Rachel "50 Words or Less? You've got to be kidding, right?" M.'s Profile

Oh hai, my lovely neighbourhood cafe.  You make me smile just thinking about you.

There are many cafes in San Francisco - indeed, a city of neighbourhoods would by default have many of them.  And there are other cafes in Laurel Heights that are good, and go visit them, by all means.  But when you think of the transitional 'Third Space' between work and home (http://en.wikiped...), you think of Nanis'; that space 'in between' is vitally important for us to keep going as humans, to keep us grounded and alive.  And Nani's is 'my' space to keep me grounded.

Everything about this place is perfect - classical music, tasty drinks (cappuccino especially), food if you need it, free wifi, wonderful service, and a delightfully beautiful sweet ambiance.  I don't know if it's the blue walls, the art, the electic decor, the awesome comfortable 2 curved chairs in the corner (the red one is mine - don't even think of taking it) the idea of a cafe in a greenhouse (no really - just sweet), the warm temperature (but not too hot that you burn up), the sidewalk chalkboard with quotes they update daily, the fact that it's on Geary but you'd never know it because the sound just fades) - or just the whole spirit of the entire experience of all  of what I've written together. but I can quickly see how Nani's has so many fans, and why this delightful little spot is a jewel.    And the owners are just genuinely sweet, happy, warm people - of course, working in a space like that only makes that easier :)

When I see a bunch of 5 stars, I always wonder if it's worth it - but then again I think of some of the products and places I love - that I adore, rather - and a spot like this would be up there.  It feels a bit like a Parisian cafe that has the 'je ne sais quoi' that makes someone love the experience about it as much as the product it serves, like coffee.  It's like Van Gogh's Cafe Terrace at Night - instantly home when you arrive, and that kind of experience only comes from that delightful admixture of all the ingredients that come with a truly lovely cafe.  The only downside is that they close at 5:30, but that's a small detail in an otherwise splendid experience.  (I also wish it was called 'Nana's because that was my grandmother's name, but that's even more minor). Yesterday I was there almost all day, and at one point closed out the place by finishing a work conversation by pacing in the empty restaurant.  After I finished, I realized how rude it was of me, and apologized to one of the owners for treating his establishment as if it was my own little office or living room.  He said, 'that's ok - people do it all the time'.  No wonder - if this was your space you'd never want to leave.  If Norm from Cheers needed a non-licensed spot where everyone knew his name, well, Norm at Nani's would be it.

Damnit, Mary beat me to it with a review...

Lovely to have a cafe that serves tasty food (breakfast and lunch - they close at 2) with nice customer service... and Barefoot Roasters!  The only downside is that it feels a bit like the cafeteria I had back in Junior High, but considering they just opened up I'm willing to let it slide.  If they continue to concentrate on making good quality food and serving Barefoot, I don't care what's on the walls - I'll be happy to have it as an alternative.

Nothing about this thrift store jem online, but trust me, as an experience vintage/thrift/dumps ter diver, this one's well worth a visit. It has a great selection of household bric-a-brac in excellent condition at fabulous prices. Staffed by volunteers, the inventory turns over quickly so grab what you can when you see it, because it will be gone next time. I've furnished much of my place with the stuff. Best of all, the profits go towards the Lucile Packard Children's Hospital, so you can feel less guilty about blowing money here. So shop til you drop at the Bargain Box!