M Cafe at 1376 9th Avenue has rebranded itself as Mahalo! The new menu now includes Hawaiian barbecue, as well as mainland American burgers and breakfast items.
M Cafe's moderately-priced comfort food offerings have changed little in recent years, but since the update, customers may select specialty items like barbecued chicken, short ribs or BBQ pork, all served Hawaiian-style with macaroni salad and steamed rice. Other regional dishes, such as spam, eggs and rice and chicken katsu lend the diner a Polynesian feel.
Unlike many of its competitors, Mahalo! offers delivery service, which may explain why it keeps its doors open until 9pm, compared to other cafes in the area that generally close after lunch. Though we tried to get in touch with the cafe's owners, we weren't able to learn more about the motivation behind the switch.
Despite rising rents and an influx of affluent residents, traditional American eateries do a brisk business in the Inner Sunset. Nearby Art's Cafe, Howard's Cafe and Raintree Cafe are often booked to capacity for weekend brunch and during the weekday lunch rush.
Mahalo!'s makeover is one of several changes to the food scene on 9th Avenue: Ke's Seafood Cafe is preparing to open a few doors down at 1358 9th Ave., nearby Alice Chinese Bistro at 420 Judah St. is changing hands, and the recent closure of Man Hing Market may create an opportunity for a new restaurant to join the competition.
Mahalo! is located at 1376 9th Ave. and is open 7 days each week from 9am to 9pm.
