Highlights
- Sports
oChef » Friends With Benedict’s – San Francisco
Friends With Benedict's - San Francisco
Photo from Friends With Benedict’s
Friends With Benedict's at a glance
San Francisco Union Square
- 🍽️ Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 25 of the guests
#1583 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#189 Restaurant out of 254 in San Francisco
Good
7.1 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
430
Reviews
69.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Great food
- Personal touch
Frequently criticized
- Disposable items
- Service issues
The restaurant Friends With Benedict’s offers you a unique pop-up brunch experience right in the heart of San Francisco’s vibrant Union Square. This casual and trendy spot provides a cozy atmosphere, perfect for catching up with friends or enjoying a meal.
You’ll find it stands out with its sports-friendly environment, ensuring you won’t miss any action while savoring your meal.
Overview: Introducting Friends With Benedict's
Friends With Benedict’s offers a distinctive brunch experience, often praised for its culinary creativity and the personal touch from the owner and chef. Guests frequently highlight the AMAZING hospitality and the genuine care shown by the owner and chef, making visitors feel right at home.
This personal engagement truly elevates the dining atmosphere. However, the experience isn’t without its quirks.
While the food itself is generally well-received, some guests have noted inconsistencies in the service delivery and the pervasive use of paper plates and disposable cutlery, which can detract from the overall dining feel.
Good
7.1
out of 10
430
Reviews
69.3%
Satisfaction
97
negative
35
neutral
298
positive
Friends With Benedict’s earns a respectable overall score of 7.1, indicating a generally good experience, though customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 69.3%. This suggests that while many enjoy their visit, there’s a segment of diners who leave feeling less than fully satisfied.
These insights are drawn from a substantial 430 customer comments, with 298 positive remarks and 97 negative ones. Delving deeper, the Food (7.6) and Service (7.5) are clearly the restaurant’s strong suits, consistently receiving good marks from patrons.
However, Ambience (5.3) and Value (5.4) fall into the average category. While the prices are often described as reasonable for the area, the dining environment, particularly the use of disposable items, seems to be a point of contention for some.
What people like
- Excellent Benedicts
- Personalized owner/chef service
- Reasonable prices
What people don't like
- Disposable dishware
- Inconsistent service
- Unclean restrooms
If you’re seeking a brunch spot where the food shines and the staff, especially the owner and chef, go out of their way to connect with guests, Friends With Benedict’s is certainly worth considering. With a recommendation score of 7.2, it’s a solid choice for those who prioritize a creative menu and warm interactions over a traditional, polished dining setup.
However, be prepared for a more casual approach to dining, as disposable dishware is common, and service can occasionally be a bit uneven. If these aspects are dealbreakers for you, you might find the experience less appealing.
It’s a place with character, but it’s best to go in knowing what to expect.
Similar Restaurants in San Francisco
- Restaurant
9.4
out of 10
out of 10
283
98.6%
- $$
- Lower Nob Hill
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Restaurant
9.4
out of 10
out of 10
307
100%
- $$
- Saint Francis Wood
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Restaurant
9.3
out of 10
out of 10
97
99%
- $$
- Telegraph Hill
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Restaurant
9.3
out of 10
out of 10
182
96.2%
- $$
- Mission District
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Restaurant
9.3
out of 10
out of 10
249
98.4%
- $$
- Cow Hollow
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Restaurant
9.3
out of 10
out of 10
533
98.1%
- $$
- Marina District
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
Verdict: Our expert take on Friends With Benedict's
Food (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
The food here generally earns high praise, with a good score of 7.6 and 77% customer satisfaction. Many of the 181 positive comments out of 235 total highlight delicious and creative dishes like Eggs Benedict, the popular mimosa bar, and tasty French toast, praising the overall creative menu. However, some experiences weren't as stellar.
A few customers found the food to be bland or noted issues with food quality and food temperature, sometimes arriving cold. There were also mentions of soggy English muffins and drinks not meeting expectations, suggesting some inconsistencies in execution.
Food
235
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
39
negative
15
neutral
181
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Creative Benedicts offered
- Delicious French toast
- Great mimosa bar
What people don't like
- Food can be bland
- Inconsistent food quality
- Food served cold
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was decent, but I felt it could have been better. While the service was great and the food tasted good, there were a few aspects that detracted from the overall experience. A significant point, mentioned by many others, is that the food is served on to-go plates with to-go utensils.
- brunchAs a brunch aficionado, this place was a 10/10
- hollandaiseThe host was friendly and turned out to be the owner and chef, which was admirable. The food was good; I ordered the duck benedict, which tasted like duck pot pie and came with nicely poached eggs and delicious hollandaise. We also got a champagne flight with a bottle of our own.
- bloody maryMy experience at the restaurant was a solid brunch with a good bloody mary. The service was awesome, and we experienced no wait when we arrived.
- drinksThe service was great, and the owner was nice. They also had good drinks. However, the food, specifically the French toast and chicken, was not good.
- duck benedictthe duck benedict and crab benedict, both were amazing!! but if i had to choose one, it would be the duck. so yummy.
- eggs BenedictThey make a fabulous eggs Benedict
- great foodthey make great food
- mimosasMy experience at this interesting pop-up brunch place was positive. We ordered the Florentina and Bennie, along with a few mimosas. The service was good, and the food was fresh.
- Bennie with SeoulBennie with Seoul: tempura chicken, poached eggs, korean style sauce. The chicken was really crispy, and the poached eggs were just right.
Frequently criticized
- foodThe food was only alright at best
- food qualityUnfortunately, my experience at this restaurant was quite negative. 3 out of 4 of my party were pretty sick the rest of the day after our meal. This indicates a serious issue with the food quality or preparation.
- coffeecoffee was worse than 7/11
- food temperaturewhen finally ready was already cold
- ingredientsThey use the cheapest ingredients on the market
- Benedictthe Benedict and it was bland
- English muffinthe English muffin was soggy
- English muffinsEnglish muffins tasted store bought
- French friesFrench fries which were luke warm at best
- French toastFrench toast & chicken it was not good
If you're looking for an inventive brunch with a focus on creative Benedicts and fun drinks, this spot is definitely worth a try. While there might be occasional inconsistencies in food quality or temperature, the overall positive feedback suggests a satisfying culinary adventure for most.
Service (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 80% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark with a solid score of 7.5 and a customer satisfaction rate of 72.1%, both indicating a good experience. Based on 111 customer remarks, with 80 positive observations, guests frequently praise the friendly service, attentive staff, and the amazing hospitality, often highlighting the owner's personal interaction and the quick food arrival. However, not everything is perfect, as 22 negative comments point to occasional long wait times and slow service.
Some diners also noted disorganized staff, forgotten meals, or a less-than-welcoming host attitude. While these issues pop up, they seem to be less frequent compared to the overwhelmingly positive feedback.
Service
111
Reviews
72%
Satisfaction
22
negative
9
neutral
80
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Owner interaction
- Great hospitality
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Disorganized staff
- Host attitude
Often praised
- serviceAlthough served on paper plates, which was fine with us, the quality of the food made up for it. The prices are very reasonable and the service is excellent. We've become regulars and recommend they keep up the good job!
- staffBeing a pop-up, one can't expect the venue or staff to be perfect, nor the organization. Despite these minor points, everyone was friendly, and I was glad I stopped by.
- chefDerrick is the chef and made it a point to check on each of the customers.
- ownerYou must visit this place if you’re in SF. The owner personally introduces himself to each customer, which made us feel right at home. The eggs Benny was perfect, and they had really good espresso martinis and mimosa flights as well.
- waitressThe waitress was the perfect amount of attentive without being intrusive
- hostour host who gave us some great advice
- peoplepeople there were nice and helpful
- waitstaffthe waitstaff is extremely friendly
- AMAZING hospitalityI am so satisfied with this wonderful place. They serve great food and AMAZING hospitality. Thank you Derek for going out of your way to make us feel welcomed.
- Friendly serviceFriendly service
Frequently criticized
- serviceThe themes and clever entrée names are amusing. However, the service was really shaky. One meal was forgotten, entrees were missing items listed on the menu, and bus staff regularly pushed past seated patrons without a word.
- waiting timeit took un hour to be ready
- bantersort of engaged in a little banter
- bus staffbus staff regularly pushing past seated patrons without a word
- crazy long linepassed by the crazy long line
- disorganized staff4 stars only for the disorganized staff
- food took longFood took long to come out
- hostWaited for the host to greet me
- host attitudeThe host gave us quite some attitude
- leftover beverageI’d prefer not to touch or drink anyone else’s leftover beverage
Overall, you can expect a generally good service experience here, especially with the friendly staff and owner interactions. While there might be an occasional hiccup with wait times or organization, the positive aspects largely outweigh the negatives, making it worth a visit.
Ambience (5.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 50% of the guests
The ambience here lands in the average range with a score of 5.3, but there's still plenty to appreciate! With 32 positive remarks out of 73 total, many guests love the cool atmosphere, especially the outdoor parklets and cozy fireplace. People often highlight the nice vibe, spacious seating, thoughtful airflow, and even the clever name and fun theme breakfasts, making it feel like a cute, homey spot with good music.
However, customer satisfaction for the ambience is a mixed 43.8%, indicating some significant drawbacks. An equal 32 negative comments point to issues like loud and dark indoor seating, and a strong dislike for paper plates, plastic cups, and plasticware. Concerns about cleanliness, including sticky floors, dirty tablecloths, and unclean restrooms, also frequently detract from the overall experience.
Ambience
73
Reviews
43%
Satisfaction
32
negative
9
neutral
32
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Outdoor seating
- Cozy atmosphere
- Spacious layout
What people don't like
- Disposable dishware
- Uncleanliness issues
- Loud, dark interior
Often praised
- atmosphereatmosphere were also rated a perfect 5/5
- locationThe location is great
- AtmosphereStill amazing food and service! Chef Derrik Soares has this great pop up brunch now at 450 Post street …3rd floor in the beautiful historic Elks club.
- ambiencethe ambience was really cute
- awesome useAwesome use of empty restaurant for breakfast
- brunch spotMy experience at this sweet little pop-up brunch spot was defined by their excellent benedicts. They offer inventive combinations, making for a unique brunch.
- clever catchy namethis brunch spot has been on my radar due to its clever catchy name
- compostableAlmost everything was compostable I believe which is great
- cute spotIt looks cute
- decor/ambiancethe decor/ambiance is looks cool.
Frequently criticized
- bathroomsEven the bathrooms were gross
- paper plateseverything on paper plates and in plastic cups
- restroomThe restroom was not clean
- silverwareWe waited way too long for what turned out to be super mediocre food. I reluctantly used their silverware, unsure if it was washed or just wiped. The prices were WAY too high for the quality of food and service.
- tablesitting on a plastic foldable table? Just didn't feel very sturdy
- ambianceambiance around
- atmosphereLooked very dark and dim
- cleanlinessnot clean (the floor is sticky)
- club boothsclub booths, that was kind of off putting
- dishware/cutleryall our dishware/cutlery were disposable and/or plastic
If you prioritize a casual outdoor setting and don't mind disposable dishware, this spot might offer a pleasant vibe. However, be aware that the indoor experience could be loud, dark, and have cleanliness issues that might disappoint you.
Value (5.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 11% of the guests
When it comes to value, many customers found the prices to be quite fair, with some even calling the price very reasonable, especially for the location. The $10 deal was a definite hit, making it a good spot for a tasty meal without breaking the bank, as noted in 5 positive remarks. The overall score for value sits at an average 5.4, with customer satisfaction at a mixed 45.5%.
However, not everyone agreed, with some feeling the prices were too high for the quality provided, and that the cons outweigh the pros. There were also concerns about unexpected additions to the check, leading to a feeling of being overcharged for what was received. These points were raised in 4 negative remarks out of 11 total, contributing to the mixed sentiment.
Value
11
Reviews
45%
Satisfaction
4
negative
2
neutral
5
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable prices
- Good deals available
What people don't like
- High prices for quality
- Hidden check costs
Often praised
- pricesIt's a good spot for tasty brunch, and I look forward to a return trip. The prices are decent, and the food reminded me of a place in Baltimore that I loved.
- $10 dealIf you're on a construction job near this place, stop in and order anything off the menu for only $10. The cook is great and the service is very friendly.
- price was very reasonablethe price was very reasonable for SF
Frequently criticized
- checkstill was added to the check
- cons outweigh the prosCons outweigh the pros
- pricehaving a $50 tab and everything on paper plates
- pricesI reluctantly used their silverware, unsure if it was washed or just wiped. The prices were WAY too high for the quality of food and service. I left with my stomach honestly kind of churning and nauseated.
So, is it worth it? If youre eyeing a specific deal or a reasonable price point for a casual meal, you might find good value here. However, be mindful of the overall quality versus cost, as some felt the prices didnt quite match the experience, potentially leading to disappointment.
How are the prices at Friends With Benedict's?
You’re looking at roughly 26 per person – reported by 25 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what people actually spend, most diners are indeed in that $21–$30 sweet spot, though we do see a few folks spending a bit less or opting for something a little pricier.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 25 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, for a restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It hits that comfortable mid-range sweet spot, offering good value without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Friends With Benedict's
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Amazing New Brunch Spot!
NEW LOCATION! Still amazing food and service! Chef Derrik Soares has this great pop up brunch now at 450 Post street …3rd floor in the beautiful historic Elks club.
- food10
- service10
- Eggggsellent Benedict10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Delicious Crab Benedict and Espresso
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! I had the crab benedict, which was absolutely delicious. To complement my meal, they also prepared a delicious iced espresso drink that truly perked me up and got my day started right.
- crab benedict9
- iced espresso drink9
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Large Group
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Homey Atmosphere, Delicious Food!
My experience at the restaurant was wonderful, especially for our Mother's Day buffet switch-up. The complimentary French toast for my 6-year-old was a fantastic start. The restaurant had a homey feel, and the food was truly delicious.
I particularly enjoyed the watermelon mimosa, and the blood mary onion ring thingy majig was a definite eye-catcher. The pure hospitality we received made the visit memorable. 😍
- complimentary French toast10
- homey9
- food9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Large Group
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
9
Delicious Food, Excellent Service!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! We ordered a table of five, and everyone enjoyed their own unique dishes and drinks. Everything was absolutely delicious!
The service was also excellent, and our food arrived quickly.
- dishes10
- drinks10
- service10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Absolutely Delicious - A Must-Try!
My experience at this restaurant was sooo F'n good! I can't believe there isn't a line out the street. Trust that the oysters are top shelf!
The food was excellent, and the service and atmosphere were also rated a perfect 5/5.
- oysters10
- food10
- service10
What Friends With Benedict's 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
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Solo dining
- Breakfast
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Table service
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Paid parking garage
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere can you expect at Friends With Benedict's Pop Up Brunch?
When you visit Friends With Benedict’s Pop Up Brunch, you’ll find a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere. It’s designed for you to relax and enjoy your meal in a comfortable setting, making it a great spot for a laid-back brunch experience.
Does Friends With Benedict's Pop Up Brunch offer vegetarian options and accept reservations?
Yes, Friends With Benedict’s Pop Up Brunch caters to various dietary needs by offering vegetarian options. Additionally, for your convenience, the pop-up accepts reservations, allowing you to plan your visit and secure your table ahead of time.
How does Friends With Benedict's generally score with customers?
Friends With Benedict’s holds an overall score of 7.1, with customers particularly appreciating the Food (7.6) and Service (7.5). Ambience (5.3) and Value (5.4) are considered average.
What makes the service at Friends With Benedict's stand out?
Customers frequently praise the friendly staff, with many highlighting the owner and chef, Derrick, for personally checking on guests and providing ‘AMAZING hospitality,’ making the experience feel very welcoming.
Are there any common complaints about the dining experience?
Some customers have noted that food is served on paper plates with disposable cutlery, and there have been occasional reports of inconsistent service, including long waiting times and issues with restroom cleanliness.