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Pat’s Cafe
Master Critic Reviews (6 Lists)
Pat’s Cafe
7.8
Neighborhood breakfast spot with bright omelets, pancakes, and colorful fruit sides a short walk from the Wharf. Casual service and sidewalk seating suit no-frills daytime shoots.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chorizo Omelet, Blueberry Pancakes, Pat’s Breakfast Burrito
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Colorful, straightforward plates and approachable pricing near major sights.
Who should go: Families and casual brunch crews
When to visit: Before noon to avoid the Wharf swell
What to order: Chorizo omelet, pancakes, burrito
Insider tip: Grab an outdoor table for better lighting and people-watching.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited metered street parking on Taylor and North Point; nearby Wharf garages charge around $5–$8 per hour.
Dress code: Casual daytime wear—comfortable clothes and walking shoes are perfect after exploring the Wharf.
Noise level: Moderate during peak breakfast; quieter mid-morning with outdoor tables offering a relaxed vibe.
Weekend wait: Closed for dinner service—brunch and lunch only.
Weekday lunch: Usually a short 5–10 minute wait; tables turn quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—omelets, pancakes, and fruit plates make it easy to eat meat-free.
Vegan options: Limited—ask to modify veggie burrito or fruit options, but no dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Some flexibility with egg dishes and salads, though no certified gluten-free prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual morning meet-up than a romantic setting—laid-back and unpretentious, with friendly energy ideal for easy conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—Pat’s is walk-in friendly and doesn’t take reservations. Go before 11am to avoid a short wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—high chairs available, friendly staff, and a simple menu with pancakes and fruit plates popular with younger diners.
Best For
Better for: Quick, colorful brunches in a non-touristy setting just off the Wharf.
Skip if: You’re looking for upscale plating, bottomless mimosas, or a more design-forward brunch scene.
Pat’s Cafe
7.8
Neighborhood cafe near Fisherman’s Wharf doing American breakfasts and sturdy lunch plates. Friendly service and quick ticket times suit informal business catch-ups.
Must-Try Dishes:
Turkey Avocado Club, Cobb Salad, Grilled Chicken Sandwich
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 6.9
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Straightforward American lunch plates with quick, personable service.
Who should go: Casual meetings near the Wharf
When to visit: 11:15–12:00 for the shortest wait
What to order: Turkey avocado club, cobb salad, grilled chicken sandwich
Insider tip: Metered spots on Taylor turn over quickly mid-day.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking available on Taylor and Francisco Streets; nearby paid lots on Columbus Avenue if full.
Dress code: Casual — business-casual fine for midday meetings.
Noise level: Moderate — easy to hold conversation at most tables; morning rush can get lively.
Weekend wait: Closed for dinner service — breakfast and lunch only.
Weekday lunch: 5–15 minutes typical wait during peak 12–1pm hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several salads, omelets, and sandwiches can be made vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited — a few modifiable items (ask for no cheese or egg).
Gluten-free options: Yes — gluten-free bread available upon request, but kitchen not fully celiac-safe.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a formal date, but fine for a casual coffee or low-pressure meetup near the Wharf.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — walk-ins are the norm; turnover is quick except during late-morning breakfast rush.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — staff are welcoming to families and there are high chairs and simple kid-friendly options like pancakes and grilled cheese.
Best For
Better for: Faster service and friendlier staff than most nearby Wharf cafes — ideal for informal meetings or quick lunches.
Skip if: You’re seeking a polished or quiet setting for client dining; nearby Park Tavern or Fog Harbor offer more refined environments.
Pat’s Cafe
7.6
Colorful neighborhood standby for straight-ahead breakfasts and friendly service. Easy option a few blocks off the Wharf with indoor and sidewalk seating.
Must-Try Dishes:
Water Street omelet, Banana pancakes, Breakfast burrito
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 7.6
Atmosphere: 6.9
Cultural Relevance: 7.3
What makes it special: No-fuss breakfasts with neighborly warmth near the Wharf.
Who should go: Families and casual brunchers
When to visit: Early morning for fastest seating
What to order: Omelet; pancakes; burrito
Insider tip: Street parking improves before 9am.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking is available on Taylor and North Point Streets, generally easier before 9am. No valet or private lot nearby.
Dress code: Casual—comfortable clothes and walking shoes are common among Wharf visitors.
Noise level: Low to moderate—morning bustle but easy for conversation indoors or outside.
Weekend wait: Closed for dinner—breakfast and lunch only.
Weekday lunch: Usually a short 5–10 minute wait after noon rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—plenty of egg dishes, pancakes, and veggie omelets.
Vegan options: Limited—fruit plates and avocado toast are the main options.
Gluten-free options: Some flexibility—substitute sides or skip toast, but no formal gluten-free menu.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for casual mornings than romantic outings. Great for a friendly breakfast meet-up.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—Pat’s doesn’t take reservations. Walk-ins are the norm, and waits are usually short early in the day.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—staff are welcoming, high chairs are available, and the menu works well for families with young children.
Best For
Better for: Laid-back breakfasts with real neighborhood charm and quick service near the Wharf.
Skip if: You’re after a brunch cocktail scene or upscale ambiance—this is strictly casual diner energy.
Pat’s Cafe
7.9
Neighborhood breakfast-and-lunch staple a block off Columbus with friendly service and a kids-welcoming pace. Classic American plates, fruit-stacked pancakes, and sidewalk tables suit mixed-age groups.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cinnamon French Toast, Chorizo Scramble, Buttermilk Pancakes
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 7.1
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Low-key brunch spot with generous portions and easygoing staff.
Who should go: Families wanting a relaxed breakfast
When to visit: Open–10am for shortest wait on weekends
What to order: Cinnamon French toast; veggie omelet; pancakes
Insider tip: Cable car turn-around is steps away—time it post-meal.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited street parking on Taylor and North Point; best to use nearby garages on Beach or Bay Streets. No valet.
Dress code: Casual—hoodies, jeans, and weekend wear are totally fine.
Noise level: Moderate in peak brunch hours; outdoor tables are quieter for conversation.
Weekend wait: Closed for dinner—breakfast and lunch only.
Weekday lunch: Usually 0–10 minute wait, though seating fills fast after noon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple omelets, pancakes, and fruit plates available.
Vegan options: Limited—can modify dishes like veggie hash or oatmeal upon request.
Gluten-free options: Partial—substitutions available, but no separate prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re aiming for a relaxed, daytime meet-up—think casual brunch rather than romantic dinner.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, walk-ins only. Arrive before 9:30am on weekends to avoid a 20–30 minute wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—high chairs, patient staff, and a simple kids’ menu make it easy for families with children 3–10.
Best For
Better for: Faster and friendlier service than larger Wharf brunch spots; ideal for families avoiding tourist crowds.
Skip if: You’re seeking fine dining or late-night options—this is a breakfast-and-lunch-only local café.
Pat’s Cafe
8.0
Colorful North Beach stalwart serving hearty American breakfasts—omelets, pancakes, and scrambles—with steady all-day brunch hours. Friendly service and optional patio seating make it an easy pre-pier stop.
Must-Try Dishes:
Omelet of the Day, Banana Pancakes, Corned Beef Hash
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 7.1
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Reliable, generous breakfast plates near the piers.
Who should go: Families and hungry walkers
When to visit: 7:30–9:30am to beat crowds
What to order: Omelet; banana pancakes; corned beef hash
Insider tip: Ask for patio shade—mid-morning sun can be strong.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along North Beach and Columbus Avenue; limited early mornings, easier before 9am.
Dress code: Casual – walking shoes and light layers are fine; patio can be breezy.
Noise level: Moderate – lively brunch chatter but easy to converse indoors or outside.
Weekend wait: N/A – breakfast and brunch only.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait before 10am; short 5–10 minute queue by 11am.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – plenty of omelets, pancakes, and sides fit vegetarian diets.
Vegan options: Limited – avocado toast and fruit plates available, but no vegan-specific menu.
Gluten-free options: Some gluten-free options on request (e.g., egg plates, hash browns); no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for casual daytime meetups than romantic occasions—friendly staff and bright atmosphere make it relaxed but not intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes – it’s first-come, first-served. Arrive before 9:30am on weekends to avoid the main line.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes – high chairs available, staff accommodate families, and menu has simple breakfast favorites for all ages.
Best For
Better for: More consistent service and heartier portions than nearby tourist-heavy brunch spots; faster turnover without sacrificing quality.
Skip if: You want modern brunch twists or cocktails—this is a classic American-style spot focused on comfort over flair.
Pat’s Cafe
8.0
Colorful North Beach stalwart serving hearty American breakfasts—omelets, pancakes, and scrambles—with steady all-day brunch hours. Friendly service and outdoor seating make it an easy pre-pier stop.
Must-Try Dishes:
Water Street omelet, Banana pancakes, Corned beef hash and eggs
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Reliable, generous breakfast plates near the piers.
Who should go: Families and hungry walkers
When to visit: 7:30–9:30am to beat crowds
What to order: Omelet; banana pancakes; corned beef hash
Insider tip: Ask for patio seating—shade arrives mid-morning.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking is available on Taylor and North Point Streets; tends to fill quickly after 9am, with limited garage options nearby at the Wharf.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable—most guests come in walking clothes or light layers for outdoor seating.
Noise level: Moderate in peak brunch hours; easy to hold conversation indoors or on the patio before 9am.
Weekend wait: Not applicable—breakfast and lunch only, closes around 2pm.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait except during late-morning rush, typically under 10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—omelets, pancakes, and fruit-forward dishes make it friendly for vegetarians.
Vegan options: Limited—some sides like toast, potatoes, and fruit can be combined for a light vegan meal.
Gluten-free options: Partial accommodation—substitutions available but no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re going for casual brunch energy—outdoor tables are relaxed and friendly, not romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins only. Expect a short wait on weekends, especially between 9 and 10:30am.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—staff are welcoming to families, high chairs are available, and menu portions suit sharing.
Best For
Better for: Consistent classic breakfasts with friendly service and quick seating near tourist areas.
Skip if: You want creative or upscale brunch plating—this is more about hearty classics than presentation.