Highlights
- Great coffee
oChef » Hollywood Cafe – San Francisco
Hollywood Cafe - San Francisco
Photo from Hollywood Cafe
Hollywood Cafe at a glance
San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf
- 🍽️ Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 174 of the guests
#934 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#118 Restaurant out of 254 in San Francisco
Good
7.7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
710
Reviews
76.5%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Great service
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Rushed dining
The restaurant, Hollywood Cafe, is a welcoming spot in San Francisco’s vibrant Fisherman’s Wharf neighborhood. This casual and cozy restaurant is well-known for its great coffee, making it a perfect stop to start your day or enjoy a quick break.
You’ll find a trendy yet relaxed atmosphere, ideal for enjoying a meal or just a refreshing drink.
Overview: Introducting Hollywood Cafe
Hollywood Cafe offers a breakfast experience that often hits the mark, with many patrons praising the delicious and hearty fare. The attentive service also stands out, creating a generally positive dining atmosphere.
However, some guests have noted concerns regarding the overall value proposition. While the food and staff receive consistent acclaim, a few experiences suggest that the pricing structure and the feeling of being rushed can detract from an otherwise pleasant visit.
It’s a place with clear strengths, but also a few aspects to consider before you settle in.
Good
7.7
out of 10
710
Reviews
76.5%
Satisfaction
133
negative
34
neutral
543
positive
Hollywood Cafe earns a solid overall score of 7.7, indicating a good performance, supported by a Customer Satisfaction rate of 76.5%, which is also quite good. This assessment is drawn from a substantial 710 customer observations, with 543 positive remarks outweighing 133 negative ones, painting a generally favorable picture.
Digging deeper, the restaurant truly shines in its Service (8.5) and Food (8.0), both rated highly by diners. The Ambience (7.1) also contributes positively to the experience.
However, the Value (4.1) score suggests that while the quality is there, some guests find the pricing to be a significant point of contention.
What people like
- Delicious, hearty food
- Attentive, quick service
- Welcoming atmosphere
What people don't like
- High prices
- Mandatory gratuity
- Rushed dining experience
If you’re seeking a satisfying breakfast or brunch with excellent service and a welcoming vibe, Hollywood Cafe is certainly worth considering. The focus on quality food and attentive staff makes for a generally enjoyable meal, especially if you prioritize taste and efficiency.
However, be mindful of the pricing, as the Recommendation Score of 7.8 reflects a good, but not universally outstanding, experience. It’s a good choice for those who don’t mind paying a bit more for a reliable and pleasant start to their day, but perhaps less so if budget is your primary concern.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Hollywood Cafe
Food (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 99% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark with a solid score of 8 and a strong customer satisfaction of 81.4%. Based on 320 positive comments out of 393 total, guests frequently rave about the delicious breakfast choices, fresh ingredients, and generous portions. Many highlight the excellent coffee, pancakes, and French toast, praising the overall quality of the food.
However, not all experiences are perfect, with 61 negative remarks pointing to some areas for improvement. Some found certain dishes, like the veggie omelet, to be tasteless or lacking spices. There were also occasional concerns about food execution, such as overdone hash browns or bland eggs, suggesting inconsistency in preparation.
Food
393
Reviews
81%
Satisfaction
61
negative
12
neutral
320
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fresh, quality food
- Generous portions
- Delicious breakfast choices
What people don't like
- Tasteless dishes
- Poor food execution
- Occasional quality issues
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was one of the best breakfast experiences I've had! The service was very quick, the food was delicious, and the servers were very kind. The only downside is that they have no restroom on-site, requiring a visit to the building next door with a code for access.
- breakfastThe service was great, and the food was delicious. A local resident, who has lived here for 40 years, even declared it the best breakfast in the city. The atmosphere was also a perfect 5 out of 5.
- portionsMy experience at this restaurant was exceptional, easily the best breakfast we had during our trip to SF, which is why we returned for a second visit. The portions are huge and flavourful, and I definitely recommend the sausage with the breakfast. The service is immaculate and fast; I don't think the coffees I had ever reached the bottom of the mug.
- pancakesMy experience at this restaurant was consistently excellent for brunch. The coffee was good, and I particularly enjoyed the avocado on toast, pancakes, and French toast. While it's not cheap, the generous portions ensured we were full until dinner.
- coffeeI always stop by this place when I’m visiting SF. The experience was truly impeccable service, with delicious varieties of breakfast choices and good strong coffee. What more can I ask for?
- dishesI was looking for a cafe close to the center for breakfast and I found it. In addition to the fact that the dishes look good, they are really tasty! And indulgent in levels!
- FoodThe food was hot, fresh and quickly served
- brunchideal for a hearty and delicious brunch
- fresh fruitThe portions were huge and very satisfying. We thoroughly enjoyed a variety of items, including the wonderful cappuccino, omelets, french toast and eggs combination, salmon toast, and fresh fruit and juices. The atmosphere and service were both rated a perfect 5, and the food also received a 5-star rating.
- menuWe recommend it 1000%. The only issue is that we didn't have enough room in our stomachs to order everything; the menu is too tempting!
Frequently criticized
- foodfood would be great but unfortunately it was tasteless and mediocre
- hash brownsthe hash browns have that rancid oil taste
- veggiesAdd less veggies but make them a part of omlet
- cappuccinoI didn't know that was possible. The foam floating on top of a coffee worthy of a vending machine is also an "interesting" concept for a cappuccino. At $5, I wouldn't have said anything, but $25 is a lack of respect towards the customer.
- eggseggs were not even warm
- friesthe fries tasted like they weren't defrosted correctly
- omeletteI don't understand the comments talking about fresh and quality ingredients. They managed the feat of cooking a tasteless omelet. Tasteless eggs!
- portionsvery stingy with portions
- saladThe salad was stale with wilted spring mix
- scrambled eggsThe scrambled eggs we're slightly burned
If you're seeking a spot with generally delicious and fresh breakfast options, often served in generous portions, this restaurant is usually a great choice. Just be aware that some dishes might occasionally lack flavor or have execution issues, so choose your meal wisely.
Service (8.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 83% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot truly shines with an impressive score of 8.5 and a strong customer satisfaction of 87.2%. Based on 156 positive remarks, guests frequently rave about the friendly and attentive staff who ensure youre sat quickly and food comes out fast. Many experienced amazing service with attentive servers, quick coffee refills, and a genuinely welcoming team, making for a truly pleasant dining experience.
However, its not entirely without its hiccups, with 15 negative comments among the 179 total. Some patrons occasionally encountered a rushed experience or noted waiting time due to queues. A few isolated incidents mentioned orders wrong or language barriers, suggesting there might be minor inconsistencies during peak times, but these seem to be exceptions rather than the rule.
Service
179
Reviews
87%
Satisfaction
15
negative
8
neutral
156
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Fast service
- Quick seating
What people don't like
- Feeling rushed
- Order errors
- Long queues
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was one of the best breakfast experiences I've had! The service was very quick, the food was delicious, and the servers were very kind. The only downside is that they have no restroom on-site, requiring a visit to the building next door with a code for access.
- staffYou can tell that the food is prepared with passion. The staff is warm, attentive, and incredibly helpful and patient with questions about sightseeing. You guys are great!
- ServiceService was awesome.
- serversMy experience at this restaurant was one of the best breakfast experiences I've had! The service was very quick, the food was delicious, and the servers were very kind. The only downside is that they have no restroom on-site, requiring a visit to the building next door with a code for access.
- waitthe wait is absolutely worth it
- queueWhat a find. The food was great, the service was efficient, and we can see why there was quickly a queue to enter. Shame we couldn’t go back again!
- waiterSaw a waiter hand a coffee to the homeless
- waitstaffthe waitstaff is smiling, busy, but helpful as well.
- Coffee refilledkept the coffee refilled
- Highly recommendHighly recommend this diner
Frequently criticized
- serviceI do not recommend this place because the service was quite bad. As they usually have people queuing outside, they rush you to finish, eventually saying if you want the rest of your food to go when you haven't even finished yet!
- food to goif you want the rest of your food to go when you haven't even finished yet!!
- insistent staffAs they usually have people queuing outside, they rush you to finish, eventually saying if you want the rest of your food to go when you haven't even finished yet! They insist if you want anything else and bring the bill to charge quickly and get rid of you. The food is nothing special for the price it has.
- language barriersthere were some language barriers
- orders forgottenCompletely forgot one of our orders
- orders wrongI would NEVER recommend this place to anyone, ever. They got a few of our orders wrong and completely forgot one of our orders. If you're going to charge $17 a salad, you shouldn't get it wrong.
- queue outsideotherwise, you'll face a queue outside
- quick billAs they usually have people queuing outside, they rush you to finish, eventually saying if you want the rest of your food to go when you haven't even finished yet! They insist if you want anything else and bring the bill to charge quickly and get rid of you. The food is nothing special for the price it has.
- recommendWould NEVER recommend to anyone
- rushed experienceI do not recommend this place because the service was quite bad. As they usually have people queuing outside, they rush you to finish, eventually saying if you want the rest of your food to go when you haven't even finished yet! They insist if you want anything else and bring the bill to charge quickly and get rid of you.
Overall, if youre looking for a place with genuinely friendly and efficient service, this restaurant is definitely worth a visit. While there might be a rare rush or a wait during busy times, the overwhelmingly positive experiences suggest youll likely enjoy a smooth and pleasant meal.
Ambience (7.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 39% of the guests
The vibe at this spot generally hits the mark, with a 7.1 score indicating a good atmosphere that many appreciate. Customers often rave about the cozy restaurant feel, relaxed and cozy atmosphere, and the unique interior décor featuring Hollywood memorabilia. With 53 positive remarks out of 76 total, guests frequently enjoy the historic establishment and its welcoming ambiance, making it a great place to unwind.
However, it's not entirely perfect, as customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 69.7%. Some of the 17 negative comments point to issues like a cramped feeling, concerns about cleaning or a needed paint job, and street noise impacting the experience. A few found the place to be a bit rundown, suggesting inconsistency in upkeep.
Ambience
76
Reviews
69%
Satisfaction
17
negative
6
neutral
53
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy, welcoming vibe
- Unique Hollywood decor
- Great location
What people don't like
- Cramped seating
- Cleanliness concerns
- Loud environment
Often praised
- atmosphereFood is more than just sustenance; it is a language that speaks to our senses and brings people together. My experience at this restaurant was a testament to this, with excellent food, impeccable service, and a wonderful atmosphere. Everything was a perfect 5 out of 5.
- AtmosphereThe place is small and has the perfect atmosphere
- locationThis is a great place to enjoy an American-style breakfast. It's conveniently located not far from the sea and the cable car. Be sure to arrive early, otherwise, you'll face a queue outside.
- placeMy experience at this restaurant was very positive. The servings were good, and it's a nice place for a brunch with lots of options. They offer both outside and inside sitting.
- vibeThe vibe here is really welcoming and laid back.
- Hollywood-related picturescurious Hollywood-related pictures on the wall
- ambienceGreat ambience
- cleaningI not only saw them cleaning, but heard it
- cleanlinessEverything is clean
- cosy vibecreates a cosy vibe
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereit's very small space and our table is up against a bussing station
- placethe place, tables, menus etc. Were more more rundown and dated than we expected
- restroomLong walk to the restroom
- advertisingfelt like false advertising
- cleaningIf you're going to charge $17 a salad, you shouldn't get it wrong. The environment also needs some serious cleaning and a paint job; it was a gross environment.
- construction sitesnear construction sites made it a bit louder
- environmentGross environment
- experiencebetter experience nearby
- inside seatingThe decor was on point, adorned with old Hollywood actors and actresses. Inside seating was a little cramped; outside would have been a better choice. No ice in the water was a little confusing.
- paint jobneeds some serious paint job
If youre looking for a cozy, uniquely decorated spot with a lively buzz, especially if you can snag an outdoor seat, this place could be a great fit. However, if youre sensitive to noise, tight spaces, or expect pristine conditions, you might find it a bit disappointing.
Value (4.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 29% of the guests
Despite a somewhat challenging overall perception, some diners found bright spots in the value department. Out of 62 total opinions, 14 highlighted positive aspects, often praising the value for money and reasonable price for generous portions. While the overall score for value sits at an average 4.1, these guests appreciated finding good food at fair prices.
However, the majority of feedback, with 40 negative opinions, points to significant concerns. Many felt the restaurant was simply expensive or overpriced, especially given the portion sizes or quality. A major dealbreaker was the mandatory gratuity or hidden tips often added to the bill without clear communication, contributing to a poor 22.6% customer satisfaction.
Value
62
Reviews
22%
Satisfaction
40
negative
8
neutral
14
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good food, fair price
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Very expensive
- Mandatory gratuity
- Hidden tips
Often praised
- priceAs far as price goes, we ordered drinks and two breakfast plates and it was reasonable.
- value for moneyI chose to upgrade my hash browns to be loaded, and the portions were really large. Overall, it was good value for money.
- pricesThe food was really tasty, and the pancakes were really good. I appreciated that the prices were fair and the portions were generous. They also had a good selection of food on the menu.
- reasonable priceGood egg/ omelette dishes at a reasonable price
- value갈 만 합니다
Frequently criticized
- priceThey insist if you want anything else and bring the bill to charge quickly and get rid of you. The food is nothing special for the price it has. The worst part is that they sneakily charge you 18% tip.
- tipthe tip is automatically includes in the bill at a high level
- billadding $24 without my permission and not telling me
- expensiveVery expensive
- gratuityadd a gratuity for a party of five or larger. It doesn't say it is 20%
- pricesBiggest downside was the prices just out of the realm of reasonable
- 18% tipThe food is nothing special for the price it has. The worst part is that they sneakily charge you 18% tip. Don't waste your time going!
- DishesPrices are quite high for local standards, with a cappuccino and juice costing $6. Dishes range from $13 to $20.
- PricesDepending on the time, you might have to wait in line. Prices are quite high for local standards, with a cappuccino and juice costing $6. Dishes range from $13 to $20.
- breakfastUnbelievably expensive. Breakfast for 5 people
If youre considering this spot, be prepared for a mixed bag on value. While some find decent portions at a fair price, the overwhelming sentiment points to high costs and frustrating mandatory gratuity practices. It might disappoint if youre looking for an affordable meal or clear pricing.
How are the prices at Hollywood Cafe?
On average, you’ll spend around 28 per person – from 174 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $21–$30 category. For a Restaurant, that’s comfortably mid-range, maybe slightly above.
Most diners (a whopping 95 of them!) stick to this $21–$30 sweet spot. While some guests spend a little less and a few splurge more, the pricing clearly clusters around this average, showing a consistent mid-range experience.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 174 reviews.
Comparing value for money against similar restaurants in San Francisco.
Considering its a Restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels quite fair. Its not breaking the bank, and it offers a solid mid-range option for diners. We’d say it hits a good balance between quality and cost.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Hollywood Cafe
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
8
Quaint SF Spot with Delicious Crab Benedict
What a quaint little joint in the heart of SF! The decor was on point, adorned with old Hollywood actors and actresses. Inside seating was a little cramped; outside would have been a better choice.
No ice in the water was a little confusing. The Dungeness crab Benedict with cappers was a solid smash! The hash browns were a tad overdone.
Quality was very solid and a must-try breakfast spot!
- decor9
- Dungeness crab Benedict10
- Quality9
- inside seating3
- water4
- hash browns4
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Hidden Gem with Delicious Food and Great Service
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! Although it doesn't look like much from the outside, stepping inside revealed a wonderful dining experience. The menu offered great options, and I enjoyed delicious food without a long wait.
The staff was incredibly attentive and nice, and the food arrived with a very good presentation. I highly recommend stepping a couple of blocks away from the tourist-heavy area to discover what this restaurant truly has to offer.
- food10
- price9
- menu8
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Hidden Gem with Outstanding Food and Service
This is truly a hidden gem in the great city of San Francisco. They are a breakfast and lunch place. The service is perfect, and the staff are super polite.
Our waiter brought our iced coffee and iced tea quickly. The food was outstanding; I really loved the fries, they had a great flavor and needed no sauce. The hamburger was rare, which was my own fault as I assumed it came medium well to well – make sure to specify how you like it.
If you love the bite of a good onion, this is your place. The staff eat here also, which is the best sign that the food and service will be great. I watched them make my food.
A few things stood out that I loved seeing: when my partner and I were leaving, the whole staff said, "Thank you for coming and come again. " They moved everything out of the kitchen (that could be moved), and I not only saw them cleaning but heard it. They are a very clean restaurant and friendly.
I promise if you go to this great place, you will enjoy yourself and will have great food for a great price.
- service10
- food10
- fries9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Delicious Breakfast, Super Fast Service!
Stopped by for breakfast before heading back to LA. Everything we ordered was so delicious! The service was super fast, and we absolutely loved it.
Highly recommend!
- breakfast9
- food10
- service10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
10
Lovely Breakfast with Sweet Service
My experience at Hollywood Cafe was lovely! The food was fresh and tasty, and the young lady who served us was so sweet and attentive. The cozy, welcoming vibe made it the perfect start to the day.
I'll definitely be coming back!
- food10
- young lady10
- vibe9
What Hollywood Cafe offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Solo dining
- Breakfast
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Quick bite
- Coffee
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Dessert
- Table service
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What dining options and meal types are available at Hollywood Cafe?
At Hollywood Cafe, you can enjoy a variety of dining options including breakfast, brunch, and lunch, all with comfortable seating and table service. They also offer healthy options, quick bites, and vegetarian choices to cater to diverse preferences.
Does Hollywood Cafe offer accessible services and flexible dining arrangements?
Yes, Hollywood Cafe is committed to accessibility with a wheelchair-accessible entrance, seating, and restroom. For your convenience, they provide various service options including outdoor seating, dine-in, takeout, delivery, and even no-contact delivery.
How does Hollywood Cafe generally perform?
Hollywood Cafe achieves a good overall score of 7.7, with Customer Satisfaction at 76.5%. Its strengths lie in Service (8.5) and Food (8.0), while Ambience (7.1) is also good. However, Value (4.1) is an area where some customers express concerns.
What do customers appreciate most about Hollywood Cafe?
Customers frequently praise the delicious and generous portions of breakfast and brunch items, often highlighting the quality of the food. The quick and attentive service from the staff is also a consistent positive, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere.
Are there any common concerns or drawbacks at Hollywood Cafe?
Some patrons find the prices to be on the higher side, especially with an often automatically included gratuity. There are also mentions of a rushed dining experience due to high demand, which can make some feel hurried during their meal.