Squat and Gobble in the Castro
[Flickr/Xeeliz]
Ask 10 people about their favorite San Francisco brunch spots and you’ll likely get at least 10 answers. But you can’t go wrong heading to these three tried and true brunch spots, which leave repeat customers begging for more.
Sears Fine Food: This classic spot has been around since 1938. Breakfast is served until 3 p.m. daily, giving you plenty of time to savor the seafood omelet with crab, shrimp, and sherry sauce. Or maybe opt instead for San Francisco sourdough French toast. Lines form early, so be prepared to wait. 439 Powell St.; if you stay across the street at the Sir Francis Drake, you can see it from your window.
Squat and Gobble: Come for the name, stay for the food. This place is so popular they have five neighborhood locations, in the Marina, Lower and Upper Haight, Castro and West Portal. They’re known for their crepes (try the Marina, with salmon, capers, spinach, onions, and more) or get the crab cakes Florentine. The restaurants are child-friendly. If you’re staying at Union Square’s Hotel Nikko, stop at the Upper Haight location on your way to Golden Gate Park. 1428 Haight.
Ella’s: Bring the San Francisco Chronicle and jon the locals jockeying for tables at this Sunday brunch institution. Offering “new-classical American cooking,” the menu here changes by the week. Try the open-faced omelet with carmelized pears, gorgonzola, braised leeks and ham or a bacon scramble with fresh thyme, brie, and grilled onions. The “morning beverage” list is even longer than the food list, featuring champagne cocktails to ginger orange juice punch to organic teas. For faster service, go for a weekday breakfast. 500 Presidio Ave.; it’s an easy hop to Ella’s if you stay at the Laurel Inn.
–Debbie Abrams Kaplan of Frisco Kids and Kaplan Ink.
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And speaking of the Hotel Nikko, their ANZU restaurant has a Sunday Champagne buffet brunch that is perfect for a special occasion. Smooth jazz radio station KBLX broadcasts live from the dining room, and diners sometimes even get to comment on air. Last time I was there bacon and eggs and smoked salmon and bagels were on the menu along with salads, sushi, assorted main dishes, and delectable desserts.
Butterfly at P33 on the Embarcadero. Brunch Saturday – Sunday: 11:00am – 3:30pm. The menu changes, but can include Eggs Benedict three ways: kahlua pig, crab, and Traditional. The food at Butterfly is always delish.