Little Bird Coffeehouse - CLOSED

4.5 star rating
65 reviews Rating Details

Categories: Coffee & Tea, Breakfast & Brunch  [Edit]

835 Geary St
(at Larkin St)
San Francisco, CA 94109
Neighborhood: Civic Center/Tenderloin
(415) 440-2165
Good for Kids:
Yes
Accepts Credit Cards:
No
Parking:
Street
Attire:
Casual
Good for Groups:
No
Price Range:
$
Takes Reservations:
No
Delivery:
No
Take-out:
Yes
Waiter Service:
No
Outdoor Seating:
Yes
Wi-Fi:
Free
Good For:
Breakfast, Brunch
Alcohol:
No
Noise Level:
Average
Ambience:
Hipster
Has TV:
No
Caters:
No
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes

Review Highlights   

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"Imbibe: De La Paz Coffee & Ritual Lattes." (in 4 reviews)
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"...all this and then add Bob's Donuts and you've got a near..." (in 7 reviews)
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"Mmmmmm I wish I could eat the vegan breakfast everyday." (in 14 reviews)
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65 reviews in English

  • Review from Nick B.

    •  
    • 188 friends
    • 252 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    9/13/2011

    Sorry about that loud scream at 7:30 this morning neighbors - I forgot I was out of creamer.  Ditto for the milk.

    Apparently I had forgotten to go shopping again.

    Plenty of cereal in the cupboards but the milk situation was a little funky. I can never handle milk if it even hints at spoiled. I was lacking eggs as well so really I had no choice.

    I had to treat myself for breakfast.

    After a shower (it's impolite to go out in a bathrobe in my opinion) I grabbed the newspaper and hit the road.

    So Little Bird dishes up vegan food which is cool, but not really my big focus in life. However I really love their donuts. Maybe it's the vegan thing so I can pretend they aren't as bad for you (because they aren't!) as a whopping Krispy Kreme. The coffee is always good and I love the inside. Everything is just chic and cool without trying to be chic and cool if you know what I mean. Whoever is working is usually very chill about how long you loiter as well.

    Really it is a great way to start the day as a treat while reading the paper (yes people really use newspapers still for reading).  But sometimes I do tend to hang out their longer than I should. Of course that is only a reflection of how much I like the place, right?

  • Review from Eva H.

    San Francisco, CA

    1.0 star rating
    11/8/2011

    I had such high hopes for this cute little place but after 15 mins of waiting for an iced coffee (waiting for the coffee to cool) - i was late for work.

    My ice coffee tasted sour....yes sour! Even though I hate wasting food or my $3 I had to pour it down the drain....

  • Review from Peter H.

    •  
    • 5 friends
    • 38 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    10/14/2011

    This is like my sanctuary birdhouse in the often-troubling Tenderloin. Across from Goodwill, I feel a kindred up-and-coming post-Valencia 2020 pretense with an all-too jaded clientele. I am one of them. We are the 99%, or whatever.

    Their baked goods are from Madeleine, and you can totally trust their almond croissants and shamelessly sugary scones. De La Paz coffee and Ritual espresso - standard and good. The aesthetic here is DIY and understated. Humble and genuine. The seating is superb. Find me in the corner on a nice pillow.

    The reflected light cascading from the northern side of Geary St. makes for flattering lighting that will break any social barriers consequent of those lamentable and desperate nights. (Looking at you, Polk Street lushes.)

  • Review from Vivienne P.

    •  
    • 5 friends
    • 16 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    9/5/2011

    I camped out here to do some grading while killing time before an apartment open house. I am so glad I did!

    I had the vegan breakfast sammich. So amazingly delicious! I am very picky about my tofu scramble because I think the scrambles I make myself kick ass. This scramble exceeded expectations--it was nicely flavored, moist, firm without being hard... It was actually so eerily like egg that I was almost concerned. I was blown away. The price is very reasonable, considering that they really put on a ton of Daiya, which normally jacks up prices in a ridiculous way. I had the pesto spread on it, which was a fabulous decision. They were out of English muffins, so instead the nice guy behind the counter toasted me some sourdough for my sammich, and it was great.

    The staff were all really nice, didn't mind me sprawling my teachery paperwork all over the damn place, and didn't bat an eye that I was there till just after 2--I didn't realize they close at 2, so I just waited till the open house for the apartment, not realizing they were closing the store up! They remained friendly and pleasant to the last.

    Bonus: I got an apartment only a block away! I see myself becoming a regular here.

  • Review from Waldemar K.

    •  
    • 7 friends
    • 24 reviews

    Kenmore, WA

    5.0 star rating
    11/20/2011

    Alas - apparently Little Bird is CLOSED  - see http://insidescoopsf.s.... I'm just visiting for the weekend, was planning on heading in for breakfast, couldn't get their website to load, and found the above notice. Very sad...

  • Review from Jason B.

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    Updated - 7/19/2011

    Second breakfast for lunch.

    I was foiled again in my quest to try their tofu sandwich. First time they were out. This time it wasn't currently on the menu. I was about to leave and then I saw it. Tofu. Vegan english muffin. Vegan cheese.

    I already had one breakfast. Why not a second breakfast for lunch?

    Such an awesome decision. The sandwich was amazing. Sampling some of their incredible house organic strawberry sauce on the side, I decided to put the sandwich and the sauce together.

    It was another awesome decision.

    Listed in: Breakfast, Cafes

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    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 4.0 star rating
      2/18/2011

      Awesome Ritual espresso (go with the Hibernator: cocoa, banana, pineapple, almonds). Friendly… Read more »

  • Review from Bettie N.

    •  
    • 1 friend
    • 13 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    9/12/2011

    I am not Vegan. However, the vegan breakfast sandwich here blows their regular breakfast sandwich outta ze water. I think the coffee here is ehhhh...alright. But I keep coming back for that luscious vegan breakfast sammich -- and are those gluten-free muffins I see? 0_o

    Eager to please staff and a swell vibe for getting your book learnin' on. I do wish their chairs and other furniture didn't look quite so 'lived in' *cough*, but this place is mighty fine.

  • Review from Claire M.

    •  
    • 0 friends
    • 3 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    4/19/2011

    The way I came across Little Bird may have played a factor in my rating.
    It was a Monday. It was raining. I was drenched (...lightly). I was dramatic. And all I wanted was a warm beverage.
    So I figured, if a coffee shop with a name like Little Bird wasn't going to make me feel all cheery and princess-y inside, then nothing would.
    Magic happened people.
    Great coffee with helpful descriptions of each espresso included. Free WiFi with a self-affirming password. Friendly service. A roof.
    Upon revisiting it on a far sunnier day, I had another enjoyable experience.
    Definitely worth a visit, rain or shine.

  • Review from Misty W.

    •  
    • 5 friends
    • 19 reviews

    Portland, OR

    5.0 star rating
    7/10/2011

    Great company, great atmosphere, great coffee!
    If I lived closer I would make this my second home!

  • Review from Carrie T.

    •  
    • 2 friends
    • 60 reviews

    San Jose, CA

    4.0 star rating
    6/27/2011

    After the SF Pride Parade we escaped the massive Civic Center crowd and went to Little Bird for some lunch. What a cute little cafe! I really like the relaxed vibe going on. There was one person working behind the counter and she was really super friendly.

    I had the vegan breakfast sandwich which is an english muffin with tofu scramble and Daiya cheddar cheese (there are a bunch of optional toppings you can add). If you like Daiya (which I do) then you'll probably like this sandwich. My husband had the grilled cheese with havarti, tomato and avocado and he really enjoyed it. For dessert we shared the blue corn waffle which comes with fruit and maple syrup - yum!

    The menu is pretty small, but this place is still pretty new so perhaps they will expand it later on.

  • Review from Meredith B.

    •  
    • 0 friends
    • 8 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    7/11/2011

    This is the cutest place! I love coming here to work. The girls who run the shop will let me sit there for hours and hours and hours. I love sitting in the window, sipping fresh squeezed blood orange juice or House kombucha. The vegan donuts are delicious - so smart! It's really nice to have this place as a vegetarian option nearby, for when I want to get something small to munch on. Little Bird's prices are a tiny bit more expensive than I wish for it to be, but totally affordable - especially for the unique things they offer, and for being a safe, girlie little pocket in the TL!

    Overall it's one of my favorite nooks.

  • Review from Kaylie B.

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    • 33 friends
    • 1 review

    Vancouver, BC

    Canada
    5.0 star rating
    3/8/2011 2 Check-ins Here

    Strangely enough yesterday was the first time I had ever ventured into the Tenderloin. I had heard fables and tall tales abut how awful and scary the Tenderloin is, equivalent to Vancouver's Surrey. In fact, the Tenderloin is a gem and only those daring enough adventure into it's decrepit belly are going to experience an important part of San Francisco history.  My friend from Albuquerque (Kayla) just so  happens to live in the Tenderloin so she invited me to her neck of the woods for brunch on Sunday morning.

    I've been to a lot of coffee shops and cafés in my day, all of which have either be part of the homogenous blob of capitalism or unique to their own neighbourhood. Little Bird is a perfect example of a small café that keep true to the vibrance of their neighbourhood by keeping there menu simple, but versatile and having the walls  be a stage for Tenderloin art and artists.

    I had no idea what to expect when I visited this gem in the heart of the Tenderloin. Upon entering I immediately realized that almost every item on there menu was veganizable. Hell yeah! Their options for sandwich fillings were also incredible, house roasted tomatoes, hummus, avocados, garlic, vegan pesto, daiya. Amazing!!

    After I ordered, the woman making my sandwich came and sat down next to me to inform me she was out of tofu scramble for the sandwich, but would make me a sandwich with avocado, daiya, hummus and roasted tomatoes. It was $4, panini pressed, delicious! I couldn't be more happy in my surroundings with the service and with the food. Next time I go back I'm going to be prepared to try everything I can on the menu, especially this thing they call a kombuchosa, locally-made kombucha mixed with oj!

    Thank you little bird for putting faith back into small cafés for me. Vancouver take note!

  • Review from Rebecca T.

    Marina del Rey, CA

    4.0 star rating
    5/13/2011

    Exactly what a coffee house should be, complete with Vern - the old man who's a regular reading the paper and telling me jokes.

    The food here is delicious!  I had the carrot mint soup - which he just finished making in a big spaghetti pot - and a black bean burger on toasted sourdough with vegan cheese, sprouts, and dijon.  YUM!!!  (I'm not even vegetarian/vegan and loved it.)

    The 2 people behind the counter were incredibly nice and helpful.  I'd totally become a regular if I lived in the neighborhood!

    The only tiny negative would be that it was super warm in there, a little uncomfortable.

  • Review from Katie P.

    •  
    • 12 friends
    • 5 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    3/4/2011

    What a gem!
    Friendly service, delicious coffee, to-die-for orange juice in cute little jam jars, funky atmosphere (yet conducive to studying), and eclectic, creative, scrumptious food options -- all at reasonable prices!  I didn't think a place like this could exist in my neighborhood, but it does, and it does so well, sir!

  • Review from Anna G.

    •  
    • 290 friends
    • 343 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    12/15/2010

    This place is fantastic. Outstanding coffee (De La Paz and Ritual, brewed fresh and individually), knowledgeable and awesome staff. The interior is adorable and comfy (there's a kids' area!).

    Donuts from Bob's Donuts are available to accompany your brew, should you not have time to venture up Polk St. Various other bagels, pastries, and organic fruit as well.

    Don't fear the 'Loin; get your coffee on at Little Bird.

  • Review from Jaimie B.

    •  
    • 134 friends
    • 55 reviews

    Los Angeles, CA

    4.0 star rating
    12/20/2010

    I love the name of this place! It's super close to The Opal where I was staying and I woke up with Bob Marley's "Three Little Birds" in my head so I figured it was a good sign. The second I walked in I felt comfortable. The prices were very cheap, my latte arrived with a picture of a heart in the foam, and I ate a delicious $3 breakfast sandwich - what more could I ask for?
    The only downside was the neighborhood. I had to walk by more than my fair share of homeless people, trannies, & hookers to get there. I suppose that could be part of the charm! Also, there's a children's play area... That was pretty annoying because I wasn't sure why anyone would want their children to drink coffee... Haha just kidding :) but seriously, a coffee house is for grown-ups.

  • Review from Lauren M.

    Toronto, ON

    Canada
    4.0 star rating
    11/16/2010

    What a delightful little place!

    I wandered in here after a long day of exploring. The barrista was super friendly and even gave me my coffee free of charge just because I am so awesome.

    Little Bird kind of reminds me of my cottage! Random collection of antique furniture, some old magazines to browse and a few kitschy items on the wall. Very peaceful.

    Along with coffee, they have a few baked goods and some sandwiches for sale. Would be nice if they had a few more options.

  • Review from Sam P.

    •  
    • 32 friends
    • 127 reviews

    Chico, CA

    5.0 star rating
    Updated - 2/11/2011

    Oh, honey..
    Little Bird isn't too cool for you, I was teasing.
    Lighten up and grab a cup o ritual.

    Was this review …?

    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 5.0 star rating
      1/10/2011

      When I was a wee man, I used to run a coffeehouse with about 10 of my close friends. It was called… Read more »

  • Review from Larry M.

    •  
    • 1 friend
    • 15 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    3.0 star rating
    10/2/2011

    You should check the menu before you go; it might not be what you expect.  Overall, the food was decent and not pricey.

  • Review from Jimmy G.

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    2/28/2011 1 Check-in Here

    You can get a good cup of coffee here - Ritual and De La Paz on hand.

    When I've been in the crowd has been a mix of young art students and neighborhood folk reading newspapers.  The heavy iron tables are hard to get comfortable at, but the small community table is better.

  • Review from Ven G.

    •  
    • 9 friends
    • 2 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    5/17/2011

    Little Bird rulz...

    Usually has two Ritual and two De La Paz coffees to choose from and single brew coffees. Excellent!

    Plenty of tasty treatz.

    Friendly and caring staff makes sure you have a damn good coffee.

    And in the TL !!!

  • Review from Tova L.

    •  
    • 1 friend
    • 6 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    4/27/2011

    Little Bird is a breath of fresh air in the TL district. Surrounded by amazing, but unhealthy restaurants (Thai House you are the death of me), Little Bird serves as my coffee shop around the corner that caters to my healthy desires. Organic, local, and gluten free options are their specialty and they don't stop there. Their home made soups are amazing as well! They freshly squeeze their apple juice too! Not only is the food bomb, the coffee and drinks are incredible. The price is a bit above competitors, but only by .25 cents and it is completely worth it for that. The quality you get there beats everything in this area.

    Thank you little bird!

  • Review from ruggy j.

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    5/18/2011 7 Check-ins Here

    It's rare that I get this giddy about a new local discovery like Little Bird. And I don't mean "discovery" in the general sense of the word, as I'm far from the first person to pledge their undying allegiance to this rabbit hole of a coffee operation along Geary, but in the sense of my own self discovery and having a chance to get familiar with this cozy little nook in the middle of the skids.

    Little Bird seemingly got lost en route to the Mission and decided to throw its hands up in the air and settle on doing business in the Tenderloin instead. There aren't many places like this in the 'hood, and it's a breath of fresh air in a part of town that could arguably use a bit of a face lift. Sure there are plenty of great restaurants and bars in this part of the city, but a quaint little coffee shop that oozes charm and charisma? Just what the 'loin needed! They're warm and inviting and should most certainly serve as your everyday stop if you live anywhere in the immediate proximity. Heck, even if you don't live near Little Bird and just want to surround yourself with friendly locals and even friendlier faces behind the coffee bar, you should become acquainted with them, stat! I don't live anywhere nearby, yet I've somehow managed to work them into my daily walk to work and subsequent stop for caffeinated refreshment. With the option to choose between a single drip De La Paz or Ritual cup of java, it's the perfect way to start the day.

    Being an eater of all things plant based, I couldn't ask for a more ideal set up with their spread of delightful food stuffs. While they do have a handful of the de rigueur, omnivore leaning dairy staples eggs, milky eats and yogurt... a good 3/4 of their menu caters directly to veg heads like myself. Whether it's vegan coconut soups, vegan squash muffins, vegan Pepples donuts, portabella mushroom sandwiches, vegan breakfast sandwiches, or soyrizo burritos, they've really put their neck out for us annoying (but cholesterol free!) eaters. Radical! But with that being said, outside of the baked goods made by professional chefs off site, the vegan fare I've tried thus far is seriously nothing I couldn't make myself at home, and that's saying a lot since I could easily be out-cooked by a tween using nothing but an Easy Bake Oven. Their vegan breakfast sandwich is essentially just an English muffin with some tofu and a sprinkle of Daiya cheese, heated up on a panini press - and that's it. I hesitate to call it a disappointment, but for $5, I can't say I'm overly enthused to rush back for a second helping. I've yet to try their blue corn waffles with fresh fruit and shaved almonds (sounds amazing!), but that's certainly the next item I plan on digging into in the not-too-distant future.

    Overall, even if the food didn't quite strike me as anything special (yet!), it's right up there with my favorite morning hangs in the city. Yee haw!

  • Review from Genevieve Y.

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    8/8/2010 8 photos

    Date & Time:  Sunday August 8, 2010 @ 2pm
    Company:  Michael
    Crowd:  Neighborhood Individuals in Hoodies, Graphic Tee's, Jeans & Converse on Laptops or Writing in Moleskin Notebooks
    Vibe:  Warm & Inviting
    Music:  Parisian Jazz
    Decor:  Cozy & Charming.  Antique Mirrors, Area Rugs, Quaint MisMatched Fabric-Covered Chairs & Country Tables
    Service:  Nice Couple
    Imbibe:  De La Paz Coffee & Ritual Lattes
    Devour:  Bob's Donuts
    Total:  $7

    Listed in: Tea Time

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  • Review from Mike J.

    •  
    • 0 friends
    • 61 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    3.0 star rating
    8/10/2010

    Nearly everything about Little Bird is 5-star in my opinion. So, why only 3 stars, you ask? I'll tell you.

    Coffee: Ritual and De La Paz, top notch!
    Decor: Excellent, very lovely and homey.
    Service: Extremely friendly and helpful.

    Take all this and then add Bob's Donuts and you've got a near-perfect combination.

    The ONLY strike against Little Bird for me (but unfortunately it's a big one) is the inclusion of the "Children's Play-Area" in the corner. Damn, I know that sounds really bad of me and I hope you all won't think I'm a horrible person for saying it but screaming kids throwing blocks around and discussions of potty-training methods really detracted from the ambiance for me.

    Keep in mind that I'm particularly sensitive to this sort of thing and I realize this same feature will probably be a HUGE hit with young families. Unfortunately, for me it just felt a bit too much like hanging out in a nursery and so in spite of everything else I'm not so sure I'd go back any time soon.

    Still, a nice addition to the neighborhood and if you have young children and/or enjoy the company of the little tykes this place will be a dream come true in the normally not-so-kid-friendly city of SF. I predict they will be very successful and I wish them all the best!

  • Review from Sarah T.

    •  
    • 28 friends
    • 62 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    12/31/2010 1 Check-in Here

    I'm surprised that this place has been open for as long as it has- the barista said 4 months? That doesn't make any sense. I have been scouring the neighborhood to find a good sit and work coffee shop that does have star or bucks in its name and serves damn good coffee, and I only just found this place.

    Well anyway, I will be a regular from here on out until I get my thesis done.

  • Review from Philip T.

    •  
    • 18 friends
    • 85 reviews

    Mountain View, CA

    3.0 star rating
    7/23/2011

    Friendly staff. Very good coffee. Food is good but not great.

  • Review from Matthew S.

    •  
    • 1 friend
    • 48 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    8/30/2011

    Yep...pretty awesome. Some places just have that little something extra you can't really explain.

  • Review from S R.

    •  
    • 1168 friends
    • 1067 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    4/23/2011 1 Check-in Here

    standard hipster sf cafe atmosphere.  everything on the menu can be vegetarianized.  happy service.

    got the soyrizo sandwich, which is a vegan play on chorizo.  it took me about 10 minutes to figure that out as i was waiting for my sandwich, pondering what would be in it.  the taste was surprisingly like chorizo, but without the nasty grease afterburn that the meat gives you.  i didnt recognize the cheese, but it was chewy and tasted great.  also got the portobello mushroom sandwich, which was juicy and fresh.  there was some kind of seasoning in it that was quite good.  i couldnt put my finger on it.  who knows, maybe it was butter.  im not an expert at this.  the coffee was no good, almost sour.

  • Review from Meredith K.

    •  
    • 19 friends
    • 21 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    8/10/2010 2 Check-ins Here

    Dear Little Bird,

    Happy are the mornings I roll out of bed and get ready with enough time to pop in and grab a delicious bagel/donut/pastry to wash down with your tasty lattes. Sometimes it takes a little longer, and one time the machine just pooped out completely, but I know you're still learning to fly and I can't wait for you to spread your wings and soar! The place has come together nicely. And your counter top is GORGEOUS btw. I look forward to a long and happy, caffeine filled relationship with you, my new neighborhood friend.

    See you around,
    Meredith

  • Review from Curran H.

    •  
    • 13 friends
    • 80 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    7/18/2010 5 photos

    When I heard that Chelsea -- the co-owner of my neighborhood's best bar, Whiskey Thieves -- was going to be opening a cafe next-door, I knew it was going to be good.  And sure enough, peeking in the door today, as the staff was putting the finishing touches on the cafe, I could tell that my expectations were spot-on.

    First, the space is great!  It manages to be cozy and airy at the same time, as well as having a style of its own.  It would fit right in on Valencia or in Hayes Valley (or Williamsburg, for that matter), but it has something of our 'hood's own vibe to it as well.  Apple green and butter yellow walls, black floors, plushly-upholstered chairs, antique tables, vintage gilt-framed mirrors, gleaming chrome Italian espresso machine -- this is the anti-Starbucks of cafes.  And they were playing some '50s jazz, which always gets points in my book for any cafe.

    Since I had poked my head in before they were actually open, the manager offered me a drink "on the house".  I asked for an espresso -- one of the two litmus tests for a cafe (the other being drip coffee).  He ground the beans, packed the groupo, and pulled a demitasse of espresso for me.  This was a proper espresso, with lots of character.  Rich, winey, a little fruity, with a great crema on top.  Within a few seconds of finishing the cup and savoring the taste, I was buzzing along.

    They're still developing the menu, but it will include pastries and light foods, and cold drinks, as well as having free wi-fi for customers.  (And if you want something with booze in it, Whiskey Thieves is just two doors away.)  I'm looking forward to Little Bird being a big success, and a great addition to the neighborhood.

  • Review from Malloreigh M.

    •  
    • 69 friends
    • 227 reviews

    Vancouver, BC

    Canada
    5.0 star rating
    4/22/2011

    Adorable! This place looked like the coffee shop that my former roommate would have opened - kind of an old lady-little kid feel with the mismatched furniture and painted wood. Great selection of cafe-style food and delicious coffee. Truly a treat to have this downtown.

  • Review from Helen O.

    •  
    • 8 friends
    • 13 reviews

    Los Angeles, CA

    4.0 star rating
    8/13/2011

    I love this little place! Kudos for any restaurant that offers gluten free options but particularly when they are delicious corn bread tasting waffles covered in fruit!  Their egg fritters were amazing too.  And hand poured coffee is the new thing I guess, I love that too.  The only problem with this place is it's in San Francisco and I live in LA.  They even gave me a free gluten free chocolate chip banana muffin as I was leaving which was fantastic.  I'm definitely making it a priority to come back here whenever I visit SF.

  • Review from Leah R.

    •  
    • 12 friends
    • 14 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    8/12/2010

    Lovely little spot! So friendly and unassuming.

    The coffee was good, even though I am fussy and ask for something silly (I call it a piccolo where I am from but there seems to be no standard nomenclature here)

    The milk was not burned, the cups are lovely and heavy and the barista was really eager to get my drink right, and she did. No fancy latte art, but I'll take flavour over fancy any day.

    This is a great addition to a very up and coming part of town.

  • Review from Courtney T.

    •  
    • 3 friends
    • 10 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    8/6/2011

    Mmmmmm I wish I could eat the vegan breakfast everyday.  Daiya cheese, perfectly scrambled tofu and hummus on a english muffin. Perfect breakfast with a cup of coffee.  One of the staff members told me they have a vegan pesto normally but were out of it when I went in, which would take this little sandwich from heaven to the next level.

  • Review from Smog R.

    •  
    • 31 friends
    • 105 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    Updated - 8/29/2010

    Okay Little Bird! I will bite my tongue. Y'all now know what you do, and how you do it!

    Went to get coffee on the weekend, and it was definitely that "coffee drinker's" coffee. It'll do any tastebud proud. Went for the Ritual drip - Bold at first, yet smooth going down. In fact, I don't think I even remember any slight bitter aftertaste per sip. How'd you do that? The blend you serve maybe? Cuz it was very nice!

    We passed on Bob's Doughnuts at your shop, but happened to walk by on Polk later that day, and devoured a couple there. Good stuff - I'm happy it's now a few blocks away from me, at your cafe!

    P.S. Word up Dave! Thanks for messaging me. You cared, and I appreciated it.

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    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 1.0 star rating
      8/2/2010

      --To Be Revisited again--

      Hey Little Bird. I understand it's your "soft opening" week.

      So... I'm… Read more »

  • Review from Jenny E.

    •  
    • 3 friends
    • 13 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    6/2/2011

    Little Bird is one of the rare little spaces in the Loin that make me want to come and stay.  First off they have Ritual and de la Paz, personally I a devotee of the Dama by Ritual and rarely stray. Take it black and you won't be disappointed by the complexity of flavors.

    Little Bird also offers standard coffehouse noms, but the best part is the seating. They actually have cushioned (!) seats. If you want to set up a laptop and get some work done this is the place to do it. I guarantee your ass will not be disappointed.

  • Review from Lisa K.

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    9/29/2010

    It's hard not to give a place with Bob's Donuts 5 stars. I was a little worried about it being TOO kid-friendly - I imagine there will come a time in my future when a hip coffeeshop that can accommodate kids will be key to my sanity, but now is not the time. It probably helped that there were no kids in the play area when I was there, but it's also pretty well tucked away - easy to watch your kids, I would think, but not obtrusive to other patrons. Nice!

    More importantly, excellent goods. I really enjoyed my latte, especially since the friendly lady serving it up asked if I wanted a larger size cup for extra milk in it - which I DID want and should really order all lattes that way. There's a nice little assortment of cookies, bagels from Holey Bagel, and the aforementioned Bob's Donuts, as well as some more substantial breakfasty stuff like sandwiches and tater tots (well, hash browns are more breakfasty, but really they're pretty similar aren't they). The only qualm I have is that everything's a little pricey, but this is *totally* redeemed by the "day old" bucket on the counter - everything (bagels, cookies, etc) is $0.50! That's a great markdown. I also like the cute homemade "10 drinks 1 free" cards. Good work.

  • Review from Jameson S.

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    • 0 friends
    • 1 review

    San Francisco, CA

    2.0 star rating
    4/24/2011

    I generally like this place, the coffee is great. The downfall is your going to wait  FOREVER for your drip coffee. They open at 8am, I walked in this morning at 7:58 to be greeted with "we're not open" I asked well shoot, when do you open, lady says 8. Lucky for me by now it was 7:59, I sat outside till five after then went in and took a seat while she refilled pastries, waited another few minutes before i finally got tired of being ignored and said "hey all I want is a drip". Not too cheery a person. So long story short I was the first one in the door and it still took 15 minutes to get a cup of coffee. Sweet. Nothing like getting treated poorly first thing in the morning.

  • Review from Christopher S.

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    • 67 friends
    • 268 reviews

    Santa Barbara, CA

    5.0 star rating
    5/4/2011

    Great food, great coffee, great art!

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