Crack Heads, Heroin Addicts, Drug dealers, Homeless using the front of MJ's for a restroom, fights, crime, shootings....MJ's has a variety of decent food, but the LOCATION is likely the cheapest rent in the entire San Francisco Area. How could any person live life knowing they operate a restaurant with SO MUCH FILTH within 10 feet of operation. Just knowing this filth is so close to my food being prepped makes me SICK. We recommend they hire a cheap security guard to keep meth heads away from normal paying customers. Cheap owners too money hungry....
Valentina Sadiul
I like this cafe. It's close to Civic Center Bart Station, so expect a lot homeless around who sometimes come inside to steal food and drinks. But, people who work there are nice, food is delicious (my favorite are eggs sandwiches with vegetables). Nice purple interior design and free Wi-Fi.
Janet V.
Wanna have coffee at this place and GHARGE YOUR LAPTOP OR PHONE , FORGET IT! They cover the 2 outletS with NO CHARGE notice ! REALLY HOW ridiculously you can be! Do not buy a thing here!!!!
Lewis C.
Nice, reliable place for lunches. They have decent selection of sandwiches on the menu. One of the few places that still has egg salad ready made - and then they custom make your egg salad sandwich w fresh bread, lettuce and tomato. Same w tuna. Or turkey and fresh avocado. You get the picture. Also have things like teriyaki chicken or curry chicken w vegetables. Service is fast and efficient. Prices are very fair for the area. Solid.
Tracy L.
Simple lunch option for anyone in the area. Got a tuna chicken salad and a bottle of water for around $6. The sandwich was filling. Seems like a good place to sit and eat/do work. They have a small salad bar, a steam table with Asian food (i.e.: teriyaki chicken, rice, etc), sushi rolls ($.95/piece, made to order), soup, and other hot Asian foods made to order. Breakfast is on the menu too. Will def go back for a quick breakfast/lunch bite. This will not break the bank is in a convenient location. Walking distance to civic center bart.
Sean R.
MJ's is one of the easy lunch choices in the Civic Center/Mid Market area. Sandwiches are made there - all pretty good. I used to get the bbq pork and teriyaki chicken lunch dish - but the meat would be so tough or hard...BUT, I got the wonton soup with bbq pork - keeps it moist. The soup is a great, very filling lunch. They also have sushi, salad bar, chips, drinks...Co-workers and I go there a couple of times a week. Staff is super friendly and remembers everyone as you come in.
Kiana D.
This place is great. The ladies here are sweet and professional. This place is budget friendly and they have great sandwiches. I like their BLT. They also have my favorite childhood drink New York Seltzer in Black Cherry and Root beer. I've be coming here a lot.
Will L.
What impressed me most was that, half an hour before closing, when I came in, everything in the salad bar was still fresh, including some very good chicken, avocados, and a choice of leafy greens. The price per pound for the salad is up to $7.25, but a pound of salad can still full you up.
Lauren S.
Good place, but too wasteful. Uses WAY too much plastic (huge plastic containers and plastic forks, spoons etc.). Also, should able organic eggs and meat - would get more customers and they are right next to the farmers market so they could shop locally. More business would come in with these changes. Buy compostable take out containers!
Jason B.
Distinctive details. In design: Purple walls and purple chairs alongside an otherwise standard deli and salad bar. In dollars: Less than $5 for a huge broiled tofu sandwich with all the fixings on a wheat roll. Less than $2 for an equally massive chocolate chip cookie. Both delicious. Space is small but there are (non purple) high chairs near the window which are perfect for enjoying food and conversation. Staff is friendly. Hot items available in addition to sandwiches. Deserves four stars.
I can't believe I'm even giving this place a star. I went and asked for the chicken noodle soup. I literally got water downed noodles and on top the weirdest looking chicken that actually looked like tofu. I couldn't eat it. Never going there again.
Ryan L.
"You have competition every day because you set such high standards for yourself that you have to go out every day and live up to that." - Michael Jordan Fitting that an MJ quote can also translate over into MJ's café. We are fortunate to be in such a city that offers such great food on every corner. We are also cursed with the fact that these said foods can also cost ya (see: cost of living. Wowza). This is where MJ's thrives. Nestled on the bustling smelly corner of McAllister and Leavenworth, you'll find MJ's veering its modest head; no chandeliers, no fancy running lights or leather couches. Instead, a wall of windows for people-watching, clean urine-free floors and an attentive staff of two behind the counter. What caught my eye was the variety of foods offered: salad bar? Breakfast all day? Sandwiches? Milk tea with tapioca? IS THAT SUSHI!? Yes. That's sushi. Where MJ's dribbles and dunks past the competition is its quality and costs. Sandwiches range from $4-$6, HUGE and just damn tasty. I had a chicken salad sandwich, which turned out to be one of the best ive had, and a large coffee which set me back $6.25. $6.25 for a tasty filling lunch in civic center? GTFO. Grab a seat at a high table by the window, watch a man who hasn't showered in 4 days dance to himself and indulge in the goodness. All in all, MJ's scored. In comparison to the 95-98 three-peat Chicago bulls, this faired more up to a Scottie Pippen but you can only win like MJ if you think like MJ.... So they're on the right path. Just please don't retire to try baseball, Cantonese women. Just keep making damn good sandwiches which make my wallet and belly smile.
James R.
I went to school behind this cafe, and went here basically everyday, now I work at the school and still go here. They have so much to offer for such low prices and they're always super friendly! Plus they give student discounts so I've taken my whole class here back in the days. I always get either a chicken salad sandwich or a California BLT with avocado, with a few side of California rolls. Everything is always fresh and satisfactory. I have yet to try everything else on the menu since I'll be sticking around longer. PS, that bacon doeee.
Susy C.
I was a big fan of Mirtille, so I'm a bit sad to see it gone. However, MJ's is decent. There is still salad, but it's now a self-serve salad bar at $6.99 / lb. Ingredients probably aren't organic and as fresh as they were when it was Mirtille but hey, there's still salad. There's also pseu-shi (generic California rolls), some pastries, won ton noodle soup and sandwiches. If you haven't figured out by now that this place is Cantonese owned and operated then the won ton noodle soup should have tipped ya off. I personally haven't tried it yet but my gf said it hit the spot on a cold day without having to trek to the grimy TL. Sandwiches are $5 and HUGE. I was only able to finish half my tuna salad sandwich on dutch crunch. they need to figure out some better logistics in regards to paying. Some folks hit up the salad bar, fix themselves a salad and then just hop on over to the cash register while I'm like HEY-O I'M IN LINE OVER HURR WITH A SAMMICH! STEP BEHIND ME! but whatevers... debit cards accepted.
Joseph N.
MJ's is the best! The salad bar has some great offerings, including some basic but satisfying sushi. The wonton soup is an amazing deal, you get a huge serving for under $6. The baked goods, especially the coffee cake, lemon bar, and blueberry crumble are off the chain. Coffee and espresso are good. Dim sum is decent if you're in need of a fix. The only thing here that's just so-so is the sandwiches. They're not bad, but you're better off going to LePettitt's for a sammich. MJ's is so consistently awesome. The service is super friendly, they keep the space clean and inviting. If you live or work in the area, I highly recommend it.
Crack Heads, Heroin Addicts, Drug dealers, Homeless using the front of MJ's for a restroom, fights, crime, shootings....MJ's has a variety of decent food, but the LOCATION is likely the cheapest rent in the entire San Francisco Area. How could any person live life knowing they operate a restaurant with SO MUCH FILTH within 10 feet of operation. Just knowing this filth is so close to my food being prepped makes me SICK. We recommend they hire a cheap security guard to keep meth heads away from normal paying customers. Cheap owners too money hungry....
I like this cafe. It's close to Civic Center Bart Station, so expect a lot homeless around who sometimes come inside to steal food and drinks. But, people who work there are nice, food is delicious (my favorite are eggs sandwiches with vegetables). Nice purple interior design and free Wi-Fi.
Wanna have coffee at this place and GHARGE YOUR LAPTOP OR PHONE , FORGET IT! They cover the 2 outletS with NO CHARGE notice ! REALLY HOW ridiculously you can be! Do not buy a thing here!!!!
Nice, reliable place for lunches. They have decent selection of sandwiches on the menu. One of the few places that still has egg salad ready made - and then they custom make your egg salad sandwich w fresh bread, lettuce and tomato. Same w tuna. Or turkey and fresh avocado. You get the picture. Also have things like teriyaki chicken or curry chicken w vegetables. Service is fast and efficient. Prices are very fair for the area. Solid.
Simple lunch option for anyone in the area. Got a tuna chicken salad and a bottle of water for around $6. The sandwich was filling. Seems like a good place to sit and eat/do work. They have a small salad bar, a steam table with Asian food (i.e.: teriyaki chicken, rice, etc), sushi rolls ($.95/piece, made to order), soup, and other hot Asian foods made to order. Breakfast is on the menu too. Will def go back for a quick breakfast/lunch bite. This will not break the bank is in a convenient location. Walking distance to civic center bart.
MJ's is one of the easy lunch choices in the Civic Center/Mid Market area. Sandwiches are made there - all pretty good. I used to get the bbq pork and teriyaki chicken lunch dish - but the meat would be so tough or hard...BUT, I got the wonton soup with bbq pork - keeps it moist. The soup is a great, very filling lunch. They also have sushi, salad bar, chips, drinks...Co-workers and I go there a couple of times a week. Staff is super friendly and remembers everyone as you come in.
This place is great. The ladies here are sweet and professional. This place is budget friendly and they have great sandwiches. I like their BLT. They also have my favorite childhood drink New York Seltzer in Black Cherry and Root beer. I've be coming here a lot.
What impressed me most was that, half an hour before closing, when I came in, everything in the salad bar was still fresh, including some very good chicken, avocados, and a choice of leafy greens. The price per pound for the salad is up to $7.25, but a pound of salad can still full you up.
Good place, but too wasteful. Uses WAY too much plastic (huge plastic containers and plastic forks, spoons etc.). Also, should able organic eggs and meat - would get more customers and they are right next to the farmers market so they could shop locally. More business would come in with these changes. Buy compostable take out containers!
Distinctive details. In design: Purple walls and purple chairs alongside an otherwise standard deli and salad bar. In dollars: Less than $5 for a huge broiled tofu sandwich with all the fixings on a wheat roll. Less than $2 for an equally massive chocolate chip cookie. Both delicious. Space is small but there are (non purple) high chairs near the window which are perfect for enjoying food and conversation. Staff is friendly. Hot items available in addition to sandwiches. Deserves four stars.
Restaurantji Recommends
I can't believe I'm even giving this place a star. I went and asked for the chicken noodle soup. I literally got water downed noodles and on top the weirdest looking chicken that actually looked like tofu. I couldn't eat it. Never going there again.
"You have competition every day because you set such high standards for yourself that you have to go out every day and live up to that." - Michael Jordan Fitting that an MJ quote can also translate over into MJ's café. We are fortunate to be in such a city that offers such great food on every corner. We are also cursed with the fact that these said foods can also cost ya (see: cost of living. Wowza). This is where MJ's thrives. Nestled on the bustling smelly corner of McAllister and Leavenworth, you'll find MJ's veering its modest head; no chandeliers, no fancy running lights or leather couches. Instead, a wall of windows for people-watching, clean urine-free floors and an attentive staff of two behind the counter. What caught my eye was the variety of foods offered: salad bar? Breakfast all day? Sandwiches? Milk tea with tapioca? IS THAT SUSHI!? Yes. That's sushi. Where MJ's dribbles and dunks past the competition is its quality and costs. Sandwiches range from $4-$6, HUGE and just damn tasty. I had a chicken salad sandwich, which turned out to be one of the best ive had, and a large coffee which set me back $6.25. $6.25 for a tasty filling lunch in civic center? GTFO. Grab a seat at a high table by the window, watch a man who hasn't showered in 4 days dance to himself and indulge in the goodness. All in all, MJ's scored. In comparison to the 95-98 three-peat Chicago bulls, this faired more up to a Scottie Pippen but you can only win like MJ if you think like MJ.... So they're on the right path. Just please don't retire to try baseball, Cantonese women. Just keep making damn good sandwiches which make my wallet and belly smile.
I went to school behind this cafe, and went here basically everyday, now I work at the school and still go here. They have so much to offer for such low prices and they're always super friendly! Plus they give student discounts so I've taken my whole class here back in the days. I always get either a chicken salad sandwich or a California BLT with avocado, with a few side of California rolls. Everything is always fresh and satisfactory. I have yet to try everything else on the menu since I'll be sticking around longer. PS, that bacon doeee.
I was a big fan of Mirtille, so I'm a bit sad to see it gone. However, MJ's is decent. There is still salad, but it's now a self-serve salad bar at $6.99 / lb. Ingredients probably aren't organic and as fresh as they were when it was Mirtille but hey, there's still salad. There's also pseu-shi (generic California rolls), some pastries, won ton noodle soup and sandwiches. If you haven't figured out by now that this place is Cantonese owned and operated then the won ton noodle soup should have tipped ya off. I personally haven't tried it yet but my gf said it hit the spot on a cold day without having to trek to the grimy TL. Sandwiches are $5 and HUGE. I was only able to finish half my tuna salad sandwich on dutch crunch. they need to figure out some better logistics in regards to paying. Some folks hit up the salad bar, fix themselves a salad and then just hop on over to the cash register while I'm like HEY-O I'M IN LINE OVER HURR WITH A SAMMICH! STEP BEHIND ME! but whatevers... debit cards accepted.
MJ's is the best! The salad bar has some great offerings, including some basic but satisfying sushi. The wonton soup is an amazing deal, you get a huge serving for under $6. The baked goods, especially the coffee cake, lemon bar, and blueberry crumble are off the chain. Coffee and espresso are good. Dim sum is decent if you're in need of a fix. The only thing here that's just so-so is the sandwiches. They're not bad, but you're better off going to LePettitt's for a sammich. MJ's is so consistently awesome. The service is super friendly, they keep the space clean and inviting. If you live or work in the area, I highly recommend it.