01/17/09

Excellent Food! What a Gem

by OregonMushrooms

We were walking around, and we saw this place. We ordered the Salmon and New York Steak. We ate outside, what a nice night! The food was awesome! The food was cooked perfectly. There was as much french bread as you want, and the staff was very nice. i will definitely eat there again, it was worth going to.

08/22/08

Go here!

by foodieSS4K

I?ve been here before and each time, I have had a very pleasant dining experience. On top of that, did you know this restaurant is teaming up with StreetSmart4kids? It?s actually really cool what they?re doing. I just heard about how SS4K is a nonprofit organization that helps underprivileged teens stay healthy. They are running their ?Dine Out and Donate? campaign here (as well as approx. 70 other restaurants in SF) during October and early November. After having a fabulous dining experience, just fill out the donation form when paying the check (minimum donation $3). This is perfect for people like me, who love to eat out all the time and also like to give back to the community. Check it out for yourself on the StreetSmart4Kids website!

05/07/07

My Favorite Restaurant in SF!

by mllelupita

Wow, after seeing some other people's reviews I don't know if we're even talking about the same place! I have eaten at Cafe Bastille probably 30 times over the past 8 years (pretty frequently considernig I live an hour from SF). I used to live in the countryside of France and I love this bistro's down-to-earth feel all while having amazing cuisine. I've had dates there, birthdays, groups, listened to live music there... it's my favorite restaurant in SF.

I have always found the staff to be friendly and helpful, the menu has great selections and each dish is prepared with care. In the summer, sit outside and listen to the local French crowd speaking (the French embassy is just down the street). In the winter, get a table in the downstairs room inside - it's warm with great ambiance.

ALSO, a note to whomever commented about hating hostesses standing outside of restaurants - this is simply the way it's done in much of Europe; it's no reflection on the service or cuisine you'll find inside the restaurant! Remember, when you step onto Belden street, you're stepping into a little bit of Europe - not America!

• Pros: Parking/Transit, Food, Ambiance, Service, Cocktails, Wine List

04/22/07

How much worse can it be?

by smsteffy

I usually tend to avoid restaurants that need to keep a hostess in the street to attract clients (never a good sign...), but, my husband and I were hungry. The food was mediocre, the cocktails undrinkable, and the service just bearable. The table next to ours had to send 2 plates back to the kitchen... out of 4!!!

This is a ridiculous place, definitely catering tourists who will never go back given the price and the food. I feel bad for Americans trying to have a "French" dinner out, because honestly, this is not it! Tasteless - pricey food and rude staff... that was a one timer.

• Pros: French frames on the wall???
• Cons: Price, food, staff

A hangout for European expatriates, this bustling cafe feels just like a cozy Paris cafe.

by Contributor

In Short
The decor and architecture are meant to evoke a Parisian metro station, but the theme never dips into cheesiness. The interior is warm, bright and slightly funky, while outdoors, white umbrellas line the alleyway seating. Savory sweet crepes and a variety of mussel dishes are cornerstones of the typically bistro fare. The full bar has a good selection of moderately priced French and California wines.

09/12/06

The worst customer service EVER

by felleechay

I had the ABSOLUTE WORST experience with the Cafe Bastille staff. Our server was rude and impatient and left us sitting with our empty plates for over 20 minutes. Then she charged my debit card twice! The manager was unbelievably rude to me and did not credit my card even after promising to do so 3 times. I ended up contacting my bank. The food was good and I enjoyed it, but I am NEVER going back there again.

• Cons: Awful, awful service

03/04/05

My favorite restaurant!

by 7262003

When my family asked where I wanted to to for my graduation dinner, I said "Cafe Bastille!" They helped to make my whole day special. I had the steak with mushroom sauce which was a real treat. There was a whole bunch of us and they were able to accomodate us with no problem with four star service. It was a beautiful day so we sat in the alley and felt like we were on vacation somewhere else in some other time. I can't wait for my next special occasion...

• Pros: Food, Service, outside seating
• Cons: parking

03/08/04

fun

by raggedya

Brought my visiting family here, and couldn't have been more pleased. There was something for everyone on the menu, including my picky kid sister. The outside tables are the choice when weather permits, but the downstairs area is an escape to France. Even the help is imported.

• Pros: price/value, location

11/10/03

Boring Steak, Decent Frites!

by howudoinsf

Stopped by for lunch and grabbed the steak and pomme frittes for $15. Steak was grilled nicely but a bit thick and tasteless. I typically expect a thin, tasty flank or skirt steak so I was dissapointed. Frittes were decent but certainly not worth the trip. Service was fine but getting the check was slow. An ok spot for lunch but there are definitely better choices in Belden Alley...

• Pros: Cute Location
• Cons: Average Food

03/11/03

Worst Restaurant on the Block

by janehoya

We ate here one Saturday night because it was the only restaurant in Belden Place with open tables. That should have told us something. The food is mediocre. The service was good however.