The Bottom Line
- Fresh ingredients and Caribbean spices in most every dish.
- Outdoor eating, music and a colorful environment.
- Value-priced menu, from tapas to entrees.
- Counter service available for those on the go.
- The cafe fills up quickly, especially during the lunch hour.
- Capacity is around 55 people. Again, a crunch during lunch.
- Not open for dinner Sunday or Monday.
Description
- Located at 214 Townsend Street, between 3rd and 4th St.
- Open Sun-Mon, 9am to 4pm; Tues-Sat, 9am to 9pm.
- Catering available; patio open for private parties.
- Rush is between 12:30pm and 1:30pm; reservations recommended.
- Muni stop: King St. and 4th St./Average fare about $1.50.
Guide Review - An Island Break: Primo Patio Cafe on Townsend
Not surprisingly, the cafe accommodates the vegetarian, with salads and fresh vegetables always ready to serve. On Mondays, the soup of the day is usually vegetarian, and there's always the Vegetarian Pita (an on-the-go value for $5.75) or the Seasonal Vegetables entree made with spinach and eggplant. The cafe also features its very own raspberry vinaigrette, which is sweet but not overwhelming. A nice complement to your greens!
But the cafe owners will tell you that most of their patrons choose to delight in their signature Jerk Chicken (pictured), marinated with a Jamaican flavor. At $8.25 a plate, it is moderately priced and comes with the requisite black beans, cumin rice, and veggies. A feast for the eyes as well as the stomach, this dish put Primo Patio on the map and is a must for anyone wanting to try something new. From tapas and salads to sandwiches and side orders of pita, eggs, or plantains, Primo Patio is sure to have something for everyone in your group. And you get to eat outdoors. Make your plans and take an island break right in the city.
* Photo reprinted with permission of Noel Kelton.
