'd have to say The Grove is one of the most anal establishments in the Marina. Each $5 purchase gets you an hour of free wi-fi. To get that wi-fi, you have to ask the cashier at the time of ordering and they'll print out an additional receipt with a special access code and password. It's cumbersome...and annoying.
And the food? Meh. My asian chicken salad was sub par. Blah. Skip it unless you want to eat overpriced, bland food while people-watching and seeing frat boys in shorts and polos drink beer at 11am on a Wednesday afternoon. -
Review from Alex H.
Berkeley, CA
My go to meetup place in the Marina. It can get over run at times, but when you compare it to other cafes in the area it really is no contest...it is the best. I have a beer when meeting someone in the afternoon, sometimes grabbing a salad. I have never been overwhelmed by the food, but it is fine (if you really want a meal I suggest going someplace else). But for a snack, lounging and catching up with someone it a good place to say "lets meet up at the Grove"
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Review from Frenchie P.
San Francisco, CA
Please stay far away from this place! The staff, namely a guy called kevin is a total douch-nozzle... as he proceeded to tell me how stupid i was for accidently calling the wrong location and placing a to-go order. At least i was nice enough to call you back and let u know i made a mistake. Why do you have to be such an asshole? Seriously though, just go to the Hayes valley location... all those peeps are super nice!
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Review from Joel C.
Had breakfast here with Troy this past weekend and will definitely add this to my "Best Breakfast in SF" list. The restaurant is located on Chestnut which is perfect for people watching...be sure to get there early on Sunday morning in order to grab a table outside.
The coffee is good....I go out of my way and get coffee here instead of Starbucks or Peets down the street. I hear the fresh squeezed OJ is pretty amazing as well.
For food, I ended up getting the breakfast burrito with bacon. The burritto is stuffed with eggs, bacon, salsa, avocado, beans and hashbrown potatoes. I'm usually not a fan of hashbrowns...but these were the best I've ever had! Troy got the eggs florentine Dave's way and it looked pretty tasty.
Overall a good experience. Just note that it's one of those places where you order from the register and they bring the food out to you. I'm looking forward on having breakfast there again soon! -
Review from J L.
San Francisco, CA
As an update, and because I am a creature of habit, I've been back to the grove consistently since my last review. Unfortunately my review hasn't really changed...I love the place, but again the food is below average, and the prices are going up! $18 for a quesadilla and ice tea...granted I added chicken (which is just ok) and avacado (just 4 measly slivers), but $18 for a quick lunch while trying to get a little work done on their wi-fi...which didn;t work the entire time I was there. When I mentioned it to the staff, they said, it is just the weather as it was raining...since when does that affect wi-fi? Doesn't seem to anywhere else. Also, considering they now have a sign posted on their register front and center that reads 30 minutes wi-fi for every $5 spent, you would think they could at least provide a working wi-fi to paying customers. Overall, still good atmoshere and nice folks (which is why I've still gone back), but sub-par food and chinsey for what you pay. So disappointing!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/31/2012
I'm a regular customer of the grove on chestnut (2-3 times a week for tea, food, or takeout)), and… Read more »
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1/31/2012
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Review from Greg H.
Glendale, CA
Staying in the Marina...eat at the Grove. Great breakfast, great juices, great coffee, and a super nice staff with great service.
French Toast! -
Review from Jen M.
Cleveland, OH
The Grove wasn't as good as I remember, sad to say. Gone from the menu was the KZ salad, my fave. Different people work there, too. Hummus and pita were still good and the vegetarian chili and fresh squeezed orange juice were as good as I remembered. Just bummed about the KZ salad and the rock hard chocolate chip cookie. Sniff sniff. Good news..they no longer have wireless so people cannot hang out there all day and hog the tables for diners who need them!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/3/2008
I heart the Grove. This is THE best place to meet a friend to grab a bite or have a drink. The… Read more »
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6/3/2008
