Brunch in San Francisco is a rite of passage, if you live here, you must do it. Whether you wait in line (like most folks in town) or make a reservation, whenever the weekend rolls around, it’s time to fall out of bed, throw on some clothes and grab some grub. This is especially true when holidays and weekends converge—like Easter Sunday. If you have already made plans, don’t fret, The City is chock full of establishments serving up pancakes, scrambles and mimosas to sate your appetite. Here are just a few places worth the wait and or journey to try.
Plow: Go early, go late, sadly it doesn't seem to matter when you hit up this small gem in Potrero Hill, there will always be a wait. If you are lucky, sometimes it won't be as long as at other times. They serve up brunch in all it's basic finery here and if you want an excellent hearty sampling of all they do then get "The Plow"--eggs, bacon, sausage, potatoes and lemon ricotta pancake. You'll probably want a little nap afterwards.
"The Plow" from Plow
Plow: Go early, go late, sadly it doesn't seem to matter when you hit up this small gem in Potrero Hill, there will always be a wait. If you are lucky, sometimes it won't be as long as at other times. They serve up brunch in all it's basic finery here and if you want an excellent hearty sampling of all they do then get "The Plow"--eggs, bacon, sausage, potatoes and lemon ricotta pancake. You'll probably want a little nap afterwards.
Croque Monsieur from The Butler and The Chef
The Butler and The Chef: Located on a little circlet called South Park in SOMA, this long, narrow bistro has the look and feel of a Parisian boîte, complete with French chef serving up croque madames and house made quiches. It’s a perfect intimate spot to feel like your are sipping your cafe au lait on the Seine without all the jet lag.
Magic Flute Garden Ristorante: Whimsical, frilly and a great outdoor patio combine with eggs benedict and smoked hash to create a relaxed and charming atmosphere at the Pac Heights gem. An enchanting ambiance that lets you stop and smell the flowers with a nice espresso.
The beignets from Just For You Cafe
Dogpatch Neighborhood: I’m mentioning this as a whole neighborhood as you have multiple choices to meet any palate that will be well worth the journey over to 3rd and 22nd Street. From Serpentine to Piccino to Just For You to Hard Knox Cafe to Smokestack They all are serving up good food for brunchies and each offers something different. If you can’t find something at one of these places then you really are a picky eater.
El Techo de Lolinda: The food is good and Latin American inspired and what better way to enjoy it on a sunny day in The Mission than on their rooftop deck. Enjoy your bunuelos and chicharrones de carne under the bright sky (and an umbrella) above all the hustle and bustle on the street below. Be sure to relax with a pitcher of margarita del Techo while watching Karl the Fog creep in around Sutro Tower. How much San Francisco can you get?
Town’s End Restaurant & Bakery: They specialize in breakfast, lunch brunch only and while they aren’t breaking new ground with their offerings you can’t beat the complimentary basket of house made assorted mini-muffins that greet as you sit down. Plus, if you ask, they will bring more. The space is big and they have outdoor tables offering up a view of San Francisco Bay. After filling up on either an omelet or a French toast sampler, you can walk off your morning meal with a leisurely stroll down the Embarcadero.
Turkey hash from Slow Club
Slow Club: Everyone talks about their burger and you can get it during brunch but they also serve up some killer hash and frittatas. It’s a funky night club like space that has hipster brunch stenciled all over it, but don’t let that deter you. The food is pretty darn good.
Johnny cakes from Brenda's Meat & Three
Brenda’s Meat & Three: This Divisadero offshoot of the Brenda’s French Soul Food is a great new option if you don’t feel like waiting in line at the original location in the Tenderloin, and really, who does. It offers many of the same down home, delicious dishes in a more relaxed, less busy location including shrimp and grits, biscuits and gravy and ham steak with red-eye gravy and sweet potato pancakes—just like mama used to make. I’m getting hungry just writing about it.
Corner Store: Yes, they are all the way out Geary at Masonic, but don't let the possible 38 ride deter you. This cute little spot is a great brunch/lunch spot offering up unique takes on classic dishes like duck and grits. Does get crowded and noisy inside so ask for a seat on their covered patio if you can.
Duck and grits from The Corner Store
Corner Store: Yes, they are all the way out Geary at Masonic, but don't let the possible 38 ride deter you. This cute little spot is a great brunch/lunch spot offering up unique takes on classic dishes like duck and grits. Does get crowded and noisy inside so ask for a seat on their covered patio if you can.
These are just a few places to try, and as I stated above, you can pretty much get brunch in any hood in The City. (I'm pretty sure it's an unspoken requirement for anyone who opens a restaurant in town.) All you have to do is get out there and eat, it really is the thing to do in San Francisco.