Cafe XO — Restaurant in San Francisco

[from July 2006]

Spotted in my Entertainment (2-for-1) book, I decided to give this cafe a try and I'm glad I did. The people behind the counter were helpful and friendly, and the menu is pleasantly diverse (soups, sandwiches, desserts, and lots of coffees and teas). Comfy chairs and free wi-fi made it even better.

My Cafe Milan (mocha with orange syrup) was quite tasty and not too sweet. My sandwich (pastrami) was okay, but nothing to write home about. I asked for a panini, expecting a grilled 'n' crispy delight, but it was basically just a regular sandwich.

So I'd suggest coming here and lingering over some cups of fine coffee and tea, perhaps sampling a dessert, but I don't think the sandwiches are...

lowkey coffee shop with real food, great prices and cosy atmosphere.

in a city full of tech hipster cafes with overpriced pastries and uncomfortable seating, Cafe XO rises above. this down to earth, family-owned cafe feels like old school sf - homemade quiches, warm chocolate milk, pleasant regulars but also no rules about laptops. they play telenovelas with the sound off, make delicious sandwiches and have genuinely kind staff.

it’s the perfect place to meet a friend and chat or study for a few hours without feeling like you’re breaking the rules. they even had a few vegan/gf goodies like homemade date bars.

thank you for being a much needed outpost in this...

A semi-fancy coffee shop, with exquisite decor. It is a good place to work, and you will see many other patrons working. No surprise, with the free wifi and many outlets. The only thing to complain about would be the cold. Speaking of patrons, they betray the coffee shop's Noe Valley location. The coffee shop seems to have good breakfast and brunch options, and a colorful palette of pastries. However, the lunch options were more limited. Also, prices were toward the posh side. I had mixed feelings about the staff. Some of them were very courteous, others rather aloof. Everything considered, I will probably nonetheless come here again...