Wow. I am so on a roll. Just got back from my second stop on the Coffee Shop Quest. Yesterday was the Jackson Place Cafe , and tonight was the night for Bazaar Cafe in the outer Richmond-- the hippest place for live music in a super low-key setting. Bazaar is definitely a local's locale (ha, I'm easily amused).

From bazaarcafe.com 

Enter from the alley side door and you'll find yourself in a cozy cafe with a relaxed San Francisco vibe. There are many little rooms plenty of space for corner tables. The long counter seems like a throwback to the diner counter of yesteryear with some beat-up vintage stool seating. The menu itself is pretty standard. Coffee, tea, beer, wine, bagels, and pastries made up the options. I think there was also some curry.

They have a busy calendar of events with performances, exhibits and workshops held every night. My friends and I luckily stumbled upon their Open Mic night. In the hour-and-a-half that we were sitting there, we saw almost a dozen acts ranging from guitar soloists doing laid-back Jack-Johnson-esque stuff to jazzy trios, there is quite a variety. There is a strict rule against performing covers of songs, so everything was original. It was splendid! The best part was that everyone seemed to know everyone else (the coffee shop version of Cheers), so every act got a lot of cheers and support.

My friend Nick discovers the alley entrance.

Bazaar Cafe

5927 California Street

San Francisco, CA

Accepts Credit Cards

: Yes. A $5 minimum, or else a $.50 charge.

Price Range

: I got a yummy giant chocolate chip cookie dipped in white chocolate for $1.75 and a so-so lukewarm medium decaf for another $1.75. Their coffee selections range from $1.50 for a small regular coffee to about $4 for the fancy stuff. Bagels are about $4, as is their bottled and canned beer. 

Coffee

: From my personal experience with the mediocre decaf and from the other reviews I've read on Yelp, coffee doesn't seem to be their strong suit-- a strange thing for a coffee place. A friend of mine ordered the hot apple cider, which I tasted and found quite enjoyable.

Ambiance

: What this cafe lacks in superb food/beverage, it more than makes up for in its cool West Coast chill ambiance. The hardwood floors are scuffed and scratched with character, off-beat paintings adorn the walls, and garden gnomes and vintage musical instruments are scattered around for effect. 

Seating

: There are plenty of places to sit in each of their little rooms and nooks. There are also the three or four bar stools at the counter, as well as a table by the front window.

Reading Comfort

: We were here on a Thursday Open Mic night, meaning that everyone's attention was focused on the performers. There is no laptop use allowed in the front room during performances. My friends say that it's a great place to read and study when there aren't performances in progress.

Rush Factor

: Again, I have yet to read or study here, but my friends who frequent Bazaar say that they sit for hours studying during the day without feeling rushed out.

Verdict

: If you come during the day, feel free to bring a book or laptop. If you come in the evenings, it's the perfect place for a relaxed and fun night out with friends during the week.

Insider Tip

s:

• Use the side entrance
• Look at the calendar of events if you want to watch something in particular, or just pop in and enjoy the surprise.
• Don't talk during the performances-- people are very respectful and always give their full attention.
• Order the chocolate chip cookie dipped in white chocolate. You won't regret it!
• If you decide to perform for open mic night, remember the prohibition against covers. But you already knew that, right?

As always, please check out the

quest page

to track my progress and offer suggestions.