This is simply my favorite Cafe in the world. Yes, it's a bold statement, but it's true. The coffee is incredible. Whether you're drinking hot, black coffee, cappuccinos, lattes, or whatever caffeine fix you need, you will be well taken care of. They have tasty, fresh, well-made products at a great price. The salads, soups, pastries, smoothies, egg breakfasts, bagels, sandwiches, and everything else on their menu hits the spot. ALL the ingredients are fresh, delicious, and most importantly, made with love. The wi-fi is quick, space aplenty, and a beautiful back patio. The cafe supports local artists, has open mic Friday, and Jazz on Sunday evenings. This place is magical. And it's all because of Zahra and her incredible staff. Zahra (and the Cafe) are institutions in San Francisco and the Lower Haight. She is the sweetest, realest, and most loving person you will ever meet. Please take the time to have a quick conversation with her and your heart will be fuller, your day will be better, and you'll feel inspired to take on the day. I love Zahra, I love the Cafe, and if you are ever in San Francisco, take a trip here to have a cup of coffee, some breakfast/lunch, and spend an hour or two relaxing in this magical place. You will be very happy you did.

So I heard about this place from my employer. It's warm and inviting inside. Very spaceous, your able to find your own little spot of personal space. People converse with strangers others are sketching in notebooks, most stop in as their morning routine. The preprioter is warm friendly and inviting person. The menu is simple, with pastries and bagel sandwiches. Coffee or espresso drinks can be found here as well. Although the prices are more than reasonable for the city of rising cost. It is cash only. A ATM exist. That has a small fee if you need to get cash. I ordered a everything bagel with hummus and capers, and she didn't even charge me for the capers. In fact the veggies come free on every sandwich, also included is a small fruit cup. About the size of most to go condiments cups. Nice touches and excellent price compared to chain like Noah's, where it's be over 10 dollars for something similar.

This place is a total gem! If you live or are visiting Lower Haight, soak up the unique, zany, and distinctively San Franciscan vibe and energy you'll receive from both the atmosphere and owner (Zara) of this wonderful establishment. Pro tip: GREAT COFFEE, they don't skimp on it either, their ice coffees are served with ice cubes made of MORE coffee, it's like getting a double size but paying for a normal size Pro tip #2: Get the pastrami sandwich on Dutch crunch, it's delicious, great ingredients and juicy good cuts of meet, generous portions Pro tip #3: BEST FRESHLY SQUEEZED GRAPEFRUIT AND ORANGE JUICE YOU CAN GET IN THE CITY. I get one of these every time and it's amazing Pro tip #4: Bring cash

I have been living in the neighborhood for over a year and pass by this place often. This morning I absolutely needed a bagel and a smoothie, and they sure delivered on that. Cozy interior with plenty of seating, including a sunny outdoor patio in the back. They have draft beer on tap as well (lagunitas my fav <3) The very sweet lady at the register took care of me, and the man preparing the food/drinks was also very kind. Bagel was perfect, and the smoothie (#1 on the menu) was fresh and delicious. 10/10 would recommend and I see myself frequenting this place from now on.
Service
Take out
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$10–20

For once I found a place that isn't pretentious and is 'what you see is what you get'. The food is decent and relatively cheap compared to other places, the coffee is decent, but the atmosphere is what I like the most. It's worn in, wabi-sabi, graffiti style art on the wall, cool couches, hardwood floors, just a cool and unique place. There are open mic nights which bring interesting characters and stays open late. The people that go are amazing and are very welcoming to new people. I never felt so at home in SF. Thanks for the good times and the hospitality.

Ordered a large iced house coffee — on the menu board it stated $3 but got charged nearly $5. Good, strong coffee though. And I figured it might’ve been the ice for the extra charge? But wished it would’ve been clearly stated on the menu. This coffee house has seen a couple of bad days thus I’m willing to pay a little more to support the local business but hoped its prices would be more transparent too.
Service
Take out
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$1–10
Food: 5
Service: 3
Atmosphere: 5

This place is an absolute gem!!! I came here for breakfast, super cool inside, good vibe all around. The lady at the register was super nice and funny! The avocado bagel I got was fabulous! House coffee was good. And everything was so reasonably price. This is a really good place to come and chill or work on your computer since there is also free WiFi. There is also a super cute backyard area with lots of plants and a beautiful mural. You can smoke in the backyard as well. Definitely recommend and definitely coming back!

Yelp and Google reviewers gave 4.5 stars for this place. I was a little disappointed. The almond milk Cafe latte was mediocre. I wanted it “extra extra hot”, it came tepid. The almond milk was too thin so it was like drinking weakly brewed coffee. My son ordered Turkish coffee and it came very sweet. However he later said he could get used to it. Two things that were redeeming: 1. The staff was very friendly and sweet; 2. The back patio with painted frescoes was cute and nice place to sit.

Outstanding in so many ways Affordable - Cash only, but you know when a place is great it’s cash only and still people streams into. $3.75 for mocha Character - Unapologetic in expressing they’re left-wing and anti-privilege. So abundantly liberal it spills into their bathroom. They probably forgot the Rastafarian mural and just put a mop in front of it. Top it off… - Excellent deck garden - Murals and wall plants in the back - Live jazz music every weekend

The best Cafe' Shop I've been to, since I started riding a bicycle from Alabama to San Francisco. I've been "hanging out" here every day for the last week, and doing my best to support a "locally owned" small business. The owner is an amazing individual who has a passion for sharing her culture with energy and enthusiasm. I've been to many, many coffee shops through my ride across the country, and none of them come close to this one. Go Support Them! :)

The owner was out and three guys were running the cafe. I normally love going there, but they were really slacking today. The guy who made my sandwich was not wearing gloves and one of the guys was eating behind the counter (not super horrible, but it's a very bad look). When I got home I found a hair in my sandwich. I'll keep going there for my coffe, but I think my orderig food days there are over.
Food: 3
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 5

Really great coffee shop that has San Francisco written all over it. The espresso and drinks are really great and are fairly reasonably priced as well. The atmosphere is what really makes this place great though, it's always happening in here whether there's an open mic or jazz or whatever they want that night. You could be in here for hours and not even realize it. A great, classic San Francisco coffee shop for the Lower Haight.

Was charged $6 for an oat milk latte. On the chalkboard menu above the cashier, a latte was listed for $3.50. I find it hard to believe that alt milk would close to double the cost. Music is also kind of loud, so not the best place to work or get focus time. Seemed like a nice local spot though!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$1–10
Food: 3
Service: 3
Atmosphere: 4

Looked very chilled & relaxed till we were served. The lady behind the counter was so rude & obnoxious. Poor, poor customer service. One customer asked about what was on the Middle Eastern Mix Plate and her answer was "Middle Eastern Food."and walked away only to return later and be just as rude to us. We walked out and she yelled out "excellent, excellent. That's how I like to do business. " I think she was drunk.

Menu definitely had the variety that I wanted. Ended up getting a smoothie and my partner a mocha latte, which both came out delicious! Lady in the front was sweet and had a lovely conversation with her. Atmosphere is very relaxing, and will be coming back during my next trip.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$1–10
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

This is a really unique place that has been in this neighborhood for decades. The food isn’t particularly good—nor are the drinks. But this place more than makes up for it with neighborhood hospitality and cool events: they have an open mic night and frequently have live music. There’s also free WiFi, and a dog friendly back patio area. This place helped me decide to move to Lower Haight, and I’m glad I did.

Funky and cool "divey" coffee house that has a limited menu (hot and cold sandwiches and soup)... They also have live events a few times per week (Jazz, open mic, etc.) There's also a nice secluded outdoor patio that is never all that crowded. My only complaint is that the coffee merely OK. It's not "Blue Bottle" or "Stanza" quality at all. Drinkable, yes! But there is much better coffee to be had in SF.

I thought that the place was very cozy. I went there because of a meeting invitation by the online language-learning program DUOLINGO for people learning Portuguese. I'd not known about Café International before. The woman (owner, maybe?) from whom I bought my coffee and donut was very friendly and treated her customers as "special". It looked like they had a nice lunch menu, as well as breakfast.

The place is good enough but I couldn't get why the reviews seem excited about it. Basic neighborhood coffee shop. Most of the furniture looks like goodwill - not that that's a bad thing. Plus is the artwork was pretty cool but nothing extremely exciting. I did like the murals in the men's room. I thought the deserts were a little on the pricey side but nothing out of line.

Excellent, cheap, delicious. The people working are kind, friendly, and talkative in the best way. Absolutely made our morning! This place rocks!!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$1–10
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Cappuccino and Coffee Cake, Tuna, Bagel & Cream Cheese w Avocado

This place is an amazing hidden gem in Lower Haight, with the most relaxing backpatio! They have great coffee and a wide ranges of options for breakfast or lunch. It's my favorite local coffee in the neighborhood. I love the international feel, the welcoming and laid back owner who speaks many languages! Make sure to drop by there if you're around.

2 sandwiches $22. Very unsatisying. Over-priced. Why so few chips? Sandwich was all bread - no meat. Also got an over priced crumb cake $5. Not fresh. Also the only coffee shop I go to where my Internet has problems connecting. The two stars are for the space and the staff unless they are the owners who are overcharging for their food.

Went to check out this place on a Sunday and it was great! They had live music, a great atmosphere and lots of seating! Food was priced well and taste decent. Will definitely be coming back!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$10–20
Features
Dine in: Yes
Outdoor seating: Yes
Takeout: Yes

Decided to stop here because we passed by every morning. Had the bagel with lox, my friend had the bagel with egg. It was okay — not great. Wasn’t super fresh or tasty. Gave me a TON of coffee which was also meh. It looks cute but I wouldn’t stop in.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$10–20

My favorite coffee shop in San Francisco for getting work done. Lots of space indoors and outdoors, comfy chairs with wide tables, a fun aesthetic, good power outlets, good Wi-Fi, a bunch of different salads and sandwiches on the menu (freshly made to order), Turkish coffee, a graffitied but always clean bathroom, no time limit.

Still Wonderful place with Great food and live music on the weekends at this lovely SF place. All Honor Zarah!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Features
Dine in: Yes
Outdoor seating: Yes
Takeout: Yes
Curbside pickup: Yes

I miss my morning coffee runs to Cafe International and chatting it up with Zahra (owner). Iced Coffee is the best with the coffee ice cubes. Truly my favorite spot for coffee and breakfast fare in the city! Whenever I'm in the Lower Haight I make a point to stop by.
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$1–10

I just love this spot. Fresh squeezed on, and other juices. Wonderful, big sandwiches, great soup, back patio with a gorgeous mural. I love the owner ,zahra...best place for a stiff coffee. If you want it iced, she makes coffee ice cubes. My mom visits from Wisconsin, those to are great friends ,as am i, since 1994.

I never see a place with 100 on their health inspection score!! The owner is hilarious and very nice, the staff is sweet and caring, and the food as GREAT! Nice place to chill or have a drink. When it's not busy, it's also nice to work at. Definitely for playful attitude. (Cash Only though)

This place is a dying breed when it comes to classic hang out spots in the Lower Haight. Friendly and authentic staff, good strong coffee, chill music. I come here to study/work as well as to grab a quick bite, and it's great for both purposes. Check out the cool mural in the back patio.

Great Coffee Shop if you ever find yourself on lower Haight Street. Staff and customers are very friendly. They have good coffee, lentil soup & mediterrian. I have been coming here for almost 20 years and recommend this place if you want an authentic San Francisco coffee-shop experience.

Friendly coffee shop with basic breakfast and lunch options in lower Haight. Worth a visit, great staff good healthy food.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 4
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 3
Recommended dishes
Nicoise

The latte was amazing and the person at the front was so welcoming and personable. Seems like the kind of place where the owner knows everyone's name
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$1–10
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Coffee is strong, it's large and quiet (at least on a Sunday morning) and there's a nice back patio. If you're allergic to tobacco smoke the patio may not be the place for you. The owner is very friendly, welcoming, and outgoing. I understand there's music in the evenings.

This cafe has been my second home for over 5 years and I can't recommend it enough for its delicious egg/bagel breakfast, iced coffee, coffee cake and amazing people. If you're in San Francisco, it's worth traveling to because you'll leave full of love and tasty food.

I liked it a lot - it’s just a great space! Delicious house roast coffee!!! I got the bagel and hummus and they were perfect with little piles of veggies on the side. Reasonable prices, lovely and friendly service, and cozy seating and decor.

Cafe International has the best baked tofu sandwich I've ever had! The seasonings/sauce they use is unique, simple, delicious and light, and wonderful. Breakfasts are a treat; your bagel is served with hummus, sprouts, tomato and red onion

Zara, the owner, is one of the sweetest people you will meet and always takes care of you. I really like the vibe here, it's very San Francisco. Good coffee, good Meditteranean food, good prices. I wouldn't recommend it if you're hardcore

I used to call this place my backyard. I would go down for my morning tea sit in the backyard chat with the locals and with the Amazing owner Zahra when she had a second she's a busy woman after all. It's a San Francisco classic. Go Enjoy.

Choice relaxed and spacious venue for a spot of light lunch after walking the city. Beautifully presented falafels and comfortable seating with a very laid back ambience and free WiFi. Cool sounds in the background and a friendly service.

spacious cafe but music is a bit loud esp. if you don't like reggae. informed owner about internet dropping in and out and she just gave me a phone number to call, which i just got a voice message. probably won't come back..

First time here. What a gem! My falafel was perfection, as is the atmosphere! Very clean. Beautiful patio in back.
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

As a spoken word artist, Soul Brotha #9, I felt a bit less welcomed in the beginning by the band leader. I wish he could have prepared me for the stage or the stage for me. I'll be back because the applause was fantastic.

This seems to be the only place I found in San Francisco where you can smoke in the garden. They also seem to have a sense of humor. Coffee isn’t the best but I guess it depends what you’re looking for. Friendly staff.

Everybody loves Zahra! This place is the kind of place you want in San Francisco. A neighborhood institution. Great coffee, good food, and a very relaxed vibe. Can get beer and wine too. A community gathering space.

I met the sweetest, kindest woman working the register this morning. Her name is Zalah and she is the owner. Tasty breakfast sandwich and great coffee. I have found a new place for coffee when I'm in SF! #TenStars

Lots of seating and a great outdoor patio. Couches and eclectic artwork, great service, and their iced coffee is made with frozen coffee cubes Cash only!
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4

I love everything about this place very chic and a nice live band was playing, not to mention the best turkey and Swiss sandwich on Dutch bread I ever had!
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Love this place, it is an absolute institution and Zara always makes me feel welcome whenever I swoop in for a smoothie! Try the Max's special if you are going for breakfast and don't forget to bring cash!

This place should be protected at all costs. Got the bagel with cream cheese and avocado with all the fixins (sprouts, onions, tomatoes, and small serving of fruit) for $7.25, and a large mocha for $4.50.

Fun, nice person made us feel right at home. Took our orders and even made me an iced green tea special. Good tunes on the speaker, calm vibe. Diverse group of customers. Love it here (who doesnt?!)

THE food is simple, tasty, made to order. Kid friendly atmosphere, live music, Open Mix Friday nites, big band Sunday afternoon. Computer access, friendly staff. Unisex restroom, pet friendly .

Very smart, social, and entertaining hostess, and lots of fun progressive political statements. Outdoor seating makes dining in (out) during covid possible. Interesting art and murals abound

My first cafe experience in SF over a decade ago and still the best cafe in the city! Peaceful back patio with colorful tables, super friendly staff, good music, and strong iced coffee.

Really groovy coffee shop! Lots of tables and also some super comfy sofas. Came in for a coffee 2go but stuck around because there was a local blues band playing awesome tunes inside!

We've fallen in love with this place. Great neighborhood coffee shop. Unpretentious, lots of space, outdoor smoke-friendly area, good music, community vibe. Owners are awesome too.

This cafe was here b4 me, and I've been here 35 years. Such a great local place, and live jazz on Sundays. So great, you have to stop in.
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

The best place - wonderful, funky, an institution. Zahra is a mini sf celebrity, so sweet and funny and speaks like 14 languages. Food menu is much better than it looks.

I go here all the time. Zahra is the best. My favorite item are the smoothies. A friend of mine looooooves the Middle Eastern Plate. A lot of food for a good price.

The place is currently CLOSED for renovation. The sign says it was expecting to open some time in Feb, but as of Mar 3rd 2019 it's still closed and empty inside.

The friendly atmosphere and the feeling that you are walking into your safe space. I love the people the coffee and the relaxation I get before my work day. More

Great atmosphere, wonderful live music, good food! They made us feel like we were regulars right away. Will definitely be coming back! Thank you <3

Great music spot for local artists. Live music on Sundays starting around 5 until close. They serve beer, wine, and coffee. The food is decent too.

Very friendly service. Cash only but there’s an ATM machine inside Big tables, comfortable chairs, WiFi and power sockets against the wall.

Very nice place. Ate a roast pork sandwich that was delicious. The pea soup with bread you have to try. Excellent place. Thx so much.

Friendly staff and good life music. Perfect to chill
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$20–30

It is a good place to go. Purely my opinion. Food is reasonably price. Yum yum . I love my friends
Service
Dine in

Very cool spot! Comfy chairs and a bright staff. The coffee wasn't great but the atomsophere more than made up for it.

Cool place! Nice interior, great pastry and huge cups of coffee. Had a full band playing live in the store at 1pm!

I went today and the vibe was sooo good! Everything is nice and chill:) I love u all
Service…
More

4.5⭐️ Cozy sofas, eclectic crowd and flippant/fun staff. Only the latte was a little weak.

Note: Cafe International is temporarily closed. Scheduled to reopen on April 1, 2019.

Nice place. Good selection of tea and pastries. Chill atmosphere. Live music was nice.

Great place to have soup and listen to live music. Wish it were open later! So cozy

Jazz nite...good coffee ...place in back with beautiful mural where you can smoke

Excellent tuna melt! Very friendly staff and live Jazz! Will come back!

Local gem that we all hope lives on for ever!
Food: 5…
More

Food is average, the jazz/vibe is better!
Service
Dine in

Stay away, this lady is trashing our city's good name.

Best Turkish Coffee and bagels in the city.