Highlights
- Great coffee
oChef » Darren’s – San Francisco
Darren's - San Francisco
Photo from Darren’s
Darren's at a glance
San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf
- ☕ Café
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 144 of the guests
#265 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#14 Café out of 162 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
570
Reviews
87.5%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Attentive Service
- Quality Breakfast
- Pleasant Ambiance
Frequently criticized
- Pricey Items
- Rude Staff
- Small Space
The café Darren’s in San Francisco’s vibrant Fisherman’s Wharf neighborhood offers a delightful escape. You’ll discover a cozy and casual atmosphere perfect for enjoying a quick bite or a leisurely meal.
Renowned for its great coffee, it’s an ideal spot to start your day or recharge. With healthy options and small plates, there’s something for every palate.
Overview: Introducting Darren's
Darren’s offers a generally positive dining experience, with many guests appreciating the well-prepared food and the attentive service. The atmosphere also contributes to a pleasant visit, often described as clean and inviting.
However, some diners have noted concerns regarding the overall price point, finding certain items a bit steep. The restaurant’s small size and occasional issues with amenities like bathrooms have also been mentioned.
Excellent
8.5
out of 10
570
Reviews
87.5%
Satisfaction
47
negative
24
neutral
499
positive
Darren’s achieves a solid overall score of 8.5, reflecting a generally positive reception from diners. This is supported by a strong 87.5% customer satisfaction rate.
Out of 570 customer comments, there were 499 positive remarks compared to just 47 negative ones, indicating a largely favorable experience for most. Digging deeper, the Service (8.9) stands out as a particular strength, often described as friendly and attentive.
The Food (8.6) also receives high marks for its quality and variety. While the Ambience (8.2) contributes positively to the dining experience, the Value (6.4) is more of a mixed bag, suggesting some find it reasonable while others feel it could be better.
What people like
- Attentive Service
- Delicious Breakfast Options
- Inviting Atmosphere
What people don't like
- Value Concerns
- Occasional Service Rudeness
- Cramped Space
With a strong recommendation score of 8.6, Darren’s is generally a solid choice, particularly if you prioritize excellent service and a satisfying breakfast. It’s a place that gets many things right, making for a pleasant meal.
However, be mindful of the pricing, as some items might feel a bit steep, and the space can be a bit tight. If these aren’t major concerns for you, Darren’s is certainly worth considering for a reliable and enjoyable experience.
Similar Restaurants in San Francisco
- Café
9.1
out of 10
out of 10
80
98.8%
- $$
- Inner Sunset
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Café
9.1
out of 10
out of 10
336
94.6%
- $$
- West SoMa
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Café
9
out of 10
out of 10
282
95%
- $
- Potrero Hill
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Café
9
out of 10
out of 10
252
98%
- $$
- Visitacion Valley
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Café
8.9
out of 10
out of 10
367
93.2%
- $
- Outer Richmond
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Café
8.8
out of 10
out of 10
133
96.2%
- $
- Mount Davidson Manor
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
Verdict: Our expert take on Darren's
Food (8.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
When it comes to the food here, you're generally in for a treat! With a strong 8.6 score and a fantastic 89.9% customer satisfaction, the culinary experience is often described as good to excellent. Out of 337 opinions, a whopping 303 rave about dishes like the authentic Vietnamese Pho, fluffy pancakes, perfectly cooked eggs, and amazing country potatoes, highlighting the delicious variety available.
However, not every dish hits the mark for everyone, with 21 opinions noting some areas for improvement. A few found the Pho broth to be bland, while others mentioned dry pancakes or runny scrambled eggs. It seems consistency can be a slight issue, but these instances are relatively rare.
Food
337
Reviews
89%
Satisfaction
21
negative
13
neutral
303
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Pho
- Delicious Breakfast
- Generous Portions
What people don't like
- Bland Pho Broth
- Dry Pancakes
- Runny Eggs
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this little cafe, conveniently located right next to the water and Hotel Zephyr, was amazing. The people were great, and the food was great. I highly recommend checking it out and taking Kaylee’s recommendations for food; she was awesome!
- breakfastThe food was great, and the service was even better. It's a pleasant 20-minute walk from the cruise terminal (Pier 27), which is just the right amount of time to build up an appetite for their large and delicious breakfast. I highly recommend the French Toast Combo.
- French toastWe had the French toast with scrambled eggs and sausage and the pork vermicelli bowl. Both were great.
- pancakesThe service was great. The breakfast was so delicious that I returned for lunch. However, when I placed a to-go order, I'm pretty sure my order was wrong, and it did not taste good.
- PhoI ordered a Pho for lunch, and the sizing was massive. It was served hot with good portions of meat. The service was quick, friendly, and professional.
- coffeeawesome pancake combo with coffee
- fried riceate every morsel of the chow mein and fried rice we had ordered. So good.
- French Toast ComboIt's a pleasant 20-minute walk from the cruise terminal (Pier 27), which is just the right amount of time to build up an appetite for their large and delicious breakfast. I highly recommend the French Toast Combo.
- baconThe service was great. The breakfast was so delicious that I returned for lunch. However, when I placed a to-go order, I'm pretty sure my order was wrong, and it did not taste good.
- country potatoesThe country potatoes and sausage links were the best
Frequently criticized
- foodI remember the food being much better the previous time
- pancakesthe pancakes are flatter than the jokes told by the male host/server
- Applebee'sDon't go to Applebee's across the street, it sux.
- Phothe Pho was lackluster as the broth was bland
- baconOur bacon wasn't cooked all the way
- breakfast menuBreakfast menu is limited, especially if you don't eat eggs
- eggsThe eggs are as uninspired as a Monday morning
- flavorbut a bit disappointing in flavor
- fried egg sandwichpractically begged then to put hash brown inside when it came out was the tiniest of sandwiches
- moisturemore dryer as in moisture
If youre looking for a place with a diverse menu offering both delicious Vietnamese and American breakfast options, this spot is definitely worth a try. While a few dishes might occasionally miss the mark, the overwhelming positive feedback suggests youll likely leave satisfied and full.
Service (8.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 75% of the guests
The service here truly shines, with an impressive 8.9 score and an outstanding 91.3% customer satisfaction! Based on 136 positive comments, guests consistently praise the attentive service, friendly staff, and quick delivery, often highlighting the genuine hospitality that makes visits special. While overwhelmingly positive, a small number of 12 comments noted issues like rude staff or a bad attitude from some servers.
A few also mentioned a strict no substitutions policy, which could be a minor point of frustration for some diners.
Service
149
Reviews
91%
Satisfaction
12
negative
1
neutral
136
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Quick, efficient service
- Genuine hospitality
What people don't like
- Rude staff attitude
- Strict no substitutions
Often praised
- serviceWhat a brilliant find during our San Francisco adventures! We experienced great service and magnificent food at a fair price. The overall experience was fantastic, with top marks for food, service, and atmosphere.
- staffMy experience at this restaurant was positive. The establishment has been in business for quite a while, and much of the staff has remained working there, which I believe says a lot about the place. I had no problem with the food, and I'll remember to say no salt next time.
- serverour server my name for this review because it was so good
- ServiceBedienung sehr freundlich u aufmerksam
- peopleMy experience at this little cafe, conveniently located right next to the water and Hotel Zephyr, was amazing. The people were great, and the food was great. I highly recommend checking it out and taking Kaylee’s recommendations for food; she was awesome!
- hospitalitythank you Darren for your hospitality
- ownerowner is super friendly
- waitressextremely kind waitress and always with the smile
- Darrenfound out it was Darren himself! Thank you, Darren!
- Kaylee’s recommendationstake Kaylee’s recommendations for food, she was awesome!!
Frequently criticized
- servermeet the server who clearly missed the memo on hospitality
- attitudetheir attitude? Ruder than a pigeon stealing your bread
- bad attitudethey had bad attitude
- male hostThe food looked great, but then we met the server who clearly missed the memo on hospitality. The male host’s facial expressions could curdle milk, and their attitude? Ruder than a pigeon stealing your bread at the pier.
- no substitutionsThe only negative were no substitution
- peopleTHESE PEOPLE ARE DISRESPECTFUL
- reminded me many timesThey remindered me many times asking me to leave
- staffSHOCKING RUDE STAFF
- to go ordermy order was wrong; did not taste good
- waterhusband asked for water a few times before he got it
If youre looking for a place where youll feel genuinely welcomed and well-cared for, this spot is definitely worth a visit. Expect friendly, efficient service that makes your dining experience a breeze, though be aware of a few rare reports of less-than-stellar attitudes or strict substitution policies.
Ambience (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 33% of the guests
The ambience here is definitely a highlight, scoring a solid 8.2 and boasting a fantastic 83.7% customer satisfaction! Many of the 41 positive remarks praise the local place feel, great location, and the friendly and cozy atmosphere, whether youre enjoying the outdoor seating or the comfortable indoor options. It truly offers a welcoming vibe that guests love, often noting its cleanliness and quiet noise level.
However, its not entirely without its quirks, with 4 negative comments noting some minor issues. A few guests found the tables a bit cramped and mentioned the restaurant size being on the smaller side. There were also mentions of the street location being less than ideal and a lack of accessible bathrooms, which could be a dealbreaker for some.
Ambience
49
Reviews
83%
Satisfaction
4
negative
4
neutral
41
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy local vibe
- Excellent location
- Flexible seating options
What people don't like
- Cramped tables
- Small restaurant size
- No available bathrooms
Often praised
- atmosphereThe atmosphere also received a perfect 5/5
- locationAnd location is very good.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- cleanlinessEverything is nice and clean
- restaurantthe restaurant is very nice and quaint
- AmbianceAmbiance was great
- Eating outsideEverything was well seasoned and cooked to order. Eating outside is especially nice if you can grab a table. A line does form, but they move quickly and efficiently!
- FeelingAber das gehört zum feeling dort finde ich
- authenticityIt’s got that quiet hum of authenticity
- cool nameCool place because of the name
Frequently criticized
- bathroomsI had a great breakfast at this little place. However, there were no bathrooms available as far as I could tell. The service was a bit off; I asked for water and coffee and only received coffee.
- restaurant sizeRestaurant is kinda small though
- streetThe food was good, with zero complaints, and the coffee was also good, with my cup kept full. However, the restaurant itself is quite small and located on a sketchy street. For two people, the bill came to $45.
- tablesThe tables were a bit cramped
If youre looking for a spot with a great local vibe and a cozy atmosphere, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared for a potentially smaller space and perhaps check on bathroom availability if thats a concern for you.
Value (6.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 24% of the guests
Many guests appreciate the value here, often noting reasonably priced meals and good value for their money. Some even found smart price options and discounts available. With 19 positive remarks out of 35 total comments, its clear a good portion of diners feel they get a fair deal.
On the flip side, 10 negative comments highlight concerns about feeling way overpriced or expensive for the quality. Specific issues included being charged for avocado and unexpected 20% tips'. The value aspect currently holds an average score of 6.4 with a mixed customer satisfaction of 54.3%, indicating a need for more consistent pricing.
Value
35
Reviews
54%
Satisfaction
10
negative
6
neutral
19
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable prices
- Good value
- Available discounts
What people don't like
- Can be overpriced
- Unexpected tip charges
- Extra avocado cost
Often praised
- pricesPrices are reasonable especially considering it is in the heart of a tourist area
- priceWhat a brilliant find during our San Francisco adventures! We experienced great service and magnificent food at a fair price. The overall experience was fantastic, with top marks for food, service, and atmosphere.
- valueMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's a great brunch cafe that offers good value for your buck. I ordered a Pho for lunch, and the sizing was massive.
- Pricereasonably priced for the area
- cheapCheap
- discountYou also get a discount on the aquarium and possibly other things by using their code.
- reasonableis reasonable
- reasonable pricesat reasonable prices
- reasonably pricedWe've eaten breakfast here a few times and now it is our go-to. The food was great, the service was excellent, and it was reasonably priced. We highly recommend this place!
- reasonably priced mealsMy experience at this restaurant was marked by great food and coffee. It's a little place that offers reasonably priced meals. My only wish is that they would open for dinner!
Frequently criticized
- price20.00 for something you get at Denny's for 7.00
- foodthe food felt a little too expensive...
- 20% tipscharged 20% tips showing on receipt
- charged for avocadogot charged for avocado
- moneyDON'T WASTE YOUR MONEY THERE
- pricesmost OVERPRICED SUBPAR breakfast
- way overpricedMy experience at this restaurant was primarily driven by its cool name. However, the price was way overpriced. I paid $20.
When considering value, this place offers a bit of a mixed experience. While many find the prices fair and portions generous, others feel it can be a bit steep for whats offered. If youre seeking a good deal, you might find it, but be mindful of potential extra charges.
How are the prices at Darren's?
You’re looking at roughly 23 per person – reported by 144 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Cafe, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average hovers around 23 $, it’s interesting to note that the largest group of diners (89 of them!) actually spent a bit less, in the $11–$20 range. However, a solid 37 guests were right in that $21–$30 sweet spot. This shows a nice spread, offering options for different budgets, with some folks opting for a slightly more premium experience.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 144 reviews.
How this Cafe’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering it’s a Cafe in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers a good balance, catering to those looking for a quick, affordable bite and also those willing to spend a little more for a fuller experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Darren's
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Great Brunch Cafe with Massive Pho!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's a great brunch cafe that offers good value for your buck. I ordered a Pho for lunch, and the sizing was massive.
It was served hot with good portions of meat. The service was quick, friendly, and professional. I would highly recommend this location.
- value9
- Pho10
- service9
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
9
Warm Morning Spot with Friendly Staff
My experience at this restaurant was great, especially when I wanted something warm in the morning. The staff were very friendly and even went the extra mile to refill my tea.
- warm morning9
- staff10
- tea refill9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Great Spot for Breakfast and Lunch!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's a great spot for breakfast and lunch, located in an unassuming place. The service was super friendly, and the food was very tasty.
The menu offers all the basic American breakfast options, and for lunch and dinner, they have Vietnamese items like pho and fried rice. Most importantly, the hospitality was A+!
- food9
- service10
- hospitality10
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
9
Darren's Cafe: Friendly and Tasty
My experience at Darren's Cafe in San Francisco was very positive. The food was tasty and served quickly. The prices were reasonable, and the staff was super friendly, creating a welcoming atmosphere.
I would definitely come back.
- food9
- prices8
- staff10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Excellent Breakfast, Fast Service!
My experience at Darren's Cafe was fantastic for breakfast. I arrived right when they opened and was impressed by the friendly and incredibly fast service. We were in and out in about 20 minutes.
The French toast was very good and the eggs were cooked perfectly. With a very large menu, I would recommend stopping here if you're looking for breakfast in the area. I only included pictures of breakfast as that was what I was there for.
- service10
- French toast8
- eggs9
What Darren's offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What dining options and atmosphere can you expect at Darren's Café?
At Darren’s Café, you can enjoy a cozy and casual atmosphere perfect for any meal. They offer breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, along with delicious desserts. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite, healthy options, or small plates, you’ll find comfortable seating and table service available.
Is Darren's Café accessible and family-friendly, and what service options are available?
Yes, Darren’s Café is wheelchair accessible with both an accessible entrance and seating. It’s also good for kids, providing high chairs for your little ones. You have the flexibility of outdoor seating, dine-in service, or convenient takeout options to suit your plans.
What is the overall rating for Darren's?
Darren’s holds a strong overall score of 8.5 with 87.5% customer satisfaction. Service (8.9) and Food (8.6) are highly rated, followed by Ambience (8.2), while Value (6.4) is considered average.
What kind of food can I expect at Darren's?
Many guests praise the breakfast options, including French toast and country potatoes. While Pho is available, some found it bland, and there were mixed opinions on pancakes.
Is the service at Darren's consistently good?
The service at Darren’s is generally highly regarded, with many positive comments about the staff and their attentiveness. However, a few experiences mention instances of rude staff or a bad attitude.