Doesn't Recommend

ngardet

Joined 8 years ago

Bad service, bad food. The food was just plain awful. I ordered a salmon hash that turned out to be a plate of dry, cold and tasteless unidentified bits of food. And the server was even worse. No greeting, no help, nothing. When I asked for a (missing) fork he me gave such a look I thought he was going to beat me up or something. It took many tries to get water. No thank you, no good bye. Stay away form this place.

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jlr_1974

Joined 8 years ago

Nice brunch. Big windows make for an airy, sunny feel, and the minimalist interior is stylish yet simple. The menu, which focuses on organic choices, changes frequently. I've been there numerous times for brunch and had both the duck confit hash (excellent) and the granola with fruit and yogurt (also tasty). Service is always reliable and friendly and even when it's packed, it's not too loud.

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mij8333

Joined 9 years ago

Service saved the night!. After leaving La Suite with the worst service ever, we headed to the Universal Cafe where the extremely attentive and friendly wait-staff saved our evening. The food was delicious & the atmosphere comfortable and inviting. A++!

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porkchop888

Joined 9 years ago

A Favorite. Darn Good! Consistent, great value, service with a smile. It all makes sense. If you're indecisive, get the chicken, you can't go wrong here.

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pixigirl

Joined 10 years ago

Loved it!!. This was a very satisfying restaurant. I have been going to the Universal for about 7 years and have never had a meal I was not crazy for. Miavale's review did not make sense - he/she only gave the Universal Cafe a "6", even though she really liked the food. To deduct 4 points for "so-so" service seems a bit harsh, to say the least!

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mviale

Joined 10 years ago

great food, get a new waiter. I love this restaurent - it is consistently good, but it appears that the waiter may have issues. If you can deal with the sassiness, go for it

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stolikitty

Joined 11 years ago

A Foodie Favorite. I finally checked this restaurant out after countless of stellar reviews. I wholeheartedly agree with them. It was a terrific dining experience. The restaurant was cozy yet stylish, staff was attentive and warm, and the food was reasonably priced and best of all, delicious! The grilled squid salad was generously portioned for an appetizer. The spagehetti and meatballs (only offered for a few more weeks)and pan fried petrole sole are not too be missed. If you have a sweet tooth, get the maple syrup tart!

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dana_whitney

Joined 11 years ago

the perfect Sunday morning. great, elegant, reasonably priced breakfast. very relaxed with delicious bacon! :)

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tater_tot

Joined 11 years ago

Ideal San Francisco Dining. Whenever a friend asks where they should take visiting family or friends, I invariably suggest Universal Cafe. It's small, industrial, sleek, loud, cozy, with great solid food that highlight the individual ingredients rather than obscuring them by crowding dishes with too many flavors- it is everything one should expect at a San Francisco restaurant. At the price range of $15-$25 for entrees, this place is hard to beat. In fact, this is the best mid-priced restaurant I've found (along with Watergate). For meat lovers, their mainstay Tenderloin with Gorgonzola mashed potatoes is always deliciously reliable. Their chicken livers are outstanding, and their rotating flatbreads are always the perfect appetizer to share. Parking is also great in the Mission/Potrero Corridor.

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rredrumm

Joined 11 years ago

neighborhood gem. Universal Cafe is one of my all time favorites. It's a splurge yet casual dining experience, with kind waitstaff and comforting food. They have something for everyone and their menu, from sunday brunch to late night dinner is one of the best.