Wake Up and Smell the Coffee: SF’s Finest Breakfast Destinations

During the week, I never have enough time in the morning to eat. We’ve all been told that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but it still doesn’t convince me enough to make time for it.

Despite my week day eating habits may, I love going out on the weekends for breakfast with friends. There is something ridiculously relaxing about eating outside at 10AM with friends on a lazy Sunday morning.

With so many restaurants to choose from, it’s hard to settle on just one. Here are my current top five breakfast spots that will make your morning a bit sunnier, and your stomach a bit happier.

Ella’s (Presido @ California)

This resturant is always packed on the weekends- and for good reason as the food here is great. Ella’s serves up classic American breakfasts with flair and is consistent in their flavors and quality of food. I have a hard time branching away from my usual meal, corned beef hash (10.75), but when I do, the dish is equally as fantastic. The pastries are made daily (try the sticky bun- 3.5) and they have fresh squeezed juices (2.25 for a small) that make your morning complete.

Zazie (Cole @ Carl)

I rarely go to the Cole Valley area but when I do, it’s to go to Zazie’s. I have a penchant for quaint cafés, nd this fits my mold perfectly. Pancakes are a favorite breakfast item along with french toast and this cafe does them both perfectly. The gingerbread pancakes ($6) are topped with pears when they’re in season and lemon curd. They are rich and taste exactly like a piece of gingerbread. The challah french toast ($5) is infused with cinnamon and orange and goes great with a side of bacon (3.5). Zazie’s also has an array of variation on eggs benedict and fabulous scrambles!

Dottie’s True Blue Cafe (Jones @ Geary)

Tucked away in the Tenderloin, this small cafe has accumulated a ton of avid fans over the years. The staff is friendly and the portions are huge. The first time you try this place out, pancakes (6.75 for 2) are the way to go. The batter is infused with ginger and cinnamon and are extremely addicting. They also have a full menu that includes egg dishes (6.25- 8.95), french toast (8.95) and homemade sides.

Brenda’s French Soul Food (Polk @ Eddy)

I was initially introduced to this place by a friend visiting from out of town. Brenda’s has been on my top list for breakfast spots since then.
They serve up warm beignets that come in plain, chocolate and apple ($5-6 for 3) and fabulous entrees. For those who love Southern food, the shrimp and grits ($12) are a must have! Brenda’s also has french toast, omelets and fresh baked goods, including made from scratch cream biscuits!

Mayflower Restaurant (Geary @ 29th Ave)

This restaurant reminds me of Freshman year when my friends and I would go out for dim sum on a random Saturday morning. Although they have a full menu,
it’s great to pick what you want out from the carts that go around. My favorite dishes to this day at any dim sum restaurant are shrimp dumplings (ha gao) and greens with oyster sauce (gai lan).
Mayflower makes them especially tasty. If you’re feeling adventurous with a group of friends, try out the tripe or chicken feet. The prices vary from dish to dish but are very inexpensive.