Well… now that McDonald’s is rolling out their all-day breakfast menu, that got me thinking about real breakfast fare, which brought me back to my childhood in San Francisco, where coveted breakfast spots always offered an amazing carbo-overload and was a Sunday morning staple for my family. Today, SF has even more of an eclectic and delicious array of restaurants to explore when you’re in the mood to load up on the most important meal of the day. September officially marked National Breakfast Month, and there’s no better way to keep celebrating than by devouring this hearty meal. Though it’s not uncommon to encounter long waits- as well as lines out the door- you can trust any San Franciscan who says it will be more than worth it to get a meal that’s complete with all the works. From wacky doughnut sandwiches to the quintessential mimosa, mornings in SF have never tasted so good.
Dottie’s True Blue Cafe Notorious for hourlong waits, Dottie’s True Blue Cafe is smoldering with local charm. Grilled chili-cheddar corn bread, traditional omelets, or Dottie’s famous pancakes served with pure maple syrup all sounds good to me. www.facebook.com/dottiestrueblue
Dynamo Donut & Coffee Home to a variety of treats that will leave your sweet tooth – not to mention my donut obsession- quite satisfied, try the maple-glazed bacon apple doughnut. www.dynamodonut.com
Farm:table Don’t let the tiny space and simple menu fool you, because Farm:table has anything but a small following. www.farmtablesf.com
Kitchen Story If you’re looking for an exceptional slice of bacon, look no further than Kitchen Story. Poached eggs, Meyer Lemon french toast and more sound so appetizing. www.kitchenstorysf.com
Mama’s on Washington Square Mama’s in Northbeach is a rite of passage for every native San Franciscian- myself included- and the first time visitor too. This family-owned restaurant has been an early morning staple for every breakfast connoisseur for more than 50 years. The out-the-door line is worth the wait. www.mamas-sf.com
Mr. Holmes Bakehouse New York may have the Cronut, but San Francisco has its own pastry fusion treat sold every morning until the bakery is sold out. Home of the cruffin -a croissant and muffin duo- flavors change daily such as a classic chocolate chip cookie to zesty lemon meringue. www.facebook.com/mrholmesbakehouse
Straw Three words: doughnut breakfast sandwiches. The Hayes Valley restaurant features carnival fare that is sure to get your mouth watering. And then there’s that fried chicken n’ waffle Monte Cristo. www.facebook.com/strawsf
Sweet Maple As it turns out, Kitchen Story isn’t the only S.F. restaurant that carries Millionaire’s Bacon. Whether you’re in the mood for a fluffy Marguerite omelet, the potato meledy, or deep fried French toast, you’re in for a treat. www.sweetmaplesf.com
Tartine Bakery & Cafe This is the kind of bakery every inch of your body craves. Morning buns, assorted cream tarts, and brioche bread pudding are just a few delights die hard devotees patiently line up for…and I fly in for. www.tartinebakery.com
The Mill They’re toast is insane with options varying seasonally, and various toppings such as house-made Nutella guarantees a new dining experience every time you visit this chic eatery. If toast isn’t your thing, how does house-made granola, pastries, cookies and more sound? www.themillsf.com
Tags: Breakfast, Culinary, Restaurants, San Francisco
