Universal Cafe

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2814 19th St (at at Bryant)
San Francisco, CA 94110

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(415) 821-4608
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Universal Cafe - San Francisco, CA
Universal Cafe - San Francisco, CA
Universal Cafe - San Francisco, CA
Universal Cafe - San Francisco, CA
Reviews
( 19 )
( 14 )
( 4 )
( 2 )
( 9 )

Best

i was really impressed. the food was a good twist on standards, albeit the menu was limited for brunch. the fruit smoothies were good too, and the eggs loose which is a rare but...

Worst

I have lived in the 'hood for five years and been a loyal customer of Universal all that time. Today's brunch experience changed that. An ""intimate space"", huh? Not at brunch...

really really good! 11/26/2005

this chic little spot never fails my wife and me. easy parking, DELICIOUS food, and reasonable prices. service is always friendly albeit casual and the wine list offers lots of options from high brow to table wine. if you're looking for really good fare in a relaxed atmosphere this is the place. one of SF's best kept secrets. more
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really really good! 11/26/2005

tomasodomani Provided by Partner
this chic little spot never fails my wife and me. easy parking, DELICIOUS food, and reasonable prices. service is always friendly albeit casual and the wine list offers lots of options from high brow to table wine. if you're looking for really good fare in a relaxed atmosphere this is the place. one of SF's best kept secrets. more
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Bad service, bad food 7/11/2005

The food was just plain awful. I ordered a salmon hash that turned out to be a plate of dry, cold and tasteless unidentified bits of food. And the server was even worse. No greeting, no help, nothing. When I asked for a (missing) fork he me gave such a look I thought he was going to beat me up or something. It took many tries to get water. No thank you, no good bye. Stay away form this place. Cons: Bad food, Bad service more
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Bad service, bad food 7/11/2005

ngardet Provided by Partner
The food was just plain awful. I ordered a salmon hash that turned out to be a plate of dry, cold and tasteless unidentified bits of food. And the server was even worse. No greeting, no help, nothing. When I asked for a (missing) fork he me gave such a look I thought he was going to beat me up or something. It took many tries to get water. No thank you, no good bye. Stay away form this place. Cons: Bad food, Bad service more
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Great for Brunch 7/4/2005

Citysearch User Provided by Partner
Universal Cafe is a great place for brunch on the weekends althought the crowds can make it a wait on line operation. The omlettes are great... more
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Industrial Chic Is Sometimes Delicious 5/4/2005

Citysearch User Provided by Partner
Universal Cafe is packed to the gills over the weekend with young creative types and a sunny staff. Although you might have to wait for a ta... more
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Nice brunch 3/16/2005

jlr_1974 Provided by Partner
Big windows make for an airy, sunny feel, and the minimalist interior is stylish yet simple. The menu, which focuses on organic choices, changes frequently. I've been there numerous times for brunch and had both the duck confit hash (excellent) and the granola with fruit and yogurt (also tasty). Service is always reliable and friendly and even when it's packed, it's not too loud. more
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Nice brunch 3/16/2005

Big windows make for an airy, sunny feel, and the minimalist interior is stylish yet simple. The menu, which focuses on organic choices, changes frequently. I've been there numerous times for brunch and had both the duck confit hash (excellent) and the granola with fruit and yogurt (also tasty). Service is always reliable and friendly and even when it's packed, it's not too loud. more
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Service saved the night! 10/30/2004

After leaving La Suite with the worst service ever, we headed to the Universal Cafe where the extremely attentive and friendly wait-staff saved our evening. The food was delicious & the atmosphere comfortable and inviting. A++! more
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Service saved the night! 10/29/2004

mij8333 Provided by Partner
After leaving La Suite with the worst service ever, we headed to the Universal Cafe where the extremely attentive and friendly wait-staff saved our evening. The food was delicious & the atmosphere comfortable and inviting. A++! more
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A Favorite 4/4/2004

Darn Good! Consistent, great value, service with a smile. It all makes sense. If you're indecisive, get the chicken, you can't go wrong here. more
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A Favorite 4/4/2004

porkchop888 Provided by Partner
Darn Good! Consistent, great value, service with a smile. It all makes sense. If you're indecisive, get the chicken, you can't go wrong here. more
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Loved it!! 11/12/2003

pixigirl Provided by Partner
This was a very satisfying restaurant. I have been going to the Universal for about 7 years and have never had a meal I was not crazy for. Miavale's review did not make sense - he/she only gave the Universal Cafe a "6", even though she really liked the food. To deduct 4 points for "so-so" service seems a bit harsh, to say the least! more
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Loved it!! 11/12/2003

This was a very satisfying restaurant. I have been going to the Universal for about 7 years and have never had a meal I was not crazy for. Miavale's review did not make sense - he/she only gave the Universal Cafe a ""6"", even though she really liked the food. To deduct 4 points for ""so-so"" service seems a bit harsh, to say the least! more
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great food, get a new waiter 5/22/2003

I love this restaurent - it is consistently good, but it appears that the waiter may have issues. If you can deal with the sassiness, go for it more
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great food, get a new waiter 5/21/2003

mviale Provided by Partner
I love this restaurent - it is consistently good, but it appears that the waiter may have issues. If you can deal with the sassiness, go for it more
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A Foodie Favorite 11/6/2002

I finally checked this restaurant out after countless of stellar reviews. I wholeheartedly agree with them. It was a terrific dining experience. The restaurant was cozy yet stylish, staff was attentive and warm, and the food was reasonably priced and best of all, delicious! The grilled squid salad was generously portioned for an appetizer. The spagehetti and meatballs (only offered for a few more weeks)and pan fried petrole sole are not too be missed. If you have a sweet tooth, get the maple syrup tart! more
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A Foodie Favorite 11/6/2002

stolikitty Provided by Partner
I finally checked this restaurant out after countless of stellar reviews. I wholeheartedly agree with them. It was a terrific dining experience. The restaurant was cozy yet stylish, staff was attentive and warm, and the food was reasonably priced and best of all, delicious! The grilled squid salad was generously portioned for an appetizer. The spagehetti and meatballs (only offered for a few more weeks)and pan fried petrole sole are not too be missed. If you have a sweet tooth, get the maple syrup tart! more
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the perfect Sunday morning 10/29/2002

great, elegant, reasonably priced breakfast. very relaxed with delicious bacon! :) more
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the perfect Sunday morning 10/28/2002

dana_whitney Provided by Partner
great, elegant, reasonably priced breakfast. very relaxed with delicious bacon! :) more
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Menu for Universal Cafe


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Owner Message

  • Universal Cafe, located in the Mission District, serves American brunch and dinner in a modern and industrial setting. The decor is reminiscent of a trendy loft containing Euro-style tables. The menu changes weekly.

    A few menu items include scrambled eggs with spinache and white cheddar, roasted chicken hash with poached eggs, housemade organic oat granola with banana and milk, to name a few. The dessert menu at this cafe offers guests a wide selection, including warm toffee and medjool date pudding cake with chantilly cream for $6 and bittersweet chocolate torte, creme caramel gelato and caramel sauce for $6, among others.

Editorial

  • In Short
    This longstanding Mission eatery echoes the industrial feel of its out-of-the-way locale in a warm and sleek way. Art-lined walls and an open kitchen balance cool steel fixtures...

  • 12/6/2006 Provided by Citysearch
Additional information
  • Hours: Tue-Fri 11:30am-2:30pm Tue-Thu, Sun 5:30pm-9:30pm Fri, Sat 5:30pm-10:30pm
  • Payments: Visa, American Express, Master Card
  • Neighborhoods: Central East, Mission
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