Cafe Venice

I used to go here lots in the late 1990s when I was working in the Mission District at a photolab. It's run by a family and they are all so friendly.

I went back today for the first time in a longtime. Got a bagel and a coffee. I miss this place, it has a very local feel to it.

No tomatos? No problem. The friendly guy behind the counter remedied that by offering to put more turkey on my sandwich, not to mention refilling the coffee cup I brought in from outside. Nice gesture. And this being the fabulous mission, I bought a tomato on the cheap from a nearby mexican grocerer. Sandwich saved.

But what unfortunately also came on my sandwich was mayo, even though I asked them to leave it off. Fortunately it was just one side, so I basically had to sacrifice my extra slice of turkey that had the mayo on it.

Normally the mayo move would have been a one or two star deal breaker, but the very friendly service and rather delicious sandwich made up for it. I think the tomato drama caused my no mayo request to be lost in translation. No big deal, everyone makes mistakes, even us yelpers.

When Muni's letting you down, you've had a tough day, and you feel like you just wanna crawl back into bed, take a few steps to the left of the crackheads sitting on the cement blocks (they are harmless!) by the 24th Street BART station and pop into Cafe Venice. Duck into this handy spot to seek shelter or warmth during the rain or "cold."

The coffee is cheap, delicous, and made with lovin' care by a friendly dude that may be their only employee. I don't know his name, but he chats it up with all the regulars and the Muni/Bart stiffs like me that are looking for a quick fix. He'll ask you about your day and offer you some warm, frothy milk for your cuppa joe. I don't think they have any food here, but even if they do, ya probably wouldn't eat it based on the overall grubby scene. I would give them 5 stars, but the insides aren't all that inviting, with blasting TV news and leering regulars. Grab your drink and a free newspaper and hop back on the public transportation.

My mornings have been better ever since I discovered Cafe Venice. You can tell the quality and freshness of the coffee by the number of public works employees hanging around the joint. It is so good, that it is the only place that I will drink it black, unless I accept Romi's offer of "a little warm milk for your coffee."

Which brings me to the service. Romi is always welcoming, checking up on people's kids, their parents, their vacations, everything. If it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a coffee shop like this to wake up their parents.

These guys have a stake in the neighborhood. I've gotten my coffee on credit before no questions asked, and when I was locked out of the house and my roommate had to leave keys for me somewhere, cafe venice was the first place that came to mind.

The perfect place for artists looking for interesting people to sketch, or better yet, writers looking to be inspired with zany new character ideas. There is usually a slew of off-the-wall regulars here having interesting, funny, inclusive (read: loud) conversations, and Rommi, the ever friendly proprietor, will make you feel at home with them.

This isn't the ritziest of cafes, but the coffee, espresso, and pastries are good, and the location, adjacent to 24th st BART, can't be beat.

As Rommi would say, "Thanks, cousin!"

I'm amazed that so many people love this place. It's such a little hole in the wall!!! But yes, this place is amazing. I have been coming here fore nearly 20 years (I'm 22!) since I moved in next door when I was 3. When I was a kid, my mom would get her coffee, and we'd get bagels and then Fred, the owner, would make me a steamed milk and add a shot of vanilla free of charge. In all the years I ordered that, I probably accumulated a few free bottles of torani vanilla syrup. For this, I am incredibly grateful. I've moved out now, but still go there every chance I get to enjoy their surprisingly tasty shrinkwrapped bagels with cream cheese with a cup of joe--a bargain, though I remember when the sign out front read $1.00! I love this place!

Interesting factoid, the corner store on the corner of 24th and Bartlett used to be owned by Fred's brother, Bill...both super nice guys, and always made sure to keep an eye on me and take our mail. Good times.

I really love coffee. Not the fancy espresso drinks, just plain old brewed coffee. Unless I am in the10-block force field of Cafe Venice's double latte in an 8 ounce cup. Whose strength, flavor, price and consistency know no rivals.

I'm talking to you, Peet's. You heard me. (but your drip coffee still rules)

While Cafe Venice has oddly charming decor, I find both the pastry selection and the swarms of flies pretty unappetizing. Doesn't matter, though. Their lattes will have me walking the extra blocks for a visit whenever I can.

My favorite little walk in cafe located next to the 24th and Bart station. Every time I come in I am cheerfully greeted by the owner who remembers all his customers. He commented that it has been a while since my last visit and even before I ordered apologized for not having my favorite piroshoski's. The coffee and the pastries are delicious and excellently priced. Their Mexican Hot chocolate is to die for!

If the coffee doesn't tickle your senses than the customer service will! This is a must try for any Bart riders!

It's a nice place to duck in on my morning commute to the Bart. If I feel like taking my time, I will order a coffee and sit in one of their shabby-cool chairs and chill out.

While it's true that there is outdoor seating, Cafe Venice is right across from the bart station - aka the mecca for the crazy and drug addled- and who wants the stench of urine with their morning coffee?

Stay inside.

This could possibly be my most favorite place in SF so far. I pop in while waiting for the bus to this grungy place and I always feel a little better when I walk out with my little cup of delicious perfect hot coffee.

Pop's is outside in the alley, sittin' on a crate, holding court. I think when someone orders a pastry or a bagel, he comes inside to prepare it. (I would recommend sticking strictly to the coffee!)

There's layer of sticky brown coffee splash on all surfaces. Walls covered haphazardly with vacation photos, and a local artists sketches. Lovely gorgeous lived in home for many who I'm sure come here every single day. Coffee making guy operates like clockwork - always - "it will be clear up by 10:00!" and "a little warm milk with your coffee?" Yes! Yes! always yes.