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Kitchen Story
Master Critic Reviews (6 Lists)
Kitchen Story
8.5
Bustling Castro standby blending California comfort with Asian touches and the signature Millionaire’s Bacon. Locals line up for well-executed staples in a lively room.
Must-Try Dishes:
Millionaire’s Bacon, Ricotta pancakes, Eggs Benedict
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: California-meets-Asian brunch anchored by Millionaire’s Bacon.
Who should go: Brunch groups and out-of-town friends
When to visit: Arrive by 9:30am on weekends to avoid the line
What to order: Millionaire’s Bacon, ricotta pancakes, Benedict
Insider tip: Weekdays after 11am have shorter waits but full menu.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is metered and competitive around 16th & Castro; nearby garages include the Castro/18th St Public Parking. Avoid peak brunch hours if driving.
Dress code: Smart casual—most guests wear weekend-ready attire like jeans and light layers; stylish casual works well for photos or meetups.
Noise level: Lively during brunch rush—expect energetic conversation and upbeat music; quieter midweek mornings.
Weekend wait: N/A – brunch-focused spot; closes early evenings.
Weekday lunch: Usually 0–10 minute wait midweek; walk-ins fine.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – multiple options including ricotta pancakes, veggie omelet, and salads.
Vegan options: Limited – avocado toast or sides can be customized, but few full vegan entrees.
Gluten-free options: Some dishes adaptable—request gluten-free toast and check with staff on sauces.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want lively energy over quiet intimacy. Great for a daytime date or casual weekend meet-up thanks to its bright atmosphere and shared brunch plates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but expect 30–45 minute waits during weekend prime hours. They use a host list system; join early or come midweek to be seated quickly.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids—staff are accommodating and there are high chairs available, though space is tight and the noise level can be high for toddlers.
Best For
Better for: Brunch groups who want both solid food and a scene—the Millionaire’s Bacon and fusion brunch plates are standout compared to quieter Castro cafés.
Skip if: You prefer low-key, quiet breakfasts or need full vegan options—try Wooden Spoon or Morning Due Cafe instead.
Kitchen Story
8.5
Bustling Castro standby blending California comfort with Asian touches and a focused brunch program. Locals line up for well-executed staples and the famous Millionaire’s Bacon in a lively room.
Must-Try Dishes:
Millionaire’s Bacon & eggs, Ricotta pancakes, Kimchi fried rice with egg
Scores:
Value: 7.7
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: California-meets-Asian brunch with the signature Millionaire’s Bacon.
Who should go: Brunch groups and out-of-town friends
When to visit: Arrive by 9:30am weekends to avoid long waits
What to order: Millionaire’s Bacon, ricotta pancakes, benedict
Insider tip: Weekdays after 11am see shorter lines but full menu.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along 16th and Sanchez fills fast; the Castro/Market public garage (2 blocks away) is your best bet on weekends.
Dress code: Casual-chic brunch attire; jeans and sneakers are fine but many guests lean stylish for photos.
Noise level: High-energy during peak brunch with steady music and chatter—manageable but not ideal for deep conversation.
Weekend wait: N/A — closes after brunch hours.
Weekday lunch: 5–10 minutes for small groups; near-instant seating after 11am.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several dishes like ricotta pancakes, avocado toast, and vegetarian scrambles are standouts.
Vegan options: Limited — 2–3 options; most dishes can be modified if you ask early.
Gluten-free options: Yes — substitutions available on some dishes; pancakes and benedicts can be made gluten-free on request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you’re aiming for lively energy over quiet intimacy—ideal for a fun, social brunch but not a candlelit vibe.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but expect 30–45 minutes wait on weekends. Add your name to the list early; weekdays are typically walk-in friendly.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for families with older kids or teens—booths available and quick service, but the crowds and noise can be overwhelming for toddlers.
Best For
Better for: Signature bacon, consistent brunch execution, and a fun Castro crowd make it top-tier for group brunches and photo-worthy plates.
Skip if: You prefer calm, quiet breakfasts or need parking right outside—opt for Wooden Spoon or Starbelly instead.
Kitchen Story
7.8
Bustling Castro brunch spot blending California and Asian flavors with generous portions. Expect a line—but also crowd-pleasers like Millionaire’s Bacon and benedicts.
Must-Try Dishes:
Millionaire’s Bacon Benedict, Ricotta Pancakes, Breakfast Burrito
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Playful Cali-Asian brunch with the neighborhood’s most famous bacon.
Who should go: Brunch lovers and groups
When to visit: Weekdays before 10am to avoid lines
What to order: Millionaire’s Bacon Benedict, pancakes, breakfast burrito
Insider tip: Add a bacon flight to share—worth it.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; can be tight near 18th & Castro, but metered spots open up after 6pm. No dedicated lot or valet.
Dress code: Casual and daytime-friendly—athleisure, jeans, and brunch dresses all fit the scene.
Noise level: Lively and social, especially indoors during peak brunch; outdoor tables are moderately quieter.
Weekend wait: Primarily a brunch venue; closes before typical dinner hours.
Weekday lunch: Usually 5–15 minutes, often immediate seating before noon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – multiple vegetarian-friendly plates like omelets, pancakes, and salads.
Vegan options: Limited – a few customizable dishes, but menu leans on eggs and dairy.
Gluten-free options: Some substitutions available; pancakes and toast can be adapted on request, but no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual brunch date than a romantic one—fun energy, crowd buzz, and playful food make it relaxed but not intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but expect waits of 30–45 minutes on weekends. Join the Yelp waitlist or arrive before 10am for best chances.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—high chairs available, friendly staff, and plenty of open-air seating, though noise can be high during peak brunch rush.
Best For
Better for: Brunch with friends or out-of-town visitors who want hearty plates and social buzz.
Skip if: You’re seeking a calm breakfast or dietary flexibility—try Starbelly or Fable for that instead.
Kitchen Story
8.6
Buzzy Castro brunch staple known for Millionaire’s Bacon and over-the-top plates that photograph well. Expect a lively scene and hearty California-Asian brunch combos that justify the wait. Since 2013, it’s been a weekend magnet for indulgent plates.
Must-Try Dishes:
Millionaire’s Bacon, Mascarpone-stuffed French toast, Ribeye omurice
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: Signature Millionaire’s Bacon and playful, photo-ready brunch plates.
Who should go: Brunch groups who like bold flavors
When to visit: Arrive by 9:30am on weekends to beat lines
What to order: Millionaire’s Bacon; upleveled French toast; ribeye omurice
Insider tip: Order a Bacon Flight to sample all four flavors.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only along 16th Street and nearby side streets; fills quickly after 10am on weekends. No valet or private lot.
Dress code: Casual chic—think weekend brunch attire. Trendy athleisure, sundresses, and button-downs all fit the vibe.
Noise level: Lively and energetic—expect a buzz from packed tables and upbeat playlists; conversations are possible but not intimate.
Weekend wait: N/A – brunch-focused spot, closes before dinner service.
Weekday lunch: Usually 10–15 minute wait or immediate seating before noon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – multiple meat-free brunch items like avocado toast, French toast, and omelets.
Vegan options: Limited – a few adaptable options like tofu scrambles or fruit bowls, but not a dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Partial – can modify certain dishes (like omelets and salads), but pancakes and toasts are not GF.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It’s great for a fun, casual daytime date—vibrant atmosphere and shareable plates keep things light, but it’s too loud for deeper conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but expect a 45–60 minute wait on weekends. Join the Yelp waitlist ahead or arrive before 9:30am for best chances.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids and families; staff are accommodating with high chairs and flexible seating, though it can be too loud or crowded for toddlers during peak hours.
Best For
Better for: Group brunches, birthday meetups, and photo-worthy plates with crowd-pleasing flair.
Skip if: You want a quiet or refined brunch—try Zazie nearby for a calmer, more classic experience.
Kitchen Story
7.8
Buzzy Castro brunch institution blending California comfort with Asian touches—famous for Millionaire’s Bacon and bottomless mimosas. Lines move quickly and portions are hearty.
Must-Try Dishes:
Millionaire’s Bacon Flight, Mascarpone-Stuffed Deep-Fried French Toast, Fresco Benedict
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Signature Millionaire’s Bacon and lively brunch energy.
Who should go: Brunch crews and out-of-towners
When to visit: Weekdays late morning to avoid long waits
What to order: Bacon flight; stuffed French toast; benedict
Insider tip: Join the waitlist online before you arrive to cut the line.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; tight availability on weekends. Try 17th Street between Castro and Noe for better luck before 10am.
Dress code: Casual-chic; brunch attire like jeans, sundresses, and layers fits right in.
Noise level: High energy during brunch rush; moderate outside of peak hours—expect a lively crowd rather than quiet conversation.
Weekend wait: Not applicable—dinner service is limited; brunch dominates the schedule.
Weekday lunch: 10–20 minutes midweek; walk-ins generally fine outside prime brunch hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—ample vegetarian dishes, including omelets, benedicts, and salads.
Vegan options: Limited—some modifiable dishes (e.g., avocado toast without eggs) but no dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Partial—several items can be made gluten-free upon request; shared kitchen so cross-contact possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re aiming for a fun, casual brunch vibe rather than intimacy—great energy but not quiet.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—most guests join the online waitlist or walk up. Expect 30–60 minutes on weekends but turnover is fast.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—families frequent it, especially mid-morning. High chairs available, though limited stroller space indoors.
Best For
Better for: Social brunches and group gatherings—few Castro spots match its volume, service pace, and signature dishes.
Skip if: You want a quiet meal or strict vegan options—opt for nearby Nourish Café or Fable instead.
Kitchen Story
7.9
Daytime Californian-American with Asian touches, offering brisk service and ample two-tops. A good option for informal working lunches near Dolores and Castro.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fried Chicken Sandwich, Cobb-style Salad, Breakfast Burrito (lunch hours)
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Fast daytime service with familiar American plates and salads.
Who should go: Teams nearby needing speedy table service
When to visit: Weekdays 11:00–1:00 before peak brunch crowd
What to order: Chicken sandwich, Cobb-style salad, burrito
Insider tip: Ask for a corner table to talk over the room’s buzz.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along 16th Street and Sanchez is limited during peak hours; nearby paid lots are available within a five-minute walk.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans and polos are fine for weekday lunches, but locals often dress business casual for meetings.
Noise level: Moderate; the lively brunch crowd adds background noise, but conversation at two-tops is still manageable.
Weekend wait: Not applicable—primarily a brunch and lunch venue.
Weekday lunch: Typically 10–15 minutes during prime lunch hours; faster if you arrive before 11:30am.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – multiple vegetarian entrées and sides, clearly labeled on the menu.
Vegan options: Limited – around 2–3 options, including a tofu scramble and seasonal salad.
Gluten-free options: Yes – several gluten-free plates available; staff can modify some dishes on request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual or daytime meetups than romantic dates; it’s bright, busy, and efficient rather than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes – walk-ins are welcome, though a short wait is common around noon or weekends; reservations help for larger groups.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes – high chairs and shareable plates available; best suited for families during mid-morning or late lunch when crowds thin out.
Best For
Better for: Quick business lunches or informal team meals where service speed and consistency matter more than ambience.
Skip if: You’re seeking a quiet power lunch or fine-dining environment—consider Frances or Starbelly instead.