Highlights
- Great coffee
oChef » Early To Rise – San Francisco
Early To Rise - San Francisco
Photo from Early To Rise
Early To Rise at a glance
San Francisco North of Panhandle
- 🍽️ Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 93 of the guests
#1389 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#157 Restaurant out of 254 in San Francisco
Good
7.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
604
Reviews
68.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Pleasant atmosphere
- Kind staff
Frequently criticized
- Long waits
- High prices
- Loud environment
The restaurant Early To Rise in San Francisco’s vibrant North of Panhandle neighborhood offers a delightful culinary escape. You’ll discover a cozy and casual spot perfect for starting your day, known for its great coffee.
This trendy eatery, officially known as Early To Rise, Scratch Made Brunch, provides a welcoming atmosphere where you can enjoy scratch-made dishes, whether you’re dining in, grabbing takeout, or opting for delivery. It’s a fantastic choice for a relaxed meal.
Overview: Introducting Early To Rise
Early To Rise offers a bright and airy atmosphere that many find appealing for brunch, often described as a chic modern diner. Guests frequently praise the quality of the food, noting fresh ingredients and well-prepared dishes that make for a satisfying meal.
However, the experience isn’t always seamless. While the staff is often friendly, some visitors have noted issues with wait time and service efficiency, particularly during peak hours.
It’s a place with definite strengths, but also some areas that could be smoother.
Good
7.3
out of 10
604
Reviews
68.9%
Satisfaction
136
negative
52
neutral
416
positive
Overall, Early To Rise earns a solid 7.3 on our scale, indicating a generally good dining experience. Customer satisfaction, however, sits at 68.9%, suggesting a mixed reception where some guests leave very pleased, while others find room for improvement.
This assessment is drawn from over 600 customer observations, with 416 positive remarks outweighing 136 negative ones. Looking closer, the Food (7.5) stands out as a strong point, frequently praised for its quality and preparation.
The Ambience (7.9) also scores well, contributing positively to the dining environment. However, Service (6.5) is more of an average performer, and Value (4.4) is perceived as a weaker area, with some guests feeling the pricing doesn’t always align with the overall experience.
What people like
- Delicious, fresh food
- Bright, airy atmosphere
- Attentive, kind staff
What people don't like
- Long, slow waits
- Perceived high prices
- Loud, crowded space
Early To Rise presents a compelling brunch option, particularly if you prioritize quality food and a pleasant, modern atmosphere. With a 7.5 recommendation score, it’s generally well-regarded, especially for those seeking fresh, well-prepared dishes in a vibrant setting.
However, be prepared for potential wait times and a bustling environment, which can sometimes impact the overall experience. If you’re seeking a quiet, budget-friendly meal, this might not be your first choice.
For a lively brunch with good eats, it’s certainly worth considering.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Early To Rise
Food (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
The food here generally hits the mark, earning a good score of 7.5 with customer satisfaction sitting at a good 72.5%. Many rave about the delicious house-made donuts, amazing strawberry pancakes, and standout shrimp and grits. The eggs Benedict also receives high praise for its quality and preparation, making for a truly satisfying meal.
However, not every dish is a winner, as noted in 73 negative comments among 389 total. Some found the bagels tough and chewy, while the coffee occasionally missed the mark. There were also mentions of rubbery English muffins and bland grits, suggesting some inconsistencies in execution.
Food
389
Reviews
72%
Satisfaction
73
negative
34
neutral
282
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious donuts
- Amazing shrimp & grits
- Quality ingredients
What people don't like
- Tough bagels
- Bad coffee
- Rubbery English muffins
Often praised
- foodI came here for my birthday brunch with a couple of friends and had a wonderful experience. You can tell all of the food is made fresh, and the portion sizes were pretty good, leaving us all stuffed! The pancakes were fluffy and sweet, and what stood out the most among the savory options were the eggs Benedict.
- donutsTheir lox bagels and donuts cannot be missed!!! AMAZING!!!!
- eggs BenedictGot eggs Benedict with ham and spinach. Brown butter hollandaise-unbelievable!
- coffeeThe coffee was delicious
- strawberry pancakesWe ordered a bagel, strawberry pancakes, and a donut. The dishes were all tasty, but the pancake size is huge. I’d recommend sharing it with someone else when you’re not going alone.
- FoodFood:5
- hash brownshash browns well done and they were crispy delightfulness.
- shrimp and gritsshrimp and grits that was absolutely delicious
- BLTtried their new BLT that was just added to the menu and was equally as impressed
- french toastTheir french toast is another awesome creation
Frequently criticized
- foodThe food was alright, but given the high price and limited menu selection, we definitely expected better. I will not be returning and suggest looking for one of the countless better brunch spots in SF that are better run with more worthwhile food.
- Eggs BenedictI’d reconsider ordering the Eggs Benedict. iIt’s basic, lacks flavor
- English muffinEnglish muffin hard as a havaiana sandal and tasting like one too
- coffeeI got the challah French toast with ricotta and really loved it! Oh, I will say their coffee is apparently really bad (I didn’t try it, but my partner and our other friend thought so). Definitely would come back.
- baconMost of our bacon was over cooked
- bagelI find the bagel a bit on the tough side
- bagelsThe bagels for the bagel sandwiches in particular were very chewy and tough on the outside.
- gritsthe grits were a bit uninspired — they were pretty bland
- hash brownsdisappointed they did not give me what I asked for
- Bloody MaryBloody Mary was super spicy
If you're looking for a brunch spot with some truly delicious highlights like their famous donuts and flavorful shrimp and grits, this place is worth a visit. Just be mindful that some items, like the bagels or coffee, might not always live up to the same high standard.
Service (6.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 69% of the guests
Lets talk service! Overall, its a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 6.5 putting it in the average range, and customer satisfaction at 55.5%, indicating a mixed experience. Out of 119 comments, 66 highlight the positives, with many guests praising the friendly staff and attentive servers.
You'll often find great service here, with personal touches from the team. On the flip side, 40 comments point to areas needing improvement. Guests frequently mention long wait times and slow service, especially when the restaurant is packed.
Some also found the instructions from the host or manager to be unclear, leading to a less-than-smooth experience.
Service
119
Reviews
55%
Satisfaction
40
negative
13
neutral
66
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Attentive servers
- Personal attention
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Slow service
- Manager issues
Often praised
- serviceI might return just for the salad entree with delicata squash. The service was friendly and attentive, though they did forget our drinks. I imagine this place is hopping for weekend brunch; we didn't need reservations and found easy street parking, but I bet it's different on a weekend or holiday.
- staffWhile the bagel and lox was truly amazing, the overall experience was somewhat diminished by the long wait of 30 minutes, even with a reservation. The service was good and the staff was kind, which was a positive aspect. However, beyond the standout bagel and lox, the other food items were just 'fine, ' leaving me with a sense of 'idk.
- ServiceService was great
- Chef AndrewChef Andrew and his team are the absolute best!
- serverOur server was very attentive
- serversMy party of 8 people waited 1 hour and 30 minutes outside. The host did a great job keeping our group together, and the servers were so nice and fun. The food was also good!
- waitThis spot is a can't miss. On Mondays there's not much of a wait!
- wait staffi don’t know how the wait staff was able to stay on top of everyone
- wait timeNo wait
- Juliothanks to the Bartender/server Julio for all the conversation and information
Frequently criticized
- serviceIt seems the restaurant prioritizes filling seats over taking care of individual customers. Given San Francisco's limited breakfast options, this place will never be an option for me due to its terrible service.
- waitMy experience at this restaurant involved a bit of a wait and somewhat slow service, especially considering how packed it was. However, the food was very good.
- managerthe lady manager comes and tells us she has another party of 7 waiting and thanks us for coming, and stands there watching us to take our leave!
- wait timehostess said it would be 40-45 minutes. Eventually, I grabbed a coffee across the street while I waited.
- waiting timeI think they forgot to call us, so we waited for 45 minutes. But once we went inside, the food was amazing!
- hostessthe instruction from the hostess was unclear
- staffthe staff here - from the moment you put your name in, to the moment you pay your check - is a bit tense
- callsthey dont answer calls
- customer satisfactioncustomer satisfaction and safety is not their priority
- drinksforgot our drinks
If youre patient and visit during off-peak hours, youll likely enjoy the genuinely friendly and attentive staff. However, be prepared for potentially long waits and slower service, which can be a dealbreaker if you're in a hurry.
Ambience (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 52% of the guests
The ambience here truly shines, earning a 7.9 score and contributing to a strong 83.3% customer satisfaction. Guests frequently praise the bright, modern setting and great views, often calling it a neighborhood gem with cozy vibes and beautiful decor. With 65 positive remarks among 78 total, its clear many find the atmosphere warm and welcoming.
However, not everyone finds it perfectly serene. Some of the 11 negative comments point to significant noise level issues, especially when crowds gather, making it loud and sometimes uncomfortable. This can occasionally detract from the overall dining experience, ' particularly for those seeking a quieter meal.
Ambience
78
Reviews
83%
Satisfaction
11
negative
2
neutral
65
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Bright, modern setting
- Warm, welcoming vibes
- Beautiful decor
What people don't like
- High noise level
- Overwhelming crowds
- Uncomfortable dining
Often praised
- atmosphereEarly to Rise is like if a chic modern diner and SF brunch culture had a baby—with excellent taste and zero chill on weekends. Nestled in the NoPa neighborhood, this place is bright, airy, and absolutely not messing around when it comes to brunch. The staff?
- spaceLight airy space that easily allowed for conversation
- vibesClean and cutsey vibes
- placeAll the food was very good! The service was amazing, and it's a nice place. I especially loved the eggs benedict and the chips.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- neighborhood gemThis is def a neighborhood gem
- vibethe vibe was laid-back and cozy
- Early To RiseEarly To Rise is a rising star
- Noise levelNoise level:Quiet, easy to talk
- aestheticthe restaurant is beautifully aesthetic
Frequently criticized
- atmospherewe felt uncomfortable and left, souring the experience of the meal
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:2
- Noise levelNoise level:Very loud, hard to hear
- crowdsThe crowds? Absolutely feral by 10 a.m.
- dining experiencemake the dining experience a little less pleasant and comfortable
- loudI ordered the shrimp and grits, which was "delicious. " It’s a bit loud, so it's not the place for a chill brunch.
- noise levelNoise level:Very loud, hard to hear
- toiletsThe toilets were very dirty and the toilet did not have a handle
If you're looking for a vibrant, aesthetically pleasing spot with a lively buzz, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be prepared for potential crowds and a higher noise level, especially during peak hours, which might not suit a quiet, intimate gathering.
Value (4.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 15% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot presents a bit of a puzzle. While a few folks found the prices to be quite reasonable, especially for the quality and location, and even unbeatable for what you get, the overall sentiment is a bit more cautious. With a score of 4.4, it hovers around average, suggesting its not a standout in this department.
However, the customer satisfaction for value is quite low at 16.7%, indicating significant room for improvement. Many of the 12 negative remarks (compared to just 3 positive ones out of 18 total comments) point to the experience being overpriced or on the pricier side, especially once extras are added. The mention of high pricing and even a $5 mandate' on the bill certainly raises eyebrows.
Value
18
Reviews
16%
Satisfaction
12
negative
3
neutral
3
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Unbeatable price for quality
- Reasonable prices
What people don't like
- Extremely overpriced
- Extras inflate cost
- Mandatory fees added
Often praised
- PricesDelicious and addicting. Prices are very reasonable for the wonderful staff, house made food and ingredients. Understandable there’s always a line here during the weekend so go during the week day instead.
- priceWe can highly recommend them, and I'm certain anything on their menu is great. It's worth noting that for the quality of the food you're getting, the price is unbeatable. Your average brunch place will only be a few dollars less per plate, but nowhere near as fine.
- pricesprices were very good for San Francisco.
Frequently criticized
- priceThe food was good, and the service was also good. However, I'm not sure I would wait in a long line for this place, especially considering there are many other brunch spots available for a fraction of the price and without the queues. We were fortunate to have made reservations, but if I had to endure the wait like everyone else, I would have chosen a different venue.
- $5 mandateThey add 5$ mandate to bill and add taxes after
- extrasonce you add extras, the price becomes ridiculous
- overratedI found it to be overrated
- pricier sideMy experience at this restaurant was for brunch. While the food was generally solid and made with fresh ingredients, it was a bit on the pricier side. The menu didn't offer many creative dishes, but it delivered good comfort brunch options.
- pricinghigh ish pricing
If you're looking for a budget-friendly meal, this might not be your first choice, especially if you plan on adding extras. However, if you prioritize quality and are prepared for a potentially higher bill, you might find some dishes worth the splurge.
How are the prices at Early To Rise?
You’re looking at roughly 33 per person – reported by 93 diners. That puts it in the $31–$40 category. For a Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what others paid, a good chunk of diners spent less, mostly in the $21–$30 range, suggesting a nice mix of options that lean a bit more towards the affordable side, even with some higher-end choices.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 93 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Restaurant in San Francisco, offering good value for a mid-range dining experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Early To Rise
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Large Group
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
3
Good Food, Bad Manager Experience
It was difficult to leave this review because I understand how challenging it is to work in a restaurant on a Sunday morning. My party of 8 people waited 1 hour and 30 minutes outside. The host did a great job keeping our group together, and the servers were so nice and fun.
The food was also good! The issue was the manager. After we finished our food and paid (we even noticed the bill was less and brought the manager to correct it!), some of us were still having our drinks.
The lady manager then came over, thanked us for coming, and stood there watching us, expecting us to leave. We initially thought it was a joke, as some people were still drinking. However, her persistent presence made us feel uncomfortable, and we left, which soured the overall meal experience.
To reiterate, the host was lovely, the waiters were fun and attentive, and the food was good. It was just the final moments in the restaurant that made us feel unwelcome. We will not be returning due to this experience.
- host9
- servers9
- food8
- waiting time2
- manager1
- atmosphere2
Visit Type
- Solo Dining
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
2
Terrible Service, Long Wait Time
I visited solo at 12: 45 PM for breakfast. After putting my name and number on the list, I received a text and was told by the hostess that the wait would be 40-45 minutes. I ended up grabbing a coffee across the street while I waited.
To my surprise, I observed several solo seats that were not filled by me or another solo diner I saw. After 1. 5 hours, I was never texted.
It seems the restaurant prioritizes filling seats over taking care of individual customers. Given San Francisco's limited breakfast options, this place will never be an option for me due to its terrible service.
- breakfast options6
- wait time1
- solo seats1
- service1
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Moderate (16–30 min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
9
Fantastic Scratch-Made Meats and Pickles!
There’s a fantastic reason patrons line up on the weekends to dine here. All of our group's dining experience was top notch. We even got to meet Andrew as the rush slowed down – a genuine man with pride in their offerings.
I learned that they have an onsite smoker and literally produce amazingly delicious meats as well as pickles. As advertised, their offerings are uniquely from scratch like no others can offer. You are most definitely missing out if you haven’t partaken in hearty wholesome offerings!
- top notch dining9
- pride in their offerings9
- amazingly delicious meats10
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Large Group
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Great Food and Group Friendly
My experience at the restaurant was very positive. The food was great, and it's an excellent place for a group. The portions are big, making it nice to share.
I also enjoyed the delicious coffee.
- food10
- group9
- portions9
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Favorite Neighborhood Spot for Lunch
My favorite neighborhood spot for breakfast and lunch. I love coming during the week when I need a comforting space for lunch during a work break.
- comforting space9
What Early To Rise offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Brunch reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Tourists
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Has changing table(s)
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Solo dining
- Breakfast
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Organic dishes
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Dessert
- Table service
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
Do you need reservations for brunch at Early To Rise, Scratch Made Brunch?
Yes, brunch reservations are recommended at Early To Rise, Scratch Made Brunch. While you can often find seating, planning ahead ensures you secure your spot, especially during peak hours. This popular San Francisco eatery accepts reservations for your convenience.
Is Early To Rise, Scratch Made Brunch suitable for families and accessible for all guests?
Absolutely! Early To Rise, Scratch Made Brunch is good for kids, offering a dedicated kids’ menu and high chairs. They also provide a changing table for parents. Furthermore, the restaurant ensures accessibility with a wheelchair-accessible entrance, seating, and restroom, making it welcoming for everyone.
What is the overall rating for Early To Rise and what are its key strengths?
Early To Rise holds a good overall score of 7.3. Its primary strengths lie in its Ambience (7.9) and Food (7.5), which are frequently praised by guests. Service (6.5) is average, while Value (4.4) is a weaker point.
What kind of atmosphere can I expect at Early To Rise?
You can expect a bright, airy, and chic modern diner atmosphere at Early To Rise. Many describe it as having a laid-back and cozy vibe, though it can become quite loud and crowded, especially on weekends.
Should I expect long waits at Early To Rise?
While some guests report no wait, many others have experienced significant wait times, particularly during peak weekend hours. It’s advisable to factor in potential delays, or consider visiting on weekdays for a smoother experience.