** The following review reflects my experience during the COVID-19 pandemic. ** I always liked the name "Tarragon" maybe because it has a more testosterone-fueled sound than other spices. Like "Let me introduce you to my lovely daughters Rosemary and Parsley, and my no-good son Tarragon". Anyway, what was for a long time the Parisian-inspired Cafe du Soleil is now a casual panini shop. It's a welcome sight to see a business operating on this popular corner location in the Lower Haight, so... I stopped by in the middle of my neighborhood walk to see what they were offering. Since I was between meals (and let's face it, I'm always between meals), I didn't go for a panini but did go for what turned out to be a smooth and soul-warming libation, the $3.50 Americano (photo: https://bit.ly/3zZGnhR). And even better, the location travel time from Paris to Rome was apparently quite brief as the staff was just as friendly as they were in the location's previous iteration. COFFEE - 4 stars...a smooth Americano AMBIANCE - 4 stars...more 'Roman Holiday' than 'An American in Paris' if you know what I mean...and you probably don't SERVICE - 4 stars..."Paisan!" TOTAL - 4 stars...."Tarragon! TARRAGON! Where's that brat?!" RELATED - Exploring the Haight? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://bit.ly/2YK1e99 read more

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Incredible food. BEST chicken Caesar wrap in the city. All the food truly is delicious

[[HIGHLIGHT]]This cafe is cute and in my neighborhood, and the couple times I've been I liked the coffee and pastries.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]BUT warning -- they have a sign that says "no laptops today" (I hadn't seen it before). As a grad student looking for a place to sit and study for a little, I asked what it means and they said no laptops from Friday at 3 PM - Monday. Outside and inside. NOT good for studying, only go for bites/coffee.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

Just had lunch here. Everything was super fresh and delish. Staff were attentive and kind.

I came here by recommendation of a close friend who is local. I'm so glad I did because this café is absolutely to die for. The staff is great and the whole place feels welcoming/cozy. I went ahead with their veggie panini and the flavors were exceptional. They use what's in season and they all complement each other very well. I would 100% visit again the next time I find myself in SF! read more

Tarragon Cafe - Vegetarian Panini Iced Latte - Cafes Near Me - San Francisco, California

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It has french bread sandwiches and a variety on the menu but its overpriced whats new at lower haight fillmore..its nice and people were sitting inside..I had a pizza bread with veggies for lunch snack..cafe read more

Live the big open wood picnic table in the middle! Great lighting and they have delicious lunch options in addition to drinks. Great work/study spot with wifi. read more

Tarragon Cafe - Caprese panini! - Cafes Near Me - San Francisco, California

This one fits firmly into the "local gem" category. I don't think it's going to be named on any "top 10 must eat" listicles but that's just the point. If you're looking for a place with a simple yet repeatable lunch option, this is it. If you're looking for a place to stuff your face with a big bowl of fresh greens, this is it. If you're looking for a casual lunch, with kind service and a low-key setting, this is it. I really like the Noiçoise salad and will be coming back and trying more of their giant salads, Acme bread paninis and antipasti plates. The cafe itself is very cozy and rustic with perfect quiet sidewalk seating that bask in the sunlight. read more

Tarragon cafe always serves incredible dishes. Their Cesar salad is my favorite in the city. My socks were blown off this evening with the Bucatini with braised short rib special. Meat fell off the bone and pasta was sublime. Looking forward to this place one day evolving into a fine dining restaurant in an excellent location. read more

Tarragon Cafe - Bucatini with braised short rib special - Cafes Near Me - San Francisco, California

Lovely place, just watched a live Jazz. Great Cappuccino. Best one so far! For me Cappuccino needs to be real, this place has a incredible one. Lovely! And Nice options for brunch. read more

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Had like a figgy ham apple sandwich here the other day for breakfast. It was ok but at nearly $20 was just too pricey, particularly as it was pretty modest sized and did not come with any sides. It's a cute place though for sure. read more

Easily one of the best banh me sandwiches that I've had, so juicy and delicious it was a pleasant surprise! Taste: 5/5 Touch: 5/5 Sight: 4/5 Sound: 3/5 Smell: 5/5 read more

Tarragon Cafe - Cafes Near Me - San Francisco, California

Winner of a cafe: terrific food, warm staff, [[HIGHLIGHT]]delightful sunny patio[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]. Go for Jazz Fridays, Saturday dinners, or chowder & grilled cheese on a blustery day. read more

3.5 stars Chicken sandwich was pretty standard but at least there was ample avocado (chicken itself was not as tender as I would hope given the sous vide advertising). It took like 30 minutes for our food to be ready though so would be wary of that during peak weekend hours. read more

Great place to have lunch. The Food was excellent and the service was great. Highly recommend this place.

This review is long overdue since I've gone to Tarragon so many times - Tarragon is such an unbelievably great cafe for so many reasons. The biggest is the food. Mario cooks up an inspired and mouth-watering menu full of whole foods and fresh ingredients fresh every day. He just doesn't miss. Whether it's the Italian panini loaded with flavor and different ingredients (including a homemade tapenade) for a casual lunch, or the sausage platter to go along with drinks during an evening hangout, or the prime rib with scalloped potatoes for a gourmet dinner without the whole ordeal of going to a fancy restaurant, there's really never an occasion where you shouldn't go to Tarragon. I CAN'T STRESS THIS ENOUGH. You won't find this combination of delicious, gourmet, healthy, and affordable food in such a casual setting ANYWHERE ELSE IN SF. There's also the impeccable vibes. The whole staff is super friendly and recognizes returning customers. And the clientele contain a good number of Lower Haight neighbors who know each other and have some history with the place. Many people come here to hang out, so it's a great place to strike up a random convo with someone. Then there's the live music every week. As if Tarragon couldn't know me any better, they get actually good local musicians to come and entertain every Friday and Saturday during dinnertime, free of charge. THIS is how this music is meant to be enjoyed, not in some dry auditorium built for cultural preservation (*cough* SFJAZZ *cough*). All of my friends agree btw. Seeing two cafes across the street from one another (this and Cafe Du Soleil) creates the illusion that they are substitutes. They are not, and that pink cafe down the street can't hold a candle to Tarragon either. Tarragon seems innocent enough from the outside, but it's really a truly top-notch cafe. read more

Tarragon Cafe is the perfect neighborhood spot for a bite in the Lower Haight area. There's plenty of seating inside and out and they have an array of drinks, sandwiches, and salads. We got the Italian and roast beef sandwiches and both were great. read more

Tarragon Cafe - Italian sandwich with focaccia - Cafes Near Me - San Francisco, California

We really enjoyed Tarragon Cafe: *Great friendly service *Generous portions *Delicious food (had the Cioppino, clam chowder, beet salad and Heirloom salad) *Good wine Will be back! read more

Fantastic little neighborhood Bistro! We had the brazed Ox Tail in a reduction glaze and it was superb! Service was first rate with live Jazz music and the chef came out and talked "food" with us for 10-15 minutes. A gastronomic dream experience. read more

Wow! Where to begin? The Kale Quinoa Beet Salad is perhaps the freshest salad I've ever had. Perfectly dressed greens. Bright vibrant colors. Invigorating textures... I could easily go on... Go grab this nearly-perfect salad TODAY!!!!! read more

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In a block already saturated by cafes, Tarragon has emerged my new favorite. I'll keep this review short to hopefully not attract a crowd, since always having an open table is one of Tarragon's benefits, but the food and service is always a treat. The family run business is so sweet, the food is brought out with kindness and everything I've tried has been way above expectations. I love the sidewalk tables and it's my new weekend spot - so please disregard this review and continue lining up elsewhere (except actually come to Tarragon to support family-run local businesses because they are wholly deserving of hype). read more

Tarragon Cafe - Avocado toast with a side of fruit - Cafes Near Me - San Francisco, California

While in town for business, we decided to go our for breakfast.  Found this place on the app and was not disappointed.  It is located on a corner in a residential area and has sitting for indoor and outdoor.  Owner/chef Mario greeted us with a smile.  The menu isn't extensive but what you will order will be satisfying.  I ordered the leek soap and side salad.  Housemate courtons were served with the soup.  It was excellent.  The salad wasn't ordinary, the vinaigrette, seasonings and vegetables all came together.  My husband has the clam chowder and grilled cheese sandwich.  My husband is from Boston and love he chowder.  It was well seasoned, thick, potatoes were firm.  The food, service and environment are worth checking out. You won't be disappointed. read more

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I looked up cafes in SF to do work and this came up under the infatuation website and when I went i was told no laptops were allowed on weekends which I wish i knew beforehand read more

Second time coming here and even better than the last! This time I opted for a veggie panini instead of a grilled cheese. Had to.. I mean HAD TO get the Thai curry soup. It's usually listed as Soup Of The Day so if you're lucky and it's available its a must! Perfectly spiced, hearty with a array of veggies and garnished with pumpkin seeds and other delicious secreta the chef has up his sleeve. Mario you are an amazing chef thank you for sharing your magic & Thomas your energy is unmatched. We loved the service so much and can't wait to be back!!! ps they even sell wine & beer! How cool is that? When it's nice out they have outdoor seating with heaters! read more

Tarragon Cafe - Veggie panini and Thai curry soup with a ceaser salad - Cafes Near Me - San Francisco, California

Love love love & of course can't wait to go back. A cute little place that has a few spots outside for seating. What this place lacks in decor and style, it makes up for with quality and taste. Easily one of the best and freshest paninis I've had in a long time. I had the Chicken Panini with a side mixed green salad. I HIGHLY recommend opting for the side salad- it could have been a star of its own! There were so many toppings and additions, far from a basic handful of greens! I ate that first before moving on to the main. The sandwich itself had an amazing flavor to it (tarragon perhaps ). The bread was perfectly crisp on the outside, and soft and warm on the inside. I didn't expect to finish the whole dish in one sitting, however it was too delicious to hold back Not pictured- I also had an iced coffee with oat milk, which was also delicious, and I should have ordered a large. This hidden gem should no longer be hidden. I'm sure soon the secret will be out, come and get it before the masses get word! && Next time, I'm trying breakfast read more

Tarragon Cafe - Chicken Panini - Cafes Near Me - San Francisco, California

Mario and his place Tarragon, and his staff are great. Every time I stop by for something, I never regret it.

My go-to is the veggie frittata. So yummy and comes with a really nice side salad or fruit. The owners are also super nice and accommodating! read more

Delicious and nutritious. Love the homemade food here. Even the salads are special. It is obvious the owner takes care with the menu and makes everything with quality ingredients. Casual service, order at the counter and put ur number on your table and the servers will bring it to you. Kind people work here. I have had many things here. The frittatas are a favorite as are the soup and grilled cheese combos. Good coffee. I usually leave with a pastry for the road. Nobody needs to see me ambush a cinnamon twist in public. Tables inside and outside so great sunny day tourist spot that won't break the bank. read more

Tarragon Cafe - Grilled cheese and split pea soup - Cafes Near Me - San Francisco, California

First time at this great place today!! From the time I walked in I felt so welcomed. There were two guys in the open kitchen and they both said hello....with big smiles... the cashier couldn't be more friendly like you have known him forever.... I got things to go and all was delicious!! The entire place was sooooo clean..... RUN, RUN (or drive) to this great place. 200 Fillmore St. read more

Friendly and welcoming service Gourmet delicious panini And mostly outdoor seating and pet friendly as well read more

Tarragon Cafe - Cafes Near Me - San Francisco, California

Love this spot!!! As vegetarians, our go-tos are the MASSIVE Niçoise salad (ask for egg or avocado instead of meat), veggie pizza, and loaded hummus plate. Caprese and veggie sandwiches are amazing too. Mario's food is as fresh and thoughtful as it is generously-portioned. Good vibes, great food :) read more

The food and atmosphere was splendid. The service was on point and the food was so delicious. We ordered the special for today which was Mac &Cheese and braised Oxtail. So, so good!!! read more

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Grateful this place exists. Service is amazing, staff is wonderful, location is awesome and the place has a nice, welcoming, neighborhoody vibe. And the food...SO GOOD. I'd give them 10 stars if I could. Love the Niçoise salad, Breakfast Sandi, Caprese. The pesto sauce is next level. Even the veggie pizza is delicious-- the marinated artichoke, yum chefs kiss. I've tried most things on the menu and I keep coming back. Huge fan!! Thank you so much for doing what you do. Always a joy to come here for a meal. read more

Beware, if you're planning on coming in here with a service animal, you might be in for a rude awakening. After reading all of the positive Yelp reviews, I was excited to give Tarragon Cafe a try. I came in this Sunday afternoon with my wife and her service dog, and we ordered an iced latte and bottled water to go. We paid and tipped generously. As I was walking out the door, one of the staff members commented loudly to another employee about my wife bringing in her service animal. Something to the effect of my wife thinking she "could bring her dog anywhere." I went back inside and asked to speak to a manager. I was shocked to learn that the rude comment had come directly from the mouth of one of the owners. I said, "may I share with you how I'm feeling after that experience?" He refused to even come to the counter to hear my grievance, insisting we discuss it very publicly from 10 feet away (he was in the kitchen area). I explained that, under the Americans with Disabilities Act, my wife is legally permitted to bring her service animal with her into establishments like this, and that the owner's comment felt rude and discriminatory. The owner replied in an argumentative manner, saying that he knew there are "two types" (I assume this meant ESA vs. support animal?) and seemed to be implying that we didn't actually have the right to be here. I calmly replied that we had come in with a service animal, not an emotional support animal. I told him he could've simply asked if the dog were a service animal, and even asked what tasks they're trained to do, but the way that he had so openly and rudely commented as my wife and I exited the cafe was incredibly wrong. The owner finally apologized but did nothing else to remedy the situation. In effect, I paid $7 to be verbally insulted and then condescended to. My wife and I were planning to sit outside in the outdoor seating area for a while, but after this exchange, neither of us felt comfortable staying. We ended up walking down the street to another cafe. I truly hope management considers the way they're treating paying patrons, even when they think those patrons are out of ear's reach. It's very telling when a merchant is willing to take your money one second, then insult you the next. Not that it matters in the grand scheme, as it would take a lot for me to give this place another try, but the iced latte wasn't something I'd order twice. read more

Cute little cafe that's great for vibes and work. I got the oat milk latte which is what I get everywhere haha but it was quite good! On par or better than Starbucks albeit it a bit on the pricier side. Unfortunately there were no outlets so my party had to leave but still a great spot in a cute area on a sunny day read more

Tarragon Cafe - Cafes Near Me - San Francisco, California

Worse experience I've ever had at a cafe, hands down. Got to Tarragon at 10 am today and ordered a pastry and coffee. At 12, the chef yells from the kitchen telling me "Times up, I need the table". The whole place had been pretty much deserted all day presumably due to the rain (but likely for other reasons now given the experience I just had). There were only 2 customers inside the cafe at the time I was kicked out with at least 6 empty tables. Food here is also pretty subpar. Plus they typically charge you before they inform you they've run out of the item, forcing you to choose something else on the menu. In the past, I ordered the pork banh mi and they later told me they had run out of the pork after charging me. They ended up substituting it with chicken without offering a discount or anything extra given the pork banh mi was more expensive. ‍ Avoid this place if you plan to get work done or want a decent meal. I'm a healthcare professional in the ER and patients who have waited hours in the waiting room treat me with more respect than this chef. read more

Anytime we make a trip to SF, stopping by Tarragon Cafe is a must. We've been here many times and have absolutely loved everything we've ordered -- the food is delicious and always plated beautifully, and the drinks are great. Mario and his team are so welcoming and friendly, always going above and beyond. Definitely a staple and our go-to cafe! read more

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Tarragon, in Cafe du Soleil's old spot, had a lot to live up to once the took over the space from the dear departed coffee Soleil. I was hesitant to come at first as I was a Soleil die-hard, but I love the location and felt they deserved a chance. What I always find myself coming back for is the soup with grilled cheese. There is a changing 'soup of the day' along with their always-available, amazing New England Clam Chowder. It's homemade and a great deal for lunch. On top of that, the owner and staff are friendly and engaged. Coming here for lunch and a few hrs of work-away-from-home is becoming a weekly tradition for me. Great food, great location, great wifi, great service. Can't go wrong. read more

Just had an incredible tasty tuna sandwich here. Super fresh ingredients and good size. I also enjoyed the outside seating area. Great place for a break. Friendly staff. read more

I love Tarragon Cafe!. A friend and i went here for lunch the other day. I wanted a salad with stuff in it so i ordered the nicoise. I wasn't feeling meaty so when they asked me if i wanted tuna or chicken, i said neither. The man in the kitchen (owner and/or chef) asked me, "would you want avocado instead?". I said, can u do beets?. He fixed me up a beautiful salad with nicoise stuff and beets!!!. Delicious. Thank you Tarragon Cafe man!!! read more

Tarragon Cafe - Veggie frittata - Cafes Near Me - San Francisco, California

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