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Roxanne Café
Master Critic Reviews (6 Lists)
Roxanne Café
7.7
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Casual Union Square standby known for all-day plates and a reliable burger-and-fries combo. Fries are classic diner-style—crisp, salty, and quick from the kitchen for a pre-shopping refuel.
Must-Try Dishes:
Roxanne Burger & Fries, Crispy French Fries (side), Chicken Sandwich & Fries
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 7.6
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 7
What makes it special: Quick, classic diner-style fries right off the Powell cable car line.
Who should go: Hungry shoppers needing a fast fry fix
When to visit: 11–11:45am or after 8pm to avoid waits
What to order: Burger & fries; fries as a side; chicken sandwich + fries
Insider tip: Counter seats turn fastest if you’re flying solo.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No on-site parking; nearby Union Square garages like Sutter-Stockton Garage ($4–$5/hr) are the best bet. Street parking is scarce and metered until 6pm.
Dress code: Casual—jeans, sneakers, and shopping-day outfits are perfectly fine.
Noise level: Moderate during lunch; light in mornings and evenings. Easy to hold a conversation at most tables.
Weekend wait: 15–25 minutes, as many tourists wander in after shopping.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait before noon; quick turnover even during the rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several options including omelets, salads, and veggie sandwiches.
Vegan options: Limited—basic salads and sides can be customized, but few dedicated vegan mains.
Gluten-free options: Partial accommodation—grilled items and salads can be made gluten-free on request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a first date—it’s more diner-casual than romantic, but fine for a relaxed daytime meetup or casual coffee-and-fries stop.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—Roxanne Café doesn’t take reservations. Solo diners and pairs can usually be seated right away, especially at the counter.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—staff are accommodating with kids, and the menu has plenty of simple comfort dishes. Booster seats are available on request.
Best For
Better for: Fast, affordable diner comfort right off Union Square—ideal when you want fries and burgers without the wait or pretense.
Skip if: You’re seeking a romantic or upscale meal; opt for The Rotunda or Laurel Court nearby for a more elevated experience.
Roxanne Café
7.7
Neighborhood cafe a block off Union Square turning out hearty American breakfasts, burgers, and all-day plates. Friendly service and reliable portions make it a go-to before shopping or shows.
Must-Try Dishes:
Eggs Benedict, Sourdough French toast, Griddled burger
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: All-day classics steps from Union Square with brisk service.
Who should go: Shoppers and casual breakfast groups
When to visit: Early morning 7–9am to beat tourist rush
What to order: Benedict; French toast; burger with fries
Insider tip: Ask for a window table to watch Powell Street’s cable car traffic.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No dedicated lot; use Union Square Garage (1 block away on Post St.) or street parking before 9am. Meters fill quickly after breakfast hours.
Dress code: Casual and relaxed—jeans, sneakers, and light layers fit the local shopper vibe.
Noise level: Moderate buzz during breakfast; quieter mid-morning and late afternoons—conversation-friendly outside of weekend brunch rush.
Weekend wait: Closed for dinner—breakfast and lunch only.
Weekday lunch: 10–15 minute wait around noon; walk-in friendly otherwise.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—omelets, salads, and pancakes are reliable options.
Vegan options: Limited—can modify avocado toast or order sides; no dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Partial—omelets and salads available; pancakes and toast not GF.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual breakfast meetup than a romantic date—friendly staff and open tables make it easy for conversation but not intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins only. Arrive early on weekends or expect a short line; turnover is steady thanks to quick service.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—welcomes families with high chairs available and a broad menu suited for kids (pancakes, burgers, fries). Best before 10am or after 1pm to avoid crowd.
Best For
Better for: Faster service and more local charm than hotel brunch spots nearby; perfect for hearty, no-fuss breakfast before shopping.
Skip if: You’re seeking fine dining, cocktails, or a quiet, upscale brunch—try The Rotunda instead.
Roxanne Café
7.9
Neighborhood standby by the Powell cable car stop serving hearty American breakfasts since the mid-1980s. Expect friendly service, large portions, and a reliable pre-shopping or pre-tour fuel-up.
Must-Try Dishes:
Eggs Benedict, Buttermilk pancakes, Corned beef hash & eggs
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Cable-car-side café turning out classic, generous breakfasts daily.
Who should go: Families and shoppers who want a hearty start
When to visit: 7–9am for fastest seating; later gets busy
What to order: Eggs Benedict; pancakes; corned beef hash
Insider tip: Request a window seat to watch cable cars climb Powell.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No dedicated lot; limited metered street parking nearby. Best option is the Union Square garages within a 5–10 minute walk.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable; jeans, sneakers, and tourist attire are all common.
Noise level: Moderate during peak breakfast rush but generally conversational.
Weekend wait: Not applicable — breakfast and lunch only.
Weekday lunch: 10–20 minutes at peak times; often no wait before 9am.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — omelets, pancakes, waffles, and salads are available.
Vegan options: Limited — fruit plates, oatmeal, and modified sides; no dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Some options like eggs, potatoes, and salads, but bread and pancake substitutes are limited.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for casual meetups than romantic first dates. The bustling café vibe works well for a friendly breakfast or pre-shopping meet.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — they operate first-come, first-served. Early mornings have the quickest seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — families are common. The large portions, kid-friendly menu items, and casual setting make it suitable for children of all ages.
Best For
Better for: Hearty, affordable American breakfasts with a local diner feel right by the Powell cable car stop.
Skip if: You want upscale brunch with craft cocktails or quiet, romantic ambience.
Roxanne Café
8.0
Neighborhood standby steps from the Powell cable car pouring out hearty American breakfasts through midday. Expect friendly service, large portions, and a reliable pre-shopping fuel-up.
Must-Try Dishes:
Eggs Benedict, Buttermilk pancakes, Corned beef hash
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Cable-car-side café doing classic, generous brunch plates daily.
Who should go: Families and shoppers who want a hearty start
When to visit: 7–9am for fastest seating; later gets busy
What to order: Eggs Benedict; pancakes; diner-style hash
Insider tip: Ask for a window seat to watch the cable cars climb Powell.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No on-site parking; nearby paid garages around Union Square; limited street parking early mornings only
Dress code: Casual; jeans, t-shirts, and sneakers all fine
Noise level: Moderate—lively during peak hours but still possible to hold conversations
Weekend wait: Not applicable—closes before dinner service
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait before noon; can be 15–20 minutes during peak lunch rush
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—omelettes, pancakes, and several sides accommodate vegetarians
Vegan options: Limited—hash browns, fruit, and some customizations possible
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free menu, but simple items like eggs, hash, and fruit are adaptable
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for casual meetups than romantic dates; friendly atmosphere but not intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins only; expect short waits at peak breakfast times on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—family-friendly with large portions, booster seats available, and a relaxed vibe for kids of all ages.
Best For
Better for: Hearty portions, quick service, and convenient location steps from Powell cable car—great for fueling up before shopping or sightseeing.
Skip if: Skip if you’re looking for upscale brunch presentations, quieter ambience, or extensive dietary accommodations.
Roxanne Café
7.9
Casual all-day cafe steps from the cable car line serving omelets, pancakes, burgers, and simple pastas. Friendly service and roomy menus make it an easy, family-oriented pick near Union Square.
Must-Try Dishes:
Eggs Benedict, Buttermilk pancakes, Club sandwich
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Reliable all-day American comfort near the cable cars.
Who should go: Families wanting classic breakfast and lunch
When to visit: Early breakfast or after 1:30pm to avoid waits
What to order: Eggs Benedict; pancakes; club sandwich
Insider tip: Sutter-Stockton Garage is one block away for easy parking.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: The Sutter-Stockton Garage is one block away and usually has open spots; limited metered street parking is available but turns over quickly.
Dress code: Casual attire is the norm; jeans, sneakers, and family-friendly wear are completely fine.
Noise level: Moderate — conversations are easy to hold, though it can get lively during weekend brunch.
Weekend wait: Typically not a dinner spot, but expect a 20–30 minute wait on weekend mornings for brunch.
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait after 1:30pm; peak 12–1pm can bring 10–15 minute waits.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several options like omelets, pancakes, and salads can be made vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited — avocado toast, fruit bowls, and a few sides are available, but choices are modest.
Gluten-free options: Some flexibility — staff can substitute fruit or salad for bread items, but no dedicated gluten-free menu.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It’s more of a casual, family-friendly cafe than a date spot — comfortable for a daytime meetup but not suited for romantic ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — they don’t take reservations. Arrive early for breakfast or after 1:30pm to minimize waits.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — high chairs are available, staff are welcoming to families, and the menu has kid-friendly basics like pancakes and sandwiches.
Best For
Better for: A reliable all-day option for families looking for hearty American comfort foods steps from Union Square.
Skip if: If you want a quiet, polished dinner or inventive cuisine, opt for one of the more refined Union Square restaurants.
Roxanne Café
7.8
Casual all-day café just up from Union Square doing big-portion breakfasts and benedicts with friendly, efficient service. It’s a reliable, bright spot for classic plates that photograph well without pretense.
Must-Try Dishes:
Eggs Benedict, Banana walnut pancakes, Vegetable scramble
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.1
What makes it special: Big-portion, no-nonsense brunch moments steps from Union Square.
Who should go: Groups wanting classic plates fast
When to visit: Weekdays 9–11 to skip lines
What to order: Benedict, pancakes, veggie scramble
Insider tip: Steep Powell climb—rideshare up if you’re in heels.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No dedicated parking; nearest options are Union Square Garage (5-minute walk) or metered street parking, which is limited and competitive.
Dress code: Casual – jeans, sneakers, and relaxed wear are perfectly fine.
Noise level: Moderate – café bustle but still easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: Not applicable – café is breakfast/lunch focused, closes before late dinner hours.
Weekday lunch: 10–20 minutes at peak hours, often no wait before 11:30am.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – omelettes, veggie scrambles, and salads available.
Vegan options: Limited – may adjust avocado toast or sides; no dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Some flexibility – can sub fruit for toast, but no official gluten-free bread.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual meetups than romantic dates – it’s bright, busy, and more about hearty plates than ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes – it’s walk-in only; expect short waits on weekends, especially late mornings.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes – big portions, high chairs available, and a relaxed setting that works well for families with children.
Best For
Better for: Big, hearty breakfasts with fast, friendly service right by Union Square.
Skip if: You’re looking for fine dining, quiet atmosphere, or extensive vegan/gluten-free menus.