KK Cafe
Categories: Coffee & Tea, Burgers, American (Traditional) [Edit]
Neighborhood: Lower Haight252 Divisadero Street
(between Haight St & Page St)
San Francisco, CA 94117 (415) 626-6188
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 7:30 a.m.-8:00 p.m.
Sat-Sun 8:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. - Price Range: $
- Accepts Credit Cards: No
- Parking: Street
- Attire: Casual
- Good for Groups: No
- Good for Kids: Yes
- Takes Reservations: No
- Delivers: No
- Take-out: Yes
- Waiter Service: No
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
- Outdoor Seating: No
- Wi-Fi: None
- Good for: Breakfast, Lunch
- Alcohol: None
230 reviews
Neighborhood: Inner Sunset
"one of the best burgers and definitely the best fries in the city. They kinda freak out a little if you bring a huge group (like more than…" read more »
56 Reviews for KK Cafe
My husband and I were really hungry one night after a long day and we really wanted a burger!! At the last minute we decided to try this little cafe around the corner from us. It doesn't look much, and it certainly doesn't look like it makes burgers, but 7 minutes before they closed on a Sunday we called in an order of 2 bacon cheeseburgers. I went to pick up the order 10 minutes later, and they were already cooked and waiting for us. We were a little skeptical about what we were getting into, but once we bit into those juicy burgers we were more than impressed! They were about $6 each, came with a big portion of really great tasting fires, and the burgers themselves were a decent size! We will defiantly be coming back here again when we need to fulfill our burger cravings!
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Of course I'll be positive about my neighborhood cafe--I'm here all the time--but I feel lucky to have Jack and Margaret there to serve up delicious BLT's, hamburgers, coffee "tornadoes", and ham-and-cheese croissants. And, oh, yeah, peanut milk totally lives up to the hype.
I had seen this place a bunch of times (I've lived here for five years) before I actually stepped foot inside last week. I was always kind of put off by the fact that the establishment itself seemed like a front for selling peanut milk. What is peanut milk you ask? Well, I don't know, and I wasn't about to find out.
So I didn't feel like paying too much for a sandwich at Kingfoot next door, and I had already eaten pizza, so I decided to give this place a try. The female owner (it's a husband-and-wife team) was immediately very friendly. I ordered a Gardenburger because I wasn't feeling too adventurous or creative and because really I just wanted to Yelp this place since it's so close to where I live.
I was impressed by two things. First, the Gardenburger wasn't a Gardenburger at all but what seemed to be a homemade veggie patty. It was better tasting than a Gardenburger, although it was interesting. It tasted fine, but the consistency was pretty inconsistent. The second thing I was impressed by was that my veggie burger came with fries. Nowhere on the menu board are fries mentioned, and yet I assume everything comes with fries. That's a bonus right there; I'm sick and tired of San Francisco places charging extra for fries with a veggie (or any kind of) burger.
So I want to give this place four stars, but I really can't. The food was good, but eating here feels like eating at Kingfoot which feels like eating at Bus Stop. There's something about the eastern side of Divis that just isn't inviting.
The peanut-milk testimonials on the wall are interesting in a cheesy way, although I'm suspicious of them and this place in general still. The people seem nice enough, but what's the connection between peanut milk and their church? I'm not a conspiracy theorist or anti-Christian--I'm actually a fairly devout Catholic--but seriously, what is the deal.
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I've never had the Peanut Milk or the burgers here (dying to after reading these reviews, though), but the bacon, egg, and cheese croissanwich is delightful!
I cannot lie there burgers are great. compared to the Neon Cafe this is the real Giant Burger. It is not only big but very tasty for a cool and reasonable price. I also tried the peanut milk which is definitely a acquired taste. But I cannot lie it does have some mystical quantities to it. Or maybe it is just my imagination?
If you go there be sure to read all the testimonies that is on the wall and have a conversation with owners if you have the time. They are very nice and I always feel like home when I go there.
For Divis this is the number one burger spot
Talk about the unexpected. The outside looks a bit dilapidated, nothing special. Same for the inside- a couple tables and chairs by the window, a typical cafe/food menu, and a pastry and drink case.
The old Chinese woman behind the counter was very friendly, telling me, "we have the best burgers in town" Okay, big talk for this town, but what the hell.
I ordered the garden burger, expecting the same 'garden burger' patty you'll get when you order garden burgers anywhere. garden garden garden burger.
What I got was not one but 2 patties, melted together with delicious cheese goo. The patties are of KK's creation and HOLY CRAP delicious.
I can't wait to go back to satisfy my more carnivorous taste for burgers.
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Well I had a burger at KK and realized it was right next to King Foot which has solid sandwiches and it's kind of a similar setup at both places.
The one thing that sucked was not offering to cook the burger below Medium. I personally like my burgers a bit less done, but I'll let that slide. The other issue was that it was really closer to MW/W when it came out as there wasn't any pink in the burger.
Aside from that for the price the burger and fries are a pretty good deal. The patty is seasoned and it's all for under $6.
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If you rank based on the quality of the meat, the size of the portion and the overall very low price, KK Cafe is easily at the very top of the list for Bay Area burgers. Their basic burger is five bucks, and other options are bacon burgers, burgers with chicken, mushroom burgers and a few other options. The husband and wife team that owns the place are so amazingly friendly that I'm sure you could custom order a burger to your liking.
If you're the type of person that usually orders double burgers, you might be surprised by this place because their patties are large. I suspect they hand-form them, not bothering to weigh each one. My bacon burger was at least a half pound after cooking - meaty, and cooked perfectly. I didn't specify how much flame and I got a well done burger, which is perfect for me. But if you want less flame, speak up and tell them to make sure you get exactly how you want the meat.
The fries are cooked perfectly, but they are out of a frozen bag. This is something the place could improve. The quality of the burgers, however, are high enough to overlook the fries. The fries are good, mind you -- it's just that they could be better.
For a basic mom-n-pop style hole in the wall, this place is great. Julie B. noted that KK Cafe is much better than Burger Joint down on Haight Street and she's right.
The owners appear to work hard and take pride in what they're doing. While I ate people walking by the storefront and waved to the front order desk - these owners are known and loved by the neighborhood and it shows if you spend but 30 minutes here. It's the kind of place where you can get consistent quality food at a great price and be happy you're supporting a local institution and nice people.
Enjoy - and pass the ketchup
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Kinda a magical place - very friendly owners. BUt the best part is the peanut milk, and further, reading all the letters on the wall from people with examples about how it's a miracle drink. An experience not too miss!
Re: http://www.yelp.com/bi...
They have a giant sign advertising their peanut milk, they have another giant sign advertising their website: www.peanutmilk.net ... and you say "some sort of soymilk drink." Captain Observant he is not, ladies and gentlemen.
Love this place. Stop in every so often, and their peanut milk... well, I can't report any healing powers yet, but then again I'm a pretty healthy guy. But it's pretty tasty, definitely a different flavor. It's especially good when they mix the chocolate variety with bananas for an epic smoothie.
Ah, and the Friendliest. Owners. Ever. They make me feel quite at home when I come in.
oh. my. god. i was expecting a not-worth-$6 morning star veggie patty when i ordered the veggie burger from this place last week. What i got for $6 was the fattest cluster of fried veggies with onions and tomatoes and pickles and all that good stuff, and a large portion of great fries. It was pretty amazing. My boyfriend loved his beef burger. We were stuffed and satisfied.
they use a little too much oil for my stomach to handle on a normal day, but we were both starving and poor, so this was our spot.
Its a good place to go when you're extremely hungover and all you need is something super greasy to coat your stomach lining.
This place has the best burger in the city period.
And it seems so unexpected! A small little coffee shop run by the sweetest couple there ever was...and they always remember you! But back to the burger, it is juicy and piled high with all the fixens. And the fries are perfect. AND it is only $5 bucks!
The bagelwich is awesome. When I feel like being naughty and not having my healthy oatmeal for breakfast, I wander to the KK. Like the burger, it is stuffed with yumminess and keeps you full for hours.
The peanut milk is unique.
I have grown to enjoy the flavor but prefer it in a smoothie or latte. The hint of nutty-ness warms the soul. I don't drink this regularly enough to see any magical effects, but I bet that it really does work. The place has tons of framed letters from their believers.
Go to the KK Cafe and you will be surprised...in a good way.
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I ordered the vegie burger here and was super surprised with the result. It was totally unique, and well worth under five bucks I paid.
I'm deducting a star because there is a slightly odd vibe with some sort of soymilk drink they sell, hell maybe it's great and cures every illness known to man, or maybe it's just a weird cult thing. But don't let that stop you from dropping in here for a delicious burger (skip Burger Joint which is just down the street).
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I walk by here all the time and would not have chosen to try it out if my coworkers hadn't chosen it for today's lunch. It looks like a non-descript hole in the wall.
Like a previous reviewer, I ordered a garden burger, expecting the standard. Got something totally unique and amazingly delicious. Made everyone at the table taste it, and they all were taken back by how delicious it was. They all had burgers which were huge and just as tasty. Fries were cooked perfectly also.
Very curious about the magic peanut milk after reading the articles and testimonials on the walls.
Will definitely be back for more.
Reasonable burgers and fries at a great price. The owners are nice and friendly. The oddest thing about this place (other than the peanut milk craze) is they don't have bottles of condiments, instead they hand out ketchup packets and mustard packets.
Everything about this place screams RANDOM! From the crazy name to the place, to their weird action figures hanging suspended from the ceiling, to the anime posters, to the letters from people claiming miracle cures from Peanut Milk, to the Christian propaganda being espoused by the owners.
BUT GODDAMN THEY MAKE A MEAN BURGER.
Also, if you are hungover, the croissant-wich is a MIRACLE CURE.
they get 4 stars because the peanut milk is ok, tastes like peanuts. Nothing to write home about. plus, their coffee tastes like shit. Sorry Jack and Margaret, just being honest.
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I've been going here for years...it's always Jack and Margret working the counter and cook'n. I've never seen any other people working there, no help in the kitchen, nothing.
This is a true "mom and pop" run by a super nice, cute couple.
I live for the bacon and egg crissontwiches - made with love!
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Peanut Milk? Shockingly good. Burgers? Best I've had in the city, and they come with fries for under 6 bucks. Plus, the owners are incredibly nice and will remember you forever. Stop by for lunch, you won't be disappointed.
I love Jack and Margaret. They make my day every morning I go in there. They also happen to make the best bagelwich in the city. For reals. It is mind blowingly good. Margaret also knows that I simply can't eat the 'wich without cream cheese, so she always gives me a little on the side. I am also a big fan of the peanut milk smoothie, which Jack blends to perfection. Oh yea, and they gave me truffles for Christmas because I am one of their favorites! Awesome. Can't beat that.
I had my first burger there and it was delicious. What confuses me though is they have no ketchup bottles. For a place that makes burgers their condiments come in the form of packets.
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A little cafe that also serves burgers?!? I ordered a chicken burger and was surprised how insanely huge it was. And it came with perfectly golden fries that didn't need ketchup! That is rare for me! The staff/owners, Margaret and Jack are super nice and so cute. They told me and another customer about their healthful peanut milk. Articles about the potent potable lined the walls along with thank you letters from customers who claimed newfound vitality after drinking it. Unfortunately, my stomach cried mercy after I finished off my burger and had no room for the milk. Maybe, next time.
Margaret and Jack kick ass!
I have driven to S.F. from San Jose just to have the BLT's no joke.
Jack is the bar that other cooks should strive to reach no matter what kind of restaurant they are. he has very kindly cut my GF's burger patty in half every time she orders a burger. when I say half I mean as in he cuts it half as thick after he cooks it!
The BLT is great, the cold stuff is cold and the hot stuff is hot, Jack really cares about the art of cooking his food. Margaret really cares about the customers, she also makes great drinks. I really enjoy my time with them when I go, I don't even mind the crowds.
P.S Start talking about the art on the walls if they offer you some penut milk I was able to avoid it for years that way. When I did try it I decided I would rather die.
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Im biased because I see being a Christian as a character flaw. So imagine my reaction when Steph comes home with cheeseburgers (mine with mushrooms which kind of tasted .... just wrong... like foot maybe?) and a huge smile exclaiming "PEANUT MILK!!!!"
HOW DO YOU MILK A PEANUT???
So long story short they are REALLY into God. According to them, hes the head of their company. I wonder if He comes to their staff meetings. I bet God would be really easy to hear on a conference call. It seems to me that if God were going to head a cafe, it would make better hamburgers. Mine was thick and hard. Doesnt compare to Sliders at all.
GO TO SLIDERS - best hamburgers Ive had in my life. Plus, an angry Chinese man heads Sliders, which I prefer, because I can see, talk to, and touch him. No wonder he's angry.
ps - they were really friendly to Steph, so one extra star.
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I've been reading Yelp for years. I have a friend who lives and loves by Yelp not only as an "elite reviewer" (or whatever it is you Yelpers strive to be) but also as a student of others who yelp. Up until today I would have classified myself as a student of Yelp and sometimes cyber half-ass stalker(...ARLO J. WHERE ARE YOU TODAY? Call me). I suppose I haven't Yelped b/c I haven't found a true diehard, fire in my belly reason to do so, which incidentally is my feeling about getting a tattoo. (by the way, I hear all you other lower haighters snicker as I walk by clean-skinned). Point being, today I found a reason to Yelp. KK Cafe has the weirdest fucking garden burger I've ever seen or put in my mouth. The look and taste is half tempura, half kitchen sink, soldered together with a piece of swiss and it is a behemoth! Thank God I requested no mayo. That's all I have to say...it's just a really fucking weird ahem...garden...burger. And yes, I get it, garden burger is a weird little oxymoron in and of itself, but this thing took weird off the grid. So...that's it...signing off...Virgin Yelper. Will I be back? Don't know...only if KK Cafe or some other place comes up with something weirder. (Arlo J, seriously...call me.)
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Not only are Jack and Margaret super sweet...They make a mean mushroom swiss burger. Definately a Hidden Hamburger gem.
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If you live in the neighborhood, you know Jack and Margaret, and they know you. They really are probably some of the nicest proprietors of any business I've been to, period. They may not serve the best, richest coffee in the city, but sometimes that's not really why you go out in search of coffee on those sleep-deprived mornings anyway. The friendliness and cheer that you'll be greeted with upon entering can sometimes make your morning a whole lot better than a cup of caffiene ever could.
As far as food goes, they have a few things on the menu, and know exactly where it all fits. The prices beat anything else around, and as long as you aren't an asshole with lofty expectations, you won't be at all disappointed. The criossantwich is great in the morning and plenty of food, for the price. Their burgers are actually surprisingly good, and also quite large. You can get the same thing from all kinds of burger joints, but you'll pay $2 or $3 more, at least. I actually got the Grind's equivalent to a criossantwich, recently, and found it to be bland compared to the one Jack makes, smaller, and almost twice the price.
I'm not majorly into the peanut milk (haven't really tried it that much, yet), but of course if you've read any of the other reviews, you'll probably hear that this odd elixir is their main attraction.
It's hilariously funny to read the testimonials on the walls of this special peanut milk they've been making since '99. I had their peanut milk smoothie, and while it was tasty, it wasn't even close to being the greatest gift to mankind.
The owners here really are adorable, though. And for them, KK's worth coming back for. That and their cheap burgers--$6 for a burger with fries. I enjoyed their own veggie burger concoction: a mixture of vegetables, batter fried. A meal here should keep you full for the rest of the day.
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Peanut milk, who knew? They were unfortunately out of chocolate but it was decent nonetheless. Very nice couple...
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Peanut Milk is the nectar of the gods. Jack is a genius and Margaret is a sweetheart. They are definitely the savviest business owners on the block. It's a great place to sit and watch TV; it's like going over to your aunt & uncle's house or maybe to a friends house who has cool parents.
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I like to secretly believe that the peanut milk that Jack and Margaret sell daily really does pocess magic powers. Testimonials are everywhere on the walls, claiming that the peanut milk which Jack and Magaret help manufacture has helped cure skin diseases, athritis, balding and more. They are apparently the only people in the states who produce this milk.
In fact I wanted to believe so strongly in the 'special' peanut milk that I was convinced to buy 12 bottles of it. I lugged the carton home and drank a bottle each night. My skin did seem to have a slight glow and I had a little bit more energy at night than usual, but nothing that a little bit of moisturizer and caffiene could fix. So...as predicted by friends... two bottles of unopened peanut milk still lie beside my bed.
Despite the lack of results with peanut milk, it's still fun to stop in KK Cafe sometimes and talk to Jack and Margaret about their product and to read the testimonials on the walls. I also ended up kinda enjoying the strange peanut taste of the milk, although would definitely advise buying the chocolate flavor over the original. KK Cafe does serve some small food items and coffee, and I've found their chai and muffins to be decent, but the real draw is the milk....any other Yelp success stories with it?
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Let me tell you a little story about the American Dream. It's about a mom and pop coffee shop. Anyone who's lived walking distance to Haight and Divis knows this coffee shop; shabby little hole in the wall with wierd croissants, mediocre burgers, and Jack and Margaret. Most of all, it's the Peanut Milk place.
Jack and Margaret are known far and wide for being the sweet old mom and pop of the neighborhood; the kind of local merchants who remember your name and thank you profusely for spending your $3 at their humble little establishment. (Emphasis on the humble.) I never went in there much when I lived in the 'hood because they always make you feel guilty if you go a few mornings without coming in. (Hey, it's not always on my way, okay? Back off!)
Oh, and the other special thing about Jack and Margaret is that apparently they're curing cancer and all kinds of other things with some concoction called Signs & Wonders Peanut Milk. (www.peanutmilk.net) I think this is pretty much like soy milk but from peanuts, and the new age health nuts are all over this shit. KK Cafe was written up in the paper a few years ago because of all the people who swear that peanut milk healed their ailments. ("Signs & Wonders." A little presumptive, aren't we?) Anyway, peanut milk is in such high demand that they have to mass-produce it in a factory in Hayward now. By all accounts, Jack and Margaret have made it.
In fact, I know they've transcended the ranks of struggling mom and pop because the other day, as I stood waiting for the 24-Divisadero outside their shop, a black Mercedes SUV came careening around the corner and screeched to a halt in the bus stop in front of me. Jack and Margaret pranced out, and the car was driven away by a younger Asian guy, presumably their son. The license plate read KINKY4U. That, people, is the American Dream.
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I'm such a regular at this place, Margaret can tell when its me on the phone calling for some food to pick up! i usually get the cheeseburger or BLT, and they have the best fries too!
I've never eaten a veggie burger before until i was talked into one from here. (i was trying to be a vegetarian for a week, i eat too much damn meat! and everyone at my job loves them) they are HUGE and fabulously delicious! I've been off my vegetarian diet for about 2 weeks now and i still get them with cheese, no onions thank you!
and yes i am also addicted to the peanut milk. chocolate to be exact. my boyfriend horribly sick a like a month ago and i rushed to get him some of that good ol' peanut milk.
i actually don't really know if it'll get rid of acne, cure your eyeballs, or stabilize your cancer, but what i DO know that its healthier than soda, and tastes better than water, so I'll take it!
The KK Cafe took my bad skin away.
I was a late adopter in the peanut milk craze, but I have become a believer. Since I started drinking peanut milk, my skin has cleared up, I have more energy, my eyesight has improved, the Dow has risen, little Timmy started walking again, and my dead grandmother came to me in a dream and gave me the winning Super Lotto numbers. It tastes good too!
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The food is pretty good, but you should try the peanut milk shake. Pretty gosh darn good. And it gives you lots of energy.
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I try and visit Jack and Margaret at least once a week. They're great people and I'm glad to have them so close to my house.
As far as their burgers go, they're not the best in the neighborhood (I'd say second best ;P ), but the value is unbeatable. And what puts them over the edge for me is the peanut milk. I've had it chilled, hot, latte, it's all good. My next step is to get a gallon. I hear it's available if you ask Jack.
I have gone here now only on 2 occasions- Halloween and Bay to Breakers. The owners are sweethearts- you can tell they love being in this city....and they are totally supportive of costume-wearing customers.
even if i detest peanut milk.
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Peanut milk, Peanut milk, Peanut milk, Peanut milk, Peanut milk..I really wish I had some right now! My boyfriend said just the other night that it's almost better then sex.... but nope, i have to say It's for sure better!
Plus it makes sense that it would be made by an awesome couple.. and in the haight yo' frisco posse unite..
I love popping into this place whenever I can. I'm sure way too many people have walked by this place and never given it a look. Margaret and Jack are great folks to support, and I never mind the walk for a croisant or burger. I dig their Cheeseburger, and its a great value @ $6 w/ fries. The Veggie burger is pretty amazing as well. The veggie pattie is the real deal, and a suberb meal for non-carnivore.
Still meaning to try the peanut milk, and i'm sure it's pretty great stuff.
If in area and looking for a burger, dont do Burger Joint, walk up to Divis and have a charming experience, w/ the KK cafe.
Jack is a culinary Master. He Makes a Mean Burger...like REAL MEAN.
When you come order a Godzilla and an egg/cheese/bacon crossaint . I wish I could come up with something clever to describe this Peanut Milk Mecca, but Jaretta says it best with "...Jack and Margaret...the cutest couple on earth!" When you go, you will know EXACTLY what we are talking about.
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