Known for its punk bars, a haven for the hippie movement in the 1960s, and psychedelic murals and shops, Haight Street is well worth a visit. Two main areas, Upper and Lower divide Haight Street. At The Culture Trip, we have composed a list of the top 10 brunches in the Lower Haight that will be sure to hit the spot, whether your ideal mid-morning includes microbrews, fresh espresso, or a hearty meal.
Initially a brewery, Black Sands also hosts a cafe. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner can be accompanied by any one of their house-made beers on draft. The bright and open atmosphere is filled with the chef preparing meals in clear sight of each customer. This beer-lover’s paradise, in addition to serving unique cold brew coffees and fresh daily pastries, accommodates monthly home-brewing classes taught by head brewer Cole Emde.
The Grind Café offers dishes made with ingredients grown by local vendors. This locally grown trend provides each customer with not only generously sized servings, but also environmental awareness. The friendly hipster staff and vintage décor generate chill vibes all around. The shaded outdoor seating option makes for a quintessential area to people-watch while enjoying one of their hearty house specials such as chicken fried steak or corned beef hash.
Calling all health nuts and fresh juice lovers, Estela’s Sandwiches isn’t just your typical hole-in-the-wall juice bar. From build-your-own smoothies to delectable sandwich specials, Estela’s offers a quick bite to eat for reasonable prices. With the phone-order option, this makes for an optimal grab-and-go meal. Supplied with fresh fruits, wheat grass, and bean sprouts, this is a prime hot spot for vegetarians who love a good old fashion deli sandwich with a healthy twist.
Packed with focused laptop users, Oakside Café provides quality wifi along with simple, homey food. The cordial café includes an upstairs area perfect for curling up with a book accompanied by a cup of tea and one of their toasty build-your-own bagels. The old-school coffeehouse feel, juxtaposed with oriental art, provides visual indulgence. Casual in its aesthetics, Oakside is an ideal go-to spot for Internet access and a relaxing late Sunday.
A neighborhood stalwart, Kate’s Kitchen serves home-style breakfasts and lunches in large portions for cheap prices. This place is all about that mom’s home-cooked meal feel, with tables draped in red and white-checkered tablecloths and old-fashioned wood-paneled walls. With fun dish names such as ‘French Toast Orgy,’ their old-time flair is infused with an improved hipness. Whether you’re looking for a hangover fix or Southern-style meal, Kate’s is a reliable restaurant for all folks.
Down-to-earth and spacious, Café International exudes a variation of ethnic vibes that represent the culture of the San Francisco community. Owner Zahra Saleh displays her Eritrean roots with murals on the patio walls as well as artwork along the interior. The bright and comfortable atmosphere is furnished with inviting couches as well as table seating. Flyers promote jazz and open mic nights on Fridays and Saturdays, allowing local artists to perform in front of audiences that indulge in house-made eats of Turkish coffee and falafels.
In a low-key dimly lit setting, Nickies offers weekend brunch accompanied by bottomless mimosas from 10AM-2PM. Along with classic pub food served regularly, breakfast includes satisfying dishes from savory eggs benedict to sweet Belgian waffles. The Irish bar-restaurant hosts trivia nights, football screenings, and dance events. Any sports fan is sure to kick off the day in the right direction at the welcoming pub-grub joint.
Salvadoran Emanuel Coffee welcomes customers for breakfast starting at 7AM. Morning meals with a Salvadoran touch such as dulce de leche pancakes are offered, along with traditional plates highlighting plantain empanadas and pupusas. After a night of drinking, it’s hard to resist such filling cuisine for such reasonable prices.
Step right up and enter Straw, the carnival-themed Hayes Valley neighborhood brunch spot. The whimsical atmosphere is decked out with playful photos lining the walls, presenting recognizable items of childhood nostalgia. Featured on Food Network’s ‘Weirdest Restaurants,’ and Cooking Channel’s ‘Offbeat Eats,’ Straw is famous for their Donut Burger, listed as ‘The Ringmaster.’ With such innovative brunch and dinner specials, Straw is sure to take customers’ taste buds on a wild ride.
The quaint Café du Soleil serves up gourmet French coffees and pastries in shabby chic surroundings that feature free wifi in addition to outdoor seating. Its romantic Parisian theme makes for a lovely date spot, beaming with radiance and the aromas of espresso. The charming café brings a bit of Paris to San Francisco with its light European-inspired bites.
