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First Cup

First Cup is the kind of neighborhood spot that quietly becomes a daily habit. Set on 2911 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, it’s an easy, convenient stop on the way to the Golden Gate Bridge and the Marina/Russian Hill errands. Guests find a warm, comfy vibe, fast counter service, and food that overdelivers for the price. It’s ideal for a quick bite before work, a grab-and-go brunch, or a simple lunch that won’t break the bank. Orders come out fast (breakfast sandwiches routinely in minutes), and the team is consistently friendly. What keeps people coming back is the combination of quality and value: soft, warm baguettes; bagel sandwiches with real heft; and satisfying coffee drinks that pair perfectly with a croissant or a hot breakfast sandwich. If someone is searching coffee near me, breakfast sandwich, bagel sandwich, or San Francisco cafe, First Cup should be on the shortlist for affordable breakfast and quick lunch near me that actually tastes great.

Services

  • Counter service with quick prep for busy mornings
  • Breakfast and lunch made to order (bagels, croissants, baguettes, sandwiches)
  • Hot and cold coffee drinks: iced coffee, drip coffee, espresso drinks (latte/cappuccino)
  • Convenient takeout and walk-in pickup for commuters
  • Simple, fair pricing that beats many spots in the Marina corridor
  • Friendly staff and cozy seating for a short pause between stops

Menu
Breakfast favorites

  • Avocado Everything Bagel Sandwich: Toasted everything bagel stacked with avocado, egg, and melty cheese; add jalapeño for a lively kick. A go-to for fans of breakfast sandwich power without the heavy price tag.
  • Sausage, Egg & Cheese: Classic, hearty, and fast—great with fresh OJ or iced coffee.
  • Croissant Sandwich: Buttery croissant with egg and cheese (add bacon or sausage). Light, flaky, perfect with a latte.

Lunch standouts

  • Ham & Cheese on Warm French Baguette: Soft, warm bread with ham, cheese, onion, lettuce, and mustard. Comforting, simple, and “wow” good for an everyday sandwich shop pick.
  • Korean BBQ Sandwich: Customer-loved savory-sweet profile; ask for jalapeño to balance richness and add heat.
  • Bagel & Baguette Mix-Ups: Buildable combos for those who want something fast but flavorful.

Coffee & drinks

  • House Coffee & Iced Coffee: Clean, balanced, and fairly priced—pair with a croissant.
  • Espresso Bar (Latte/Cappuccino/Americano): Classic choices for a quick caffeine fix.
  • Fresh orange juice and bottled beverages for on-the-go hydration.

Pros

  • Speed: Breakfast items can be ready in about three minutes—perfect for commuters.
  • Value: Portions and taste outperform many pricier neighbors; genuinely fair prices.
  • Flavor: Warm baguettes, generous fillings, and balanced coffee drinks.
  • Convenience: On Van Ness Ave with easy in-and-out for pickups.
  • Consistency: Friendly service and reliably tasty food create repeat customers.

Reviews

  1. “Food and drinks were delicious and fairly priced. Cozy vibe, very nice service. Will be back.”
  2. “Expected a basic neighborhood sandwich—was totally wrong. Warm baguette, perfect flavor. New lunch favorite.”
  3. “First Cup should be your first choice for breakfast and lunch. My sandwich was ready in ~3 minutes and the coffee is excellent.”
  4. “Quick stop before the Golden Gate—two iced coffees, a bagel sandwich, and a croissant sandwich. All were delicious, and the location is super convenient.”
  5. “Not sure what’s better, the taste or the price. One of the best sandwiches I’ve had—this is my new go-to breakfast spot.”

If someone is hunting for coffee near me, iced coffee, breakfast sandwich, croissant sandwich, or a satisfying lunch near me without the Marina mark-up, First Cup delivers the essentials—fast, friendly, and flavorful—right on Van Ness Ave.