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Darren's Cafe

4.3 (782 reviews)
Closed 7:30 am - 1:30 pm
Updated 2 months ago

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DARREN'S CAFE ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Moderate noise
Casual
Good for groups
Outdoor seating

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Recommended Reviews - Darren's Cafe

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First time here and it was so good! Inside, it's a pretty small space but big enough where they can fit in my group of seven. Unfortunately, it was breakfast time so I wasn't able to try their rice plates and pho, but the breakfast items were delicious! I ordered the C2 and it was a big portion as well as tasty. All off the other food my friends ordered looked so appetizing too. Aside from that, the service was excellent. Our server was super nice and attentive and even gave my friend her own pancake and candle for her birthday! Literally everyone in the kitchen started clapping for her. 10/10, would come here again! Shout out to our server who did that for us and gave us recommendations about SF!

Tiffany C.

We love coming to Darren's Cafe! All the workers are super friendly! We tried so many different dishes from here and we have zero complaints! My brother always gets the French Toast from here! It's a must!

Menu
Artist C.

Had dinner here, went with the filet and lobster. Being from the south I could have used a little more salt and pepper on the steak. The steak was not cooked to my liking but it was edible.

Beef pho
Jennifer M.

Beef pho had so much flavor I added a bit too much of the dark sweet sauce and made my broth a little too sweet so add it slowly limon and siracha was a must! Our tummy was warm and satisfied for the rest of the afternoon. We sat outside and with the outdoor heaters above the tables and the constant check ins for refills or other things we were extremely comfortable and well taken care of. Highly recommended

italian breakfast scramble/ three eggs italian style

first restaurant i ate at in san francisco!!! everything was DELICIOUS. EVERYTHING. and service was more than extremely pleasant. environment was really cute and cozy.

Walter L.

Tried Darren's Cafe while in San Francisco and really liked it. The food was tasty, came out quick, and the prices were pretty reasonable. Staff was super friendly and made the place feel welcoming. Definitely a spot I'd come back to.

Eggs Benedict
Nicole W.

This place was hopping when we arrived around 8:30. We did have to wait about 10 minutes for a table, but it was nice and cool out and they have a menu outside that we looked at while we waited. Once we were seated they took our order quickly. Food took about 10 minutes to come out. We ordered the eggs Benedict and then the bagel with cream cheese and avocado...and added an egg to that. The bagel came all separate so you can add the amounts of what you want to it...which worked great for us. Definitely enjoyed our breakfast here...would come again.

Montage of images from Darren's Cafe
Ed U.

Fisherman's Wharf is not the first place I think of to grab some breakfast, but here I was in the most tourist congested area of the city thinking optimistically that I could find something worthwhile to eat. On my way to the Presidio, I just happened to walk by this spot which was already bustling at 8:30AM. I found a table for a solo diner right in front of the register, and the staff encouraged me to take it. The breakfast menu was a robust combination of all American favorites and Vietnamese family dishes. I didn't go got the hotcakes or omelets but chose instead the $16.95 Veggie Fried Rice, a satisfying homestyle mix of rice, soy sauce, eggs, and a variety of chopped vegetables (photo: https://bit.ly/3DdfSsk). There was no art to the execution, but it didn't matter because it hit the spot. Good to know Darren is here for good eats. FOOD - 4 stars...good fried rice fresh from the wok AMBIANCE - 3.5 stars...busy and surrounded by tourists SERVICE - 4 stars...pretty conscientious and affable TOTAL - 4 stars...solid breakfast plates both American and Vietnamese RELATED - Exploring Fisherman's Wharf? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: http://bit.ly/2HyFdzC

Darren's Cafe sign and menu
John R.

The Dungeness Crab Benedict is out of this world. I've tried this dish at other places, but none compare to Darren's rendition. These bennies are full of flavor! I close my eyes and savor every bite. Great folks and great service. They took care to make sure I could get in and out in time to catch my next appointment. I always eat outside so I can enjoy some nice SF weather. It's only a short distance from the trolley stop so SF is your oyster when you are done.

California Omelette with potato's and toast.

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6 months ago

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12 days ago

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13 days ago

Amazing service, amazing staff, great food. The music was even good, this place is a must try, a nice selection of Vietnamese/American fusio

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2 months ago

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4 months ago

What a nice little surprise! Great place to eat food is excellent and the staff is friendly and fast. Nice place to grab breakfast too.

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10 months ago

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1 month ago

It's a really nice place. The customer service was great, everyone was so nice and polite. The food was really good. 10/10

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4 months ago

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10 months ago

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2 years ago

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3 years ago

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3 years ago

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1 year ago

Great place just outside of a high traffic tourist area. Pork Bahn Mi was excellent! Staff is nice and attendent too.

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2 years ago

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4 years ago

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David K.

Thank you so much for coming back Brittany ../)

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1 year ago

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10 months ago

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10 months ago

Not bad. They were nice people and the beef noodle soup was ok. Keep your expectations set on medium and you will not be disappointed.

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5 years ago

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3 years ago

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11 months ago

Breakfast was good. Service was quick. Portion size was a little small in my opinion and prices were high just like most places in area.

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4 years ago

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David K.

Thank you so much for the positive review Isabella ..:)

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2 years ago

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Darren's Cafe Reviews in Other Languages

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Delah Coffee

4.5
(135 reviews)
1.2 mi
$$

I apologize in advance for not taking more pictures of our drinks and both Sweet n Savory snackies…read more Last weekend we booked a room right across the street from this place and said we would give it a go. Day one was outstanding. We each had our coffee. I ordered a Spanish latte and my lover had the date cinnamon latte. Both were wonderful. He also had Turkish coffee because we were just starting our day. I'm not about that life lol so I was good with my latte. Day two we splurged a little more and had Bee bites, a potato turnover, and a beef turnover. We also had the same lattes because why the heck not? Day three was a sad day when we had to leave home, but not without stopping and grabbing a bunch of snacks to go. I wish I had taken more pictures, but I was more eager to get the food and drink in my mouth than to pop my phone out and waste time. Sorry, not sorry.

Pretty decent cafe in the area. I think the coffee was pretty good but my boyfriend doesn't really…read morelike it. He says there some sort of spice in it that he doesn't really like. Maybe it's cinnamon? I didn't really mind it though but I do know what he's talking about. There is an extra taste that you don't get at a different coffee place. I got the rose cake and it was alright. The rose flavor came through and it was a bit artificial (?) or maybe I just didn't really like the texture of a milk cake? Wasn't really my thing.

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Pistachio latte
Pistachio latte
Delah Coffee
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Viva Cafe

Viva Cafe

4.8
(113 reviews)
1.1 mi
$

My freezer is too full from too many trips to Costco. But after a while, I JUST DONT WANT TO COOK…read more I am scrolling through my favorite TGTG choices. Up pops Viva Cafe. I remember how much I liked it. It is a tiny hole in the wall, easily found by smelling the wonderful aromas. If I worked downtown, this would definitely be my go to spot. I ordered 2 meals, each had 2 pieces of chicken, rice, beans and I think cabbage. Wonderfully flavored and enough to share. It felt healthy to me, none of this unnecessary goop. Let the ingredients and spices shine. Since hubby and I shared a meal, we have one left. YAY. The owner/chef is so friendly definitely recognizing his regulars. Highly recommend.

Phenomenal place…read more THE spot to get hearty, home cooked takeaway meals for a reasonable price: Baked salmon, chicken and rice, polenta, BBQ pork and more. The entrees are deeply flavorful and full of perfectly cooked fresh vegetables including carrots and cabbage. They use a heavy hand with garlic in their chicken and rice dish that made it especially savory. I ordered two Too Good To Go boxes that gave me a day off from cooking. I'll definitely return to choose entrees from their extensive carousel of items; one of us is definitely getting the chicken & rice! Super friendly service, welcoming atmosphere as if you're family. FiDi spot so open weekdays until 2 or 2:30. You gotta try this spot!

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Menu, bundt cakes, hot food
Menu, bundt cakes, hot food
Chicken
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Jinshan Cafe

Jinshan Cafe

3.7
(36 reviews)
1.1 mi

This was definitely my first time ever coming to San Francisco's Chinatown. I've actually only been…read moreto the one in New York!! This one is a fraction of the size, but it's easier to get to for me! Hee. I will say if you park on the street, make sure you turn your wheels the correct way!! Sadly out in front of this coffee shop we got a $273 ticket because our wheels returned the wrong way. I actually didn't think that this street had that much of an incline, but safety first! What a happy note, my boyfriend won $20 scratch off here and his sister got $15 of another series of scratch off tickets! Lol as we congratulated each other on our weddings, other people came in. Hee I also love the mural that was being painted outside and there was an artist or two out there, painting it as we walked by! I honestly love the community aspect of these beautiful heroes that give so much detail about US history, especially within are many different cultural nationalities! I will definitely come back to this coffee shop and get more items! About a block away is the Bruce Lee Mural, in case you're looking for that!! Hee

Jinshan Cafe was an unexpected stop during a walk home through Chinatown. I needed a short break, a…read morecup of coffee, and a place to sit for a few minutes, so I stepped inside. An older gentleman behind the counter took my order for a small latte and was friendly and helpful in getting me situated. The latte was good, although a bit pricier than I expected at just over $7 with tax. The café itself is small but comfortable, with a handful of tables along the wall and some interesting artwork that gives the space a little character. While sipping my coffee, I noticed they also serve ice cream, and flavors like Red Bean and Black Sesame definitely caught my attention. I managed to resist the temptation this time. A group of students and teachers arrived shortly afterward, making the café a bit livelier, so I finished my latte and headed out. Overall, it was a pleasant place to take a break in Chinatown.

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Plastic brick espresso machines
Plastic brick espresso machines
Seafood noodle
Seafood noodle
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Black sesame matcha latte
Matcha Cafe Maiko

Matcha Cafe Maiko

4.6
(349 reviews)
1.1 mi
$

Matcha Cafe Maiko is a popular spot for matcha throughout the Bay Area and across the nation. While…read morehosting some family friends from Japan, we realized they were missing matcha, so we decided to drop in. Their Chinatown location is a small shop. Not much space to wait in line or to pick up your items. Hence, Ordering is simple: place your order and pay at the counter, then wait for your number to be called. Minimal service interaction and not a good place to hang out, since it's primarily a to-go spot. I got the Matcha Latte with Soy Milk, and they got the Matcha Soft Serve. She said the soft cream tastes like Japan, and I agree. My matcha latte was good, definitely earthy and well-balanced. Personally, it was a bit too sweet for me, so I'd ask for less sweetness next time. If you're in Chinatown and craving matcha, Matcha Cafe Maiko is the way to go! It's a popular spot with long lines, but it's worth a visit. Find them at the corner of Grant Ave., with limited street parking nearby.

I've been to this franchise of Matcha coffee shops a handful of times before but only in the south…read moreBay/Silicon Valley. This is my first time going to one in Chinatown. Service was as fast as it could be since their menu is all the same. We got a Matcha lemonade and oh hot Matcha latte for my sore throat. Everything tasted delicious and we got a sample of the Matcha soft serve also! We got our food within five minutes and we're out the door! This particular store was rather small, but I would definitely go back again since the café itself is very consistent on its flavor from location to location! I appreciate the consistency and delicious much flavor!!

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Strawberry calpico soft serve
Strawberry calpico soft serve
Matcha soft serve + Ube with Thai Tea swirl
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Black sesame latte - has a nut taste! Yum!

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Black sesame latte - has a nut taste! Yum!
JOE & THE JUICE

JOE & THE JUICE

3.2
(388 reviews)
1.3 mi
$$

The Nutty tastes like a Ferraro Rocher. The chocolate one was really good. I wish they made…read moresmoothies in a thicker texture though. I don't know if it's healthy but it tastes good so I'll be back.

FOOD. SERVICE. AMBIANCE: It's been about 8 months since I…read moreboycotted JOE & THE JUICE because of awful business practices I go into in previous reviews. Today I thought I'd give J&J another chance. 8 months to read citicisms and get its act together. SERVICE: JOE & THE JUICE gained a bad reputation in the Bay Area pre-covid for flagrantly disregarding city law that prohibits retail businesses from going strictly cashless. For good reason: Refusing paper and coin currency is defacto segregation against Black and Brown folks and the working poor and those on a fixed income who are more likely to be restricted to cash transactions. This is an unjust policy, refusing to take "certain people's " money and in my book equals BAD SERVICE. FOOD & BEVERAGES: Upon my return to the large JOE & THE JUICE location in San Francisco's Financial District - which I used to frequent most days of the week for years before the boycott - I ordered my signature drink, Americano + extra shot of espresso with milk. Now although J&J is wildly overpriced compared to other espresso bars and snack joints, the Danish (J&J is a Denmark import and not locally owned, so maybe they don't understand how we do here in the USA) ownership refuses to provide the paying customer options between 1/2&1/2, Whole Milk, 4% Milk, etc. It carries only 2% milk which is just above lightly flavored water. I always have 1/2&1/2 with my cofffee but not at J&J, despite the high prices customers pay. I used to stock this location myself with 1/2&1/2 out of my own pocket from the Walgreens across the street, which a customer shouldn't have to do. BEVERAGES: Well my Americano, honestly, was awful. Tasted like dirty dish water. Old stale coffee bean flavor only slightly diluted luke warm water. BAD PRODUCT. SERVICE: It appears JOE & THE JUICE ownership and management are back to their old tricks again refusing cash payment. I told the manager it's city law thay accept cash payment - payment equality - and he conceded he knew this is the law. I was given the excuse the cash register just happened to be broken and they were waiting repairs, but trust me as one who knows J&J very well this is just BS: they're told to tell customers or city inspectors this and cynically keep going on with their segregationist policy. BAD. BAD. BAD SERIVICE!

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Interior
Interior
Matcha Latte 16oz @colorful.eats
Matcha Latte 16oz @colorful.eats
Big fan of the interior design.

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Big fan of the interior design.

Darren's Cafe - vietnamese - Updated July 2026

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