10 Postcards
At 20th Century Cafe, a charming retro gem in Hayes Valley, indulge in delightful pastries and Eastern European fare amid a whimsical vintage atmosphere.
"Between the pale green floor, big copper espresso machine, and tin-fronted counter, 20th Century Cafe looks and feels like it jumped out of a story about an idealized 1940s universe. Even on a cloudy day, the big windows let in enough light to give this place a sort of brightness that should only exist in worlds where children find secret gardens and people wear lace gloves. This Gough Street spot has a short menu of Eastern European food that’s fun to work through when you have no plans for the day, or at least want to make the 15 minutes you actually have free for breakfast before heading off to a meeting feel even longer. There are pierogies with sour cream and tart plum preserves that are surprisingly filling and light honey cake that tastes like a tea party should spring up around it - along with our favorite lox bagel in town, which comes with the perfect amount of cream cheese, pickled shallots, and dill. It’s all good enough that you’d put up with eating it in a BART station at rush hour, but luckily, it’s in a quiet spot on the edge of Hayes Valley instead. photo credit: Krescent Carasso" - Will Kamensky
"Michelle Polzine, owner of the now-shuttered 20th Century Cafe, raised thousands of dollars for Ukrainians by selling her infamous honey cakes earlier this year." - Eater Staff
"This café came to us by recommendation from Kim Alter, who calls it one of the neighborhood's hidden gems. Inspired to open up shop after visiting cafés in Prague, Vienna, and Budapest, owner and chef Michelle Polzine is known for knishes; linzer tortes; a drool-worthy, 10-layer Russian honey cake; and for her eclectic collection of vintage dresses and aprons. As Alter told us, "She's just the whole package." "
"At least Michelle Polzine closed 20th Century Cafe on her terms, but her farewell letter was heartbreaking commentary about what it means to be in the restaurant industry, and how it chews you up." - Eater Staff
"20th Century Cafe announced plans to permanently close earlier this spring, and is finally winding down operations. Star pastry chef Michelle Polzine recently raised a coupe of Champagne and confirmed that her final day of service will be July 10. It’s been a bittersweet and fond farewell for regulars of the rare cafe, who loved the burnt honey cake on fine china, served at this location for a good eight years (although it may live on in pop-up form)." - Becky Duffett
