San Francisco has more places to eat per capita than any other US city – which could be overwhelming. We’ve got you covered with our list of San Francisco’s secretly sensational breakfast spots.
Original Joe’s
Restaurant, Italian, $$$
Clearly Original Joe’s is doing something that San Franciscans love, as this establishment has been around for more than 75 years. Located in the heart of historic North Beach, Original Joe’s has ample dining space with comfortable booths. It also has outdoor seating, which ensures there is never a long wait, and the servers and bartenders are very friendly. Sit outdoors with a view of Washington Square Park and snack on the amazingly decadent warm Italian donuts while sipping a mimosa. The Original Joe’s thick cut bacon and eggs is wonderful, and the bacon is the absolute best in the city.
After an early morning walk along Crissy Field, there is nothing better than reaching Home Plate. This tiny restaurant on Lombard Street is a locals’ favorite and often has clusters of people waiting outside on the weekends. Big portions of delicious down-home cooking has put Home Plate on the map. The eggs benedict is perfection, and the scones with pureed fruit and jam cannot be missed.
Invite a friend and order to share because Olea has too many delicious dishes to only try one. This cozy restaurant gets pretty busy for brunch, especially on the weekends, but the wait is never unreasonable. Outdoor seating can be loud and unpredictable, as California Street is a busy thoroughfare, but it’s nice if you need to eat with your pooch in tow. Choose the challah custard toast with cinnamon and fresh strawberries – it is divine. Order a half order for one person or a full order to share. For a savory option, the scrambled egg sandwich with tomato is exceptional, and the greens that accompany are delicious as well.
MyMy Coffee Shop has undergone a recent transformation that included a refresh on the menu, bright blue exterior paint and lots of dog-friendly outdoor seating. Everything on the menu is scrumptious but the Tex-Mex scramble is really special. For a sweet tooth, the pancakes sprinkled with powdered sugar are marvelous when paired with a carafe of fresh-squeezed mimosa.
When Jane Bakery opened its doors in February 2011, it was an instant success and a welcome addition to Fillmore Street. Jane offers delicious food for both breakfast and lunch, but the breakfast and pastry offerings are unbeatable. Sneaking in on a weekday will increase your chances of getting a table or a cozy armchair upstairs to enjoy Stumptown coffee or a popular green smoothie. Both the scrambled egg sandwich with tomato chutney and the egg white sandwich with spinach and Sriracha are wonderful options that can be made on gluten-free bread. For a light breakfast, the Greek yogurt with fresh fruit and granola is filling without weighing you down. Every item made in the Jane Bakery is exceptional. The citrus brioche, the crazy cookie, the muffins, the birthday cake cookie and the banana bread are the best.
Orphan Andy’s is the definitive breakfast diner and has been staple of the Castro neighborhood for more than 42 years. The casual comfortable ambience and quirky decor are charming. But it’s the heaping portions and tasty menu offerings that keep the locals coming back time and again. The chocolate chip hotcakes are remarkable and especially tasty when sandwiched between two fluffy fresh banana hotcakes with butter and syrup. If you’re feeling a little more savory, all of the egg breakfasts are huge. The Big 2 with French toast is a great option that will get you a little bit of everything you’ve ever wanted.
