Family Cafe

"Family Cafe is a North Beach spot inspired by Japan’s kissaten cafe culture, meaning attention to detail and warm hospitality are big priorities. This is why coming to the intimate, cozy space feels like stepping inside an old friend’s kitchen, or why the relaxed atmosphere always makes us want to pull up a stool, set our phone to Do Not Disturb, and stay awhile. We especially like heading to Family Cafe for extra-long lunches. The service is never rushed, and, of course, the food is fantastic, from the sandwiches to the curries. The rich chicken katsu curry is always a great option if you want a heartier lunch, but know that no trip here is complete without getting one of their excellent baked goods, like chocolate chip cookies or blackberry matcha cupcakes. Food Rundown photo credit: Sarah Felker Chicken Katsu Curry Rich, thick, and packed with veggies and little chunks of chicken, this is one of our favorite Japanese curries in the city. It’s poured alongside a bed of koshihikari rice and chicken katsu that’s fried to a deep golden-brown. photo credit: Sarah Felker King George Sando You might actually dislocate your jaw trying to take a bite of this sandwich - it’s stacked so high it seems physically impossible. But the effort is worth it, especially for its rainbow of fresh, colorful veggies, including avocado, beets, carrots, cucumber, and shredded cabbage. Plus, the entire thing, down to the sourdough bread, is vegan. photo credit: Sarah Felker Chicken Katsu Sando This hearty sandwich is made with big, tender hunks of chicken thigh, and we wish we could use the soft milk bread it comes on as a pillow. This is our ideal midweek lunch." - Julia Chen

"Each story of the two-floor Family Cafe (362 Columbus Avenue) occupies 300 square feet intended to communicate an “an old soda fountain vibe,” co-owner Jessica Furui says. But this soda fountain serves katsu chicken sandwiches on Japanese milk bread (that’s a food trend bingo) and seasonal baked goods." - Eve Batey

"Family Cafe has opened its jewel box–like space in North Beach for Japanese curry dishes, Mr. Espresso Coffee, matcha drinks, and baked goods. It’s two floors, each a postage stamp–sized 300 square feet connected by a staircase. And in keeping with the cafe’s name, that staircase is hung with “family” portraits of owners Jessica Furui (a former sake director at Ozumo) and Ray Lee (also owner of Akiko’s Restaurant), as well as chef Tadayuki Furui (Jessica’s ex-husband, most recently of Soba Ichi). “It’s almost like an old soda fountain vibe,” says Jessica of the space at 362 Columbus Avenue, previously a carryout chicken restaurant. But this soda fountain is cuter than most: Family’s counter is a Calcutta white marble slab, with bright turquoise green arabesque tiles beneath. On the second floor, a big dining table seats up to 10 people, and more seats and stools line the windows. Family Cafe’s daily menu, prepared in a small kitchen by chef Tadayuki, is written on an antique mirror. From Jessica at the counter, customers order items like katsu chicken sandwiches on Japanese milk bread and daily specials including Jessica’s own baked goods. Those are “whatever I like to make — whatever’s in season,” she says, including cheesecakes and cakes with seasonally changing fruits. At Family, Jessica wants to emphasize in-house orders for food and drinks, and won’t be handing out disposable cups willy-nilly. “People are coming here to Family to create community and meet people,” she says. “It’s absurd that people get espresso to go — it’s three ounces!” In addition to coffee, Family stocks premium Japanese teas, including some from Nakatsugawa in Gifu Prefecture, near where chef Tadayuki is originally from. He and Jessica may no longer be family in the legal sense, but they’re “very amicable,” she says. Originally intended as a sake bar, Family became a family-friendly, community-focused cafe “inadvertently.” Zoning snafus ruled out a beer and wine license, at least for the moment. But the team pressed on, leaning into the rest of their offerings. A beer and wine license is still possible down the road, but to make sure the cafe can meet revenue goals without one, Jessica and co. will offer everything from catered lunches and private dinners to community workshops and buyouts. “Baby showers, divorce parties, art shows,” Jessica lists as possible uses of the space. “We want to be a real San Francisco cafe — always changing and unique.” Family Cafe is now open from Monday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., with coffee and tea drinks available starting at 10 a.m." - Caleb Pershan