Brickhouse Cafe and Bar

You can tell a lot about a brunch spot from the smell that hits you at the door — bacon fat, fresh coffee, butter on the griddle. This one passes the test.

Set in San Francisco, CA, Brickhouse Cafe and Bar has carved out a corner of the city's weekend brunch scene with a personality of its own. The room comfortably seats a mix of solo diners working through a coffee and a newspaper, couples splitting a stack of pancakes, and friend groups settling in for a slow, three-hour Saturday.

Avocado toast at a place like this is not a meme — it's smashed in front of you, seasoned with flaky salt, lime, and chili crisp, and built on a slab of grilled sourdough.

Menu highlights

Here is a snapshot of the kinds of brunch dishes you can expect to find on the menu at Brickhouse Cafe and Bar. Specials rotate weekly with what's in season — check the chalkboard at the host stand when you arrive.

• Chicken and waffles with hot honey and pickled jalapeño
• Steel-cut oats with brown sugar, toasted nuts, and stewed fruit
• Huevos rancheros with corn tortillas, refried beans, and salsa verde
• Croque madame with béchamel, gruyère, and a fried egg
• Bottomless mimosa flight (90-minute limit, weekends only)
• Fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice and seasonal cold-pressed juices
• Eggs Benedict with house-made hollandaise on a toasted English muffin
• Smoked salmon plate with cream cheese, capers, red onion, and a toasted bagel

There's a small patio out back that fills up the moment the weather turns, and a wait list that moves faster than it looks.

If you only order one thing, make it the shakshuka — a bubbling cast-iron pan of tomatoes, peppers, and softly poached eggs, served with warm pita for sopping.

Bring cash if you can — splitting the check is faster, and a few items on the daily-special board are cash-only.

Like a lot of the best brunch spots in San Francisco, Brickhouse Cafe and Bar is at its most magical on weekend mornings, when the kitchen is firing on all burners and the room slowly fills with the kind of low, happy hum that only good food and unhurried company can produce. Save room for one of the pastries on the way out — they bake everything in-house, and the morning buns are legendary among regulars.

Tips from the regulars

• Best for: groups of 2 to 4 — larger parties may want to call ahead.
• Don't miss the daily-special chalkboard near the host stand — it changes weekly and tends to feature the kitchen's best ideas.
• Coffee is taken seriously here. If you only know diner drip, ask the barista for a recommendation.
• If you're walking from public transit, the closest stop is a short stroll away — a small price to pay for the breakfast burrito.
• Vegetarian and gluten-free diners have real options, not just sad fruit cups.

Hours

Frequently asked questions

What time does Brickhouse Cafe and Bar open for brunch?

Posted hours are: Tu-Fr 11:00-22:00; Sa 10:00-20:00; Su 10:00-16:00. Hours can change on holidays — call ahead if you're traveling.

Does Brickhouse Cafe and Bar take reservations?

Most brunch spots in San Francisco are walk-in friendly, with a wait list during peak hours. Larger parties (5+) should call ahead to ask about a reservation.

Is Brickhouse Cafe and Bar kid-friendly?

Yes — Brickhouse Cafe and Bar welcomes families. Most brunch menus include simple kid-friendly options like pancakes, scrambled eggs, and fresh fruit. Highchairs are usually available.

What kind of cuisine does Brickhouse Cafe and Bar serve?

It's classified under cafe — broadly an American-style brunch experience with regional touches you'd expect in San Francisco.

Is there outdoor seating at Brickhouse Cafe and Bar?

Yes — outdoor seating is available, weather permitting.

Location

Located at San Francisco, CA. Coordinates: 37.7796, -122.3952. Use the address above with your preferred maps application for turn-by-turn directions.