FAQ
About in-person classes
HOW MANY STUDENTS ARE IN A CLASS?
Our public in-person cooking classes are generally for a maximum of 14 students. Some classes are designed for smaller groups, and others may accommodate more attendees if suitable to the class content.
Our public in-person cooking classes are generally for a maximum of 14 students. Some classes are designed for smaller groups, and others may accommodate more attendees if suitable to the class content.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR OR BRING TO CLASS?
The Civic Kitchen provides aprons, knives, and all other tools needed for your class. Want to bring your own knife? Feel free! Please wear comfortable, closed-toed shoes. Long hair should be tied back.
The Civic Kitchen provides aprons, knives, and all other tools needed for your class. Want to bring your own knife? Feel free! Please wear comfortable, closed-toed shoes. Long hair should be tied back.
AM I ACTUALLY GOING TO COOK DURING CLASS?
You bet! Our passion is teaching people to cook, so you can expect to don an apron, roll up your sleeves and get chopping, stirring, and sautéing. Participate as much or as little as you like. And in most classes, you’ll enjoy the fruits of your labor as part of a shared class meal (for a few classes, you take home what you've made instead).
You bet! Our passion is teaching people to cook, so you can expect to don an apron, roll up your sleeves and get chopping, stirring, and sautéing. Participate as much or as little as you like. And in most classes, you’ll enjoy the fruits of your labor as part of a shared class meal (for a few classes, you take home what you've made instead).
We sometimes host chefs and food writers for demonstrations and book events, and not all of these involve hands-on guest participation. This information is noted in the event description and in the pre-class email reminder you will receive.
WILL I GET TO EAT SOMETHING DURING CLASS?
Most classes conclude with a generous meal shared with your classmates around our convivial table, complete with wine and beer for adults and non-alcoholic beverages for all ages. Exceptions, such as cookbook events or cooking demonstrations without a full meal included, are clearly noted on our website. Sometimes snacks are also enjoyed earlier in the class. Drinking water is always available. Please plan ahead so you're well hydrated and energized before class.
Most classes conclude with a generous meal shared with your classmates around our convivial table, complete with wine and beer for adults and non-alcoholic beverages for all ages. Exceptions, such as cookbook events or cooking demonstrations without a full meal included, are clearly noted on our website. Sometimes snacks are also enjoyed earlier in the class. Drinking water is always available. Please plan ahead so you're well hydrated and energized before class.
DIETARY RESTRICTIONS
Please email us at info@civickitchensf.com to advise us of dietary restrictions, and we'll do our best to accommodate them. Our team members have wide experience in working with dietary preferences and are happy to share their knowledge with you! Please bear in mind that we can’t guarantee you will be able to taste every dish prepared in class.
Please email us at info@civickitchensf.com to advise us of dietary restrictions, and we'll do our best to accommodate them. Our team members have wide experience in working with dietary preferences and are happy to share their knowledge with you! Please bear in mind that we can’t guarantee you will be able to taste every dish prepared in class.
Nuts, eggs, dairy, and gluten are used regularly in our kitchen—if you have severe allergies, please take this into consideration.
WHAT AGES ARE APPROPRIATE FOR YOUR CLASSES?
The minimum for most of our in-person, adult classes is 12 years of age. Please note that any student under the age of 15 must be accompanied by someone 18 or older who has also purchased a ticket for that class.
The minimum for most of our in-person, adult classes is 12 years of age. Please note that any student under the age of 15 must be accompanied by someone 18 or older who has also purchased a ticket for that class.
We also offer classes for younger students. These classes are sometimes only for children or teens and will be described as such on the Class Description page.
DO YOU SERVE ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES?
In most of our adult classes, beer and wine (and sometimes other menu-appropriate beverages like sake or sangria) are served with the meal you have cooked in class.
In most of our adult classes, beer and wine (and sometimes other menu-appropriate beverages like sake or sangria) are served with the meal you have cooked in class.
ALTERATIONS AND CANCELLATIONS
Class and event menus are subject to change based on ingredient availability. All classes and events are subject to cancellation or rescheduling; you will be notified by email of any scheduling changes.
Class and event menus are subject to change based on ingredient availability. All classes and events are subject to cancellation or rescheduling; you will be notified by email of any scheduling changes.
COVID PROTOCOLS
Proof of Vaccination: As of October 2022, guests are no longer required to show vaccination status or photo id upon arrival at The Civic Kitchen. We will continue to monitor S.F., California, and federal guidelines when updating our Covid protocols.
Proof of Vaccination: As of October 2022, guests are no longer required to show vaccination status or photo id upon arrival at The Civic Kitchen. We will continue to monitor S.F., California, and federal guidelines when updating our Covid protocols.
Mask Wearing: In compliance with the San Francisco mandate for indoor food establishments, masks are optional for guests and our staff. Guests may wish to wear a well-fitted mask while cooking and interacting with others. Gaiters, bandanas and clear face shields with no mask underneath are not recommended for a cooking environment.
Our team practices exemplary food hygiene, including frequent cleaning and sanitizing. Staff and guests will wash their hands frequently at one of our three hand washing stations.
Our staff is vaccinated, and our HVAC system and professional ventilation hoods are operational during class.
For the health of our guests and staff, our protocols are non-negotiable. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding as we follow the City’s guidelines to keep our team and guests safe.
About online classes
Our online cooking classes are live and interactive via Zoom. We’ve made these experiences as similar to an in-person visit to The Civic Kitchen as we can. Have questions? You’ll get to ask them. Wondering if your dough/sauce/chopping looks right? You can show the teacher and find out. Cooking classes are recorded, and you may view videos by logging into your account on our website.
PURCHASING SPOTS
You only need to purchase one spot per household. You will receive log-in instructions after registering.
You only need to purchase one spot per household. You will receive log-in instructions after registering.
USING ZOOM
Please download the Zoom application prior to class. Click here to download the Zoom software. Learn more about using Zoom in their Quick Start Guide for New Users.
Please download the Zoom application prior to class. Click here to download the Zoom software. Learn more about using Zoom in their Quick Start Guide for New Users.
Join the class Zoom session by clicking the green "Join the Zoom Meeting" button in the Reminder email you receive the day before class, or the same "Join the Zoom Meeting" green button in the Confirmation email you received when you purchased the class.
HOW MANY STUDENTS ARE IN A CLASS?
Our online classes are generally for a maximum of 12 to 15 students. Some classes are suitable for smaller or larger groups, and exceptions to the attendee limit are noted in the class descriptions on our website.
Our online classes are generally for a maximum of 12 to 15 students. Some classes are suitable for smaller or larger groups, and exceptions to the attendee limit are noted in the class descriptions on our website.
CLASS MATERIALS AND PREPARATION
View ingredient, equipment and prep lists by clicking the ‘VIEW THE LIST’ button on the registration page. If you wish to cook along, please complete the prep list provided by the instructor before class. Printable recipes and handouts are available 48 hours prior to the start of the experience.
View ingredient, equipment and prep lists by clicking the ‘VIEW THE LIST’ button on the registration page. If you wish to cook along, please complete the prep list provided by the instructor before class. Printable recipes and handouts are available 48 hours prior to the start of the experience.
DO I ACTUALLY HAVE TO COOK DURING CLASS?
It's up to you! Some guests prefer to watch, then cook on another day or after class. Some students like to cook along with the class video after it becomes available (usually 24-48 hours after class). Others find enjoyment in cooking along live with the instructor. Participate as much or as little as you like.
It's up to you! Some guests prefer to watch, then cook on another day or after class. Some students like to cook along with the class video after it becomes available (usually 24-48 hours after class). Others find enjoyment in cooking along live with the instructor. Participate as much or as little as you like.
DIETARY RESTRICTIONS
Please email us at info@civickitchensf.com to inquire about ingredient substitutions and advice for revising our online menus. Our teachers have wide experience in working with dietary preferences and are happy to share knowledge with you! Please bear in mind that we can’t guarantee you will be able to successfully modify every recipe to meet your dietary preferences.
Please email us at info@civickitchensf.com to inquire about ingredient substitutions and advice for revising our online menus. Our teachers have wide experience in working with dietary preferences and are happy to share knowledge with you! Please bear in mind that we can’t guarantee you will be able to successfully modify every recipe to meet your dietary preferences.
WHAT AGES ARE APPROPRIATE FOR YOUR CLASSES?
Cooks of all ages are welcome to participate in our online classes. Any student under the age of 11 should be supervised by someone 16 or older and in the same physical location for safety reasons.
Cooks of all ages are welcome to participate in our online classes. Any student under the age of 11 should be supervised by someone 16 or older and in the same physical location for safety reasons.
About private classes and events
Whether you want to gather in our stylish, fully-equipped space in the Mission or connect together from far & wide, we'd love to host your private cooking event.
For in-person events, the Civic Kitchen is a great place for everything from birthday celebrations to team building events, and rehearsal dinners to chef pop-ups!
Please visit our Private Events page or contact us at events@civickitchensf.com for details.
COVID Protocols for In-Person Events
Proof of Vaccination: As of October, 2022, guests are no longer required to show proof of vaccination when arriving at The Civic Kitchen.
Proof of Vaccination: As of October, 2022, guests are no longer required to show proof of vaccination when arriving at The Civic Kitchen.
Mask Wearing: Mask wearing is now optional for guests of The Civic Kitchen. You may wish to wear a well-fitted mask while cooking with others.
Our team practices exemplary food hygiene, including frequent cleaning & sanitizing. Staff and guests wash their hands frequently at one of our three hand washing stations.
Our staff is fully vaccinated and our HVAC system & professional ventilation hoods will be operational. We will continue to monitor city, state and federal guidance and update our policies as necessary.
For the health of our guests and staff, our protocols are non-negotiable. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding as we follow the City’s guidelines to keep our team and guests safe.
Cancellation Policy
As a small business, cancellations are incredibly detrimental to our financial stability. We ask that you plan carefully before purchasing a class to avoid cancellations.
For individual classes and multi-class workshops:
Please notify us via email at info@civickitchensf.com at least 7 calendar days before your in-person or online class or multi-class workshop to receive a credit toward the purchase of a future experience. Class credit is not available for cancellations made less than 7 calendar days prior to the class or multi-class workshop.
Please notify us via email at info@civickitchensf.com at least 7 calendar days before your in-person or online class or multi-class workshop to receive a credit toward the purchase of a future experience. Class credit is not available for cancellations made less than 7 calendar days prior to the class or multi-class workshop.
For cooking series, such as Learn to Cook and Learn to Bake:
To cancel your enrollment in an entire series, please notify us via email at info@civickitchensf.com more than 7 calendar days before the date of the first class of the series to receive credit for the full series cost.
To cancel your enrollment in an entire series, please notify us via email at info@civickitchensf.com more than 7 calendar days before the date of the first class of the series to receive credit for the full series cost.
To cancel your enrollment in an entire series less than 7 calendar days before the date of the first class, please notify us via email at info@civickitchensf.com. You will receive credit in the amount paid for the series less the pro-rata value of the first class.
For all class types:
If you are unable to attend a class in which you have enrolled, consider giving your spot to a friend, family member or charity. Please email us at info@civickitchensf.com to let us know who will attend in your place.
If you are unable to attend a class in which you have enrolled, consider giving your spot to a friend, family member or charity. Please email us at info@civickitchensf.com to let us know who will attend in your place.
How do I use my class credit?
The first step is to add the class you want to your cart. Then, during the checkout process, you are able to apply your class credit on the “Complete your Transaction” page. Scroll down to “Available Credit:” and make sure you click on the little circle just to the left of “Use credit”.
Gift certificates
DO YOU SELL GIFT CERTIFICATES?
Yes, indeed! You may purchase one here.
Yes, indeed! You may purchase one here.
HOW ARE GIFT CERTIFICATES DELIVERED?
We deliver certificates in one of two ways:
1. A PDF certificate emailed to the buyer so it may be printed and given to the recipient. Please allow up to 12 hours to process.
2. A certificate emailed directly to the recipient.
We deliver certificates in one of two ways:
1. A PDF certificate emailed to the buyer so it may be printed and given to the recipient. Please allow up to 12 hours to process.
2. A certificate emailed directly to the recipient.
HOW DO I REDEEM MY GIFT CERTIFICATE?
After you’ve added a class to your cart and are checking out, you’ll arrive at the “Complete Your Transaction” page. On this page, enter your gift certificate number in the “Gift Certificate” section right above the “Billing Information” section.
After you’ve added a class to your cart and are checking out, you’ll arrive at the “Complete Your Transaction” page. On this page, enter your gift certificate number in the “Gift Certificate” section right above the “Billing Information” section.
DO GIFT CERTIFICATES EXPIRE?
In compliance with California state law, gift certificates at The Civic Kitchen have no expiration date.
In compliance with California state law, gift certificates at The Civic Kitchen have no expiration date.
May I buy a ticket for someone else?
Yes, you may, with the following two options: 1. Buy a ticket for a specific class, and enter the recipient’s name and email address during check-out. 2. Alternatively, you may purchase a gift certificate and allow the recipient to choose a class.
May I give my ticket to someone else?
Absolutely. Please email us at info@civickitchensf.com to let us know who will attend in your stead.
Location and getting to The Civic Kitchen
We suggest you take public transit or a ride-sharing service to get to The Civic Kitchen. If you drive, you may find street parking in the area; most nearby meters have a maximum stay of 2 or 4 hours from 9am to 6pm, Monday-Saturday. There are also a couple of parking lots close by:
Please remember to lock your car, and don’t leave anything visible in your car. To see a map of The Civic Kitchen location please click here.
- Small surface lot at 24th Street at Lilac
- Mission/Bartlett Garage at 21st Street & Bartlett
Please remember to lock your car, and don’t leave anything visible in your car. To see a map of The Civic Kitchen location please click here.
Our commitment to the Mission community
We love being a part of the Mission and have carefully considered how to give back to the community that has so warmly welcomed us. Our strength is teaching people about food and cooking, a life skill that was once passed down through generations. Some of that heritage has been lost in our modern lives, and we strive to mitigate that. Drawing on our passion for working with kids in the kitchen, we focus our efforts on teaching Mission youth to prepare food confidently while having fun.
The Civic Kitchen partners with educational institutions in the Mission to provide kids and their families with hands-on cooking experiences. We have worked with Mission High School, Aim High and Enterprise for Youth. We appreciate hearing from community members about further opportunities to serve middle-schoolers, teens and young adults in the Mission. Please contact us with your ideas at info@civickitchensf.com.
Are you looking for new teachers?
Our motto is “Kindness in the Kitchen”. If this describes your style and you have a great class idea, please shoot us an email at info@civickitchensf.com.
I have a great class or event idea - are you interested?
By all means! Please email us at info@civickitchensf.com.
COVID Protocols
We continue to carefully consider how to provide safe, enjoyable cooking experiences at The Civic Kitchen at this stage of the pandemic. We monitor city, state, and federal guidance and update our policies as necessary. Please note the following:
Mask Wearing: In compliance with the San Francisco mandate for indoor food establishments, masks are optional for guests and our staff. Guests may wish to wear a well-fitted mask while cooking and interacting with others. Gaiters, bandanas and clear face shields with no mask underneath are not recommended for a cooking environment.
Proof of Vaccination: The Civic Kitchen no longer requires guests to provide proof of full vaccination or a picture ID.
In Our Kitchen: Our HVAC system, professional ventilation hoods, and high-capacity HEPA filter are in constant operation when guests are present. Our team practices exemplary food hygiene, including cleaning and sanitizing. Staff and guests wash their hands frequently at several hand washing stations.
Thank you for your cooperation and understanding as we keep our team and guests safe.
