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Son & Garden
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Son & Garden
8.7
Whimsical, floral-forward brunch plates and high-tea tiers arrive in pastel hues with edible blooms and sculpted sweets. Lines form for photogenic benedicts, soufflé pancakes, and ube drinks in a garden-themed dining room.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bear-shaped pancakes, Crab cake benedict, Ube latte
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 9.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Garden-themed plating and desserts designed to be photographed.
Who should go: Aesthetic-driven brunch groups and celebrators
When to visit: Weekdays 9–11am to avoid long waits
What to order: Crab cake benedict; soufflé pancakes; ube latte
Insider tip: Ask for a window table for the best natural light.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking around Polk and Van Ness is limited and metered; nearby garages on California or Bush streets are the best bet on weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual works well—many guests lean slightly dressy for photos, but jeans and a nice top are common.
Noise level: Moderate—chatter and music create energy, but you can still hold a conversation at your table.
Weekend wait: Not open for dinner—brunch service only, expect 45–75 minute waits at peak hours without a reservation.
Weekday lunch: Usually a 10–20 minute wait around noon; mornings before 11am are often seated right away.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several brunch plates, benedicts, and desserts are vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Limited—salads and sides can be customized, but only 2–3 vegan options available.
Gluten-free options: Yes—gluten-free pancakes and bread available on request, though not prepped in a dedicated kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—its floral interiors and colorful plating make a strong impression, though the energy skews lively rather than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible but expect long waits on weekends; joining the Yelp waitlist online improves your odds.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who enjoy sweets and colorful dishes; less ideal for toddlers due to tight seating and fragile table setups.
Best For
Better for: Over-the-top plating, whimsical desserts, and photogenic interiors compared to more minimalist brunch cafés.
Skip if: You want a quiet, fast, or budget brunch—there are quicker and cheaper options nearby without the wait.
Son & Garden
7.7
Maximalist brunch spot known for floral decor, colorful lattes, and sweet-savory plates. Expect a wait and plenty of photo-ops alongside American breakfast favorites with Asian accents.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lobster eggs Benedict, Soufflé pancakes, Truffle hash browns
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.3
Food Quality: 7.6
Atmosphere: 9.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Over-the-top brunch with playful plating and floral drinks.
Who should go: Weekend brunch crews and content creators
When to visit: Arrive at open for shortest wait
What to order: Lobster Benedict; soufflé pancakes; latte flight
Insider tip: Counter seats turn faster than the main dining room.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Van Ness and nearby blocks is limited and metered; no dedicated lot or valet. Rideshare is the easiest option.
Dress code: Smart casual—guests often lean trendy for photos. Jeans are fine, but many dress up a bit for the décor.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—conversations are possible at small tables, but the brunch rush adds a buzz.
Weekend wait: Not applicable—this is primarily a brunch and daytime spot.
Weekday lunch: 20–30 minutes typical without reservation, shorter if you arrive near opening.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several brunch plates, soufflé pancakes, and salads can be made vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 items may be adapted, but menu leans egg- and dairy-heavy.
Gluten-free options: Some items can be made gluten-free (like omelets and salads), but cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want a playful, photo-friendly brunch date. The décor is Instagram-worthy and fun, but not ideal for an intimate or quiet vibe.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but expect a wait—especially weekends. Arriving at open or putting your name down early helps.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for families with kids who enjoy a lively atmosphere—colorful décor and sweet plates appeal to kids, though waits and noise may be challenging for younger children.
Best For
Better for: Best for playful, over-the-top brunch presentations and colorful drinks that double as photo ops.
Skip if: If you want a quiet meal, fast service, or a budget-friendly breakfast, choose alternatives instead.