Mario's Bohemian Cigar Store and Cafe Reviews

Great sandwiches, but that's it.

Whenever I am in San Francisco, I always try to go to Mario’s for either lunch or a light dinner. The small space (about seven tables indoor + counter, and another four or five small tables outdoors) allows for good interaction among the customers and the chance to smell the wonderful aromas coming out of the oven. The focaccia bread sandwiches are wonderful. Although the staff can be hit or miss depending on the day, it’s worth it simply for the food, the old-world ambiance, and the ability to enjoy the view of Washington Square Park while eating.

This small restaurant in North Beach is popular among locals, who can be frequently found enjoying a glass of wine or a cup of cappuccino. My pleasure is to order the pressed Italian meatball sandwich on onion focaccia with a side of marinara for dipping. It's one of the best sandwiches around. It will also fortify you for walking up and down the streets of nearby Telegraph Hill.

We loved this little slice of Little Italy. We went for a coffee and to avoid the rain (yes rain!) and did an awful lot of people watching. Perfectly situated across the park it is in a hive of activity, perfect for watching the world go by. Visiting the loo showed a grungier side but we loved the old photographs seeing groups of all men playing cards around the same tables and old Mario himself making the coffee. Speaking of which for us it was super bitter but that could be how Americans like it? We are used to smooth coffee with no bitter aftertaste. We ended the atmosphere, the genuine waiting staff and the view out the window. Menu looked fantastic too!

Stumbled across this place and found some great food for lunch and a bit of wine. Lively atmosphere with an Italian/American feel. Staff friendly, and popular with locals.

This is a tiny place, with maybe 5 or 6 tables. We stopped in for a drink and to have a little sit down, after traipsing all over SFO. I was surprised to find that they actually serve food at this quaint little place! Although we didn't eat (it was about 4 pm), we did enjoy the coziness of the place (it was breezy and cool outside). It is located just across from a large church and park, where families were playing with their kids and dogs. It was a nice scene to watch while enjoying our drinks. I'd like to come back here again and try the food.

Mario's Bohemian Cigar Store and Café is an old school North Beach treasure. Grab a window seat and watch the world go by!

We came here for dinner in our twenties and loved it as a cheap, honest Italian bar. And it's still there 20 years later doing the same thing! Loved the vibe, the food (lasagne and eggplant parmigiana) and the beer. Highly recommended. It is small though!

Well, maybe that's exaggerating but I go to Mario's every time I'm in San Francisco and always have the same thing, even though the meatball sandwich also looks enticing. Your wine is in little cups, no silly wineglasses here. It's very authentic Italy to me.

While out exploring San Francisco, we decided to grab lunch in North Beach. We wandered past places and looked at menus at about 2:00 p.m. Most places were empty, but I happened to look up and notice Mario's. There were people inside and out. It was such a pleasant surprise-enjoyed a great panini and Italian soda.

This is a great place for a sandwich - Italian focaccia. My wife and I sat outside on the plastic chairs and enjoyed people watching in Washington Square while we eat our delicious sandwiches!

We love to visit places away from the tourist centre. To eat at the Fisherman's wharf is like eating at the picadilly circus in London. Therefore we loved this little bar. It's very small, but the food is really good. We had panini and sandwich. The service in the afternoon, where we were just heading for a drink, was nice. I think this was the boss himself. In the evening, it was ok. Sometimes we thought that the girl didn't like her job. Overall a very nice place and not to miss on your San Francisco visit.

Ordered a pint and a half of beer. The barman gave me a pint. I asked for the half pint and he came back with possibly the smallest glass he could find. The table next to us seemed to have a similar experience, so it wasn’t a one off.

Full of charm and one the best locations in North Beach across from Washington Square. A good place to hang out and talk read the newspaper for whatever electronic equitpmett your using..

Just wandered in while in the neighborhood. Cannelloni and salad were good. Pleasantly surprised. Would recommend Friendly staff

Just a cool old fashioned diner type of coffee shop. The type of place where you sip down cup after cup of coffee and hang out a while. Perfect location, facing washington park, right on columbus. I met many good people there and always had a good time. The staff are funny and always friendly.

Very hard working team does great job keeping food coming in this small, neighborhood sandwich shop with bar feel. Three of us ordered the meatball toasted sandwich. Can't understate this as we've had meatball sandwiches from many delis in 25 years of "I married a picky New Yorker" marriage. This meatball sandwich was perfection. Meatballs must be made from hand ground meat - perfect seasoning. Just enough cheese and sauce and - this part is hard - perfect crisp bread that doesn't overwhelm the sandwich. Eat with your hands and then a fork to not miss every bite. It takes time to make though and the staff sets clear expectations. If you're in a hurry - go to chipotle and don't take it out on the staff. Have a beer. Or have a great seltzer or other Italian soda. Talk with locals at the bar. Talk to the staff and wait... They are hardworking young people who are positive and proud of their city. Such a nice lunch. Note - Not a very handicap friendly bathroom so keep that in mind. Tiny.

Cigars might be here, but I haven't found them yet 🙉🙊🙈 what I have found is an amazing Panini Meatball Sandwich, with a few pepperocini ...it's made with Liguria's Focaccia. Classic SF a North Beach Character…so the service is great or not…deal with it for the great ambience and food!

My husband and I went here looking for a small breakfast and we were impressed! Mid morning it appeared to be a local crowd. We both had a breakfast panini and agreed they were delicious. Had a couple coffee drinks, the best being cappuccino with VoV. I had never heard of this before, being a proud Italian I was surprised I have lived my life without this simply amazing liqueur made from eggs commonly used for homemade zabaglione I was told. Small place that doesn't look like much from the outside, but try it, it's great!

Mario's has been here forever, and it provides an authentic North Beach atmosphere. Cafe Trieste and Mario's are the OG cafes in the area, and both are generally not very touristy. Mario's is a great place to sit and ready your book, have an espresso, and people watch.

We wanted to have some coffee next to the park and saw the tables outside Mario's. We were helped right away and allowed to take our time enjoying the coffee and the "people-watching" at the park. Our cappuccino was beautifully served... see picture.

We had a trio of sunset colored Italian sodas and an oven baked meatball sandwich. Great place for a snack and a view!

We went to get out of the cold and ended up having the best coffee we had in San Francisco and LA. Really friendly staff. Highly recommended

We live in San Francisco and stop into Mario's frequently for a cheap carafe of wine and some lasagna. Always great atmosphere whether day or night, rain or shine. When the sun is out nothing better to sit outside across from Washington Square park. Some of the best people watching in North Beach.

Walked in looking for a cup of coffee, sat down at the bar where a few empty seats were. Figured they may be busy, but the place didn't look so full. Sat there for at least 10 mins thinking I was invisible. Finally walked out went a couple shops up and got my coffee within 1 minute of entering CAFEE ROMA! Mario's lost my business before they ever got it.

I have their hot panini with mozzarella, basil and tomato and it is cooked to perfection and delicious every time. Great to have a reasonably priced lunch option in SF.

Better late than never review! We visited SF early September 2022 when the weather hot and we found this gem by chance. Great place to have a coffee, a snack or something more substantial but great to have a cold beer after a long day during the heat. Prices were good compared to other bar prices. Just wished we lived closer to visit again!

Stopped in to Mario's for an Americano and also picked up a latte. Great service, great latte at really reasonable prices for the Bay Area!!

The staff of three was very friendly and extremely hard working. The place is small, so you just have to stand by the door until a table or a seat at the bar opens up. We did not wait more than five minutes. I was impressed at how careful one of the servers was to not touch the piece of cake she was serving with her hands. This just shows that the standard of cleanliness is high - restaurant hygiene is something that is very important to me. We had the pizza which was great and the focaccia sandwiches looked amazing. I'm not really sure why it was called a cigar store, because I didn't see any cigars for sale. It was very busy, which is a good sign, and it also wasn't loud. We had to wait a little while for food, but it is expected given the small staff. I definitely suggest it!

We went there for coffee and biscotti after dinner. It's a very quaint and cute place with outdoor seating as well. It's a good place for people watching.

Excellent salads, pizzas and paninis. Staff was very helpful and friendly. Small, cozy place full of character. Prices are very reasonable. Desserts were great too! Will definitely stop here on my next trip.

Delicious meat and bread. A little taste of Italy. Not alot of seating but definetly worth a stop if your in Washington Square. Glad I stopped here. I would have truly missed out.

A most enjoyable local, which is most welcoming to visitors. Made us feel as if we lived in the neighbourhood, so we felt at home straight away. We received great service and great food on both our evening visits. Can highly recommend the focaccia oven sandwiches, we tried both chicken 1 & 2, both scrummy. An excellent place to unwind after a busy day sightseeing and we shall return often next time we visit San Fran.

Great hot sandwiches.

Recommended by ‘elevator operator’ at Coit Tower we headed over. We sat inside, cozy but comfortable. Favorable vibe and ambiance. A true local gem. The Meat Ball sandwich was superb, Chicken #2 was good both on great Focaccia. Good selection of beverages including beer on tap. Solid lattes.

Don't let the name fool you! If you want a delicious, flavorful focaccia sandwich (we had both the chicken and the eggplant sandwiches) in a simple little cafe with hard wooden chairs, windows that look out at the park across the street, and surrounded by a vibrant neighborhood, then check out Mario's Bohemian Cigar Store Cafe. Very friendly wait-staff and the wait time for the food was not too long. It is situated on an angled corner in North Beach at the corner of Union Street and Columbus Avenue, and muni bus #30, for one, stops right across the street at Washington Square. Lots already written about this find, so it's no surprise to see another write-up!

I've been going to Mario's since 1987 and made it a point to visit again during my recent vacation...Here's what you need to know to have the perfect experience: Go at off-hours - it's tiny and you don't want to wait for a table and you don't want to feel guilty for lingering whilst hungry patrons press their little noses against the glass looking wistfully at your empty cups and plates. Order the following - a combo focaccia (enough for two) sandwich. ONLY the combo - you won't be disappointed. The ingredients are not for the faint of heart or weak of heart, but once won't kill you unless your bypass is scheduled for the next day. Add a capuccino, the best anywhere, or a glass of red wine, which will be served in a low highball glass. Bring a book or the local paper. Lounge. Imagine the old days when there was a foosball table in the back corner and Mario was behind the bar from time to time. Listen to the locals at the bar. Check out the tattoos on the bartender. Watch the people at the park. Admire the local doggies. Rethink your colorful wardrobe in a city where black, gray, and olive are what the natives are wearing. Be damn glad you've scored a table and the perfect meal at one of the great institutions in a city full of traditions. Finish up with plans to hit the Italian bakery up the street for tiramisu or a cannoli. Feel a little smug! You've earned it!

Great paninis

FORGET what any Brit says since their taste is not in there mouths. i'v been eating and drinking there for decades. Always good, affordable and always zan. THAT'S SAN FRANCISCO NORTH BEACH FOR YOU.

We stoped here for a little light snack and a beer. The cakes where amazing and the bar staff where really nice and chatty

Headed to another restaurant and passed this one and food looked good so we stopped in. Delicious sandwiches and great service. Only 2 employees and at least 12 tables and a bar. Very courteous, quick, and very good food!

Little snacks and light meals are offered. The service is great and the staff are very friendly. The panini's are a wonderful and the coffee is great too!

Great sandwiches and a friendly bartender. Wish we could return but our travels have taken us elsewhere. We were recommended to go for lunch but went after the theatre and it was perfect!

It's a little bar/restaurant with a funny name, but the panini's are really good. My son loves their sandwiches. We like to sit at the counter and watch the guy cook on a small oven and tight counter but turning out great sandwiches.

Really nice proper pub. Surrounded by happy photos and good music. Lots of characters nice beers in tap. And the food is fantastic. A place of calm in the busy city Think this was my favourite bar in San Francisco

How can you pass up a cafe with this name? It is in a charming old building across the street from Washington Park. We were exhausted after exploring the neighborhood. I had read the reviews and told my husband you can just have a drink here. Wish I had not said that because most people seemed to have a piece of the cake on the counter. It disappeared while we sat there. We could not get a table outside, but sat by a window to rest, refresh and people watch. The waitress was very nice for someone so busy. My husband had coffee and I had Italian soda-pink grapefruit. I'd like to have lunch the next time we are in the city.

You would never guess that what you are about to eat is the best sandwich you've ever had. Very nice atmosphere. Staff awesome. One trick is when your asked if "your starving"? Definitely say, yes!

The staff behind the bar were very rude. They complained the whole time that there was a food tour and they hate tour groups coming in. I believe they forgot that they worked in the service industry. Most people on the tour bought additional items as well as tipped. We decided to leave and not return due to the rudeness of the staff.The only good thing about it, they have many good restaurant around that Neighbourhood. I would avoid this place and the staff should find new professions....maybe walmart?

Asked the Coit Tower elevator operator for a lunch recommendation and he suggested here. Short walk down the hill and it was right across from the park. We split a chicken sandwich on focaccia and it was tasty.

This isn't a very big place, but it has some outside seating, too. They serve some cold sandwiches and salads, but the polenta with sausage and the eggplant parmesan are great hot dishes. I like to visit when in San Francisco.

First tried this place 10 years ago and went back. It is isnt a cigar store and I don't think Mario owns it but what a great and funky little place to have lunch. Do try the House Campari--mucho refreshing!!!

We wandered in here after our Alcatraz tour. Lively staff, very helpful, good advice, happy to give beer tastings and the food was great.

First came here 2001 ago en route to Vegas to get married and had amazing food in a lovely location. It was in a time before all the cafe bar culture and artisan sandwiches had arrived in the UK so it was something different to us. 15 years later I found myself visiting San Francisco with my family and had to return and to my great delight the menu was more or less the same and the place hadn't changed much at all. The food was still fantastic, the service absolutely impeccable even though it was busy and very good coffee. I went a second time at the end of my weeks stay and again 5 stars across the board for food and service. Memories are made in places like that.

Hadn't been to Mario's for lunch in years and years as we moved out of San Francisco, so we felt a good bit of potential disappointment on the horizon. But there was no disappointment after the meal. Mario's has a great location in the heart of North Beach right on Washington Square. The "decor" hasn't changed in years and it is still a bit cramped, but with a nice bar and tables outside for those 3 days when the weather is warm in SF. My wife and I shared two of the oven baked focaccia sandwiches - one the meatball with swiss cheese, onion and marinara and the other the grilled eggplant with feta, balsamic, and arugula- both were large portion wise and both tasted excellent, with the meatball slightly in the lead, although my wife voted for the eggplant. I splurged for a glass of the house red (it was 1PM) and it was both good and huge in size. If you're looking for fine dining, Mario's isn't the place, but if you're out and about in North Beach and crave a location that harkens back several decades, with good solid Italian sandwiches, Mario's is the place.

It was a nice place to have an afternoon snack and the it had a good neighborhood atmosphere.

Great place. Excellent Service. Both adults and kids/teenagers went off super happy after a quick lunch

Hole-in-the-wall, quirky place in an amazing people watching spot in the heart of North Beach! I always go here when Im in the city and I am never dissappointed. Go here if you want a real SF experience not just a tourist trap. AWESOME SANDWICHES!

meatball sandwich with a glass of red wine. Waiting in line is the best part.

We would totally recommend this delightful, atmospheric little bar cafe on the edge of Washington Square. Friendle service, freshly prepared delicious food. Excellent coffee and a Tiramisu to die for. What more can a person want after climbing Telegraph Hill!

We enjoyed a great sandwich, and a good beer at this corner gem. It is located at Columbus and Union, with the bus stop right there. I had a grilled eggplant sandwich on delicious green onion foccacia bread, and my husband had a salami combo. If you want a reasonably priced quick meal, this is it. I'm told the breakfast and coffees are good as well.

I had eaten here on a previous trip and enjoyed it, so I thought I would stop in again on a more recent visit. Mario's feels as if it's been part of the neighborhood forever, somehow old-school and hip at the same time. It's cozy and has big windows looking out on the lively North Beach scene -- perfect for enjoying lunch and soaking up atmosphere at the same time. Both times I've eaten here (with several years in between), I had friendly service and felt perfectly comfortable as a solo diner (though this would be a great place to bring a friend as well). I like the meatball sandwich, which I ordered this time with a small Caprese salad. It was just right for lunch and delicious, too. I wish I had had time for dessert, as the menu looked intriguing. Besides food, Mario's has coffees, tea, Italian sodas, beer, wine, and aperitifs, so no matter what you're in the mood for, you're covered. I would have to say this place is one of a kind, and that's a compliment.

This place is wonderful! The atmosphere is very relaxing, great place to people watch... The Expresso is great and the salted caramel chocolate cake is to die for!

Coffee is king, grilled sandwiches large enough to share, the best people watching spot period. Enjoy! Lucky you.

The location, next to Washington Park, provided plenty of people-watching opportunities while we dined. The Italian food was authentic, inexpensive and delicious. The decor and staff were eclectic and fun.

We stumbled on this place after walking Lombard Street so we were thirsty! The waiter took our order of two beers and pizza to share, we'd been waiting a while when another waiter asked if we'd ordered anything that we were waiting for so he had to go and get the beers as the first guy had clearly forgotten. Two glasses of Peroni were as expected and reasonably priced. The pizza was tasty and a good size for two people to share for lunch. All in all an OK place to stop off at but not worth a revisit.

I only spent 15 mins her, waiting for a table to free up in a nearby restaurant and had a glass of red wine to kill time. The waitress was very friendly, prompt service, however the wine was nothing more than average, came in a water glass (?!) and yet cost more than $6 + tips. This is not what I'd expect in an Italian place. Nonetheless I liked the atmosphere.

Stumbled on this one Sunday lunchtime. Slightly different from the average Italian cafe (try the polenta) but covers the range of basics as well. Alright!

Love this cafe. Learned about it on a Local Tastes of the City Tour. Will definitely return next time we travel to San Francisco.

We spent often time in this cafe. The old jazz music, the atmosfere is pleasant and they make good cafe. There is a small menu and the food is good. The service is fine and the location is very central. Such a place should be in my neighbarhood!!

Stumbled across this place in Little Italy, on our San Francisco in a day self guided walking tour. They were just opening up but had no problem getting us a beverage. We had just one and set back off on our tour. After hiking up and down and all around, we finished our tour right back at Mario's. The place was bustling by then and the entitre staff welcomed us back in as if we were long lost friends! Although we only enjoyed the company, atmosfere and beverages, the food looked absolutly amazing! We loved this place so much we came back after a week in Napa before flying back to Florida!

Great coffee, very tasty sandwiches, fun staff overlooking Washington Square Park. Made for a perfect afternoon.

My husband and I stopped in here for lunch on a recent trip to San Francisco. The sandwiches are grilled and delicious, and best of all, were quick and reasonably priced. The best part of our meal, however, was the friendly chef who we chatted with while sitting at the bar. Definitely recommend this place for a quick, enjoyable meal!

Neither a cigar store nor truly Bohemian yet one of the last true store landmarks of North Beach. Great place to people watch from the triangular corner windows onto North Beach. Delicious sandwiches. Can't go wrong with the grilled eggplant.

Mario's was recommended to us by the bartender at the nearby Rogue bar (also an excellent stop). We stated we wanted some tiramisu as we were clearly in the Italian area of San Francisco. It was by far the best tiramisu I've ever had and I've been to Italy. The cappuccinos were excellent as well. Such a great find for us as a "cigar store" doesn't give you much of a clue as to how great the dessert will be.

On a trip to the US I succeeded in finding a ‘good’ coffee. But let me start by saying that I am not a coffee snob or in any way an expert in coffee, but rather I just want to be able to buy a coffee that is worthy of drinking. So my impression of ‘What Makes a good Coffee might be tainted by what I like and so therefore anything that I say might be based on my own tastes and I know everyone’s tastes are different. Coming from Sydney, Australia where we have a very fine coffee culture and where most cafes have 'nice' coffee. I found that in the US I could not get what I thought was a good coffee but the Americans seemed to like it. After a couple of bad coffees, particularly cappuccinos or lattes, I realised that the baristas were making coffees to an American method which is different to the Italian style to which we are accustomed in Sydney, albeit the American methods are creeping in through the coffee chains. The thing about coffee chains is that the coffee is not necessarily good but it is predictable. I decided to ask for a single shot of espresso to taste the coffee first and if it was reasonable then I would order a small cappuccino to try and believe me that saved me throwing out a lot of bad coffee. So I ask you, ‘What makes a good coffee?’ Is it just the taste, the roast or grind of the beans, the technique in its preparation. I have even heard some suggest that it also relates to the water but after all when it has been boiled and forced through those coffee beans to end up as a very dark brown, almost black liquid I think the properties of the water would not play a great part of the final product. But let me suggest that some of the things that may add to how good a coffee might be could relate to how it is served. In America there is a growing practice of giving you coffee in a paper cup. So that for a start takes away one element of enjoyment. Further the company in which you find yourself may also help you enjoy your coffee. Therefore, I would suggest that a ‘good’ coffee is one you enjoy. Having said that and getting down to the taste, preparation and all of the other things that I have mentioned, I can definitely say that the best coffee I found in my time in US was in San Francisco at Mario’s Bohemian Cigar Store Cafe that served among other things, caffe, espresso and cappuccino. This cafe on the corner of Union and Columbus Streets, just across Washington Square from Peter and Paul’s Catholic Church which refused to marry Joe DiMaggio to Marilyn Munroe so they got married at the City Hall and came back and had the photos taken on the steps of the church, I digress, the cafe was recommended to me and I must say I was very surprised at the fine result. At least I can say I had one ‘good’ coffee in US.

This teensy, intimate cafe has been my favorite spot for a focaccia and perrper sandwich and a nice Chianti for nearly 20 years.

We love Mario's!! It is not a cigar store:) It is a great, little cafe with nice wine, coffee, sandwiches, etc. The focaccia bread sandwiches are great and it's just a nice place to stop in, people watch, and relax. We go every time we visit San Francisco!

Had a great meal here in the evening - melanzane al la parmigiana was fantastic. It’s a little neighbourhood place with a good vibe.

We visited here last September, after we were put on the hour waiting list at grimaldis! Good selection of drinks, especially beers - the staff are also really friendly and helpful. The food looked lovely it was a shame we couldn't stay to eat.

We didn't have the Espresso though I read it was very good but definitely enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere, good draft beers and a very tasty roasted asparagus pannini.

Authentic Italian cafe on Washington Square Park in North Beach. The focaccia sandwiches were some of the best we’ve ever had (they get their bread from the famous Liguria Bakery which often sells out by 9am and for which people start lining up in the wee hours of morning) but they are MESSY! Lol. We also had the “pizza” focaccia which was delicious as well. Definitely recommend.

We stopped in here a couple of times now for appetizers and wine. The Calabrese Salad was different than any we had had before but was great. The cheese plate we had on our second visit had only two types of cheese but both were spectacular. They were served with bread and antipasto pickles and fruit. This restaurant is right across the street from Washington Square Park. So lots of people watching and atmosphere. We have not had a meal here so cannot comment but that we did eat was excellent!

Great coffee, delicious food, grungy atmosphere, friendly staff and in a super convenient location. Will definitely be back!

We had to order 3 different times as they didn’t have our initial orders - at lunch time. Eventually, we all had very good sandwiches. It must be pretty good as there was big crowd as we left. Very kind service (no cigars though)

The service, the food, the helpfulness and friendliness of the employees is beyond great. The lunches are TDF and reasonably priced, and there is a good selection of café munchies and coffee. You can sit out on the sidewalk and look across the park to the magnificent church, and turn 45 degrees and be facing Coit Tower. What could be better? I couldn't get enough of the place.

Had these tasty Eggplant Parmigiana and Chicken sandwiches for dinner in this nice little place. If you are in San Francisco you can be overwhelmed with the dining options. This was a nice dinner for the price and a couple glasses of wine. Don't miss this place...

I didn't eat here but had a couple of drinks before dinner. The service was friendly and there seemed to be a loyal clientele of regulars there, enjoying fare from the pizza oven behind the bar. Amazing how much they produce in such a little place.

Good Italian grub and cozy atmosphere. Great place for lunch.

Nice place for a sandwich or espresso......the faccaccio bread on which the sandwiches are made is amazing.....the service....meh......it is what it is, but a nice lunch.

I love this place for a Sunday afternoon walk around NorthBeach, telegraph Hill and then watch the goings on with a delicious Italian sandwich on focassia bread, salad and glass of wine.

If you're looking for great coffee in a friendly café this is the spot. One side is facing to Washington Square park, granting the open space feeling we all eager for in big cities. You may also choose your favorite oven-cooked sandwiches & focaccia with just the right amount of dressing - something you'll appreciate if you've been eating American food long enough.

Great coffee...

good paninis and a fun local crowd

Stumbled upon this place when wandering starving after a long day of sightseeing. At first glance - it's a dive - but - amazing food! Reasonably priced - especially compared to other nearby restaurants. Try the oven toasted sandwiches - the breaded eggplant is fabulous - flavorful and not greasy. My husband had the Italian and son had the ham and cheese - nothing was left on the plates. 1/2 carafe of house wine was 4 generous glasses and only $16. Outside tables = people watching in Washington Park. Definitely a place where we would be regulars if it were anywhere close to home. Plus - Muni stops on every nearby corner!

Limited menu but GREAT panini. It's a small place so can get pretty crowded, but the park is right across the street, so it makes a good picnic spot. A must stop lunch spot in North Beach.

We just stop by for a coffee after dinner. Simple place, not fancy but the coffee was great. I saw that they have a nice set of options for food but we haven't tried.

Mario's is a North Beach institution, with a friendly, quirky staff. Straight-forward panini's, a couple of pasta dishes and great beer and wine. Excellent place to start the day with a San Francisco Chronicle, pastry and traditional latte, while checking out the Tai Chi ladies in Washington Square Park. Outdoor seating is limited, but I reccommend the bar for great conversation and people watching. Celebrity sightings aren't rare, and I've seen the likes of Benjamin Bratt, Giovanni Ribisi and Chris Isaak. Go for a panini, stay for the people watching! Enjoy!

I was in town on business, and was recommended to visit Mario's. I have a few friends who used to live in the area, and raved about Mario's, so I thought I bet give it a shot. After finding a parking space around the block, I walked in and was seated right away. The entire space it rather tiny, but I think that lends a lot of charm to the restaurant. I ordered an Anchor Steam pint, which was really really good. I would have ordered another, but I had to work more that evening. I also ordered the meatball sandwich on focaccia green onion bread. This is not your normal meatball sandwich, it was fresh, and you could tell everything was made in house. It was really good. I've had better, but this was really up there in terms of tastiness. I really enjoyed just sitting there and watching the park across the street while I enjoyed my meal. It was a great afternoon, topped off by great beer and a good sandwich. I'll make sure to hit up Mario's again when I'm back in town.

We wandered in for a late night supper. A neat place and definitely not a tourist thing. We had a Eggplant Parmesan which was average, a Lasagna which was above average and a tiramisu which was excellent. Service was adequate. Cost was moderate.

Dropped in for a late lunch and enjoyed glasses of wine with pastrami and chicken panini sandwiches. They were both unusual and tasty. Fun atmosphere with basic "Cal-Ital" eats. Only problem was the bathroom wasn't working.

Stopped with my wife & son for coffee. I really love this little place. This place has been in North Beach a long time, serving sandwiches, pizza, salad, but I come here for the coffee or cappuccino. Today, I had the cappuccino and as usual, it was wonderful. The service is always so friendly and fun. Everyone seems to always have a smile. You order and it comes very quickly. I never feel rushed, even though this place is so small. Try Mario's & you will not be disappointed.

Great little place for locals and tourist. People sitting next to us have been coming there 30 yrs. He remembered coming there as a little boy. So definitely has history. We tried the meatball sangwhich. Was really good. Everything looked good. Great spot, with constant turnover of patrons if your into people watching. I would go back if I end up in San Fran again.

Stumbled upon Mario’s by chance and very happy we did! We ordered two green onion focaccia oven baked sandwiches, one pastrami, one meatball and shared them. They were fresh and crispy, jam packed with most delicious fillings, We defy you to find a better sandwich anywhere. We tried the Fieldwork IPA, a strong hoppy and citrussy beer, totally recommended too. The service was super speedy, the young girl who served us was friendly and attentive. I wish we had a longer time in the city, just to do it all again. A super place to waste an hour or so, watch the world go by and fill your bellies with lovelyness!

I stumbled in here for breakfast and ordered an espresso and pastrami sandwich. Both where fantastic! Very friendly / welcoming neighborhood feel about it.

We went here just for coffee and hot chocolates. We loved it so much we went back a second time. It's wonderful oasis in the middle of the urban jungle. It has great views, due to it's located right across from Washington Square. The service was fast and the waitstaff was incredibly nice.

My friend and I wandered in here for a beer while trying g to decide to grab dinner. I love the old feel of this place. Beer prices were the best I have noticed in the area, and was served nice and cold. The bartender was helpful and friendly, sharing memories of our hometown while staying really busy.

We went here last week and were very disappointed. The beer was good but the eggplant parmigiana was reheated, burnt, overcooked and lukewarm in the middle. We should have sent it back but it was evening and we were tired and hungry. There was also a homeless gentleman bothering customers and staff, so much so that the police were called. There were only two young female staff on duty which was clearly inadequate. A pretty location but not recommended.

I’ve lived in Europe for over 10 years and since moving back to the USA, I’ve been so disappointed with the coffee / food scene in the USA. The US is so behind Europe when it comes to food and drink. This place though was such a pleasant surprise. If only for a moment, on one day, I felt like I was back in Europe sipping on some coffee (that tasted just like it would have in Europe) and eating a croissant. It was great. The coffee truly is top class. The croissant was amazing as well. My only regret was that I didn’t find this place the first day I got to San Francisco for my little mini-vacation. Because if I would have, I would have went there every morning, to have another taste of Europe. Unfortunately, I discovered this place on my last day in San Francisco. One thing is for sure though, I’m running to this place as soon as I touch down in San Francisco the next time!

absolutely delicious food...those sausage sandwiches are fantastic. Tomato bisque soup superb, Marios mixed salad ditto. Outdoor tables are small but the food is A-1. Wait staff could be a bit more professional...all of our courses came at once which caused problems with table space. Waiter also forgot a sandwich that was ordered. Table view of church and square was lovely although a bit noisy. Our out of town guests raved....

This has either been there for a very long time, or they have a great decorator. I suspect the former. I stumbled on this cafe looking for a light meal before am evening performance of Beach Blanket Babylon, a few blocks away. It has loads of atmosphere, a good selection of wines, and a menu. Not worth going very far out of your way, but quite OK for a pre-theater focaccio.

Walked into the charming and no doubt long established Marios bohemian cigar store and we were treated like absolute garbage. It felt like the waitress did not want us there, almost like she hated us. Its almost comical that service like this exists.

More like a tiny bar with a little menu than a real restaurant - but very good pizza and oven dishes! And for a reasonable price (less than 10$ for cannelloni). It’s also a nice spot to people watch

A pretty basic place. We ate outside and the food was very good and fun. Have a pannanni and don't be disappointed. The view is great and the outside service good. Prices were good value.

Neither Bohemian nor offers cigars. But great cafe. Nice sandwiches, beers on tap, freshly made food in a cozy little corner in North Beach.

This Cafe is old enough to have served "the Beat Generation" and the atmosphere would have made them feel right at home. I've only had coffee and dessert there. Good, but average by San Francisco standards. Any restaurant that can survive in San Francisco for generations is worth a try.

Authentic cafe with funky overtones, overlooking the park. The food was simple but good. The Caprese was excellent and the salad with chicken was fresh. You could actually hold a conversation and hear the person across the table. And reasonably priced.

I visited Coit tower this morning with a thought of trying Mammas - read about it and been 3 times to get in but lines always long - do thought I'd go back to cafe Devine having been before but alas it's gone and replaced by a pizzeria So wandered the square and saw the original looking Marios bohemian cigar store cafe on the corner and gave it a try A cosy little corner joint with small menu based on sandwiches, cooked up in a small pizza oven tucked in the corner of an old long bar The guys in house were friendly and attentive and I imagine myself returning for a few Italian beers - they even stocked my fav Menabrea - but it's s bit early for a beer - ah damn it I might have just one... Anyway the BLT was great ,good fun sitting up at the bar chatting with a few locals and a few Aussie visitors If a good sandwich fits the bill don't stand out in the cold for Mammas - hit old Marios

Good find opposite the park- paninis very tasty and nice selection of beers on draft- love the off chain feel and smells of yumminess

Cozy atmosphere, friendly waiter, good cake, good times! Go there! It is one of these places were you can just enough sitting at the table drinking a cappucino and enjoying the atmosphere!

Have been going to Marios for years. Recently went and had the eggplant parmagiano. Delicious. Sat at the counter and service was great. Tables are available too, but sitting at the counter is a fun experience.

Found this cafe by chance and what a good find. Fresh pizza and sandwiches in a shabby chic authentic interior. A family cafe that has been there for years. Really friendly team. We had a pizza, a pesto and mozzarella toasted sandwich - both very tasty

We went two mornings to have great coffee and breakfast sandwiches. I also had a delicious mozzarella salad! Decor was just right for this unique coffee bar! Very clean, service good and bathrooms! Try this cozy little place with big offerings!

We stopped a Mario's for a quick mid-day bite to eat, based on recommendations from our tour guide. We really wanted to be wowed by the food, but it was just ok. The restaurant itself is really cute and in a great spot on Washington Square, but the wait staff, although friendly, seemed more intent on talking with the regulars than waiting on us. We split the meatball sandwich and it was fine, again just nothing as spectacular as promised.

My husband and I just returned from our honeymoon last week in San Francisco. A while back I remember seeing this great place to get sandwiches in North Beach on the Food Network. And then when reading in Frommer's, Mario's Bohemian Cigar Store and Cafe was one of the recommended stops in North Beach. And we are so glad we did. North Beach has tons of italian eateries, but if you are looking for a place where the locals go, this is it. It is located on the corner across from Jackson Square and seating is limited. I would opt for an outside table. My husband and I shared a salad and a Chicken foccacia sandwhich. Coupled with a couple Anchor Steam drafts, and it was a perfect lunch. There balsamic dressing is so good and the foccacia bread was out of this world. A must stop in San Fran.

Here you can find the most delicious Italian coffee specialties outside of Italy. An absolute MUST for a coffee break, even if it means a detour. There are also small things, such as lasagne, which are prepared and heated in the oven.

Great coffee, great brews, great service, great atmosphere, interesting customers! Amazing place on a pretty day.

I was on vacation in San Francisco and, walking to the Golden Gate, the outside of this place caught my eye. As I approached I could not suppress the desire to enter and stop there 45 minutes. It is a magnificent place, looking like it hasn’t been modified in 100 years and that, for this reason and because of the warmth of its staff, gives off a special peace and energy. Spectacular coffee, great food and staff TOP.

Charming spot to grab a sandwich and watch the world go by. Reportedly the best cappuccinos ( I don't drink coffee :))

Last stop of the night with friends...it looked interesting. Pulled up seats at the bar and shared some laughs with the bartender.

Eggplant Focaccia from here is my favorite in The City. They will make anything you want, in whatever way you want, whenever you want. This is the Old Days right here in this sandwich shop that's been here for ever. This is the middle of North Beach, next to Washington Square Park and across from Sts Peter and Paul church. How much more Old School can you hope for? The people are wonderful and the Stromboli's are also incredible. Great salads and other choices for the Lady's.

Twice when we visited, walking tours stopped with 8 or 10 tourists and had little mini panini sandwiches. We were here many years ago and remembered the polenta with Italian sausage. It's still here and didn't disappoint. We also ordered their eggplant parmesan. I had it several times in Italy, and this was every bit as good. Servers are friendly and efficient. I ordered the blood orange sangria, which was fine, but not memorable. I'd have one of their beers next time.

This place was recommended to us by someone, so we went along for a drink. Great atmosphere and we were allowed to try some of the local beers before we bought. I had an ocean steam beer, it was very smooth. The food looked great and there were quite a few local people there, some just having coffee. A great place

We are visiting San Francisco from the UK and we came across this great bar. The staff were really friendly and the atmosphere was chilled, we felt really welcome. We will definitely be back when we visit San Francisco again!!

After visiting many places in the US, we were glad to find somewhere that offered drinks at a reasonable price. The location was great and the barman had a serious kind of charm about him. We didn't actually eat here but many were and the food looked great :)

We stumbled upon Mario's as we were walking around and I'm glad we did. The service was fabulous and the food was delicious. We had the eggplant sandwich and a chicken panini. The bread they used on these were so good, I could haven't just forgotten about everything else and eaten the bread by itself. Also had a perfect cup of cappuccino. We sat outside and enjoyed the awesome weather. If I ever go back to San Fran, I'm definitely coming back.

Apparently, this place is known for it's foccicia sandwhiches and I can see why. They are delicous. The atmosphere feels like you are in a caffe in Rome. Perfect for an afternoon getaway.

Ate here 19 years ago and it's still great. I recommend the meatball baked sandwich on green onion foccacia. Do not leave without having some house tiamisu. This place is quaint and authentic. Love it

It was just by chance that we walked by, looked at the menu in the window and just decided to go in. Just enough room for a bar and about 6 tables, this little place has quite a history as a cigar store. But it is quite the restaurant. The waitress was friendly and easy going. Food was fantastic. It was an unexpected delight to experience this place. I guess when you just walk into a place, it is a 50/50 chance. But we hit the jackpot. Wonderful meal, wonderful coffee, and wonderful staff. This one is going on my list of places to definitely return to!

Our sandwiches were better than expected. We had a terrific breaded eggplant with peppers and marinara sauce. The other was pastrami with delicious chunky sauerkraut.

After being scared off by Mama's long lunch line even on a Wed we had a relaxed fun lunch at this laid back casual sandwich place w a great park view. Food is good but atmosphere is comfy/fun so worth it to escape hassle and crowds

We made a quick stop, wish we had lunch here... a small place at corner, friendly service, apparently many return customers, a good feel. The only thing is no hand wash sink or hand sanitizer.

Great atmosphere. Very inviting and the staff works hand in hand with each other. They work that venue like it were their own! Food was excellent!

What more can you say? Mario's is the quintessential North Beach spot for a Cuppacino, a great assortment of pressed sandwiches, and hands down ...some of the best people watching to be had...anywhere in the City!

Friendly ambiance, good food and wine. The service is fast and always with a smile. It is sure we will refer it to our friends in Canada. Of course we will return in our next trip in SF

We were looking for a quick place to have lunch and someone suggested Mario's. The location is great - right on Washington Square and the building itself has great character! The service was ok - they were attentive but didn't seem interested in whether or not we were there. The meatloaf sandwich was very good.

We dropped in for wine while we waited an hour and a half for a famous pizza place down the street. This neighborhood bar and restaurant, Mario’s, has a warm, friendly atmosphere with a mixture of ages from young to old, and a mixture of nationalities from local to other countries. The doors were wide open to the delightful, cool, October air in San Francisco. Try the house wine, it is good and inexpensive. Service is cordial and many were ordering food to eat inside or outside on the patio. It is across from the beautiful St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church and Washington Square. Despite the name, there is no smoking allowed inside.

Great panini's, coffee and beer. Any time we are at the city we stop here to grab a quick bite. It's never to crowded and relatively affordable.

Mario's is like one of those place's that every city has, whether you're in Seattle, Melbourne, Montreal or London, it's the well positioned, slightly grungy cafe with a local feel and world-wide reputation. But its hard not to enjoy sitting and upsorbing the atmosphere over a famous meatball sandwich, coffee and Tiramasu, or just a schooner of Anchor Steam at the bar. The service is friendly and efficient, though if you require pampering it may not be the place for you. Put it on the "must do in SFO" list, if you need such a thing.

This used to be a great cafe overlooking Washington Square park. However, as other reviewers have noted, the 'hipster' staff appear to see customers more as an annoyance. Service SUCKS...especially if you grab a table outside. We waited 30 minutes and still had not ordered a drink. When I went in to order the food myself the rude barman said "I won't take your order - that's why we have a waitress". When I questioned waiting 30 minutes, he said. "We'll get to you when we are ready". At that point we left. Seriously....there are too many good choices in the neighborhood - my advice, skip the attitude and try one of the other cafés instead.

great sandwiches, cheap price

While in SF were looking for a bite to eat. Lots of great choices in SF, so this is obviously an easy and a difficult decision at the same time. Tired of the crowds and the tourist traps we ventured off the wharf and into the North Beach area. We found this amazing local bar/café/restaurant full of charm and deliciousness. Try their Italian beers or maybe the amazing cappuccino (best ever in my opinion) instead. Eat one of their fresh sandwiches (I recommend Chicken #2, eggplant, or meatball), and definitely try the cheesecake or house made tiramisu. The place is filled with regulars, the service is great, but beware the place is often busy. If I were local, I would definitely make this amazing place a regular spot as well.

Awesome paninis. Service a little slow when busy, but worth the wait. Snag a sidewalk table for perfect Washington Square observation post.

Had a great dinner with family while in San Francisco on a Sunday around 5pm and sat at the counter. This cafe has a great local feel and the prices are right. Our group had pizza and meatball sandwiches. Meatball sandwiches were open face style and excellant. Pizza was a hit too. Coffee and tiramisu rounded out the meal. Will definately go back again.