Oh my, I still remember Olivia's Oxtails back when this space was Auntie April's for years. I believe COVID shut them down five years ago, and this similar soul food operation took its place. I happened to be strolling casually in Bayview and knew there were local eateries I had not yet tried when I happened to see this spot next door to Tato. The menu looked simple and appetizing, so I was willing to give it a try. In the mood for breakfast, I ordered the $15 Veggie Scramble with the $5 Hash Browns (Photo 10). I don't know what they did to make the eggs so fluffy, but they tasted pillowy with no rubberiness whatsoever. I also liked the mix of slightly crunchy chopped veggies they used. The hash browns were just to my liking. Not overly crisped with just enough give on the shredded potatoes. I know now to bring a bigger appetite because soul food favorites were prominently featured like Shrimp & Grits, Sweet Creme Pancake, and the Fried Chicken Plate. All sounded calorifically delicious, so I better go into training. FOOD - 5 stars...the execution on a breakfast scramble was pretty impressive AMBIANCE - 4 stars...spacious, mostly communal tables with a colorful mural SERVICE - 4 stars...nice down home vibe TOTAL - 5 stars...wonder what I'll devour next CORRESPONDING REVIEWS Tato: https://yelp.to/KVOmUXR8PA Auntie April's (closed): https://yelp.to/jvP8HR8VOt RELATED - Exploring Bayview/Hunters Point? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://yelp.to/71BXFDeRI9 read more

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I really enjoyed my experience here. I drove across the bridge to give it a try and the food didn't disappoint. The customer service was great. We had a few questions about the menu since it was our first time there, and the employee helping us happily and confidently answered all of them. My partner ordered chicken and waffles, and I ordered the same but subbed a pancake for the waffle. The food is freshly cooked, the chicken was seasoned and fried to perfection, and my pancake was delicious! My partner enjoyed his waffle too, there were no complaints from either of us. The presentation of the entrees was thoughtful, and the berry garnish was a great touch. We ordered a side of mac and cheese and that was legit too, lots of cheese. You can tell that they have pride in the food that they serve. I'll definitely be back to try more of the menu. read more

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Today I came here for an early lunch with my mom. I ordered the chicken & waffles with fresh fruit and breakfast potatoes as well as a peach tea drink. My mom ordered the souls food salad with sautéed shrimp and coffee. Everything is made to order. You order and pay with a credit or debit card directly at the self service kiosk. If you need to pay cash see the owner to do so. I enjoyed the chicken & waffles so much that I ordered a chicken sandwhich with fries to go. I highly recommend this place for breakfast, lunch or brunch. There's a breakfast, lunch and brunch menu. I will definitely come here again for lunch. The food is fantastic. The restruant is clean and well maintained. Parking is on the street with meters. I recommend parking on the surrounding streets off 3rd street to get around the meters. read more

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Was in the neighborhood for lunch and saw this place pop up on Yelp. I got the Shrimp & Grits (22): Creamy grits, jumbo shrimp, southern gravy, cheese, garnished with bacon, green onion, & tomatoes. The shrimp was great, the grits were awesome, and I enjoyed the bits of bacon. The service was fantastic, I just wish the portion was a bit more. read more

Smoke Soul Kitchen - Shrimp & Grits - Soul Food Near Me - San Francisco, California

Great place to sit for brunch watch the game. Chicken always good and cooked fresh. Mac and cheese really good food all around good. Customer service always good and genuine. read more

This is our new favorite soul food spot in the Bay! I had the waffles and chicken and it was cooked to perfection. And the service was timely and attentive. The only downside is they ran out of biscuits which are apparently delicious so that gives me a reason to return this weekend. read more

There's a reason that good gatherings end up mostly in the kitchen. I've had Southern a number of places, including where I was first introduced to it on Duke St in Baltimore, MD back in the 80s. Smoke Soul is the first place I've been that beats that experience. The red beans and rice are spiced perfectly, and the biscuit they serve is the perfect compliment to get every drop out of the bowl. The chicken and waffles shows other places just how it's done, with a crisp, fluffy waffle, perfectly seasoned and juicy full chicken wings, and a brown butter that'll leave you craving more. The folk there are family and they definitely welcome you in too. The shop is immaculate with tables for all sizes of groups. Parking is a bit tight (hey, it's San Francisco), but you can find spots, or just do the easy thing and take the T line down to Kirkwood station and you're a block and a half away. It's absolutely worth the trip. read more

I'm so glad Smoke Soul Kitchen has opened up a brick and mortar on Third Street! I love coming here for brunch. My favorite is the sweet creme pancake (so fluffy and perfectly complemented by the maple butter) with a side of protein and eggs. I've also had the chicken and waffles which was a great mix of salty and sweet. The service is attentive and easy to order at the counter. The ambiance is comfy and feels like you're in someone's living room. It's also home to the Bayview Makers, and they're starting to sell goods from the neighborhood. Definitely a great addition to the San Francisco brunch scene! read more

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The food here is phenomenal and the service is superb! My friends and I came in for brunch and the servers were so sweet and accommodating! My peach pie mimosa and sweet cream pancakes were incredible, and I can't wait to come back! read more

Smoke Soul Kitchen - Peach pie mimosa - Soul Food Near Me - San Francisco, California

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It's really great to have a brunch spot on third. The food was great and the coffee was also great. It felt more light roast leaning which I appreciate so much. I dug the random movie streaming In the back. while we were the only people eating there on Sunday morning, everyone working made the experience feel good and comfortable. But most importantly: This pancake yall. So good. I hope we can get some entree vegan option at some point for my partner and buds, though I know it's hard just making it work as a business on third. But still, the pototaoes were super good, not too oily or "side" feeling, really felt like a whole dish in of itself. They also carry some whack donuts which is great. Everyone was happy! Just sayin, as people who live around the corner, would come every weekend if we had a vegan entree! Thanks for the extra father's days pastry! read more

Smoke Soul Kitchen - The best pancake - Soul Food Near Me - San Francisco, California

Everything was so good. I had the fried chicken and waffles and hands down that was the best waffle I ever had in my life . It came with this brown cinnamon butter made in house. The presentation was beautiful. I'm definitely coming back read more

Smoke Soul Kitchen is a wonderful restaurant! The shrimp and grits are my favorite choice. The owner is extremely warm and welcoming and the staff are very attentive. Great service and great food! read more

Finally tried this new to me spot on third Street. Amazing food (as you could see from the picture - I ate it all before I remembered to take a picture) Order the counter sit down. The fantastic soul food comes to you! sort of like a truncated, Brenda, without the annoying hipsters and annoying waits. Their menu is the perfect size and it shows by the care and flavor brought to each dish. I can't wait to go back. read more

Smoke Soul Kitchen - the last of my grits.... - Soul Food Near Me - San Francisco, California

Came across this stand at the Ferry Building Farmers Market on a special event one Saturday. While the chicken & waffles were tempting, I was really craving a breakfast biscuit sandwich. It was pretty darn delicious! Hot Link Breakfast Biscuit Sandwich: This is the breakfast sandwich I needed! So much more flavorful than those McBiscuits, with a great buttery homemade taste. The hot link was a great choice since it takes porky sausage and adds a great spicy zing. Perfect against the smooth eggs and cheese. I wish these were available near my office, it'd totally be my go to breakfast. Mac & Cheese: Not typically the side I'd have at brunch, but I do love mac & cheese, so why not? Lots of great browned cheese clumps. This is kinda like that picnic-style mac & cheese which is cooked, cooled and reheated. So it's congealed rather than runny. Which is fine as a picnic-style side. So cheesy and yummy. read more

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They are so friendly here. Chicken has good flavor and does not taste greasy. Shrimp Grits was delicious. Pancake has good taste and not heavy tasting, but eat it while it's hot. I would go back. read more

Smoke Soul Kitchen - Tasty and not greasy! - Soul Food Near Me - San Francisco, California

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If you want a down to earth. Homestyle feeling atmosphere, this is the place for you. From The wallpaper that gives that nostalgic feeling from grandma's house, to the delicious buttermilk biscuits with the perfect flaky texture. This place will not disappoint. I got the buttermilk biscuit sandwich and boy! Let me tell you! Music is on point too with the r&b playlist. If you happen to be in the area.. definitely give this place a try! read more

What a disappointment! The food and even the coffee were lukewarm at best. Because of lactose intolerance, my choice was limited to a breakfast burger with a side of breakfast potatoes. The burger was OK but the potatoes were diced into corn kermal sized pieces, oils and tepid. My friend ordered a hot link sandwich on a biscuit. She said that the biscuit was doughy and there was perhaps a third of a hot link on it. I know food is expensive but $15 for that almost inedible biscuit and hot link wedge was a bit much. I was hoping for more. I won't return. read more

Excellent food and service and it comes fast. You'll see a lot of doordashing here. Ambiance is great lots of sports TVs

5 star brunch all around! Everything we ordered was fire with great hospitality. TV to catch a game while you grub as well. I'll be thinking about that Mac n cheese til I return. Can't wait to try the rest of the menu! read more

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The breakfast sandwich was amazing. It came with potatoes what I believe rosemary was in. It was a delicious bite. Great bang for the buck plus the owner has great personality in the service is great. read more

Smoke Soul Kitchen - Outside - Soul Food Near Me - San Francisco, California

Stopped in because who doesn't need a burger topped with bacon and an egg served with fries for breakfast? As always, and third time continues to be a charm--excellent service, food and vibe. Slide in Thursday-Sunday 10-3. read more

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Neely opened storefront on 3rd St. Friends got chicken & waffles - 2 wings & a waffle with brown sugar butter & syrup. I got shrimp & grits - the grits were creamy & the shrimps had a nice char. Still in their soft opening phase, so expect a few bumps, but the staff is super friendly! read more

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Yummy comfort food. Delicious! Will be coming back here and trying the other items. Hotlink biscuit Shrimp and grits read more

Smoke Soul Kitchen - Hotline biscuit - Soul Food Near Me - San Francisco, California

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When yu walk inside yur greeted very welcoming very clean and beautiful family portraits on the wall showing Family first ! I met her mom so polite and I'm non verbal so they had so much patience with me and my order and making and suggesting for me food was so good and tasty by my third visit I almost tried everything and never have I been disappointed I recommend this establishment to everyone for some good food in the Smoke soul living room I tell everyone in my bayview neighborhood that they need to get there soul food from smoke soul kitchen very nice family friendly atmosphere I'll definitely be back and support I wish the best for ther success in the bayview 5star and the hospitality is very appreciated Dexter Cato 57 years bayview resident and active community member retired longshoreman also work with her Uncle (rip) pls everyone go and enjoy some good soul food at smoke soul kitchen read more

I always love the service. The people are here are so nice and friendly. I feel like I just had the best Reggie omelette in home fries ever. Thank you Vanessa and Domenica Craig Nelson read more

First off... i've had shrimp n' grits all round town...You all know the spots and Vanessa's are right up there!!!..And yes her biscuit is the best ''anywhere'' yup anywhere!!..All the girls are hella' cool,down to earth real folk. [Yup women run and owned] read more

Go visit Ms Vanessa and her sister Ms D! Wonderful atmosphere and hospitality. Please enjoy all of the side dishes read more

Hidden gem, highly recommend. This place deserves to be better known as a worthy brunch spot.

The hamburger and egg sandwich is a must have. The food presentation as it was brought to my table, enhance my total dining experience. This was clearly one of the best burgers I may have had, outside of my home. read more

Delicious food , fried chicken and waffles , Pancakes ... I love the taste and texture read more

Delicious! Fried chicken and the peach cobbler mimosa was yummy. I had chicken and waffles. I prefer Belgian waffles so I wouldn't get waffles again. My aunt had shrimp and grits and ate everything! read more

Decided to walk in after seeing this place pop up this week. I tried the smothered chicken which was really good, fried chicken was seasoned perfectly and cooked well, still super juicy. Also got the chicken and waffles which were delicious They had a grand opening and celebration for Mardi Gras. The place was decorated and it was a comfortable setting. I will definitely be back for another plate soon read more

Very good food Service good Staff friendly Atmosphere pleasant Really enjoyed Can't wait to go back read more

Smoke Soul Kitchen just opened on 3rd Street and as a pancake lover, I couldn't be happier. Although my first order was fried chicken and it was amazing. Seasoned perfectly! Back soon for that pancake breakfast! So happy to see this space reopened as a family owned soul food restaurant. read more

The shrimp and grits were delicious. Fried chicken is seasoned well. Great service and good prices. Fresh ingredients.

She was super polite! ..but...Saturday place was empty, they took 20 mins to get my food after I ordered. Chicken sandwich was so thick literally like a Ball of chicken. Fries were bad. If you charge 20 bucks for a meal and make the customer wait 20 mins, the quality should be top notch. And the little container they give you for the sauce was only filled up 1/3 full. read more

We enjoyed some delicious food during the Sunday brunch event on 3rd Street. The ambiance was peaceful with the garden setting. But let me tell you, the buttermilk pancakes are the best I've ever had. Nice and fluffy with salted caramel butter. The breakfast potatoes were perfectly seasoned. read more

Smoke Soul Kitchen - Buttermilk pancake, breakfast potatoes, and some orange mimosa. - Soul Food Near Me - San Francisco, California

Food was very good. I could have eaten two more wings for sure!! Maybe next time for sure. Music was on point too.

Whenever you get a chance to get some of SSK grub, go do it. The Easter Dinner maple baked chicken and Mac n Cheese was so beyond yummy. Go to 1 of their pop-ups, pick up a dinner or hire them for you event. You won't regret it read more

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Hmmmm. Where can start Smoked soul, has the best bbq in the bay right now. I'm picky when it comes to bbq especially if it's not my brothers which I might add is thee only bbq I will eat. When I came across smoked soul in bay view I couldn't believe. Let me add that this is black owned by head chef of a woman and all the staff is family. Which makes it that much better. Oh if your wondering yes there sides are bussin bussin as well read more