Highlights
- Great coffee
- Great tea selection
oChef » Al’s Super – San Francisco
Al's Super - San Francisco
Photo from Al’s Super
Al's Super at a glance
San Francisco Bernal Heights
- 🍔 American Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 38 of the guests
#1395 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#69 American Restaurant out of 121 in San Francisco
Good
7.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
413
Reviews
74.6%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Homemade food
- Friendly service
- Budget friendly
Frequently criticized
- Pricing issues
- Hygiene concerns
- Dated ambience
The cafe Al’s Super, an American restaurant nestled in San Francisco’s vibrant Bernal Heights neighborhood, invites you to discover its charm. As Al’s Super Cafe, you’ll find a truly welcoming spot where the aroma of great coffee fills the air, promising a delightful start to your day or a perfect afternoon pick-me-up.
This cozy establishment offers a relaxed atmosphere, making it an ideal choice for a quick bite or a leisurely meal.
Overview: Introducting Al's Super
Al’s Super offers a classic diner experience where the focus is clearly on the plate. Many appreciate the homemade feel of the food and the generally friendly service, often highlighting the attentive staff and owners who make you feel welcome.
However, some experiences suggest a mixed bag, particularly concerning value, with reports of unclear pricing. The ambience can also be a point of contention, described by some as a bit dark and dingy, which might not appeal to everyone.
Good
7.3
out of 10
413
Reviews
74.6%
Satisfaction
91
negative
14
neutral
308
positive
Al’s Super achieves a solid overall score of 7.3, with customer satisfaction standing at 74.6%. This indicates a generally positive experience for most diners, reflecting a good balance of strengths.
This assessment is drawn from 413 customer observations, with 308 positive remarks outweighing 91 negative ones. Delving into specifics, the Food (7.6) is clearly a strong suit, earning the highest marks.
Service (7.3) also performs well, suggesting a pleasant interaction with staff. While Ambience (6.9) is seen as good, Value (6.4) is perceived as more average, indicating some room for improvement in pricing clarity.
What people like
- Homemade, comforting food
- Friendly and attentive service
- Generally affordable prices
What people don't like
- Inconsistent pricing clarity
- Concerns about cleanliness
- Ambience can be dated
If you’re seeking straightforward, comforting diner fare served with a smile, Al’s Super is likely to satisfy. The strong emphasis on quality food and attentive staff contributes to its respectable 7.5 recommendation score, making it a place worth considering for a casual meal.
However, be mindful of potential inconsistencies in pricing and the somewhat dated atmosphere. While the food and service often shine, those prioritizing modern decor or strict budget adherence might find aspects of the experience less appealing.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Al's Super
Food (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 91% of the guests
Alright, lets talk food! Overall, it seems like a pretty solid bet, with a 7.6 score indicating good quality and a 78% customer satisfaction rate showing most folks leave happy. Out of 205 remarks, a whopping 160 were positive, praising delicious breakfast items like pancakes, hash browns, and hearty portions, along with classic diner food.
However, its not all perfect. There were 38 negative comments, with some mentioning inconsistent food quality, bland coffee, or greasy fries. A few found the country fried steak and gravy underwhelming, or the food just a bit basic, suggesting some dishes might not hit the mark.
Food
205
Reviews
78%
Satisfaction
38
negative
7
neutral
160
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious breakfast
- Perfect hash browns
- Hearty portions
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food
- Bland coffee
- Greasy fries
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this classic, unassuming diner was wonderful. The owners are the friendliest, and it truly feels like a small business with homemade, soul-warming food. I particularly enjoyed the perfect hash browns, which have been made with the same unique recipe since the 1940s.
- hash brownsThe prices were astoundingly affordable, around $11 per plate. My scramble featured a generous portion of meat, accompanied by perfect hash browns and buttery toast. The fruit waffles also looked and tasted amazing!
- pancakesOur group all ordered the Pancake Delight, and it was indeed delightful! It came with a couple of eggs (cooked any way you like), ham, bacon, or sausage, and the lightest, fluffiest pancakes ever. The real kicker was the value; all of that delicious food cost only twelve bucks.
- breakfastMy experience at this restaurant was great. The food is not over the top, just solid, reliable breakfast. I haven't tried the lunch, but I imagine it's quite good.
- chicken fried steakusually get the chicken fried steak with a single pancake
- coffeemade sure the coffee stayed warm
- eggsincluded eggs, sausage, and hash browns
- good foodIt’s good food
- French toastthe French toast is so yummy
- Pancake Delighthubby had the Pancake Delight
Frequently criticized
- foodWhatever I would have made for breakfast at home would have been much, much better
- gravyThe gravy on the steak was a bit on the salty side
- American cheeseInstead of using cheddar they use American cheese
- CoffeeCoffee was undrinkable
- Denver omeletcan't even cook a denver omelet without burning all the stuff
- basicThe food was hella basic
- biscuit and gravyHad the biscuit and gravy again, unmami.
- biscuits and gravyThe food really wasn’t good either… super disappointed
- burgerfriend's burger was cold
- burnt baconburnt bacon
If you're looking for a classic diner experience with generally good, hearty breakfast options, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be aware that a few diners have noted inconsistencies, so manage your expectations for every single dish.
Service (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 73% of the guests
It looks like the service here is generally a hit, scoring a 7.3 and boasting a 73.9% customer satisfaction rate! With 68 positive remarks out of 92 total, many diners rave about the friendly owners and staff, often highlighting their attentive service and quick coffee refills. Guests consistently feel welcome and well-cared for.
However, not everyone has had a perfect experience, with 21 negative comments pointing to issues like long waits and occasional lapses in customer service. Some specific concerns include the owner's behavior and instances of staff insisting on tips, which can certainly sour an otherwise good meal.
Service
92
Reviews
73%
Satisfaction
21
negative
3
neutral
68
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Attentive service
- Quick refills
What people don't like
- Long waits
- Owner behavior
- Insisting tips
Often praised
- serviceThe real kicker was the value; all of that delicious food cost only twelve bucks. The quality was excellent, the service extremely friendly, and the price was beyond right. I highly recommend treating yourself to a Pancake Delight.
- ownerI enjoyed the Corned beef hash, and my husband had the Pancake Delight. Everything was made fresh, and the owner was super sweet and attentive. We will definitely be back!
- waitressThe waitress is sweet and very attentive
- ServiceThe meal was a breakfast type, and the price per person was between $10–20. The service was dine-in.
- attentive serviceThese kinds of places are becoming rare in San Francisco. I found it to be a great price and a chill spot with attentive service.
- friendly serviceMy experience at the restaurant was largely positive, with prompt friendly service and a delicious breakfast. The prices were super affordable.
- friendly staffThe cozy ambiance and friendly staff made me feel welcome
- owner and staffowner and staff were super friendly and kind
- ownersThe owners are lovely
- staffIt's my favorite local brunch spot, offering a comfy and low-key atmosphere. The staff is incredibly friendly, and the owner and chef, Larry, is fantastic.
Frequently criticized
- servicecook/server cooked the burger first, put it together, set it aside, and then prepared my cheesesteak
- Saturday rushcould not keep up with a Saturday rush
- customer serviceBad customer Service
- demeaning and degrading waytalked to his cook in a demeaning and degrading way
- guyLooks can be deceiving. I went to try this place, and the guy seemed nice at first. However, he overcharged us for coffee.
- hairnetsdo not wear hairnets when handling your food
- handling food without gloveshandling food without gloves on
- new cooksNew cooks in the kitchen ! can't even cook a denver omelet
- order accuracyThe food was a mix of over and undercooked, and it felt overpriced for the poor quality. To make matters worse, they messed up my order even after I repeated it multiple times. On a positive note, I did like how the interior was decorated.
- ownerit's the owner who rubs me the wrong way
Overall, if youre looking for a spot with genuinely friendly and attentive service, this place is likely to deliver. Just be mindful that a few experiences mention potential waits or occasional issues with the owners approach to tipping, which might be a minor hiccup for some.
Ambience (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 57% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot generally hits the mark, boasting a 6.9 score and a solid 71.6% customer satisfaction. Many of the 53 positive comments praise its diner style vibe, homey spot feel, and Old Hollywood memorabilia. Guests love the cozy ambiance that makes them feel right at home, often noting the fun, classic atmosphere.
However, not everyone is charmed. Among the 18 negative remarks, some found the place dark and dingy, with a distinct smells like grease issue. Concerns about uncleanliness in kitchen and run-down areas suggest there's room for improvement, particularly regarding the overall upkeep and freshness of the space.
Ambience
74
Reviews
71%
Satisfaction
18
negative
3
neutral
53
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Classic diner vibe
- Homey atmosphere
- Hollywood decor
What people don't like
- Dark and dingy
- Greasy smell
- Unclean areas
Often praised
- atmosphereMy omelette, toast, hash browns, and pancakes weren’t just delicious, they were delivered with the kindness and love that only comes with decades of patronage. The bottomless diner coffee, while exactly the same in every way as other breakfast places, becomes outstanding in this atmosphere. All my choices were vegetarian btw!
- spacealways has space, no matter how large your party
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:4
- Hollywood memorabiliaAll of the Hollywood memorabilia is worth the trip
- Hollywood pictureswell decorated with Hollywood pictures some autographed
- Old Hollywood memorabilialots of fun Old Hollywood memorabilia
- Wheelchair accessibilityWide entrance and plenty of seating space.
- chill spotThese kinds of places are becoming rare in San Francisco. I found it to be a great price and a chill spot with attentive service.
- chotzkiesLots of chotzkies
- classic San Francisco Cafeclassic San Francisco Cafe ambiance
Frequently criticized
- cleanlinessIt was dirty
- cookwarecookware was not once washed between dishes
- dark and dingyit was pretty dark and dingy inside
- decorNo decor
- fine diningit's not exactly fine dining
- front counterI had to sit at the front counter on a stool which I hate
- kitchen and dining areaskitchen and dining areas are very run-down and dirty
- placeIt's sad this place is so empty. The owner is super sweet and the customer service is amazing.
- pressurewon't feel pressured to eat quickly
- restaurant closedrestaurant was closed and not even open
If you're seeking a nostalgic, cozy diner experience with a classic Hollywood vibe, this place is definitely worth a visit. However, if modern cleanliness and a pristine environment are top priorities, you might find some aspects a bit rough around the edges.
Value (6.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 42% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot seems to be a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 6.4 (which is average) and customer satisfaction sitting at 64.3% (mixed). Many folks appreciate that it wont blow your budget, often calling it affordable with reasonable prices and offering great value. Out of 42 total opinions, 27 leaned positive, praising the good portions for the price.
However, there are definitely some bumps in the road. About 14 opinions mentioned issues like being overcharged, confusing bills, or unexpected prices that made them feel like they wasted money. Some customers felt the price didnt match the quality or that hidden costs popped up, which is a real bummer.
Value
42
Reviews
64%
Satisfaction
14
negative
1
neutral
27
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable prices
- Great value
- Reasonable portions
What people don't like
- Unexpected charges
- Fuzzy math
- Overpriced for quality
Often praised
- pricesThe portion sizes were solid, and the poached eggs were delicious. I was also impressed with the great prices and the friendly service, especially from Larry, who is a real one! All the food is fresh (never frozen).
- priceThe real kicker was the value; all of that delicious food cost only twelve bucks. The quality was excellent, the service extremely friendly, and the price was beyond right. I highly recommend treating yourself to a Pancake Delight.
- affordableMy experience at this restaurant was great! I enjoyed the classic, affordable diner food in the Mission. Although the interior was a bit dark and dingy on a weekday visit, the owner and staff were incredibly friendly and kind.
- valueThe kicker here was the value, twelve bucks for all that food
- affordabilityaffordable breakfast
- affordable pricessuper affordable prices
- budgetwon't blow your budget
- cheapfood was delicious and cheap
- early bird special breakfastjuice for $6.99
- good pricefor a good price
Frequently criticized
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was quite disappointing, especially considering I'm not a picky eater. The food was a mix of over and undercooked, and it felt overpriced for the poor quality. To make matters worse, they messed up my order even after I repeated it multiple times.
- overchargedI went to try this place, and the guy seemed nice at first. However, he overcharged us for coffee. I ordered two plates that should have been only $25 at most, but the tab was $47 due to refilling coffee, which he never mentioned wasn't free to refill.
- billusing fuzzy math I guess
- checkthe check was like 25% higher than the listed menu price
- coffee refilltab was 47 $ due to refilling coffee which he never mentioned
- food pricecharged us more for the food
- itemizationMy experience was that the food was really disappointing and bland. Additionally, the check was like 25% higher than the listed menu price, and had 0 itemization/explanation.
- massive tipI ordered two plates that should have been only $25 at most, but the tab was $47 due to refilling coffee, which he never mentioned wasn't free to refill. Plus, the old man felt he was entitled to a massive tip. Smfh, never again, this place sucks.
- moneyI have wasted money by coming here
- two platestwo plates that should've been only 25$ at most
If youre looking for a potentially affordable meal and dont mind a bit of a gamble, this place might be worth a try. Just be sure to double-check your bill, as some have experienced unexpected charges.
How are the prices at Al's Super?
You’re looking at roughly 18 per person – reported by 38 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For an American Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what people actually spend, the vast majority of diners (31 out of 38!) stick right within this $11–$20 sweet spot, showing prices are pretty consistent around the average.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 38 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for an American Restaurant, especially given the consistent spending patterns we see. It hits that sweet spot for a casual, enjoyable meal.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Al's Super
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Al's Diner: A Classic Gem
My experience at Al's was fantastic! I usually go for the chicken fried steak with a single pancake, and it's always amazing. The service is also a highlight; everyone is incredibly nice.
I particularly enjoyed their house hot sauce, which is really great and flavorful. Al's is my go-to classic diner. While many people prefer the place next door, honestly, Al's is where it's at!
- chicken fried steak9
- single pancake9
- service10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
2
Disappointing Food and Billing Issues
I'm not sure how this place has semi-good reviews. My experience was that the food was really disappointing and bland. Additionally, the check was like 25% higher than the listed menu price, and had 0 itemization/explanation.
- food2
- check1
- itemization1
Service Type
- Dine-in
1
Restaurant Closed Upon Arrival
My experience was that the restaurant was closed and not even open when I arrived. The windows were boarded up.
- restaurant closed1
- windows boarded up1
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
10
Great Old School Diner Experience
My experience at this neighborhood gem was fantastic! It's a no-frills, old school diner that serves up all the typical breakfast fares. The service, atmosphere, and food were all top-notch, each receiving a perfect score.
- service10
- atmosphere10
- food10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
7
Mixed Feelings About Old Fashion Diner
I generally appreciate an old-fashioned diner experience, but this particular establishment didn't quite meet my expectations. I was seated at the front counter on a stool, which I dislike, as the table section was closed. The country fried steak was unremarkable, and I found the gravy's consistency to be too thick for my liking.
However, the hash browns, prepared in a scalloped potato style, were the highlight of the meal and absolutely perfect. Despite this, I'm open to giving the place another try and will return.
- hash browns10
- country fried steak3
- gravy4
- front counter2
What Al's Super offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Solo dining
- Lunch
- Breakfast
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Atmosphere
- Historic
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
Is Al's Super Cafe a good spot for families with children, and is it accessible for everyone?
Absolutely! This cafe is known for being good for kids, offering a dedicated kids’ menu and high chairs to ensure a comfortable visit for your little ones. Additionally, it features a wheelchair accessible entrance and seating, making it welcoming for all guests.
What kind of dining experience and atmosphere can you expect at Al's Super Cafe, and when is it open?
You can enjoy a cozy and casual atmosphere with a touch of historic charm at this American restaurant. It offers table service for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, plus delicious desserts. Whether you prefer to dine-in, grab takeout, or have delivery, there are options for you.
How does Al's Super generally perform?
Al’s Super holds a 7.3 overall score with 74.6% customer satisfaction. Its Food (7.6) and Service (7.3) are well-regarded, while Ambience (6.9) and Value (6.4) are seen as moderate.
What do customers appreciate most about Al's Super?
Many customers praise the food, highlighting items like perfect hash browns and fluffiest pancakes. The friendly service and attentive staff also receive frequent positive remarks.
Are there any common concerns at Al's Super?
Some patrons have noted issues with value, citing instances of overcharged items or unclear billing. Others mention the ambience can be dark and dingy, and occasional service inconsistencies.