Caffe Central — Restaurant in San Francisco

After months of seeing this café bustling with customers every morning, I was finally able to try it myself. On first impression, it’s a lively and energetic spot that clearly draws both tourists and locals. The menu is quite diverse, offering a range of hearty and healthy options. Service is quick, but unfortunately, my experience was marred by poor coordination and unprofessional behavior from some staff.

While waiting for my order, I heard my name called. However, when I approached the counter, there was no (cuban latte) drink to be found. Concerned that someone else may have taken it, I asked a male barista for clarification. Before he could respond, a female barista curtly stated, “I already gave it out,” in a tone that felt unnecessarily dismissive and rudely unaccommodating. I showed them my receipt to help resolve the issue, but rather than investigate, the male barista took the receipt and threw it away without explanation.

No apology was offered. Instead, they handed me a drink, assuring me it was the same order — but I was given no real assurance or confirmation, as I am not familiar with the taste of a cuban latte. This lack of accountability and empathy was disappointing. In busy environments like this, it’s especially important for the staff to hold themselves accountable in verifying customer names or receipts before handing out orders. Failing to do so leads to confusion and undermines customer trust.

Eventually, my name was called again — this time from the OTHER end of the counter — for my take out food. No one on staff made an effort to approach me to ask for my name for the order. I ended up having to speak to the friendly cashier (I believe her name was Catalina) to sort things out. She was very patient and respectful in addressing the matter at hand.

In short, while the café has great potential in terms of ambiance and menu, some of the staff's customer service falls short. I hope management takes this as constructive feedback and considers training that emphasizes communication, attentiveness, and respect for all customers.

I'm optimistic that my next visit will reflect the café's full potential — with a more seamless experience and the kind of customer service that matches the vibrant energy...

In the area, it's probably the best place to have breakfast. It's got a variety of meals from bawls to toasts, to desserts. I went there twice for breakfast and both times were great. There's typically a line, so you have to wait to order, but it usually moves pretty fast. They have all their meals on display, which is good on the one hand as you can see what the salads and bawls look like, but with time the ingredients don't look as fresh and I think pictures on the menu would be better (just my opinion). The first time I ordered a toast with smoked salmon. Very good! The only thing I didn't enjoy was, as I was sitting inside there were a few small flies trying to sit on my food (which could be the result of the salad bawls displayed not under glass). Sitting outside didn't have that issue. The ingredients were fresh though. I especially liked the dressing, which made simple lettuce on the side taste really good and refreshing. The second time, I got Lox Bagel. I have to say it was a very good breakfast. I had to struggle with the bagel itself as the knife didn't seem to help cutting it. Overall, if I were staying in the area longer, this would be my breakfast...

Joint to get quick meal fix, snacks, coffee and bubble tea.

Was searching hard for a cafe to hang for a couple of hours before my next appointment. Wanted something other than the Starbucks, Peets and Coffee bean.

Located right opposite Macy, an easy spot to reach and grab a quick bite before heading to your next destination.

I got myself an apple strudel and a bubble tea (black tea with coconut and peach flavoring plus boba), cost me about $12.

It's a small cafe catering to mostly take out customers. I was here at 2+ in the afternoon and the traffic is regular and noisy. Not a place you want to be if you want some peace and quiet or to get some work done.

The strudel was not fantastic, was edible. The bubble tea was way too sweet for my liking.

They have limited seating. Not recommended for big groups unless it's a grab and go. I was alone but still ended up at the bar counters with painful screeching stools.

And oh plus point, a restroom at the back. They look like they have free wifi, didn't ask for it since I have data.

Overall, good place to stop for...