Welcome to TJ Cafe
At TJ Cafe, we blend the warmth of a cozy, beachside eatery with an eclectic menu that spans breakfast delights, mouthwatering fish and chips, and gourmet burgers. Located just steps from Ocean Beach in San Francisco, our story is rooted in providing comforting, high-quality food at affordable prices. From our crispy panko-breaded fish and chips to the bountiful breakfast options like our artisan breakfast sandwich, each dish is crafted with care. We pride ourselves on swift service and a welcoming atmosphere, making TJ Cafe the perfect spot to unwind and savor deliciousness. Join us for a taste of nostalgia and culinary creativity that will have you coming back for more.
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724 La Playa St, San Francisco, CA 94121 Hotline: (415) 702-6286
Welcome to TJ Cafe, an establishment that brings a delightful fusion of traditional comfort and modern taste right to the heart of San Francisco. Located at 724 La Playa St, just a stone's throw from the scenic Ocean Beach, this cozy spot has become a cherished destination for both locals and visitors alike. With its diverse menu featuring scrumptious fish & chips, mouthwatering burgers, and hearty breakfast & brunch options, TJ Cafe serves as a perfect haven for those looking to satiate their appetites in a laid-back atmosphere.
First, let's talk about the star of the show: the fish & chips. Many diners, like Albert H., have been pleasantly surprised by their expertly crafted three-piece fish and chips. With a light, crispy panko crust and perfectly cooked fish, this dish is not just a meal; it’s a culinary experience. The fries, though requiring a sprinkle of salt, are the ideal accompaniment, adding a satisfying crunch to every bite. The fast service adds extra points to this already appealing dish, ensuring you spend less time waiting and more time enjoying your meal.
Moving on to the burgers, the California Turkey Cheese Burger deserves an honorable mention. This wholesome creation blends ground turkey with crispy bacon, melted cheese, and fresh veggies—satisfying cravings without overwhelming your palate. A review from Amy G. highlights how the grilled cheesesteak is equally noteworthy, emphasizing the soft, toasted bread that perfectly holds together a harmonious balance of flavors.
The breakfast menu is as enticing as their other meals. From the savory Croissant Breakfast Sandwich to the robust Veggie Burrito, there’s something for everyone. The standout would be the Bountiful Breakfast, which offers a harmonious trio of warm eggs, seasoned potatoes, and your choice of breakfast meat. As reviewed by Evelyn L., the affordability and taste of these items make them hard to resist, anchoring TJ Cafe as a must-visit spot for brunch enthusiasts.
The café's cozy ambiance, adorned with a touch of nostalgia, invites you to relax and enjoy your meal at a comfortable pace. Patrons rave about the friendly service that goes above and beyond, turning a casual meal into a wonderful dining experience. Tanya K. affectionately describes it as a great date night spot, which speaks to the inviting nature of the environment.
In conclusion, TJ Cafe combines quality ingredients, warm service, and a relaxed vibe that makes it a standout in San Francisco's food scene. So, whether you’re a local or just passing through, make sure to explore the tantalizing offerings at TJ Cafe—your taste buds will thank you!
I'm usually wary of restaurants that serve fish and chips that don't specialize in fish and chips, so I didn't expect TJ Cafe's three piece fish and chips to blow my mind as much as it did. Dude. These are insane. They were crisp, light, and flavorful, everything you'd expect good fish and chips to be, and more. They weren't battered the traditional way, rather breaded with panko crumbs, which I think was a superb choice. The fries were nice and crispy, but they don't come with salt, so you'll have to put it on yourself if you like that way. Not to mention the food arrived much faster than expected. Overall, a lovely place, lovely food. Everything is well priced, the ambience is very nostalgic. The fact that I took a chance with the most risky thing on the menu and it came out amazing speaks to the quality of the rest of the menu. Did I also mention it's like a minute from the beach? 5 stars
Came by at 4PM on Thanksgiving after a family walk through Lands End to grab a snack, so happy we stopped in!! I feel like I've discovered my new go-to place for beach sandwiches over here. Had a Western Grilled Cheesesteak and it was so fresh and hot. The bread was soft, sweet, and nicely toasted. Perfect balance of meat, cheese, and veggies too. These are also my favorite kind of fries - they remind me of my local diner from back home. They came fresh out of the fryer and paired so well with cold ketchup! Staff were so sweet and kind, especially for working on Thanksgiving. Very grateful for them and hope they got to celebrate afterwards!!
It's a fantastic fusion with unparalleled authenticity.a great date night! Four stars due to limited seating.
Got the BLAST sandwich with mayo and toasted white bread. It was great for the price. I just wished they salted their fries. Not a big deal as there were packets of salt on the table for me to season my own fries. The waitress was kind and polite. I'm not the type to care about ambiance if the food is good. I'd come back again for sure.
Awesome food and super friendly staff! We just went today for an early dinner/late lunch and not only were items really affordable, they were super tasty. We all got burgers and a club sandwich, with some tea. The cafe is smaller but very cozy and sweet; we definitely had a great time. The lady who helped us out was sooo sweet too . Definitely coming back if we're in the area
Fantastic food especially for such a great price. I'll definitely be back. Such a comfort to be here and love the vibes. Also super fast service and great staff! Will be back.
It was actually pretty good for what it was. Went to the gym and didn't want a burger, but will that next time. If ppl wanted gourmet, not sure why they step in here the first place. They were pretty friendly as well.
Remember that old chestnut from Britney Spears, "I'm Not a Girl, Not Yet a Woman"? Well, this spot could sing a sequel, "I'm Not a Fast Food Joint, Not Yet a Cafe". it feels like something in between way out on La Playa near Ocean Beach. It's the last residential street before you hit the Great Highway and a convenient place to grab a lunch before embarking on a cross-city walk. There are quite a few breakfast and burger choices on the menu - though I focused exclusively on their sandwiches on my two visits here (so far). For my virginal meal, I went for the $11.95 B.L.A.S.T. which was a BLT with the addition of avocado and alfalfa sprouts stuffed between two slices of sourdough toast. It was homey goodness with a side of potato salad (photo: https://bit.ly/3PAPeP1). I liked how small and uniform the potatoes were diced. It's the little things, y'know. On my second visit, I tried a perennial favorite, the $11.95 Tuna Melt on sourdough toast. I went with the fries this time (photo: https://bit.ly/3PAQstV). There was a bit too much mayo in the melt, and the fries had a bit of that thawed texture (but nothing a little ketchup can't hide). It just hit the spot when I needed it. What can I say? FOOD - 4 stars...sammies like my mama used to make, she didn't trim the crust either AMBIANCE - 3 stars...definitely a fast food vibe SERVICE - 4 stars...attentive TOTAL - 4 stars...when something modest will do RELATED - Exploring the Outer Richmond? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: http://bit.ly/2HvkBu7
I got a breakfast burrito here. Was it mindblowing? No. But it was pretty darn good. And for less than $9 (about 8 with credit card fee) it is a STEAL for San Francisco. Service is friendly and genuine. Any time I am in Ocean Beach I think I will come here to get my no-nonsense, cheap food. Note cheap doesn't mean bad, like Cookout would (no shade to the Southeast.) The potatoes in my breakfast burrito were real and definitely not from a packet, the salsa vibrant and fresh (I do wish there was more of it) and the eggs were fluffy and plentiful. It was a pocket of warm, cheesy love. Parking is around the area, it's a short walk from the beach as well. There is some seating but better yet, take it to the beach and enjoy.