blue danube coffee house...your funky neighborhood spot in the richmond

Ah, the outer reaches of this town. It is full of neighborhoods which can have the feel of not actually being in San Francisco. I mean seriously, go to Forest Hills or somewhere around Stonestown Galleria and see what you think. And be surprised we still have one of those stand alone malls in the city limits....WITH AN OLIVE GARDEN!! Beyond that, those outer hoods are spots visitors often don't get to, even though they should to check out way off the beaten track things and possibly drop into a funky little neighborhood coffee shop cafe like say, Blue Danube Coffee House.

It is one of those places you are going to find in most named hoods in the city. They have relaxed, hipster, shabby chic, found furniture looks and feel. Plus they usually display art from local artists that probably live nearby and subsist on soy lattes from the place. Blue Danube is that kind of place. They serve a purpose though in offering a casual spot to run in for coffee, pastry or a quick bite of a salad or sandwich. Nothing fancy and nothing too outrageously priced to break your wallet.

Blue Danube has been around awhile but I had never been in, so on a recent jaunt out Richmond District way I decided to drop in and see what they had to offer. Turns out they were right on target with a compact menu of breakfast, bagels, salads, sandwiches and small bites. I actually decided to try two different things. I knew I probably wouldn't eat it all in one sitting (though I could) and could take some home for later. Though when ordering multiple things for one person, I always get "looks". I just shrug and say, "I'm really hungry."

This was on a small board at the counter as a special sandwich of the day thing for like $5 and well, bacon, so I got it. I was thinking it was going to be one of those thin baguette sandwich things you see at some spots downtown, I was half right. It was on a French roll, but bigger than those skinny things you get. Toasted bread, bacon, lettuce, tomato and a bit of mayo. Can't say I'm the biggest fan of a French roll, always comes across a bit hard to me. But there was plenty of lovely smoky bacon, crisp lettuce and sweet tomatoes to make it worth the price. Maybe could have used a little more mayo, all the bread can get dry, but all in all a decent bite to eat. (No, I only ate half and saved the other for later.)

I then hunkered down with the quiche of the day--spinach, and it came with a side salad for like $7. Not the biggest slice of quiche, but then you don't necessarily need one when you are having a light lunch (says the person who also ordered a sandwich!). It was an okay version, if a little too dark brown on top. Egg, spinach, pie crust, a little cheese--as always, I'd like a little more. It did need some salt and pepper to season it up some, okay, maybe a lot, but not bad. The salad was nice and fresh with a light vinaigrette on top. A good side for the quiche. For the price, it is a good little lunch.

Ultimately, it is spots like this people who live in these little neighborhoods like to have around as they offer quick, easy and affordable bites just around the corner. (Something my area lacks a good one of) Plus in true San Francisco style, they also have a selection of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options to choose from. Because that is like a thing here...still. If you find yourself out Clement Street way on a trip to Green Apple Books and want a quick easy bite, Blue Danube Coffee House is good choice to sit, eat, relax and read that used book you just bought. Not THAT is a San Francisco thing!