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Mama's On Washington Square

4.1 (4.9k reviews)
Open • 8:00 am - 3:00 pm
Updated over 3 months ago

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MAMA'S ON WASHINGTON SQUARE ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Moderate noise
Casual
Classy
Good for kids

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Recommended Reviews - Mama's On Washington Square

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Veggie Eggs Benedict
Kristina L.

I cannot say enough about Mama's, there is often a line but it moves quickly. They make just about everything from scratch breads, pasties, jams, we came here for breakfast and I had the veggie eggs benedict. It was outstanding, veggies were fresh the hollandaise sauce was creamy, fantastic! My mom had the French toast sampler, amazing! 3 types of fresh homemade bread, you don't need the maple syrup the homemade jam is amazing. We will definitely be back!

Eggs Any Style - 2 Eggs
Elena S.

Food is good, staff is kind and attentive. I like that you can watch them make your food! The restaurant itself is very small and I wish they had a better process for the line that forms on the weekends. We waited about an hour and 15 on a Sunday at noon (brunch time).

Eggs Benedict with prosciutto
Amanda M.

I'd seen Mama's pop up several times as a recommended breakfast spot, and I was lucky enough to swing by with no line! The restaurant is small, but cute, quaint, and special due to the history in the area--I loved seeing the old 60s menus on the walls! As for service, you order at the counter and then sit down; the food came out quickly and they still have people waiting on tables for drinks or other adhoc items. As for food, I ordered the eggs benny with prosciutto. I love Eggs Benedict and love prosciutto, but normally don't see these paired, so I was excited to find this on the menu. The egg was cooked well and the proportions were good, but the prosciutto was VERY salty. This was too much for me, but I'm glad I tried it (I'd go back and try the smoked salmon instead). The potatoes were pretty standard breakfast potatoes, though I would've preferred a little crispier. I probably wouldn't go out of my way for the food, but this place is an SF staple and in a great neighborhood. It's worth trying out!

Caesar salad with chicken
Lenore N.

We braced the rain and the line at Mama's today for brunch. It's been a legendary mainstay of North Beach for many years. And it did not disappoint today. It's crab season so my crab omelette with avocado and Brie was delicious, although it cried out for some sauce. The towers of pancakes with fresh fruit were hot, fresh and filling. The avocado toast with salmon was perfect and the chicken Caesar looked delicious. It's a small place and always full from opening to closing.

Don't waste  your time and your money !!! They just have a name nothing else
Murat D.

Don't waste your time and your money !!! They just have a name nothing else I don't remember ever paying so much money for such a disgusting tea or a disgusting coffee. greedy business!!!!!! They charged me for tea and coffee I didn't even drink! First I tried the tea, I didn't like it, then I ordered coffee. The coffee was cold and tasted awful, I didn't drink it and returned it.

Mamas bfast sando
Kimberly J.

Long time patriot first time reviewer. I remember when the line would be 2+ hours long. Since then, they've added a parklet and outdoor seating which keeps things rotating smoothly. I got the breakfast sandwich. It was good but should have ordered the tried and true monte cristo. Bf got eggs and toast and was pleased. No notes. We got there at 11:10am on a Sunday and was ordered and seated by 11:35. Not bad. Everyone was nice but seemed busy. Good people watching and nice retro atmosphere.

Mike C.

Lucky to get in since it was a random weekday. Impeccable service. Great location off of Washington Square Park. Parking of course is a mess, but that's expected. Good menu choices. Pretty tight inside if it's crowded, but nice decor, including historical pieces. No critiques about the food; it was great. Zero complaints from me.

Mama's French Toast Sampler
Rathin K.

TLDR; great, popular breakfast spot! I came here to grab breakfast with a friend while visiting the city, We stopped by for breakfast. It was fairly busy even on a Wednesday morning. Service was quick -- you take a seat then order at the counter. The restaurant wears its status as an institution in its decor -- there's a lot of cool art/decoration. The food itself was great. The lemonade was good and not too sweet. The French roast sampler was great as well. The variety was really cool to see and unlike anything else I've had. They also offer a house jam that's delicious. Would go here again! Next time, I'll try more savory options. My friend mentioned that the omelets are some of the best he's had.

Robert P.

*First Timer** I found this location on a fluke. I was in San Francisco for business and decided to go for a walk and came across a gem. The food here is amazing. Great portions. Tasty and overall great service. I had the opportunity to eat my meal outside on the café area, which was a special treat. For all my business travelers, this location is worth a walk. Give it a try.

two 2 Petaluma Farm Eggs Any Style, substituted black beans for grilled potatoes, and comes with choice of bread - I chose whole wheat bread
Donna J.

Fresh local ingredients cooked to order while you watch in a cozy, homey naturally light filled cafe overlooking stunning Washington Square. As you enter, you are directed to the ordering counter to place your order, seat yourself with your number, and your food will be brought to you in lickety split short order. Everyone that works here is kind and welcoming. Nothing particularly notable about the drip coffee (my preference is always an espresso base, but I'm willing to forgo that in order to enjoy this lovely environment.). Highly recommended for the vibe and generous for the price point.

Mama's Specials 8/17/25
Anthony M.

We finally checked Mama's at Washington Square off our SF food bucket list, and it did not disappoint! We waited about 30 minutes in line outside, but once inside, it was worth every minute. We ordered the Mama's Smoothie (banana, berries, OJ, yogurt, and honey) -- fresh, creamy, and the perfect start. Then came the French Toast Sampler, which was incredible: Banana Walnut - House-baked banana bread topped with fresh bananas. Chocolate Cinnamon - A house favorite, topped with fresh seasonal berries and bananas. Cranberry-Orange - House-baked bread made with tart cranberries, fresh orange juice, and walnuts. Each had its own flavor and texture, and together it felt like the ultimate breakfast treat. Service was friendly, the vibe was cozy, and the food lived up to the hype. It was a bit on the pricey side for breakfast, but the quality and experience made it worthwhile. We'll definitely be back to try more of the menu!

Norwegian Benedict with spinach and mushrooms
Anne D.

First time today and will have to go back and try more of the menu. Every time they serve someone, every plate looks delicious. We were here on a Sunday morning and there's a line outside. There's another line inside once you go in to line up to order your food. You order and pay first and they bring out your order once you're seated. I love how you see their kitchen prepare the food. They are efficient and service is pretty fast. A little tight inside but cozy nonetheless. Side notes... $1 surcharge for any order with eggs. Not sure why parties of 6 will have automatic gratuity when you literally line up to order and pay for your food right away. You don't get much service unless you order a refillable coffee.

2 eggs, grilled potatoes and baguette
Tricia M.

I have never been to Mama's and I have never literally stood in line for breakfast before - not like this! I assumed you put your name on a list, wander around, maybe get a pager and they buzz you when your table is ready. But no - here you wait in line and the line inches forward as people are able to get inside to place their order with the kitchen and then get a table. It's an incredibly efficient way to do breakfast because once you order your food, the wait to get your food is minimal! And the experience of watching the team put these incredibly delicious plates of food together is fun! Blackstone Benedict is what I ordered and it was fantastic! The 5 of us all enjoyed our food immensely and had a table outside as we requested. The team was so accommodating and were attentive - bringing us homemade jam (you must try it!) and refilling our coffees. It was a wonderful way to do breakfast in SF and every bit worth the wait! We got there before 10 am and only waited maybe 35 minutes before placing our order.

Lox & Bagel Platter

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Mama's On Washington Square Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - Mama's On Washington Square

So it looks like they have stopped doing indoor seating can anyone confirm?

They closed indoor seating during pandemic, but have it available now and have for some time. If it's nice out people prefer outdoor seating, but you can request indoor sitting when you're putting in your initial order.

Are there reservations?

They do not take reservations - stand by wait to order only. You order in a line outside and then they seat you as they have available tables. The guy who takes your order will tell you where to sit and they'll give you a number and bring the food… Read more

Do they serve crab on Benedict eggs?

Yep. They do both a crab benny & a crab cake benny.

Do they require vaccination proof?

To be seated inside yes ..you will need your vax card or "clear" phone app

Are there outdoor seating?

Yes!

How bad is parking during the week?

It's hit or miss any day of the week. This is a very touristy area. It's certainly much easier during the mornings/day than it is in the evenings. I typically find street parking within a 2 block radius though I have had to park several blocks away… Read more

Gluten free items?

No gluten free bread items of any sort. You'd have to go with eggs & bacon, etc...

Will here open on 25/12?

No. Mama's is always closed on Christmas Day.

When is the best time to arrive during the WEEKDAY without there being a long line?

We went on a Tuesday at around 9 AM and there were about 15 people outside. Waited about 20 mins..... well worth the wait.

Do they take reservations, specifically the day of?

Hi Ren... I'm sorry but Mama's doesn't take reservations. The lines start early, usually 30 minutes before we open. We hope you get the opportunity to eat at Mama's!

If it is my first time here, what should it be good to try? I read you! Tks!

The corn beef hash is amazing. Also the French toast sampler is a great choice! Enjoy! Mama's is wonderful!

Will there a lot of people waiting around 9-10 am on weekend?

Yes. There is a line to get into this place pretty much from the moment it opens. 9am may not be terrible. But by 10am expect a long line.

Is Mama's open on Christmas day?

Goodmorning... I am sorry but we do close on Christmas. Have a great upcoming holiday.

Is breakfast served all day? Such as the monte Cristo?

Yes until they close at 3pm!

Are there Free refills on the orange juice?

No! Sorry no refills

How about paying for tips? Is it necessary for remaining tips?

Not sure what you mean 'remaining tips' but it is customary to tip in the US. Anywhere from 18%-25% is standard.

Can I call my order in for take out?

Last time we were there, we couldn't. We were there this past December and they didn't allow it at that time.

How's the wait on weekdays? Is it the same as on weekends?

If you aren't the first group in you can expect a 25-45 wait on a weekday, 25-2 hr on a weekend

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Sisterita

Sisterita

4.5(1.1k reviews)
0.6 mi•Financial District
•$$
Locally sourced ingredients
Casual dining

Excellent service! My only advice is to come and see for yourself. When we called to ask about a…read morewait, they mentioned there was not wait... part of the reason they do that is because they don't keep a list. You either have reservations or you're a walk in and you stand in line until a table is available for you. At first this was strange, but I think it makes for a better experience. The team was incredible, they were so kind on a day that can be stressful for a small restaurant. We had incredible food. I was so happy to get my Eggs Royale and my husband said the French toast was the best he's ever had. (Even comparing it to French toast in Paris) No notes. This will be our Mother's Day place going forward next time with reservations.

My partner and I decided to go to the city one weekend and decided we wanted brunch. After looking…read morethrough some place, we came across Sisterita and it looked very promising. It seems like this place is an asian fusion brunch place incorporating french dishes into thai/asian themed dishes which is up our alley. We made a reservation at 1:45 PM and we had to wait for about an extra 30 minutes before getting seated. Initially, I wanted to try their crab fried rice but unfortunately they were out of crab. We decided to get the Alcatraz Escape and the Brioche french toast which were recommended by the wait staff. The staff was generally friendly and accommodating but I can tell they were swamped and stressed out with all the people they were trying to serve. The food itself tasted decent, the Alcatraz Escape had a tasty flavor which incorporates tom yum paste (sweet, sour, tangy flavor) into their scramble with about 4 shrimps. The side of crispy chicken was good but nothing that stood out to us. The brioche was soft but there wasn't much flavoring besides the fruits and caramelized banana. It was served with evaporated milk which made the brioche soft but not adding much flavor to it. The price however was quite pricey. For two dishes as a side we paid around $78 with tax and tip.

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Mama's On Washington Square - breakfast_brunch - Updated May 2026

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