Welcome to Cafe 101
Cafe 101, located at 1600 Holloway Ave in San Francisco, is a vibrant coffee spot beloved by the local community, particularly students from SFSU. With a diverse menu featuring organic coffee, delectable pastries like donuts and croissants, and even vegan options, it’s an ideal destination for both quick caffeine fixes and leisurely treats. Customers rave about the quick service, ample seating, and reasonably priced items like the rich espresso and unique affogato with ube ice cream. Despite occasional lines, the quality and flavor make every visit worthwhile. Definitely a gem for anyone seeking a warm, welcoming atmosphere!
- 1600 Holloway Ave, San Francisco, CA 94132, United States1600 Holloway Ave, San Francisco, CA 94132, United States Hotline: +1 415-338-3469
Welcome to Cafe 101, your cozy gem nestled in the heart of San Francisco at 1600 Holloway Ave. This cafe isn't just a place to grab a quick drink; it's a welcoming hub for both the caffeine aficionado and the casual sipper. With a menu that caters to diverse palates, Cafe 101 stands out with its range of offerings—from robust espressos to soothing non-caffeinated beverages.
One of the highlights of Cafe 101 is their delightful selection of pastries. Customer reviews rave about the fresh donuts, scrumptious muffins, and flaky croissants that make for perfect companions to your beverage of choice. The variety is impressive, and whether you're in the mood for something sweet or savory, you’ll find it here. Vegetarian and vegan options are also available, ensuring inclusivity for all dietary preferences.
Many visitors commend the quick service even during peak hours, which is a lifesaver during the busy morning rush before classes. The ample seating makes it easy to enjoy your drink and snack casually or to buckle down with a laptop. Customers like Roger Bland appreciate the affordability compared to bigger chains, declaring it cheaper than Starbucks—without losing the quality and flavor. The friendly baristas add warmth to the environment, making it a favorite spot among the SFSU community.
On the beverage front, the coffee at Cafe 101 garners much praise for its flavor. With beans that are organic and an espresso that boasts a rich, balanced taste, it's no surprise caffeine lovers are frequenting this local haunt. Neal's experience with the affogato—a delightful combo of espresso and ube ice cream—highlights just how exciting the menu can be. Here, the quality-price ratio shines, offering incredible values amidst the high-priced landscape of San Francisco.
However, it’s important to note that while most experiences are delightful, there have been a few bumps regarding order accuracy, particularly with customized drinks. For those with dietary restrictions, it’s advisable to confirm your requests, as consistency can sometimes falter.
As you explore Cafe 101, make sure to dive into their adventurous offerings, like the vegan banana nut bread or the elusive vegan breakfast wrap, which have become must-tries among regulars. With a friendly atmosphere, fair prices, and a commitment to quality, this cafe is more than just a stop; it’s a community staple where great moments are brewed, one cup at a time.
So whether you’re stopping by for a quick coffee before class or settling in for a leisurely afternoon chat with friends, Cafe 101 promises a delightful experience that celebrates the love for good food and good company.

Great stop for caffeine or non-caffeine drinks here. They sell a range of different pastries including donuts, muffins, and croissants. Lines can get long especially when 9 a.m. classes are about to start but service is quick. Seating is also plentiful.

Cheaper than Starbucks. They don't ask my name every time I order a latte. And they have several vegan items! The servers are very polite. An asset to the SFSU community.

Great coffee, pastries, and ice cream at fair prices. There's usually a line here and for good reason: it's worth the wait. I had a single shot affogato with ube ice cream. The espresso was great and the ube ice cream was tasty too. A biscotto (a piece of biscotti) was placed on top. The price was 4.25, which is great considering that you can be charged 5 for just a scoop of ice cream in some parts of San Francisco. I've been here before for mango ice cream and espresso con panna, both of which were inexpensive and tasty. They serve Mitchell's ice cream, which is local, and their espresso has a rich flavor and isn't very bitter, plus all their coffee is organic. Finding a place to enjoy their items isn't an issue, because there's plenty of seating nearby.

I love their coffee but it has been 3 times that I have asked for soy milk on my cappuccino but I get it with regular cows milk. I had very bad symptoms, my stomach was super upset since I'm lactose intolerant. They need to be more careful with making sure they use the milk that their clients ask for.

I've only been on campus for 2 days and I've ordered their drinks and vegan banana nut bread for both. I got a mocha and vanilla latte, both with almond milk and no whipped cream. Both vegan and delicious! Truly, I'm just waiting for the day I can try their vegan breakfast wrap (it's always out of stock) and other vegan pastries.

Located in the Cesar Chavez Student Center @ San Francisco State University(SFSU). Small cafe with huge selections of items for breakfast, lunch & even snacks. Spacious area for social hangouts!!