Old Skool Cafe
Nonprofit supper club run by at-risk youth offering global soul food menu in 1940s-inspired setting.
Old Skool Cafe is rated 4.7 / 5 from 294 Google reviews and sits about 4.7 km (59 min walk) from Civic Center station.
General overview
About Old Skool Cafe
Old Skool Cafe is a youth-run supper club and soul-food restaurant in San Franciscoโs Bayview neighborhood. It combines dinner, live entertainment, and a workforce-development mission for local young people. Reservations are generally recommended, particularly for themed dinner shows and weekend service. All details below are based on general training knowledge and have not been live-verified.
- Youth-run supper club operated as part of a nonprofit workforce-development program.
- Soul-food dining with live music, performances, and a community-oriented atmosphere.
- Located in the Bayview neighborhood at 1429 Mendell Street.
- A distinctive alternative to a conventional restaurant visit, especially for visitors interested in local culture and social-impact organizations.
Things to do here
Soul-food dinner
Enjoy a Southern- and soul-food-inspired meal in a supper-club setting. Menus may vary by event and season.
Live entertainment
Dinner events commonly feature music, performances, or other live entertainment. Check the reservation information for the program on the date of your visit.
Youth-run hospitality experience
The cafe provides restaurant and hospitality training for young people, making the visit both a meal and a social-impact experience.
Special events and themed dinners
The venue has been known for scheduled dinner shows and special programming that may require advance reservations.
Allow extra time for urban traffic and parking. Bring your reservation confirmation and arrive promptly, since dinner-show seating may follow a schedule.
Advance reservations are strongly recommended. Confirm the menu, price, arrival time, cancellation terms, and whether the event is seated or prix fixe before visiting.
This overview is general knowledge, not confirmed against an official source โ verify hours, prices and entry rules before you go.
Photo gallery
See it before you go
Most asked
How to reach
Old Skool Cafe is about 4.7 km (~59 min walk) from Civic Center station on the BART (San Francisco Bay Area).
Before you go
Good to know
Verify tickets, seasonal hours, entry rules, and special events on the official website before visiting.
Pair it up
Also near this station
Candlestick Point State Recreation Area
Places to visit ยท 45 min walk
โ 4.3
Hilltop Park (Sundial park)
Places to visit ยท 51 min walk
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Gilman Playground Park
Places to visit ยท 52 min walk
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Bayview Opera House (BVOH)
Places to visit ยท 59 min walk
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Gumbo Social
Restaurants ยท 59 min walk
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JJ Fish and Chicken
Restaurants ยท 59 min walk
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Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Old Skool Cafe from Civic Center station?
Old Skool Cafe is about 4708 m (roughly 59 min walk) from Civic Center station on the BART (San Francisco Bay Area). Use the directions link on this page for turn-by-turn walking directions.
What is Old Skool Cafe rated?
Old Skool Cafe has a Google rating of 4.7 out of 5 from 294 reviews.
What's near Old Skool Cafe?
Also within a short walk of the same station: Candlestick Point State Recreation Area, Hilltop Park (Sundial park), Gilman Playground Park.
Is Old Skool Cafe wheelchair accessible?
Yes โ Google lists the following accessibility features for Old Skool Cafe: wheelchair-accessible entrance, wheelchair-accessible restroom, wheelchair-accessible seating.
Is there parking near Old Skool Cafe?
Google lists these parking options near Old Skool Cafe: free parking lot, free street parking.
Is Old Skool Cafe good for children?
Yes โ Google lists Old Skool Cafe as good for children.
Does Old Skool Cafe have outdoor seating?
Yes โ Google lists Old Skool Cafe as having outdoor seating.
Do I need a reservation?
Yes, advance reservations are recommended and may be required for dinner shows or prix-fixe events. Use the official reservation page to check availability.
What kind of food does Old Skool Cafe serve?
It is known for soul food and Southern-inspired dinner service, with menus that can vary by event.
Is Old Skool Cafe a normal walk-in restaurant?
It is better understood as a scheduled supper club and dinner-event venue. Service days, menus, and entertainment may be organized around reservations.
How long should I plan to stay?
Allow roughly 1.5 to 2.5 hours, especially when live entertainment is part of the evening.
Can children attend?
Potentially, depending on the event, but confirm age suitability, seating, menu choices, and the expected length of the program before booking.
Is alcohol available?
Availability may vary. Confirm current beverage service and identification requirements with the venue.
Where can I find the current menu and price?
Use the official reservations and location page linked above; current event details may be provided during the booking process.
Is the restaurant accessible?
Current accessibility details are not reliably known. Contact the venue in advance to discuss entrance, seating, restroom, and accommodation needs.
How do I support the organization beyond dining?
Dining at the cafe supports its youth training and employment mission. The official website may also provide information about the organization and other ways to support it.
Data and photos from Google Places, generated August 23, 2026. Ratings, hours and prices can change โ confirm anything time-sensitive before you go.