Skip to main content
0 Followers

Free analytics & customer insights

La Fromagerie Cheese Shop

2425 3rd St, San Francisco, CA 94107
$$$$
French, Delis, Sandwiches

Drop a Vibe Check

Rate this spot and tag the vibes that fit

Log In to Add Vibe Check

Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)

La Fromagerie Cheese Shop 7.9
Dogpatch
French cheese shop and deli turning out camera-ready jambon-beurre and raclette melts alongside curated boards. Counter service and bright displays make it easy to grab photogenic, French-leaning bites.
Must-Try Dishes: Jambon-Beurre Baguette, Raclette Melt, Charcuterie & Fromage Board
Scores:
Value: 8.1 Service: 6.5 Consistency: 8.5 Food Quality: 8.3 Atmosphere: 6.8 Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Paris-style sandwiches and raclette with a full cheese counter.
Who should go: Cheese lovers and lunch crowds
When to visit: Midday before peak lunch rush
What to order: Jambon-beurre; raclette melt; mixed cheese board
Insider tip: Ask staff to curate a board by milk type for better photos.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking available on nearby blocks; usually manageable on weekdays but tight during peak lunch hours.
Dress code: Casual attire; jeans and everyday wear are perfectly fine.
Noise level: Low to moderate – easy for conversation, though busier at lunch.
Weekend wait: N/A – shop closes earlier and does not serve formal dinner.
Weekday lunch: 5–15 minutes during peak; walk right in off-peak.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – cheese boards and some sandwiches are meat-free.
Vegan options: Limited – most items are cheese-based, but a few accompaniments may work.
Gluten-free options: Some boards and sides are naturally gluten-free; sandwiches require bread substitution which is limited.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want something light and low-pressure. Sharing a curated cheese board creates a casual but intimate vibe.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, it’s counter-service with limited seating; no reservations are taken.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who enjoy cheese and sandwiches; limited space and no high chairs, so not ideal for toddlers.
Best For
Better for: Quick, photogenic French-style bites and curated cheese experiences compared to more generic sandwich shops.
Skip if: You want a full-service French dinner or wide vegan/gluten-free meal options.
La Fromagerie Cheese Shop 7.9
Dogpatch ✓ Verified
French cheese shop and café assembling jambon-beurre and charcuterie with thoughtfully sourced cheeses. Great for a casual wine-and-cheese date or picnic provisions along the waterfront.
Must-Try Dishes: Jambon-beurre baguette, Seasonal charcuterie & cheese board, Caprese on baguette
Scores:
Value: 7.9 Service: 7.8 Consistency: 8.2 Food Quality: 8.3 Atmosphere: 6.8 Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Fromagerie-level cheeses and French sandwiches built on quality bread.
Who should go: Cheese-loving couples
When to visit: 11–12 or after 1:30 for shorter lines
What to order: Jambon-beurre; daily board; macaron for dessert
Insider tip: Grab a bottle nearby and picnic at Crane Cove Park.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is available in Dogpatch; typically easier midday but can be limited during dinner hours and on weekends.
Dress code: Casual with a European café feel; jeans and relaxed attire are fine, but smart casual works if you're on a date.
Noise level: Low to moderate—conversation-friendly, more café bustle than bar noise.
Weekend wait: Expect a 15–25 minute wait for seating or sandwich orders if you arrive during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Minimal to no wait before 12 pm or after 1:30 pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple vegetarian cheese plates, sandwiches, and salads available.
Vegan options: Very limited; most offerings feature cheese or charcuterie, though a few salads may work with modification.
Gluten-free options: Some options—cheese boards are naturally gluten-free, but sandwiches rely on bread unless you request a substitution.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—its intimate, casual European café vibe makes it ideal for a low-key, cheese-and-wine-focused date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—reservations aren’t required; counter service is standard, and tables are first-come, first-served.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat—kids are welcome, but the menu leans adult with cheese, charcuterie, and wine. Best for older kids who enjoy sandwiches.
Best For
Better for: A casual French cheese-and-wine experience with provisions you can take to a park—more authentic and specialized than standard cafés.
Skip if: You want a full-service dinner with entrées or vegan-friendly dining; this is a light, European-style spot.
La Fromagerie Cheese Shop 7.8
Dogpatch ✓ Verified
Cheese shop and café assembling French-leaning sandwiches on quality bread with premium charcuterie. Great for a lighter lunch or picnic provisions with selections you won’t find at standard delis.
Must-Try Dishes: Le Toulouse (Smoked Duck & Manchego), Le Californien (Roast Turkey), Caprese with Mozzarella di Bufala
Scores:
Value: 7.6 Service: 7.8 Consistency: 8 Food Quality: 8.3 Atmosphere: 7.1 Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Fromagerie-grade meats and cheeses elevate simple sandwich builds.
Who should go: Cheese lovers and ingredient purists
When to visit: 11–12 or after 1:30 to avoid the rush
What to order: Le Toulouse; Le Californien; Caprese
Insider tip: Ask for cheese advice—staff will steer you to seasonal picks.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in Dogpatch is generally available but can fill during peak lunch hours; no dedicated lot or valet.
Dress code: Casual—jeans and sneakers are fine; office casual works well for lunch meetings.
Noise level: Moderate—conversation is comfortable, but lunchtime bustle adds background chatter.
Weekend wait: Closed for dinner service; daytime only.
Weekday lunch: 5–10 minutes at peak hours, often no wait outside rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—Caprese and other veggie-forward sandwiches available.
Vegan options: Limited—salads without cheese and some sides may work, but few true vegan sandwiches.
Gluten-free options: Not formally—bread alternatives are limited, but cheese/charcuterie boards can be adapted.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if your date appreciates cheese, wine, and a casual café vibe. It’s more low-key than romantic but can work for a light lunch or picnic-style date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are the norm. It’s counter-service and tables turn quickly.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for older kids who enjoy sandwiches and cheese, but limited space and menu may not appeal to very young children.
Best For
Better for: Sourcing high-quality European-style cheeses and charcuterie with sandwiches built from premium ingredients.
Skip if: You want a hot, hearty deli sandwich or full-service dining—this is lighter and café-style.
La Fromagerie Cheese Shop 7.8
Dogpatch
French-run cheese shop and café offering jambon-beurre baguettes, composed sandwiches, and charcuterie boards. Open since 2012, it’s a Dogpatch staple for quality French products and quick, tasty bites.
Must-Try Dishes: Jambon-beurre baguette, Comté & cornichons sandwich, Charcuterie & cheese board
Scores:
Value: 8.5 Service: 7.6 Consistency: 8.1 Food Quality: 8.3 Atmosphere: 6.9 Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Authentic French cheese counter with standout baguette sandwiches.
Who should go: Cheese lovers and picnic planners
When to visit: Midday 11–1 or late afternoon after rush
What to order: Jambon-beurre, Comté sandwich, small board
Insider tip: Ask the monger for seasonal soft-ripened picks to add on.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in Dogpatch is usually manageable midday but can be tight during peak dinner hours or on game days at Oracle Park. No valet service.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable. Most guests come in everyday wear; no dress code enforced.
Noise level: Low to moderate. Easy for conversation, as it’s primarily a café and shop rather than a bustling restaurant.
Weekend wait: Not applicable—primarily a daytime café and shop, typically closes by early evening.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait; peak 12–1pm may see a short line for sandwiches.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — cheese boards, veggie sandwiches, and composed salads are available.
Vegan options: Limited — some breads and side items qualify, but most offerings center around dairy and charcuterie.
Gluten-free options: Limited — no dedicated prep area, but boards and salads can be gluten-free friendly.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you’re aiming for a casual, low-key vibe. Sharing a cheese board with wine makes for a relaxed, conversation-friendly outing.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — no reservations are taken. Seating is limited to a few small tables, so consider takeaway or nearby benches for a picnic if full.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who enjoy sandwiches or cheese boards. No kids’ menu, but casual seating and quick service make it approachable for families.
Best For
Better for: Grabbing authentic French sandwiches, cheeses, and charcuterie for a quick bite or to-go picnic compared to sit-down French restaurants nearby.
Skip if: You want a full-service dinner with entrées and table service—this is more of a café/shop experience.