There is a particular kind of quiet that settles over a good brunch room — the gentle clatter of cutlery, the hiss of the espresso machine, the soft pop of a champagne cork.
Set in San Francisco, CA, Cafe XO 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.
The hash deserves attention: crisp-edged potatoes, caramelized onions, peppers, and a runny egg on top, with hot sauce on every table.
Menu highlights
Here is a snapshot of the kinds of brunch dishes you can expect to find on the menu at Cafe XO. Specials rotate weekly with what's in season — check the chalkboard at the host stand when you arrive.
- 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
- Shakshuka with feta, herbs, and warm pita
- Country-style biscuits and sausage gravy
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.
The eggs Benedict here is a study in restraint: a properly toasted English muffin, paper-thin Canadian bacon, and a hollandaise that's lemony enough to cut through the richness.
Vegetarians and vegans are well taken care of — at least three plant-forward mains anchor the menu, not just an afterthought side of fruit.
Like a lot of the best brunch spots in San Francisco, Cafe XO 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
- Vegetarian and gluten-free diners have real options, not just sad fruit cups.
- Tip generously — the brunch shift is the toughest in any restaurant, and the staff here keeps it warm even at peak rush.
- Save room: the pastry case at the front is part of the experience.
- Best time to go: arrive before 9:30 a.m. on weekends to skip the worst of the wait at Cafe XO.
- Best for: groups of 2 to 4 — larger parties may want to call ahead.
Hours
| Mon | Mo-Sa 06:00-19:00;Su 07:00-19:00 |
|---|---|
| Tue | Mo-Sa 06:00-19:00;Su 07:00-19:00 |
| Wed | Mo-Sa 06:00-19:00;Su 07:00-19:00 |
| Thu | Mo-Sa 06:00-19:00;Su 07:00-19:00 |
| Fri | Mo-Sa 06:00-19:00;Su 07:00-19:00 |
| Sat | Mo-Sa 06:00-19:00;Su 07:00-19:00 |
| Sun | Mo-Sa 06:00-19:00;Su 07:00-19:00 |
Frequently asked questions
What time does Cafe XO open for brunch?
Posted hours are: Mo-Sa 06:00-19:00;Su 07:00-19:00. Hours can change on holidays — call ahead if you're traveling.
Does Cafe XO 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 Cafe XO kid-friendly?
Yes — Cafe XO 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 Cafe XO 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 Cafe XO?
Outdoor seating is not always confirmed. We recommend calling ahead during nice weather.
Location
Located at 1799 Church Street. Coordinates: 37.7422, -122.4264. Use the address above with your preferred maps application for turn-by-turn directions.