0 Followers
Simple Pleasures Cafe
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Simple Pleasures Cafe
7.6
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Legacy coffeehouse (since 1978) with house-roasted beans, sandwiches, and pastry case—an easy meet-up for strollers and grandparents. Sidewalk tables and relaxed service fit kid-friendly, low-key meals.
Must-Try Dishes:
Breakfast bagel sandwich, Turkey avocado sandwich, Carrot cake
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 7.4
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Richmond Legacy Business pouring coffee since the late ’70s.
Who should go: Parents and casual coffee meetups
When to visit: Mornings before the school rush
What to order: Bagel egg sandwich, turkey avocado, carrot cake
Insider tip: Order beans to-go—house roasts are fresher than average.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free and generally easy street parking on Balboa and 35th Avenue, though spaces can fill during morning school drop-offs.
Dress code: Completely casual—come in weekend wear, strollers and sweats fit right in.
Noise level: Low to moderate; conversations are easy over espresso machines’ hum.
Weekend wait: Not applicable—closes before dinner service.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; steady flow but quick table turnover.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—numerous breakfast and sandwich options like avocado toast, caprese, and veggie wraps.
Vegan options: Limited—can customize bagels or salads but no dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Some gluten-free pastries and sandwiches available; cross-contact possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only for casual coffee meetups—it’s relaxed and unpretentious but lacks evening ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-in only, and tables turn quickly, even on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Absolutely—ideal for toddlers through grandparents, with sidewalk seating and a low-stress vibe.
Best For
Better for: Laid-back morning coffee or casual family meetups; stronger local character and better beans than chain cafes nearby.
Skip if: You’re after upscale brunch or full-service dining—this is a counter-service coffeehouse first.
Simple Pleasures Cafe
7.6
Long-running Richmond café known for dependable sandwiches, bagels, and ample seating. Ideal for informal working lunches with steady Wi-Fi and a calm midafternoon lull.
Must-Try Dishes:
Turkey Avocado Sandwich, BLT, Lox Bagel
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 7.3
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Neighborhood stalwart with space to meet and linger.
Who should go: Casual meetups and working sessions
When to visit: 1:30–3:00 for quieter tables
What to order: Turkey avocado; BLT; lox bagel
Insider tip: Call ahead for larger sandwich orders to skip the line.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on Balboa and 9th Avenue; generally available except during school pickup hours.
Dress code: Casual—comfortable daytime wear is fine; many guests come in work or study attire.
Noise level: Moderate—steady café chatter but easy to hold a conversation, especially midafternoon.
Weekend wait: N/A—closes before dinner hours.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait; most guests order at the counter and find immediate seating.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple sandwiches, bagels, and salads can be made vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 plant-based options plus customizable bagels with veggies or hummus.
Gluten-free options: Partial—no dedicated prep area, but some salads and wraps can be modified.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a romantic setting, but fine for a casual coffee or lunch meetup where conversation matters more than atmosphere.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—no reservations accepted, and daytime turnover keeps tables available.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids; space for strollers and high chairs is limited but staff are welcoming.
Best For
Better for: Working lunches or casual meetups where you need space, Wi-Fi, and calm energy.
Skip if: You’re after refined service, a dinner menu, or a high-energy social vibe.
Simple Pleasures Cafe
7.9
Richmond District mainstay (since the late 1970s) where coffee culture meets affordable bagels and spreads. The vibe is relaxed and community-forward, with parklet seating and steady regulars.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Cream Cheese Bagel, Breakfast Bagel Sandwich, Bagel with Flavored Cream Cheese and Veggies
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.2
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Old-school café with customizable bagels and community roots.
Who should go: Coffee-and-bagel regulars
When to visit: Mornings before laptop crowd fills seats
What to order: Pesto cream cheese bagel; breakfast bagel; veggie CC
Insider tip: Parklet seats are easiest during early morning sun.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only—free but limited on Balboa; easier near 8th Ave before 9am.
Dress code: Completely casual—hoodies, joggers, and weekend wear fit right in.
Noise level: Low to moderate—soft chatter and espresso machines, fine for conversation or reading.
Weekend wait: Closed by evening—bagel and coffee focus hours only.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; small line at peak 9–10am window.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—most bagel builds and spreads are vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Limited—vegan cream cheese and hummus available; confirm spread ingredients.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free bagels, but salads and coffee options available.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you want something relaxed and unpretentious—better for coffee chats than romance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-in only; indoor and parklet seats open up frequently on weekdays.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—family-friendly with simple menu, though seating is limited for strollers.
Best For
Better for: Best for locals who want a true neighborhood coffee-and-bagel experience with vintage charm.
Skip if: You’re after craft espresso or artisan bagels—try The Laundromat or Ocean Beach Cafe instead.