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Categories: Coffee & Tea, American (Traditional), Wine Bars [Edit]
Neighborhood: MissionMon-Wed. 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 a.m.
Thu. 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 a.m.
Fri-Sat. 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 a.m.
Sun. 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 a.m.
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If you can find a seat in this place, go there. At least once. You'll be happy you did. (It does get crowded but not hectic---just crowded).
Half indoor half outdoor and spewing with culture and warmth, The Revolution Cafe is an awesome addition to the Mission with frequent live music, cozy, close-quarters seating & yummy hot drinks.
I'm more of a fan of the atmosphere here than I am of their beverages (though the beverages aren't bad). It's the perfect place to visit at night.
If what they are going for here is a too cool to care policy towards the public they've certainly succeeded. The eclectic atmosphere here can't be beaten, but in order to put up with the noise and bad service I'd want a killer cup of coffee and/or tea - neither of which I got.
It's worth going to this place for the experience rather than the actual thing they sell or provide.
In that way it's a bit like Chuk E. Cheese. The food is crap but you get to play skeeball and have your photo taken with a budding novelist dressed as a mouse.
Totally worth it.
Feeling generous and lured by the smell of marijuana, I went in for a cup of coffee before my haircut. I was served right away by a guy who undercharged me, so I was thinking things were looking up a bit for Revolution.
Tepid coffee. Totally lukewarm.
Revolution is like the hot guy with a little dick and bad breath who I keep sending drunken booty texts to. When will I learn?
I was visiting a friend some time ago who was house sitting nearby, and we came by here for a cup of… Read more »
There are few things I like better in life than pretending/attempting to be laid back. I'm kind of overachieving, quietly critical, and sometimes your typical piece of LA garbage. I know I've been in LA way too long when my trip on the BART and walk through Golden Gate Park made me immediately feel like I was at Disneyland. I suck.
So Revolution Cafe made me horribly happy. Finally, a place to really chill out! I was lured in by the bluesy-jazzy piano tunes on a waning Saturday afternoon. 90% of the tables were filled with people smoking, talking, and just enjoying the end of a sunny, cloudless day with their friends. People in SF seem so real, don't you think? The city feels lived in. Way to go, people. Quality of life!
Anyways, I got a $6 mojito and was pleased that it came in a large glass and not one of those stylish dinky ones. Girlfriend and I loved the piano tunes and the general lazy ambiance of the place [+ the fact that there was an outlet on one of the walls inside to charge her phone], and we were, more obviously, smitten with the local eye candy. Picture it: Gorgeous dark -haired, light-eyed, beautifully dressed man, lounging effortlessly on a patio chair. Blowing smoke slowly into the air. The smoke wafts up and swirls in the late-afternoon light. Add in some mild drunkenness, and you have serious entertainment. And embarrassing schoolgirl giggling if you're socialization caliber is as weak as mine..
Revolution Cafe seems to make it a little easier to enjoy your life. Come here, have a drink (the food looked decent too), enjoy the music with your friends. I'll be jealous of you as I sit in my car for 45 minutes in LA traffic, trying to meet people at Starbucks or somewhere crappy.
Love this place. Greenwich Village meets the Mission. This is not a fine dining experience. I'd recommend sticking to the reasonably priced (and great selection of) beverages. They don't seem to mind if you bring in a slice of Escape for NY Pizza from next store.
The noise to personal space ratio was way too high, the bartender/waitress was unfriendly, they didn't have any desserts (you're a cafe - sell some cookies), and the place smelled like cigarettes and pot. It's the sort of place people go to feel cool in an "alternative" sort of a way; the hippie chick sitting at the table next to mine seemed delighted that her yuppie boyfriend brought her there. Live music is always nice and the creepy hunchbacked hobo was amusing, but there's nothing "cozy" about this place.
I'm never going to subject myself to that again, but I suppose if you work in the Financial District and have a crush on a dirty girl, taking her here might get you laid.
Some history:
This used to be a flower shop back in the day (80's-late 90's) and I would go there to pick up a rose for my Valentine during my Middle School days-okay on to the review.....
Cool coffee shop.
Good: The live bands that perform
Having a good conversation with a stranger
People watching
Bad: Hella crowded
Hella crowded
Hella crowded
completely open front of the cafe, tons of seating, a good variety of beers on tap, frequent live music, and fantastic hummus, all reasonably priced- i couldn't ask for much more from a coffee place. Probably more of a social place than a study place, however, because the energy level is so high.
we were also asked to be quiet by an older woman when we were talking during some live music, but we were outside, the place was packed, and everyone was talking....so I guess this isn't a fault of the place, just don't be offended if it happens to you too.
Another place that's taken me more than the year I've lived here to visit. Why? Because every time I try to hang here, it's overflowing with patrons.
We actually got a good table on the opposite side of where the piano is. Is that weed I smell floating inside? Um... where was I? Oh! So I got a spicy chicken sandwich and a Chimay. I love how the "fill to here" line on the special Chimay glass is totally ignored and is filled to the rim. I followed that with a Leffe. Great music tonight, too.
Verdict: Approved.
Dope spot in the Mission where you have anything you can ask for in this small, intimate space: free wifi, coffee, beers, diverse crowd, sangria, happy hour, spirits, ample seating, awesome atmosphere, heat lamps if the weather's chilly, great vibe, al fresco seating, friendly and cool staff, live jazz music, and food.
I'm a huge fan.
I wrote my doctoral dissertation in this place: Coffee in the mornings, beers during happy hour, nights of jazz, wine, interesting bands and piano debutants. The crowd is definitely eccentric, from the alcoholic aggressive lesbian that demands more than two beers by noon, to the club of retired cuban seniors that religiously meet there at 1pm. I was personally annoyed occasionally by the smoke of cigarettes and other stimulants that regularly get into the place, but overall this place made the year I lived in the Mission one of the best.
This is one of the coolest hangout spots in the Mission. With an open patio and kick back environment, this café offers an exciting list of drinks that ranges from wines, cocktails and beers on tap to an array of espressos and lattes. I came here last night but it was super crowded so I had to return earlier today in order to grab a seat by the door. With an antiquated wooden floor, wobbly small tables, wide open doors and windows, and wall to wall of artsy photographs, the vibe is young and vibrant. Next to the bar is a group of five women studying away while those seated on the open patio are chucking on their tall glass of beer and people watching. Noticeably crowding the right side of the room is the five laptop users including myself. The combination of free WiFi and happy hours equals happy times and happy vibes. It's been hours since I've been sitting here but at the end of the day the place is just getting started with a pronounced singles scene and cool music blaring in the background.
This is my second visit this week. A person who was feasting on an impressive looking lox bagel next to me earlier said, "This place is not known for its food but people come here for the vibe." Their espresso drinks are not Philz-like but better than many of the places I've been. Today I tried their barbeque pork sandwich ($6.75) that came pressed hot with a decent portion of bbq pork dressed in a semi sweet and savory sauce and melted cheddar. Portions were good and it came with a side of fresh greens with a light balsamic dressing that was enough to hold me till dinner. Pretty good, nothing revolutionary, but it does get me by.
Unlike other cafes, they also show films every Monday night. I was here last Monday evening and the packed house cheered on for the filmmaker as I sat in the dark little corner going through rounds of NFL fantasy draft. At first I thought the presence of my laptop and bright screen would irk those seated nearby, but no one minded. Overall, I think the mixed atmosphere of a bar and café with weekly special events certainly make this an exciting communal space for singles, bilinguals, and intellectuals alike. A great place to bring out of town guests and groups. The only complaint I have is that once I leave this seat right now, I will never find another one for the rest of the night. Not the most conducive to quiet studying but certainly four stars for a unique concept that will continue to draw a nice crowd. I will definitely be back and maybe one of these days I will even shut down my laptop to catch a free screening with those that are here.
Liquids - check
Snacks - check
Alcoholic liquids - check
Lots of seating - check
Outdoor seating - bonus check
Cool waitstaff - check
Wifi - check
Warm Mission air - check
What's not to like! Bring your laptop, a book or just yourself and you can sip a latte, chug a beer and people watch all day long.
One of my favorite day time mission hang outs- great live music and general atmosphere. Nice to have a chimay and people watch. My man and I are huge fans! Mmm im craving one of their grilled cheeses right now! All sandwiches come with yummy perfectly dressed salad too
Really great vibe to this place. I'm not that big of an asshole to say the place has a bohemian feel, but it's definitely dark inside and I had a hard time seeing where I was going without walking onto the performing bands' set. Seems like they have a lot of great live and local performers which is even better.
As always, had a great conversation about activism, and people, and experience- a perfect reminder as to why I moved to this city. The experience.
Pretty good spot. Live music some times. An older biddy shushed us when we were talking at our table, catching up, because she was listening to the music. As it isnt a concert hall and the vibe is chill we gave her a mellow out look and kept on enjoying ourselves. If she wants uptight, don't hang in the Mission.
Nice selection of beer. Prices are OK.
They even have seats outside. I have yet to stop by Rev cafe without smelling its signature scent...
p.s.
I live about a block away from this place and have visited many many times.
I have many "first hand experiences".
So don't flag me for not having first hand experiences.
This place is like groundhog day, always the same.
If the YELP moderators don't like my review they should go visit the cafe themselves.
This place USED to be something special !
Now its where you go if you don't have a paying job,…
Read more »
This is seriously my favorite cafe in San Francisco. The atmosphere is awesome and i love their interior decor. Not to mention that their coffee is delicious, and i'm pretty picky with my coffee. The best part? They have live music! I'm seriously going back here every chance i get!
The atmosphere of this place was great. I loved how it was laid back and I could float in and out (plus it was a warm night, so they had the doors open).
I had some pals playing the night I went. Of course they were the bomb diggity. Love me the jazz.
FYI - They only serve beer and wine.
Food - Delish. I had a grilled cheese sammich.
Bartender - I had to waive her down to get her attention. Plus, she gave me change for a $10 when I gave her a $20....TWICE. So check your change people!
Been here a few times and love stopping in for a drink and a snack during beautiful San Francisco afternoons. When I went last there was a great jazz band playing, which was hip and fun to listen to. We munched on the humus with a bear for me and a mojito for the ladies. This is what you would expect from the name. A hip little cafe/bar with a lefty loosey feel. And they have free wifi too. A great stop when your in the Mission.
The grilled cheese sandwich and tomato soup are great! And inexpensive. The music is lovely.
My friend and i sat at an outdoor table, and there were all sorts of tattooed people smoking and shouting next to us. I suppose this is the essence of Mission District, but I am a yuppie, so that was off-putting.
There are very few places outside Latin America where I've felt like living in a lost chapter of a Magic Realism novel. I don't even need my index or thumb to make the count. The Revolution Cafe is one of those places.
Whether you are sipping on some iceless, fruitless sangria, having a Chimay or drinking cheap beer, there is a thin magic layer that turns anything normal into a dream at The Revolution Café.
It doesn't matter if you sit outside and have to put your drinks on the floor behind you, so "technically" you won't be drinking on the sidewalk. It doesn't matter if those by passers click their tongue in despair because there's no seating available (I would say not even standing available), and have to go somewhere else. It doesn't matter if you get asked for money by a couple of hopeless men, or the melodious jazz duo stops playing for a while and you're still on the mood to snap your fingers. You'll still breathe in air that feels like crushed planets dust, that smell like leaves, cocktails and wood, and the different aromas coming out of the many bodies lingering at The Revolution Café.
I wish I'd had a place like this closer. It would be part of my life. There is nothing as feeling like you were made by lines of character development and exquisite plots. Here, I was the "girl visiting from Seattle" but still a regular shook my hand, and asked me for Kurt Cobain and the incessant rain, while checking if my left elbow was working well.
Only in Mission. I'm bringing back to Seattle my own ISBN number, courtesy of The Revolution Café.
¡Gracias!
Kally Price was singing, the Chimay was flowing and sweet Jesus, I was home. Great music, scratch that, the LORD's music, Kally doesn't so much sing into the mic as lend us her soul, one song at a time. In fact, if I don't hear her singing after I die, it means I'm in a fiery hell, so...if you could help a brother out and there is a sweet spot within your heart for fat-back drums, resuscitate me with whatever homemade AED you have laying around.
If I lived in SF I would frequent the Revolution Cafe as much as my wallet would allow, but I don't...so I don't and this makes me sad. The intimate setting buffers the outside world and the music is loud enough to get lost in yet, quiet enough to converse with your friends.
Highly recommend, I wish there was an equivalent in San Diego.
The atmostphere is perfect -- warm and inviting decor, open-air tables, amazingly great live music (I've never seen a bad act here), and people dancing and having an all-around great time.
I would give it five stars if it were a little less crowded and the tables were cleaner. I have a feeling there are plenty of people who come for the music, but don't end up buying anything from the cafe at all because it's too much of a challenge to force your way through the crowd to get a drink.
I've always loved this place for it's casual atmosphere, eclectic and international crowd, open air patio and live music. I brought an out-of-town guest here after a stint at the Velvet Cantina and it proved the apertif. The jazz band was great and the wine was perfect- plus we happened to get there early enough to snag a table facing the performance. Thumbs up!
If like any normal pitiful human being seeking comfort in this cruel world you desire the twin pleasures of drinking coffee and smoking cigarettes AT THE SAME TIME, then this neighborhood can really be a fucking major drag.
Thankfully open-fronted hippie dive Revolution offers addicts the space to double up on their vices without having to stand on the street like a dick. As a bonus you can even switch up and drink beer while smoking cigarettes. Hell, you can probably smoke whatever the hell you please, and drink wild amounts of nipple milk. It's all-round smokey drink fest.
However you will need to overcome that creeping sensation that you are about to be assailed by a dreadlocked student of vague European decent who will talk about Manu Chao for three hours and then show you his paintings of a hash farm in Morocco. Sure, there's plenty of wi-fi-riders and local trendies to balance things out, but, on the whole, it feels like somewhat of a hippie outpost.
Yes, there's definitely something a little crusty about the place. I stay away from it at night as most of live music I've heard walking past has sounded suspiciously like a giant hippie jam band wankfest. Not a big fan of the service either - a bit disinterested? Annoyed? Surly? Inattentive? Can't put my finger on it exactly, but they are generally a little on the lame side.
But who needs service once you've got your hot/cold cup of stimulant and a lungful of Malboro smoke? Exactly.
I heart you more and more!
Super chill place, for super chill people. Love it, cant get enough of it! Dont really care what… Read more »
Small corner wine bar with great music and atmosphere
This is my favorite place to unwind after work before going to Dolores Park.
I forget what country I'm in while I'm here.
Great sangria, good beer. The first time I tried their food I got the salad with apple and cheese in it, and that's all I ever get now, since it's delightful.
Once I saw Matt Jennings here. Once I walked in and there were violin players, and a cello player, playing in this charming space.
I'd go there if I were you. I'm stuck on Maui again for a few weeks and there's nothing like that here. Meh
Wednesdays: Marcus Shelby Trio from 9:00pm to midnight. Great music. Good prices on beer and wine, and friendly service.
They have Leffe AND Chimay AND a really nice Côtes-du-Rhone!
I almost gave up on going out to see live music during the work week, but after Marcus let me know about his weekly Wednesday gig, now at least I have "jazz night" at Cafe Rev!
I've never sampled their beers, so I have no opinion there.
If you want to hear some good live jazz,…
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I spent the entire duration of my layoff at this cafe for a few reasons.
Practical: Free WiFi, they don't mind if you plant yourself there for 3 or 4 hours at a time, and inexpensive, decent eats.
Indulgent: The coffee is just as good as the beer, and it feels a like the cafes I used to hang out in Amsterdam that time I was abroad in Europe. It's part nostalgia, part feeling cooler than everyone else. :)
I lived on 22nd St. for years, and have seen this place go through changes (good & bad). Just stopped by this week. My current assessment.
Pros:
- Open air, sidewalk seating like a cafe should
- I've seen a few good live shows here
Cons:
- Dirty and unkempt
- Stereotypical, airhead hipster working the counter like a salted snail
- Sangria = a full fruit cup glass with a dash of wine
Yesterday (13Jan09) someone lit up a joint at a sidewalk table. Four peeps kicked it on back.
I had a Lemon Lover or something like that, blue alcohol swishing around in Lemonade. I kicked it on back.
A perfect place to laze away a sunny day, WIFI access and reading allowed. This place is a mix between a bar with nice, simple but tasty food (think sandwiches and salads) and a coffee shop. The audience is varied and doesn't fit just the MClub card holders mentioned above, but everyone is tolerant of them.
I have also been here on a weeknight and the sangria was tasty but not strong. My sandwich was big and yummy. Seating can be a bit tight, but you just have to ask to share.
I love this spot, it feels cozy and accessible. Hey, don't bogart that J....
I'm seeing signs of the the global financial crisis everywhere these days. As we approached Revolution Cafe, a diminutive hipster fellow got up from the patio table where he was doing whatever it is hipsters do on their $3000 mac book pros, and proceeded to beg the cashier for a job. Apparently they might even be able to use his help. Viva la revolución, the financial crisis is even getting the hipsters looking for gainful employment!
So about the cafe:
I came here today for lunch and I have to say its a pretty cool place with some decent food and coffee. 2 grilled sandwiches + 1 latte + 1 double mocha = $20 = good deal!
I hear the night life can be pretty cool here.
Came to Revolution with a friend on I believe a Friday night for some drinks with a friend and had a really good time.
I'm giving it 5 stars for these 5 reasons:
1. Good beer selection
2. Awesome bartender and staff
3. Great jazz music low enough for conversation but loud enough to enjoy
4. Outdoor sidewalk seating for smokers of all types
5. The crowd there is very friendly and it's easy to meet new people there
Deja vu. I feel like I've been here before, but I don't know how or when. I can't believe that I found this place with co-workers on a random night out. We ended up drinking some beer and people watching. Yes, the place is full of interesting local characters.
The key word in the name of this establishment is "REVOLUTION". This place is hip, young...but is totally not the same stuffy bar or cafe that you see in other parts of the city. It is revolutionary in many ways. It goes against the expectations of the "normal" after-work watering hole. It is drastically different.
Plus, gotta love the uhmm..."SAN FRANCISCAN" atmosphere..uhmm...if you know what I mean.
cool hang out, especially on a warm afternoon.
Funky, funky funky,
I love this spot. good food, hang out on my computer relax and enjoy tea.
The vibe here is really special for some reason to me. I just think I love the mission in general. Perhaps its the name "revolution" it motivates me somehow every time i go here i get motivated to do something. sounds funny I'm sure.
Ok all kidding aside, dont pass this place up. I'm still waiting to go here in the evening as I've heard its a blast in its self.
It was a rare sultry November night in the City. The Mission was buzzing, and everyone was looking for a nice spacious patio where they could drink their beer under a starry sky.
Of course, nights like these mean Zeitgeist has a line out the door before 10pm. So where's a good-natured young lad to go to enjoy the weather and his suds? The answer lies on 22nd St., at Revolution Cafe.
Inexplicably, I'd never been to the 22nd St. corridor. Makeout Room, Latin American Club, these places had eluded me. But on that Friday evening, I discovered the majesty of Revolution: its throngs spilling out onto the sidewalk, drinks in hand; the air heightened with conversation; the piano trilling behind it all. I've never imbided in Paris, but I imagine this is the kind of casual elegance one finds there.
Somehow, Revolution has cultivated its popularity without becoming a scene -- that's more than I can say for Zeitgeist, unfortunately. And that's why I will return to this establishment again and again.
Revolution is a great place to hang out on a sunny day in the mission. The staff is friendly, but don't expect fast service.
The only reason I can't give them 5 stars is that there's a huge inconsistency in how stuff (even coffee) is prepared from one employee to another. I've had both a great and an awful Chicken Caesar there, and same goes for getting a Mocha.
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