Mario's Bohemian Cigar Store Cafe

I’ve been coming to Mario’s every visit to San Francisco for over 40 years I was hooked from the start when I was fortunate to stop in on a cloudy, rainy day and warmed up with a cafe mocha and a focaccia sandwich. I love this cozy, friendly, corner spot on the park. I’ve shared my love of Mario’s with my wife and 2 sons who also enjoy the ambiance and offerings and location. We all wear Mario’s t-shirts. Looking forward to my next visit already!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

So this is a cool old place to catch a sandwich. Lots of history! Enjoyed sitting outside and watching the traffic and the people in the park across the street.

Tasty sandwiches. The chicken pesto panini was my favorite but loved the bread of my eggplant sandwich. Great Americano

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 3

Very good! They were about to close the kitchen but baked pizzas for us anyway.
Great music as well!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

As a third-generation San Francisco native, I’ve seen the City change a lot over the years, but I’m so grateful that Mario’s has remained a constant. It’s the epitome of old-school SF- unpretentious, welcoming, and a space everyone can feel at home.

For anyone who doesn’t know, it’s been family-owned and operated for over 50 years, and the dedication they put into their business shows.

Now, let’s talk about the FOOD!! You really can‘t go wrong with anything on their menu, it’s all so good! My personal favorites are the Chicken #2, any of the paninis seriously, the breaded eggplant, all of their salads with bacon or chicken added, and their meatball sandwich (meatballs and marinara made from scratch😍). And, don’t get me started on the heaven that is their tiramisu! I can be picky, but I’ve never had something at Mario’s that I didn’t want to eat on repeat.

I’ve seen a few comments about the service being slow at times, and I’ll say this: Mario’s is run by a small but mighty team- never more than 3 people on shift (due to limited space) - who are juggling EVERYTHING indoor and out with hustle. This isn’t fast food. It’s real food, made by a family that genuinely cares about what they put on your plate. And in all realness, if eating quality food isn’t a priority for you or you’re deeply impatient/ have attitude issues (like other reviewers sound), then go somewhere else and just have regrets later🤷‍♀️

Beyond and above all, Mario’s is more than just a café, it’s a living piece of San Francisco history. If you haven’t been yet, you should change that! Until then, you’re missing out…big time!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Meatball Sandwich, Eggplant Parmegiana, Pizza, Focaccia Basket, Meatball, Combo, House Tiramisu, Chicken Panini, Cappucino Con Vov, Breaded Eggplant, Grilled Chicken 2, Breaded Eggplant Parmesan Sandwich and Cesar Salad, Meatball Panini, Sausage Focaccia Sandwich, Carrot Cake, Meatball Sandwiches, Polenta and Sausage, Tuna

Felt like i was back home in italy, $7 peronis could be better but damn they were good

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Excellent sandwiches, drink selection and ambiance. The service was speedy despite relatively busy traffic - I was not made to feel like some forgotten afterthought but instead a priority!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Came there for drinks, got additionally amazing food, especially the focaccia (w eggplant), and left with a 10/10 merch.
Can highly recommend, vibes aber great, food amazing, drinks and coffee perfect! The place to have a drink outside and enjoy the SF atmosphere.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The food was good. Unfortunately, the staff was extremely unprofessional, unpleasant and uninterested. TERRIBLE SERVICE.
Of course I will not come back!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 1

good food poor service.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 2

Dario and the staff are great and the place is lovely. Their tiramisu is Italian approved and very much recommended

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Love their sandwiches, beer selection and tiramisu!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: House Tiramisu, Chicken Panini, Grilled Chicken 2, Meatball Panini

Everything about this place is classic old SF. I had some moment imaging all the souls who have enjoyed the view of the part and told a story about life or created a partnership. The food is a simple offering but the balance of flavors was spot on! Sammy is a humble chef that makes it happen and will build you a custom offering from us wonderful ingredients.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

North Beach Bite
Meatball meets focaccia,
sauce-stained lips and slow jazz hum—
sun breaks through the gray,
kids laugh in Washington Park.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

This place was really good. The egg plant parmesan was great and the combo was really good too!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5