0 Followers
Jane on Larkin
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Jane on Larkin
7.8
Bright café with excellent coffee, house-baked breads, and crisp salads and panini. Ideal for low-key working lunches or a fast, quality bite between meetings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Turkey Avocado Panini, Kale Salad with chicken, BLT on house bread
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.1
What makes it special: House-baked bread and balanced salads in a clean café setting.
Who should go: Coffee-and-laptop lunchers
When to visit: Before noon for best seating
What to order: Kale salad, turkey avocado panini, iced coffee
Insider tip: Grab a loaf to elevate tomorrow’s office sandwich.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; metered spots are limited on Larkin and fill quickly during lunch hours. Nearest paid garage is at 880 Bush St, a 5-minute walk.
Dress code: Casual; office attire and jeans both fit in. No need to dress up.
Noise level: Moderate — conversations are possible but the room hums with lunch traffic and espresso machines.
Weekend wait: Closed for dinner service.
Weekday lunch: 10–15 minute line at peak noon rush; otherwise minimal wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple salad and sandwich options, plus daily specials.
Vegan options: Limited — 2–3 options, but customizable with bread and salad swaps.
Gluten-free options: Yes — salads are naturally gluten-free; gluten-free bread available upon request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal — the setting leans functional and busy rather than intimate. Better for casual meet-ups or working lunches.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s walk-in only. Arrive before noon or after 1:30pm for best seating options.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids; the space is casual and bright but not designed with play areas or high chairs. Best for quick bites with school-age children.
Best For
Better for: Faster, healthier lunches with good coffee compared to heavier American diners nearby.
Skip if: You’re looking for a lingering, quiet meal or dinner service — this is strictly a daytime café.
Jane on Larkin
8.1
Polished café-bakery turning out wholesome brunch staples, excellent coffee, and house pastry with a clean, minimalist look. Plates like the Tenderloin Florentine and brioche French toast photograph well without being fussy.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tenderloin Florentine, Brioche French toast, Croissant egg sandwich
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: House-baked pastry and thoughtful café plates with strong coffee.
Who should go: Coffee lovers and wholesome-brunch fans
When to visit: Weekend mornings before 10am for fastest seating
What to order: Tenderloin Florentine; French toast; breakfast burrito
Insider tip: Grab a pastry to-go—rotating bakes often sell out early.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only—metered spots on Larkin and nearby side streets; fills quickly on weekends.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual; athleisure and jeans are fine, but many guests lean polished café style.
Noise level: Moderate—background chatter and espresso machines, but easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: Not applicable—closes by late afternoon.
Weekday lunch: Usually 5–10 minute wait; can be immediate outside peak hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple options including salads, toasts, and egg-based plates.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 entrées plus customizable sides.
Gluten-free options: Yes—gluten-free bread available and some naturally gluten-free plates.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want a casual, low-key brunch date with good coffee and photogenic but unfussy plates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—Jane on Larkin is walk-in only. Arriving before 10am on weekends improves your chances of no wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for younger kids—casual setting and quick service—but no special kids’ menu or high-chair focus.
Best For
Better for: Better for wholesome, healthier-leaning brunch with strong coffee and house pastries compared to trend-driven, floral-themed brunch spots.
Skip if: Skip if you want a long, boozy brunch or over-the-top décor—it’s more minimal and café-focused.