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Macha Cafe
Categories: Food Coffee & Tea Restaurants Japanese Restaurants Sandwiches Coffee & Tea, Japanese, Sandwiches [Edit]
1355 Sutter St(between Franklin St & United States Highway 101)
San Francisco, CA 94109
Neighbourhood: Pacific Heights
(415) 563-8079
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 7 am - 4 pm
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Breakfast
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
Mackinnon R. said: "I first tried this restaurant because a friend had suggested it and I am so happy she did! I have gotten several different ramen dishes and they were all great! I have gone back several times. However some of the other dishes have been…" read more »
93 reviews for Macha Cafe
Review Highlights
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"Their blended macha latte is great, absolutely refreshing..." In 6 reviews -
"Great paninis, sandwiches, and salads." In 11 reviews -
"next up, some green tea cheesecake." In 3 reviews
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93 reviews in English
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Review from Nana A.
San Francisco, CA
1/18/2012 10 Check-ins Here
Great place for lunch. The owner is always cheerful and nice, place is clean. Love their panini. I order to go once a week and everything is always fresh.
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Review from Tina F.
San Francisco, CA
4/17/2012
Today I purchased a Caesar salad and forgot to ask if there is raw egg in the dressing. I can't have raw egg because I'm pregnant so I called back to ask since I already purchased the salad. They didn't know if it had egg in it. When I asked what they use so I could look it up she said she was too busy with other customers and got off the phone.
So basically I purchased a salad I can't eat because if there's raw egg in it, it could harm my baby. I think a company should always have time for their customers. I was on the phone with this woman for maybe 15 seconds, she could have taken a few more seconds to just tell me what she uses. I will not waste my money here again.
The bite I had of the salad was just ok. I probably would have tried this place again, but I'd rather spend my money somewhere where the people care more about their customers. I even told her I'm pregnant and can't eat it if it has egg in it. Very rude. -
Review from Eva L.
San Francisco, CA
4/10/2012
Okay, this 1 star is only for the soup from time to time. If you order soup here, make sure you do a taste test first. I usually order salad or panini and they are not as bad. But today, I ordered a soup and it was nothing but a big bowl of salt! I ordered it to go, added hot water 2 times hoping that it would get rid of the salt, but no, it was just plain bad. I ended up dumping the bowl, I tried calling to complain but there was no answer, I felt ripped off even though it was cheap.
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Review from Linh N.
San Francisco, CA
I came here for the matcha muffins, turned out they don't serve them anymore. I had a strawberry muffin and matcha latte instead. I'm not a sweet gal, but I really liked my muffin since it wasn't too sweet. I loved my matcha latte.
The atmosphere was good and the service is very nice and friendly :) -
Review from Hiromi N.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 7/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
It has been a while since my last visit to Macha Cafe, so I figured that it was time for a review update. Yet, funny enough, I can't find my original review.
This is such a small, hidden cafe, which serves the employees and visitors of the medical/professional above it, as well as, the locals. The only down side is that it is NOT open on the weekends.
Yet, if you want to grab a coffee or a breakfast sandwich before your morning commute, this is the perfect place to come. CASH ONLY, folks.
They have a select menu of salads, sandwiches, paninis and breakfast items. Also, there is a soup of the day (just one, made daily).
Everything is made to order, one order at a time; therefore all of you who are in a RUSH, here is my warning: there is some WAITING involved. YET, I THINK IT IS WORTH THE WAIT. Things of caliber cannot be rushed.
I like the coffee drinks here, esp the white chocolate soy latte. For many, it can be overwhelmingly sweet. I usually get the smallest size, as a result. Yet, it beats Starbucks or Peet's any day. (sorry)
Today, during my "work from home" day, I got adventurous and decided to try lunch here. I ordered the turkey panini (swiss cheese, cheddar cheese, fresh tomatoes and tomato aioli), which was delicious! The baguette was panini pressed and toasted with butter to outer crispness, while inside, the melted, cheese goodness mixed with the tomato aioli was the perfect mix of gooey cheese creaminess and tomato tangy-ness.
Would love to try the soup on my next work from home day!Listed in: Girl in the 'hood
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/10/2008
Oh.... I HEARTS this place. In the morning, when I'm frantic to get to work, this is the place that… Read more »
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Review from Rachel D.
6/1/2011
I'm only reviewing the unique macha latte that other Yelpers have been raving about: WOW.
That was sensational.
About 20 years ago, I had green tea at an Asian restaurant. And I had never had green tea at that point. I thought it was something I could flavor like I did with black tea: Milk and sugar. I know people do it today, but back then, that was an experiment I never wanted to try again.
Cut to 20 years later, and I'm a bit more adventurous with food. I pass by this place every time I go to work, and have never gone in. Today, because we had a work luncheon, I was able to splurge on a coffee. And because I never know on any given day if I'm ever coming back, I decided to try the fabled, eponymous drink. I didn't need to add sugar; it was perfectly creamed and sweetened.
Tomorrow, I may even try their other fare, especially the avocado shake. If it's anything like what I had grown up with in Filipino cuisine, my taste buds will be set for the week.
Oh, and the white chocolate chip cookie was delicious, as well. -
Review from Zaina O.
San Francisco, CA
12/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
Yummy paninis! Not so great location.
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Review from OffToRio B.
San Francisco, CA
3/5/2011
I found this cafe because I was scheduled into an 8 hour meeting across the street and needed to find something fast during our short break. There was a woman at the cash register and a woman in the rear preparing food. In slow motion...it was a 25 minute wait for a beef salad with vinaigrette for $6.50 - their daily special. The salad was out of a bag and the dressing tasted bottled. The salad contained a few finely chopped tomato bits, about 5 pitted Kalamata olives, some crumbled feta, plus red onion. The beef was inedible. It looked processed, and had a kind of oily sheen you see on meat under saran wrap too long. Not worth $6.50 or the wait.
They seemed to have several "regulars", but perhaps it's because the pickings are slim on that stretch of Van Ness. They got an extra star because the woman taking the orders seemed to genuinely care about getting the order right. -
Review from Rebecca G.
Walnut Creek, CA
2/8/2011
After reading about this place on Yelp, I've been dying to check this place out! I would really like to try their onigiri! However, the hours make it quite difficult because it's only open Monday - Friday and it closes at 4 PM.
Finally, I'm in the city on a weekday for a meeting -- and I'm in the neighborhood! I hustled over there after my meeting, and I got there at 3:45 PM. Someone on Yelp happened to mention that if you get there near the end of the day, there's also discounts on the prepared items. I didn't really care about the discounts, I just wanted to try some oishii (tasty) Japanese prepared snacks! Unfortunately, their poor operating hours were made even worse when I got there, because not only did they lock up early, but they had barricaded the door with a large planter box! Wow...
So clearly, they had been closed for at least a few minutes for them to barricade themselves in, not just lock the door. The girl behind the counter saw me look at watch and look disappointed, and chose to ignore me. Seriously, you close at 4 PM, and you still cutting out more than 15 minutes early? Shoot..when will I ever get to try this place? No hard feelings if you'll just let me buy some onigiri sometime. -
Review from Lana G.
2/8/2011
Breakfast. Very ordinary but very, very inexpensive. Can you say, "Breakfast in San Francisco for five dollars?" Yes, you can, at Macha.
But no, it's not Japanese. The fare is highly eclectic. If anything, it's more nearly Italian than Japanese. -
Review from China Z.
San Francisco, CA
6/27/2006 ROTD 8/8/2006
I approve.
Any place that serves ume onigiri and ochazuke is OK in my book! I ambled over to macha on my "work from home" day, which really should be renamed "compulsively procrastinate on yelp" day.
So I waltz in, requisite iBook under right arm, and glance around. Very small, very quiet. Cute IKEA chairs with little circle cut-outs, and one small micro-suede loveseat. I wasn't blown away by the decor -- it wasn't a morroccan harem, which is the standard to which I hold all places I visit. But I felt like it might resemble an authentic take-out place in Tokyo, so I let it slide.
I order the blended macha latte, but as the name was spilling from my lips I realized I had never said "macha" out loud before. Has that ever happened to you? You've seen a word a million times but just never happened to SAY it by some sick twist of fate? So I pronounced it "Maka," and KNEW it was wrong the second my tongue hit the hard "c".
The lady behind the counter looks at me dubiously and says, "Um, you know that's a powdered green tea, right?"
I smile faintly, close my eyes slightly, and nod condescendingly. But inside I am screaming, "DAMMIT DAMMIT DAMMIT! I am NOT a honkey! I may appear caucasian, and I know I pronounced macha wrong, but I have a pure asian soul. Can you not tell I was Japanese in my very last life? CMon! At least you should be able to tell from my slick urbane appearance that I am worldly enough to know what macha is!"
Ok, breathe. Let it go.
I order the Ume Onigiri next in a confident, booming voice, just so she knows I am for real. She nods silently and doesn't try to explain to me that Ume is pickled plum. Good. We are back in business.
I sit down and enjoy my authentic japanese snacks. The blended macha latte somehow tastes exactly like green tea mochi icecream! yummmm. the ume onigiri is good, but i wish it was wrapped all the way with seaweed.
SUPER SPECIAL SECRET TIP: Go just before they close and get the super-fresh, already cheap sushi behind the counter for half off! They don't keep it past one day, so they offer this ridiculous special. I got 8 pieces of really good, really spicy calfornia roll, with bits of fresh chopped jalapeno in it, for $1.63. -
Review from phil h.
12/18/2007
Some folks might consider my eating habits, eh, quirky.
Take, for example, the sandwich. I prefer the sandwich hot, not cold. And I want my hot sandwich in the form of a panini, on crunchy bread that'll tear up the roof of my mouth when I bite into it. I've had plenty of $8-$10 sandwiches in my day and they pale in comparison to the panini at Macha Cafe. Oooy, gooey cheesy goodness, super crunchy bread and *bonus food* a pickle on the side.
Did I mention that the panini at Macha is the size of my head and might run you $5? And that the staff is uber friendly? I think I might be a sandwich guy after all.Listed in: Have I become a sandwich guy?
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Review from Wakako U.
San Francisco, CA
4/4/2006 ROTD 4/7/2006
TAIYAKI, DAIFUKU, SAKURA MOCHI.
KAKIGORI.
RAMEN, DONBURI, ONIGIRI.
TENGOKU, NIRVANA, HEAVEN. -
Review from Matt G.
10/1/2008
I came to this cute little Japanese cafe and was about to get my PM caffeine. But on the posted bevervage menu on the wall, I saw that they serve a Macha Mousse Latte, which makes me extremely curious about the beverage. For $3.25, I thought., "why not, let's try it!"
The hot beverage is a sweet green tea blended mixture with foamed whipped cream in a 16oz cup. I find the patented japanese beverage very unique and one of a kind. This is a beverage to cure a sweet-tooth and not a beverage you can drink everyday. And with the cafe having other assorted treats, there are other options, which maybe in my future consideration.
This cafe serve sandwiches and salads made fresh to order.
Open on the weekdays only. -
Review from Berna T.
6/3/2008
My Cobb salad was $5.50. And it is enormous. It has been half an hour and I'm not halfway done with my salad yet. Geez.
The people who work here are so super friendly, you instantly relax when you step into the tiny restaurant space. You can post up with a book or your laptop and sit without being pressured to buy something every hour. Their menu is pretty simple, and quite inexpensive. I love paninis so I definitely want to come back (when I'm eating carbs again) and try it.
(I stood outside trying to read the sign for a really long time, because it's written in Japanese and I'm trying to learn to read Japanese kana right now. I am pretty sure it doesn't actually say "Macha". But I still don't know what it says.)
EDIT: Darin I. has informed me that it says "Ka-fu-e" (cafe) which indicates that I need to spend more time on my kana flashcards. Mystery solved. -
Review from Curran H.
San Francisco, CA
4/28/2006
For anyone who doesn't know, "maccha" is powdered green tea, the kind used in traditional Japanese tea ceremony. Unlike Chinese (steeped) tea, maccha is made with fresh tea leaves that are lightly steamed, dried and ground to a fine powder, then whisked with hot water to make a thick, bright green tea. It's a supremely healthy drink, with the added bonus of a great jolt of mental energy. Unlike espresso, maccha gives you a long-lasting boost that doesn't crash.
Macha Cafe's SOY maccha latte is made with maccha and soymilk, and it's a thing of beauty, with perfectly balanced sweet and herbal flavors, rich creamy mouth-feel and a caffeine kick that comes on smooth and stays a good long time. The cafe's ambience is pleasing (very comfortable ultrasuede-upholstered sofa!), the selection of Japanese magazines and books is diverting, and the proprietors are very friendly.
I you're a Japanophile like I am, or just someone who appreciates a great little cafe with excellent service and unusual food and drink options, you should definitely visit Cafe Macha. It's surprisingly convenient: just a few blocks from Civic Center, Polk Gulch, the Tender-Nob and Cathedral Hill. Parking is pretty good up on Franklin, and it's right off a number of bus lines, including the #42/47/49, the #2/3/4, the #19 and the #38.
Edit: Macha Cafe was sold a year or so ago and, since I haven't been back since then to see if it's changed, I can no longer vouch for it. -
Review from Autumn K.
9/11/2007
I've never had the Macha Latte. It's foamy and green. I'm a minimalist. I require one thing only in my espresso beverages: caffeine. I have not tried the Japanese snacks on offer but I can tell you the salads are delish and cheap. Think $5 for American delicacies such as Chinese Chicken Salad, Cobb Salad, and Spinach Salad. They also have hot sandwiches. These guys open EARLY, god bless them. They have pulled me out of my sleepy daze and slapped a smile on my face on many, many mornings.
Macha uses only Mr. Espresso beans, which are fair trade and organic, so they're doing something right. Nice staff, clean shop, convenient to me, and cheap. Sorry, Starbucks...I'll see you later.
**For a truly satisfying trip back to childhood, grab a rice krispy treat on your way out. YUM. -
Review from Icha S.
San Francisco, CA
11/6/2011
finally have a chance to try macha latte, IMHO it was just OK, not as good as the review.
also got turkey panini and it also OK.
will try the spinach and mushroom next time. -
Review from Miriam W.
6/2/2006
Macha is a sweet little Japanese-inspired cafe in a rather unexpected location on Sutter between Van Ness and Franklin. Lunch specials are well-priced and include Curry Donburi for $5.50, California Roll for $3.50 and Udon for $3.75.
The kaiseki hojicha is a wonderful choice if you are in the mood for a green tea with a deep roasted flavor. If you get your nails done at Silk, Macha is a great place to go before or after as it's very close by.Listed in: Tea time in San Francisco
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Review from Maile N.
4/2/2010
Love this little *zen* cafe! I wish it opened on weekends too (open M-F from 7AM to 4PM), but I will go there as often as I can when I work from home. For breakfast, we shared a croissant sandwich with egg, cheese and chicken apple sausage - very tasty and so carefully made. Very friendly service.
This cafe is easily accessible by the Muni 2, 3, 47 and 49 lines. I would love to try their teriyaki bowl next chance I get! -
Review from Kat M.
Piedmont, Oakland, CA
Updated - 9/5/2008
I just found out this morning from one of the owners, that they serve cafe bello coffee. IMO, that receives a FULL FIVE STARS! Cafe Bello is the BEST coffee in this city and is located in Glen Park.
This lady was interesting and a coffee expert. If she's serving Cafe Bello, she knows what's up:)1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/19/2008
I frequent this little cafe and I love coming here. Everyone who works here is super friendly and… Read more »
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Review from Marsha Z.
San Francisco, CA
3/31/2006
A newly opened cafe, Macha features a variety of Japanese goodies, from desserts to sushi. The cafe is small, but clean and inviting. Being the green tea whore that I am, I've only tried the genmai macha green tea and green tea cheesecake--but both were a delight.
Although only a block off Van Ness, it's on Sutter, situated amongst apartment buildings; this makes it more of a neighborhood joint than a place people might check out as a passerby. Nevertheless, I'm glad to have such a quaint lil cafe in my 'hood.
AND, they sell a Pocky for Men version. You know you want it. -
Review from Charm N.
Los Angeles, CA
3/26/2006
Food here is light and healthy - my fave dishes: Unagi Bowl + Taiyaki + Macha Latte. All soooooo good and affordable!
FYI.
Awesome venue to have an intimate gathering with your friends and loved ones! Hiromi really hooked me up by opening up the space this past Saturday night. We had full access to the space: re-arranged tables and hooked up DJ iPod to play some back beats. -
Review from Connie C.
San Jose, CA
9/1/2006
I am Green Tea Pocky, which means:
Your attitude: natural and zen
Peaceful yet full of life. Deep and thoughtful.
You're halfway to tantric bliss!
I suppose that's why I really like this place, because it too is quite zen. It's a cute little Japanese cafe with modern decor that serves a variety of coffees and teas, Japanese desserts, sushi rolls and donburi. They also have Japanese snacks including chocolate, strawberry and green tea Pocky. Free wi-fi too!
I had a chicken teriyaki rice bowl for $5, and was surprised by how tasty and filling it was considering that they don't have a full kitchen inside. My friend had a bowl of miso soup to go with the sandwich she brought in and a macha latte. We sat on the comfy little ultrasuede love seat, read newspapers and chatted while we ate. I had wanted to get a nutella taiyaki, which is a fish shaped waffle-like cake, and was also eyeing a strawberry shaved ice, but the donburi filled me up. Luckily, the cafe is just down the street from work, so I will try them during my next visit. I'm definitely going to put Macha Cafe into my weekly lunch rotation.
You can rent their small space for events too. Anyone up for a Yelp tea tasting or hand sushi roll party?
(btw, check out Liz S.'s review to find out what Pocky you are.) -
Review from MeMyMoeMooo O.
San Francisco, CA
8/15/2006
i love coffee, so i don't know why i ordered the macha latte. it tasted powdery and smelled like seaweed. Forget healthy junk like macha (green tea stuff)... imma stick with the beans.
other than that, the cafe was a bit small, the service was nice, and the curry had no meat. but if youre there check out their japanese magazines.... totally weirdbut cant take my eyes off of it type of thing. -
Review from Catherine G.
San Francisco, CA
4/23/2008
Cute little gem of a place. Brightly decorated, clean and friendly, jazzy upbeat music playing not too loud to concentrate or chat. The guy working the register hustled during a pretty busy lunch rush but remained pleasant and attentive to all customers.
I just had the blueberry-banana iced blend, it was refreshing. They have a pretty substantial menu of sandwiches (cold or grilled panini), teriyaki rice bowls and salads considering how tiny the kitchen is. I didn't eat anything, but what I saw looked good and people appeared to be enjoying it. Looked like there were a substantial number of regulars coming in, too.
Basic coffee selection, Stash Premium teas.
Mostly a lunch-hour crowd taking their orders to go, but there are about 6 tables and a comfy-looking suede couch in the corner. Nothing fancy, just a nice little cafe. What sets it above any other cute little cafe is the pleasant, unpretentious service. If you're in the area, worth checking out. This will be my new place to stop by on my way to the physical therapist next door (but that's a whole other story). -
Review from Kelson P.
San Francisco, CA
1/25/2011 5 Check-ins Here
Found this little cafe while on my adventures of exploring the city. It is a small cafe that serves GREAT paninis, coffees, and drinks. The cashier/panini maker/owner (I assumed) was very nice suggesting choices for me. My first time there I was conflicted between the Spinach and Mushroom Panini or the 4-Cheese Panini. I went with the Spinach and Mushroom Panini and it was incredible. The pesto spread was light but still noticeable. The bread was good and crunchy and perfect. I was also looking for an adventure when I ordered their Avocado Coconut blended drink. The first sip and I was hooked. I love coconut and the "smoothy" definitely tasted like coconut with a hint of the avocado taste. It was refreshing and new.
+ = paninis are excellent, menu is extensive, Avocado Coconut Smoothy, nice workers
- = CASH ONLY, not a big deal but with today's society it is kind of a hassle.
-----*Update*-----
I went back to try their 4 Cheese Panini (aka Grilled Cheese). I dont know if it was an off day for them but the panini was barely toasted and the cheese hardly melted. I still stand by my rating and will definitely be going back. -
Review from Liz S.
8/24/2006
Super-cute Japanese cafe with reasonably priced food and relaxing atmosphere. Free wireless and a comfy couch/coffee table are very nice touches. The place is also bright and immaculate, with good service.
This used to be another udon/sandwich place that people at my office dubbed "the Thank You Ladies" because the sweet women who worked there would say, "Thank you" about a dozen times during your visit. Because I had such a soft spot in my heart for them, it took me awhile to finally check out the new restaurant.
I'm glad that I did! The menu is simple and the prices are extremely reasonable - I had a large bowl of udon with a lot of ingredients for under $4, and a frozen macha latte which was refreshing & delicious, and didn't have that fake plastic taste like Starbucks' frozen drinks.
Afterwards I bought 3 kinds of Pocky to share with my co-workers - Strawberry, Men's Pocky (Dark Chocolate) and Green Tea. I am Strawberry Pocky, in case you were wondering.
Your attitude: fresh and sweet
Comforting, yet quirky ... quietly hyper
You always see both sides to everything
Find out yours: http://www.blogthings....
Nice addition to the neighborhood and will be a frequent lunch stop for me. If you go to Silk's, it's right around the corner.
Ode to the Thank-You Ladies: "Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!"
UPDATE 3/30/07: Tried the ham sandwich here today, with a bowl of chunky tomato soup. Delicious and a great value!
As always, the service was warm and friendly, and the place had an aura of zen calm.Listed in: Moshi, Moshi
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Review from Mori Y.
Berkeley, CA
8/27/2006
Caffeine and japanese snacks. Two of my favorite loves in the same place. Macha Cafe is pure genius.
My blended macha latte was perfect; not oversweetened (lots of places load it up on sugar so it tastes like ice cream... not tea) and just the right amount of bitter tea flavor to it.Listed in: Oishi katta, bitches!
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Review from Keika L.
San Francisco, CA
5/4/2006
I stopped by here after getting a pedicure from Silk and I want to go back and eat a meal. It's a trendy yet cozy cafe with quality snacks and drinks. The cashier was really friendly when I ordered some taiyaki and they made them when I ordered them!
Make sure you visit this jem if you're ever in the area! -
Review from Red F.
Gaithersburg, MD
7/4/2007
I have to update this review. My original review, below, talks about my dissapointment in the soups. But I must take that back. After going back many, many more times, and always trying the soups, I have to say, these soups are fresh, simple, unique and so so tasty. Sometimes I need to add a little salt, but I like my soup salty. Here are some of my favorite soups from Macha: Red Pepper soup, Broccoli and Potato, Corn, Eggplant, and Tortilla. So good!
ORIGINAL REVIEW:
Alright, here's the deal: I've read reviews of Macha Cafe, and was delighted to find that it is very close to where I live. When I got there, I was a bit dissappointed becuase they didn't have any soup that day, nor the day after. And I LOVE soup. And when I finally did get soup, it was watery and tasteless. But, alas, I still give this place 5 stars becuase after I tasted their macha latte, I can not stop. I go almost every day that I am able, so that I can taste the silky, sweet, green liquid heaven that they call macha. SO GOOD. Also, their salmon sammich is wonderful. -
Review from Jen N.
Oakland, CA
5/25/2009
I work right around the corner from this spot (Sutter between Van Ness and Franklin). It's small so I suggest taking it to go. You can call ahead and even if you don't they are quick. They have a flat screen that gives you weather reports and the latest headlines so you are entertained while you wait.
Great paninis, sandwiches, and salads. And prices are reasonable but please bring cash; no credit cards. I try to stop by at least once a week for either the turkey panini, the ham sandwich, or the Asian chicken salad. Good stuff! If you are in the area and want to have a quiet lunch alone please stop by. Oh and.....grab a brownie on your way out....sssoooo good! -
Review from G Z.
Los Angeles, CA
7/25/2007
Friends,
Don't let your loved ones go down like I did:
I went unsuspectingly to this little NYC style sandwich and tea joint. The yelp reviews were great, my Japanese buds love it, so I was pretty excited.
I ordered the macha shake (they call it something else). It tasted ok. I admit, I was hoping for more flavor, but I don't have a real sweet tooth.
THEN, when I got home 30 minutes later, ARGH! My heart started pounding like crazy and I had to lie down. I've had traditional macha tea and macha ice cream, but they were never like this. It was as though it was spiked with ephedrine!
Friends, listen to me, don't let macha shake newbies like me drink 16oz of pure frozen macha sugar alone!Listed in: TEA, Glorious TEA
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Review from Dalia K.
Los Angeles, CA
6/16/2007
What a gem! This is the cutest little place that I was so excited to stumble across - I had to come the last 2 days in a row for lunch!
1) a great variety of food - sandwiches, paninis, salads, teriyaki bowls (mmm....unagi teriyaki)
2) and the prices....so good! My grilled veggie sandwich was only $4! That's unheard of!
3) the staff (or lady who works at the counter) is so smiley and sweet. She even walked around and gave us samples of an avocado coconut iced blended drink they had - yum!
I really have nothing bad to say. Too bad they're only open on weekdays and til 4 p.m. :( -
Review from Rich S.
San Francisco, CA
4/16/2006
After my 200-dollar trip to Jiffy Lube (see previous review) I decided I wanted to try out this place as it was just a few blocks away and a) I had read a lot about it and b) a co-worker knows the people that opened it
It's small and pretty cute. The two people working there were very friendly. When I was there (getting a coffee and trying out the fish-shaped pastry) there were maybe four other customers coming and going. It's a nice place and I hope they make it. -
Review from Jaymee C.
Los Angeles, CA
5/6/2006
Never had their macha green tea, so I can't comment on that. They're expresso based drinks are okay. They're good, but certainly not five stars. What can I say? It's average.
The food is excellent, however. I love their chicken teriyaki bowl (and for less than $5.00, what's there to not like). Oh, except for the fact that it is the same exact recipe from the little Japanese restaurant that use to be in Macha Cafe's spot! When I mean the same, I mean EXACTLY THE SAME. Minus 2 stars for lack of creativity and for serving the same exact thing as the old restaurant!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The shoyu ramen is quite tasty as well, but they barely give you much. $6 for a cup of noodles? No thanks. Ramen is filling, but not THAT filling.
Last note, if this place continues to copy most of Japanese restaurant's (which use to be in its spot) food menu, then please, please, please bring back the spam musubi. -
Review from Pouria Y.
San Francisco, CA
4/23/2009
When I worked regularly on Van Ness I regularly ate here. I am doing some work on Van Ness again. I ate here again. I yelp.
This place is alright. I never have tried a drink up in here, but I get their soups and sandwiches. They are supremely cheap and mediocrely satisfying.
It is really my go to in this area when I'm at a loss and want something I can depend on. Go here. Eat the food. Your wallet will like you. -
Review from CHERiE Y.
Berkeley, CA
7/8/2006
First of all, a huge *Arigato Gozaimasu!!!* to previous yelpers who reviewed Macha Cafe. I read the buzz from Yelp and just had to check it out for myself. Of course I was not disappointed.
I had the Blended Macha Latte, and also tried the Macha Mousse Latte (w/ white chocolate). Delicious!! Oh, and I couldn't resist a tiny slice of Macha Cheesecake.. mmm. Will definitely make return trips to try the lunch and dinner. -
Review from Hilary K.
San Francisco, CA
2/28/2007
I always go here for the rice balls. Those triangle bits of rice with salmon and seaweed. So yummy.
And eventually the guy got to know me. So one day I came in, and he had just made two orders, cuz he had a feeling that I'd be stopping by that day.
They did change ownership in early January. The guy who's behind the counter all the time now is really nice. But they don't take credit cards anymore :(.
I just wish that they were open on weekends.
Update:
They've taken those rice balls off their menu :(. So I don't go here anywhere near as much any more. so -1 star for taking my favorite thing off their menu. -
Review from Karen L.
Pacific Beach, San Diego, CA
11/11/2006
The cafe is tiny, but that's what makes it so cute and cozy! Even the walls are macha-colored!
The soy macha latte here is amazing - it tastes so rich and achieves he perfect balance between the bitterness of the macha and the natural sweetness of the soy milk. Mmmmmm...
My friends and I each ordered a different donburi off the lunch menu in addition to our drinks/desserts, and chatted in the cafe for almost two hours! The person behind the counter didn't seem to mind, which made the cafe even more awesome in our eyes.
I would definitely come to Macha Cafe again for their amazing soy macha latte (the frozen macha latte wasn't bad either - it tasted just like green tea ice cream!), but probably not for the food, though I wouldn't object to chowing down on a tofu and veggie donburi if my stomach happened to be grumbling!
