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San Francisco Wine & Cheese
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
San Francisco Wine & Cheese
7.8
Hayes Valley bottle shop with a focused panini lineup and a calm back patio. Light, toasted sandwiches pair well with a working lunch or informal one-on-one.
Must-Try Dishes:
Prosciutto panini with arugula, Turkey-brie panini, Caprese on ciabatta
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: Calm patio and simple, wine-friendly panini in the heart of Hayes.
Who should go: Light-lunch meetings outdoors
When to visit: 12–1pm for patio availability
What to order: Prosciutto; turkey-brie; caprese
Insider tip: If you’re on the clock, skip flights and order by-the-glass.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on Hayes and nearby side streets; limited availability during lunch hours, garages a few blocks away near Gough and Grove.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual; work attire fits right in, but jeans and polos are fine.
Noise level: Low to moderate—patio is quiet enough for one-on-one conversation, inside can hum around peak lunch.
Weekend wait: Not a dinner destination—closes early, so no weekend dinner wait.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait; usually walk right in and find a patio table by noon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—caprese and cheese-focused panini are available.
Vegan options: Limited—most panini include cheese; possible to customize a veggie-only option.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free bread, so options are very limited.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for casual, low-pressure meetups than romantic first dates; patio is pleasant but vibe is more working lunch than candlelight.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—reservations aren’t needed, tables are almost always available midday.
Is it kid-friendly? Not especially—menu is adult-leaning with wine focus, but older kids who like sandwiches will be fine; no high chairs or kids’ menu.
Best For
Better for: Quieter, patio-based lunches with a light panini and glass of wine compared to busier Hayes Valley lunch spots.
Skip if: You want a full hot entrée, gluten-free options, or a romantic dinner atmosphere.
San Francisco Wine & Cheese
7.8
Hayes Valley wine bar and bottle shop with a focused panini lineup built to pair with curated pours. Light, toasted sandwiches and a back-patio vibe make it an easy pre-show stop.
Must-Try Dishes:
Prosciutto & Mozzarella Panini, Turkey Brie & Apple Panini, Caprese Panini on ciabatta
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 7
What makes it special: Wine-savvy panini pairings in a relaxed bottle-shop setting.
Who should go: Wine lovers wanting a light sandwich pairing
When to visit: Late afternoon before evening crowds
What to order: Prosciutto panini; turkey-brie; caprese
Insider tip: Split a panini and cheese plate; patio seating goes first.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in Hayes Valley can be competitive, especially after 6pm; nearby paid garages like Hayes Street Garage are reliable options.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans are fine but many guests lean dressy given the wine bar setting.
Noise level: Moderate — conversation-friendly indoors, slightly livelier on weekends; patio seating is generally quieter.
Weekend wait: Expect a 20–30 minute wait for patio tables without a reservation.
Weekday lunch: No wait typically; walk right in for a quick sandwich and glass.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — caprese panini and select cheese plates are vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Limited — options may be customized by omitting cheese, but no dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free bread; some cheese/charcuterie plates can be made gluten-free.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the intimate wine bar vibe, back patio, and shareable plates create an easy and relaxed first-date setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually — weekdays are walk-in friendly, but on weekends or evenings reservations help secure patio spots.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly — it’s a wine-focused space better suited for adults; older teens may be fine with sandwiches but there are no kid-specific amenities.
Best For
Better for: Ideal for pairing light paninis with curated wine flights in a relaxed, date-night-friendly setting.
Skip if: If you’re looking for hearty, meal-sized sandwiches or family dining, other local delis and cafes are a better fit.