02/23/09

Great food,Great People, Great Atmosphere

by Levi2009

Need a yo-yo and a coffee? Want to look at vintage Pewee Herman toys while eating a delicious slice of cheesecake? Toy Boat Dessert Cafe has got you covered.

?I love sitting here drinking my coffee and looking at all the random toys they have everywhere, there is a bunch of vintage stuff here that is really great,? said Brian Ortega, 20, a customer of the cafe.

The corner cafe is located at 401 Clement Street in the Inner Richmond District of San Francisco. It is decorated with toys and collectables from movies and cartoons throughout various periods of American pop culture. The items are strewn about the cafe on display, but many are also for sale.

Many customers of the Cafe love it for the eclectic, kitschy vibe created by the toys. ?It is one of my favorite cafes in the city,? said Tyler Jones, 32, ?It is so unique and charming. Seems like most small businesses here have two things to market so they can make it. I love the combination of the things here.?

Others love the cafe for the food and service. ?I love this place; they have great food and friendly service,? Said Stephanie Hilbert, 25. ?There is no other place in this neighborhood where I feel like I could waste the day hanging out reading a book inside with good company and good food.?

Ortega also noted, ?The people who work here are hot, man. Good food and good looking people always get me.?

One of those people, Chelsea Castillo, a waitress/cashier/barista of the cafe said, ?I love working here! People are always so excited about the toys. There are a bunch of happy families that come in and generally the customers are always nice.?

06/20/08

Do it for the atmosphere

by tlorenz

Though there's nothing incredibly unique about the desserts or food offered at Toy Boat, it's worth coming here just for the restaurant: the plethora of toys and bright colors make your ice cream sundae that much more special. This is a great place to go with a date after a movie, or just go with friends to chat over espresso and ice cream. I personally favor the banana split: so much hot chocolate sauce and ice cream you NEED to split it with someone else. Just the ambiance of this place puts me in a great mood. The sugar probably doesn't hurt either :)

• Pros: Atmosphere

03/21/07

LOVE!!

by baychick

Toy Boat is a fun, cute neighborhood place that serves up quality fare along with a friendly, kitchy vibe. They have an impressive menu of specialty blended smoothies and fresh made-to-order sandwiches, along with delicious desserts and trademark ice creams and milkshakes. The tiny corner restaurant is loaded with toys, collectables, 90s-era product t-shirts, and even has a rocking horse. There are a few booths and little tables perfect for enjoying a hearty lunch or sweet snack. This family-owned shop is a true SF gem - make sure to stop by sometime.

• Pros: ambience, friendly service, laid-back vibe, great food and desserts, large selection
• Cons: parking can be tough, the place is pretty small

This Inner Richmond toy-themed sweet haven is filled with tasty treats and cartoon collectibles.

by Gina Goff

Serving up countless confections (think frozen bananas, affogato, ice cream sandwiches, heaped waffle cones and slices of cake) and some gourmet sandwiches, this colorful retro cafe is an eyeful and a mouthful. An old-fashioned coin-operated mechanical horse usually topped with over-sugared children is a focal point amid the tables and shelves of cartoon action figures. While you're waiting for your double-scoop Double Rainbow ice cream, peruse the whimsical selection of vintage toys--nothing better than a stick-on mustache to complement your mint chip sundae.