- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
The Grove Cafe Yerba Buena
Categories: Food Coffee & Tea Restaurants Sandwiches Coffee & Tea, Sandwiches [Edit]
690 Mission St(between Annie St & 3rd St)
San Francisco, CA 94105
Neighbourhood: SOMA
(415) 957-0558
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 7 am - 11 pm
Sat-Sun 8 am - 11 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:
- Paid
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
505 reviews for The Grove Cafe Yerba Buena
Review Highlights
-
"RECOMMEND the chicken pot pie." In 52 reviews -
"You're out of fresh squeezed Orange Juice." In 13 reviews -
"its filling and the lavender lemonade is to die for." In 17 reviews
Loading...
502 reviews in English
-
Review from Sherae H.
Danville, CA
5/12/2012
So, I've actually never eaten here. I always get take out. I think that is probably the best way to do it since you get to experience the atmosphere when you pick up your food.
The steak florentine sandwich is a dream. I also really like their tomato soup with grilled cheese. Yesterday I had the cranberry apple pie and it was refreshing, crisp, and satisfying.
The staff is always friendly, and the atmosphere is just lovely. Having the indoor tree really makes it special.
If you are looking for a great lunch place -- this is definitely one. -
Review from Kevin L.
San Francisco, CA
5/10/2012
Line looked long but really moved quite quickly, was out the door but didn't stand inline for probably a little more than 5 min.
Had the BLT, it was pretty good I'd definitely recommend it. Next time might try one of their fancy mayos.
Also had the lemonade, it was okay, nothing amazing.
Ambiance was nice, ate up stairs, wasn't too loud and was able to have a comfortable conversation even on a shared table. -
Review from Ami N.
Los Angeles, CA
4/28/2012 1 Check-in Here
Service was great! I got the steak sandwich the last two times I was here. I think I'll try the pot pie next time.
The chocolate cake really hits the spot. The serving slice was small, but is really delicious. -
Review from Jessica T.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 4/25/2012
The Grove is my late night SOMA beacon.
Warm, inviting, and the place you go - where the guy behind the counter knows your name, suggests a nice pot of jasmine tea, and doesn't mind when you play the "High Maintenance Salad" role.
I adore the Grove. Where else in SOMA do you get rustic soft light, a giant pot of soothing tea, and a garden fresh salad with giant beets, creamy avocado, and the works.
Never change Grove.
Trust.Listed in: Places to Eat in the Financial…, Where to go for sugar cravings
4 Previous Reviews: Show all »
-
1/16/2012
The Grove just tripled their food legitimacy - by now carrying Mission Beach Cafe pastries and… Read more »
-
-
Review from Vivian W.
San Francisco, CA
5/14/2012 1 Check-in Here
I am a fan of the other Grove's so I have to think this was just a weird off-day. After placing our orders, my friend and I sat down at the coffee bar. First both the cashier and manager had to come around to tell me they couldn't make my food order after all because the couscous wasn't going to be ready until later that afternoon - no problem, I just canceled it and they refunded my credit card - but then my friend's drink order was served wrong and I discovered my drink order was also listed incorrectly on my receipt. In the end, there was a lot of confusion behind the coffee bar, the manager got involved again, and we got our drinks over 20 minutes after ordering. We ordered a chai latte and iced soy latte - pretty standard fare. Kind of shocking for a cafe. Must be an off day.
-
Review from Drew M.
It was morning time in San Fran, and I was starving. I wanted to go to the MOMES, but I knew that I would encounter the sassy version of myself if I didn't caffeinate and carbo load beforehand.
The Grove seems to be the only spot in the near vicinity that has any charm or welcoming vibe at all. I found the interior to be spacious and homey, kind of like a ski lodge full of hipsters who weren't actually there to ski but to wear clothing like they were skiing and complain about how they were skiing before it was cool.
I asked the nice staff at the counter what I should be ordering, and they directed me towards the breakfast burrito, which I supplemented with an iced chai. The portion sizes were decent, and the price was pretty expensive. I liked everything about this place, but there was just little things that nagged me:
$4.75 for an iced chai that was mostly ice. It was good but seemed to be about 8 oz with the ice.
The breakfast burrito had a good citrus finish with a healthy dose of avocado, but for around 9 bucks? My feeling throughout here was that everything should have been just a little better for the pricepoint, though I'd imagine everything is expensive in SF.
I could have just as easily sat in for a coffee and a pastry at Peet's and been just as satisfied for half the price. For an order at the counter type place, it's just average.
3 Stars. -
Review from Chris D.
4/8/2012
With a jet lagged and slightly hungover brain, I was invited to this place for some brekkie and a shot of coffee. Given that it took me at least 20 mins to get here from The W Hotel (yes, the one right around the corner from this place) kinda gives you a wee insight into just how badly my body was performing at this moment!
Ok, so the joint. Menu is pretty good. I opted for the all day breakfast, bacon, eggs etc and while the eggs where poached to perfection, the bacon was... well, of US standard (ie dry and crispy). Toast and everything else was spot on and apart from the bacon, it was enough to raise me from my slumber.
The real plus point for me though was the coffee. Now with a Peet's right next door, you could forgive these guys for just chucking out regular brown coloured coffee water. But no. The coffee here I found to be quite excellent. Enough gently shake me from me slumbering mind state.
Ok, so now for the boo point. So this is a major bone of contention with me and SF. It seems that every business I walk into has music playing at a stupid level. Like bar level. Given that this place is already teeming with a ton of folks engaged in conversation over some quite excellent grub and bean juice, is there any real need to blare out music? Ok... old man rant over, you may continue with your young person activities... just be careful with those scissors! -
Review from Emma-Louise H.
Updated - 3/27/2012 1 Check-in Here
The Grove has become three times the breakfast spot that it was for me last year now that I eat meat. Sorry, I should have started this review with an apology to vegetarians in advance. But the bacon here. Oh, the bacon. My Brit friends tell me I'm wrong for liking American bacon so much. But you guys! You guys do it exactly as I like! Streaky, smoked, salty and charred to a snappable crisp. This is how all bacon should be.
I shared the Eggs Florentine, Dave's Way (with added avocado and BACON) and a slice of pecan pie a la mode, cardamon ice cream. Warmed up too. Yum. Again, we have nothing like this in the UK. What a bloody good breakfast that was. I had the sour cherry pie the same way but with vanilla later in the week, and it was awesome. Plus, Chris M adored the apple juice here - cloudy, red and like none I'd ever seen. I forwent the coffee this year because the takeout stuff at the W was a freebie, but the freshly squeezed OJ is *always* worth having. This is the CM go-to for a company week in San Francisco when it comes to breakfast, hungover or otherwise. And why not? It's a (not cheap but delicious) delight.Listed in: Yelpin' All Over The World, ELH's International Faves, San Francisco Whistle Stop
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
7/3/2011
Yeah, there are going to be a lot of five star reviews coming from San Francisco.
Look at the photos… Read more »
-
-
Review from Jun W.
Daly City, CA
4/19/2012
Just tried a steak sandwich there. Man, the food is just not that good.
Maybe I didn't order the right stuff, but I will give it one more opportunity on salad and see how it turns out next time. -
Review from Nique F.
3/22/2012 3 Check-ins Here
I had a little moment with the Grove today, where I coo'd an inward "aaaaawwwww you're so cute", admiring the Hobbit-like ambiance: wood picnic tables, hidden nooks and the separate coffee bar (with an actual bar you can sit at), gigantic salad bowls brimming with spouts and avocado and crusty bread. The only thing missing is actual Hobbits. Instead, you get attractive SOMA business folk. You are most def in SF.
It might appear to be on the healthy side, but you can certainly partake in the meatier aspect of the Grove's menu with a turkey bacon panini and giant cookie, if that suits you. I had the "Berkeley Bowl" salad which reminded me of this amazing veggie bowl I used to order at Natural Cafe in Santa Barbara - loaded with all manner of raw veggies. It's nothing to rave about flavor-wise, but it scores major guilt-free points.
I wouldn't make a habit of lunching here, as the portions are bigger than I need and the cost more than I should dedicate to a mid-day snack. But, when you have the time to take a thorough lunch break, the Grove is such an enjoyable spot to camp out for a bit. Great sunning and people watching at the outdoor tables, and a cozy vibe within. And those uber-tall mugs of Arnold Palmer make lunch time feel so fancy.Listed in: Health Freak, Beer Here, Sugar Mama, SF Power Lunch, Veganism: it doesn't have to…
-
Review from Don B.
3/23/2012
The Grove helped me in a time of need. With my head reeling from a serious sickness and the after-effects of a Butter-induced blur I stumbled in here with my main bro Ruggerford J for a healing breakfast. Not knowing which way was up and my stomach fully inverted I needed simple yet satisfying food to save my day. Amidst a forest of tree trunks, odd couches, booths and buddy bars, I wandered to the counter and ordered up a breakfast burrito. At $9.75 it was not an inexpensive endeavor. Tacking on a large OJ brought my bill up to a whopping $15 for breakfast.
This fairly large wrap served me well. Eggs, potatoes, cheese, rice, beans, pico and avocado inside a grilled tortilla. Basic, kind of bland, but just what the Dr. ordered to cure my ailments. And while it wasn't the silver bullet I needed to kill the werewolf rampaging through my brain, it did give me some much needed blood sugar. Well, that and the gigantic $5.25 OJ... which was tasty.
I could see stopping back in here for a basic meal in a convenient location. The ingredients seem fresh and wholesome, which makes this an A-OK experience in my book. But on any other given day I might seek out some fare that has a bit more flair.Listed in: I Left it in San Francisco, SOMA food
-
Review from Risa D.
3/21/2012
Polar opposite to the super-sculpted TV-dream mall called The Grove in LA, the Grove in SF is a locally owned restaurant, cafe, and wifi hotspot with healthy gorgeous food, wide windows, wood benches and indoor tree trunks strung with fairy lights. Order at the counter, take your number to the table and it'll be delivered promptly by attractive young people who look like they honestly don't hate their jobs/lives.
The tuna melt I ordered was totally different from one I'd make, slathering on the mayo and mountains of cheese in the guilt free privacy of my own home. The Grove tuna melt was on huge pieces of San Francisco sourdough, boasted no mayo, was tossed with juicy free vegetables and melted together with Fontina - a totally different and healthier way to go that still hit me with the juicy comfort food feelings I was looking for. Served with chips and a lovely fat pickle I was not mad at it at all.Listed in: San Francisco
-
Review from Lani P.
4/5/2012 1 Check-in Here
The biggest latte I saw on my trip to San Francisco came from The Grove. It also happened to be the first coffee I had to resemble the coffee from home (Australia). We'll skip over the fact that I had to ask for a take-away cup to put the rest of my coffee in before I left.
The Grove was centrally located and primed to be my breakfast provider, a task they did not fail on. My rolled oats with banana, strawberry and cinnamon was hearty and hit the spot. My body delighted in the nourishing goodness of warm oats on a cold morning.
This is a spot that I'd recommend if you need something decent and reasonably fast and haven't time to venture further. Good but not great. That said, I would try them again - we all have bad days! -
Review from Michael B.
Boston, MA
5/10/2012
Simple, but really good. I like that you can get beer here too, very casual atmosphere. Counter service, grab your chow and settle in.
-
Review from Alyssa W.
Nob Hill, San Francisco, CA
3/28/2012 4 Check-ins Here
I'm a huge fan of both the original Grove, and The Grove Fillmore. Try as I might to love The Grove Cafe Yerba Buena, it falls just a little short of its sister locations. The steak florentine sandwich is a little overcooked, the mac and cheese doesn't taste cheesy enough - it all adds up to only a so-so experience.
Also, I'm not sure this applies to all locations or not - but they stopped serving a side salad with entrees. Disappointing. -
Review from Aaron R.
Portland, OR
5/8/2012
Today I was in a hurry, and ordered a Caesar Salad for take-out, which cost about 9 dollars after tax. A grumpy cashier took my order. I returned to work, and opened the box of salad. Here is what I found:
1) A box of chopped romaine lettuce
2) Some shredded cheese sprinkled on the lettuce
3) A little plastic container of dressing
That's it. For 9 dollars. Why was it 9 dollars? Why not 3 dollars? What is driving the price up?
I can tell you, it certainly wasn't the presence of croutons because... wait for it... there weren't any.
It wasn't an especially large salad. Swap the cardboard box for a plastic one and you'd think I bought the salad at 7-11. Except 7-11 would probably throw in some croutons.
I've eaten at the Grove many times because they are close to work and therefore convenient. Some of their food is decent.
But today, I looked at my boring, plain, expensive salad and felt unappreciated. What have I done to deserve this disrespect? -
Review from Tom C.
Fairfax, CA
3/20/2012
This is a laid-back, interesting and reliable place near the MOMA. Not fancy or pretentious, but solid, good food with a local twist, nice interior, good service. It's not a fancy place, but it's way above a typical pub, while having it's own style that is earthy, casual, and relaxing.
The pastrami sandwich, not on rye, was delicious...perfectly assembled, good swath of spicy mustard, presented well. Our food arrived pretty quickly, delivered by a cheerful waiter. The beers are well-chosen. My partner liked the Chicken Pot Pie.
This is On My List. One of the better places in the neighborhood. -
Review from Wendy P.
3/23/2012
I drove to Grove. That's the slogan of a car dealership near my hometown. Nothin to do with Grove other than the reminder of the name. At any rate, Grove was my saviour this morning serving me up some Huevos Rancheros that my abused system definitely appreciated and the freshly squeezed orange juice was just what my low blood sugar level needed!
The Huevos Rancheros was pretty good, it's not something I eat often. This dish came with eggs, a few tortilla chips, and a whole lot of cheesy refried bean goodness.
I enjoyed the setup-order your food and seat yourself, with some extra seating in the loft above. And the wannabe trees with the little lights on them were a nice touch. -
Review from Kathleen L.
San Francisco, CA
3/26/2012 1 photo
+Macaroni & Cheese
+Mimosa
Kassie (friend)
+Chicken Pot Pie
+Arnold Palmer
Macaroni & Cheese was HUGE but tasty and had the bread crumbs atop just the way I like it! The cheese was melted right and was especially creamy but not runny at all! The Mimosa was $11+?! Uhm, okay? I would've been more excited to pay $20 if it came in a Das Boot glass but a small champagne glass, really? I guess the point is to ENJOY brunch with a slight buzz and to not be so wasted your taste buds don't recognize what you just ate but having two glasses wouldn't suffice.
http://www.yelp.com/bi...
Chicken Pot Pie
Upon several Yelpers' reviews, there was plenty of raving over the Chicken Pot Pie and my friend gave it a go. I had a taste of the crust and some of the chicken & carrot and it didn't taste too bad. In appearance, the inside looked a little too runny/watery but the taste makes up for it--if anything, breaking the crust apart to absorb it all up is a tasty way to fix it!
Do get:
+Macaroni & Cheese
+Chicken Pot Pie
Hold off on:
-Mimosa (you don't really get the bang for your $$ especially if you're paying more than $10 for it to be filled with a small champagne glass; I SWEAR I'M NOT AN ALCOHOLIC, I'm just ASIAN/cheap). -
Review from Mari C.
San Francisco, CA
3/13/2012 1 Check-in Here
Okay, so here's the breakdown:
Atmosphere is awesome. It's like being in an enchanted forest lodge that happens to serve beer. I could talk story with friends here for quite some time, if it weren't too crowded to find seats.
Food's not bad. The Berkeley Bowl salad was big enough, had mixed greens, tomatoes, garbanzos, avocado, and WAY too much raw onion. The price ($10), however, was kind of exorbitant considering the ingredients probably cost less than a dollar cumulatively.
Diagnosis: I would go again if someone else is paying for my lunch. And I will ask for my onions cooked. -
Review from Brett N.
Why 4 stars? Because I had a great breakfast.
--- --- ---
Omelet. Apple Juice. Latte. Hollar.
I'm a sucker for omelets, despite eggs not being my favorite breakfast cuisine. And yes, I am from the south, therefore I do not eat an omelet without ketchup.
The omelet from The Grove was very pleasing to my pallet. The apple juice was served in a long/skinny glass, which obviously makes it cooler. But seriously, it was awesome some AJ.
The latte was complete with the cream made into the shape of a flower. I think that is a requirement of all San Francisco coffee spots. I don't think that it is as big of a "thing" over here in the other Bay Area.
I will absolutely return to The Grove during my next visit to San Francisco. -
Review from Liz D.
San Bruno, CA
4/27/2012 2 Check-ins Here
I've been here several times, once for dinner to wait out major traffic in the city. Once for lunch and once for breakfast. I ordered the breakfast burrito that can feed two people, however I ate the whole thing. It was that good. Every time I pass this joint, it smells so good and my mouth begins to water. It's casual and cool. For lunch, get there early, place is jumping from 11:30a-1:30p.
-
Review from Nina M.
Updated - 3/9/2012 1 Check-in Here
Came back yesterday to try the famous Chicken Pot Pie.
I found it to be really bland. The chicken pieces were very moist, but that's about all the pie had going for it. A little salt, pepper, and hot sauce later & I got something to work with...
The verdict remains: I only like this place for the COZY SETTING. The food is just BLAH.1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
9/11/2011
Grove is reallly cute. There is a cozy, cabin/lodge feel to the place.
Christmas lights, snow… Read more »
-
-
Review from Melissa N.
San Francisco, CA
3/8/2012
Where were you when I was in law school!? I would have went to you everyday! This is exactly the kind of place SOMA needs.
When I first moved to SF four years ago I used to go to the Grove on Fillmore St. all the time and loved it. Once upon a time they used to have a breakfast item that had apples and brie and they ended up taking it off the menu, but it was delish!
This place has great outside seating with heat lamps, tons of indoor seating, a decent dinner menu, and serves beer and wine! I haven't had breakfast here, but my parents went a bunch and really enjoyed it. -
Review from Jess K.
2/16/2012
This conveniently located cafe is the perfect spot for breakfast, lunch and coffee. The Grove has outdoor seating and walking inside the interior is large and spacious. High ceilings, lots of wood, and cool seating pockets with shared tables, two-tops, benches with Aztec-themed throw pillows, this is the perfect place to grab a bite and catch up with friends during the busy workday.
The Apple Salad with chicken, bleu cheese and champagne vinaigrette was reasonably priced and filling -- the apples were tangy and the candied walnuts offset that tanginess perfectly. The lemonade is fresh squeezed, slightly overpriced, but still tasty.
I will definitely go back, a nice change from all the chains. Gets super busy around noon with the line stretching around the block!! I went at 11:30 am, which allowed me and a friend to sit down and enjoy our lunch without being rushed or crowded.Listed in: San Francisco
-
Review from Sage K.
Walnut Creek, CA
4/5/2012
I don't work in the financial district but K. does now so we are exploring lunch places. First of all , there is a short window of time for work lunch that includes the walk to and from the office. We wasted about 20 minutes wandering around to look at the places that were on our yelp list. The Grove got my attention because it was busy but the line was moving. Also the sunny outdoor table area is inviting. The inside is a lot like a ski lodge with wood beams and a huge staircase. Seating is vast but it was still crowded. I ordered the mac and cheese and a Chimay beer K had a caesar salad. Both lunches were good but not amazing. Some of the sandwiches that I saw looked better than what we had. I am sure we will go again to try more of their menu..
Listed in: "Sit back, Relax, Enjoy...you…
-
Review from Venivu W.
Emeryville, CA
4/26/2012 1 Check-in Here
I popped in here before going to an event at Yerba Buena Center. I ordered the Tuna Melt, and substituted sun-dried tomato for the fresh tomato because I don't like fresh tomato. Wow. That was one fantastic tuna melt, scrumptious in fact. Really tasty on perfectly toasted french bread. I ate half and got the rest to go and ended up sharing it with my friend who was meeting me at YBC since she had not eaten dinner. She loved it too. One day, I will make a trip from the East Bay just for The Grove's Tuna Melt. I loved it that much.
Be careful, though, of their $10 glasses of wine. That almost doubled the price of my quick meal. -
Review from Lillian K.
Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA
4/18/2012 1 Check-in Here
Came here after a friend and I realized that the MoMA was closed on Wednesdays. I ordered the "healthy" breakfast option that came with poached eggs and bruschetta. The bruschetta was served on a small toasted piece of bread, and had barely any tomatos on top. It was topped off with dinky shreds of basil, and honestly that was it. It was definitely overpriced for what I got. This three star rating, though, is for the lavandar lemonade. I'm not a big fan of extremely floral drinks, but the lemonade was really fresh and just had a hint of lavandar, which i loved. Probably won't go back here to eat, but would go back to have the lemonade.
-
Review from Kori M.
2/16/2012 4 Check-ins Here
3.5 stars. The food is consistently good, the staff is usually friendly, and the atmosphere is pretty nice. But nothing is gonna leave ya saying "wowza."
The food is lacking creativity and lovin'. It's boring. And with clientele that wants (maybe even expects) local eats in the area to get a little "crazy" with their menu, it's a tad disappointing.
But with a killer location, and ample outdoor seating (which is so divine on sunny afternoons), I keep going back to The Grove. And probably will continue to do so despite constantly feeling underwhelmed. -
Review from Travis B.
San Francisco, CA
3/2/2012 1 Check-in Here
If you're in the area and meeting someone for lucnch, this is a find place to do that. If you need some wifi and some decent food that'll be provided. If you want some reasonably standard California lunch fare, you can get it.
If you want the ultra new food of the month, or minute, no, you won't find that here. If you want sleek hip aesthetic, well.. You won't find that amidst the lodge pole pine rafters (in SOMA?).
Yep. It works. There are better options, but you won't be sad here. -
Review from Mark M.
New York, NY
4/4/2012
I think something was going on today because this place seems to get good reviews.
I ordered the Huevos Rancheros. First I was told that they just don't have egg whites today. OK, i think i can live with that. So I ordered the regular Huevos Rancheros. I got basically a tortilla, some red sauce and 2 eggs. and a few slices of avocado. Not much else. Utterly unsatisfying. Seemed to me someone forgot some ingredients. My friend got the burrito and it was very large and filling.
I then went up and asked for Granola, which is prominent on the menu. And the answer was "oh we don't have Granola today".
So somethings up. Maybe it was a bad day. It was packed so people seem to like it and I wanted to, but that's my experience. -
Review from Jason M.
2/2/2012 3 Check-ins Here
Always consistent, a bit overpriced. I love the BLT, it's filling, delicious, huge pieces of bacon, fresh tomatos, the works. Another pro is that it's a great place for a lunch meeting and the mission street location has solid outdoor seating.
Now for the con's -- very uncomfortable indoor seating. I understand the "lodge"-esq decor, however I've never truly been comfortable when eating inside. A huge line forms in-between the main dining area which is also a bit annoying. I'll continue to hit up the grove for a solid lunch, however it's not something I'd recommend first. -
Review from John F.
Sunnyvale, CA
4/24/2012
I came here for a breakfast and a lunch. The constant crowd made me think I came to the right place, but I have not been impressed. My fruit bowl had spoiled fruit and the tuna salad mix in the tuna melt tasted sour. The OJ, cinnamon roll, and tomato soup were good. I paid a small fortune for my juice, bagel sandwich and fruit bowl. The tuna melt + soup was also pricey.
-
Review from Payal V.
Bothell, WA
4/16/2012
I loved this place. It had a great vibe inside and out. We were there for brunch. They have awesome Bloody Mary's and their poached eggs were cooked perfectly. The staff is really friendly too.
-
Review from Drea L.
Milpitas, CA
1/22/2012 2 Check-ins Here
I've been here twice, and it was the attentiveness of management on my 2nd visit that has prompted me write a review.
The first time I came here, I had the Steak Florentine which included black angus flank steak, arugula, roasted tomato, and avocado and I opted for a side of their tomato basil soup. Over all, it was a satisfying lunch. The steak was fairly tender although there was a piece that was a little stringy, but the texture of the toasted bread, the charred flavor of the steak and the creaminess of the avocado was quite good. The tomato basil soup was flavorful and not overly salty and had a rich flavor to it but it wasn't overly creamy.
The second time I cam here, it wasn't particularly busy since it was close to 4 pm. I ordered the Vine ripened BLT which included romaine, bacon, mayo, tomatoes on grilled sweet batard and once again I opted with a side of the tomato basil soup in lieu of the potato chips. I thought it was a fairly simple order, but after waiting for 15 minutes my food still hadn't arrived. I'm not a chef, but putting together a BLT shouldn't take this long and I'm pretty sure they already had the soup prepared.
I go back to the cashier who took my order and asked about my order and she gives a standard response, "It will be out soon."
A few minutes later she comes behind the counter and gives me this weird excuse, "Oh we are having problems with our register and it is losing people's orders."
Skeptical, I'm like,"Umm okay..." O_o I wasn't visibly upset but just thought it was an odd excuse she gave.
Thankfully I still had my receipt and showed her what I ordered. I think one of the managers realized I was sitting there for a while with no food and with my "Pier 51" sign still at my table and the cashier coming up to talk to me. So he came over to check my receipt and said he would go and check the order himself. And yes, within 2 minutes, my food had arrived as ordered.
The BLT had the nice chewy crunch of the batard bread, saltiness of the thick cut bacon, cool crunch of the lettuce and tomatoes. It was overall a decent sandwich and definitely nicer than most diner food versions of the BLT.
The manager came by once as I was eating to make sure the food was okay and as I was about to leave he apologized for the delay earlier and asked if I wanted one of their cookies. I said, "Thank you for following up earlier. I appreciate it." and I declined on the cookie offer.
I think that many restaurants these days just want to get as many people in and out of their restaurants. I'm glad that Grove employs managers who actually do give a damn about a customer.
Grove is a casual place with cool decor, good music playing, trees indoors and assorted types from couches, benches, and regular tables. It provides a nice option of al fresco seating and inside there are two levels you can choose from.
It looks that they serve breakfast till 4 pm. I haven't ordered any of their drinks, but with regards to the prices of food and the quality, I think they are well priced. From what I could tell, the food is freshly made.
I will definitely come back....maybe I'll even try one of those cookies the manager mentioned. -
Review from Paul C.
2/10/2012 2 Check-ins Here
I really want to give The Grove three stars because it's completely frustrating to wait and wait and wait sometimes. But you go in there knowing that.
So the food: As a mostly vegetarian I'm in love with their salads and their grilled cheese. They do a Gorgonzola and pear sandwich which is also really really good. You might be tempted to trade out those chips for $2.50 or so for that veggie chili but don't do it--it's only ok and weighed down by some sort of rice concoction.
It's also open late which is seriously seriously clutch. -
Review from Sandy L.
1/13/2012 3 Check-ins Here
came here for lunch since i work just a block away to meet up the boyfriend and friends. I've walked by here numerous times but i can't say i've ever had lunch here because 1. the lines get ridiculous during lunch time, 2. the prices are a bit rich for my blood and i know i can find just as good if not better alternatives somewhere else
despite that, i thought it would be a fun place to have lunch with the lover and friends. the interior is so unique! you walk in and you enter a whole different world. i love the decorations and it's a mini escape from the towering buildings and rush of the financial district. definitely made me smile.
we got there at 11:45 and luckily we beat the lunch rush. we ordered:
Chinese Chicken fresh shredded greens with cilantro, carrots, "wok" roasted chile spiced peanuts, roast chicken and orange-sesame vinaigrette - NOT GOOD. i didn't enjoy the preparation and i could barely taste the dressing. it was just a huge bowl of chopped lettuce and chopped carrots. i have for sure tried better in other places. NEXT!
Chicken Pot Pie chunks of chicken breast in a rich creamy broth with carrots & peas topped with a house-made savory oregano-pastry crust - SO SO YUMMY! i think this is what deserves the A-OK review. the portion was huge and i split it with the boyfriend and still left very full. huge pieces of chicken, lots of veggies with a really delicious cream. I'm always a fan of chicken pot pie but this one really is terrific. i recommend!
the place is 2 levels so if you're luckily you'll be able to pull up a table. they have designated 4 person seating areas ONLY and if you sit at the stools they have cool tree trunk stools and animal printed benches. whoever designed the place did a terrific job. i love it! -
Review from A B.
San Diego, CA
3/23/2012
I am in love! What a delightful fantasy to plan a tasty escape.
Through a casual recommendation, a cluster of friends and I ventured into the little forest located in the city. The family/pet friendly decor makes anyone feel comfortable. Walking into the cafe, you are surrounded by a cluster of trees decorated with festive lights. With distressed hardwood floors, lit fire places, rustic tables and your choice of a repurposed swivel seat, a fun box or a large oversized cozy, chair, you walk in feeling like you are transformed into another realm.
As you stand in line reading the large chalkboard menu, you eyes are left gazing at the treats being prepared before your eyes including fresh orange juice being prepared (specifically for you). Your olfactory system is delighted with the fragrances of real ingredients being used.
When you pay for your order, you need to remember to take your graphically inspired "USA" or some other letter of the alphabet. Within moments (it seems) your food magically appears.
The first night I ordered the BERKELEY BOWL - tomatoes, English cucumbers, carrots, red onions, ripe avocado, alfalfa sprouts and garbanzo beans piled on Scarborough Farms spring mix with our homemade ranch dressing. This fresh assortment was perfectly chilled. In fact, it was so tasty, I opted not to use the dressing. Surprising! My friends ordered a variety of bruschetta, beet salad, MAC AND CHEESE and Chinese Chicken salad. We were all so thrilled with the results, we returned the next day.
This time a larger group of use spoiled ourselves with: the fresh orange juice, several omelets and scrambles, french toast with extra crispy bacon and the BEST hash browns EVER! YUMMY!!!!!!!!!!! Who knew cooking them they way they did would make them so heavenly!
I could keep going on, but I must let you take the opportunity to experience this for yourself. Let me know what you think. -
Review from Sara F.
Fair Lawn, NJ
2/29/2012
A great cafe with AMAZING food. I had the tuna melt and my friend had the grilled cheese. We were both practically licking the plate at the end. Kind of pricey- two sandwiches and two drinks came to $26, but I felt it was worth it.
I only gave it 4/5 because it was SUPER packed. It was a Monday at lunch, but it was cramped and I noticed alot of people waiting for a somewhere to sit.
Definitely a great lunch place!!! -
Review from Melissa W.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 1/27/2012
Ordered the flat iron steak with garlic mashed potatoes and green salad. The waiter came without mashed potatoes. When we asked where the mashed potatoes were, he said they didn't have anymore so he just gave us more salad. REALLY?!
To be fair, he did try to give us another side after we asked him to, but I really think you should tell people when you are out of something when they order it.1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
10/8/2011
I come here when I don't know what else to eat. Decent food at a pretty good price and a nice,… Read more »
-
