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Universal Breakfast & Lunch
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Universal Breakfast & Lunch
7.7
Straightforward diner plates at early hours: eggs, pancakes, burritos, and coffee. Efficient counter rhythm and wallet-friendly pricing suit workday mornings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Breakfast Burrito, Pancake Stack, Country Potatoes & Eggs
Scores:
Value: 8.9
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 7.5
Atmosphere: 6.1
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: No-frills, early-open breakfast with fast ticket times.
Who should go: Early risers and trades crews
When to visit: 5:30–7:30am to beat the rush
What to order: Burrito with bacon, pancakes, hot coffee
Insider tip: Cash moves quicker than cards during peak morning push.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free street parking available along Mission Street and nearby residential blocks; fills quickly after 7am.
Dress code: Completely casual — workwear, hoodies, and caps are standard.
Noise level: Low to moderate in early hours; rises to steady chatter during peak breakfast rush.
Weekend wait: N/A — closes after lunch service.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait before noon; brief 5–10 minute queue at peak 8–9am.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — egg, pancake, and veggie burrito options available.
Vegan options: Limited — avocado toast or hash browns with fruit side can be adapted.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free prep; simple eggs and meats are safe picks for sensitive guests.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal — it’s a casual counter-service diner best suited for quick breakfasts or solo meals.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — walk-in only; seats turn over quickly even during the rush.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — simple menu, fast service, and booths make it comfortable for families with small kids.
Best For
Better for: Early risers who want a hearty, inexpensive breakfast without waiting for brunch crowds.
Skip if: You’re seeking latte art, vegan brunch plates, or a place to linger with Wi-Fi.
Universal Breakfast & Lunch
7.7
Counter-service breakfasts—eggs, pancakes, burritos—and coffee from very early hours at wallet-friendly prices. Efficient pacing suits workday mornings and casual dine-and-dash brunches.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bacon breakfast burrito, Short stack pancakes, House coffee
Scores:
Value: 9
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 7.6
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: No-frills, early-open breakfast with very fast ticket times.
Who should go: Early risers and trades crews
When to visit: 5:30–7:30am to beat the rush
What to order: Burrito with bacon; pancakes; hot coffee
Insider tip: Cash often moves quicker than cards at peak.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free street parking along Mission Street and nearby residential blocks; spots are easier before 8am, tighter by midmorning.
Dress code: Casual — workwear, hoodies, or weekend clothes all fine; no need to dress up.
Noise level: Low to moderate in early hours; gets busier but still conversational by 9am.
Weekend wait: Not applicable — closes before dinner hours.
Weekday lunch: No wait typical; you’ll order and sit right down.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — pancakes, egg plates, and veggie burrito options available.
Vegan options: Limited — hash browns, toast, and sides can work with customization.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated menu, but omelets and basic egg plates can be ordered without toast.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal — it’s a quick-service diner best suited for casual bites or early work breakfasts, not atmosphere-driven meetups.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, it’s walk-in only; tables turn quickly, especially before 8am.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — straightforward menu, booth seating, and fast service make it easy for families with kids 5 and up.
Best For
Better for: Early risers needing affordable, fast breakfast plates and coffee before work.
Skip if: You’re looking for a long, relaxed brunch or espresso drinks — nearby cafes like Java on Ocean or Oasis Fusion Kitchen fit that better.
Universal Breakfast & Lunch
7.8
Excelsior counter spot turning out breakfast bagels, lox, and hearty sandwiches alongside smoothies and crepes. Friendly service and steady ticket times make it reliable.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bagel Lox, Breakfast Bagel (choice of meat), Bagel with Cream Cheese
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: Full breakfast lineup with bagel lox and build-your-own breakfast bagels.
Who should go: Neighborhood brunch and takeout crowd
When to visit: 6:30–9:30am for freshest batches
What to order: Lox bagel; breakfast bagel; green juice + bagel combo
Insider tip: Order lox on toasted sesame for better structure in transit.