San Francisco, a city renowned for its vibrant culture and diverse culinary scene, offers a breakfast experience for every palate. Whether you’re a local seeking a new favorite spot or a visitor eager to explore the city’s gastronomic delights, the "City by the Bay" presents an array of options to kickstart your day. From cozy cafes serving up classic American fare to innovative eateries pushing the boundaries of breakfast cuisine, San Francisco has it all. Embark on a culinary journey as we explore some of the best places to enjoy breakfast in San Francisco, where memorable flavors and experiences await.
A City of Breakfast Delights
San Francisco’s breakfast scene is as diverse as its neighborhoods. Whether you crave a leisurely gourmet meal or a quick bite on the go, you’ll find an establishment to suit your needs. Imagine savoring fluffy cornmeal pancakes drenched in maple syrup, indulging in decadent banana French toast, or grabbing a perfectly crafted breakfast sandwich bursting with flavor. For those who enjoy sharing, a plate of warm, freshly baked beignets is always a welcome treat.
To truly experience the best breakfasts in San Francisco, let’s delve into some of the city’s most beloved establishments:
1. Just For You Cafe: A Dogpatch Gem
Nestled in the vibrant Dogpatch neighborhood, south of Mission Bay and near Oracle Park, lies Just For You Cafe. This relocated gem, formerly in Potrero Hill, has been captivating breakfast enthusiasts for years. The cafe exudes a colorful and inviting atmosphere, perfect for starting your day on a positive note.
The menu at Just For You Cafe is a testament to breakfast diversity. From the fiery flavors of huevos rancheros to the satisfying heft of breakfast burritos, there’s something for everyone. A must-try is their signature cinnamon sugar beignets, made from scratch with love and care.
Whether you prefer the cozy ambiance of indoor seating, the fresh air of the outdoor patio, or the classic diner experience at the counter, Just For You Cafe offers a variety of seating options to suit your preference.
- Address: 732 22nd St, San Francisco, CA 94107-3424
- Phone: +1 415-647-3033
- Vibe: Colorful, inviting, and diverse
- Must-Try: Cinnamon sugar beignets
2. Dottie’s True Blue Cafe: A Mid-Market Legend
Dottie’s True Blue Cafe is a San Francisco institution, a small and cozy eatery that has been drawing crowds since its humble beginnings on Jones Street in the 1990s. Now situated along the city’s bustling Mid-Market corridor, Dottie’s remains as popular as ever, with a constant line of eager patrons stretching out the door.
The cafe’s enduring appeal lies in its commitment to classic American fare, executed with exceptional quality. From fluffy three-egg omelets to whole wheat buttermilk pancakes drenched in pure maple syrup, Dottie’s delivers breakfast perfection. However, the dish that truly sets Dottie’s apart is the grilled chili-cheddar cornbread with jalapeño jelly, a culinary creation that has earned the praise of celebrity chef Guy Fieri.
Despite a change in ownership in 2017, Dottie’s True Blue Cafe maintains its unwavering commitment to quality, ensuring that every breakfast experience is a memorable one.
- Location: Mid-Market Corridor
- Vibe: Small, cozy, and bustling
- Must-Try: Grilled chili-cheddar cornbread with jalapeño jelly
3. Zazie: A French-Inspired Oasis in Cole Valley
Tucked away in the charming Cole Valley neighborhood, just south of the vibrant Haight-Ashbury district, lies Zazie, a delightful bistro that offers a French-inspired breakfast experience. The restaurant’s tree-shaded backyard patio is a true oasis, providing the perfect setting to savor the delectable offerings.
Zazie’s breakfast menu is a celebration of French culinary traditions, with a touch of San Francisco flair. Indulge in a variety of egg benedict variations, savor the sweetness of gingerbread pancakes served with Meyer lemon curd and Bosc pears, or opt for the savory satisfaction of Croque Monsieurs and Madames, the latter topped with a sunny-side-up egg.
Adding to Zazie’s appeal is its commitment to fair labor practices, as one of the first tip-free restaurants in San Francisco.
- Address: 941 Cole St, San Francisco, CA 94117
- Phone: +1 415-564-5332
- Vibe: Charming, French-inspired, and relaxed
- Must-Try: Gingerbread pancakes with Meyer lemon curd and Bosc pears
4. Mama’s on Washington Square: A North Beach Institution
Mama’s on Washington Square, located in the heart of North Beach, is a San Francisco institution that has been serving up breakfast delights since the mid-1960s. Like Dottie’s True Blue Cafe, Mama’s is known for its long lines, a testament to its enduring popularity among locals and visitors alike.
The wait at Mama’s is well worth it, as the restaurant offers a diverse menu of breakfast classics, including a variety of Benedicts, French toast variations (including a best-seller made with house-based cranberry-orange bread), and creative omelets. The restaurant exudes a warm and welcoming family atmosphere, a legacy instilled by Mama herself before her passing in 2000.
- Address: 1701 Stockton St, San Francisco, CA 94133
- Phone: +1 415-362-6421
- Vibe: Warm, welcoming, and family-friendly
- Must-Try: Cranberry-orange French toast
5. Kate’s Kitchen: A Lower Haight Stalwart
Tucked away on Haight Street in the Lower Haight neighborhood, between the Upper Haight and Hayes Valley, lies Kate’s Kitchen, a longtime breakfast stalwart that has been serving up hearty meals for decades. The restaurant’s wainscoted walls, red-vinyl-clad tables, and vintage U.S. map mural create a nostalgic and comforting atmosphere.
Kate’s Kitchen offers a variety of breakfast options, from regular menu items to daily chalkboard specials. Indulge in the New England Flannel Hash, a savory and satisfying dish, or opt for the French Toast Orgy, a decadent plate of orange-spice french toast topped with fresh fruit, yogurt, granola, and honey.
- Address: 471 Haight St, San Francisco, CA 94117-3505
- Phone: +1 415-626-3984
- Vibe: Nostalgic, comforting, and hearty
- Must-Try: French Toast Orgy
6. Ella’s: Laurel Heights Comfort Cuisine
Located in the charming Laurel Heights enclave, Ella’s is a hidden gem known for its "from-scratch" comfort cuisine and classic American dishes. While a bit off the beaten path, Ella’s is easily accessible by public transportation.
Start your meal with a fresh fruit plate or some house-made sticky buns, then choose from a selection of breakfast delights, including buttermilk waffles, a chorizo scramble, and an omelette brimming with bacon and cheddar cheese. Weekend brunch offers additional creative fare, such as Ella’s famous strawberry ricotta pancakes.
- Address: 590 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA 94102-3227
- Phone: +1 415-610-4333
- Vibe: Comfortable, classic, and from-scratch
- Must-Try: Strawberry ricotta pancakes
7. Eagle Cafe: A Fisherman’s Wharf Landmark with a History
Located in the heart of touristy Fisherman’s Wharf, the Eagle Cafe boasts an interesting and unlikely history. Originally a hash house in the 1920s, serving a diverse crowd of bus drivers, longshoremen, and artists, the cafe moved to its current Pier 39 location in 1978.
Today, the Eagle Cafe offers incredible views of Alcatraz, along with a breakfast menu that ranges from Salmon Benedict to Banana and Pecan French Toast. A handful of breakfast cocktails add to the appeal.
- Address: Pier 39, Beach St Space A-201, San Francisco, CA 94133
- Phone: +1 415-862-2500
- Vibe: Historic, scenic, and classic
- Must-Try: Salmon Benedict
8. Pork Store Cafe: Haight Street’s Greasy Spoon
The Pork Store Cafe, a popular greasy spoon in the Haight, has been feeding hungry patrons for decades. Known for its crispy hash browns, chicken apple sausage, and drool-worthy chicken and waffles, the Pork Store is a go-to spot for a hearty and satisfying breakfast. Endless cups of coffee are the norm, and vegetarian and vegan options are also available.
- Address: 1451 Haight St, San Francisco, CA 94117-2910
- Phone: +1 415-864-6981
- Vibe: Greasy spoon, hearty, and satisfying
- Must-Try: Chicken and waffles
9. Homeskillet: A Quick Bite in Mid-Market
Homeskillet, a casual American breakfast spot along Market Street in Mid-Market, is the perfect stop for a quick bite or a leisurely meal. Order at the counter from a selection of omelettes, breakfast sandwiches, and double-stacked hotcakes filled with goodies like bananas and chocolate chips. With plenty of seating and large windows overlooking 6th Street, Homeskillet offers a comfortable and convenient breakfast experience.
- Address: 1455 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94103-6004
- Phone: +1 415-864-0888
- Vibe: Casual, quick, and convenient
- Must-Try: Double-stacked hotcakes
10. Brenda’s French Soul Food: A Southern-Inspired Treat
Breakfast at Brenda’s French Soul Food, located near City Hall, can sustain you for an entire afternoon, especially if you start with a plate of beignets to share. House favorites include the Hangtown Fry, a scramble with crispy oysters and bacon, and the Shrimp & Grits topped with spicy tomato-bacon gravy. Grits, biscuits, and Bloody Marys are also par for the course.
- Address: 652 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94102-3328
- Phone: +1 415-345-8100
- Vibe: Southern-inspired, flavorful, and indulgent
- Must-Try: Shrimp & Grits
11. Sweet Maple: Lower Pacific Heights Innovation
Sweet Maple, a relatively new neighborhood eatery in Lower Pacific Heights, is known for its relaxed vibe and creative offerings. Expect a line out the door for items like deep-fried Dixie bacon drizzled with Tabasco Honey sauce, syrup infused with Jack Daniels whiskey, and everything from a chicken mango melt breakfast sandwich to "Morning Pizzas."
- Address: 2101 Sutter St, San Francisco, CA 94115
- Phone: +1 415-655-9169
- Vibe: Relaxed, creative, and innovative
- Must-Try: Dixie bacon with Tabasco Honey sauce
12. Tartine Manufactory: A Mission District Baking Powerhouse
Tartine Manufactory, an off-shoot of the iconic Tartine Bakery, is a massive 5,000-square-foot space in the Mission that opened in August 2016. With its airy ambiance, floor-to-ceiling bread oven, and variety of serving stations, Tartine Manufactory is a must-visit for breakfast enthusiasts. All the food is in-season and baked goods are made fresh on the premises daily.
- Address: 595 Alabama St, San Francisco, CA 94110-1348
- Phone: +1 415-757-0007
- Vibe: Airy, modern, and artisanal
- Must-Try: Pain au chocolat
13. It’s Tops Coffee Shop: A Market Street Diner Classic
It’s Tops Coffee Shop, perhaps the closest you’ll get to an East Coast diner in San Francisco, is old-school at its best. The tiny corner space along Market Street has been serving up authentic American eats since 1935, with knotty pine walls, cherry red booths, and ’50s-filled jukeboxes. Customers saddle up to the counter or hold out for a booth to dine on omelettes, waffles, and some of the best hot cakes around.
- Address: 1801 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94103-1107
- Phone: +1 415-431-6395
- Vibe: Old-school diner, classic, and nostalgic
- Must-Try: Banana and peanut-butter pancakes
14. Outerlands: Outer Sunset’s Architectural and Culinary Gem
Outerlands, both architecturally stunning and incredibly appetizing, transformed SF’s beachside Outer Sunset when it first opened in 2009. With its reclaimed wood interior, open kitchen, and a menu made up of locally sourced organic fare, Outerlands is worth the trek. The weekend brunch features items like Cornish chicken toast and a dutch pancake cooked in a cast iron pan.
- Address: 4001 Judah St, San Francisco, CA 94122
- Vibe: Architecturally stunning, cozy, and organic
- Must-Try: Dutch pancake
San Francisco: A Breakfast Paradise
From classic diners to innovative bistros, San Francisco’s breakfast scene offers a diverse range of culinary experiences. Whether you’re seeking a quick bite or a leisurely brunch, the "City by the Bay" has something to satisfy every palate. So, embark on a culinary adventure and discover the best breakfasts in San Francisco, where unforgettable flavors and memories await. San Francisco truly caters to every breakfast desire.
