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Wow -- what an absolutely unforgettable, authentic dining experience! If you're searching for an incredible place to eat, this spot is a total gem. Seriously, a must‑do in San Francisco The food is out-of-this-world delicious, and the whole atmosphere makes you feel like you're sitting down to a warm, welcoming family meal. Pure magic.
Parking around this area is pretty tough so try to take public transportation or uber here. Mamas is pretty strict where they don't allow you to be "seated" until your full party is here. Once your full party is here, they bring you inside to order then you get a table. My friends and I ordered an assortment of brunch plates to share. We collectively agreeed that the Benedict was probably the best minus that the seafood wasn't really seasoned so it was a bit lacking. The French toast wasn't anything special. The potatos were yummy but not enough for us to come back again.
Waited in line outside for about 20 minutes before ordering. Order then get a number and sit down. The space is really nice and features a lot of classical items. Ordered the Californian omelet ($21) and orange cranberry French toast ($19), there is a 4% SF mandate fee as well. The food was delicious. The omelette was fluffy filled with plenty of avocado and bacon. Love that the restaurant only has maple syrup. Orange cranberry French toast was unique, the slight sourness in cranberry compliments well with the French toast. A great place to go for brunch in a scenic area in the city.
After years and years and years of people talking about this place, I was finally able to try it for myself! We came on a Tuesday afternoon and there was only one other table! We ordered a bunch of things to share and although the food wasn't bad, it's not something we would line up for. It was nothing super special. Super glad that we came on a day that we did not have to wait for a seat!
A place that has been a brunch staple in the city for quite some time, so needs no introduction. Came on a sunny Sunday around lunch time and had to wait in line for maybe 50 minutes total (you wait both outside, then a shorter inside line to order at the counter, then you're seated). You get to watch a little of the cooking and drool at their baked goods as it wait to order. A bit crowded inside, but it's a nice, clean, rustic feel, with a lot of decorations with a lot of character. FOOD: Breakfast sandwich. A relatively newer special, but this is pretty dang good. A nice and soft brioche bun that holds up nicely even with all the fillings. Standard bacon, with a perfectly runny egg. The star here is the basil aoili which gives the extra creaminess, umami, and that hint of freshness from the basil. Gruyere cheese to add to the savoriness and some nice arugula to give it a little color. I definitely recommend this. Northwest omelet. A nicely made omelet topped with decent smoked salmon with creme fresh and capers. Overall quite tasty, but nothing exceptional. Can definitely order if this is what you're craving. We got sourdough toast, which was a bit tough. French toast sampler. The brioche was solid, but relatively standard. Good, but nothing special. Banana walnut - pretty good. A nice sweetness from the banana and a nice texture. Goes quite well with all the fruit. Cranberry orange - definitely the star with a nice balance of sweet, tang, and savory. Would definitely recommend just getting a full order of this. Overall, an sf institution for a reason. Can't really go wrong, but orange cranberry French toast and the breakfast sandwich were highlights of this visit. Staff is always friendly and pretty efficient. Would definitely come back frequently if I lived closer!
Amazing little restaurant in the great of San Francisco. There was a long line for a reason and Mama on Washington Square didn't disappoint. First off I wanna say service was fabulous! The waitress serving on us made sure I didn't go empty on my coffee and I greatly appreciated that! Everyone that waited on us was very gracious. Now to the food! They definitely had a wide variety on their menu to appease anyone's palette craving great food. I'm a huge pancake lover and I am very picky when it comes to pancakes and Mama's on Washington Square nailed it!! Great taste and very fluffy but the star of the morning goes to The Monte Cristo Sandwich!! I prefer it with Maple syrup as it gives a French toast taste but the other it up with fresh berry sauce you dip it in which is t bad at all! Avacado toast was plentiful and was a fresh treat. Definitely five stars to this place! And he must visit in the morning in the Washington Square area.
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!
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!
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.
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).
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.
*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.
18 days ago
Upon arrival, there's a small entrance where you have to wait until a line begins to form as more people arrive. We were greeted quickly by a waitress who informed us that we'd have to wait outside until it was our turn. The restaurant is really small, and once you enter, you'll wait in another line to order your food and drinks at the front. We ordered an omelette, a Black Angus burger, cranberry juice, and a smoothie. After placing our order, we were given a number and guided to our table, where we were immediately served water. Our drinks arrived shortly after. The restaurant was filled with conversations from other patrons, but we were still able to comfortably talk without having to raise our voices. Our food arrived quicker than anticipated, especially considering how busy they were. Everything looked and smelled mouthwatering. From the very first bite, we were impressed and happily dove into our meals. The waitstaff was very attentive throughout our visit. Overall, we were so happy we came across this brunch spot and practically cleared our plates! read more
We finally visited Mama's on Washington Square after hearing so many great things about it. It's a very popular breakfast spot in one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in San Francisco, and I can definitely see why people love it. The atmosphere is charming and cozy. The restaurant is small and usually packed with people, but somehow it doesn't feel chaotic. It has the kind of cozy café atmosphere I imagine finding in Europe, which made the experience feel special. I ordered the Bay Shrimp Eggs Benedict, and my husband chose the French Toast Sampler with different flavors. I tried the orange cranberry French toast, and it was very delicious. It was more cake-like than we expected, making it a unique take on French toast. My Eggs Benedict was also very good, and we both enjoyed our meals overall. I also ordered a smoothie, and it tasted incredibly fresh with real fruit pieces I could feel. The service was friendly, and although we waited about 30 minutes for a table, that felt completely reasonable for such a popular restaurant. That said, I'm giving this place 4 out of 5 stars. The food was delicious, and we had a nice experience, but I didn't leave feeling like it was somewhere I absolutely needed to return. There were a few details that took away from the experience. The restaurant felt a little cramped behind the scenes, and walking to the restroom meant passing the dishwashing area, which was open and visible. Some tables are also located close to that area, and I imagine that wouldn't be the most pleasant place to sit. For such a well-known restaurant with so much history, I think a little more attention to those details would make the overall experience even better. Overall, I'm glad we visited. The food was very good, the atmosphere was charming, and it's definitely worth trying at least once if you're in the area. read more
Such a great brunch spot! Everything we ordered was absolutely delicious, and you can really tell they put care into the food. The breakfast was cooked perfectly, and I especially loved that it came with fresh fruit--it was such a thoughtful touch that made the meal feel extra fresh and balanced. The restaurant definitely stays busy on the weekends, but after eating here, I completely understand why. The wait was well worth it! The team seemed to be keeping up with a full house, and while things moved at a relaxed pace, everyone was pleasant and the overall experience was still really enjoyable. This is definitely a place I'll be coming back to. Great food, a fun atmosphere, and a brunch that's absolutely worth the weekend crowds! read more
18 hours ago
Wow -- what an absolutely unforgettable, authentic dining experience! If you're searching for an incredible place to eat, this spot is a total gem. Seriously, a must‑do in San Francisco The food is out-of-this-world delicious, and the whole atmosphere makes you feel like you're sitting down to a warm, welcoming family meal. Pure magic. read more
2 months ago
Parking around this area is pretty tough so try to take public transportation or uber here. Mamas is pretty strict where they don't allow you to be "seated" until your full party is here. Once your full party is here, they bring you inside to order then you get a table. My friends and I ordered an assortment of brunch plates to share. We collectively agreeed that the Benedict was probably the best minus that the seafood wasn't really seasoned so it was a bit lacking. The French toast wasn't anything special. The potatos were yummy but not enough for us to come back again. read more
3 months ago
Waited in line outside for about 20 minutes before ordering. Order then get a number and sit down. The space is really nice and features a lot of classical items. Ordered the Californian omelet ($21) and orange cranberry French toast ($19), there is a 4% SF mandate fee as well. The food was delicious. The omelette was fluffy filled with plenty of avocado and bacon. Love that the restaurant only has maple syrup. Orange cranberry French toast was unique, the slight sourness in cranberry compliments well with the French toast. A great place to go for brunch in a scenic area in the city. read more
1 month ago
After years and years and years of people talking about this place, I was finally able to try it for myself! We came on a Tuesday afternoon and there was only one other table! We ordered a bunch of things to share and although the food wasn't bad, it's not something we would line up for. It was nothing super special. Super glad that we came on a day that we did not have to wait for a seat! read more
A place that has been a brunch staple in the city for quite some time, so needs no introduction. Came on a sunny Sunday around lunch time and had to wait in line for maybe 50 minutes total (you wait both outside, then a shorter inside line to order at the counter, then you're seated). You get to watch a little of the cooking and drool at their baked goods as it wait to order. A bit crowded inside, but it's a nice, clean, rustic feel, with a lot of decorations with a lot of character. FOOD: Breakfast sandwich. A relatively newer special, but this is pretty dang good. A nice and soft brioche bun that holds up nicely even with all the fillings. Standard bacon, with a perfectly runny egg. The star here is the basil aoili which gives the extra creaminess, umami, and that hint of freshness from the basil. Gruyere cheese to add to the savoriness and some nice arugula to give it a little color. I definitely recommend this. Northwest omelet. A nicely made omelet topped with decent smoked salmon with creme fresh and capers. Overall quite tasty, but nothing exceptional. Can definitely order if this is what you're craving. We got sourdough toast, which was a bit tough. French toast sampler. The brioche was solid, but relatively standard. Good, but nothing special. Banana walnut - pretty good. A nice sweetness from the banana and a nice texture. Goes quite well with all the fruit. Cranberry orange - definitely the star with a nice balance of sweet, tang, and savory. Would definitely recommend just getting a full order of this. Overall, an sf institution for a reason. Can't really go wrong, but orange cranberry French toast and the breakfast sandwich were highlights of this visit. Staff is always friendly and pretty efficient. Would definitely come back frequently if I lived closer! read more
Amazing little restaurant in the great of San Francisco. There was a long line for a reason and Mama on Washington Square didn't disappoint. First off I wanna say service was fabulous! The waitress serving on us made sure I didn't go empty on my coffee and I greatly appreciated that! Everyone that waited on us was very gracious. Now to the food! They definitely had a wide variety on their menu to appease anyone's palette craving great food. I'm a huge pancake lover and I am very picky when it comes to pancakes and Mama's on Washington Square nailed it!! Great taste and very fluffy but the star of the morning goes to The Monte Cristo Sandwich!! I prefer it with Maple syrup as it gives a French toast taste but the other it up with fresh berry sauce you dip it in which is t bad at all! Avacado toast was plentiful and was a fresh treat. Definitely five stars to this place! And he must visit in the morning in the Washington Square area. read more
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! read more
4 months ago
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! read more
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. read more
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). read more
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. read more
*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. read more
6 months ago
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. read more
1 year ago
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! read more
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. read more
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. read more
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. read more
I came here on a weekday morning, and there was space for me and my friends. We ordered before sitting down. While the font size of the menu was large, the menus were all around and facing different ways on the wall, making it a bit difficult to read. I ordered the Lox and Bagel Platter, while my friends ordered the Huevos Rancheros and Monte Cristo. My dish was basically just a Lox Bagel with vegetables scattered around. While I enjoyed my bagel (without capers, as I requested) and appreciated the fresh salmon, I believe that the price was a bit much for what I received. The Monte Cristo had a delicious jam! The restaurant itself has a friendly environment, and we enjoyed talking to our waiter about our experience in the city. read more
3 months ago
9 months ago
Been here a few times for their classics, breakfast with eggs or pancakes, but only as I was leaving SF did we discover the legendary Monte Cristo!! Love love love this - might be my favorite breakfast in SF, it's a French toast ham and cheese with a sweet ham and potatoes and oranges on the side. WOW it is amazing, and though their other breakfast menu items are great too, this is truly one of the best breakfast items I've ever had. As usual it's always busy so do try to show up when they open at 8am or there will be a wait! Please go try the Monte cristo it is amazing. read more
3 months ago
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. read more
1 year ago
Date of Visit: 5/18/2025 We visited the famous brunch place Mama's on Washington Square last Sunday. It was a bright and warm Sunday in San Francisco, and due to Bay to Breakers, the city was very energized and full of people. We arrived at around 11:45am and waited for about 40min to place the order. Mimosa $12 Husband got the mimosa. Latte $6.25 I got the regular latte. Washington Square $22.25 My favorite omelet is the Washington Square made with spicy Italian sausage, sautéed bell peppers, tomatoes, and Sonoma pepper jack cheese. On the side there was grilled potato and bread. I chose the white toast but was sold out and they changed to wheat toast instead. Make sure to ask for the homemade jam to pair with the toast which was amazing! Our Famous Monte Cristo $21.95 Husband got the famose Monte Cristo with roasted turkey breast, honey-baked ham, sharp cheddar, and gruyere cheese. The sandwich is cooked on the grill and served with Mama's homemade jam and grilled potatoes on the side. read more
This place is really excellent for breakfast, especially for showing any family or friends you have visiting or if you're visiting the city on vacay! Biggest tip: come early. Be in line before anyone else. It is a tight space and can be fairly Claustrophobic when it's at capacity. Important: The bathroom is not friendly for those that aren't able to walk down stairs. It's in a narrow part of their back restaurant. There is no bad selection on their menu. 1) get something from their bakery. Highly recommend their orange scone or carrot cake 2) share the Monte cristo with your group 3) get a breakfast plate so you can have bread and their house made jam 4) be ready to order. You'll wait outside until they call you in. You'll wait in line to order then they'll seat you. You don't seat yourself. They seat you. Everyone we're here someone makes a stink about where they want to sit. Just take the seat and enjoy the amazing food. read more
Not too many people after noon on a Tuesday. Order at the counter, food came out almost too quickly. Staff was very kind and accommodating. Ingredients tasted super fresh and everything was well prepared. Both myself and my friend were very happy with our orders. Food was filling and decently priced for the city. Would recommend for a fresh and filling breakfast. read more
9 months ago
Another great brunch as per usual. Last visit; I didn't post but they never fail on service and a great meal. Today was relatively calm when I went there as it was a week day but started picking up as I finished my meal. They definitely know a way to girls heart - through her stomach. :) read more
4 months ago
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. read more
I stood at the door looking for someone to acknowledge me or tell me to enter. A cooking staff looked at me with a smile and motion me to come in. I had to open the door myself and was bewildered. There was no one to greet me nor tell me how the system works. It was my first time at this restaurant. The restaurant is small and not busy. I happily found an empty table and began to sit until a wait staff hurriedly ran to my table and informed me that I had to order first then find a table afterwards. I thought this was an odd system. What happens if I can't find a table to sit after I ordered? Waiter said I had to sit outside. I don't like eating outdoors especially on a crowded corner. Since outdoor seating was widely available and there were several empty tables inside that I abided and ordered my food. The Cranberry-Orange French toast caught my eye (House-baked bread made with tart cranberries, fresh orange juice, and walnuts) because I thought it was unusual because it was made with orange juice). It's like a loaf cake that is sliced and dipped in egg. I prefer it to be more crisper than soft - expecting it to be similar to a pancake (hard on the outside and fluffy in the middle). My companion ordered the Monte Cristo. The middle should be cooked longer so it wouldn't be soggy. The potatoes are loaded with green onions and it should have been listed on the menu. Since neither of us are onion lovers, we barely touched the potatoes. The ambiance reminds me of sitting in a Paris restaurant soaking in the surroundings and looking at a park. If I had to wait a long time to get into the restaurant, I would have gone elsewhere but since there was no wait and it was the only brunch restaurant in this neighborhood, I thought I would give it a try. I am giving it a 2 stars because of how you have to get to the bathroom. What an experience that is - totally disgusting and intolerable. I am surprise that the Health Inspectors did not write them up for it. I am glad I did not have to go beforehand otherwise I would have walked out and never return. read more
1 year ago
Good place for having brunch during weekday if you want to avoid long line during the weekend. Order first and then you get a seat. The inside is simple but nice. read more
So we finally decided to try this place for breakfast. The food was good it was hot and fresh. Now, the reason for the 3 stars is because all the cooks don't wear gloves while cooking and plating the food. Then they wipe their hands on their dirty aprons and touch other food. YUCK! Now the servers wear gloves but not the cooks. Don't think I'll be coming back because of this it's how germs can spread. read more
2 years ago
To those of you that have heard of the Ozzy Osbourne song, "Mama I'm Coming Home", it paints a clear picture on this place for numerous reasons. One reason is that I was born and raised in San Francisco and another reason is that my mom is a native San Franciscan. Which takes me to arguably one of the most popular and well-known mom-and-pop breakfast joints in the city. This is none other than "Mama's on Washington Square". This place goes back... way back in time to the early-1950's when they opened their doors. Located in the heart of North Beach and just a block away from St. Peter & Paul Church, this place is situated directly on the corner of Stockton and Filbert St's. Parking can be extremely challenging due to the abundance of restaurants and businesses. My advice is to use rideshare, Muni, walk, or bike. However, my lady and I found parking only a block away. Reason being is that we came here the day after Thanksgiving (on Friday 11/29/2024) at 9:30am when the streets of San Francisco were empty. It felt eerily similar to the pandemic (from early-2020 to early-2022). I will say that the interior of this place is tiny (which on any other morning can lead to long wait times). Based on the size of this place, I am thinking Mama's can only fit about 30 guests at any given time. There was a nice enclosed outdoor area as well as a separate table/chair/umbrella; but with the chilly morning, we wanted to dine inside. Upon entry, we literally walked right up and placed our orders. I can imagine this place can get quite chaotic but our experience was very smooth. Much of the decor has a very quaint old-school feel to it as if you're in a no-frills diner from the 1950's/60's. I ended up going simple by ordering two eggs (over easy), Italian sausage link, sourdough toast, and home-fried potatoes. My lady went with the exact same thing but with bacon as her side. Both of our meals came with a side of their homemade raspberry jam. We both opted for fresh squeezed orange juice. Total time after we ordered to when our food arrived was roughly 10 minutes; not bad at all considering it had gotten much busier after we arrived. The young man who brought out our OJ's and meals was very accommodating. Even one of the ladies (who I believe was a manager) asked to make sure everything tasted to perfection. As far as the food, this place was solid. Definitely a 4.5 out of 5. Prices are higher than most breakfast spots but that's to be expected in a heavily visited area like this. The sourdough toast had that San Francisco flavor while the homemade jam was to die for. I tried some of her bacon and it was a bit too cooked and crispy for me. However, the sausage was perfect. All in all, "Mama's on Washington Square" is a San Francisco staple that I highly recommend. Portions are huge, service is above average, and the food will fill you up. My rating, 4 stars. read more
22 days ago
3 months ago
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More info about Mama's On Washington Square
1701 Stockton St
San Francisco, CA 94133
North Beach/Telegraph Hill
Directions
(415) 362-6421
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https://mamas-sf.com
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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…
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
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…
Gluten free items?
No gluten free bread items of any sort. You'd have to go with eggs & bacon, etc...
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!
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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305 reviews that are not currently recommended
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Mama's On Washington Square - breakfast_brunch - Updated August 2026
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