Highlights
- Great coffee
oChef » Jim’s By MLVS – San Francisco
Jim's By MLVS - San Francisco
Photo from Jim’s By MLVS
Jim's By MLVS at a glance
San Francisco Mission District
- 🍔 American Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 56 of the guests
#781 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#32 American Restaurant out of 121 in San Francisco
Good
7.8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
360
Reviews
78.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Friendly service
- Hearty breakfast
- Retro diner
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Sterile interior
- Filthy restroom
The American restaurant Jim’s By MLVS in San Francisco’s vibrant Mission District offers a truly inviting experience. You’ll discover a cozy and casual spot perfect for a quick bite or a leisurely meal.
Known for its great coffee, this establishment ensures you start your day right or enjoy a delightful pick-me-up. Whether you’re seeking vegan options, organic dishes, or just a comfortable place to dine, you’ll find it here.
Overview: Introducting Jim's By MLVS
Jim’s offers a classic diner experience with a focus on hearty meals and attentive service. Many appreciate the friendly staff and the consistently full coffee cup, making for a welcoming atmosphere.
It’s often described as a low-key spot with a certain retro charm. However, some recent changes have led to concerns about value, with a few finding prices higher than expected.
There are also mixed feelings about the current food quality and the updated interior, which some describe as less inviting than before.
Good
7.8
out of 10
360
Reviews
78.9%
Satisfaction
55
negative
21
neutral
284
positive
Jim’s generally earns a solid standing with a Restaurant Score of 7.8 out of 10, reflecting a good overall experience. This is supported by a strong Customer Satisfaction rate of 78.9%, indicating that most patrons leave content.
These figures are drawn from a considerable number of opinions, with 284 positive remarks outweighing 55 negative ones among 360 total observations. Digging deeper, Service stands out as a particular strength (8.4), often praised for its attentiveness.
The Food also performs well (7.9), though opinions are somewhat divided on recent quality. While the Ambience (7.6) maintains a good rating, some find the current interior less appealing.
The Value (5) topic, however, sits in the average range, suggesting it’s an area where experiences vary.
What people like
- Friendly, attentive service
- Hearty breakfast options
- Clean, retro diner feel
What people don't like
- High prices
- Sterile interior
- Filthy restroom
Jim’s presents itself as a classic diner with a strong emphasis on service and a comforting breakfast menu. If you appreciate a welcoming atmosphere and a hearty start to your day, it could be a good fit.
The 7.8 Recommendation Score suggests many find it a worthwhile visit. However, be mindful of the pricing, as some find it a bit steep, and recent changes to the interior might not appeal to everyone.
It’s a place that delivers on traditional diner fare and friendly faces, but it’s worth managing expectations regarding overall value and modern aesthetics.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Jim's By MLVS
Food (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 90% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark with a good score of 7.9 and a solid 81.1% customer satisfaction. Based on 146 positive remarks out of 180 total, many rave about the delicious breakfast items like chicken fried steak, crispy hash browns, and good coffee, often highlighting satisfying portions and quality ingredients. However, not all experiences are perfect, with 22 negative comments pointing to some inconsistencies.
Issues included bland breakfast, disappointing mimosas, and a perceived drop in quality and portions for items like the club sandwich and fries, with some even noting a weird taste in hash browns.
Food
180
Reviews
81%
Satisfaction
22
negative
12
neutral
146
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious breakfast items
- Generous, satisfying portions
- Great coffee, mimosas
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Bland breakfast options
- Small drink portions
Often praised
- foodMy experience at Jim's has been consistently wonderful over the years. It's a low-key spot with great service and tasty, reasonably priced food. Finding places like this in San Francisco is becoming increasingly difficult.
- breakfastMy experience at the restaurant was absolutely fantastic! I had a hot, quick, and tasty breakfast, which was exactly what I wanted. The great service made for an amazing experience.
- French toastThe food is great with something for everyone. I particularly enjoyed the diced ham, omelet, and the best French toast. My family feels welcomed, and I just love this spot.
- hash brownsI've always received amazing, quick service. My go-to order is the chicken fried steak with soft scrambled eggs and hash browns, and I enjoy rotating my toast choice based on my mood. It's reassuring to have a reliable go-to, especially with so many old-school establishments closing.
- chicken fried steakFriends had chicken fried steak (which I'll have nxt time)
- coffeeI had the waffle, bacon, browns, egg, and coffee; all amazing
- FoodFood looked nice
- baconI had the waffle, bacon, browns, egg, and coffee; all amazing
- corned beef hashI'm a big fan of the corned beef hash
- green salsaget some green salsa
Frequently criticized
- breakfastthe breakfast was bland and without flavor
- milkshakeWhile the booths are gone, they've kept the funky lights, contributing to the atmosphere. I was disappointed by the too-small milkshake and the single slice of toast. It's great that Happy Jim's has survived all these years!
- ClubHowever, with the new ownership, the quality and portions of the food have gone way down. I had the Club and my friend had the cheeseburger. I honestly probably could’ve made the same quality at home, and I paid $50 after tip.
- French friesthe French fries are not the same... it was nasty
- cheeseburgerMy friend had the cheeseburger
- club sandwichNow to the food. I got a club sandwich and it was extremely dry, plus the fries were lackinggggg (the small amount you get for $17 is actually offensive). Not to mention, I put ketchup on the side (thankfully didn't put it directly on my fries!) and I found TWO flies in it.
- coffeewait 45 minutes for our coffee
- drink menuAs a long-time supporter of Jim's, I was surprised to see the ownership had changed and the quality significantly dropped. My first red flag should've been when I ordered a drink off their menu and they didn't have it at all. The waitress told me they didn't have that item since the new year.
- drinksgot our drinks wrong
- food qualityfood quality is cheap
If you're looking for a hearty, classic diner breakfast with generous portions, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be aware that some items, particularly non-breakfast options or drinks, might be a bit hit-or-miss.
Service (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 80% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot really shines! With a solid score of 8.4 and customer satisfaction at a fantastic 84.2%, its clear guests are generally thrilled. Out of 95 comments, a whopping 80 were positive, frequently praising the friendly staff, quick service, and the owners personal attention that makes everyone feel like family.
However, its not entirely without its hiccups. While far fewer, 12 negative remarks did pop up, mentioning occasional poor service, incorrect orders, or issues with online payment and hours. A few experiences also noted a waitress or Korean lady who wasnt as welcoming, suggesting there's a little room for consistency.
Service
95
Reviews
84%
Satisfaction
12
negative
3
neutral
80
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Quick, wonderful service
- Owners treat like family
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service
- Incorrect orders
- Payment issues
Often praised
- serviceThis restaurant is immaculately clean; the floors literally sparkle. The service is friendly. However, with the new ownership, the quality and portions of the food have gone way down.
- staffI tend to sit in the diner area, where there are rotating chairs with backs along a bench-style table. The restroom is clean, and the staff are super nice and welcoming. The service is fast, and the quality is good too.
- ownerThe owner is a very nice person and she makes you feel so warm
- KimThe experience has been consistently wonderful. Kim is friendly and funny! The cooks truly know what they are doing, serving good portions that are quickly out of the kitchen.
- ServiceService:5
- attentionmuy excelente atención
- coffee cupMy coffee cup was always full.
- customer serviceGreat customer service! The workers were so nice
- Friendly serviceFriendly service
- Mr. & Mrs. KimMr. & Mrs Kim are the best
Frequently criticized
- waitressI had to ask for the menu again to see what other drinks they had. I asked if their pineapple juice is made in-house and she lied and said yes, but you can obviously tell it's store-bought. Now to the food.
- servicecustomer service is different it’s not organized or welcoming
- Korean ladyMy experience at this restaurant was quite negative. The Korean lady behind the register was very rude and didn't smile much. I ordered a short stack with bacon and scrambled eggs with hash browns and wheat toast.
- customer knowledgeDon't care about knowledge about Castomer?
- hoursJust wish they were open longer hours!
- online paymentMy experience was that the restaurant refused to accept payment for an order over the phone or online. With the prevalence of online payment apps, I would have expected this to be possible.
- ordermy order was incorrect
- ownership changesurprised to see the ownership had changed and quality significantly drop
- waiterthe waiter was forgetting to get us some of our order
If youre looking for a place with genuinely warm and attentive service, this restaurant is definitely worth a visit. While a few minor issues might arise, the overwhelmingly positive experiences suggest youll likely be treated like an old friend.
Ambience (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 61% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot scores a good 7.6, with customer satisfaction also looking good at 76.9%. Many of the 50 positive remarks celebrate the old school diner feel and retro charm, highlighting a welcoming vibe and even impressive cleanliness. Guests often feel right at home in this community spot, enjoying the interior decor and music.
However, not everyone is thrilled, with 11 negative comments pointing to concerns about the interior and overall atmosphere after recent changes. Some found the booths tight or noted issues with the restroom, suggesting that while the charm is there, some aspects could use a refresh or revert to their previous state.
Ambience
65
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
11
negative
4
neutral
50
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Classic diner feel
- Welcoming atmosphere
- Spotless cleanliness
What people don't like
- Sterile new interior
- Tight or missing booths
- Filthy restrooms
Often praised
- atmosphereI particularly enjoyed the housemade hot sauce/salsa verde, which was a standout. The food was excellent, and the atmosphere was also quite good.
- placeA beautiful place with a special touch
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- cleanlinesshow clean everything was inside, even their bathroom
- retro charmit’s got some retro charm
- American dinerMy experience at this restaurant was that of a classic and authentic American diner. I was drawn in by the lights one morning on my way to work.
- Missiondrive down Mission - a real sight for sore eye. Full of colors, people, shops.
- ambienceThey also have lunch and I believe dinner. Plus, it's in the Mission, so you get to watch the show walk by on the sidewalk, which adds to the overall experience.
- breakfast spotgreat low-key super-chill breakfast spot
- cleanest spotThe cleanest spot on Mission Street (seriously).
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereThe interior has been gutted and now feels sterile. I have not eaten here under the new management, so this review only reflects the horrible changes to the atmosphere. It used to be a great place to have breakfast, and they close at 3 pm.
- boothsbooths are tight
- interiorinterior was gutted. Now it is sterile
- linens on tablesIt used to be Jim's, a beautiful and affordable breakfast/lunch diner. Now, it's an utter expensive nonsense with linens on the tables.
- namethey should change the name
- restroomTo make matters worse, the waitress imposed a 20% compulsory tip for our group of six, seemingly as a penalty for complaining about the subpar service. The restroom was filthy and lacked toilet paper.
- toilet paperwithout toilet paper
- years cameToo many Years Came 😪
If you're seeking a classic diner experience with a warm, retro feel, this spot is definitely worth checking out. While some recent changes to the interior have drawn criticism, the overall vibe and cleanliness still win over many guests. Just be mindful that some seating might be snug and check the restroom upon arrival.
Value (5 out of 10)
mentioned by 20% of the guests
When it comes to value, many customers find Jim's offers a pretty good deal, with a score of 5 indicating an average performance. Based on 8 positive remarks, guests often praise the reasonable price and affordable options, especially for a hearty breakfast. They appreciate finding tasty, reasonably priced food and generous portions, which is a rare find in the city.
However, the customer satisfaction for value is a bit mixed at 40%, with 10 negative comments suggesting some concerns. Several patrons felt the restaurant was kinda pricey or even expensive nonsense, noting higher prices compared to before. Specific issues included surprisingly high bills and a mandatory large group compulsory tip that left a sour taste.
Value
20
Reviews
40%
Satisfaction
10
negative
2
neutral
8
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable, tasty food
- Reasonable prices
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Can be pricey
- High bills
- Compulsory group tip
Often praised
- priceMy experience at Jim's has been consistently wonderful over the years. It's a low-key spot with great service and tasty, reasonably priced food. Finding places like this in San Francisco is becoming increasingly difficult.
- affordableThe prices were also very affordable
- local businessIt’s a great local business to support
- pricesThe service is excellent, with my coffee cup always full. The prices are very reasonable, and the owner is extremely pleasant. Like many restaurants, Jim's is still feeling the effects of the COVID hangover and could use customers.
- reasonable priceWhat a great place for a hearty breakfast at a very reasonable price. I recommend it!
- reasonably pricedThe mother-daughter team and waitstaff were incredibly friendly, treating everyone like old friends. The portions are big and reasonably priced, a rare combination in SF. I also appreciated that they offer a couple of Korean items.
Frequently criticized
- billI ordered pancakes and my husband ordered the Denver omelet. The bill came out to 57 dollars, which made me exclaim, 'Damn! '
- priceI had the Club and my friend had the cheeseburger. I honestly probably could’ve made the same quality at home, and I paid $50 after tip. I will not be returning to Jim’s anymore.
- expensive nonsenseIt used to be Jim's, a beautiful and affordable breakfast/lunch diner. Now, it's an utter expensive nonsense with linens on the tables.
- kinda priceyKinda pricey
- large group compulsory tipinvented a 20% "large group compulsory tip"
- pricesthe prices are higher then the previous owners
- store bought juicecharge me $13.50 for the ($3.50) store bought juice
If youre seeking a spot with potentially good deals on breakfast and generous portions, Jims might be worth a try. However, be mindful of the bill, especially if you're with a large group or ordering certain items, as some find it surprisingly expensive.
How are the prices at Jim's By MLVS?
You’re looking at roughly 21 per person – reported by 56 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For an American Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Interestingly, while the restaurant’s typical range is $21–$30, a good chunk of diners (40 out of 56!) actually spend a bit less, usually in the $11–$20 bracket. This suggests there are some great value options to be found!
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 56 reviews.
A comparison of value for money (price vs. Score) for this restaurant against similar ones in San Francisco.
Considering it’s an American Restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels pretty fair. You can definitely enjoy a good meal without breaking the bank, especially if you explore those value options.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Jim's By MLVS
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Disappointing Decline in Quality at Jim's
I’ve been coming to Jim’s since I was a child. I recently moved back to the area and had a hankering for Jim’s. This restaurant is immaculately clean; the floors literally sparkle.
The service is friendly. However, with the new ownership, the quality and portions of the food have gone way down. I had the Club and my friend had the cheeseburger.
I honestly probably could’ve made the same quality at home, and I paid $50 after tip. I will not be returning to Jim’s anymore.
- cleanliness10
- floors10
- service8
- quality2
- portions2
- Club3
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
8
Great Food, Weird Hash Browns
My experience at the restaurant was mostly positive. The food was great overall, although I didn't care for the hash browns as they had a weird taste. Aside from that, the service and atmosphere were excellent, both receiving a 5-star rating.
- food8
- service10
- atmosphere10
- hash browns2
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
2
Ownership Change Ruined Jim's
I'm in agreement with some of the newer reviews of this place. As a long-time supporter of Jim's, I was surprised to see the ownership had changed and the quality significantly dropped. My first red flag should've been when I ordered a drink off their menu and they didn't have it at all.
The waitress told me they didn't have that item since the new year. Babe, we're seven months into 2025, take it off the menu. Honestly, I should've left after that because my experience only got worse from there.
I had to ask for the menu again to see what other drinks they had. I asked if their pineapple juice is made in-house and she lied and said yes, but you can obviously tell it's store-bought. Now to the food.
I got a club sandwich and it was extremely dry, plus the fries were lackinggggg (the small amount you get for $17 is actually offensive). Not to mention, I put ketchup on the side (thankfully didn't put it directly on my fries!) and I found TWO flies in it. I honestly should've left at that point, but I'm not sure exactly what even made me stay and finish my meal.
I did have to clean it up and ask for another ketchup because there was NO way I was eating that one. Last but not least, homegirl was trying to charge me $13. 50 for the ($3.
50) store-bought juice! How does $17 for the sandwich plus the $3. 50 for the juice you didn't even make yourself come out to $32.
22? Pleaseeeee. I honestly was way too nice by leaving a tip, but really, I shouldn't have at all, AT ALL.
Y'all will not be seeing me here again, which is quite unfortunate considering the original Jim's was a staple in our community. Sad to see it go because this new ownership doesn't even compare.
- ownership change1
- drink menu1
- pineapple juice2
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Chicken Fried Steak Perfection!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I highly recommend trying the chicken fried steak, which I rated a 10/10. It's great to see they've kept the same menu from when Ok Kim was running the place.
The service, atmosphere, and food all received a perfect 5/5 rating.
- chicken fried steak10
- menu9
- service10
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Family
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Disappointing Change in Quality and Service
I’ve been coming here for many, many years, since I was a little girl. I have fond memories of visiting with my grandparents and have always been super happy with the service and food. However, since the restaurant was sold to new owners, it has changed.
I am glad they kept the cook, as he has been here for years and I love his cooking. Unfortunately, the customer service is now different; it’s not organized or welcoming. My order was incorrect, and I had to speak to a lady in Spanish as she was struggling with English.
The French fries are not the same as when the previous owners were working here; they now look of old, cheap quality and were nasty. My milkshake was also not the same; it was super watery and tasted like medicine. It’s pretty upsetting as the prices are higher than with the previous owners.
I think the only reason I decided to give the new owners a second chance was because of the cook; he’s a very sweet man and a hard worker, but the food quality seems cheap. Unfortunately, I will not be coming back! I miss the old Jim’s.
Good luck.
- cook9
- service2
- food quality2
- French fries1
What Jim's By MLVS offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Solo dining
- Lunch
- Breakfast
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Vegan options
- Coffee
- Small plates
- Organic dishes
- Halal food
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Dessert
- Table service
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What kind of dining experience can you expect at Jim's By MLVS?
At Jim’s By MLVS, you can enjoy a cozy and casual atmosphere perfect for any meal. They offer breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dessert, with options for dine-in or takeout. You’ll find table service and comfortable seating, making it ideal for a relaxed visit.
Does Jim's By MLVS cater to specific dietary needs and families?
Absolutely! Jim’s By MLVS provides excellent vegan and vegetarian options, along with organic dishes and halal food, ensuring there’s something for everyone. For families, you’ll appreciate the kids’ menu, high chairs, and the fact that it’s good for kids.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Jim's?
Jim’s holds a Restaurant Score of 7.8 out of 10 and a Customer Satisfaction of 78.9%. Customers particularly praise the Service (8.4) and Food (7.9), while the Ambience (7.6) is generally well-regarded, though Value (5) receives mixed feedback.
Is Jim's considered good value for money?
Opinions on value are mixed. While some customers find the food reasonably priced and affordable, others have noted that prices can be high, with some experiencing unexpected bills and compulsory tips.
What is the atmosphere like at Jim's?
Jim’s is often described as having a retro charm and a clean, classic American diner feel. However, some recent changes to the interior have led to descriptions of it being sterile, and there have been isolated complaints about restroom cleanliness.