So many choices for breakfast around the Union Square district... We chose Cafe Mason today since we'd never been; and after this visit we'd come back. Italian heritage, but good old American breakfast (but you can get an Americana there (and if I'm not mistaken, I saw a party having bloody Mary's too)) Our waiter was friendly and helpful with the menu options. Our food was tasty, delivered in a timely manner and from what I researched, it's a little cheaper than some of the competition. Is worthy of a five star, but there's nothing that stood out that made it better than an average breakfast house. read more

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A stone's throw away from Union Square, this diner is inconspicuous because of all the scaffolding that covers it up. Across from it is the Pinecrest Diner, but I recommend you skip that one and come eat at Cafe Mason instead. Not only do they have more menu variety, I can assure you that the food is nowhere as greasy as the food at Pinecrest. No shade. I'm just middle aged and want to keep my cholesterol at a manageable level. At Cafe Mason, you get treated like a family member. Alex waited on us, and while he didn't have to stop by five times to chitchat, we appreciated the warmth. He gave my husband an orange juice on the house to commemorate his birthday. Very kind man who sincerely wants to please the guests. The eggs Benedict were hearty and perfectly done. They ladle on just the right amount of Hollandaise sauce and I appreciated that I could swap out the carbs for fruit. Their affogato is a generous serving. Don't sleep on that. I don't think they have decaf espresso though. Still, it was decadent to have for breakfast. Check out this place - it usually gets crowded after 8am. If you get there at 10am, expect a long wait. It's great for meals and family time. I'll be sure to stop by when I'm in town and try other things. Their prices don't break the bank at all. Such a lovely restaurant with calm vibes. read more

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Hash browns arrived not warm. Service was initially rude. Other tables were able to place their orders before ours. Waited 20 minutes before we asked the bus boy to bring us coffee. The food was less than average in taste. read more

This place was packed! We waited for about five minutes standing at the door with our party of four before being sat. Once sat, our server greeted us promptly and took drink orders. Once we ordered our food it didn't take too long to arrive. Everyone enjoyed what they ordered! Food was fresh and it seemed like everyone around us enjoyed their food as well. They are a well oiled machine here! Only hiccup is our hotel advertises a 20% discount when dining here but they only honor a 10% discount. I guess better than nothing. read more

Cafe Mason - The Irish Benedict with fresh fruit - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - San Francisco, California

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I'm back here in SF for the week and how I missed this place ! Unfortunately I'm not staying local but out near the airport and having to Uber In/Out of the city. If I was staying in the city at one of the hotels, this would be my breakfast spot every morning I got here a little bit after they opened this morning and was seated immediately. There were a few other folks in there, enjoying breakfast and let me just tell you the staff is simply incredible. They are very friendly, very welcoming and are willing to explain different items on their breakfast menu and their lunch menu as well. I have not had the pleasure of grabbing lunch here as they close at 2:30 but I'm going to make an a point this week to go up around 12:30 1 o'clock and enjoy lunch there. But onto my breakfast I absolutely love eggs, Benedict, and this by far is the best eggs Benedict. I've had among my travels along with their hashbrowns, and I always get a large, freshly squeezed orange juice, which is completely off the wall and awesome and a cup of coffee. The ambience is kind of on the old school side like you're in France or Paris. The decor is really nice. The inside is absolutely spotless and you can tell they take so much pride in the upkeep of the restaurant which you don't see too much anymore in places. If I was able to give them 10 stars, I would I absolutely love this place and I look forward to always dining here when I'm in San Francisco. So yes, without a doubt, I highly recommend stopping here for breakfast. If you have time, you will not be disappointed, and they have all kind of different food products from omelettes to toast the pancakes to French toast. Everything I manageable they got and you will thoroughly enjoy it. read more

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Good vibe. I was visiting from out of town. Fast, friendly service. Great oatmeal and eggs. Ask for Roberto!

Perfect place for breakfast. We were staying at the Hotel Nikko and walked here each day for breakfast. Staff very friendly and attentive. Food was very good. Oatmeal and veggie egg white omelettes were perfect. Highly recommend. read more

Waitress got annoyed when I asked for substitutions. I just asked if they had chocolate chips for my pancakes. The menu doesn't mention adding it, or having it, but most places have it so I thought they'd ask. Apparently it was the wrong question because she said it's an up charge of $6 ($3 to add fresh strawberries by the way). Then when I got it, my chocolate chips were on the top on my pancake, not even distributed through. Was just kinda disappointed with the whole thing. Food was good but wasn't a good experience. read more

Most of my colleagues like Cafe Mason. It's very friendly inside. As a diner frequented by people who are only briefly in town, they make an effort to recognize if you're returning during the week, or year over year. They are also ruthlessly efficient at seating tables and they enforce the role that your whole party must be present to sit. I like that there are several egg dishes on hand: omelets, frittatas, eggs Benedict. But while the food always looks pretty, I think it needs more salt to be five stars. On the whole though, there are much worse places within a block of here. I would say Cafe Mason has a high floor in terms of quality. And if you're not me, you might love it! read more

Cafe Mason - Vegetable Frittata - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - San Francisco, California

This place has the best food for a great breakfast and offers pleasant service. Thanks, Nina, for your attention.

I been coming to This place for a long time..never a miss..fiod is always on point...Our seever Niina took care of us and she was very friendly and kind we really enjoyed our meals and the great service! read more

Hubbie had to go to a conference in San Francisco so I decided to tag along. First morning we needed breakfast after a day of nothing but driving. Cafe Mason was around the corner from where we were staying. The service was excellent. I always asked for extra crispy hash browns. The server asked me if they were crispy enough? No one ever has asked me that. The food was delicious and exactly how I wanted it. I think my favorite part of the meal was even though I was a little far from home on a Sunday morning, there were families all around me. There were several elderly people there to meet with old friends. It had a homey, local vibe. read more

Cafe Mason - Spinach and Feta Cheese Omelette with Avocado. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - San Francisco, California

Came in early on a Sunday morning. Classic diner decor. Super friendly service. I initially sat at the counter but the fixed stools were a bit too close to the counter to be comfortable so I opted for a both. I ordered Biscuits & Gravy and a Fresh-Squeezed Orange Juice. The biscuits were not as fluffy as I'd have liked but the gravy was fine, the eggs perfectly cooked, and the hash browns Golden and crispy. The food would be a strong 4 but with the decor, service, and fresh-squeezed orange juice, it's a 5! read more

Great place!! A few minutes from the Grand Hyatt San Francisco, so worth it. Service for very professional and good. My grill cheese was amazing with multiple cheeses and crispy sourdough... yum. Husband had bacon and eggs, cooked just as ordered. Definitely will be back, a huge must stop to eat when in The City read more

Cafe Mason - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - San Francisco, California

It's my first review ever on yelp and thought this would be a good place to start! I went with my friend while visiting for spring break and as soon as we walked in we were met with a kind server named rob who sat us immediately! He got our order fast and was just genuinely kind and showed he cared. It wasn't just us too I noticed he was just nice and attentive ro everyone. The whole place has off a nice vibe too! It was cozy and was playing some nice classics .! I got two quesadillas and it was good. Over all would come again :). ! read more

No frills classic diner. I went for breakfast on a Wednesday morning around 8:30 and there were only a couple tables occupied. Staff was friendly and attentive. Got a traditional breakfast of bacon and eggs and it was delivered hot and quick. Would go back again to try more of the menu. read more

Cafe Mason - Dining area - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - San Francisco, California

Delightful ambience in a 30+ year old cafe which serves breakfast and lunch daily (6:30AM to 2:30PM). We had the 2x4 with banana pecan pancakes as an up grade and the waffles, whipped cream, and eggs with pecans added as well! I also had a diet Dr. Pepper--the first on our trip here. Roberto, our server was the best we have had during our 5 day visit!! (And the others have been quite good, too.) read more

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We went to Cafe Mason for the first time in a while. The prices had not increased and the service was excellent!

The service was subpar, we sat down and the waiter passed us by like four times tended to others then the hostess finally took our order. After another waiter came by very nice but way later to drop food off. There wasn't a ton of people for them to pass us by. But not sure what the deal was. The Swedish pancakes were the worst I have probably ever had, the blueberries and cream were good. The eggs Benedict was blah. Not the best breakfast place in SF. read more

Great variety. Food was good and excellent service! We walked in and were immediately greeted and seated. Plan to come back soon.

First off the food is amazing but what made our experience even better was our server Alex. Such a genuine soul and so attentive! He made not only our experience better but our day! Can't wait to come back for the delicious food and Alex! read more

Cafe Mason - waffle - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - San Francisco, California

Great food and service! Alex is a very welcoming hard working server! Loved the food and pricing is affordable

We got stuck in SF during the last blizzard in NYC. Many family members were here and the staff was accommodating with people popping in late. Highly varied menu but great and consistent. I ordered the Florentine Benedict four days in a row. Fruit cup, sourdough bread, coffee. Son had Huevos Rancheros and hash browns. I think he will be spoiled for a BEC. All delicious and was so filling. Hope you get a morning when they are playing their 80'a tunes. Very catchy. Superior service, and NY style quick in getting your order and food. If they ran the airports.... read more

Came here for a quick lunch with a friend. The location of this cafe is very convenient- quick walk from our Hilton hotel. Service was relatively prompt and friendly. I ordered the clam chowder and it was a pretty hefty bowl/portion size for the price. The taste of the soup was good, but I wished that the soup was hotter (it was more lukewarm). The soup also had too many pieces of onion/celery. My friend ordered a burger and fries. When asked about her food, she made a remark that her fries were good. Decent place for a quick lunch, but the food could be improved. read more

Cafe Mason - Clam chowder - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - San Francisco, California

Great street front dinner We went in on a Friday about 10:00 AM, we were greeted and seated right away Service and food was great We will definitely be back next time in the city read more

We visited Mason's Cafe and were particularly impressed by their breakfast menu. The "Billionaire Bacon" is a standout dish, offering a unique and delicious flavor. Additionally, the friendly and welcoming service provided by Alex significantly enhanced our meal. I highly recommend visiting. read more

The food is incredible and the service is amazing. Our server ALEX made us want to come back three days in a row because of how kind and personable he is. We ordered something different each time and it was delicious every time. The cafe is cute and cozy. Highly recommend this place for breakfast!! read more

Great atmosphere, food and service! Our server Nina was very quick and responsive in attending us. I had the hamburger with onion rings with so good the meat had great flavor. First time here and will definitely be back. read more

I totally understand why restaurants try so hard to be innovative, edgy, unique, you need to stand out in a city so filled with extraordinary places to eat. What I enjoyed about Cafe Mason is that they give zero effs about that. Sometimes you just need some great, reliable, traditional eats and this is just where to come when you prefer a pile of great pancakes to an omelette served in a smoke-filled cloche. We got pancakes, eggs, hash browns, bacon and sausage, and an omelette and all of them hit the mark. We were lucky to be able to walk right in with the place fairly empty, but it filled up as we ate. Staff was great, but not super attentive and we almost had to tackle someone to get the check so we could hit the road, but they were busier at that point, so not the end of the world. I can't speak to other meals, but I definitely give these folks the breakfast recommendation. read more

Cafe Mason - All the breakfast essentials for two! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - San Francisco, California

Was staying in union square with many Sunday morning breakfast options but went with Cafe Mason because of the diner vibes. There was a wait which was anticipated but was happy to be seated fairly swiftly. Our server Brenden was super cheerful and attentive despite how slammed he was. Took our order quickly and our food was out in no time. I ordered the deluxe veggie frittata and mom ordered the Irish Benedict. I opted for roasted tomato on the side, was accidentally brought hash browns but the server came out quickly with my tomato. All was super flavorful, generous portions and water was always full. Prices were a bit steep. Don't know that we would've chosen this had it not been so convenient but in the end I left full and had enough to take home for lunch! read more

Cafe Mason - Deluxe Vegetable Frittata & Irish Benedict - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - San Francisco, California

It's a diner, so I expect it to be a little chaotic, but it's pure havoc in there. The Billion dollar bacon is very mediocre and not worth the price. Avoid anything Benedict. This place does not know how to poach an egg and the hollandaise is runny, thin, and flavorless. Hashbrowns are good though. read more

Cafe Mason - Eggs benedict with horribly poached eggs - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - San Francisco, California

This place rates way higher star-rating than what's depicted! I travel around the world and only Hong Kong rivals the speed and amazing service. The food was equally as great as the service. I had a chorizo omelette, two pancakes, and a bowl of fruit that secured a smile on my face for the day. Thank you, Alejandra and crew! read more

Cafe Mason - Fruit bowl, pancakes, chorizo, omelette - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - San Francisco, California

food was super good and affordable!! Alex the waiter was super nice and funny. Made our morning special and felt very welcoming. Will be coming back for the pancakes. read more

We are breakfast and Brunch lovers, and have tried a full variety of menus. What make the difference this morning was the service of Alex, very attentive, kind, flexible and informative to our questions. If I have to score His service 1 to 10, it would be 100! The food was good, I think we were so lucky to have him as a server, unfortunately another server came to our table with the worst attitude even aggressive when I just asked for a sauce.. Alex thank you for making my experience pleasant, me and my husband will come back just to have the chance to be served by you. Well done! read more

I came to visit SF from LA & decided to visit Cafe Mason for brunch; it was a great experience. The server Alex was very welcoming from the start, ensured we were comfortable and even made a great recommendation off their menu. I would recommend this place to anyone in the area looking for a nice place to sit and enjoy breakfast, definitely has a great aesthetic inside that sets the ambiance as well. Thank you again Alex for making our experience extra special! read more

Cafe Mason - table booths - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - San Francisco, California

Not sure why Cafe mason so empty this time around. Always a great stop for an omelette. I ordered the vegetarian with extra spinach and avocado. I noted the prices a little higher and thus internally reflected on my friend's comment a few days ago about Trump's promise to lower the cost of a dozen eggs. Not sure how Orangus could do that or why Biden was to blame for higher egg prices but, yes, eggs were definitely pricier than four years ago. Omelettes are made with eggs. What an epiphany. lol. Exactly what I ordered. Plus the potatoes which this carbo-lovin' slob just had to try. These were crispy, not salty or greasy. In a word: perfect. A great $23 breakfast with a side of fresh fruit that included blueberries. With the music (oldies) softly piping in, a nice start to my day. Second time in several years (2021). Will return. Four stars cos I'm not a breakfast guy and they played two Journey songs. Journey sucks. Check it out. -- workingman's gourmand. read more

Cafe Mason - From my table. Never seen this place so empty. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - San Francisco, California

Ok. This was a surprise great breakfast brunch place. My husband had the eggs Benedict and I had the Swedish pancakes with blueberries and a side of fruit. The cook was great on all items, the fruit was super fresh and a wide variety of it as well. The wait staff (All of them) were very nice and engaging. A large group of ladies came in and sat next to us and we all had a good laugh. The establishment was very clean. We enjoyed it and will go back. Give it a try!! read more

This was a little bit better value than its neighbor across the street. Food was delicious (fruit cup is a sneaky good side choice). Don't let the outside construction right now fool you; they are open! read more

We visited on chirstmas morning, Its near union square. Food - taste delicious no complaints Service- we felt attitude towards us rude and impolite even though service is quick. This place was not much crowded when we visited read more

Cafe Mason - California Benedict - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - San Francisco, California

Quiet little spot with a good variety of dishes. Our server was very friendly and humorous, she was probably the best part of the experience here. That's not to say the food wasn't good; it was pretty solid, but nothing special. Everything was well-cooked, just no strong flavors. The Philly cheesesteak omelette didn't so much taste like a cheesesteak, but more like a standard omelette with beef. Place is a good option if you want some quick breakfast/brunch at a lowkey spot in the area read more

Cafe Mason - Philly cheesesteak omelette w/ hash browns and toast - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - San Francisco, California