Love the place. The home-roasted coffee, sandwiches and salads all in an inviting, warm atmosphere - terrific! I keep noticing, but not yet tried beers on tap - unusual in a cafe, but than the excellence of the place is in no way usual... unfortunately. read more

Simple Pleasures Cafe - Ahmed at work, roasting great coffee - Bagels Near Me - San Francisco, California

I thought the sign said it was a salami pastrami turkey sandwich I didn't notice the or but they made the sandwich with all three anyways and it was amazing! read more

Simple Pleasures Cafe - A salami pastrami turkey - Bagels Near Me - San Francisco, California

I've stopped here quite a few times. Good coffee, occasionally I have a beer. They have Vegan Cookies and their other tasty treats are quite good as well. read more

Best cafe in the upper Richmond. Pretty much the quintessential San Franciscan coffeehouse. Excellent service and staff. Haven't tried the pastries or desserts but the coffee is very good. Other perks like free jazz performances and if you're there on a Sunday, the cutest looking pink haired girl on the planet working behind the counter. read more

Good neighborhood in boyhood cafe. Good coffee and fr uji endly staff. One can enjoy the evening jazz band on weekends from 7:00 p.m. to 10;00 p.m. You also can enjoy some beer. read more

Nice soy latte and they are following safety protocols. Stopped in with my boyfriend and they were friendly and quick

I love Simple Pleasures. It's tucked away in the Outer Richmond, between a whole host of Asian eateries and convenience stores. For students and working people alike, it's nice to have a cafe with internet (I hear it's free, though I've yet to try it) and occasional live music in such a residential area. The prices are decent There are a surprising amount of options - and pretty good ones at that, with lots of sandwiches and drinks to choose from. I like the coffee and their bagel sandwiches (i.e. tuna with cucumber and tomato). Plus, there are quite a few kinds of pastries to choose from at the counter. The service is pretty good. The seating is kitschy and cool, but it can get crowded with every one person parking themselves at a two-person table for hours at a time with a laptop or a book. But I'm one of them, so I can't really complain. Overall, it's a great time! Good place for a date too, provided the person you bring isn't a loud asshole. But it happens. Oh, and no cards! I'm pretty sure they only take cash. read more

Simple Pleasures Cafe - Bagel with tuna, cucumber, and tomato. - Bagels Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Still my favourite cafe in the neighbourhood, still delicious coffee, NOW ACCEPTING CARDS, WHAT? Makes it way easier when you don't have cash in your wallet! Thanks guys! read more

Simple Pleasures Cafe - The best place for a beer in the Outer Richmond! - Bagels Near Me - San Francisco, California

Simple pleasures is an SF classic. Thank God it's not one o of those places where you need to spend $5 on a latte! This place is a neighborhood, relaxed fit joint with some funk and groove. I come here when I'm going to work but still want some people watching and music. I mainly nosh on the cookies, brownies, and teas. Occasionally a glass of wine is a great way to wind down the week with a friend. I love taking a morning stroll to the beach with a book in hand and grabbing a drink first at Simple Pleasures in their sweet little parklet. It's a great way to start the day with coffee. One of my favorite day off past times! read more

Stopped by after afternoon around Lands End, wanted a beer and a bite- the jalapeño cheese roll was amazing. Exactly what I wanted.

This is the place where I get most of my caffeine. First thing in the morning, before my Vespa ride to the Caltrain Station. The staff is rad: Dae, Amelie (and her younger, sweeter sister), Kirsten Dunn, Jeremy Davies, the Unsmiling Girl, and all the others. All very charismatic. They could be easily start their own reality TV show... I have been coming here for more than three years and now this magical place has become part of my dna. Simple Plasures has character, in a shabby, in-your-face we-don't-give-a-shit sort of way. No Starbucks pseudo-conversations allowed ("Hey, how's is your day going? How can I make it better for you?" etc etc.). Coffee tastes great: strong, sludgy, electrifying. Last time I was there I met a guy who is writing the Greatest American Novel (incidentally, my neighbor from Boston), while another was playing Indian rain songs with his guitar ('The trees are thirsty, mate'). Beautiful girls from exotic countries order double shot mochas - just like that! Eye contact is mandatory. It's all very bohemian and even erotic and yet mellow. This place embodies the quintessence of San Francisco. Every now and then, the leader of the pack, Dae [background info: Dae usually wears a "I'm an Arrogant Bastard" black t-shirt ("It's a brewery in San Diego, dude"), blue toenail polish, dreadlocks and a "what the fuck do you want" attitude] writes interesting quotes on a small card near the cashier. One of my favorite is: "True love is the only thing worth living for. A good way of measuring its intensity is the willingness for one to die for it" (Dae, June 18 2008). Never let cynicism fool you. You can read the future in a coffee cup. Indeed. read more

A much better atmosphere. The new staff is much more professional and they are more engaging to the non regulars. The City provided outside seating is a huge plus. This "parklet" wasn't available several years ago. It allows patrons and non patrons to to hang out and smoke dope and drink from paper bags while basking in the evening glow. This is San Francisco. This cafe is much better. 4 stars. read more

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Emily and Christie are the best!! I love this place anyways but when they are behind the counter I recommend you stop in. They are the sweetest most caring women who will make sure to take care of you. Every time I go in they greet me with open arms and big smiles. What more could you ask for?? Love these ladies to pieces even if the coffee sucked (which it doesn't, best brew in town) I would still pop in to see them. Thanks ladies you rock!! read more

This is one of my top 3 favorite spots in SF. It's a classic establishment. Good food, baked goods, coffee/tea, beers on tap, outdoor seating, neighborhood meetup joint. This is where we hang. read more

It's simply a pleasure coming here every day of my life and ordering the same god damn thing and seeing the same amazing people day in and day out it really puts a smile on my face read more

I legitimately cannot state enough how much I LOVE simple pleasures. Great coffee, great food, dudes in great moods, great music. THEY HAVE IT ALL. Come here for java and nosh with a friend, to study, to do whatever! I dig it! Keep supporting your local coffee shop!! read more

OPEN! Just wanted to let you all know that they are open during the covid-19 shelter in place as of 4/2/20.

Best neighborhood spot and vibe! Their coffee is great and wouldn't get our beans from anywhere else.

One of the best all around cafes in town. Unpretentious. Great coffee, food, live music, service.

Been a loyal customer for over 20 years. My family, friends, and locals around the neighborhood have been supporting SP since its opening in 1978. Super cozy, great place to get some work done or grab a bite with friends. They added a parklet (a few years ago) so the neighborhood can enjoy S.P. outside. Dogs welcome. People with attitude, not so much. They've got bagels, sandwiches, coffee, lattes, pastries, cookies, etc. This isn't a yuppie cafe. It's old school and is still sticking to its OG roots. They've also got draft beers and soju. Simple Pleasures roasts their own coffee beans next door. S.P has been cash only my entire life, however, I believe they just started taking cards. Don't forget to tip. :) Favorites: Lox bagel Egg Salad Sandwich Veggie Sandwich Pastrami Sandwich Regular Latte Chai Latte (w/ almond milk) Don't forget to check out Simple Pleasure when there's live music/events! read more

I started going to Simple Pleasures in 1980! I still go to this fantastic cafe, though not as often as I used to. It is a cultural center for the outer Richmond Dist. There are tables on the sidewalk in front. Inside you can have espresso, affordable food, beer and wine. Wednesday late afternoon is happy hour (s). Ahmed, the longtime owner, roasts coffee. He learned in North Beach. You can make friends, talk politics or anything else. Or you can sit by yourself and write a book. Mornings are busy, as people drop by for coffee and a bagel or pastry. I remember a night in the early 80's when Jeff, a worker and pal of mine, played air guitar while dancing on the counter. Yes, I am still a big fan of Simple Pleasures, even in my 70's! Rusty read more

Simple Pleasures Cafe - Cafe t-shirt: "Death Before Decaf" - Bagels Near Me - San Francisco, California

Wonderful neighborhood, locally owned and operated coffee shop that has stayed open during Covid 19 Shelter in Place to serve! Thank you.

This is my favorite coffee/drink/treat spot on Balboa. The local chill vibe is super sweet. While it has its rough spots (coffee sometimes cooked from the burners; croissants aren't great, would love starter bakery instead), the coffee is strong, the beer is good, and I always feel better for having visited! read more

One star (I'd rate them lower), for their non-existent customer service skills. Their white muchas are mediocre at best. Overall, expect a mediocre experience there. Maybe they don't like colored people? Who knows! My boyfriend who is lives in the area also had a bad experience with the young, white lady there. We'll be taking our business elsewhere, where everyone is treated EQUALLY! read more

A warm, friendly coffee shop/cafe where dogs are welcome! A parklet for warm, sunny days outside seating read more

Barista was great in explaining the drinks to us and found out they roast their own beans here. Atmosphere was nice. Bathroom is small and can be catastrophic. Parking is free at 6pm in this neighborhood. Yes I did dare myself to try the Death Wish coffee at 8pm. Being that Death Wish is the second strongest coffee, to me, I felt like it was any other cup of coffee. I say if you're here and you dare, try it for yourself. read more

This place is gross yesterday I walked in and the employee with the blue shirt shaken a customer hand and turn around to make the rest of the food orders. Later since I spent my whole Thursday there I notice the milk was re-useful that's gross how can they leave it outside with a small of amount of ice and the rest is milk there for hours. And the big fat lady who was working there was just picking her nose just grabbing herself up I am shocked this place is not closed !!!! Employees don't washed their hands and plus they don't put gloves !!!??? -Re-use milk that has been warm up and I don't know how many times is been re-useful -No gloves had been use -Touching themselves while doing drinks/food -Ignoring customers -Handling money then touch food orders read more

A great spot if you are a local living in the Richmond District. This place is always packed with people of all ages talking and forming community. There's lots outdoor seating, a place to do work, booths by the window. I wouldn't come here if you're looking for a minimalist modern coffee shop, but come here if you're looking for a homey one. read more

Simple Pleasures Cafe - The crowd on thanksgiving morning - Bagels Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Great space to study or get some work done. It's a cozy space with tables in the front and more in the back (with bench space). There's even a comfy couch and a shelf with books and some old board games. Wifi password is written down and taped to the front by the cashier place. They're open late til 10pm which is great because many cafes usually close early. Outside of the cafe is also a lot of outside benches if you want to enjoy the sun (or fog). read more

Nothing better than starting your day off with a rude batista who makes it clear that your being there is inconveniencing her. Almost makes 7 bucks for a bagel and coffee seem worth it. Definitely won't be back. Such a shame as it's the best coffee shop in the neighborhood. But no, I'll go someplace that actually wants my business. Plenty of options in the city. read more

I like this place since it's in my neighborhood, but sometimes the espresso tastes burnt and the workers are often rude.

I am two years away from being 80 in my mind. All signs point to me being an old lady on the inside; I am currently trying on retirement for size, I have the liver of a 65 year old by my calculations, I have seen Frank Sinatra live in concert, I like soft foods like applesauce and cream of wheat, I only sleep 4 hours a night and I am older than most of my friends because my older friends keep dying off (aka getting married and moving to the suburbs and going to bed at 8PM). But the biggest, most important element in my old age hypothesis is my love of crossword puzzles. I can't get enough of them. I get all excited when the Sunday paper comes because there are FOUR of them, yes FOUR!!! Okay, here is the problem. I don't actually get the Sunday paper. Curses! The damn people want to sell you the whole weekly package and don't understand that it is just a lot more stuff to recycle. Therefore I must venture out for my crossword fix. So, this is where Simple Pleasures comes into play. I almost always can find a crossword that is still in pristine condition in their newspaper bin. They will let me sit for a long time without hassle attempting that Sunday NY Times monster. They even provide live music sometimes. They also help with my liver deterioration, when the ten cups of coffee I have had are making me jumpy, by providing beer on tap. They have all sorts of cafe foods like super large portions of bagels with veggies and hummus, sandwiches, baked goods (super fantastic carrot cake) plus lots more other stuff. Ahmed, the owner, is one of the nicest business owners I know. Even if I haven't stopped by in a while he will come around the counter and give me a big hug and ask how I have been. He will do this as soon as his customers are cared for and the line is down, because if he walks in and it is busy, even on his day off, he hops behind the counter to help the people on staff. This place feels like it belongs somewhere other than a big city and sets a relaxed pace that makes you feel like you might just be, oh I don't know.....retired??? If this is what old age is like, well sign me up! read more

Just got back from Japan few days ago, still have jet lag badly, so needed to get a good cup of coffee. Japan was great, clean air and all, but I did not have any good coffee in Japan. Nada, nada, nada. So I came here. A large cup of good coffee for $2.50 is like ..... in heaven, like, to me anyway. And, a small thing happened, I ordered a sesame bagel with cream cheese with veges, by the time when my order was ready, a girl who was making my order, she dropped the half side of the toasted bagel by accident so she was toasting a new bagel, but telling me that, "I dropped a half bagel, so I have to make a new one, so, you'll get one and a half bagel." I was like "Yatta!" It seemed like she gave me one and a half cream cheese too. It's like miracle! Merry Christmas! She made my day today. That's all. read more

This place is so nasty I'm offended!!! This has been a local spot for years. One evening we were walking past and decided to stop in for a pastry to go. They were getting ready to close. We took a few minutes to select a pastry, a cookie, and a piece of baklava. The girl behind the counter was less than pleased with us... not for any reason I can identify. So as I waited for her to hand me the baklava which was located on top of the cold case on a cake stand.... she told me to get it myself. I inquired what with... as there were no tongues and the bags were rather far away... she points to the bag... and I again ask... what am I supposed to grab it with. She stomps over to the case, opens the cake stand, and demands to know which piece i want.. I take a second and chose a piece. This piece happens to be two connected. She GRABS BOTH WITH HER BARE HANDS AND PROCEEDS TO BREAK THEM APART RATHER VIOLENTLY. I am shocked... SHOCKED by this! So I ask what are you doing... what reason could she have to be touching my food with her bare hands, after taking my cash and touching chairs and other stuff in the place while getting ready to close. She doesn't get it, and asks which piece I want, and tells me that I need to hurry because they are closing. SO I EXPLAIN... that i would rather she NOT TOUCH MY FOOD WITH HER UNWASHED HANDS after touching money and other items. WOW... did I get attitude from her! If she is for some reason displeased with her crappy employment at a crappy cafe working crappy hours... it's not my fault. My advice... stay away.. it's nasty in there! read more

Simple Pleasures put a smile on my face, as it transported me back to my old stomping grounds at Cal Berkeley. On and off campus, I used to find cafes, nooks and crannies that looked exactly like this place: mismatched furniture, weathered wood, old shelves with dusty games and books, newspapers strewn all over the coffee tables. It's not chic and fancy. It's simple and earthy...very hippie Berkeley kind of vibe. The coffee is good (they roast their own beans a couple of doors down), wi-fi (thought it was free, but someone here said it's not), simple dishes, and really good pastries for about $2.50 a pop. They even serve a little alcohol here, which is a little funny for a neighborhood cafe. But like I said, it's kinda hippie in here, so I guess that's de rigeur. As I sat there sipping my cafe mocha, I started reminiscing about the good old days...sorority events, trips to the library (for no good reason except to socialize), football games, peaceful protests, naked men streaking through campus. Good times.... :) read more

A friend of mine moved into the Outer Richmond district having ascertained a few "must haves" to fit into the right neighborhood. Among the necessities were finding a good coffee place, a decent grocery store nearby, a dog park accessible by a mere jog or walk and if it could all fit in a picturesque surrounding- all the more better. The quaint little duplex was a few blocks from Golden Gate park, a Delano market and just a jog away to the beach! But one that surpassed the list was simply the most pleasurable: the neighborhood cafe. On weekend visits when the sun was out or when the fog decided to stay for the remainder of the day, a nice brisk walk to this neighborhood cafe soon became a weekend favorite. One of my favorite stops along the way too- was a mom and pop's dim sum place- who knew dim sum and coffee could go so well together! (see following review). This vivacious charming place can easily be a surfer's hang out after a day of riding waves or for the retirees who enjoyed perusing their daily newspaper while nursing their cup of joe. And if you were around just before 9 am it can also a rest stop for the lifeguards (who often drew peeks from behind the papers including ours). The space is comfortable and cheerful... even non surfers can appreciate the cavalcade of Hokusai-ian waves roaming the front wall. The couch and chairs in the middle provide for a comfortable lounging area complete with an upright piano that yearns to be played. At the back a tad more quieter with wi-fi hook ups to start up your cyber communication. Time can meander through unnoticed like the tide that stranded the boats ashore (painting in the back). I love coming here- where I believe if one came on a regular basis, their drinks as well as their names might just etch its way on the wooden tables and the memories of gregarious staff behind the counter. But of course one of the most enjoyable time passed here is for that cup of coffee-- it's simply one of the best in San Francisco. I don't know- perhaps it's the fog that helps chill it a bit on the way to the beach, or maybe just the way each bean was freshly roasted next door and ground for the morning drinkers--exuding all the natural oil and aroma sweetened with caramel and orchard tartness to meet you every sip. PS- The counter looks a little piled up at times and the nearby sugar/milk station can get messy on busy weekends. Customers can help by cleaning after each use. Thank you :-) read more

I don't usually like to rate a place on one experience there but I just have to with S.P. I went in for the first time tonight after months of people telling me to go. The space is comfortable and I can see the appeal by the locals to come here. I meet a friend and order a hot apple cider. I also order a slice of pie but unfortunately the guy behind the corner has no idea what kind it is because 'I'm new'. It was rhubarb and can tell just by looking at it. The "apple cider" is apple juice that is heated up with cinamon sprinkled on top! Holy sh*t! Are you serious? I come from apple country (upstate NY) and if you tried to pass this off as apple cider you might never see another customer in your store again. There is a chance that I may go back to try their coffee but won't make it a priority. Disappointed. read more

Go to Simple Pleasures if you like skin cells and mucous on your food! What a dirty little cafe. I went here one morning after reading the reviews and somebody is lying. As my $5.76 cent prepackaged burrito was warming up, I watched a girl with no gloves handle the food, wipe her face a few times and pull her hair back while making someone's bagel. I think to myself damn they should be watching, but more so...she better not touch my food with her hands. She puts her hands on my breakfast burrito and I immediately let the gentleman at the counter know, I do not want the food anymore. The girl argues with me and insists that pulling herhair back and scratching her skin with the backside of her hand is not a bad thing. Never going back..simple disgust. Customer service wasnt't that great either, nor was the coffee. read more

"I take pleasure in the details. You know... a quarter-pounder with cheese, those are good, the sky about ten minutes before it starts to rain, the moment where your laughter becomes a cackle..." To which, Mr Hawke, I'd like to add: sitting on the edge of a continent, warming your hands on a hot latte glass while the fog blows all around you. Simple Pleasures, indeed. But this isn't one of those bright-eyed Saturday morning spots for yuppie sybarites. No, this is that other kind of coffeehouse (what I'm pretty sure is the original kind), full of late-night studying, live jazz bands, and plenty of intelligentsi-angst. In short, the kind of coffee house from which revolutions are planned...if only they'd delete the Appassionata from their iPods. Me, I'll settle for one of their revolutionary coffee cakes, but I'm a bourgeois pig. And Megan, you *can* have weekday lunch here in the summer--the hoodrats are on break. read more

07/20/07 I came again for another study session, very soothing, no singers, just peace and Math again. I tried the Veggie Sandwich, extremely delicious. :) ~~~ A day before I would be taking two individual brain busting Math tests, I arrived at Simple Pleasures Cafe for the not so simple study session. Entering the cafe, the fresh aroma of coffee, beer and women breath filled the air. Beer? A crowded cafe at 7pm gave an array of accents all about. Old men discussed politics, a russell simmons look alike sipped on beer and young students flocked the couches and lied down as if they were at home. Plenty of available study areas situated inside, got me prepared for an intense period of coffee and Math. Simple Pleasures serves a huge variety of coffee, desserts, sanwiches and even beer. I decided to go with a regular coffee, which they served in a see through mug. For a $1.69 this was no regular coffee. It was blessed coffee I tell you! So good that I got it twice. I also had a blueberry scone, pretty delcious as well. While I munched and sipped, this cafe allowed my mind to infiltrate numbers after numbers due to it's "chillaxed" vibe. Boy was I on a role. Until... "Solly Sir, Please can i go throo, I might hit your REG," said an exotic looking mid age woman. The woman attempted to walk past me carrying a microphone stand. So I let her go through with her stand. Lucky me, she turned out to be a singer performing in a couple moments. Lucky me again, she placed her stand right next to my sexy head, which is trying to study here! Lucky me once again, this lady who warned me that the microphone stand might hit my "reg" (leg), apparently did not warn me that her microphone might hurt my ears too. While I attempted to solve equations and find the Domain of a Function, all I could hear is the mixture of William Hong and Paris Hilton's voices combined along with crappy guitar. I left the cafe immediately. Great Cafe, but don't come at the wrong time, you might just get a sample of the next American Idol audition. read more