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Beanstalk Cafe
Master Critic Reviews (5 Lists)
Beanstalk Cafe
7.6
Compact Lower Nob Hill cafe for espresso drinks, bagels, and toasted sandwiches. Friendly counter service and quick prep make it an easy morning stop or light lunch option.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pesto turkey sandwich, BulGoGi beef sandwich, Matcha latte
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 7.5
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: Tiny cafe turning out quality coffee and toasted sandwiches fast.
Who should go: Coffee-first casual diners
When to visit: Mornings before 9:30am for shortest waits
What to order: Pesto turkey; bulgogi sandwich; matcha latte
Insider tip: Limited seating—plan to take it to nearby parks or steps.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only—limited metered spots on Sutter and Taylor; best to walk or rideshare.
Dress code: Completely casual; gym wear, jeans, or office casual all fine.
Noise level: Low to moderate—mostly soft chatter and espresso machine sounds.
Weekend wait: N/A – closes by mid-afternoon.
Weekday lunch: Typically under 5 minutes; busiest 8–10am.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – multiple breakfast and bagel sandwiches can be made vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited – can customize avocado toast or salad without cheese or mayo.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free bread, but some lighter salad options available.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal—it’s more of a grab-and-go coffee or casual morning meet-up spot with tight seating.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—reservations aren’t taken; seating is first-come and turns over quickly during weekday mornings.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids—limited space means strollers are tough, but staff is friendly and quick with orders.
Best For
Better for: Quick breakfast or coffee on the go versus full brunch cafés nearby.
Skip if: You’re looking for a sit-down meal or large group space.
Beanstalk Cafe
8.1
Tiny Nob Hill cafe known for lox bagels and breakfast bagel sandwiches alongside espresso drinks. Portions and produce are solid, making it a handy sit-or-go option uphill from Union Square.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lox Bagel, Bagel Sando (egg, cheese, bacon/sausage), Plain bagel with cream cheese
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 7.1
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Compact cafe turning out popular lox and breakfast bagel builds.
Who should go: Bagel-and-latte people near Powell
When to visit: 8–10:30am before the late-morning rush
What to order: Lox bagel; Bagel Sando; cream cheese on sesame
Insider tip: Order ahead online to skip the tight counter queue.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in Nob Hill is limited and competitive—best bet is nearby paid garages along Bush or Powell Streets.
Dress code: Casual—come as you are, most patrons wear everyday attire.
Noise level: Low to moderate—small space but conversations are generally comfortable.
Weekend wait: Not applicable—cafe closes by late afternoon.
Weekday lunch: 5–15 minutes during peak noon hours; often no wait if ordering online in advance.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several bagel sandwich builds with eggs, cheese, and fresh veggies.
Vegan options: Limited—can request plain bagels with avocado, tomato, and greens, but no dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: No gluten-free bagels available—best for traditional bagel eaters.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal—tiny and casual, better for a quick bite or coffee meet-up than a sit-down date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—no reservations are taken. Seating is first-come and limited, so many grab-and-go instead.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for older kids who can manage counter seating, but space is too tight for strollers or high chairs.
Best For
Better for: Quick, tasty bagel sandwiches uphill from Union Square when you want a compact stop with espresso service.
Skip if: You’re looking for a long, relaxed brunch with ample seating—opt for larger cafes nearby instead.
Beanstalk Cafe
7.7
Tiny Bush Street cafe known for breakfast bagel builds and simple lunch sandwiches with good produce. It’s a handy hilltop stop a few blocks above Union Square.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lox Bagel Sandwich, Breakfast Bagel Sando, Veggie Breakfast Sandwich
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.1
What makes it special: Compact cafe turning out fresh, satisfying bagel sandwiches.
Who should go: Bagel-and-latte set near Powell
When to visit: 8–10:30am before late-morning rush
What to order: Lox bagel; breakfast bagel; veggie breakfast
Insider tip: Order ahead online to skip the tight counter queue.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Bush and nearby streets is limited and metered; no dedicated lot or valet.
Dress code: Casual—athleisure, jeans, and everyday wear are all fine.
Noise level: Low to moderate—small room but usually calm enough for conversation.
Weekend wait: Not applicable—cafe closes by late afternoon.
Weekday lunch: 5–10 minutes during peak; often no wait mid-morning.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several bagel builds with eggs, cheese, and vegetables.
Vegan options: Limited—basic bagel with veggies and avocado, but no dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: No gluten-free bagels or breads offered.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual meetup than a date—it’s cozy but very small with limited seating.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—no reservations are taken; seating is first-come, first-served with a quick turnover.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids—simple sandwiches and casual vibe. Not ideal for strollers due to tight space.
Best For
Better for: Quick, satisfying bagel sandwiches and coffee in a small, relaxed Nob Hill setting.
Skip if: You need gluten-free options, large group seating, or a dinner service.
Beanstalk Cafe
7.7
Tiny Lower Nob Hill cafe known for breakfast and lunch bagel builds, espresso drinks, and quick counter service. A practical, affordable option for informal meetups near Powell and Bush.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lox Bagel, Breakfast Bagel Sandwich, Veggie Breakfast Bagel
Scores:
Value: 8.9
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 7.4
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.1
What makes it special: Affordable, fast builds a few blocks above Union Square.
Who should go: Budget-minded lunchers
When to visit: 8–10:30am or after 1:30pm
What to order: Lox bagel; breakfast bagel; veggie breakfast
Insider tip: It’s small—order ahead to avoid the tight counter queue.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking is limited on Bush and Powell; nearby paid garages at Sutter-Stockton or Union Square are most reliable.
Dress code: Casual—jeans, hoodies, and office attire all fit in fine.
Noise level: Low to moderate—small space with counter chatter, but still easy to converse.
Weekend wait: Closed in evenings—dinner service not offered.
Weekday lunch: 5–15 minutes during peak hours; order-ahead pickup avoids the line.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple bagel builds, egg-based options, and veggie toppings available.
Vegan options: Limited—custom bagel with hummus, veggies, and espresso drinks with alt-milk.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free bread or bagels; not celiac-safe.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal—it’s tiny and functional, more for grab-and-go or casual solo stops than a romantic setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—there are only a few counter seats, no reservations taken. Expect to stand or take food to go if it’s busy.
Is it kid-friendly? Fine for older kids if you’re nearby, but space is cramped and there are no high chairs or kid-specific menu items.
Best For
Better for: Quick, inexpensive bagel builds and coffee near Union Square without a long sit-down commitment.
Skip if: You want a roomy café to linger, full gluten-free options, or a proper business meeting table.
Beanstalk Cafe
7.7
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Tiny counter-service cafe a few blocks above Union Square turning out bagel builds, breakfast sandwiches, and espresso drinks at friendly prices. Turnover is quick and the menu is straightforward, making it an easy pick for families on the move.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lox bagel, Breakfast bagel with egg & bacon, Turkey avocado sandwich
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: Speedy bagel builds and coffee at budget-friendly prices.
Who should go: Families needing a fast breakfast or lunch
When to visit: 8–10:30am or after 1:30pm for shortest lines
What to order: Lox bagel; turkey avocado; iced latte
Insider tip: Order ahead online to skip the tight counter queue.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No dedicated lot; limited metered street parking in Lower Nob Hill, best before 9am. Closest garages are Union Square Garage (5–6 blocks) or Sutter-Stockton Garage.
Dress code: Casual—jeans, tees, and athleisure are the norm.
Noise level: Low to moderate—small space with steady takeout flow, but you can hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: Not applicable—cafe closes by late afternoon.
Weekday lunch: Typically under 10 minutes, though lines can stretch during 12–1pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—bagels with cream cheese, veggie breakfast sandwiches, and avocado builds.
Vegan options: Limited—basic bagel with peanut butter or avocado, soy milk available for drinks.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free bagels, though some salads and coffee options are safe.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal—it's more of a grab-and-go counter spot with minimal seating, better for a quick meet-up than a romantic setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—reservations aren’t taken. Seating is limited (a few counter spots), but most people take their food to go.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for quick family breakfasts or snacks; portions are simple and staff are accommodating. Space is tight, so strollers are best left outside.
Best For
Better for: Faster and cheaper bagel sandwiches compared to larger cafes near Union Square.
Skip if: You want a sit-down meal, wide menu variety, or ample seating—try nearby diners or full-service cafes instead.