For 'Rat Cafe,' SF Dungeon Brings Rats To The Table

For 'Rat Cafe,' SF Dungeon Brings Rats To The TablePhoto: The San Francisco Dungeon
Nathan Falstreau
Published on May 22, 2017

What's your biggest old-timey San Francisco fear? Being kidnapped and forced to work on a ship out at sea? Being thrown in the clink on Alcatraz Island? Or maybe sitting down to brunch while rats scurry about your table and nip at your cronut?

One San Francisco tourist attraction, The San Francisco Dungeon, delivers all three terrifying experiences—and then some—for a nightmare-inducing pop-up called Black Rat Cafe for two special days. 

Photo: Joel R./Yelp

The rodent attraction takes place on July 1st and 8th, where, should you dare, visitors will be able to dine with and befriend rats of all credentials.

"Be forewarned," wrote the Dungeon on their website. "The fare at this pop-up experience is neither locally grown nor sustainably-sourced."

For $49.99, "guests can sip their coffee while seated at bistro-style tables, nicely draped with red-and-white gingham tablecloths" while the rats run amok. The price includes pastries, unlimited coffee or tea, and 15 creepy minutes to interact with the guests of honor, as well as regular admission to the dungeon. 

Don't worry though, these rats aren't your typical run-of-the-mill city slickers. All rodent friends are provided by Rattie Ratz, a Clayton, CA-based pet rat rescue organization. So should one of these little guys catch your eye, you can adopt one and bring him home. 

Be sure to visit the dungeon website to pre-book and save on tickets. 

Local pro tip: Can't make it to the Rat Cafe but still want to check out the dungeon? Show them ID with a San Francisco address and they'll knock off 30% on the price of admission.