Top 7 Brunch Spots in San Francisco's Mission District

| © Shambhala / Alamy
Gracie Linden

San Francisco lays claim to some of the world’s best food, and brunch is no exception. In the heart of the city’s Mission district, there are great restaurants on every block; here at the Culture Trip, we’ve put together a list of 10 outstanding brunch places, ranging in price and cuisine; the best of the best.

1. Tartine Bakery

Bakery, Cafe, Restaurant, American

Photograph of Tartine Bakery, a bakery in Mission District, San Francisco, CA, United States, close-up of product (Photo by Smith Collection/Gado/Sipa USA)
© Sipa US / Alamy
Chad Robertson may be the world’s best bread baker, and his pastries at Tartine Bakery should not be missed. While lines over the weekend can wrap around the corner, customers are rewarded with buttery croissants, scones and morning buns (never sticky!). While you won’t find many egg dishes here, those in need of something heartier can always order quiche or a croque monsieur, or even a hot-pressed sandwich.

2. Linea Caffe

Coffee Shop, Cafe, Tea

Brewing pourover coffee in the kitchen, pouring hot water on the
© Cavan Images / Alamy
Co-founded by coffee legend Andrew Barnett and Anthony Myint, one of the guys behind Mission Chinese, Linea Caféis the manifestation of both of their talents. Sharing the space with Lt. Waffle, Linea serves up the best of both: in-house roasted coffee and buttery waffles (plus salads and a few daily scones). There’s no seating indoors, but the tables outside are the perfect spot to relax on a sunny Mission Saturday.

3. Boogaloos

Diner, Restaurant, Coffee Shop, Vegan, Vegetarian

Boogaloos
Courtesy of Boogaloos
For diner fare with a twist head to Boogaloos on 22nd and Valencia. This breakfast spot may be no-frills (plastic water glasses and traditional diner mugs) but the food is anything but basic, and the Mexican influence is felt throughout the menu. Plus, Boogaloos caters to the Mission’s vegetarian crowd offering vegan meat substitutions.

4. Loló

Restaurant, Mexican

Loló
Courtesy of Loló
For another Mexican-influenced menu, check out Loló. Even for brunch, people wax lyrical about chef Jorge Martinez’ kale salad served with cotija cheese and crisp apples. With a few more conventional brunch options available, diners nevertheless shouldn’t overlook the rest of the menu: perfectly seared tuna tacos, lemony ceviche and a killer guacamole are standout dishes.

5. Kitchen Story

Restaurant, American, Asian

Kitchen Story
Courtesy of Kitchen Story
While it may lie on the border of the Mission and the Castro neighborhoods, there’s no better spot for bottomless mimosas than Kitchen Story. The menu has numerous offerings including Millionaires bacon, a variety of egg options and fluffy French toast. And for those still hungry after this feast, Ike’s Place and its famous sandwiches lie right next door.

6. Central Kitchen

Ice Cream Parlour, Restaurant, Coffee Shop, American

Smorrebrod, open danish sandwiches. Black rye bread with salmon
© Natalia Gdovskaia / Alamy
As expected from Chef Thomas McNaughton (renowned for his first restaurant flour + water), Sunday brunch at Central Kitchen does not disappoint. For those seeking sophisticated but unfussy food, look no further. The food at Central Kitchen is lighter than it sounds and plays with traditional brunch offerings: McNaughton serves a Benedict with fried chicken, and the sticky bun contains bacon!

7. Front Porch

Restaurant, South American

Homemade Southern Chicken and Waffles with Syrup
© Brent Hofacker / Alamy
© Brent Hofacker / Alamy When on the hunt for Southern cuisine, head to the outer Mission’s Front Porch, on 29th Street. The chicken and waffles are known throughout the city, though equally delicious are the creamy grits served with eggs or shrimp. The Bloody Mary served with bacon is a killer, and may be the best way to get rid of a Sunday morning hangover.

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