0 Followers
Royal Ground Coffee
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Royal Ground Coffee
7.6
Long-running Clement café with dependable, build-your-own sandwiches and bagels at friendly prices. It’s a reliable grab-and-go or linger-with-a-mug spot with steady neighborhood traffic.
Must-Try Dishes:
BLT+A (bacon, lettuce, tomato + avocado), Tuna salad sandwich, Turkey & cheddar on dutch crunch
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 7.7
Atmosphere: 6
Cultural Relevance: 7.3
What makes it special: Affordable, customizable sandwiches with ample seating and early hours.
Who should go: Budget-minded sandwich seekers
When to visit: Weekdays 7–9am to skip rush
What to order: BLT+A; tuna salad; turkey & cheddar
Insider tip: Ask for dutch crunch or soft roll—both toast up well here.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Clement and side streets; generally available before 9am and after 3pm.
Dress code: Completely casual—come as you are; hoodies, joggers, and workwear all blend in.
Noise level: Low to moderate—easy to read or chat without raising your voice.
Weekend wait: N/A—mostly closes by early evening.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait, though sandwich prep can take 5–10 minutes during peak hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—ample build-your-own and veggie sandwich options.
Vegan options: Limited—can customize with hummus or avocado but no vegan cheeses or spreads.
Gluten-free options: Not formally; gluten-free bread not listed, but salads are an option.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal—it's more of a casual café for a quick bite or quiet solo time than a romantic setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-in only; seating usually available except during the morning coffee rush.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids—plenty of space and quick service, though there’s no kids’ menu or high chairs.
Best For
Better for: Quicker, cheaper, and quieter than chain cafés—ideal for a simple sandwich or a laptop session.
Skip if: You want specialty coffee drinks or gourmet ingredients—this is a straightforward neighborhood spot.
Royal Ground Coffee
7.8
Long-running corner café pairing coffee service with a surprisingly broad bagel lineup. Expect straightforward builds—lox, breakfast, veggie—done quickly with steady neighborhood traffic.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lox Bagel, Breakfast Bagel (egg, cheese, sausage/bacon), Veggie Bagel
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 7.7
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Classic cafe bagels with fast counter cadence and low prices.
Who should go: Students and on-the-go locals
When to visit: Weekdays 7–9am for shortest line
What to order: Lox bagel; breakfast bagel; veggie bagel
Insider tip: Call ahead for a timed pickup if you’re commuting.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on Geary and nearby side streets; usually available within a block on weekdays before 9am.
Dress code: Completely casual—hoodie and sneakers are the norm for this grab-and-go café.
Noise level: Low to moderate during morning rush; easy to hold a conversation once the commuter crowd clears.
Weekend wait: Not applicable—closes before dinner hours.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; orders come out in 5–10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple bagel combinations and spreads are vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Limited—plain or toasted bagels with avocado or hummus spread available.
Gluten-free options: No gluten-free bagels; celiac-friendly options not offered.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re keeping it super casual—this is more of a morning coffee meet-up spot than a sit-down date setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—reservations aren’t taken; counter seating and small tables usually turn over quickly.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids; space is tight for strollers, but the quick service works for families on the go.
Best For
Better for: Fast, inexpensive bagels and coffee without the line drama of trendier cafés.
Skip if: You’re looking for craft bagels or elaborate toppings—The Laundromat or Ocean Beach Cafe offer higher-end options.