What a breath of fresh air. 20th Century Cafe is simple and elegant with a lovely retro nod to the past and a thread of Eastern European influence. Nestled on the busy corner of Gough and Oak in Hayes Valley the cafe is unassuming yet somehow the moment you step inside it feels entirely familiar and comfortable. Everything is made from scratch from the bagels to the famous Russian Honey Cake that currently holds a spot on the list of things to eat before you die. Gotta say, I certainly was impressed. I’m a total sucker for an open faced lox bagel and this one was sublime. I’m not sure how my tiny neighborhood continues to surprise and impress me with these places, but counting my lucky stars to have 20th Century Cafe close to home.

20th Century Cafe, in Hayes Valley
198 Gough St, between Oak & Lilly
San Francisco, CA 94102

The darling retro gals behind the counter were busy little bees

Pretty sure I win for most beautiful mint tea of all time

Homemade everything bagel with lox and fixins and perogis

The famous Russian Honey Cake, it was light as air and tasted a little bit like the graham cracker crust of a delicious cheesecake

This little gem also has a feature in last month’s Bon Appetite Magazine, way to go 20th Century Cafe!