Nonprofit supper club run by at-risk youth offering global soul food menu in 1940s-inspired setting. Based on 199 reviews, the restaurant has received a rating of 4.7 stars. Price $$
✔️ Dine-in ✔️ Curbside pickup ✔️ No-contact delivery
Address:
1429 Mendell St, San Francisco, CA 94124
Phone: (415) 822-8531
Social Profile: 
Hours
| Friday | 5–9 PM |
| Saturday | 5–9 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
| Monday
(Labor Day)
|
Closed |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | 4:30–7:30 PM |
| Thursday | 5–9 PM |
Menu
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Menu Photos
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Order and Reservations
Reservations: sevenrooms.comoldskoolcafe.org
Reviews
Tiffany Johnson
I’m not sure why it’s taken me so long to write this review. We came across this restaurant thanks to an article about the restaurant’s backstory (Definitely take a moment and Google their story. Long story short: the staff is made up of youths that are/were considered at-risk. The restaurant is a way for them to learn skills, gain work experience, and build their self-esteem. That concept was enough for us to give them a try.)
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Susie Penner
We had a wonderful visit! The music was fantastic, the food was super yummy & overall a great time. The youth who worked here were so professional & really hustled to make everything special from our greeting when we arrived, throughout our meal & when we departed. Will be back!!!
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Angela Dao
Every dish and drink I’ve ever had here has been fantastic – not an exaggeration. This weekend, we had a refreshing beet salad, juicy and crispy fried chicken, and tender beef ribs.
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Christine Davis
To celebrate our 27th anniversary, we went to @oldskoolcafe. The greeters, cooks and servers are all young people. Mama T opened this place to help at risk youth learn work and life skills (like how to get a license, do taxes, set a bank account). Partnering with experienced chefs, this restaurant has excellent food… and live jazz!!!
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Dyanna Volek
I have wanted to check out Old Skool Cafe for several years, and it did not disappoint when I finally visited with family! First, the place is a bit non-descript outside, which is perfect for the speakeasy vibe. Once you walk in, however, you are transported to the 1920s. Everything is covered in red velvet and luxury. There is a large bar, and a balcony for the jazz band.
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Daniela Avila
Great place! This was first time here, no live music today unfortunately, but the food was amazing. I had the roasted cauliflower and my partner had the shrimp and grits. Service and cocktails were excellent, and our server was so nice and friendly! The atmosphere really is very old school and 1920s, the decor and atmosphere is nice, plus by dining here you support a nonprofit that helps at-rosk youth. Will definitely be visiting again!
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Michele L
Loved the vibe and interior and our waiter Hakim was so friendly. Sadly, they were out of 2 of 5 entrees – fried chicken and spare rib. Argh. so that was a disappointment but what we did have was tasty. Wings are great – tender meat and wet with tangy flavor. Gumbo good and my friends liked the shrimp and grits. It’s a great cause and for me, it was great being in a nice restaurant in Chicago where there more more brown and black people than not. I was not the only one or two in the room. And super fun live music. Very kindly they moved the direction of the speaker for my guest with hearing sensitivity. They aim to please. Don’t be in a hurry. Enjoy your friends and the warmth here.
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Sandy Tang
It was my third time back and the food just keeps getting better! The first time was almost a decade ago. The cause of helping incarcerated youth is what drew us in. The food was good. Then we went back a second time with our partners in 2019 and it was still a great time and great food. We went back again this year and I swear, the food was the best out of those three times! The braised greens were delicious. The Mac n cheese too! I honestly enjoyed the appetizers almost more than the mains. The amazing food and the great cause are real good reasons to come give Old Skool a try!
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Alejandra Valle
Definitely a SF hidden gem! The food was really good! We arrived at around 6 on Saturday and they had happy hour on their appetizers (buy one get one 1/2 off) until 6:30 which surprised me because its hard to find happy hour deals on Saturday
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norris tran
“Best catfish I’ve ever had”. a quote from my younger brother also trying this place for the first time. I feel that is setting the bar a bit high but this place does make it a good debate. All the food was perfectly cooked and seasoned. Simple menu but it is executed perfectly. You also get a great vibe once your inside. The outside as noted in other reviews can be intimidating but once you step through the doors the mood is nothing less than inviting. The chef Kevin checks on all the tables personally so plus points for quality control.
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