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Art's Cafe
Master Critic Reviews (6 Lists)
Art's Cafe
7.8
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Tiny counter diner blending classic American plates with Korean touches and lightning-fast turnover. It’s a practical, family-friendly lunch stop close to UCSF and the park.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hash-Brown Sandwich, Tuna Melt, Bibimbap
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Old-school counter service with a cult-favorite hash-brown sandwich.
Who should go: Solo diners or pairs between errands
When to visit: 11:00–1:00 for quickest seats
What to order: Hash-brown sandwich, tuna melt, bibimbap
Insider tip: Counter seats turn fastest—perfect with kids who don’t like waiting.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking only; typically available within a block before noon but tight during lunch rush.
Dress code: Casual—jeans, hoodies, and sneakers are standard; no dress code enforced.
Noise level: Moderate to lively during peak hours; conversations are possible but expect background chatter from the open grill.
Weekend wait: Closed for dinner service.
Weekday lunch: 5–15 minute wait during peak hours; often immediate seating before 11:30am.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—omelets, veggie hash browns, and bibimbap can be made vegetarian upon request.
Vegan options: Limited—salads and certain sides can be adjusted, but most dishes contain eggs or butter.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free menu, but rice-based dishes like bibimbap are safe options with care.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal—Art’s is more of a quick diner experience with tight seating and a short turnaround, better for casual meetups than dates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—seating is first-come, first-served only; arrive early or plan for a short counter wait during lunch.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids or quick eaters; counter seating and small space can be tricky for strollers or toddlers.
Best For
Better for: Speed and value—ideal for solo diners or small groups craving classic diner comfort with Korean flair.
Skip if: You want a long, sit-down brunch or space for large families; seating is very limited and turnover is fast.
Art's Cafe
7.8
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Business Lunch Power Players
Long-running counter diner blending classic American plates with Korean touches. Tight room, fast turnover, and reliable execution make it a practical lunch stop near UCSF.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tuna Melt, Hash Brown Sandwich, Bibimbap Bowl
Scores:
Value: 8.9
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Classic diner speed with unique hash-brown sandwiches.
Who should go: Solo pros or pairs between meetings
When to visit: 11:00–1:00 for the quickest seating
What to order: Tuna melt, hash-brown sandwich, bibimbap
Insider tip: Counter seats turn fastest; bring cards—cashless can be spotty nearby.
Art's Cafe
8.3
Tiny counter-service diner with Korean touches and the cult hash brown sandwiches. Friendly, fast, and ideal for a classic neighborhood breakfast before or after Golden Gate Park.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hash Brown Sandwich, Samurai Omelette, Banana French Toast
Scores:
Value: 9
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Signature hash brown sandwiches meet old-school diner hospitality.
Who should go: Classic diner fans near GGP
When to visit: Weekdays 8–10 am for fastest seating
What to order: Hash brown sandwich; Samurai omelette; banana French toast
Insider tip: Solo diners should target the counter—turnover is fastest there.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Irving and 9th is limited but turns over quickly in mornings; neighborhood side streets offer additional free spots within 2–3 blocks.
Dress code: Totally casual—hoodies, jeans, or joggers are the norm; expect a low-key local vibe rather than dress-up brunch attire.
Noise level: Moderate—conversation is possible but the small space hums with grill sounds and chatter during peak breakfast hours.
Weekend wait: Closed at dinner—breakfast and brunch only.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait on weekdays; usually seated immediately between 10:30–11:30 am.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several options including omelettes, pancakes, and hash brown sandwiches without meat; flexible substitutions available.
Vegan options: Limited—can customize some plates (hold eggs and dairy) but no dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free menu or prep area, though egg plates can be modified to avoid bread.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a first date—it’s counter-style and casual, better for relaxed regulars than conversation-heavy meetups.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—no reservations accepted, but solo diners and pairs can usually snag counter seats quickly, even on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids comfortable at the counter; limited space and hot griddle proximity make it less suitable for toddlers or strollers.
Best For
Better for: Quick, affordable diner breakfasts and cult-favorite hash brown sandwiches that outshine pricier brunch spots nearby.
Skip if: You’re seeking leisurely brunch with mimosas, spacious seating, or modern decor—try nearby options like Hollow or 7th Avenue eateries instead.
Art's Cafe
8.3
Tiny counter-service diner with Korean touches and the cult hash brown sandwiches. Friendly, fast, and exactly the classic neighborhood breakfast you want near the park.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hash Brown Sandwich (bacon or bulgogi), Grilled Banana French Toast, Samurai Omelette
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.9
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Signature hash brown sandwiches and Korean-inflected diner plates.
Who should go: Classic diner fans near GGP
When to visit: Weekdays 8–10 am for faster seating
What to order: Hash brown sandwich; Samurai omelette; banana French toast
Insider tip: Counter seats turn quicker—solo diners get in fastest.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only—usually available within a block on Irving or 9th Ave before 10 am, tighter after brunch rush.
Dress code: Ultra casual—hoodies, sneakers, and park gear are totally fine.
Noise level: Moderate during peak hours; conversation-friendly at off-times with light diner bustle.
Weekend wait: Closed for dinner—breakfast and lunch only.
Weekday lunch: 10–20 minute wait at peak; walk right in before 9 am or after 1:30 pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several omelets, pancakes, and hash brown sandwiches can be made meat-free.
Vegan options: Limited—can do toast, fruit, and coffee but few full vegan entrées.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free menu, though some dishes like omelets can be modified.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual morning meetup than a romantic date—tiny counter seating and friendly chaos set a relaxed tone.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-in only. The counter turns quickly, especially for solo diners or pairs willing to wait 10–20 minutes.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for small families, though space is tight. Best for older kids who can sit at the counter rather than strollers.
Best For
Better for: Quick, affordable breakfast with signature hash brown sandwiches you won’t find elsewhere in the Sunset.
Skip if: You want a long, sit-down brunch or group table—go to Toasty or Cafe La Flore for that instead.
Art's Cafe
7.8
Tiny counter-only diner serving hash browns, pancakes, and Korean-influenced plates with old-school warmth. It’s a quick, cash-friendly Inner Sunset staple for breakfast and lunch before a park stroll.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hash brown sandwich, Bulgogi and eggs, Short-stack pancakes
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Classic American diner fare with a Korean twist at the counter.
Who should go: Breakfast traditionalists and hash-brown fans
When to visit: Tue–Fri 7:30–9:30am for seats
What to order: Hash brown sandwich; bulgogi + eggs; pancakes
Insider tip: Seats are limited—go solo or in pairs for fastest turnaround.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Irving or 9th Avenue is usually available early mornings; it fills by 10am on weekends.
Dress code: Casual—come as you are in jeans, sneakers, or a hoodie.
Noise level: Moderate to lively during breakfast rush; counter seating makes conversation possible but quick-paced.
Weekend wait: Closed for dinner service.
Weekday lunch: 10–20 minutes during peak noon hours; little to no wait before 11am.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—omelets, pancakes, and hash browns are reliable meat-free choices.
Vegan options: Limited—hash browns or toast without butter are the main options.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated menu, though some dishes like bulgogi + eggs can be adapted without toast.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal unless your date appreciates cozy diners and counter charm—conversation-friendly but informal and cramped.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—there are no reservations; just a first-come counter. Solo diners and pairs are seated fastest.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who can sit at the counter; space is too tight for strollers or large family groups.
Best For
Better for: Quick, nostalgic breakfasts and hash-brown creations in a true diner setting.
Skip if: You need group seating, extended brunch hours, or vegan/gluten-free menus.
Art's Cafe
7.7
Vibes:
Brunch Bliss Spots
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Comfort Food Classics
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Korean-owned diner serving hash brown sandwiches, bibimbap, and other Korean-American comfort hits alongside classic breakfasts. Locals line up for swift counter service and low-cost, hearty plates near Golden Gate Park.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hash brown sandwich, Bibimbap, Kimchi fried rice omelet
Scores:
Value: 9
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 6.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Long-running Korean-owned diner marrying classic breakfasts with Korean staples.
Who should go: Budget-minded brunchers and diner traditionalists
When to visit: Arrive near opening to skip the breakfast line
What to order: Hash brown sandwich, bibimbap, kimchi fried rice omelet
Insider tip: Counter seats turn faster than tables for peak brunch hours.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; metered spots along Irving fill quickly after 9am, but residential blocks within two streets are usually available on weekends.
Dress code: Casual and relaxed—most guests come in park attire or weekend wear.
Noise level: Moderate during brunch rush; conversational but with steady kitchen and counter chatter.
Weekend wait: Closed at dinner; breakfast and lunch only.
Weekday lunch: 15–25 minutes during peak hours, minimal wait before 9am or after 1:30pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several egg and vegetable-based breakfasts plus bibimbap variations.
Vegan options: Limited – bibimbap can be made vegan if requested, but most items include egg or butter.
Gluten-free options: Limited – no dedicated gluten-free prep; rice-based dishes are safest.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for romance—counter seating and quick service make it better for casual hangs or a relaxed breakfast meet-up.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—no reservations accepted. Go early for counter seats or join the short weekend line; turnover is fast.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—simple menu and short waits suit families, but space is tight, so strollers are best left outside.
Best For
Better for: Quick, low-cost breakfast with Korean comfort options you won’t find at typical diners.
Skip if: You’re seeking leisurely brunch cocktails, scenic ambiance, or large group seating.