Highlights
- Great coffee
- Great tea selection
oChef » Mama’s On Washington Square – San Francisco
Mama's On Washington Square - San Francisco
Photo from Mama’s On Washington Square
Mama's On Washington Square at a glance
San Francisco North Beach
- 🍽️ Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 157 of the guests
#1851 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#219 Restaurant out of 254 in San Francisco
Good
6.7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
655
Reviews
62.6%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious Food
- Cozy Vibe
Frequently criticized
- Poor Value
- Long Waits
The restaurant Mama’s On Washington Square is a popular spot in San Francisco’s vibrant North Beach neighborhood. As a restaurant, it’s known for its great coffee, making it an ideal destination to start your day or enjoy a midday break.
You’ll find a cozy and casual atmosphere here, perfect for a relaxed dining experience.
Overview: Introducting Mama's On Washington Square
Mama’s On Washington Square often delivers a delightful experience, particularly with its appealing vibe and a menu that frequently hits the mark. Many appreciate the friendly staff who contribute to a welcoming atmosphere, making for a pleasant visit.
However, some aspects, like the bathroom cleanliness and occasional cramped space, can detract from the overall comfort. Be prepared for potential wait times during busy periods, which some find challenging.
Good
6.7
out of 10
655
Reviews
62.6%
Satisfaction
186
negative
59
neutral
410
positive
Mama’s On Washington Square holds an overall score of 6.7 out of 10, indicating a generally good experience, though not without areas for improvement. Customer satisfaction stands at 62.6%, suggesting a mixed but leaning positive reception among diners.
This assessment is drawn from 655 customer opinions, with 410 positive and 186 negative. The Food (7.4) clearly stands out as a strong point, frequently praised by guests.
The Ambience (6.7) also contributes positively, creating a pleasant setting. However, Service (6.1) appears to be average, and Value (3.8) is a notable concern, often cited as a drawback.
What people like
- Delicious Food
- Cozy Vibe
- Friendly Staff
What people don't like
- Poor Value
- Long Waits
- Unclean Bathroom
Mama’s On Washington Square offers a compelling breakfast and brunch experience, particularly for those prioritizing flavorful dishes and a charming atmosphere. The Food is a clear draw, making it a worthwhile stop if you’re in the area.
With a recommendation score of 7, it’s generally worth considering, especially if you’re prepared for potential waits and are less sensitive to pricing. It’s a place that delivers on taste, but manage your expectations regarding overall cost and efficiency.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Mama's On Washington Square
Food (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
Diving into the food scene here, its clear theres a lot to love! With a solid score of 7.4 and customer satisfaction at 74.1%, many diners rave about the delicious homemade jam, excellent Monte Cristo, and amazing French toast. With 249 positive remarks, guests often highlight the generous portions and fresh ingredients, making for a truly satisfying meal.
However, not every bite is perfect. Among the 59 negative comments, some found certain dishes, like the Monte Cristo, to be greasy, while others noted issues with stale bread or dry muffins. A few also mentioned bland hollandaise sauce or undercooked potatoes, suggesting some inconsistencies in execution.
Food
336
Reviews
74%
Satisfaction
59
negative
28
neutral
249
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious homemade jam
- Excellent Monte Cristo
- Amazing French toast
What people don't like
- Greasy food issues
- Stale bread/muffins
- Bland hollandaise sauce
Often praised
- foodThe service was amazing, and my food arrived incredibly quickly. I tried the grilled chicken sandwich and 2 eggs with chicken sausage, and I would recommend both dishes. The prices seemed slightly higher than they should be, even for San Francisco.
- breakfastMy experience at this restaurant was excellent for a lovely and delicious breakfast. The staff was impeccable, and the choice was wide, making for a great start to the day.
- French toastI had French toast with fresh fruit and a side of scrambled eggs and it was delicious!
- Monte CristoWe tried several dishes: the Dungeness Crab Cake Benedict, their world-famous Monte Cristo, banana pancakes, and a crumb cake that was absolutely to die for. While the Monte Cristo was my absolute favorite dish, the crumb cake still stole the show for first place. If you're looking for a place that won’t disappoint, you’ve got to try Mama’s!
- FoodThe service was excellent, and the atmosphere was wonderful. I had no wait time, and the food was top-notch.
- pancakesIf the staff hadn't asked, I would have just eaten plain bread! ㅎㅎ As they say, 'things that look good taste good, ' and it was pretty and delicious. I also liked that they kept refilling the coffee.
- homemade jamhomemade jam, which was really tasty
- French toast samplerwe tried the omelettes and French toast sampler and it was delicious
- brunchExcellent breakfast and brunch spot
- coffeeBoth the omelettes and potatoes were perfectly done. The home-made jam was intriguingly delicious, and the coffee was very good. The service was quick and friendly.
Frequently criticized
- foodfood is a bit on the heavy side and mediocre American brunch
- French toastI prefer it to be more crisper than soft
- potatoespotatoes are loaded with green onions and it should have been listed
- omelettemy $24 omelette was under cooked
- Caesar saladson's Caesar salad had a hair in it
- CappuccinoDer Cappuccino für 5,75 $ war eine Frechheit.
- Cappuccino foamEin Zentimeter Kaffee und vier Zentimeter Schaum.
- Eggs Benedict hollandaise saucehollandaise sauce was bland and made the whole dish taste bland
- French toast samplerFrench toast sampler which is one regular French toast, banana bread French toast and berry pound cake French toast
- Hollandaise sauceHollandaise sauce of my eggs benedict didn't taste right
If you're seeking a hearty breakfast or brunch with standout items like their famous homemade jam and Monte Cristo, this spot is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that while many dishes shine, there might be occasional inconsistencies in preparation, so choose wisely.
Service (6.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 80% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot offers a bit of a mixed experience, with a score of 6.1, putting it in the average range. Customer satisfaction is at 51.1%, which is pretty mixed, indicating some hits and misses. Based on 178 total comments, 91 were positive, while 69 leaned negative.
Many guests praised the friendly staff and quick service, often finding the wait worth it due to an efficient system/flow that kept things moving. However, not everyone had such a smooth visit. Several patrons noted long wait times and felt rushed during their meal.
Issues like no table service and encountering staff with a less-than-stellar attitude were also mentioned, which certainly dampened the experience for some.
Service
178
Reviews
51%
Satisfaction
69
negative
18
neutral
91
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Efficient wait system
- Quick service
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Feeling rushed
- Poor staff attitude
Often praised
- serviceI had the best chai latte I've ever tasted. The service was so friendly, the interior was amazing, and the food was amazing, especially a speciality jam that was to die for!
- staffOn my first day, two of us enjoyed a fabulous breakfast. The staff were very polite and friendly. We ordered coffee, a sausage omelette with sourdough bread, and buttermilk pancakes with seasonal berries.
- ServiceService is really friendly and good
- waitParking is available on the street nearby, though it can be a bit tight but is doable with patience. The restaurant has a cozy, family-run vibe, and the welcoming staff made the wait feel easy.
- serverThe place inside is very quaint and has the old-school diner vibe without being grimy. Our server was also very cool and friendly, and we had a chat about tattoos and film.
- serversThe servers were super friendly and they took a great care of us.
- wait timeWe were lucky enough to sit with the owner and chewed the fat with him and his friend. Was expecting a long line and there was only a couple ahead of us, making the wait time negligible.
- 40 min waitworth the 40 min wait
- Food/drinksFood/drinks are served after a reasonable time
- HakanHakan isimli çalışan arkadaş ile tanıştık. Kendisi güleryüzlü ve bize çok yardımcı oldu
Frequently criticized
- waitThe vibe inside is cozy and bustling, with that old-school North Beach charm. The wait can be long, but sitting right by Washington Square makes it less painful. If you’re in San Francisco and don’t mind a line, Mama’s is a must for a satisfying brunch.
- waiting timeMy dining experience was underwhelming. After a 30-minute wait, I found the food to be quite bland, and the bagel was noticeably dry, suggesting it wasn't fresh. While the atmosphere was charming and the server was welcoming, the food's quality didn't align with the price point.
- lineThe atmosphere was great, the people were lovely, and of course, the food was awesome. Be prepared for quite a line on weekends though.
- serviceWe experienced waits of 20-30 minutes for our food, even when it wasn't busy. The service itself was lacking, requiring us to call the waitress three times for water. Another issue was the salad being drenched in an overwhelming amount of dressing, overpowering the natural flavors.
- staffstaff casually told me they were “looking into it.”
- table serviceno table service but they still charge
- wait timeomelette took forever to come out
- wait timesI witnessed RTE food handled with bare hands, widespread cross-contamination, and time and temperature abuse, which raises serious concerns about health inspection violations. Coupled with the long wait times and assaultive prices, I definitely will not be returning, as there are much better options available.
- waiting lineDon't miss it, and be there early as the waiting line can be long
- 30-minute waitWe experienced a 30-minute wait
If youre prepared for a potential wait and appreciate an efficient, friendly system over traditional table service, youll likely enjoy your visit. But if long lines and a fast-paced environment are deal-breakers, you might want to explore other options. It's a trade-off between efficiency and a relaxed dining pace.
Ambience (6.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 51% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, many guests adore the restaurants character, frequently praising its cozy and charming atmosphere with vintage vibes and cool decor. Its often described as a beloved local spot with appealing outside seating options. With 65 positive remarks, it clearly offers a welcoming feel for many.
However, the overall score for ambience sits at an average 6.7, with customer satisfaction at a mixed 64.4%. This is largely due to 29 negative comments highlighting tight quarters, uncomfortable seating, and a sometimes chaotic atmosphere. The bathroom cleanliness and its inconvenient location through the kitchen are also notable concerns.
Ambience
101
Reviews
64%
Satisfaction
29
negative
7
neutral
65
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy, charming vibe
- Vintage decor
- Outdoor seating
What people don't like
- Tight, cramped seating
- Unclean bathroom access
- Chaotic atmosphere
Often praised
- atmosphereThe fresh sourdough bread with homemade jam was also great. The service was excellent, and the atmosphere was wonderful. I had no wait time, and the food was top-notch.
- vibePortions are generous and it’s super filling. The vibe inside is cozy and bustling, with that old-school North Beach charm. The wait can be long, but sitting right by Washington Square makes it less painful.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- placeIf you want an authentic American experience, this is the place to go! We returned for 2 mornings during our stay because we absolutely loved the place, the staff, and the food. We highly recommend it!
- ambianceThe ambiance reminds me of sitting in a Paris restaurant
- 1950s menussee what the 1950s menus used to look like
- American experienceIf you want an authentic American experience, this is the place to go! We returned for 2 mornings during our stay because we absolutely loved the place, the staff, and the food.
- American-style vibegreat American-style vibe
- bathroom cleanlinessThe bathroom has a peculiar but very small structure. However, it was surprisingly clean. I hesitated to visit after reading Google reviews about the bathroom being very dirty, but I felt I'd regret not going, so I took a deep breath and went in.
- beautiful little corneralways a beautiful little corner
Frequently criticized
- bathroomhow you have to get to the bathroom. What an experience that is - totally disgusting and intolerable
- atmosphereAtmosphere spoilt by overhearing ridiculous conversations
- spaceThe space is extremely cramped
- bathroom cleanlinessThe bathroom isn't super clean
- chaoticThe whole setup is chaotic
- cleanlinesswondered about the cleanliness
- curtainsDirty curtains
- dogAnother customer also had a (very wet) dog running around which wasn’t great
- health inspection violationssee all the health inspection violations at one place
- hygiene standardsquestion the hygiene standards of the entire food making process
If youre looking for a charming, cozy spot with a strong local vibe and dont mind potentially tight seating or a less-than-ideal bathroom experience, you might enjoy it. However, if spacious comfort and pristine facilities are high on your list, this place might disappoint.
Value (3.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 23% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot has a bit of a mixed bag, leaning heavily towards the needs improvement side. With an overall score of just 3.8 and customer satisfaction at a low 12.5%, its clear there are some concerns. Out of 40 total comments, a few bright spots (5 positive remarks) did emerge, with some guests appreciating that tips were often included in the prices or not charged, making them feel it was worth it for their experience.
However, the overwhelming sentiment, with 29 negative comments, points to significant issues. Many found items like coffee and breakfast pricey, with some calling it overpriced and not low budget. Hidden surcharges, including egg fees and credit card fees, also left a sour taste, leading many to feel it wasnt worth the price for the quality received.
Value
40
Reviews
12%
Satisfaction
29
negative
6
neutral
5
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Tips often included
What people don't like
- Overpriced food
- Hidden surcharges
- Poor value
Often praised
- pricesPrices are fair for being in SF
- tip is includedTip is included in price
- tipsThey do not ask/charge for tips :)
- worth itbut I believe it was worth it
Frequently criticized
- priceit's also expensive for an omelet with three potatoes and bread
- pricesMy experience at this restaurant was far from satisfactory. The food was not special, and the prices were super expensive. The location felt crammed and small, contributing to a poor atmosphere.
- credit card feeThe establishment featured dirty curtains and crooked pictures on the walls, and the space felt small and narrow, which did not contribute to a pleasant dining environment. Furthermore, the hidden surcharges, such as an "egg fee" and a 3% credit card fee in 2025, were unwelcome additions. Ultimately, the experience was not worth the wait or the price.
- 4 dishesWe all enjoyed our dishes, but the bill was high. Over $100 for 4 dishes.
- billthe bill remains high
- breakfast costbreakfast should not cost a family of 4 over $135
- breakfast for twola mia colazione per due , 90 dollari
- coffee pricerobbery at 5 bucks each
- egg feeThe establishment featured dirty curtains and crooked pictures on the walls, and the space felt small and narrow, which did not contribute to a pleasant dining environment. Furthermore, the hidden surcharges, such as an "egg fee" and a 3% credit card fee in 2025, were unwelcome additions. Ultimately, the experience was not worth the wait or the price.
- hidden surchargesThe hidden surcharges aren't that great either
If youre watching your wallet, this might not be the ideal choice, as many guests found the prices steep and felt the value wasnt there. While some appreciated the included tips, be prepared for potentially high bills and unexpected fees that could leave you disappointed.
How are the prices at Mama's On Washington Square?
You’re looking at roughly 35 per person – reported by 157 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.
While the average hovers around 35, we see a good mix of spending. A large number of guests enjoy meals in the $21–$30 range, but there are also plenty of options for those looking to spend a bit more, stretching into the higher price points.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 157 reviews.
How does this restaurant’s value for money compare to similar spots in San Francisco?
Overall, for a Restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers a good balance, catering to different budgets without compromising on the overall experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Mama's On Washington Square
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Delicious Food and Friendly Service
I have great respect and was very happy to have eaten here. The food was very delicious, and the service from the staff was very friendly.
- food9
- service9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
9
Great Breakfast Spot with Unique Offerings
TLDR; great, popular breakfast spot! I came here to grab breakfast with a friend while visiting the city. We stopped by for breakfast and it was fairly busy even on a Wednesday morning.
The service was quick; you take a seat then order at the counter. The restaurant wears its status as an institution in its decor, with a lot of cool art/decoration. The food itself was great.
The lemonade was good and not too sweet. The French roast sampler was great as well, offering a really cool variety unlike anything else I’ve had. They also offer a house jam that’s delicious.
I would go here again! Next time, I’ll try more savory options. My friend mentioned that the omelets are some of the best he’s had.
- service9
- cool art/decoration9
- food9
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
3
Rushed breakfast, tight seating
My experience at this restaurant was marked by tight seating and a predominantly takeout focus. Despite empty tables and no line, the staff made us feel rushed throughout our entire breakfast. This was particularly frustrating as we were on vacation and did not want to feel stressed by the restaurant staff.
The food, however, was good.
- takeout5
- food4
- tight seating2
- rushed1
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
8
Cozy Brunch Spot with Great Coffee!
I did an 'open run' from the morning to visit this place recommended for brunch. There was already a wait before it even opened. I ordered the pancakes, which are in an American traditional breakfast style.
I had already looked at the menu beforehand and even saved a screenshot just in case. I thought ordering just the pancakes would result in a dish like the picture, but the bananas and berries were separate additions. If the staff hadn't asked, I would have just eaten plain bread!
ㅎㅎ As they say, 'things that look good taste good, ' and it was pretty and delicious. I also liked that they kept refilling the coffee. The staff were energetic and friendly.
The shop isn't large, so the tables are quite close to each other. ^^; Nevertheless, it was cozy and charming. Coffee refills were a nice touch, and the pancakes were pretty and delicious.
- pancakes8
- coffee refills9
- staff9
- tables5
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Moderate (16–30 min.)
9
Worth the Wait for Delicious Cake!
I visited with my family a few months ago, and as always, we had to wait in line. However, I believe it was worth it. I highly recommend trying their carrot cake with cream.
The taste is still lingering, and I will definitely stop by again on my next visit.
- carrot cake with cream10
- wait in line6
- worth it9
What Mama's On Washington Square offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Crowd
- Tourists
- College students
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Solo dining
- Breakfast
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Dessert
- Table service
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Historic
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
Is Mama's On Washington Square a good place to bring children?
Yes, Mama’s On Washington Square is considered good for kids and provides high chairs, making it a family-friendly spot for breakfast, brunch, or lunch in San Francisco’s North Beach neighborhood. You can enjoy a meal with your little ones in a welcoming environment.
What are the parking options available near Mama's On Washington Square?
Parking near Mama’s On Washington Square can sometimes be challenging to find a space. However, you can look for both free street parking and paid street parking options in the North Beach area of San Francisco when you visit.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Mama's On Washington Square?
Mama’s On Washington Square has an overall score of **6.7** and a customer satisfaction of **62.6%**. While the **Food** (7.4) and **Ambience** (6.7) are well-regarded, **Service** (6.1) is average, and **Value** (3.8) is a common concern.
Is Mama's On Washington Square known for long wait times?
Yes, many customers mention that **wait times** can be significant, especially during peak hours. While the **vibe** is often described as cozy, be prepared for a potential line.
How is the food quality at Mama's On Washington Square?
The **food** at Mama’s On Washington Square generally receives high praise, with many positive comments about dishes like **French toast**, **Monte Cristo**, and **homemade jam**.