Java Beach Cafe — Restaurant in San Francisco

Java Beach is a staple of the Sunset district, mostly because there's so little competition. The place is usually packed and noisy (they play the music too loud). The people who work there are extremely nice and the drinks/food aren't bad (the baked goods, only so-so). But I find it often very uncomfortable and not that welcoming. They seem to pack everyone in and, honestly, the interior is nothing special (I liked it better when they had sofas). So, if you're in the neighborhood, it's kind of the only game in town and not a bad option. But I really wish there were more cafes in the Sunset to give this one some motivation to improve. At least this JB is far better than its sister JB out by the zoo which is a really generic, uncomfortable and unappealing. SF can do better in the cafe department.

Also... Java Beach has horrible, unlistenable, unescapable live "music." (and the recorded music is too loud too) Please cafe owners, know that bad music doesn't bring in business, it kills it. I go here less because the live music totally kills whatever relaxation there is to going here. You can't talk to friends and it's almost impossible to relax and read or write while some schlub is singing horrible...

It's your average cafe. You don't come here for the food (which IS decent, and no place in SF survives if it's sub-par); you come here to meet up with friends and then enjoy one of San Francisco's best features -- Ocean Beach.

Man your tide charts!

The coffee is varied and excellent. Over the years has tended towards over-roasted, but apparently the locals like that; even so it's pretty darned good.

Don't spend too long here; that's not the point of the place. Stop here with friends (whether coming or going) -- and the N-Judah is nearby.

But the Java Beach Cafe is a fixture in many locals' minds as a place to grab a bite or a cup of coffee, perhaps meet up with or say goodbye to friends at, or just wander in and see what particular brands of SF wierdness confluences are synchronistically gathered at that place at that time. (The staff have LOTS of strange stories.)

Worth a visit -- with friends. Friends make the...

Updated Review of Java Beach - After 5 Years

I have been a loyal customer of Java Beach for the past seven years and can confidently say that their coffee is exceptional. Additionally, the food at this location is consistently delicious.

However, I have noticed significant differences between the two Java Beach locations. The location near the zoo has a distinct style that I personally do not prefer. In contrast, I find the food and coffee at this location to be much more to my liking.

That said, I have experienced some issues with the customer service at this location. The staff here can sometimes be quite rude, which is disappointing, especially compared to the consistently friendly service at the zoo location.

Overall, while I highly recommend the coffee and food at this location, I hope the customer service can be improved to match the quality found at the...