Soul Food Restaurants in San Francisco, CA

“To celebrate our 27th anniversary, we went to @oldskoolcafe. The greeters, cooks and servers are all young people. Mama T opened this place to help at risk youth learn work and life skills (like how to get a license, do taxes, set a bank account). Partnering with experienced chefs, this restaurant has excellent food… and live jazz!!! We ordered the Taumoepeau Ota (think ceviche) and it was a great appetizer… light and the fish was super fresh. We had the short ribs which were super tender and had a rich gravy. We didn’t think we had room for dessert, but the lavender cheesecake and the Guittard chocolate brownie were fabulous! If you are in the city: GO! SUPPORT! ENJOY DELICIOUS FOOD!“

“Excellent service delicious food!!“

“I regularly go to their pop up booth at the Saturday farmers market behind SF Ferry Building. They are in the back plaza area near Gate C Golden Gate Ferry Terminal. Delicious, hearty breakfast sandwich with runny egg yolk if you desire that. Great customer service too.“

“Was looking for a good breakfast spot and this popped up. This little joint packs a lot of flavor in every bite. I do believe this place has the best chicken and waffles in the city. The off the porch cocktail was dangerously delicious, and I'm saying that as someone who generally never drinks alcohol, but it was incredible. We ordered the sweet creme pancake, chicken and waffles, beingets, cocktail and hash brown on the side. Everything with tip set me back a pretty penny (75$) but it was honestly worth every cent, and today's meal was definitely a splurge (without the beignets and cocktail, I would have saved myself $20).
Considering they offer $22 by steak and eggs, I think that's the cheapest I've seen it anywhere, so please, get what you can afford here, as you won't be sorry.
Fried chicken was drippingly moist, tender and well seasoned. Waffles were fluffy and went perfect with the maple butter. Pancake tasted like a slice of fresh cake, fried eggs and bacon were on point, and hash browns didn't even need ketchup as they were perfectly fluffy and crispy, just needed a touch of salt and pepper. My chicken and waffles came out last and a little longer than everything else, but it was worth the wait, as the chicken was clearly fresh from the fryer.
Service is more help yourself: for the coffee they gave us a mug to go grab our own from an airpot (slightly sour, which suggested a lighter roast; not bad, but not great 'diner' coffee, but palatable with our meal enough for a free refill). You order at the front and help yourself to cutlery and water at the back. There's a bathroom (single room, air dryer, gender neutral), the walls are beautifully painted with a proudly black woman theme, and the tables are primarily benches or metal garden furniture seating. All tables accommodate 4-6 adults, but table sharing seems okay here too. If driving here, parking can be a little difficult, but coming on a Sunday meant no payment which was nice, and we found a spot relatively fast and nearby on the main street. Otherwise, plenty of public transit options are very close.
If you're looking for a giant fluffy PANcake, an amazing chicken and waffles, or just looking for a great cocktail, stop by this place and you won't regret it. Splurge if you can, too, cus the sides are all incredibly worth it.“

“Great food and music. Xxx.“

“Small intimate spot. Very friendly staff fast service and ordering wasn't an issue an as soon as you place your order it goes in so foods coming out very very timely manner! S/O to ochoCinco we came because of his mention on nightcap! Great recommendation it was very very good! The gentleman with the Dreeds lightskin brother was fantastic a the Spanish server as well everyone solid! I'll be back!“

“We ordered fried chicken, mac and cheese, greens, and yams for our work Black History Month event, and everything was absolutely delicious! The food arrived hot, fresh, and perfectly prepared.

It added such a special touch to our celebration and gave attendees a wonderful taste of soul food that truly complemented the spirit of the event. Guests were going back for seconds and thirds — which says it all! 😊

Rome himself delivered the food right on time and provided excellent customer service. He was professional, friendly, and made the entire experience seamless.

Thank you for helping make our event memorable — we will definitely be ordering again“

“The food was very delicious! I loved everything I ordered! Ribs, beef brisket, chicken, potato salad, Mac-N-Cheese, and sausage! I highly recommend eating here.“