SFAI Cafe

Cheap, decent coffee with excellent views– indoors and out. Open to the public. Great spot for a cup of joe and some stellar views of the City– Alcatraz to the Bay Bridge and Telegraph Hill.

First off, they charge 10 cents you for a cup of tap water. I’m all for sustainability but that’s just ridiculous and discourteous.
If a salad comes with a sandwich it’s not free, right? Well apparently the SFAI Café defies all logic because that was the story I got today when I complained for being charged full price for a sandwich (topped with shredded iceberg lettuce and the tomatoes I requested be left off) and no salad. If it’s included in the price that means you pay for both — nothing is free. The only reason I get their mediocre sandwiches in the first place is because they come with a totally decent mixed green salad.
I used to defend the café in recognition of the fact that most places nearby have similar prices and quality of food. But after today I am quite happy to say I will never eat here again. SFAI would do itself a huge, huge favor by kicking out whoever runs this place and finding someone whose head isn’t up their ass to run a student budget-​friendly café.

Like most people will say: Yeah it used to be so good back in the day… Well it’s not Pete’s Café anymore and it’s not the same 800 Chestnut. Good Luck Yvonne stick close to them visiting faculty.

I tried a sandwich here for the first time last week and it was really good, better than Green’s take-​out! There is an amazing view of the bay out the window. What struck me was the freshness of the ingredients and the impeccable quality of the food (beef from grass-​fed cows, only use ingredients that are in season). Not fast… it took more around 20 minutes in an empty café to make my sandwich (I was almost late for class). I’ll definitely come back when I don’t have a time crunch (and bring some people to try the food).
10.03.2008: I’m downgrading my rating (from 4) because the menu seems to have been reduced with very few non-​spicy vegetarian options (just salad, soup and fruits). It closes very early, and after 3-​something, orders are not taken anymore so the only thing I can eat here is the fruit cup (it is very good though)…

Update: as of the spring 2008 semester, management has been outsourced. It’s now the most expensive coffee in the area, it’s lost the art student vibe, and the woman who manages it seems to be barely keeping the place under control. This place has really lost it’s mojo — the students don’t even really hang out here anymore. Bummer. SFAI, please bring back the old café — the community misses it!
A true hidden gem. I almost don’t want to post a review for fear that I might let the secret out. I live a block or so away, and I come here frequently. A great departure from the yuppieness of most other good cafes — the artist vibe is excellent. Free wifi. Amazing views, comfortable, plentiful seating. Inexpensive, high quality food, fun, friendly staff. Free art gallery on the way in/​out that seems to change once a week, so stop in for 5 min. Make sure you tip generously!

i am in here every day. my biggest complaint is that the hours are shitty. they’re open from something like 9 to 4. so many classes at school go on until 7 or 10 and the vending machine really sucks. anyway, on to the food! another smaller complaint is that the food is expensive. it’s pretty much 5 bucks for an entrée. however, you can order smaller portions for about 3 bucks. the portions are good sized. why yesterday i ate an entire plate of tofu and curry i didn’t think i could finish.
all the vegetarian stuff ranges from decent to really good. i love all the soups, the bread is fantastic, and their strange attempts at indian or thai food are usually successful. i had beets the other week there. beets!
their desserts/​pastries are good. on fridays they have a cinnamon twist that is quite delectable.
oh, and try the mac and cheese! when i graduate from sfai, i’ll really miss it.

This is normally where SFAI students go for a bagel, some eggs, good coffee, good sandwiches, etc. But I’ve found most people who come here due to proximity of the coit tower or the wharf end up getting something to eat. The food is good, the view is amazing and the vibe is chill. Tourists like to gawk at us «artist types». Check it out. Cheap, good for lunch, etc.