Any insider tips for Zuni Café?

Order the chicken first—prep and roasting take about an hour.

When should I visit Zuni Café?

Early evening or late after peak pre-show rush

Who should go to Zuni Café?

Seasonal-Cal cuisine fans and theatergoers

Any insider tips for Brenda's French Soul Food?

Order beignets first—they fry to order and set the tone.

What should I order at Brenda's French Soul Food?

Crawfish beignets; fried chicken; shrimp & grits

When should I visit Brenda's French Soul Food?

11am or after 1:30pm to avoid waits

Who should go to Brenda's French Soul Food?

Teams craving bold, filling plates

Any insider tips for Absinthe Brasserie & Bar?

Bar seats are first-come and ideal for solo diners.

What should I order at Absinthe Brasserie & Bar?

Burger with Gruyère, frites, a classic cocktail

When should I visit Absinthe Brasserie & Bar?

Pre-theater evenings or weekend lunch

Who should go to Absinthe Brasserie & Bar?

Cocktail and burger traditionalists

Any insider tips for Arsicault (Civic Center)?

Grab-and-go is fastest—seating is minimal.

When should I visit Arsicault (Civic Center)?

Before 9:30am for best selection

Any insider tips for Peacock Pansy?

Ask about rotating seasonal specials before ordering.

What should I order at Peacock Pansy?

Yuzu pancakes; coconut toast; Thai omelet

Who should go to Peacock Pansy?

Friends planning a sit-down brunch

Any insider tips for Hazie’s?

Bar seats turn fastest on busy weekends.

What should I order at Hazie’s?

Devil wings, fish tacos, brisket sandwich

When should I visit Hazie’s?

Golden hour for drinks and patio seating

Who should go to Hazie’s?

Friends meetups and casual celebrations

Any insider tips for Philz Coffee (Civic Center)?

Mobile order for faster pickup during court hours.

What should I order at Philz Coffee (Civic Center)?

Iced Mint Mojito; Tesora; rotating pastry

When should I visit Philz Coffee (Civic Center)?

Early mornings for quickest service

Best Brunch Restaurants in Tenderloin (94102)

7 hand-picked restaurants, AI-analyzed and critic-validated

Notable Picks

#1 Zuni Café

8.6

$$$ Hayes Valley / Market

Vibes: Date Night Magic Trendy Table Hotspots Instagram Worthy Wonders Outdoor Dining Oasis

Market-driven California cooking in an iconic triangular space where Sunday brunch centers on wood-fired technique and thoughtful salads. Locals come for classics like the Caesar and shoestrings while planning around the famous roast chicken.

Must-Try Dishes: Roast Chicken with Bread Salad, Zuni Caesar, Half Dozen Oysters

What makes it special: Home of the definitive roast chicken with bread salad.

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#2 Brenda's French Soul Food

8.5

$$$$ Tenderloin / Civic Center

Vibes: Business Lunch Power Players Comfort Food Classics Trendy Table Hotspots

New Orleans–influenced plates—beignets, biscuit sandwiches, shrimp & grits—served with steady execution and friendly bustle. Lines move and portions satisfy without breaking the bank.

Must-Try Dishes: Crawfish beignets, Buttermilk fried chicken plate, Shrimp & grits

What makes it special: New Orleans flavors executed with precision and big-city pace.

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#3 Absinthe Brasserie & Bar

8.3

$$$ Hayes Valley

Vibes: Date Night Magic Trendy Table Hotspots Business Lunch Power Players

Polished brasserie known for textbook frites, croques, and classic cocktails in a lively Hayes Valley room. Since 1998, it’s been a pre-show standby with reliable French-leaning brunch fare.

Must-Try Dishes: Absinthe Burger with Gruyère and Fries, French Onion Soup, Seasonal Greens

What makes it special: A brasserie burger executed with precision in a classic setting.

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#4 Arsicault (Civic Center)

8.0

$ Civic Center

Vibes: Sweet Treats Escapes Quick Bites Champions Brunch Bliss Spots Trendy Table Hotspots

The Civic Center outpost of the famed croissant bakery turns out laminated pastries and coffee for a quick, satisfying brunch-adjacent stop. Limited seating, steady lines, and a best-before-9:30 selection curve.

Must-Try Dishes: Almond croissant, Kouign-amann, Ham & cheese croissant

What makes it special: Nationally lauded croissants baked fresh through the morning.

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Worthy Picks

#5 Peacock Pansy

7.9

$$$ Civic Center

Vibes: Brunch Bliss Spots Instagram Worthy Wonders Trendy Table Hotspots Girls Night Out Approved

Floral-forward brunch plates—yuzu pancakes, coconut-tinged French toast—in a bright dining room near the arts corridor. Playful presentation meets steady flavors for leisurely catch-ups.

Must-Try Dishes: Yuzu pancakes, Coconut French toast, Thai omelet

What makes it special: Asian-leaning brunch with striking, floral presentation.

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#6 Hazie’s

7.8

$$$ Hayes Valley

Vibes: Happy Hour Hotspots Girls Night Out Approved Trendy Table Hotspots Group Dining Gatherings

Casual Hayes Valley hangout with a chef-led menu and weekend brunch energy—think hearty plates, cocktails, and a lively patio scene. Good for groups before or after neighborhood strolls.

Must-Try Dishes: Crispy 'Devil' Wings, Baja Fish Tacos, Braised Beef Brisket Sandwich

What makes it special: Cocktail-driven hangout with crowd-pleasing American plates and patio.

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#7 Philz Coffee (Civic Center)

7.6

$ Civic Center

Vibes: Quick Bites Champions Solo Dining Sanctuaries Brunch Bliss Spots Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance

One-cup-at-a-time pour-over coffees with a few light bites make this Civic Center location a practical, budget-friendly morning meet-up. Expect friendly service and a steady to-go crowd.

Must-Try Dishes: Iced Mint Mojito coffee, Tesora pour-over, Morning pastry (rotates)

What makes it special: Personalized pour-overs with a signature mint mojito crowd-pleaser.

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