I went to eat here yesterday. Let me just say that I'm beyond impressed and my eyes were welled up with tears for a good portion of the night. From Freddie waiting our table, to Trinity's smile, to the young jazz musicians playing, I left with my stomach full and my heart beating with hope. The food was beyond delicious, the ambiance/decor went outside of the template I imagined this place would look like, the kids hosting, waiting, cooking, entertaining, made me excited about what Old Skool is accomplishing in the Bayview.
Every bit the hype it was built up to be! Excellent service, and even better food! The atmosphere made you forget you had to walk the gauntlet to get here. And live music too?!?! Highly recommend!
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I'm not sure why it's taken me so long to write this review. We came across this restaurant thanks to an article about the restaurant's backstory (Definitely take a moment and Google their story. Long story short: the staff is made up of youths that are/were considered at-risk. The restaurant is a way for them to learn skills, gain work experience, and build their self-esteem. That concept was enough for us to give them a try.)
Overall we had a great experience. Our waiter was newer and you could tell that he was nervous but he was extremely sweet. This was a few months ago so I'm sure he's gotten over his nerves by now. Everyone was so friendly (seasoned restaurant staff at other establishments could learn about hospitality from these teens & young adults). The food was far better than I anticipated. And I have been thinking about the Sweet Potato Biscuits (sadly these aren't available to purchase, they're a complimentary starter) since our dinner.
My only problems were that they were hard to find and we actually drove by twice without realizing it, and the dark entryway/walkway to the dining area. Other than that it's great food, a great experience, a great atmosphere, and a great cause.
We had a wonderful visit! The music was fantastic, the food was super yummy & overall a great time. The youth who worked here were so professional & really hustled to make everything special from our greeting when we arrived, throughout our meal & when we departed. Will be back!!!
SF Restaurant Week Spotlight
I’m from the south and this soul food hit the spot. The smothered chicken, mashed potatoes, and collard greens 🤤! And the collards were not cooked in pork (no pork on my fork), seasoning was perfect! Gravy on the chicken I could have quite literally sopped (southern slang) it up with a biscuit!
The sweet potato tartlet has me excited for Thanksgiving with family! Can I order a whole pie?!
🍸Cotton Club and French 75, perfect!
Almost forgot the complimentary sweet potato biscuits at the start of your meal! There was no picture because I demolished in two seconds!
I will definitely be back!
#SFrestaurantweek #eatdrinkSF #speakeasy #nonprofit #soulfood #BayareaEats
Every dish and drink I've ever had here has been fantastic - not an exaggeration. This weekend, we had a refreshing beet salad, juicy and crispy fried chicken, and tender beef ribs.
The live jazz set the mood and ambiance reminded us just of New Orleans - where my husband is from!
All in all Old Skool is the kind of rare experience you have where there's great food, service and time well spent. Not to mention they play a critical role in supporting the local community and youth!!
Simply amazing. As someone born & raised in Georgia, I approve this place! From the time you walk in to the time you walk out, everything is superb. I had the smothered porkchop with Georgia grits, root vegetables, and whiskey mushroom gravy. Roommates had the gumbo and short rib. We tried a bunch of apps and the lavender cheesecake. 10/10 and it goes towards an important cause
To celebrate our 27th anniversary, we went to @oldskoolcafe. The greeters, cooks and servers are all young people. Mama T opened this place to help at risk youth learn work and life skills (like how to get a license, do taxes, set a bank account). Partnering with experienced chefs, this restaurant has excellent food… and live jazz!!!
We ordered the Taumoepeau Ota (think ceviche) and it was a great appetizer… light and the fish was super fresh. We had the short ribs which were super tender and had a rich gravy.
We didn’t think we had room for dessert, but the lavender cheesecake and the Guittard chocolate brownie were fabulous!
If you are in the city: GO! SUPPORT! ENJOY DELICIOUS FOOD!
I have wanted to check out Old Skool Cafe for several years, and it did not disappoint when I finally visited with family! First, the place is a bit non-descript outside, which is perfect for the speakeasy vibe. Once you walk in, however, you are transported to the 1920s. Everything is covered in red velvet and luxury. There is a large bar, and a balcony for the jazz band.
The hosts, servers, and cook staff are at-risk, foster, and/or formerly-incarcerated youth. We received great service. The youth were polite and so attentive. Chef Kevin also came around to check in on us, which we appreciated.
The drinks - Aviation, Bee's Knees, Cotton Club - were tasty, and the food was delicious! Our favorites were the free biscuit to start the meal, the Tongan appetizer dish, collard greens, and the shrimp and grits.
It's definitely worth a visit for a classy time!
Great place! This was first time here, no live music today unfortunately, but the food was amazing. I had the roasted cauliflower and my partner had the shrimp and grits. Service and cocktails were excellent, and our server was so nice and friendly! The atmosphere really is very old school and 1920s, the decor and atmosphere is nice, plus by dining here you support a nonprofit that helps at-rosk youth. Will definitely be visiting again!
Loved the vibe and interior and our waiter Hakim was so friendly. Sadly, they were out of 2 of 5 entrees - fried chicken and spare rib. Argh. so that was a disappointment but what we did have was tasty. Wings are great - tender meat and wet with tangy flavor. Gumbo good and my friends liked the shrimp and grits. It’s a great cause and for me, it was great being in a nice restaurant in Chicago where there more more brown and black people than not. I was not the only one or two in the room. And super fun live music. Very kindly they moved the direction of the speaker for my guest with hearing sensitivity. They aim to please. Don’t be in a hurry. Enjoy your friends and the warmth here.
Definitely a SF hidden gem! The food was really good! We arrived at around 6 on Saturday and they had happy hour on their appetizers (buy one get one 1/2 off) until 6:30 which surprised me because its hard to find happy hour deals on Saturday
But the food was delicious, the service was excellent and the atmosphere was so relaxing and romantic! I’m definitely coming back to try their drinks and more food!
You could make a reservation or just wake in!
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