Restaurants

Cafe Claude on Claude Lane

Cafe Claude is one of those places where you feel as if you have been on a plane and just disembarked into a new world when you eat there. Your first clue at this particular cafe is the alley way entrance, and outdoor tables under the canopy.

Years ago, Cafe Claude was a cool spot for grabbing a glass of wine or Kir Royal and a corner booth to smoke and chat the night away with other Francophiles. A lot has changed in these many years but one thing hasn’t – you can still find great food, good wine and lots of wait staff who really are French at Cafe Claude.

This remains one of my favorite spots for lunch downtown, especially when I am craving a hot ham and cheese, known in the French world as a Croque Monsieur - oh la la. For about $11.00 they will serve this yummy comfort food with a very nice green salad or french fries. I get it or one of the specials – see the chalk board – almost every time I go for lunch.

When you go, this is a popular destination at lunch time for many downtown workers so arrive early if you don’t have reservations. With the heat lamps they have outside now, you can choose to eat al fresco or enjoy one of the intimate tables or booths indoors. And consider a Mousse au Chocolat for dessert – this dark chocolate confection is out of this world and is the perfect companion for a coffee at the end of your meal.

Practice your French at Cafe Claude

And if Jazz is your thing, check out their weekend evening performances. They have a regular calendar of acts that play music (lots of trios) in the tiny space between the front window and the bar!

7 Claude Lane
(between Bush St & Sutter St)
San Francisco, CA 94108
(415) 392-3505