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Cafe du Soleil
Categories: Food Coffee & Tea Restaurants Sandwiches Coffee & Tea, Sandwiches [Edit]
200 Fillmore StSan Francisco, CA 94102
Neighbourhoods: Lower Haight, Hayes Valley
(415) 934-8637
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 7 am - 10 pm
Sun 8 am - 9 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Lunch, Breakfast
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
About This Business:
We offer home-roasted turkey and roast beef, and bake our own rolls. Stop in on Friday for our meatballs, or catch us Wednesday for some great barbeque… read more »
490 reviews for Cafe du Soleil
Review Highlights
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"The open-faced sandwiches are delicious here." In 59 reviews -
"But it was the French toast that stole the show." In 34 reviews -
"great ambiance & music & FREE WI FI." In 21 reviews
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- A Yelpy Insight: Vegetarians go nuts for this spot. See more places they like.
490 reviews in English
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Review from Lauren S.
San Francisco, CA
4/19/2012 1 Check-in Here
I know, it's a chain. Well actually I just found that out today, but after some deliberation I have decided that I'm Ok with it and the 5 stars I have been meaning to give Cafe du Soleil for months still apply. I don't yelp much, but this place is awesome and I no longer live in Lower Haight so everyone, feel free to eat all the almond croissants in the morning and then make me stand in line for the coffee I very much need. Apparently there are many more of these Parisian wonderlands all over the Bay Area (La Boulangerie) anyway.
Truly though, my boyfriend and I just spent two weeks in Paris, each morning at a different cafe seeking the right combination of ambiance, service (well, we knew better than to expect much of it in Paris, but it is amazing here), exquisite espresso, fresh pastries, $5 french toast (again, not so much in Paris), the best salads ever, homemade granola, and booze. Needless to say, the only cafe that seems to meet our eclectic and rather unattainable criteria is Cafe du Soleil.
I might take one star off for the lack of outlets, but then again, if I had a laptop with a battery life longer than 17 minutes, this may not be a problem at all. Furthermore, it's more than made up for by the free Nutella, homemade jam, attractive people and equally attractive dogs that make being hungover here on a sunny Saturday morning a true pleasure. -
Review from johan b.
San Francisco, CA
4/13/2012
God damn, would it kill them to heat up the stupid pastries before they serve them to you?
Good atmosphere, etc, but the cold croissants are annoying. Ah, but wee wee, zat iz how zey serve them in Fransay! Wee wee, zoot aloors!
*******
Note: I've adjusted my review from two stars to four. I was a little cranky when I gave this place two stars, but truth be told, if you ASK them to heat up your food, they have no problem doing it. And the atmosphere and staff ARE really nice. -
Review from Jude N.
San Francisco, CA
3/19/2012
Before watching http://www.youtube.com... I didn't know this place existed. I was in the mood to check out a new cafe outside of my area so I gave this place a try.
I'm more of a tea person then coffee so I ordered a Tea latte with Jasmine as my choice of tea. It tasted amazing with good blend of latte and tea.
Ambiance is nice here. It has a very relaxed decor. However like the other reviewers have mentioned there is a lack of outlets to plug in any of our electronic devices.
Another plus was the live shows that they hold here. I was treated to a free show of a trio of jazz musicians who played a few tracks from their album which I also purchased after their dazzling performances.
So why the three stars? Well I needed online access to research applications but than they disconnected the internet and said they had to so the band could perform. That didn't qualify as much of a explanation and they didn't bother elaborating further. This didn't bother me too much as I figure I could do some work offline anyway.
It wasn't until 40 minutes later as more crowds started coming in the barista went up to my table and said I had to leave. It didn't bother me that she asked me to leave, it was in her condescending tone that suggested I was being a bum and did not intend to buy anything more.
In review great place to relax, drink good coffee, and listen to live music. Don't expect customer service to be great though. -
Review from Katy A.
Updated - 3/12/2012 1 Check-in Here
It's hard to miss this place - located smack dab in the middle of "The Wiggle"...there's a great vibe about this place inside and out. You can't miss the bright sky blue walls of the building that give this adorable cafe it's "sass-appeal" and French Country Style. I loved the menu items...you'll find nice full lunch options as well as delicious french bakery items in the case - drool.
I enjoyed one of the beers on tap as well as a mimosa. Nope, I was not faded when I left because the large table that I was at housed a good number of us meeting about new art collective activities for a few hours... this place really caters to large groups if you get in at the right time.
I loved how people want to sit and stay for a while here. You can tell people love this cafe and call it home. That's just one of the reasons I know I'll be back.Listed in: Great Eats, Whenever we go out - the…
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/19/2008
I went there after I came outta a dance class...I was all sweaty (gross) and the guy just smiled at… Read more »
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Review from Naomi F.
San Francisco, CA
3/7/2012
I love the atmosphere at this cafe. It seems to attract genuine French and Francophiles. When I was there earlier today, I found many of the tables near me occupied by French speakers or learners. If I could have been smoking a cigarette and holding my pooch, it would have really taken me to Paris.
The staff are always polite and helpful. I don't know know how anyone could complain about the service here.
The only thing I would do to change the place is to get a new toaster. It inevitably smells like burnt toast whenever I'm there. -
Review from Jeanine W.
Irvine, CA
1/13/2012 1 Check-in Here
I could have easily spent hours at Cafe Soileil basking in the morning sunshine with my caramel cafe au lait and people watching. Set right on a mellow corner, the location is perfect for sitting outside and people watching or enjoying the cute, Parisian cafe decor inside. And their coffee comes in little coffee mugs. Which are pretty much the love and my life and how coffee should always be served, in my opinion.
However, while they do provide free wi-fi, there are absolutely no outlets to be found when it's time to recharge ): So if you do choose to get some work done here, come with a fully charged laptop and don't anticipate staying for more than a few hours. And expect to wait in somewhat of a line. I was hanging out here for a few hours and noticed the crowds came in waves, so I suppose you really just have to hit it right.
While my caramel cafe au lait was tasty and relatively inexpensive compared to the 'bucks, I almost felt as if I was at just another hamburger joint with their curt service. No real welcome, no thank you, and then the cashier let me walk away to my seat before I signed my debit card receipt! Really? Not how the French would do it you ask me....
Ambiance: 3...I need creative as well as electrical outlets.
Service: 1...I've had better at gas stations.
Taste: 4...Seemed like real coffee to me and with a nice caffeine kick.
Value/Price: 4...Lots of good stuff for only a little.Listed in: Sometimes things get…, The City
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Review from Yolandi V.
Fairfax, VA
4/16/2012
I'm only rating the chocolate tart here.
Best chocolate tart I've ever had. It's not too sweet. The filling is on the lighter side, not dense. I always try to stop in here an pick one up when I'm in town. -
Review from Mel P.
3/24/2012
I was trying to find a place to sit and have some tea. It was getting dark and I just needed to kill a little time. I saw that this place was open till 10pm and so this was the winner. It's a cute little spot that offers simple yet classic things. I ordered an open face sandwich that had goat cheese, tomatoes and pesto. It also came with a nice green salad. The dressing was just right...light and simple. With a side of green tea, it totally made my night. I didn't have to travel far and this place was a lifesaver. I know where to go when I'm in the area! LOVE.
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Review from Allie L.
San Francisco, CA
4/6/2012
Delicious coffee, really wonderful almond pastries with melt in your mouth filling. They have outdoor seating, which is great when it's warm (duh). Only problem I have with this place is that there is always limited seating. People come with laptops and take up 2-4 person tables with all their stuff sprawled out. And it's just generally busy at the times I've gone. Overall, great place to sit down and get a latte!
Oh, and they serve beer and wine! -
Review from Pam S.
Plantation, FL
1/1/2012
Once again, San Francisco is the host to a bakery that defines French pastries. Of course their food menu is wonderful, too. The place is homey, welcoming and yummy! My favorite is their Canelles...a two-bite bit of heaven!
Coffee, newspaper, macbook.....and canelles. Life is good. -
Review from Mark i.
San Francisco, CA
1/1/2012 4 photos
+4 for great service. Jan 1 - everyone's *friendly* - despite being slightly hung over. Crazy-hair barista, I feel ya. Thanks for the service luv. Right back atcha.
+4 for food. Tortilla Española with Bacon - like edible crack. Knocked a year off my life. Worth it. -
Review from christine c.
San Francisco, CA
3/2/2012
One of the cutest little French cafes in SF. Awesome open-faced sandwiches, great bakery treats and coffee. Similar to La Boulange but better because it's the only one. Could spend hours working here or lounging at one of their street-side tables in the sun. They have wifi to get work done and treats to keep you coming back. Plus, they now feature live jazz music on Sunday nights... In a word: Amazing.
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Review from Jessica B.
San Francisco, CA
11/17/2011 9 Check-ins Here
I am so happy this place is near my house. The food is excellent. I've had quite a few of their pastries and desserts in the morning hours and have yet to be disappointed, but their salads and open-faced sandwiches are also amazing. The goat cheese, tomato, and pesto sandwich is the primary standout, in my opinion.
This cafe is great for:
*A lunch catch-up session with an old friend on a rainy day
*A low-key but classy start to a first date at dusk
*A sun-drenched, cozy nook to dig into your work or your study in the morning
*Epic people-watching outside over wine or beer
The staff is super-friendly; you'll see them chatting with regulars, but they'll make you feel comfortable and welcome.
The noise level is appropriate for studying, and there is wi-fi, but be mindful that there are no (visible) wall outlets to plug in.
The ambiance of the cafe is wonderful, with high ceilings, big, open windows, and lots of light. I really appreciate that there are real flowers on the table that match the decor.
Prices are commensurate with quality and environment (uh, San Francisco).
Bon appetit! -
Review from Mina D.
9/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
amazing french toast!! fresh food, delicious coffee and warm atmosphere :)!
I went there for brunch and then went back for dinner, have to say I'm gonna go back for brunch again, can't stop thinking about their french toast! -
Review from Sofia R.
8/28/2011 2 photos
Came here with a friend to catch up and have a small dinner.
It's easy to find, but it's hard to find parking because it's street parking so good luck to you.
The place itself is nice. Very simple with wood furnishings, dim lighting, and very comfortable atmosphere. My friend ordered a ham/gruyere/bechamel open face sandwich while I got the smoked turkey/tomato/provolone/aioli open face sandwich and a cup of hot chocolate. The sandwiches are generally priced around $10 and the hot chocolate was $2.50.
The hot chocolate was pretty good. Decent sized and delicious although I wish it was a little creamier. I can't complain though.
The open faced sandwiches were as big as I was anticipating (based on the price). It came with a salad in the middle (we could've had chips or soup too). I liked mine a lot. I tried my friends and liked hers too.
Overall, I have a good impression of the place. I would go back here if I had the chance. -
Review from Nicolas F.
San Francisco, CA
3/6/2012
You gotta love this place. Delicious pastries, nice atmosphere, amazing salads & open face sandwiches... my favorite part: the large communal table at the center of the room, awesome for big gatherings with friends! Also love the outdoor seating on the nice, tree-lined Waller street, perfect for a lazy sunny breakfast!
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Review from Rylan C.
10/17/2011 1 Check-in Here
Dining al fresco at a French Cafe in my favorite neighborhood in the city is just makes for an amazing dining experience! Both of the sandwiches we ordered were so yummy. I can't help but buy a palmier at any French Cafe I go to and their is yummy!
Having lived in France and dining the way the French do (al fresco with 2 to 3-hour dinners) I can say that this place comes really close. And even better, it's set in San Francisco! I will definitely come back and try their other sandwiches. -
Review from Lawrence N.
San Francisco, CA
2/28/2012
Great atmosphere for digging into work (nice light, open space, soothing music) but nothing worse than ordering your $5 coffee drink, settling into productivity mode, and then finding out there are no outlets. Umm, could I have a refund?
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Review from Stephen V.
San Francisco, CA
2/20/2012 8 Check-ins Here
Super coffee, good prices, sunny sidewalk tables, and nice staff.
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Review from Geena B.
San Francisco, CA
2/12/2012
My experience here was nothing amazing, but it has a pleasant atmosphere. I have not had any food or pastries, but I've come here for coffee and to do homework. It's a cute local place that I enjoy walking to. On the weekend it gets more crowded and is better for brunch with friends than as a work place.
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Review from Erin P.
San Francisco, CA
1/4/2012
I've been going to this cafe for over a year now and although I adore the atmosphere, I've always felt it was overpriced. Usually, I just get a tea and maybe a pastry (this is one of the few spots that has Parisian macaroons!), but today I decided to finally try one of the open-faced sandwiches - which, sadly, I will never buy again.
My budget might be different from other patrons who frequent this spot, but $6 for *half* a sandwich is a bit on the high side for me, and for that I would expect fairly decent portions. The 1/2 turkey sandwich was on bread that would have been appropriate for tea sandwiches, had about 1 slice of thin turkey on each side and one slice of tomato with cheese. It did come with a side salad, but it did little to mask the teeny-tiny portions of the sandwich. I actually went up and asked if these were normal portions. The waitress (who I will say was polite) said that yes, one slice of turkey and tomato was normal. Wow. Really?
It's such a disappointment because I really do adore the atmosphere of this spot and I enjoy working there, but I will continue to eat my food elsewhere because, unfortunately, my budget and stomach need more for the money.
Atmosphere: 5 stars
Value: 1 star -
Review from Kayla L.
San Francisco, CA
2/12/2012
I go here a couple times a week for their lattes. I've also been here for beers. The guys that work here are so friendly and awesome despite getting up at an ungodly hour (I imagine).
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Review from Ray W.
Alameda, CA
Cafe du Soleil is like La Boulange, without its wide variety of pastries. I ordered a hummus/tomato/alfalfa sprout/cucumber open-faced sandwich and it was pretty good. But I don't see how any can screw up a hummus sandwich anyway. Maybe I'm just over this open-faced sandwich trend, but I don't see them being anything over and beyond what you could've just made at home.
On the plus, I did like those paintings of dark twisted children's stories adorned on the walls. -
Review from Rachel N.
Belmont, CA
8/20/2011
I love this place and area of the city! It's so nice to get lunch and coffee and sit outside in the sun. The food is so good.. I get salad and the dressing is so good and refreshing. I really like the soups they have as well.
I love sitting outside, people are very friendly and it's not too busy of an area... very peaceful actually. Many people riding around on bikes and smiles galore!
A go-to place! -
Review from ruggy j.
2/28/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I'm a sucker for French cafés, so it goes as no surprise that whenever I find myself in the Lower Haight (just about a 5 minute jaunt from my pad) and I'm looking to enjoy a cup of coffee in a ceramic mug on the weekends, I pop into Cafe du Soleil.
If you've ever been to a quality French-inspired boulangerie around town (or anywhere else for that matter), you probably already have a good idea of what to expect from this corner neighborhood coffee hub. Delectable pastries challenging your will power, open face sandwiches, soups/salads, loaves of fresh bread adorning the walls, complimentary jams and Nutella at the coffee counter, homemade granolas, et al. It's pretty standard, but in this particular slice of coffee culture, I'll accept standard any day of the week over the more Americanized operations that don't quite seem to grasp the concept of a warm, cozy coffee bistro.
In addition breakfast items and top notch java, they also feature a beer and wine menu, and they even have a television which they turn on for special events (i.e. the Academy Awards). Though I wasn't there to witness the screening yesterday, they had a chalk board promoting the fact that they'd be streaming the Oscars that evening on the massive flat screen TV that's affixed to the western corner of the room. While one might argue that a true French café would likely leave the television watching to you at home, it's a nice modern touch for folks looking to casually read a headline or two on the silver screen while getting their day started, or simply winding down after work.
They have wifi, but no outlets to juice your laptop. It's a trend that doesn't seem to be going away, and I can't blame coffee shop owners for removing access to their electricity when trying to turn over a table or two throughout the course of a day. It'd be real easy to just head in, purchase a $1.80 cup of coffee, and sit idly for hours on end, playing W.O.W. with your virgin online BFFs and prohibiting others from having the chance to sit down and relax as well. If that's how you roll, this isn't the café for you. -
Review from Anna S.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 8/23/2011
After ordering food (a smoked salmon opened faced sandwich, which was really good) I found out that Cafe du Soleil has no power outlets at all. As my computer was already low on battery I left right away after finishing eating.
Would had ordered my food elsewhere if I had known..
No more Cafe du Soleil for me until the power outlet problem is fixed.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/7/2011
Taking the free wifi and cozy atmosphere into consideration, Café du Soleil is one of my favorite… Read more »
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Review from Jersey m.
San Mateo, CA
3/15/2011
I'm rarely put off my people's demeanor, and although the interaction between the time I ordered coffee and the time i payed lasted but a few seconds, it still left a sour taste in my mouth.
If there is one thing I can't stand, it's when a business makes you feel like they are doing you a huge favor by your giving them business. The last thing i need at 8 in the morning is a condescending attitude. 2 stars.. -
Review from Gabriel A.
San Francisco, CA
9/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
Pros:
French ambiance; Very good selection of sandwiches; Clean and bright interior; Plenty of good beer on tap; Decent selection of wines; Free wifi; Large selection of French-style baked goodies; Good location and near public transport.
Cons:
A little pricey for a café. -
Review from Jared S.
San Francisco, CA
1/30/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Directions for the "Enjoying Cafe Du Soleil Soufflé":
INGREDIENTS:
1-2 people
1 soy latte
1 bread/pastry
1 glass of red wine
2-3 layers of clothes
1 intense and passionate discussion
3-5 casual glances at the cute American writing code on their Macbook
4-6 casual glances at the cute French hipster who looks more romantic staring out the window than I would holding a dozen roses
Optional (depending on taste):
1 laptop
1 book
1 black v-neck t-shirt
DIRECTIONS:
1) Pre-heat your body for the occasionally unpredictable temperature inside Cafe Du Soleil (cold when the door is open, warm when it's closed)
2) Add all ingredients mentioned above
3) Marinate
4) Sip, savor, satiate
IF YOUR SOUFFLE COMES OUT FLAT:
1) It's because there are no plugs for laptops
2) The chairs don't always line up well with the tables so you might find yourself adjusting in your seat a lot
BEST PAIRED WITH:
1) Weekday mornings
2) Sunday evenings
3) Cute friends who make you cute by associationListed in: Besties, Bean There, Drank That, Don't (Lower) Haight
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Review from Alyssa G.
6/16/2011
I feel guilty giving almost any restaurant only two stars, but this place just did not cut it for me.
My boyfriend and I both ordered the french toast (he wanted their breakfast burrito but it is only served on weekend... figure that one out) and I was sure there must have been some mistake when the food arrived. We were served two small plates that seemed to contain a tart/ creme brulee/ flan creation with fruit on top. Voila! This passes for french toast around here. I had to wonder if this round, spongy, gooey thing had ever touched an egg at any point. We couldn't even decide what it WAS. I still don't know if what was inside was cream cheese, flan, or silly putty.
The menu should have warned that this is NOT your traditional french toast. We both didn't finish our food and left in search of some real breakfast. -
Review from Kevin J.
5/31/2011
Cafe du Soleil is a great little company that serves up some great pastries along with good coffee and an always inviting atmosphere for the SF "morning" coffee goes. This Cafe in particular off of Filmore is a quaint little setting located amongst houses and several other little eateries up the block a ways. I always grab a latte and some yogurt with granola which fixes my hunger and satiates my palette.
As long as you're in before 10am you wont have to wait to long but the line does build up fast. Make sure to check the pastries before grabbing one or two, since I have noticed a fruit fly or several floating around inside the case. One more star would've been awarded for a bit cleanlier atmosphere. -
Review from Serena C.
Daly City, CA
4/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
Oh I absolutely love love their French toast...it's got an interesting twist to it. It's a must try.
4stars because the girl over the counter does not acknowledge you as a customer until she is done with what she's doing...not even a "I'll be right with you." So you're just standing there waiting for her...
Overall my first time experience here was not bad...will mos def return. -
Review from Cindi W.
San Anselmo, CA
4/8/2011
Very nice place.
I enjoyed the atmosphere and the service.
The owner is from Morocco and he ws so great.
I had olives on my first visit and a pastry and a cappuccino the next day. Great coffee and fresh fine food.
Hubby had a french toast. It looked more like a waffle. He liked it. I would make sure to go here again!
My only gripe is that they overstuffed the paper towel dispenser in the bathroom. I couldn't get any out , there was little bits of papertowel everywhere. and the metal part cut my hand. Ok, really, don't over stuff it. I mentioned it, politely and nicely to the girl behind the counter....she didn't appreciate it and was snitty afterwards. Like I said, my only gripe.
Otherwise, I love Cafe du Soleil -
Review from Jarrold O.
San Francisco, CA
4/13/2011
Best Latte I can find in SF.
The open face sandwiches and mushroom soup are also delicious.
Great vibe to the place and they play great music. Good place to spend a couple of hours working out of with free wifi (most of the time, sometimes it goes off suspiciously during crowded times) but no power outlets. -
Review from monica c.
2/3/2011 4 Check-ins Here
Maybe it's the French teacher in me, but I'd pick this place any day over café international.
A wesome people watching.
B eautiful natural lighting.
C hilllllll vibe + music.
D elicious food. (love the veggie + ham/gruyère/cornichon sandwiches)
F airly tasty wine/beer selection.
Definitely my go to place to have an espresso, get some work done, space out, and grab a snack in the lower haight. -
Review from reyz a.
5/9/2011
Usually a good place to go because of their outdoor seating-- but today was a bit ffffreezing in the shade (cafe du soleil-sun cafe or shade cafe?). Lots of locals dropping by here, so it's always nice. Grab a book, grab some drinks and sit inside or outside. It does get crowded at times, so you may have to wait for seats.
The food is also a nice change from the standard American brunch. Lots of quiches and lots of other pastries. Good little French cafe.
La nourriture est changement de la nourriture américaine standard. Ils ont des quiches et d'autres pâtisseries. Bon petit café français.
Aujourd'hui, au lieu de café du soleil, ce devrait être café aux nuances. -
Review from Charlie Bolognese Z.
San Francisco, CA
3/10/2012
Good little sandwiches, good drinks, friendly service. Menu's a bit hard to read. Open atmosphere and high ceilings, conducive to real conversation.
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Review from K W.
San Francisco, CA
12/28/2011
Nice and cozy. Pastries and coffee are good. On a sunny day seating outside is great. Good beer and wine selection.
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Review from Amir J.
San Francisco, CA
12/21/2011
This is a great neighborhood cafe with scrumptious food and delicious coffee. And those who know me know how picky I am about my coffee. Most cafes in S.F. serve cheap bitter coffee, but Cafe du Soleil is one of the few places where they make good coffee. I've been there twice and loved it, especially on a sunny day, when you can sit outside and enjoy good food with company or a good book or simply check out "eye candy". Just make sure nothings stuck between your teeth when you smile.
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Review from M G.
San Francisco, CA
4/26/2011
Pros:
-Awesome Salad
-Friendly waitstaffs
-Free Wifi
-grilled cheese sandwich
-outdoor (dog-friendly)
-long table
-great for brunch
Cons:
-Nothing
