Highlights
- Great dessert
- Sports
- Great coffee
- Great tea selection
oChef » Kitchen Story – San Francisco
Kitchen Story - San Francisco
Photo from Kitchen Story
Kitchen Story at a glance
San Francisco Duboce Triangle
- 🍔 American Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 153 of the guests
#1459 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#80 American Restaurant out of 121 in San Francisco
Good
7.2 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
864
Reviews
68.5%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Brunch items
- Charming vibe
- Attentive staff
Frequently criticized
- High cost
- Hidden gratuity
- Service inconsistency
The American restaurant Kitchen Story in San Francisco’s vibrant Duboce Triangle neighborhood invites you to a memorable culinary journey. You will discover a cozy, casual, and trendy spot known for its truly great dessert selection.
Whether you are seeking a hearty brunch or a delightful dinner, this establishment offers a welcoming atmosphere where you can enjoy delicious meals and excellent coffee.
Overview: Introducting Kitchen Story
Kitchen Story offers a compelling brunch experience, often highlighted for its standout dishes like the Million Dollar Bacon and delightful French toast. Many appreciate the overall culinary offerings, finding the flavors and portions quite satisfying.
However, be prepared for potential challenges. While the atmosphere can be quite pleasant, some find the environment a bit loud or the parking difficult.
Service experiences also vary, with some guests noting a rushed feeling during their visit.
Good
7.2
out of 10
864
Reviews
68.5%
Satisfaction
208
negative
64
neutral
592
positive
Kitchen Story holds a respectable overall score of 7.2, indicating a generally good dining experience. However, customer satisfaction sits at a more mixed 68.5%, suggesting some guests leave less impressed than others.
This contrast points to areas where experiences can vary significantly, despite the solid general rating. These insights are drawn from over 800 customer observations.
Diving deeper, the Food truly shines with a score of (7.8), frequently praised in nearly 600 positive comments. Ambience (6.8) and Service (6.4) are considered average, with service receiving a notable number of critical remarks.
The primary concern appears to be Value (3.5), which customers often find disappointing, as reflected in its low score and fewer positive remarks.
What people like
- Exceptional brunch items
- Charming atmosphere
- Attentive staff
What people don't like
- High overall cost
- Hidden gratuity
- Inconsistent service
If you prioritize a memorable meal, particularly for brunch, Kitchen Story is likely to deliver. With a recommendation score of 7.5, it suggests that many find the culinary offerings alone make a visit worthwhile, especially if you’re keen on specific, well-regarded dishes.
However, be mindful of the potential for a less-than-stellar experience regarding cost and service consistency. If you’re prepared for these trade-offs and focus on the food, you’ll likely have a good time.
Otherwise, you might find the overall value proposition a bit challenging.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Kitchen Story
Food (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark with a 7.8 score and a 77.5% customer satisfaction, both indicating a good experience. Out of 516 total opinions, a whopping 400 rave about the delicious offerings. Many folks cant stop talking about the amazing millionaire bacon, the indulgent deep fried French toast, and the large portions that leave you feeling satisfied and full.
However, its not all perfect, with 76 negative comments highlighting some areas for improvement. A common theme is the food sweetness, which some find overwhelming, and a few mention inconsistent quality for certain dishes like the crab Benedict. There were also concerning reports of a foreign object found in food, which is definitely a dealbreaker for some.
Food
516
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
76
negative
40
neutral
400
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Millionaire bacon
- Deep fried French toast
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Excessive sweetness
- Inconsistent quality
- Foreign object found
Often praised
- foodThe only downside is that they don’t take reservations on weekends, so be prepared for a wait. But trust me, if you have the patience, the food will absolutely be worth it. My personal favorite is the French toast with their famous Million Dollar Bacon—it’s an absolute must-try.
- baconThey have excellent service, an excellent atmosphere, and the food is excellent. I recommend the bacon, folks. If you go here, the bacon and mimosas are excellent!
- breakfastMy experience at this restaurant was one of the best breakfasts I've had in a long time. The bacon was extremely delicious and I definitely recommend getting the flight.
- coffeeWhile they offer bottomless mimosas, just a heads-up: it comes with plenty of warnings about overindulgence, so pace yourself if you decide to give them a try! We opted for coffee and fresh juice, both of which hit the spot. It’s a place I’d happily return to, not just for the food but for the overall experience.
- FoodFood:5
- drinksHowever, despite the large menu and the elevated presentation of dishes, I felt the food lacked a certain amount of flavor. Overall, I’d definitely go back for the drinks and the vibe, and I'm keen to try other menu items!
- millionaire's baconThe millionaire's bacon, a thick cut with a thin layer of sugar, offered a perfect balance of sweetness and savory meat.
- brunchMy experience at Kitchen Story was fantastic! They hands down have the best brunch in the city. The only downside is that they don’t take reservations on weekends, so be prepared for a wait.
- pancakesThe Benedicts, pancakes and French toast will keep getting me back
- potatoesthe potatoes were some of the best we ever had
Frequently criticized
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing. Despite closing at 2: 30 PM, I felt rushed and received bad food and service starting at 2: 00 PM.
- French toastThe French toast was stuffed with sweet whipped cream honestly it made me feel sick
- burgerthe burger tasted horrible
- cocktail menuAn awkward cocktail menu, with wildly colorful drinks that you’d already have to be drunk to want to order
- eggserving egg to a vegan person was okay
- hotcakesdon’t feel all the way cooked?? I prefer fluffier pancakes
- mascarponeI did not expect so much mascarpone in the middle
- potatoesThe French toast was described as being like an Indian malpua dessert on steroids, so much so that even with a sweet tooth, I couldn't finish it. My partner's Benedict was just okay, and the potatoes were soft instead of crisp. Overall, it was an okay experience, and I had more expectations.
- American CuisineEverything I hate about ‘American Cuisine’ exists here
- Athens omelettebarely had any taste and smelled weird
If youre looking for a brunch spot with standout dishes like their famous millionaire bacon and generous portions, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be mindful if youre sensitive to very sweet flavors or prefer a more consistent experience across all menu items.
Service (6.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 73% of the guests
When it comes to service, there's definitely a lot to appreciate, with 113 positive remarks out of 191 total. Guests frequently rave about friendly service, fast delivery, and attentive staff, often mentioning quick seating and no wait times. Many found the servers to be kind, offering good recommendations and ensuring food and drinks came out quickly.
On the flip side, there are 68 negative comments that point to areas needing improvement, contributing to an average score of 6.4 and a mixed customer satisfaction of 59.2%. Some diners experienced long wait times, rude staff, and felt ignored, leading to an overall feeling of slow service. Issues ranged from servers forgetting orders to disorganized seating and staff being impatient or in a rush.
Service
191
Reviews
59%
Satisfaction
68
negative
10
neutral
113
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, kind staff
- Fast, attentive service
- Quick seating, no wait
What people don't like
- Long, disorganized waits
- Rude, inattentive staff
- Slow food delivery
Often praised
- serviceFor my Spanish-speaking friends, I want to recommend this place. They have excellent service, an excellent atmosphere, and the food is excellent. I recommend the bacon, folks.
- staffeverything from the staff all the way down to the food was nothing short of AMAZING!
- ServiceThe food is absolutely delicious, and I highly recommend trying it. The service was also great, and the atmosphere was enjoyable.
- waitI sat at the bar, and the lovely ladies were wonderful. Although it's small, it's well worth the wait if you have a larger party.
- seatingKitchen Story is a solid brunch spot in SF. We went around 1 PM without a reservation and got seated right away. The cocktails were good, and the coffee was excellent.
- foodthe food came out fast as well
- no waitthere was no wait, which made the experience even better
- serverNelson our server was very tentative
- serversthe servers were still attentive despite the rush
- waiting timeexpect a waiting time of about 15-30 minutes, but rest assured, it's worth every minute
Frequently criticized
- serviceThey then proceeded to laugh about it in Thai with a coworker right in front of me. As an Asian customer, I found this behavior extremely unprofessional and disrespectful. While the food quality was good (rated 4/4) and the atmosphere was pleasant (rated 4/4), the service significantly detracted from the overall experience.
- staffWhy you are allowing the staff screaming at your customers?!
- waitThey hands down have the best brunch in the city. The only downside is that they don’t take reservations on weekends, so be prepared for a wait. But trust me, if you have the patience, the food will absolutely be worth it.
- serverwas in a hurry and seemed not to like answering questions.
- serversWhile the food is good, it hasn't justified the $30 price for an egg Benedict; the quality hasn't kept pace with the price increase. Additionally, the service is lacking; the servers rush you to place your order.
- BAD SERVICEBAD SERVICE -
- Englishcomplicated English
- TERRIBLE SERVICEGood food TERRIBLE SERVICE.
- accidentYou do not keep serving alcohol to drunk people. Your license will be removed and you could be liable if any drunk leaves there and has an accident. If it were me, I would charge back the $50.
- attentionwe couldn't get their attention
The service here can be a bit of a gamble. If youre lucky, youll enjoy friendly, fast, and attentive care, but be prepared for potential long waits or less-than-stellar interactions, especially during busy periods.
Ambience (6.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 54% of the guests
The atmosphere here generally hits the mark, with a score of 6.8 indicating a good experience for many. Guests frequently praise the great vibes, cozy place, and charming ambiance, often highlighting the cute outdoor space and nice view. With 75 positive remarks out of 116 total, it seems many find the setting quite enjoyable.
However, the customer satisfaction of 64.7% suggests a mixed bag, with 33 negative comments pointing to some issues. Common complaints include loud music and a noisy environment, making it hard to have a conversation. Some also found indoor seating too stuffy or tables close together, and parking can be a challenge.
Ambience
116
Reviews
64%
Satisfaction
33
negative
8
neutral
75
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great vibes
- Cozy atmosphere
- Outdoor space
What people don't like
- Loud music
- Hard to converse
- Difficult parking
Often praised
- atmosphereAs an Asian customer, I found this behavior extremely unprofessional and disrespectful. While the food quality was good (rated 4/4) and the atmosphere was pleasant (rated 4/4), the service significantly detracted from the overall experience. I will not be returning.
- AtmosphereThe food is absolutely delicious, and I highly recommend trying it. The service was also great, and the atmosphere was enjoyable.
- experienceMy personal favorite is the French toast with their famous Million Dollar Bacon—it’s an absolute must-try. The flavors and portions are fantastic, and the whole experience makes it worth coming back again and again. Definitely a brunch spot you don’t want to miss!
- vibeThe place has a great vibe to it
- parkingthe parking was actually very easy
- placeThe place is cute and quaint.
- ambianceQuaint ambiance
- book cafe themeThey really went with a book cafe theme. It was very charming.
- casual biteA great spot for a casual bite
- charming ambianceseeking a charming ambiance
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereI always tip, but the way it was handled, especially with the rushed service during the meal, was unacceptable. The atmosphere received a 1 out of 5, indicating a poor experience in that regard.
- parkingDifficult to find parking
- Parking spaceParking space:Difficult to find parking
- indoor seatingWhile the outdoor seating was a bit chilly, the heaters made it cozy enough to enjoy. We found the indoor seating too stuffy for our liking, but that’s easily overlooked when the food steals the show. We started with the millionaire bacon flight and fresco Benedict, which were packed with rich, savory flavors.
- loudit was loud, we had to shout to each other
- Dance musicDance music blaring loudly and continuously
- ParkingThis place welcomes all! Parking is difficult though, but it is well worth the time and wait.
- busyIt gets very busy
- conversationhard to have a conversation
- doors openit was very cold with both doors open
If youre seeking a place with a good vibe and charming decor, its worth a visit. However, be prepared for a lively, sometimes noisy atmosphere, and potential parking challenges. It's great for a fun outing, but perhaps not for a quiet, intimate chat.
Value (3.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 20% of the guests
When it comes to value, some guests have found delightful surprises, especially with their bottomless mimosas and generous plate sizes, offering good value for the price. With an impressive customer satisfaction of 9.8, it seems many leave happy, even if only 4 positive comments specifically praised the pricing. However, the overall score for value sits at a rather poor 3.5, largely due to a significant number of concerns.
Many of the 31 negative remarks highlight the price as expensive or very pricey, with issues like city surcharge and automatic gratuity often leading to a feeling of a dishonest way of doing business.
Value
41
Reviews
9%
Satisfaction
31
negative
6
neutral
4
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Bottomless mimosas deal
- Generous plate portions
What people don't like
- High menu prices
- Unexpected surcharges
- Automatic gratuity issues
Often praised
- bottomless mimosasbest deals on bottomless mimosas at only around $25/pp
- plate$25 for the plate, it’s good for 2 girls to share.
- pricesDecent prices
- valueMy favorite place for breakfast! I experienced nice portions and good value. I recommend the Big Haas omelette.
Frequently criticized
- priceMy experience at the restaurant was mixed. The breakfast was good, but I found it to be overpriced. Specifically, the French toast was not enjoyable as it seemed to be too much bread.
- pricesit was way expensive it cost nearly $100 with taxes for 2 people
- $50.00charge back the $50.00 on my card.
- 20% tipthey automatically add a 20% tip
- Parking optionsParking options:Paid street parking
- alcohol upsellthe cocktail menu in front of customers on an early Monday morning lunch to get that sweet alcohol upsell
- automatic gratuityWhile writing this review, I do see that it's mentioned on the bottom of the menu that gratuity is charged automatically for parties of five or more, but our server never made us aware of this. Having an automatic gratuity of 20% without mentioning it from the outset of the meal is already pretty high, but having another tipping line at the bottom of the receipt is ridiculous and caused our party to think that gratuity wasn't already included in the bill. I get that food is expensive in SF, but that shouldn't allow restaurants like this to automatically charge gratuity without informing the people paying the bill while still including a place for you to write an extra tip in at the bottom.
- billask for even more
- brunch spotOn the expensive side for what is an average brunch spot.
- chargeCharge $50.00 if someone pukes there?
If youre looking for a great deal on bottomless mimosas or generous portions, you might find some good value here. However, be prepared for potentially high prices, various surcharges, and automatic gratuity that could make the overall bill feel quite steep. Its a place where you might love the experience but question the cost.
How are the prices at Kitchen Story?
You’re looking at roughly 36 per person – reported by 153 diners. That puts it in the $31–$40 category. For an American Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average is 36, its interesting to see that most guests actually spend a bit less, clustering around the $21–$30 mark. However, theres also a good mix of diners enjoying a more premium experience, pushing the average up.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 153 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for an American Restaurant in San Francisco. It offers options for a solid mid-range meal, with flexibility for those looking to spend a little less or indulge a bit more.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Kitchen Story
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Huge Portions and Great Bloody Mary!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! The Millionaire's bacon was a standout, pairing perfectly with everything, especially the bloody mary. The portions were huge, so definitely come hungry.
The food, service, and atmosphere all received a perfect 5/5 rating.
- Millionaire's bacon10
- bloody mary10
- portions9
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
1
Dangerous food discovery, disappointing experience
I had a very disappointing experience at this restaurant. I found a staple/small piece of metal wire in my food, which resulted in me getting stabbed in my throat, tongue and cheek. The server was kind and offered to remake the food, but I no longer trusted the kitchen and decided to leave.
This was particularly upsetting as this was my go-to omurice place. I'm giving an extra star solely for the server's kindness.
- server's kindness5
- metal wire1
- throat, tongue and cheek1
- kitchen2
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Amazing Experience, All is Well!
I am very satisfied to having this experience at the restaurant. All is well, and I am very happy to see this amazing place. 😍
- experience9
- place10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Generous Portions and Friendly Service
My experience at the restaurant was quite positive. The brunch menu was extensive, and I ordered the omurice rice while my friend had the smoked salmon omelette. Both dishes were substantial, packed with protein and served with a huge helping of potatoes, including both regular and sweet varieties.
I thoroughly enjoyed my meal. The portions are so generous that you could easily split them into two meals with a little self-control, otherwise, be prepared to feel very full! The service was friendly as well.
- brunch menu8
- omurice rice8
- smoked salmon omelette8
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Anniversary Breakfast Delight!
Came here after stopping by Sweet Maple and seeing their long line. This spot's menu is somewhat identical to Sweet Maple, so my wife and I decided it would do for our 10th Anniversary breakfast. We joined the waitlist found directly outside of the entrance.
It took less than 5 minutes to wait, and we were seated. The place is cute and quaint. I love the host(ess) that sat us because the walk they had was to die for!
Our waiter, Ae (nickname he gave us), was warm, welcoming, and knowledgeable. He helped us make some great food choices. All food came out fully cooked and hot.
I had the Ricotta pancakes meal and my wife enjoyed the omelet meal (2nd omelet from the bottom). We both loved everything. My wife never had matcha tea, so I ordered her the Iced Strawberry Matcha Latte.
She thoroughly enjoyed that. I had the Perfect Hot Chocolate with DAIRY FREE whip cream (Yes, they have this. I haven't had whip cream in years because I'm lactose-free.
It was so so so good lol. I did not need to add anything. This place welcomes all!
Parking is difficult though, but it is well worth the time and wait.
- host(ess)10
- waiter Ae10
- food10
- Parking3
What Kitchen Story offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Brunch reservations recommended
- Lunch reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Transgender safespace
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- College students
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Hard liquor
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Organic dishes
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What dining options and atmosphere can you find at Kitchen Story?
At Kitchen Story, you can enjoy a range of dining experiences from breakfast and brunch to lunch, dinner, and dessert. The atmosphere is described as cozy, casual, and trendy, providing a comfortable setting for your meal.
Does Kitchen Story offer healthy or vegetarian choices, and what are the service options?
Yes, Kitchen Story provides healthy options, organic dishes, and vegetarian choices to cater to diverse preferences. For your convenience, service options include outdoor seating, dine-in, takeout, and delivery.
How does Kitchen Story generally perform according to customer feedback?
Kitchen Story holds a good overall score of 7.2, with customer satisfaction at a mixed 68.5%. While Food scores well at (7.8), Ambience (6.8) and Service (6.4) are average, and Value (3.5) is a notable concern.
What specific dishes are highly recommended at Kitchen Story?
Many customers praise the Million Dollar Bacon and the French toast as standout items. The brunch menu, including pancakes and potatoes, also receives frequent positive mentions for its flavors and portions.
What are the main drawbacks customers experience regarding value and service?
Customers frequently mention high prices and issues with automatic gratuity as significant value concerns. Regarding service, some report experiences of rushed interactions or inconsistent attentiveness from the staff.