In an alley just off a busy street, there's Darwin Cafe. I was walking past the alley and happened to see it, so I doubled back and went in. It was my first time going there, so I asked the staff what they recommended. The Turkey and Maple Melt was the response I got, so that's what I got. I was thirsty so I also ordered some iced tea.As they made my order, I looked around. It had a very homely look. There was a bookshelf and some houseplants, and the menu was handwritten. I sat down outside with my iced tea and looked at my phone while waiting for the sandwich. The sandwich was done pretty fast and looked delicious when I opened the box.The bread was well toasted. To an untrained eye, some of it would look burnt, but I knew better. I took half of the sandwich out and I immediately knew I wouldn't like it. The sandwich was at least an inch thick with just turkey. The cheese wasn't even melted. The pear slices, turkey, and onion hadn't been heated at all.I took the sandwich apart and ate the bread by itself. I mixed the turkey, onion, and pear slices with the little salad it came with. The service was fantastic. The sandwich looked really really promising. Unfortunately, it wasn't. That's why this is a three-star review.
Jada Bharatadasa
Order was customized perfectly. Staff very nice.
Z L
My fav sandwich place. I never liked arugula, but this place has changed my mind! The arugula salad is fresh and delicious.
Mira C.
I. LOVE. THIS. PLACE. I used to frequent this cozy sandwich spot about 7-8 years ago when I used to work in the area. Always spot on gourmet, seasonal sandwiches and salads. Went back for the first time in years and it's still just as amazing as I remember! Hefty sandwich fillings, a perfectly paired acidic arugula salad, and laid back vibe. They don't have the baguettes anymore (not sure if pandemic-related) but TRUST ME their sandwiches are GOAT. Mendoxxxx Farms feels like a Panerx compared to Darwin. TIP: call ahead for your order. It still gets busy at lunchtime so avoid the wait!
Jeff P.
DARWIN CAFE IS BACK. I just had a great roast beef sandwich with arugula and jalepeno corn relish. I missed them!
Gulgowski Salmon
GREAT brunch spot. I got this lox dish and it was sooooo good. Also tried the eggs Benedict and that was excellent as well. As other reviews have said, seating is pretty limited, but if you go when it's not too busy and get to sit outside and eat...it doesn't get much better than that! Must try.
Maria D. Vanbuskirk
My Boyfriend told me she wanted to eat here because of its "hilarious name." I dumped her on the spot since immaturity is not acceptable in a life partner. A few days later I ate here purely out of spite against my ex. I'm glad I did.
Yevgeniy S.
Easily my favorite spot in the area. The food is excellent, and it's great for a coffee. I highly recommend the mozzarella baguette, challah cinnamon toast, and any of their sandwiches. Hoping you guys bring back weekend brunch!
Katherine Burk
Food is okay but coffee is not good. They have limited hours. Wish they serviced lunch earlier.
Thomas Smith
Really good sandwiches for lunch in a busy side Cafe, get there just before 12pm to beat the rush.
Cute lunch spot. Perfect for grab and go though there is some seating in a partially covered patio area. Some tables are large enough to accommodate groups of 8!
Sarah M.
First and foremost.. I am dayum fool for always walking by this place and not stopping by. I've been living all wrong. Awesome food, vibes and everything in between. If you don't know, now you know.
JD Rogers
Great sandwiches and close enough to walk from moscone, but far enough that it wasn't overrun at peak lunch hour during a big conference.
Kyle Brazil
Salads and sandwiches are all pretty great. Long lines during lunch but they move quickly and staff is super friendly.
Ina See
Their recent expansion into the building next door has made it possible for small groups to enjoy their farm to table lunch right there on the spot. Usually don't have trouble finding a table if we get there by 12.15pm or after 1.30pm
In an alley just off a busy street, there's Darwin Cafe. I was walking past the alley and happened to see it, so I doubled back and went in. It was my first time going there, so I asked the staff what they recommended. The Turkey and Maple Melt was the response I got, so that's what I got. I was thirsty so I also ordered some iced tea.As they made my order, I looked around. It had a very homely look. There was a bookshelf and some houseplants, and the menu was handwritten. I sat down outside with my iced tea and looked at my phone while waiting for the sandwich. The sandwich was done pretty fast and looked delicious when I opened the box.The bread was well toasted. To an untrained eye, some of it would look burnt, but I knew better. I took half of the sandwich out and I immediately knew I wouldn't like it. The sandwich was at least an inch thick with just turkey. The cheese wasn't even melted. The pear slices, turkey, and onion hadn't been heated at all.I took the sandwich apart and ate the bread by itself. I mixed the turkey, onion, and pear slices with the little salad it came with. The service was fantastic. The sandwich looked really really promising. Unfortunately, it wasn't. That's why this is a three-star review.
Order was customized perfectly. Staff very nice.
My fav sandwich place. I never liked arugula, but this place has changed my mind! The arugula salad is fresh and delicious.
I. LOVE. THIS. PLACE. I used to frequent this cozy sandwich spot about 7-8 years ago when I used to work in the area. Always spot on gourmet, seasonal sandwiches and salads. Went back for the first time in years and it's still just as amazing as I remember! Hefty sandwich fillings, a perfectly paired acidic arugula salad, and laid back vibe. They don't have the baguettes anymore (not sure if pandemic-related) but TRUST ME their sandwiches are GOAT. Mendoxxxx Farms feels like a Panerx compared to Darwin. TIP: call ahead for your order. It still gets busy at lunchtime so avoid the wait!
DARWIN CAFE IS BACK. I just had a great roast beef sandwich with arugula and jalepeno corn relish. I missed them!
GREAT brunch spot. I got this lox dish and it was sooooo good. Also tried the eggs Benedict and that was excellent as well. As other reviews have said, seating is pretty limited, but if you go when it's not too busy and get to sit outside and eat...it doesn't get much better than that! Must try.
My Boyfriend told me she wanted to eat here because of its "hilarious name." I dumped her on the spot since immaturity is not acceptable in a life partner. A few days later I ate here purely out of spite against my ex. I'm glad I did.
Easily my favorite spot in the area. The food is excellent, and it's great for a coffee. I highly recommend the mozzarella baguette, challah cinnamon toast, and any of their sandwiches. Hoping you guys bring back weekend brunch!
Food is okay but coffee is not good. They have limited hours. Wish they serviced lunch earlier.
Really good sandwiches for lunch in a busy side Cafe, get there just before 12pm to beat the rush.
Restaurantji Recommends
Cute lunch spot. Perfect for grab and go though there is some seating in a partially covered patio area. Some tables are large enough to accommodate groups of 8!
First and foremost.. I am dayum fool for always walking by this place and not stopping by. I've been living all wrong. Awesome food, vibes and everything in between. If you don't know, now you know.
Great sandwiches and close enough to walk from moscone, but far enough that it wasn't overrun at peak lunch hour during a big conference.
Salads and sandwiches are all pretty great. Long lines during lunch but they move quickly and staff is super friendly.
Their recent expansion into the building next door has made it possible for small groups to enjoy their farm to table lunch right there on the spot. Usually don't have trouble finding a table if we get there by 12.15pm or after 1.30pm