Brunch is essential in San Francisco, and the city offers a wide variety of amazing places to satisfy all breakfast, coffee, and sandwich needs. From cozy diners to chic, upscale restaurants, we list the top 10 best brunch spots within walking distance of Union Square.
For a true American breakfast, Dottie’s True Blue Café on 6th and Stevenson is the place to go. The menu includes longtime customer favorites such as open-faced omelets and egg scrambles. Dottie’s was even featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives for its incredible chili and black-bean cakes. Seating is limited, and depending on the day, this little café can attract a large and diverse crowd of brunch-ers. Make sure to go early and to bring your friends. There is often a long wait, but it is worth it.
Located just two blocks away from Union Square on the corner of Post and Taylor, Honey Honey Café and Crepery is a great place for a big brunch before a long day in the city. In San Francisco, we love enormous portions of yummy savory crepes and mouthwatering breakfast scrambles, but we also love free wifi, and Honey Honey Café and Crepery offers both. A colorful place with a chic vibe, Honey Honey Café and Crepery has great breakfast food at a reasonable price.
With all of the charm of the hometown American diner, Homeskillet on 6th and Market is perfect for those who need a quick and casual bite in the city. The brunch menu includes a classic breakfast selection of eggs, bacon, sausage, and hash browns, but each dish has its own quirky twist. Drop by for a pick-me-up coffee on your lunch break, or grab some pancakes before a long day of shopping. Bonus; the portion sizes are huge, so there is almost always a guarantee that you will have some delicious leftovers for later.
Located a mere minute’s walk away from Powell Station, farmerbrown’s weekend brunch is must-have for those with a soft spot for southern soul food. The menu includes favorites such as chicken and waffles, cheesy grits, and cornmeal catfish that have people coming back for more. Apart from the easy access from BART and MUNI, there is also secure parking close to the restaurant. Also, if you are the type to want some local entertainment with your biscuits and gravy, you can enjoy live music on Sundays from 12-2.30pm.
If you are in the mood for an upscale breakfast, Scala’s Bistro’s Italian-French weekend brunch will leave you feeling satisfied. Scala’s refined menu has a large selection of appetizers and main courses that blend Italian and French cuisine. From beef carpaccio to pommes frites, this restaurant presents a delicious variety of food that will take you across Europe. The restaurants airy layout means that it’s good for large groups too.
Anzu’s Sunday brunch at Hotel Nikko is a blend of Japanese buffet and traditional American breakfast food. Dishes such as Kimchi fried rice, Japanese fish cakes, and chicken okayu are included in the Japanese buffet selection, while the options of scrambled eggs, bacon, waffles, and omelets are available for a more traditional brunch buffet entrée. Of course, there is fresh sushi, and bonus; bottomless mimosas. However, Anzu only serves brunch on Sundays from 11am-2pm, so make sure to get there early.
Only a few steps away from The Westin St. Francis hotel in Union Square, Café La Taza on Post Street is the best spot to go if you’re craving a quick, inexpensive, and delicious breakfast in the city. La Taza’s menu is large and accommodating; you can get your egg scrambles made in three possible ways: sandwich, burrito, or plate. Regulars give high praise to Taza’s huevos rancheros dish. Service is fast and friendly, and although it is a very small café, there is comfortable upstairs seating with a terrace view of the rest of the place.
If you’re looking for an elegant meal, the Cavalier’s American-British weekend brunch is a great choice for you. Located behind Westfield Mall, the Cavalier has a trendy, modern British vibe. The menu includes favorites such as the corned beef Scotch egg, Earl Grey and honey scone, and tomato Benedict. The food is beautifully presented, and you can have your coffee, tea, and cocktails all at once.
Try a rustic, Mexican-inspired weekend brunch at Colibri’s Mexican Bistro on Geary Street if you enjoy breakfast-style tortillas and carne asada. Colibri’s menu contains traditional Mexican dishes that are complemented by delicious breakfast selection such as fried eggs, chorizo, and black beans with tomatillo-jalapeño chile sauce. Enjoy bottomless mimosas, or try the Bloody Maria with Colibri’s Featured Tequila of the Month. This bistro’s ambience is classy and cozy and is a great place to meet up with friends or family. Make reservations, or else try to get there early, as it can get crowded.
For a traditional American breakfast, choose Sears Fine Food on Powell Street, just a block away from Union Square. With a menu packed with favorites such as French toast, eggs, and bacon dishes, Sears Fine Food delivers a cool and casual diner ambience with great food and fast service. Sears Fine Food offers a variety of alcoholic beverages that include mimosas and Bloody Marys. Old-fashioned décor gives the restaurant a classic and timeless feel. Come to Sears to satisfy all of your eggs, hash, and sausage needs.
