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Old Skool Cafe is a non-profit restaurant in San Francisco serving international soul food, featuring live music, all run by our at-risk youth staff. The mission of this place is, of course, the reason it exists – but here’s the thing, it’s absolutely a really good dining experience just on those terms. We’ve probably been six or seven times now, and it is consistently enjoyable. The young wait staff are always charming, the drinks are great, and the food is well-prepared and really good. (We keep coming back to the short ribs and fried chicken, but I think I need to try the shrimp next time.) Plus, up-and-coming young jazz musicians to set the mood! If you’re on the fence – just go already. You’ll love it and you’ll tell your friends.
Nonprofit supper club run by at-risk youth offering global soul food menu in 1940s-inspired setting.
Hours
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | 5–9 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | 5–9 PM |
| Thursday | 5–9 PM |
Address and Contact Information
Address: 1429 Mendell St, San Francisco, CA 94124
Phone: (415) 822-8531
Website: https://www.oldskoolcafe.org/reservations-and-location-google
Menu Photos
Order and Reservations
Reservations: oldskoolcafe.orgopentable.comtripleseat.com
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Old Skool Cafe – San Francisco
Old Skool Cafe is a youth-run, jazz-themed restaurant in San Francisco. Enjoy international soul food and live jazz. Old Skool Cafe is a non-profit.
Menu – Old Skool Cafe
… 1429 Mendell Street San Francisco, CA 94124 · parking information · 415.822.8531 · [email protected]. Copyright ©2025 Old Skool Cafe. All rights reserved …
Old Skool Cafe | Soul Food in SF (@oldskoolcafe) – Instagram
⭐️ Wednesday – Saturday, 5 – 9 PM Live Jazz 415-822-8531 www.oldskoolcafe.org/reservations 1429 Mendell St, San Francisco.
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Reviews
Kayla Fong
Exceptional food and service. I especially enjoyed the live jazz band. I hope everyone gets to experience Old Skool Cafe. Highly recommend the Tongan Oto appetizer. Gumbo was also fire. The last time I came, I had the fried chicken. The food does not disappoint! Vibes were 10/10.
… moreMatt Dowis
Yes. Everything about this place. The vibe. The jazz music. The incredible food. The Zoot-suited staff. The story behind it. It’s all exceptional.
Do NOT sleep on this place. Seriously, do not.
For drinks, I highly recommend their French 75 and the Sidecar.
For starters, the flaky catfish and the brussel sprouts.
For Mains, the pork chop or the fried chicken.
And for dessert, either the date cake or the lavender cheesecake.
… moreDo NOT sleep on this place. Seriously, do not.
For drinks, I highly recommend their French 75 and the Sidecar.
For starters, the flaky catfish and the brussel sprouts.
For Mains, the pork chop or the fried chicken.
And for dessert, either the date cake or the lavender cheesecake.
Alice Garner
Incredible experience here! The service was on point and the servers were so friendly and attentive! We ordered appetizers and listened to live jazz and it was the perfect environment with a cozy, elegant atmosphere!! we really appreciated how well cooked the shrimp was and how spicy the sauce was with abundance of flavor!! The crostinis were delicious and the server graciously offered to bring us more when she realized that we had to run out!
This is more than just a restaurant. This is an entire community mutual aid fund. You are supporting to care for the broader wellness of youth and empower those to break the cycle of incarceration & poverty!!!
We will definitely be coming back for more food, lovely, jazz, and the impeccable ambience !!
… moreThis is more than just a restaurant. This is an entire community mutual aid fund. You are supporting to care for the broader wellness of youth and empower those to break the cycle of incarceration & poverty!!!
We will definitely be coming back for more food, lovely, jazz, and the impeccable ambience !!
Ryan Himmelsbach
Such a cool place! The food was delicious, and the staff is so friendly. It also offers job training and support for at risk youth!
… moreDaria Smith
First time in SF and it was a great way to end the Mother’s Day trip. I love the mission and purpose of OSC but the food and ambience made me love it even more! I had the Peanut Butter Stew and it was packed with flavor! Date cake for dessert was so delicious. I wanted to try everything on the menu!
… moreSea Kelp
True gem in SF – get transported to 1920s speakeasy w live music and superb southern style menu dishes. Stunning chandeliers & decorations for a supper club experience you will not forget. Highly recommend the New Orleans style BBQ Jerk shrimp w crostini as a Starter and the fried chicken and/or short rib entrees. Staff are friendly efficient and will make you feel like part of the family. Great selection of mocktails as well as wine and cocktails menu. Will be back again soon.
… moreNatalia Martinez
Everything was incredible. The food was insanely good. Everything we had – the shrimp, brussels sprouts, gumbo, mac and cheese, fried chicken and date cake (a must) – was perfectly cooked and had well balanced flavor. They even brought us these sweet potato biscuits that were probably the best biscuits I’ve ever had. The service was fantastic too – all of the servers were so friendly and attentive from the moment we got there to leaving. They had live music which was the cherry on top of a really nice dinner. Would highly recommend!
… morePete Jollymour
Walk through this magical hallway, back in time to enjoy a cozy jazz club, while enjoying a fantastic dinner experience, served up with the heart and soul of a beautiful family of young women and men. Amazing. ….and if that’s not enough, open up the website and read their story.
… moreRia
Ambiance is great but the live music from the upper terrance can to be a loud contrast, a mixture of soft and upbeat music could be better.
My chicken was far too salty possibly being brined then seasoned with salty spices hence the 3 stars.
Rarely drinks can be off so you need the sharp senses of your palate.
The young people there are wonderful, extremely well-groomed and you will find them deserving of your patronage and gratuity.
Upstairs is a must see victorian parlor like begging you to step back into time.
Old School is a pleasant surprise that delights the eyes, palate and hearing. It’s a remarkable and beautiful reminiscent speakeasy! Visit them, you will return.
Be mindful that the wonderful staff have lives and need rest but they can’t leave til all diners have exited the restaurant.
Ria likes this place!
… moreMy chicken was far too salty possibly being brined then seasoned with salty spices hence the 3 stars.
Rarely drinks can be off so you need the sharp senses of your palate.
The young people there are wonderful, extremely well-groomed and you will find them deserving of your patronage and gratuity.
Upstairs is a must see victorian parlor like begging you to step back into time.
Old School is a pleasant surprise that delights the eyes, palate and hearing. It’s a remarkable and beautiful reminiscent speakeasy! Visit them, you will return.
Be mindful that the wonderful staff have lives and need rest but they can’t leave til all diners have exited the restaurant.
Ria likes this place!
Robert Watson
Three of us went last night, had a great time. Atmosphere is like a smaller version of Bix.
All the food was great, the mushroom soup of the day was especially good. Bar made some mean cocktails and mocktails.
Staff were polite, efficient and attentive without being intrusive you can’t say that about some downtown restaurants let alone one set up as a training ground for young people. Highly recommended.
… moreAll the food was great, the mushroom soup of the day was especially good. Bar made some mean cocktails and mocktails.
Staff were polite, efficient and attentive without being intrusive you can’t say that about some downtown restaurants let alone one set up as a training ground for young people. Highly recommended.