I was really drawn to both the concept of this restaurant and also the speakeasy styling so we decided to give it a go on our last night in San Fran. I can only say wow, I was so delighted that the food was so good! I had the calamari to start, then the peanut butter stew and a brownie to finish - each dish was just beautiful. The staff were brilliant and it's great to know its a place that's giving people a 2nd chance. I thoroughly recommend it to anyone visiting San Fran - different and great!
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.
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.The hosts, servers, and cook staff are at-risk, foster, and/or formerly-incarcerated youth. We received great service. The youth were polite and so attentive. Chef Kevin also came around to check in on us, which we appreciated.The drinks - Aviation, Bee's Knees, Cotton Club - were tasty, and the food was delicious! Our favorites were the free biscuit to start the meal, the Tongan appetizer dish, collard greens, and the shrimp and grits.It's definitely worth a visit for a classy time!
This place was so cool. The food was great. I had the short ribs & it was really good. My son had the cajun shrimp & he wanted more. The live music was great, and to know this was run by young adults was AMAZING! I will definitely recommend to anyone.
Amazing experience at Old Skool last night. We came for a birthday dinner before a show at Chase center. The vibe was elegant and fun with a love jazz trio. The staff were warm, welcoming, and clearly inspired by their work. Everything we tried was delicious but in particular the fried chicken, beef short rib, and peach cobbler stood out as did the lavender French 75 cocktail. We will definitely come back! Parking was easy in the lot in front and on the street ...there is also a muni train stop on the T line right in front.
We had such an amazing dinner tonight. The food and cocktails were incredibly delicious, and all of the employees were so friendly. Also, the restaurant is really supportive of high school students and the community. Definitely stop by for HANDS DOWN the best soul food served in a speakeasy vibe.
This place is fantastic for food and its mission. I highly recommend giving this place your money and your time. Certainly some of the service could have been better but considering that it's run by high school students I think this place is absolutely top-notch. The food is incredible. The live music is well done. The adults that run the bar make an incredible cocktail. I believe we should all patronize this place more.
I came to visit from the east coast, and this was by far some the BEST soul food I've had at a restaurant. My group ordered the Fried Chicken, Shrimp n Grits w/ collard greens and Chicken Peanut stew. It was DEVINE. Absolutely no complaints. And our server, the sweetest Royale, was a gem and pleasure to be around. I can't wait to visit again. Well done ya'll!
Great food and a cool place don't let the neighborhood scare you away.
We were absolutely mind blown by the service, the cause, the amazing food and genuinely great time we experienced at the Old Skool Cafe today. They are a training ground for at-risk youth, who were all absolutely phenomenal at serving and attending to our needs today. The soul food was authentic and delicious, and I made a promise to Chef Kevin to be back!