Highlights
- Fireplace
oChef » Kate’s Kitchen – San Francisco
Kate's Kitchen - San Francisco
Photo from Kate’s Kitchen
Kate's Kitchen at a glance
San Francisco Lower Haight
- 🍔 American Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 83 of the guests
#1169 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#46 American Restaurant out of 121 in San Francisco
Good
7.5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
492
Reviews
74.8%
Satisfaction
Often praised
Frequently criticized
The restaurant Kate’s Kitchen in San Francisco’s vibrant Lower Haight neighborhood offers a delightful American dining experience. You’ll immediately feel at home in its cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere, especially with the inviting fireplace creating a warm ambiance.
Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a leisurely meal, this spot provides a welcoming setting for everyone. It’s a perfect place to gather, enjoy good food, and relax.
Overview: Introducting Kate's Kitchen
Good
7.5
out of 10
492
Reviews
74.8%
Satisfaction
102
negative
22
neutral
368
positive
What people like
What people don't like
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Verdict: Our expert take on Kate's Kitchen
Food (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 94% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark with a 7.8 score and a solid 79.9% customer satisfaction. Many guests rave about the delicious homemade dishes, generous portions, and fresh squeezed juices. With 226 positive remarks out of 283 total, its clear that items like the "Big Guys Breakfast" and various pancakes are often a hit.
However, not every dish is a winner, with 42 negative comments pointing out some misses. A few found certain items, like the chicken or biscuits, dry or burnt, while others described the shakshuka as flavorless or pancakes as having a pasty texture. Some also felt portions were smaller than expected, indicating occasional inconsistencies.
Food
283
Reviews
79%
Satisfaction
42
negative
15
neutral
226
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious homemade dishes
- Generous portions
- Fresh squeezed juices
What people don't like
- Dry or burnt food
- Flavorless dishes
- Pasty pancakes
Often praised
- foodI personally appreciate being asked how my meal is or if I need assistance. On a positive note, the food was good. However, I strongly advise against ordering a Cappuccino.
- breakfastMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic. I found it to be the best breakfast in SF. The corned beef hash was truly the greatest in the world, and their house-made sausage was wonderful.
- pancakesI found it to be one of my favorite breakfast venues. The corn meal pancakes with lemon curd and fruit were the best pancakes I've ever had. The service was great, and the atmosphere was also excellent.
- coffeeThe gluten-free options made choosing a dish delightfully difficult, but I finally settled on the French toast, which came beautifully topped with a banana, strawberry, blueberry mix. Hot coffee, plenty of it, brewed fresh often was the perfect accompaniment. My neighbors ordered the hush puppies, and I longed for the days of eating gluten when their bowlful was delivered.
- cornmeal pancakesThe service was impeccable, and the food was delicious. I tried the cornmeal pancakes with strawberry, banana, and lemon curd, a combination that exceeded my expectations. The portions were generous; even a short stack of two pancakes was more than I could finish, despite not having had breakfast.
- portionsThe portions are great too
- Crab BenedictWe had the Eggs Benedict and the Crab Benedict. Both were excellent. Customer service was also good.
- FoodFood:5
- French toastsettled on the French toast, which came beautifully topped
- eggs BenedictThe eggs Benedict was good.
Frequently criticized
- biscuitsthe biscuits, although they looked flaky, buttery, and filled with chives, were stale and bland
- foodwe didn’t like the food
- baconMy experience at this restaurant was largely disappointing due to the food quality. The pancakes had a pasty texture, and the bacon wasn't great. The egg was just okay.
- breakfastone of the lamest breakfasts I’ve ever had
- home friesMy partner's extra bacon order for his scramble was also minimal. I was told my crispy chicken sandwich would come with fries, but received home fries instead, which were heavily starchy and flavorless – the worst potatoes I've ever eaten. I also received a grilled chicken sandwich instead of the crispy one I ordered.
- pancakesthey we dead sweet, lacked salt
- CappuccinoDO NOT order a Cappuccino from them
- Cornmeal pancakesCornmeal pancakes are grainy and sub optimal
- Eggs BenedictEggs Benedict was mediocre at best
- GF french toastI had the GF french toast, which had a horrible texture and strange aftertaste
If you're looking for a place with generally delicious, hearty, and often homemade food, this spot is definitely worth a try. Just be aware that a few specific dishes might not always live up to the high standard set by the majority of the menu.
Service (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 83% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot offers a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 6.9, placing it in the good range, though customer satisfaction sits at a more mixed 66.7%. Many guests, based on 86 positive remarks out of 129 total, rave about the friendly, attentive, and efficient staff, often highlighting a warm, welcoming, and family-run friendliness that makes you feel right at home. However, 40 negative comments point to some significant hiccups.
Diners occasionally faced frustrating waiting times and slow service. There are also concerning reports of rude behavior, with some staff described as yelling or being aggressive, which certainly puts a damper on the dining experience.
Service
129
Reviews
66%
Satisfaction
40
negative
3
neutral
86
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Efficient, fast service
- Warm, welcoming vibe
What people don't like
- Long waiting times
- Rude, aggressive staff
- Slow, inattentive service
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was very positive. I enjoyed a very good breakfast with friendly service. They offer a lot of solid breakfast items, making it a classic feeling neighborhood spot.
- staffMy experience at this restaurant was very positive. The place is clean, and the staff are friendly. I found the food tasty, with good gluten-free bread and vegan options available.
- ServiceTo complement the meal, I enjoyed the Ginger Honey Tea, a refreshing and aromatic choice. The service was impeccable, earning a perfect 5/5, and the atmosphere also received a 5/5, creating a wonderful dining environment. The food quality was outstanding, rated 5/5, making this a highly recommended spot for brunch.
- serversThe servers were extremely friendly and attentive
- waiterMy waiter was a young woman from Uzbekistan “S” who was 100pc on top of things.
- waitressThat was my only significant issue. The waitress was nice and removed it from the bill, which is why I left a good tip.
- Brother Cran and sister ClaudiaWe felt right at home and are excited to stop in for breakfast on our next family outing. Brother Cran and sister Claudia are the best; they know all the amazing places. Thank you!
- Customer serviceBoth were excellent. Customer service was also good. I would eat here again.
- StaffStaff was very polite
- attentivefriendly, attentive and keeping cafe neat
Frequently criticized
- serviceThe service is very weird and rude.
- waiterel camarero de muy malas maneras me decĂa que yo esperara en la calle
- serverMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing. The server kept asking me to repeat myself, which was frustrating. They also didn't have menu items available anymore.
- ServerServer was very slow.
- aggressivenessBut their aggressiveness kind of put a weird damper
- busyThe menu is cool, and there are lots of neighborhood regulars. My friend mentioned that weekends at Kate's can get very busy, so it's advisable to get there early or be prepared to wait.
- charging meIt’s ok I guess but definitely not the best. Also, the server never looked at me in the face, not even when she was charging me. I was almost about to mark 0% tips because of that.
- collecting our platesShe kept on collecting our plates even though some of us were still eating
- customer servicethere is this thing called customer service
- elderly male waiterelderly male waiter told me to leave the restaurant
So, should you go? If you catch them on a good day, youll likely enjoy truly friendly and efficient service that makes you feel welcome. But be prepared for the possibility of longer waits or less-than-stellar interactions, especially if theyre busy.
Ambience (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 45% of the guests
The ambience here truly shines, earning a good score of 7.6 and boasting a good customer satisfaction of 76.7%. Many guests rave about the vibe, cozy feel, and how its a hidden gem. With 46 positive comments out of 60 total, people love the clean, comfortable atmosphere, often highlighting the outdoor patio area and even Jazz in the morning adding to its soul.
However, a few things could use a tweak. With 10 negative comments, some found parking limited and a bit of a task. Others mentioned the door letting in cold air, and seats being a little too close together.
There were also mentions of trash outside' needing attention, which could detract from the overall experience.
Ambience
60
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
10
negative
4
neutral
46
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy atmosphere
- Clean environment
- Outdoor seating
What people don't like
- Limited parking
- Drafty door
- Close seating
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience was delicious. We sat outside and had a perfect breakfast. The service was really friendly and genuine, and we absolutely loved the hash browns.
- AtmosphereTo complement the meal, I enjoyed the Ginger Honey Tea, a refreshing and aromatic choice. The service was impeccable, earning a perfect 5/5, and the atmosphere also received a 5/5, creating a wonderful dining environment. The food quality was outstanding, rated 5/5, making this a highly recommended spot for brunch.
- ambianceThe service was fast, and the breakfast was really delicious. The ambiance was quite cozy. I also ordered half carrot half orange juice and finished it within seconds.
- cleanlinessthis place is clean
- hidden gemThis place is a true hidden gem!
- vibeeverything was top notch from the vibe
- HUGE wall art piecethe HUGE wall art piece is mesmerizing
- Jazz in the morningwho doesn't like Jazz in the morning
- ambiencethe ambience of the restaurant was nice
- cafe neatkeeping cafe neat with side work
Frequently criticized
- parkingOther than that, it's a great little spot for brunch. Parking is limited.
- atmosphereIt's cold
- doorthe door was opened and felt cold the entire time.
- gas fire unitthey wouldn't turn it on
- restroompara llegar hay que cruzar por medio de la cocina, cuando mi pareja entro
- seatsSeats are just a little too close together
- tablenos sentaron en 1 mesa, después de pedir y estar esperando a que nos sirvieran, nos cambiaron de mesa
- trash outsideThe owner/manager guy kept giving me suspicious looks. Additionally, they should clean up the trash outside by the outdoor seating.
If youre seeking a charming, cozy spot with a great vibe, especially with outdoor seating, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be prepared for potentially tricky parking and maybe bring an extra layer if youre sensitive to drafts!
Value (5.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 16% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot has a bit of a mixed reputation, with a 5.6 score indicating an average experience. Many guests appreciate the decent prices and find the food priced fairly, often calling it affordable and even modest and cheap. Based on 10 positive remarks, some truly feel they get a good deal here.
However, the value proposition isn't always clear, as reflected by a 50% customer satisfaction. There are 10 negative comments highlighting concerns about items being pricey or overpriced. Issues like tip ripoff practices and unexpected surge charge also left a sour taste for some patrons.
Value
20
Reviews
50%
Satisfaction
10
negative
0
neutral
10
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable, fair prices
- Good value meals
What people don't like
- Dishonest tipping practices
- Overpriced items
- Hidden surge charges
Often praised
- pricesThe prices are also exceptionally reasonable
- priceAt $10 for delicious breakfast and coffee this is hard to beat
- affordableThis place is a true hidden gem! I had a wonderful experience enjoying decades of delicious, affordable, and comfortable authentic California breakfast and lunch. They also offer special plates with Middle Eastern or Mexican influences.
- decent pricesgot decent prices
- food pricesFood prices were better than I anticipated
- modest and cheapThe place is modest and cheap
- priced fairlypriced fairly too
Frequently criticized
- priceI found the food tasty, with good gluten-free bread and vegan options available. I ordered the tofu scramble with a side of chicken apple sausage, which was a bit pricey at $7, but I’d definitely go back to hang out in the outdoor patio area for brunch again.
- add a tipMy experience at this restaurant was extremely negative due to dishonest tip ripoff practices. They will add a tip for themselves without you knowing. I strongly advise you to stay away.
- baconThe plate was $9. 50, and two basic pieces of bacon were an extra $4. I used to leave really full, but today, I could eat another plate.
- entreeThe food was mid at best and overpriced, with an uninspired menu. For the quality received, I'd say it's worth $7-8 per entree.
- minimum tip18% minimum tip with the waitress hovering over you is uncomfortable
- paymentpero como ya habĂamos pagado lo que parecĂa amabilidad cambio siendo grosero y mal educado
- plateThe plate was $9.50
- surge chargewish they would tell you there is a surge charge on bill
- tip ripoff practicesMy experience at this restaurant was extremely negative due to dishonest tip ripoff practices. They will add a tip for themselves without you knowing.
If youre looking for a budget-friendly meal, you might find some "decent prices" here, but be sure to check your bill carefully. The value can be a mixed bag, so its worth trying if you're prepared for potential inconsistencies in pricing or service charges.
How are the prices at Kate's Kitchen?
You’re looking at roughly 21 per person – reported by 83 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For an American Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Whats cool is that while the average is 21, a good chunk of guests actually spend a bit less, with most prices falling between $11–$20 and $21–$30. This shows its quite accessible, offering options for various budgets.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 83 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, for an American Restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels pretty fair. It offers good value, especially with many guests finding options in the $11–$20 range.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Kate's Kitchen
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Charming spot with amazing owners!
My experience at this charming institution was wonderful! The owners, servers, and food were all amazing. Coming here every Sunday with my boyfriend is one of the highlights of my life in San Francisco.
There is so much soul and livedness packed into this space, and it awaits you to make it a part of your life story!
- owners10
- servers10
- food10
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Disappointing End to a Long-Time Favorite
I've been a loyal customer of Kate's Kitchen since the late 90s and was always a big fan. After Covid, I noticed a decrease in both quality and quantity, which was understandable given the circumstances. I was relieved they managed to survive the post-Covid downturn when many small businesses didn't.
However, my most recent visit was very disappointing. I tried to offer the owner some friendly advice about removing "thick-sliced" from the bacon description on the menu, as the bacon was no longer thick-sliced. I mentioned it was still good, but thought it might prevent customer complaints.
Instead, the owner launched into a loud tirade, stating "he doesn't need us" and that he's retiring in two years. This interaction was very disappointing, and I will not be returning.
- bacon6
- quality and quantity3
- owner1
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Great Lunch Find in San Francisco!
What a great find! Out of all the places to grab lunch in San Francisco, I’m sure glad we stumbled upon Kate’s Kitchen. Highly recommend!
- lunch9
- Kate's Kitchen9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Delicious Pancakes and Great Service
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! I had the most absolutely delicious pancakes, made with an eggy corn meal batter that was simply decadent. The service was very good as well.
- pancakes10
- service8
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
9
Kate's Kitchen: Still Excellent After 20 Years!
After 20 years of visiting Kate's Kitchen, we can confirm the food remains excellent, even if ownership may have changed. We used to face crazy lines, but now we can easily get in at noon to enjoy either breakfast or lunch. We highly recommend this place!
- food10
- breakfast or lunch8
- lines4
What Kate's Kitchen offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
- Tourists
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Solo dining
- Lunch
- Breakfast
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Offerings
- Vegan options
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Organic dishes
- Halal food
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Counter service
- Dessert
- Table service
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Outdoor seating
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
- Dogs allowed
Parking
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
Does Kate's Kitchen offer options for various dietary needs?
Absolutely! Kate’s Kitchen is committed to catering to diverse preferences. You’ll find excellent vegan options, vegetarian options, and even organic dishes on the menu. They also provide Halal food, ensuring a wide array of choices for every guest.
What kind of atmosphere and services can you expect at Kate's Kitchen?
At Kate’s Kitchen, you’ll find a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere. Service options include delivery, takeout, curbside pickup, and dine-in, with outdoor seating available. Enjoy amenities like a bar onsite and convenient free street parking.