Switch Up Your Brunch

Basic to bougie and everything in between

Author

Jack
May 23, 2023

It’s easy to get in a brunch rut: you know what’s good and it can be risky to try something new. But if you’re willing to try something off the well-beaten path, you’ll find a lot of restaurants that make brunch feel as exciting as it did the first time you heard about bottomless mimosas. Dig in:

🍹 Abacá / restaurantabaca.com

Pork belly // photo credit: Evan

Hotels in Fisherman’s Wharf don’t typically mix with Michelin and James Beard-level restaurants but Abacá is well worth wading through Ghirardelli Square. The husband and wife ownership team came out swinging after a wildly popular Covid-era Filipino popup with a bright, fun joint that keeps you on your toes.

Order This ⬇️

  • Go crazy with the baked goods from their Panadería

  • Tocino silog

  • Pork lumpia

  • Tortang talong quiche

Eat Here 🔗 Reservations | Delivery & Takeout | Map

NOTE: shoutout to Evan for the tip!

🍯 Spruce / sprucesf.com

White chocolate crémeux // image credit: me

Better known for its dinner menu, Spruce really pushes the limits of both the definition of brunch food and the price you’re willing to pay for it. A $100+ per person pre fixe brunch menu is so rarely the vibe but when it is, Spruce is where you scratch that itch.

Order This ⬇️

  • Ricotta gnudi

  • Carne crudo

  • Giant lemon ricotta soufflé pancake

  • Buckwheat crêpe

  • White chocolate crémeux

  • Beignets

Eat Here 🔗 Reservations | Takeout & Delivery | Map

🐔 Cracked & Battered / crackedandbattered.com

Shakshuka, chicken & waffle, eggs benedict // image credit: Cracked & Battered

If the above two restaurants place a premium on the presentation and the experience, Cracked & Battered is the electrified third rail where you can tap into the true power of a rock-solid brunch that gives you a little bit of everything you want, and some of what you didn’t know you needed.

Order This ⬇️

  • Hummus

  • Chicken and waffle

  • Shakshuka

  • Zesty ricotta pancakes

Eat Here 🔗 Reservations: N/A | Delivery & Takeout | Map

NOTE: I understand the temptation to order the breakfast burrito but I would resist. If you order the cold brew, ask for the cream on the side.

🌷 Bonus Round

So much brunch, so few weekends - haven’t tried these places yet but they come highly recommended:

  • 🌯 Gallardo’s - down-home spot for classic Mexican

  • 🍾 Monsieur Benjamin - solid French brasserie-style dinner spot, the bottomless brunch is supposed to be the star of the show

  • 🥓 Mama’s - storied SF brunch, if you find the wait isn’t worth it you can take it up with Rob