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Nook Cafe & Wine Bar
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Nook Cafe & Wine Bar
7.9
Russian Hill café-wine bar that doubles as a relaxed breakfast stop with a solid lox-and-bagel. Settle into a window seat and linger over coffee and a simple, well-built bagel plate.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lox & bagel, Egg & cheese bagel, Avocado bagel
Scores:
Value: 7.7
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: Calm corner café with a reliable lox bagel and good coffee.
Who should go: Casual brunchers who like to linger
When to visit: Late mornings after the early rush
What to order: Lox bagel; Egg & cheese; Avocado bagel
Insider tip: Counter seats turn fastest when the room fills.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on Hyde and Union; can be tight on weekends and brunch hours.
Dress code: Casual—athleisure, jeans, and weekend wear all fine.
Noise level: Moderate—conversation-friendly with occasional café bustle.
Weekend wait: Not applicable—primarily a brunch/lunch café.
Weekday lunch: Typically minimal wait, though window seats may fill.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—egg & cheese, avocado bagel, and other meat-free plates available.
Vegan options: Limited—avocado or plain bagel builds work; no dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: No gluten-free bagels, though lighter breakfast plates are available.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for casual, low-key dates—quiet corner tables and wine bar setting make it relaxed but not overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—Nook does not typically require reservations; walk-ins are the norm, though weekend mornings can get busy.
Is it kid-friendly? Moderately—kids are welcome, but space is compact and geared more to adults lingering over coffee or wine.
Best For
Better for: Great for lingering brunch or solo work with coffee—quieter and more relaxed than Polk Street counters.
Skip if: If you want grab-and-go speed or late-night service—other bagel spots nearby may be faster and cheaper.
Nook Cafe & Wine Bar
7.6
Cable-car-corner café with latte art, daylight-filled windows, and Mediterranean-leaning sandwiches. Brunch hours run Thu–Sun, and the compact space makes simple plates look good without crowding.
Must-Try Dishes:
Jamón & manchego sandwich, Chorizo empanada, Mediterranean veggie sandwich
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 7.6
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 6.9
What makes it special: Sunny cable-car corner with casual brunch and wine service.
Who should go: Casual café brunchers and solo laptop diners
When to visit: Late morning Thu–Sun for light and fewer lines
What to order: Jamón sandwich; chorizo empanada; cappuccino
Insider tip: Snag the Hyde-side window seats for cable-car shots.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in Nob Hill; metered spots are available nearby but fill quickly on weekends. No valet service offered.
Dress code: Casual café attire; jeans and sneakers are perfectly fine.
Noise level: Moderate – lively during brunch rush but still possible to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: N/A – brunch and café service only, not open for dinner.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; peak hours can see a brief 5–10 minute line.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – multiple vegetarian-friendly sandwiches, salads, and small plates.
Vegan options: Limited – 1–2 plant-based options, though substitutions may be possible.
Gluten-free options: Yes – some items can be made gluten-free on request, but no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, for a casual daytime date. The sunny windows and wine service create a relaxed, approachable vibe.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes – the café does not take reservations. Arrive before 11am on weekends or early afternoon on weekdays for the best chance of immediate seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Reasonably – the small space isn’t ideal for strollers, but older kids can enjoy sandwiches and pastries.
Best For
Better for: Bright natural light and a relaxed wine bar vibe make it better for solo work sessions or casual brunch catch-ups compared to trendier, noisier brunch spots.
Skip if: Skip if you’re looking for a large, group-friendly brunch or elaborate, high-design plates—this is more about simplicity and setting.