30 Photos
ZipPicks Awards
Best Breakfast in San Francisco
Master Critic Review
The Deli Lama
7.9
Early-bird sandwich shop in the Produce Market turning out hot breakfast burritos and egg-and-cheese stackers before most places open. Blue-collar fast service, generous portions, and griddle aromas make it a weekday staple.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bacon, Egg & Cheese on roll, Breakfast Burrito (sausage), Hash Browns
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6.1
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Dawn-hour hot breakfasts for workers with speed and heft.
Who should go: Early risers on a tight schedule
When to visit: 6–8:30am to beat mid-morning rush
What to order: Bacon egg cheese; Sausage burrito; Hash browns
Insider tip: Call ahead; parking inside the market is limited but quick in-and-out.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited free parking inside the Produce Market lot; spaces fill quickly after 7am. Street parking nearby is typically available but may require a short walk.
Dress code: Completely casual—workwear, hoodies, and high-vis vests blend right in.
Noise level: Moderate morning bustle from the market; expect background chatter and sizzling griddles but easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: Closed during dinner hours.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait; most orders ready within 5–10 minutes even at peak breakfast rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—egg and cheese sandwiches or burritos can be made meat-free.
Vegan options: Limited—no vegan-specific menu, but you can request hash browns or veggie burrito modifications.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free bread or prep area; options extremely limited.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal—this is a grab-and-go breakfast counter focused on speed, not ambiance. Great for a quick shared bite before work, but not for lingering.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—no reservations accepted or needed. Counter seating and a few small tables turn over fast.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids comfortable with quick-service spots; no high chairs or kids’ menu, but staff are friendly and flexible with simple orders.
Best For
Better for: Fast, hearty breakfast sandwiches before 8am—ideal for workers needing real food on the go.
Skip if: You want a sit-down brunch or espresso bar experience; try Cafe Alma instead.
Hours
Monday5:30am - 2pm
Tuesday5:30am - 2pm
Wednesday5:30am - 2pm
Thursday5:30am - 2pm
Friday5:30am - 2pm
SaturdayClosed
SundayClosed