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Eight AM
Master Critic Reviews (5 Lists)
Eight AM
8.2
Bright breakfast spot with thick pancakes, avocado toasts, and omelets plated cleanly for easy shots. Friendly pricing for the area and efficient flow keep waits manageable.
Must-Try Dishes:
Buttermilk Pancakes, Avocado Toast with Eggs, Vegetable Omelet
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Clean, high-light plates perfect for simple overhead shots.
Who should go: Couples and small groups near the Wharf
When to visit: 9–10am sweet spot after first rush
What to order: Pancakes, avocado toast, veggie omelet
Insider tip: Ask for a window table for softer natural light.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited street parking nearby; best option is the paid lot at 500 Beach Street or early morning metered spots before 9am.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable—athleisure, jeans, or light layers are fine for the Wharf breeze.
Noise level: Moderate; upbeat breakfast chatter but still fine for conversation.
Weekend wait: Not applicable—closes by mid-afternoon.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait if arriving before noon; weekends often see 20–40 minutes after 9am.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—numerous options like avocado toast, omelets, and pancakes.
Vegan options: Limited—can modify a few items like avocado toast or oatmeal bowls.
Gluten-free options: Some substitutions available; pancakes and bread can be swapped for gluten-free versions on request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—bright, casual, and friendly without pressure. Works best for daytime or low-key brunch dates near the Wharf.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins only. Arrive before 9am on weekends for fastest seating or join the waitlist on arrival.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—staff are welcoming to families and there's a simple kids’ menu; however, space is tight for strollers during peak hours.
Best For
Better for: Quick, polished brunches with clean presentation and fair pricing compared to nearby tourist-heavy spots.
Skip if: You want a long, lingering brunch with cocktails—there’s no full bar and service is designed for turnover.
Eight AM
8.1
Compact brunch spot near the Wharf known for bagel plates and a smoked-salmon setup with generous fixings. Service is quick, portions are tidy, and the menu is dialed for early-day fuel.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bagel Two Ways (sweet & savory), Smoked salmon bagel plate, Avocado, egg & bagel combo
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Well-composed bagel plates with brisk brunch service.
Who should go: Travelers wanting fast sit-down brunch
When to visit: 8–10am for the shortest wait
What to order: Bagel Two Ways, lox plate, avocado-egg bagel
Insider tip: Weekdays move faster; outdoor tables turn over quickly.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking is limited around the Wharf; nearby paid lots on Bay Street and Columbus Avenue usually have open spots before 9am.
Dress code: Casual daytime attire—comfortable clothes for a morning by the bay. No need to dress up beyond brunch-casual.
Noise level: Moderate during peak hours—buzzing conversation and background music, but still easy to chat.
Weekend wait: Not applicable—breakfast and brunch only.
Weekday lunch: Short wait or immediate seating before 10am; can stretch to 15–20 minutes mid-morning.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—plenty of egg, cheese, and avocado-based bagel options plus veggie sides.
Vegan options: Limited—can customize avocado or veggie bagel without cream cheese.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free bagels, but other breakfast plates can accommodate gluten-sensitive diners.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if it’s a casual morning meetup—friendly staff and bright atmosphere make it relaxed but not intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, it’s walk-in only; early arrivals get seated fastest, especially before 9am on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—high chairs available, simple menu items kids like, and quick service keeps things easy for families.
Best For
Better for: Faster and more efficient than larger brunch spots near the Wharf, with fresher bagel presentations and lighter plates.
Skip if: You’re looking for an extended sit-down brunch with cocktails or patio lounging—this is a quick, focused breakfast spot.
Eight AM
7.9
Sunny breakfast café known for fresh fruit plates, French toast, and efficient service. A reliable morning stop steps from the Wharf.
Must-Try Dishes:
French toast with caramelized banana, Avocado toast, Breakfast platter
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Breakfast done simply and well with quick table turns.
Who should go: Early risers near the Wharf
When to visit: Right at open to avoid queues
What to order: French toast; avocado toast; fruit plate
Insider tip: Expect a short wait—turnover is fast.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on Taylor and North Point, or nearby paid lots at Pier 45; limited free spaces early morning.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable—athleisure, jeans, or tourist attire all fine.
Noise level: Moderate during peak breakfast; easy to chat at smaller tables once seated.
Weekend wait: Closed for dinner—breakfast and brunch only.
Weekday lunch: Usually a short 5–10 minute wait mid-morning; walk-ins welcome.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple omelets, toasts, and fruit-based plates available.
Vegan options: Limited—fruit plate, avocado toast (hold butter), and some sides can be made vegan.
Gluten-free options: Partial—can accommodate with substitutions but no dedicated gluten-free prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for casual morning meetups or post-walk brunches than romantic dates—bright and friendly but not intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, it’s walk-in only. Arrive before 9am on weekends or expect a short sidewalk wait that moves quickly.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—staff are accommodating with high chairs and simple breakfast plates. Ideal for families with toddlers or young kids.
Best For
Better for: Fast, friendly breakfast with fresh ingredients and lighter options—beats heavier Wharf diners for health-conscious mornings.
Skip if: You want a sit-down brunch with cocktails or ocean views; nearby Surisan or Boudin Bistro offer more atmosphere.
Eight AM
8.6
Compact Wharf café known for high-hit-rate brunch staples—custardy French toast, legit omelets, and well-built avocado toast. Lines move quickly and plates land hot, making it a reliable first stop before exploring the waterfront.
Must-Try Dishes:
Banana French Toast, Avocado Toast, Salmon Scramble
Scores:
Value: 9.1
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Tight menu executed fast with surprisingly polished plates.
Who should go: Travelers and locals wanting dependable brunch
When to visit: Arrive at open to avoid peak lines
What to order: Banana French toast; avocado toast; salmon scramble
Insider tip: Solo diners can often nab a corner table faster than parties.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited street parking on North Point or Taylor; nearby paid lots at Anchorage Square and Pier 43 Garage.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable—athleisure, jeans, or tourist attire all fine.
Noise level: Moderate—conversation-friendly indoors, quieter on patio tables.
Weekend wait: Not applicable—serves breakfast and brunch only.
Weekday lunch: 10–20 minutes during late morning rush; minimal wait before 8:30 a.m.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple options including avocado toast, pancakes, and omelets.
Vegan options: Limited—customizable avocado toast and fruit options available.
Gluten-free options: Yes—gluten-free bread available upon request; cross-contact possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date values great food over formality—it's more casual café than romantic brunch spot, but outdoor tables add charm on sunny mornings.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-in only. Lines form by 9 a.m. on weekends, but turnover is fast thanks to efficient service.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—staff are patient with families, and high chairs are available. Compact dining room means strollers may need to stay folded.
Best For
Better for: Speed and consistency—food arrives hot, fast, and well-executed compared to slower Wharf cafés.
Skip if: You want a lingering brunch with cocktails or long table service—this spot is built for quick, satisfying starts to the day.
Eight AM
8.6
Compact Wharf cafe turning out dialed-in brunch standards with crisp execution—think custardy French toast, legit omelets, and well-built avocado toast. Lines move efficiently and plates land hot, making it a reliable first stop before exploring the waterfront.
Must-Try Dishes:
French Toast with caramelized banana, Avocado toast with heirloom tomato, Smoked salmon scramble
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: High-hit-rate brunch staples with fast, friendly pacing.
Who should go: Travelers and locals wanting dependable brunch
When to visit: Arrive near open to avoid peak lines
What to order: Banana French toast; avocado toast; salmon scramble
Insider tip: Join the line early—turnover is quick and coffee helps the wait.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited around Fisherman’s Wharf; use nearby paid lots along Beach or Jones Streets for easiest access.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable—tourist-friendly and fine for morning stroll attire.
Noise level: Moderate during peak brunch; low to conversational on weekdays.
Weekend wait: Closed for dinner service.
Weekday lunch: 5–15 minutes at most; mornings before 9am usually seat immediately.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – strong selection including avocado toast, fruit bowls, and omelets.
Vegan options: Limited – 2–3 options such as oatmeal and veggie toast, but customizable.
Gluten-free options: Yes – substitutions available for bread and pancakes upon request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It’s a relaxed, sunny breakfast spot—better for a casual morning meet-up than a romantic setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, walk-in only. Arrive near opening or after 11am to skip the peak line.
Is it kid-friendly? Absolutely. High chairs available and quick service suits families with young children.
Best For
Better for: Faster, friendlier service and more consistent plates than nearby Wharf breakfast spots.
Skip if: You’re seeking a long, leisurely brunch with cocktails—this is more quick-turn and casual.