This is one of those San Francisco spots that is wonderful just for what it is. It's classic, solid and has lots of character. Not having been here in some time I have to say it never changes. The atmosphere is old San Francisco throughout. The menu rarely changes and I had the Buttermilk pancakes (3) with a side of Chicken Apple Sausage. I love that they charge an extra $3. for REAL 100% maple syrup (hate to imagine the alternative!) The pancakes are outstanding. Fluffy, large and ever so light, yet filling. Slather on some butter and syrup and you'll be in pancake heaven. Trust me. The sausage was very good too. We got water and coffee right away and refills readily came around. The service was great and they really stay on top of making sure the meal is served well. I definitely recommend this place for breakfast. read more

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A classic cafe with basic food and not great service I understand the appeal as Sears has oodles of character. Black and white portraits fill the walls, the history clings to this place. I came here for breakfast because I read so many glowing reviews but wonder if I came on an off-day or if nostalgia plays its part. My breakfast was not bad but it was underwhelming. I ordered the French Toast with the added maple syrup and received a teeny tiny mass produced sealed bottle of syrup no bigger than one of those novelty jams. The French Toast was ok. It was solid but fairly unremarkable. The service was avoidant. They were there for the bare minimum and nothing more. When we needed someone as a side was forgotten it took several minutes to have anyone make eye contact in our direction. The tables were so close together and we were seated against the wall making it challenging to squeeze through to get someone's attention. I unlikely will be back in San Francisco for many years, but when I do I won't return here. read more

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I stopped by Sears today for dinner and WOW! I was the only person in there, but by the time I left, the place was filling. I got cioppino loaded with octopus, white fish, shrimp, and dungeness crab legs. On this cold day in San francisco, this was the perfect thing to get. SO GOOD! The crème brûlée for dessert was the perfect complement. Service was wonderful. The place has a cute old San Francisco vibe. I will definitely go back. Enjoy! read more

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Sears Fine Food remains one of San Francisco's iconic dining destinations. It's a must for visitors, with friendly service and reliably delicious food that never disappoints.The ambience is nostalgic. read more

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Sears Fine Food is fantastic. A classy establishment as I walked in, greeted and seated immediately. I admired the decoration and pictures on the wall, felt like classic San Francisco. The flooring was pristine. Ordered the Famous 18 Swedish pancakes with sausage for my first time. Service was on point and very hospitable. The pancakes were delicious with lingonberries and butter. I liked the fresh fruit in the middle of the dish, nice touch. Looking forward to trying another meal next time, maybe lunch? read more

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I read about this place Sears Fine Food, no connection to the defunct department store if you were wondering. This place is supposed to have the ultimate Swedish Pancakes ever! Ok, I maybe don't get super excited about pancakes, but OK, I gotta see this. Parking around this area of SF is too crazy, but Sears Fine Foods was just a few blocks from our room at the Fairmont Hotel, so we just carried our gear and walked here. It was less than 10 minutes, so that wasn't bad. Inside we waited a little and got seated. The inside is long (deep) and narrow. I see you can actually get the famous pancake mix to go or even mail order! Now, I'm getting excited. The pancakes are small, not the plate filling kind you get at IHOP. This isn't the cheapest place for breakfast or lunch, but this is right ion the heart of SF so it is what it is. We ordered pancakes, and one of my crew added bacon to his order. OK, I gotta say these were some damn tasty pancakes, not like what I normally have. These I think are yeast raised and have a different texture and flavor compared to normal American pancakes. I really like these and I'd say if you're in the area, give them a try for a real SF experience. I am gonna get some of that pancake mix to take home! read more

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I had really fond memories of the food at Sears so I ordered the Swedish pancakes and ham for delivery. The ham was ok, BUT the Swedish pancakes were truly awful. The food was lukewarm but since it was delivery I understood. The portion was ample but the pancakes tasted flat and sour with a gritty texture. It's unfortunate because it will go into the garbage where it belongs. I would NOT recommend read more

I got to have breakfast at one of the oldest American diners in SF, and it didn't disappoint. We ordered the corned beef hash, Denver omelette, and French toast/pancakes. It had been a while since I'd had corned beef hash with eggs- while it was good, I do wish they had added a bit more beef hash. Everything else was on point. The Denver omelette came out well presented, and they were nice enough to switch out the sourdough French toast for pancakes- which turned out to be a blessing in disguise, because I got to try their world-famous pancakes. It's no wonder they're known for their hotcakes; they're soft and delightful with honey. Definitely a must-try at this place!! Very friendly and fast service, and truly a staple among the local Bay Area community. read more

Sears Fine Food - Classic American breakfast.. - American Near Me - San Francisco, California

Super cool ambiance, they definitely created that old school diner feeling. Service is nice but took them a little bit longer to bring the bill after they took our plates away. It was almost completely empty around 2:30pm on a Tuesday. Food was good but pricey like the other reviews, happy to try their famous pancakes but just know it's not super filling. I feel bad leaving a long time restaurant 3 stars but nothing too special stood out to me unfortunately. read more

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When we visited yesterday, 18Oct2026, I had the fish and chips, while my partner enjoyed a big hamburger, cooked to order. The food was three to four stars in quality. However, when I paid with my BRAND NEW credit card, the waiter went to another location in the restaurant and returned with the receipt for signature. A retail clothing merchant charge of about $200 appeared on my account almost immediately. We have not done any clothes shopping for weeks before I got that credit card. I can't say what happened at the restaurant when the card was out of my possession, but obviously you should watch the waiter use the card or have them bring the transaction device to the table -- or pay cash! The restaurant is a venerable and respected establishment, but I would think twice before visiting again. read more

Food:**** Service:**** Ambiance:**** First timer. Place is cool with lots of nostalgia. Very clean. Servers were quick to get us seated. After Lunch crowd so not too many people. Took our order n served right away. I had one of the best beet salads. Love the goat cheese n peanuts. Hubby had a sandwich. He loved it. We will be back again. read more

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I have been coming here for decades. It is a quintessential San Fran eatery; old school charm and service, simplicity at its finest. I have enjoyed breakfast and dinner a time or two, but mainly come for lunch. This time lunch worked out perfectly with my schedule, so I made sure to stop by and get their Fish & Chips. They cook the fish perfectly, not greasy, and just the right amount of crunch in the outside, super meaty and flaky on the inside. Service is always excellent, place is always clean, portions are huge, and the price is reasonable. They serve comfort food similar to an East Coast Diner, a little bit of everything for everyone. Their chowder and soups are great, sometimes I'll get a chowder and grilled cheese. But they have good salads too, and breakfast items. read more

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We were staying about two blocks from here. My wife's aunt recommended it from when she used to work in the area years ago. Arrived around 10:30 on a Thursday. Seated immediately and waiter came right after. Excellent service. Food was good. I had eggs bacon and hash browns. Lots of interesting things inside to look at. read more

Decent food at $$$ price. So you have to make this choice... are you hungry enough to pay for overpriced food? If you are...this place is for you. The eggs Benedict is average. read more

Sears Fine Food - American Near Me - San Francisco, California

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I came in the morning, ordered corned beef, hash with hashbrowns and pancakes. What a mistake, corned beef, hash, and hash brown must've been from yesterday. Corned hash, and the hashbrowns were not even hot. Dry and hard. Don't bother going it's not worth it. read more

Sears Fine Food - Corn beef hash very dry - American Near Me - San Francisco, California

Swedish pancakes are not Swedish. Overpriced below average in taste, texture, and presentation Silver Dollar pancakes. Extra charge for berries...Still not Swedish. read more

I came recently with aunt, the Swedish pancakes had been on her foodie list for sometime. I knew going into the dining experience it was going to be light pickings on the menu for my diet (gluten free) but I was along for the ride. I wasn't wrong, lol. I had a nice salad (a little wet) with goat cheese, maple vinaigrette, and apples. I added chicken, it was fine. It is about what I was expecting. My aunt loved the pancakes, that's what the goal was. read more

Sears Fine Food is a nostalgic throwback that still delivers. Their thin Swedish pancakes are absolutely perfect--served with warm maple syrup and a compote of lingonberries. Breakfast portions are generous, including hash browns, eggs, bacon and sausage--plenty for multiple meals out of one order. The drip coffee is also surprisingly good. It's a fun spot to sit and take in all the old photos of San Francisco history. Just one block off Union Square, it's a great stop for both locals and tourists. The manager on that day made sure we were well taken care of! read more

Sears Fine Food - Celebrate 80 years - American Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Cheap food spot - usually great place, but some workers need retraining on what is important in critical moments! I was sitting there enjoying some coffee and eating my food, it was hot and steaming, the crab omelet. I was starving. The older waitress, she is snippy and absent minded at times (I've been here numerous times) but still kind. She was bringing food to this huge table of 10 people and dropped a plate which had jelly on it. She sees it splatter all over my pants leg. She says "oh no, I'm sorry," but CONTINUES TO BRING OUT FOOD. She made three trips back to bring their food out. THEN she called for help and they began cleaning up the mess, while clearly seeing I had jelly splattered all over my pants leg. No one offered me any napkins. No one offered me any towels. Nothing happened until I said "Helloo? I have jelly all over my leg, could ya give me some wet paper towels??" And they did. That was it. We didn't finish our food. We just left, despite just receiving our food. Terrible customer service. Brain dead responses to preventable issues. The manager was sympathetic, but that's it. I'll never return. read more

Do not understand the hype. Mid food, terrible service. Went early in the morning, many tables were available but was seated on a rickety one at the end, right by the kitchen. Took 35 minutes and asking multiple waiters multiple times for the check to arrive. read more

Sears Fine Food - Interior - American Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Traditional Swedish Pancakes are thin, chewy, eggy, and lace-edged. Like a crepe. You should be able to fold them into quarters. (See reference photo." The Swedish Pancakes at Sears are good, but the New Jersey diners I grew up with--and even iHop--would call these "Silver Dollars." I would describe them as a close relative of fluffy American-style pancakes but smaller and flatter. I'm guessing they are made without baking powder, which gives them a unique texture. The $3 "lingonberries" topping was a sweet lingonberry jam. I don't know if it was house-made or not, but it lacked the tang of what I had imagined--tart lingonberries in a light, sweet syrup. I don't mean to imply that I didn't enjoy them. I did. I have a big problem with diners who don't get exactly what they expect because the restaurant interprets it differently, but ultimately enjoy what's on their plate, and then give a bad review anyway. That's unfair. I'm not talking about "I told you I was a vegetarian, and you served me a BLT," wrong. That's different, but if the error is corrected graciously, still bad juju to penalize an honest mistake. But I digress... The pancakes were good--just not what I assumed they would be. On the Champs-Élysées crepe-to-Milwaukee Avenue fluffy-flapjack continuum, I'd put these squarely in the middle: American-style silver-dollar pancakes with a similar taste, but a little chewier, and without the loft. I quite liked them and would order them again. Kind of like how I can enjoy a slice of a good Chicago pizza, but anywhere else, don't sell me "pizza" and not serve me a thin-crust slice so perfect that when I fold it, bends gently while the orange oil and molten cheese slide down my throat, at once scalding and choking me. Chef's kiss* Service was friendly and attentive. The food came fast. The iced coffee was just fine. Old-fashioned decor with tables comfortably spaced and seats at the bar. This is a great spot for reliable un-fancy food that is reasonably priced for Union Square and convenient to the theaters. $35 and change for Swedish Pancakes with Lingonberries, iced coffee, and a 20% tip. read more

Sears Fine Food - Swedish Pancakes with Lingonberries - American Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Came here as part of a big group dinner and we were all served very quickly and on time. Good: - The salmon dish was incredible! So much flavor and it was really flakey and tender. - The bread was tasty with the butter - I liked the cream of asparagus soup, creamy and simple - The creme brulee was amazing! Super tasty, not too sweet and it came with fruit. - The waiters were super friendly Bad: - Fairly expensive for the 3 courses we got - Place is pretty stuffy downstairs where we were seated Overall this was a great place for a large group dinner, a little narrow so it was hard to talk to someone if they were on the other side of the room though. read more

Sears Fine Food - Smoked Salmon - American Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Shout out to Efrain for the great friendly service! The wife really loved her shellfish pasta, and the boy loved the crab chowder, which I ordered for myself, but he liked it so much that I just gave it to him (y'all know how it is). I forgot to take a pic of my Reuben sandwich, which was excellent, by the way. Just be sure to eat it right away because it is juicy, and the rye might lose its crunchiness if you wait too long while trying the pancakes. Yes, I had both. read more

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I don't know if I will have the chance to review the food, I may have to abandon this place. I arrived 27 minutes ago. There was a small line. I did not see an employee for 10 minutes (this should have been my first clue). Upon getting seated, it took 7 minutes for someone to run by and ask if I wanted coffee. It's now been another 7 minutes and I have still not been approached by a server. Pretty sure I'm not going to be able to review the food read more

I've been dropping in at Sears Fine Food for their great breakfasts for more than 45 years -- and I've never been disappointed until my latest visit. You can't go wrong with most of what's on the menu. My longtime favorite has been the Swedish pancakes: light, tasty, perfectly made each time. This go-round, however, they were horrible. Either buckwheat had been mistakenly substituted or the batter they used was old. Regardless, they tasted like cardboard. I will say that my wife's corned beef and eggs were, according to her, "excellent." I also wasn't thrilled with the service -- we sat for about 10 minutes before we were offered something to drink. Then, it took about another 10 minutes before the coffee came. (It should be noted that there were only a few other customers inside Sears at the time -- certainly not as packed as I'd seen many times before -- and workers were standing in another part of the restaurant just chatting and joking around.) I know this all sounds a bit whiny, but it was a bit of a bummer to see a place I've enjoyed for decades and recommended numerous times to friends perform so poorly. read more

Sears Fine Food - Sears' famous sign (on Powell St.). - American Near Me - San Francisco, California

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This is old San Francisco revitalized by none other than the wonderful Mr Kim, who saved this treasure from closing it by putting his signature on it. His touch was just to spruce it up not destroy its original ambiance and delicious "home cooked" meals. A haven for newcomers and San Franciscans born and raised. You owe it to yourself, whoever you are, to take time out and enjoy a piece of history, where you can dine in or order out from 7am to 9pm. Couldn't be a better choice! And if you are lucky, Mr Kim will treat you to laughter that doesn't stop. Swedish pancakes are not to be missed... read more

We've come here for breakfast over the years but this was our first dinner visit. It was alright and everyone (we were a party of 3) seemed satisfied. I enjoyed my Fisherman's Platter, pretty good size of fried and battered fish, shrimp, calamari (tasty but slightly over fried) with lots of fries. I intended to eat only half but I ate it all, along with a bottle of cider. Service was super friendly and they let us linger after we finished our meal. We seemed to beat the dinner rush, and a steady stream of patrons filled the upstairs dining area, I'd say about 75% full? I'd consider coming here again for solid American food, spacious dining room, and friendly service. read more

Sears Fine Food - Menu, part 1 - American Near Me - San Francisco, California

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The food was okay overall, portion sizes were good, but the flavor was a bit lacking. The pancakes, which they're known for, were definitely the highlight and worth trying. It wasn't busy when we visited, so we didn't have to wait. We were seated by the window, which gave us a view of the street outside. Unfortunately, there were a couple of large flies flying around, which was a bit unpleasant. Aside from that, the service was fine and the ambiance was decent. There was also some interesting artwork on the walls, which was nice to look at. read more

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We had a nice holiday breakfast with the family. The restaurant was crowded, but the wait time was not too bad. The food was good and fulfilling. The service was great! We ordered pancakes and the traditional eggs, bacon and hash brown. read more

The pancakes are delicious. We orders a short stack and the 18 smaller ones. The restaurant is busy and loud. We sat for a few minutes before the waitress approached us. Overall, the service is good. The ambience is retro restaurant with lots of antiques inside. read more

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I had heard that Sears Fine Food was a popular place for locals and tourists and had to try it. We started with the a couple appetizers...Brussels sprouts and Calamari. Both were very tasty. I tried the burger and it was okay. The service was great and attentive. The interior decor was definitely took us back in time , a reflection of when the restaurant originally opened in 1938. read more

Sears Fine Food - American Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Had lunch. Service was excellent Food was good. I used to go there regularly 15 years ago and was disappointed that Sears did nor still serve their steamed artichokes which were my favorite. It is an old time restaurant serving solid diner food and clean with good service read more

I went here some friends visiting from out of town during the Christmas holidays. Union square does not have a lot of breakfast places so we went here. We were seated quickly and had wonderful service. We all got different things from the menu. I ordered the standard with eggs, bacon, sausages, and toast. Decent prices especially for the city. I would come back again if I were staying in Union square and needed to a breakfast place. It's cute too. read more

Another mandatory stop on my God-father's (walking) tour of San Francisco. His advice: Come here for the pecan waffle. It was great advice. The waffle was delicious, the service fantastic (Laura Pa.) and the ambiance super cool. I enjoyed the old photos, and the accolades. If it was just a bit later in the day, I might have had a drink at the bar. A short walk from Union Square, and the trolley, it was a great stop to get off at. Take the trolly up the hill, have a waffle, walk you way downhill to the bottom. read more

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It was my second time to try this breakfast restaurant. It was a few years ago I ate here. Restaurant looks the same nothing changed. They are famous for their Swedish silver dollar pancakes. It was so thin and it was freshly made. We also orders the all meats omelette. Foods were exceptional. Totally recommended read more

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Love this place! Great old time atmosphere and friendly staff! The food is upscale diner food with good flavor and sticks to your ribs. read more

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Service - less than good Food quality - less than good Ambience - excellent Speed - excellent Taste - less than okay read more

Treated very rudely by our server. $5.50 coffee and he never even stopped by once to see if we needed refills. By the time he got to our table with the food, it was luke warm. To top it off, he literally threw my plate on the table with the food shifting to one side. Had to finally grab the hostess to get our bill because he was nowhere to be found. Could have been having a bad day, but don't take it out on your customers. Will not be coming back... read more

The crab cakes were small compared to the price. They were just ok but the sauce was good. We had the lobster ravioli, which was very disappointing. No flavor in the sauce or filling at all! Even adding my own salt and pepper could not save this meal. Service was nice, kind of curt hostess. Ambiance is fine, nothing really special. We won't be back! read more

Sears Fine Food - Crab Cakes - American Near Me - San Francisco, California

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I really like the old-school feel of this restaurant, and the bacon was fantastic. But I thought the famous Swedish pancakes were gummy, and weren't like Swedish pancakes I've had at a Swedish restaurant. Basically they seemed like regular pancakes, but smaller. The owner got the attention of the whole restaurant to tell an "old school" joke, i.e., slightly offensive. For people staying at nearby hotels who like old fashioned places, I'd say Sears is a decent choice, but as a local, I won't hurry back. read more