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    Machu Picchu Cafe

    4.7 (71 reviews)
    InexpensiveCafes
    Closed 8:30 am - 3:00 pm
    Updated 1 month ago

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    MACHU PICCHU CAFE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Good for groups
    Dogs allowed

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    Recommended Reviews - Machu Picchu Cafe

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    Photo 1: Montage of images from Machu Picchu Cafe
    Ed U.

    I've actually been to Machu Picchu. Yeah, the real one up in the Andes. Now that was back in the day when I had more lung capacity to conquer the Inca Trail. Fortunately, there wasn't that headache-inducing elevation challenge in coming here, but it felt kinda remote to someone who doesn't make it to the Balboa Park station that often. It kinda felt like a hillside warming hut on the way to oh I dunno... Machu Picchu? The place was relatively cavernous with an eye-catching faux-cherry blossom tree smack in the middle (Photo 7). Interesting decorating choice. True to its name, they offer Peruvian coffee and specialties like empanadas and alfajores on their extensive menu. However, what caught my attention was the extensive sandwich selection. Feeling quite peckish that day, I decided to order the $16.25 Turkey Club Sandwich, which was a pretty hearty layering of deli turkey, crispy bacon, Swiss cheese, avocado, lettuce, onion, tomato, and mayo between slices of toasted sourdough (Photo 8). It worked. FOOD - 3 stars...a well assembled sandwich with good ingredients AMBIANCE - 3.5 stars...spacious but oh that tree SERVICE - 3.5 stars...a bit of a wait and not that busy TOTAL - 3 stars...if I happen to be in the 'hood hankering for a sandwich RELATED - Exploring past the Mission? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://yelp.to/8qmdwPejHQ

    Lawrence L.

    Great place to stop by for coffee! The horchata latte wasn't too sweet (what every Asian person wants to hear lol). Service was amazing, it was our first time here and the server gave us a beef empanada to try. Of course we had to purchase a couple for home.

    Menu 4/2026
    Long D.

    Beautifully decorated cherry blossom theme, well located for Bart commuters, nice hostess, killer empanadas, satisfying Peruvian coffee.we ordered all three flavors of empanadas and voted the vegetable the best. Take time to enjoy the pinky atmosphere, food and the drinks to destress your brain and reward your taste buds. Cheers

    Machu Picchu Cafe's cherry blossom tree
    Bob B.

    Machu Picchu Cafe serves up 5-star experiences! Their service is attentive, the coffee is dreamy, the empanadas are awesome, and their in-store cherry blossom tree is super cool!

    Tina L.

    Super clean and cozy Cafe located right off the Balboa Park BART Station. Came in on a cold day and ordered a Chai Latte. You can tell there's alot of love poured into this place. The Chai Latte was delicious and fresh, it warmed me right up. They have lots of fresh pastries and empanadas. Since I was on my way home to study my school work, I didn't have time to try out their other items. Next time I will stop by again so that I can try out other things on their menu. There is ample amount of seatings and each table has a wireless phone charger. I can see this place as a great third space area to get your work done.

    Matcha croissant
    Justine Ray M.

    Mid, I think the art is great! Restroom is clean! They have one seat that has a charger. But after going here a couple times, I noticed food is inconsistent with getting a croissant either burned or not at the best quality same as my matcha. But great spot for a chill time and service is always great!

    Peruvian Empanadas
    Margaret N.

    Such a cute coffee shop - the interior is absolutely beautiful. There are plenty of cozy seats to lounge in as you sip your coffee. The empanadas are also very good and compliment your drink well! Highly recommend.

    Nicole N.

    Feel so good to have cold drinks on a warm Sunday! Nice staff and quick service, feel so relaxed

    Linda L.

    Drove pass here millions of time. Never had the chance to come in. Met a friend after work to hang and talk here. Both of us have been meaning to come. If I'm not mistaken, Berto was the gentleman who served us. He is extremely nice. He helped take our order, explain what they have. The space is beautiful. Very well lite, with wide & huge windows, light shine in easily. Love their decorations around their blossom tree. My friend and I sat on the side with the leather res chairs. They're very comfy as well. I think lots of people come in for a quick coffee and pastry and leave since the cafe is right outside BART. My friend and I ordered both veggie & meat empanadas, Alfajores & drinks. Flavor and texture were amazing. The meat is a bit spicy which add a kick to it. We also ordered a Horchata latte, Inca soda & I forgot the name of it but it's a purple drink. Berto informed us Horchata latte is really sweet, but it was prefect for me. My teeth are sensitive, so any thing too sweet or sour or cold, I'm like Aaaahhhhhhh but the sweetness was prefect. The purple drink was very sweet, we had to deluded with some water. Alfajores was very soft, fell off very easy. Wasn't too sweet for me either to my surprise. The bathroom is very nice as well. Neutrel gender. Parking is street parking, 2 hours. Unless you want to drive further up, then it's all day parking with street cleaning days.

    Strawberry lemonade

    This place is so cute! The space is utilized very well. Unique furniture too. The service was great. He was so nice and respectful. Very friendly. The lemonade is great! It's more on the tangy side, which I love, and it is very refreshing. Definitely should come and try it out.

    Matcha Latte
    Elaine D.

    Went here in the morning since it was next to Balboa BART. I got matcha. The staff was nice. The place was pretty. No complaints for getting the matcha. It's defaulted with no sweeter.

    Mango Limeade | $5.50 (tastes like orange juice)
    Cherylynn N.

    Looking for a new place for your reels and Tiktoks? Machu Picchu Café. I've never seen a vibe quite like this... Whimsical futuristic with an indoor cherry blossom tree, greenery, textured gold walls, and balloon dog statue tables. Very unique. But, I'm here for their Peruvian Empanadas. According to staff, they regularly sell out by 11 am so I wasn't able to try it. Hope they get a bigger supply from their sister restaurant, Bocado for the lunch crowd. Couldn't leave without buying something so I tried their Mango Limeade ($5.50) since you can adjust the sweetness. It tasted neither like mango or lime...and more like unsweetened orange juice. I hope to try their empanadas soon so I can update this review... O T H E R I N F O: * Machu Picchu Café is a modern espresso lounge (opened 11/15/24). Website says, they use coffee beans from Peru but I saw Grand Coffee bags (SF roaster). Maybe they serve both? * Menu: Drinks - coffee, espresso, teas, and juices. Food - croissants, muffins, alfajores, and empanadas. They also sell bagged chocolate bark and candies. * Indoor seating only. * Located next to YMCA Child Development Center at the new Kapuso Housing Development. * It's right across from Balboa Bart Station. Do not recommend driving here, there's no parking.

    Jessica E.

    Beautiful interior and nice ambiance. I had a vanilla latte which was good and the chicken empanada. The empanada was just alright but I would like to come to try the other things on the menu if I'm in the area. I felt like there was ample seating for a small cafe and outlets if you are trying to work or study. The front desk person was very sweet and making sure she was getting everyone's orders in a timely manner.

    Veggie Empanada with green seasoning on the side.

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    2 months ago

    It would be nice if they were actually open on time or if they updated their hours. But side from that really good coffee spot

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    1 year ago

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    3 months ago

    Very cute Coffee shop , very friendly staff , drinks are delicious and the food absolute amazing,

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    7 months ago

    An oasis of fresh brewed coffee and delicious empanadas. The decor is immersive, you walk in and exhale and relax. Super nice people too.

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    10 months ago

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    6 months ago

    I ordered a large cappuccino and a cinnamon roll which she warmed up, everything was delicious.

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    Machu Picchu Cafe Reviews in Other Languages

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    Machu Picchu Cafe - cafes - Updated June 2026

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