0 Followers
Bean Bag Cafe
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Bean Bag Cafe
7.7
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Business Lunch Power Players
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Neighborhood cafe (since 1992) with an all-day menu spanning salads, crepes, and sandwiches. It’s a dependable, low-key choice for working lunches with varied diets.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cobb salad, Turkey avocado club, Savory crepe with pesto & feta
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 7.4
Atmosphere: 7.1
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Long-running cafe with broad, customizable lunch options.
Who should go: Teams needing varied menu choices
When to visit: 11:30–12:30 for quicker counter times
What to order: Cobb; turkey club; savory crepe
Insider tip: Grab a window two-top for easier laptop work.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only—usually available within a block before noon, tighter after 12:30pm.
Dress code: Casual; workwear or jeans are fine—no need to dress up.
Noise level: Moderate; light chatter and espresso machine hum but workable for conversation or laptop time.
Weekend wait: Not applicable—closes before dinner hours.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait before noon; 5–10 minutes during peak lunch rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several dedicated salads, omelets, and crepes.
Vegan options: Limited—roughly two customizable options plus build-your-own salad.
Gluten-free options: Partial—some items adaptable upon request, but no separate prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for casual meetups than romantic dates; it's friendly but lacks ambiance for a first impression.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-in only; self-seating moves quickly outside of peak brunch hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—families welcome, with kid-appropriate menu items and booster seats available during slower hours.
Best For
Better for: Reliable daytime café with broad menu variety and fast counter service, ideal for groups with mixed dietary needs.
Skip if: You’re looking for polished service, alcohol options, or a quiet workspace—this is more café casual than sit-down formal.
Bean Bag Cafe
8.0
Neighborhood stalwart (since 1992) with a sprawling breakfast menu that includes made-to-order bagel builds and a solid lox special. Casual seating and all-day hours make it an easy Divisadero standby.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lox Special bagel (cream cheese, capers, tomato, sprouts), Everything bagel egg & cheddar, Cinnamon raisin w/ cream cheese
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6.3
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Old-school café with customizable bagels and a reliable lox option.
Who should go: Casual breakfast and brunch seekers
When to visit: Weekdays 8–10am for quickest service
What to order: Lox Special, egg & cheese on everything, cinnamon raisin
Insider tip: Grab a window table—ordering lines move faster than they look.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Divisadero and nearby side streets; can be tight after 10am, especially on weekends.
Dress code: Completely casual—athleisure, jeans, and brunch attire all fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate during peak hours; lively but conversational with background chatter and espresso machine hum.
Weekend wait: Not applicable—closes before dinner service.
Weekday lunch: 5–10 minutes typical; may peak to 15 on weekends for brunch rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - several omelets, bagels with spreads, and sandwich builds can be made vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited - avocado toast, fruit bowls, and basic bagels with peanut butter or jam available.
Gluten-free options: Minimal - no gluten-free bagels, though salads and egg plates can accommodate with care.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for casual meetups or morning coffee dates than romantic occasions—laid-back, friendly, and easy to talk in.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, it's walk-in only. Lines move quickly and turnover is steady; solo diners and pairs usually find seats easily.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—staff is accommodating, space is open, and menu items like pancakes and fruit plates are great for kids.
Best For
Better for: More variety and speed than most Divisadero cafés, with the added benefit of all-day breakfast service.
Skip if: You’re after artisanal bagels or quiet ambiance—Schlok’s or The Mill may suit better for purists or slow mornings.