Grande Café

Overall Rating: 4.400
Address: 501 Geary Blvd. (at the Hotel Monaco)
Cross Street(s): Taylor St.
City, State ZIP: San Francisco, CA 94102
Neighborhood: Union Square
Phone: 415.292.0101
Hours: M-Th 7am-10pm; F 7am-11pm; Sa 8am-11pm; Su 9am-10pm
Type of Establishment: Restaurant
Cafe Rating: 5.20
Barista: 3
Savvy: 3
Ambiance: 8
Presentation: 7
Consistency: N/A
Espresso Machine: La San Marco
Coffee Rating: 3.60
Aroma: 7
Body: 3
Brightness: 3
Crema: 3
Flavor: 3
Taster's Correction: -1.0
Size: M
Primary Taste: Warming
Coffee Beans: La Colombe Torrefaction
Cup Manufacturer: Albalite
Price: $2.50
Last Update: 08/29/2003
First Reviewed: 08/29/2003
Notes: Temperature Control Problems
Review
Cavernous French bistro at the Hotel Monaco with vast, high ceilings, warm colors, and ornate lighting. Good French dining. Decorative bar in front. Espresso is served with a lemon rind - which spells trouble right there. The baristas pay little attention to process. It has a good aroma, but a weak body and a thin, pale crema. Tepid temperature, and a woody, mild pepper-like flavor. Closed between meal times.