Old Skool Cafe

Excellent food, wonderful friendly servers, great music and overall ambiance can't be beat.

Was in the area and stumbled upon this soul food restaurant. Who doesn't love a feel good story about someone giving back to the community! It's a walk right into the roaring 1920s inside the establishment. They had live jazz and all the staff dressed the part.I ordered the peanut stew and my wife ordered the Fried Chicken. We both really enjoyed our dishes! The peanut stew was warm and comforting. All the staff were extremely accommodating and attentive. All and all, I would for sure check out this unique place in BayView again!

So glad we dined at @oldskoolcafe tonight. I agree with another Yelper about this being truly the definition of dining with a purpose.Old Skool Cafe is a violence prevention program, that provides job training, employment and a second chance at life by way of a 1920's speakeasy, jazz restaurant, run by at-risk, formerly incarcerated and foster care youth ages 16-22. It allows these at-risk teens/young adults a chance to develop skills in hospitality, life-lessons and getting them ready for a life where they can support themselves. The restaurant is located in not the best neighborhood in SF, but as someone commented, "don't judge a restaurant by its location"! We opted for one special 3-course dinner (which high included fried catfish fingers, smothered fried chicken and a dessert), gumbo and short ribs. We also ordered the side of mashed potato's and mac & cheese. I must say, you cannot go wrong with anything on this menu!!! Everything was finger licking good!!! We tired the sweet potato tart and the date cake with toffee sauce. The food was just an amazing southern culinary experience.The staff is extremely friendly and easy to chat with during dinner. We will definitely be back supporting this great cause and gaining a few more pounds along the way!

Old Skool Cafe is a youth-run, jazz-themed supper club. It is a faith-based, violence prevention program, that provides job training, employment, and a second chance at life by way of a 1920's speakeasy, jazz restaurant, run by at-risk, formerly incarcerated, and foster care youth ages 16-22.The food, service, and ambience were incredible. Highly recommended. Pictured here are sweet potato rolls, catfish fingers!, shrimp and grits, fried chicken, and sweet potato tartlets.I love their mission and food. This is a must do.

I'm from the south and this soul food hit the spot. The smothered chicken, mashed potatoes, and collard greens ! And the collards were not cooked in pork (no pork on my fork), seasoning was perfect! Gravy on the chicken I could have quite literally sopped (southern slang) it up with a biscuit! The sweet potato tartlet has me excited for Thanksgiving with family! Can I order a whole pie?!Cotton Club and French 75, perfect! Almost forgot the complimentary sweet potato biscuits at the start of your meal! There was no picture because I demolished in two seconds! I will definitely be back! #SFrestaurantweek #eatdrinkSF #speakeasy #nonprofit #soulfood #BayareaEats

I love going to Old Skool Cafe. They consistently offer a great dining experience. High quality meals, responsive service, and awesome jazz musical entertainment. This one of a kind youth run supper club never disappoints.

Brought my fiancé here last night for his birthday and had an amazing meal. I'm we ordered: The jerk shrimp as an appetizer. Soooo good. Comes with crostinis (not like the ones that are hard and could potentially break your teeth on). No. These were just perfectly toasted. I ordered the Fish of the Day - Sea Bass with roasted potatoes, cauliflower, and squash. Delicious! My fiancé had the Short ribs. A big portion that just slid off the bones. His came with mashed potatoes, carrots, and cauliflower. It was so darn tasty. Then they gave him a birthday dessert. I wish I could remember what it was. My fiancé has a massive sweet tooth (I don't) but he loved it as well. The staff was incredible. Our server was super sweet. Very attentive. The band upstairs crushed it. The decor is awesome. Fantastic from start to finish : ) Two thumbs up! Five stars!I highly recommend it!

I am surprised Old Skool Cafe doesn't get more recognization. Family found this while visiting another restaurant near by and we finally got to try it. The hours are limited since it is a jazz club restaurant but it is well worth it. The food is excellent, all 3 dishes we got were great. The desserts were not too sweet. The staff were at tentative and the manager even came out and spoke to each table. Since it is a jazz club, the room is dark but it is a great space that is well decorated and you can feel the vibe. This is not a great area to park your car but it is easily accessible with T and 24 bus or uber. You can tell the people that works here really care about their jobs and wanted to do good work. This is very underrated place, please spread the word to help them stay in business!

Amazing food and great vibe. I can't believe I hadn't been here before. This will definitely be one of my new regular spots.

Ambiance is very special, love the walk down the "speakeasy hallway", which opens up into old skool vibe and decor, which was not old at all, but very fashionable and up to date! Food was delicious. Nice happy hour prices- like they were pre-Covid. Reasonable, not overpriced and a good value for the money. Also importantly, cocktail drinks were tasty. Sampled Paco's citrus cucumber 'tini. Very refreshing! Subtle flavors, not overpowering.