Last chance to get the multilayered delicious honey cake. Treat yoself and splurge for the 10” large. Cake reservations open on Sunday night.
Sarah L.
Heard great things about the Russian honey cake and was able to order a slice on Saturday before they officially close down. While the cake was good, it was not memorable enough for me to come back.
Richard S.
How can Kimberly L. ever call Michelle rude. She is one the the sweetest people I have ever met. Even sweeter then her incredible food. Hayes Valley will miss you. xoxoxoxo
Gina W.
Oh, 20th Century Cafe what more is there to say? It's all been said before, I don't want to be a bore. But how could I not confess that the honey cake passed the test. One of the best things I ever ate, I stared wistfully at my cleaned plate. Oh dear reader, you must act fast, Michelle's honey cakes do not last. The cafe is closing, demand is high (No joke, the news made me cry.) The cake: texturally like a tiramisu instead of coffee, burnt honey comes through. Delicate layers of luscious whipped cream and delicate cake, Michelle you're a queen. I can't fully convey my thoughts in this review I truly wanted my cake, and to eat it too. Thank you for this experience, I'll never forget it. (Try to snag a preorder cake, you won't regret it.)
Kimberly L.
The rudest owner I've encountered who doesn't know how to operate an efficient business. Website is unclear regarding preorder and walk up instructions. Apparently preorder pick up starts at 10:30 but walk-in orders are not allowed until 11:30 - however everyone waits in the same line regardless (lack of efficiency.) We did not preorder but it took us the entire hour to reach the front anyway. When we got there - she rudely told us to go to the back of the line as walk-in would not start until 11:30. At 11:30, she rudely announced she still would not accept walk-in until 11:45. She was not apologetic about the situation but rather blamed the customers for not reading her website clearly. It was only after the rest of her staff diffused the situation that we were finally able to buy items. As the cherry on top, I saw her use her bare hands to pack items for the customers. Are we not in a pandemic?! Disgusting. It doesn't matter how good the cake is - her attitude is enough to deter me away. Treat your customers better. I won't be back.
Bonnie S.
So excited we finally got to try the famous Russian honey cake! Upon seeing that the cafe will be closing soon, we were determined to try this cake before it's too late. We were fortunate enough to grab one of the small cakes before they were sold out. Yay! Pick up date was Saturday and I got there at 10:40 for the 10:445 pickup time. Unfortunately there was already a line....and the wait took a while too! I was maybe 10th? And I waited 40 minutes just to pick up. By the time I left the line was around the corner!!! The cake itself was so unique! Strong burnt honey flavor with moist delicious cake layers and amazing buttercream. We inhaled the whole thing lol - no regrets!
Claire S.
My favorite bakery in the city and they're closing now :( Their magical multi-layer burnt honey cake is iconic, truly a sight to behold and to try. We're definitely making the trek over for one last slice behind their doors close. Maybe one day we'll be brave enough to try baking the beast ourselves...
D Marie
It's been 5 years since I left SF and my Hayes Valley apartment right across the street from this cafe and I still think about the Pierogies and Honey cake EVERY SINGLE DAY!My daughter and I frequently visited this establishment so many fond memories.This place is amazing!
Lizzie S.
I've been meaning to go to 20th Century Cafe for a while, but they have very limited hours during COVID times so the timing never lined up until recently. It's very cute, I love the interior and the vibes. Knocking off one star for the lack of communication and rough, overly-complicated outdoor wait when it shouldn't have been--even if you order ahead (which you should), expect a wait on the weekend. I enjoyed the Russian Honey Coffee which was good but not great, it was very sweet but unique. I ordered a few kolaches which were also good. I'll be back to try some more drinks and baked goods--love the vibe of everyone who works there, especially the music. What a treasure in the Hayes area near Market!
Bri S.
Pierogi were good not great. At $14 for 3, I'd recommend Cafe Europa over this place for sure. They weren't bad, but not amazing. The trifle was really good-- intense flavor, lovely texture, all without being overwhelmingly sweet, but at $8 a slice I'd sooner visit another bakery in the city. As for service, I waited in line for about thirty minutes. When I got to the door, the person working looked at me, didn't say hello, and turned around to work on what appeared to be a couple of online orders. When she came back, she asked me if I'd ordered online (I hadn't). I asked for the pierogi and Russian Honey Cake. She let me know "we don't have that so do you want something else?" Unclear which part they didn't have, I asked some questions and honestly she seemed so fed up with me for deigning to ask questions. Really off-putting. I ended up getting pierogi and a trifle, similar to the honey cake apparently, but when I asked her to describe it she just said it's the closest thing they had.... I waited another 15 min for the food. I got the impression that online orders take priority here, but even then it looks like those folks had quite a wait. The best part of this place was the busker out front.
Ordered the Russian Honey Cake for a birthday and oh my, it is so delish. the layers are so delicate and the cake is moist. Not overly sweet and could definitely feel the ingredients are top notch. Would be back to try their other pastries.
Harold Shippen
Food, service, cleanliness and staff makes for a wonderful meal experience. Wait times were short and so worth every minute. Stop by and enjoy the taste sensation!
Hannah Howard
Awful! I got violently ill. Stay away!
Alon Cohen
Best cakes + strudel in town. Also extremely charming
Jamie S.
I dream of the Russian honey cake and borscht that they serve here. So so so good. This place has amazing food, and in normal times - the most gentle and kind ambiance. All the staff wear 1950s esque clothes and there's sometimes live music on weekend afternoons! It's such a a lovely respite from what can often feel like a tech laden, impersonal city.The Russian honey cake here is truly something write home about, everyone raves about it for a reason. It's not only a difficult cake to make (there is 100% a lot of labor and love that goes into it - if you don't believe me - should try making it :)), and theirs is divine. Not too sweet, light dainty layers, and just a hint of caramelized honey flavor.I've tried the pierogis and a few other dishes here, but the savory dish that has always stood out to me is the borscht. I don't know how they do this with golden beets, but it is transcendent magic. It's the most rich, hearty, flavorful soup with a perfectly balanced profile. 20th century cafe is a must!
Last chance to get the multilayered delicious honey cake. Treat yoself and splurge for the 10” large. Cake reservations open on Sunday night.
Heard great things about the Russian honey cake and was able to order a slice on Saturday before they officially close down. While the cake was good, it was not memorable enough for me to come back.
How can Kimberly L. ever call Michelle rude. She is one the the sweetest people I have ever met. Even sweeter then her incredible food. Hayes Valley will miss you. xoxoxoxo
Oh, 20th Century Cafe what more is there to say? It's all been said before, I don't want to be a bore. But how could I not confess that the honey cake passed the test. One of the best things I ever ate, I stared wistfully at my cleaned plate. Oh dear reader, you must act fast, Michelle's honey cakes do not last. The cafe is closing, demand is high (No joke, the news made me cry.) The cake: texturally like a tiramisu instead of coffee, burnt honey comes through. Delicate layers of luscious whipped cream and delicate cake, Michelle you're a queen. I can't fully convey my thoughts in this review I truly wanted my cake, and to eat it too. Thank you for this experience, I'll never forget it. (Try to snag a preorder cake, you won't regret it.)
The rudest owner I've encountered who doesn't know how to operate an efficient business. Website is unclear regarding preorder and walk up instructions. Apparently preorder pick up starts at 10:30 but walk-in orders are not allowed until 11:30 - however everyone waits in the same line regardless (lack of efficiency.) We did not preorder but it took us the entire hour to reach the front anyway. When we got there - she rudely told us to go to the back of the line as walk-in would not start until 11:30. At 11:30, she rudely announced she still would not accept walk-in until 11:45. She was not apologetic about the situation but rather blamed the customers for not reading her website clearly. It was only after the rest of her staff diffused the situation that we were finally able to buy items. As the cherry on top, I saw her use her bare hands to pack items for the customers. Are we not in a pandemic?! Disgusting. It doesn't matter how good the cake is - her attitude is enough to deter me away. Treat your customers better. I won't be back.
So excited we finally got to try the famous Russian honey cake! Upon seeing that the cafe will be closing soon, we were determined to try this cake before it's too late. We were fortunate enough to grab one of the small cakes before they were sold out. Yay! Pick up date was Saturday and I got there at 10:40 for the 10:445 pickup time. Unfortunately there was already a line....and the wait took a while too! I was maybe 10th? And I waited 40 minutes just to pick up. By the time I left the line was around the corner!!! The cake itself was so unique! Strong burnt honey flavor with moist delicious cake layers and amazing buttercream. We inhaled the whole thing lol - no regrets!
My favorite bakery in the city and they're closing now :( Their magical multi-layer burnt honey cake is iconic, truly a sight to behold and to try. We're definitely making the trek over for one last slice behind their doors close. Maybe one day we'll be brave enough to try baking the beast ourselves...
It's been 5 years since I left SF and my Hayes Valley apartment right across the street from this cafe and I still think about the Pierogies and Honey cake EVERY SINGLE DAY!My daughter and I frequently visited this establishment so many fond memories.This place is amazing!
I've been meaning to go to 20th Century Cafe for a while, but they have very limited hours during COVID times so the timing never lined up until recently. It's very cute, I love the interior and the vibes. Knocking off one star for the lack of communication and rough, overly-complicated outdoor wait when it shouldn't have been--even if you order ahead (which you should), expect a wait on the weekend. I enjoyed the Russian Honey Coffee which was good but not great, it was very sweet but unique. I ordered a few kolaches which were also good. I'll be back to try some more drinks and baked goods--love the vibe of everyone who works there, especially the music. What a treasure in the Hayes area near Market!
Pierogi were good not great. At $14 for 3, I'd recommend Cafe Europa over this place for sure. They weren't bad, but not amazing. The trifle was really good-- intense flavor, lovely texture, all without being overwhelmingly sweet, but at $8 a slice I'd sooner visit another bakery in the city. As for service, I waited in line for about thirty minutes. When I got to the door, the person working looked at me, didn't say hello, and turned around to work on what appeared to be a couple of online orders. When she came back, she asked me if I'd ordered online (I hadn't). I asked for the pierogi and Russian Honey Cake. She let me know "we don't have that so do you want something else?" Unclear which part they didn't have, I asked some questions and honestly she seemed so fed up with me for deigning to ask questions. Really off-putting. I ended up getting pierogi and a trifle, similar to the honey cake apparently, but when I asked her to describe it she just said it's the closest thing they had.... I waited another 15 min for the food. I got the impression that online orders take priority here, but even then it looks like those folks had quite a wait. The best part of this place was the busker out front.
Restaurantji Recommends
Ordered the Russian Honey Cake for a birthday and oh my, it is so delish. the layers are so delicate and the cake is moist. Not overly sweet and could definitely feel the ingredients are top notch. Would be back to try their other pastries.
Food, service, cleanliness and staff makes for a wonderful meal experience. Wait times were short and so worth every minute. Stop by and enjoy the taste sensation!
Awful! I got violently ill. Stay away!
Best cakes + strudel in town. Also extremely charming
I dream of the Russian honey cake and borscht that they serve here. So so so good. This place has amazing food, and in normal times - the most gentle and kind ambiance. All the staff wear 1950s esque clothes and there's sometimes live music on weekend afternoons! It's such a a lovely respite from what can often feel like a tech laden, impersonal city.The Russian honey cake here is truly something write home about, everyone raves about it for a reason. It's not only a difficult cake to make (there is 100% a lot of labor and love that goes into it - if you don't believe me - should try making it :)), and theirs is divine. Not too sweet, light dainty layers, and just a hint of caramelized honey flavor.I've tried the pierogis and a few other dishes here, but the savory dish that has always stood out to me is the borscht. I don't know how they do this with golden beets, but it is transcendent magic. It's the most rich, hearty, flavorful soup with a perfectly balanced profile. 20th century cafe is a must!