Highlights
- Great dessert
- Great coffee
oChef » Orphan Andy’s – San Francisco
Orphan Andy's - San Francisco
Photo from Orphan Andy’s
Orphan Andy's at a glance
San Francisco Duboce Triangle
- 🍔 American Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 151 of the guests
#968 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#36 American Restaurant out of 121 in San Francisco
Good
7.7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
720
Reviews
77.5%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Friendly staff
- Classic vibe
Frequently criticized
- Service issues
- High prices
The restaurant, an iconic American eatery nestled in San Francisco’s vibrant Duboce Triangle neighborhood, is renowned for its great coffee. Step into Orphan Andy’s and you’ll discover a cozy, historic atmosphere perfect for any time of day.
Whether you’re seeking a quick bite, a leisurely breakfast, or a satisfying late-night meal, this casual spot offers a welcoming experience. You can enjoy classic American dishes in a setting that feels both trendy and timeless.
Overview: Introducting Orphan Andy's
Orphan Andy’s offers a quintessential diner experience, often celebrated for its friendly staff and a classic diner atmosphere that many find comforting. It’s a place where the service can truly make you feel welcome, contributing to a vibrant and engaging visit.
However, some experiences suggest a different story, with reports of horrible service and a feeling that the menu might be overpriced. While many appreciate the charm, it’s clear that consistency in both hospitality and value can sometimes be a point of contention.
Good
7.7
out of 10
720
Reviews
77.5%
Satisfaction
134
negative
28
neutral
558
positive
Orphan Andy’s generally earns a solid reputation, reflected in its overall restaurant score of 7.7 and a customer satisfaction rate of 77.5%. These figures indicate a largely positive dining experience for many.
The Ambience (7.9), Service (7.8), and Food (7.7) all score well, suggesting these are areas where the restaurant consistently delivers. This positive sentiment is built on 558 positive remarks from a total of 720 customer observations.
However, the Value (5.7) score sits in the average range, indicating that while many find the experience worthwhile, some customers feel the pricing doesn’t always align with their expectations. This is further highlighted by 134 negative comments, many of which touch upon concerns about cost or occasional inconsistencies in food quality.
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Classic diner atmosphere
- Hearty, satisfying food
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service quality
- Perceived high prices
- Occasional bland food
If you’re seeking a classic diner with a lively atmosphere and generally good food, Orphan Andy’s is certainly worth considering. The strong 7.8 recommendation score suggests that for many, the positives, especially the engaging service and unique setting, outweigh the occasional drawbacks.
However, approach with an understanding that while the overall experience is often delightful, there might be moments where the service isn’t as consistent or the prices feel a bit steep. It’s a place with character, but managing expectations around value and service consistency will ensure a more satisfying visit.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Orphan Andy's
Food (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 90% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark with a solid score of 7.7 and a good customer satisfaction of 78%. Based on 234 positive remarks, many rave about the delicious food and tasty eats, often highlighting the generous portions that leave you satisfied. It seems like a great place for a hearty meal!
However, not everyone's experience was perfect. With 53 negative comments, some found the food lacking flavor or described it as mid-quality diner food. There were also instances of overcooked items and even cold food, suggesting some inconsistency in execution.
Food
300
Reviews
78%
Satisfaction
53
negative
13
neutral
234
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious diner food
- Generous portions
- Great breakfast items
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Bland or burnt food
- Cold or undercooked
Often praised
- foodThey truly went above and beyond, playing songs and putting candles in my chicken tenders for my birthday. I will always return to Orphan Andy’s not just for the amazing menu and fresh food, but for the incredible staff that makes it special. Five stars all around for Vité and Mikey!
- breakfastthe place to be for a great breakfast
- coffeecoffee served in the cup that will be offered several times
- pancakesThe pancakes served with the omelette were simply delicious!
- portionsMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The food was great, with generous portions. The staff was awesome, and the monte cristo sandwich, cheeseburger, and potato salad were all awesome.
- potato saladside of excellent potato salad
- burgerUn excellent burger (énorme double cheese burger)
- French toasthad French toast with beacon. Excellent choice
- baconMy experience at this diner was positive, offering good breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late-night food. I particularly loved their pancakes, and they were generous with the bacon, providing always more than enough bacon. The service was rated a 5, indicating a strong positive experience there.
- cheeseburgerWe got the cheeseburger 9/10.
Frequently criticized
- foodThe food was pedestrian. Hardly any flavor, really bland.
- friesThe fries seemed like they were from frozen
- eggsThe eggs, bacon and sausage were just slapped on the plate.
- burgerBeyond the hygiene concerns, the food was completely mediocre. The burger was forgettable, the fries were limp, and the "classic" milkshake was so thick it was practically inedible with a straw. Instead of a nostalgic diner treat, it felt like a lazy, careless imitation.
- coffeecup of coffee that wasnt properly cleaned and you could taste the soap in the coffee
- fried chickenThe fried chicken had no taste no bite no crunch and no flavor
- milkshakeBeyond the hygiene concerns, the food was completely mediocre. The burger was forgettable, the fries were limp, and the "classic" milkshake was so thick it was practically inedible with a straw. Instead of a nostalgic diner treat, it felt like a lazy, careless imitation.
- pancakespancakes were bad. pancakes were burnt
- Philly Cheesesteak sandwichPhilly Cheesesteak sandwich. It's not made with Slabs of beef
- baconThe eggs, bacon and sausage were just slapped on the plate. The sausage and bacon were mediocre. You can tell they cook everything on a flat top that isn’t cleaned regularly.
Overall, if youre looking for a place with generally good food and generous portions, its worth a try. Just be aware that some experiences mention inconsistencies in quality, so manage your expectations for a perfect meal.
Service (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 87% of the guests
The service at this establishment generally shines, earning a solid 7.8 and a good customer satisfaction rating of 78%. Many of the 174 positive remarks out of 223 total highlight the friendly staff, attentive service, and hospitality, often noting how food came quickly and efficiently. However, not every experience is perfect, with 43 negative comments pointing to issues like rude staff, impatience, and long wait times.
Some guests also noted poor organization and a lack of attentiveness, suggesting that service quality can sometimes be inconsistent.
Service
223
Reviews
78%
Satisfaction
43
negative
6
neutral
174
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Attentive service
- Quick food delivery
What people don't like
- Rude staff
- Long wait times
- Poor organization
Often praised
- serviceThat's how we found it, just walking on a beautiful SF morning and got hungry. It's an awesome, quaint, local joint with a great selection of breakfast items and friendly service. The location is fantastic, right off the corner of Market and Castro, which is an action-packed corner.
- staffMy experience at this restaurant was a delightful surprise! It offers a queer twist on an American classic diner, complete with a friendly staff and a whole range of diner classics. The atmosphere was vibrant, filled with a lot of rainbow pride.
- waiterThe service was great. Our waiter was so nice, attentive, and kind!
- serverThank you to our server for this truly memorable experience
- welcomeI felt welcome the moment I stepped in
- ServiceService was quick and kind
- recommendationsThe food was super good, but what truly stood out was the service we received. The staff engaged in great conversation, offered recommendations about the city, and were absolutely charming. It was a truly delightful experience.
- serversI've been coming here since I was a kid, and it’s as wonderful as ever. I loved both servers who were on duty, especially Mikey. He saw my sweatshirt and immediately played the Beyoncé song it referenced on the jukebox 😘.
- MikeyMy experience at this restaurant was wonderful. I'm a regular here, and Mikey always takes good care of me. While some reviews mention the place being old, it's important to remember it has been a part of the community for decades.
- ownerThe owner greated me at the door, sat me down
Frequently criticized
- serviceHorrible service. We were waited by an older woman who refused to answer any questions and had a very condescending attitude.
- staffstaff that is so rude and unhelpful
- customer serviceBig mistake. I was told to go wait outside because others couldn’t figure out how to seat themselves. If they can’t organize seating or help customers use common sense, maybe brunch chaos is the new house special.
- serverthe Asian lady we had waiting on us was not very professional
- waiterAs a chef, I could tell just by looking at it that it wasn't. Despite this, I ate it because the waiter seemed put out, and I didn't want to cause a fuss. To make a long story short, the gravy came from a can, not homemade.
- Fries were really lateFries were really late
- attitudehas a nasty attitude
- cookel cocinero grocero hablando español con groserías
- doorI used to love this place and brought all my out-of-town friends here — emphasis on used to. This morning, since no one was managing the door and seats were clearly open, I sat myself at the counter. Big mistake.
- effort to clear people outthey don’t make an effort to clear people out
If youre looking for a place with generally friendly and attentive service, youll likely be pleased. Just be prepared that, like any busy spot, there might be occasional inconsistencies or longer waits, particularly during peak hours.
Ambience (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 68% of the guests
The ambience here is definitely a highlight, scoring a 7.9 and boasting a 81.5% customer satisfaction! Many guests (132 out of 162 comments) rave about the retro vibe, cozy diner feel, and warm, inclusive environment. Youll often find fairy decorations and appreciate its status as a Castro neighborhood institution, creating a truly unique and welcoming atmosphere.
However, a few of the 24 negative comments point out that the place can feel small with cramped tables. Some found the ambiance a bit uninviting or even cold due to an open door. There were also concerns about the kitchens cleanliness and the overall environment feeling a bit old.
Ambience
162
Reviews
81%
Satisfaction
24
negative
6
neutral
132
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Unique retro vibe
- Warm, inclusive space
- Charming, fun decor
What people don't like
- Small, cramped space
- Cleanliness concerns
- Can be cold
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at Orphan Andy's was incredibly comforting. It's a classic, old-fashioned diner that truly nails the experience, enhanced by a splash of Castro charm and a whole lot of heart. The fact that it's open late is a huge plus, making it a go-to spot for night owls, locals, and those wandering after clubbing for decades.
- decorthe place was absolutely adorable. The decor is definitely one of a kind.
- locationGreat location at the corner of Castro Street and market Street
- dinerMy experience at this super cute little diner in the Castro was fantastic. The food was delicious and the portions were big.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere was like a blast to the past
- booth seatingParking can be difficult to find, though free street parking is available. The price per person is between $20–30, and seating includes comfortable booth seating.
- cozy dinera cozy diner with a classic, retro vibe
- decorationThis was my second visit to the restaurant, and the experience was just as enjoyable as the year before. The fun decoration and cozy atmosphere create a welcoming environment. Of course, the good food was a highlight, making it a great place for lunch.
- spotA great spot for late-night bites
- vibeHas the vibe and menu of a classic America diner
Frequently criticized
- parkingThe food received a rating of 4, service was rated 4, and the atmosphere was also rated 4. Parking can be difficult to find, though free street parking is available. The price per person is between $20–30, and seating includes comfortable booth seating.
- aggressive manignore some aggressive man hitting on me constantly
- ambianceIt set an uninviting ambiance
- brunch chaosmaybe brunch chaos is the new house special
- coldmaking it very cold
- decorThe decor in this resto is unique and a little distracting
- dirty glassessticking his fingers in dirty glasses
- doorthe door was open, making it very cold
- entranceNarrow entrance can make it hard to get a wheelchair in
- environmentFrankly her attitude made me not want to order anything and made the environment very hostile.
If youre looking for a unique, cozy, and vibrant spot with a strong retro feel, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be prepared for a potentially small and bustling space, especially during peak hours, and dont expect a pristine, modern environment.
Value (5.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 19% of the guests
When it comes to value, it seems like this spot is a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 5.7 putting it squarely in the average range. Many guests appreciated the good 18 positive remarks out of 35 total comments, highlighting the overall value, price-performance ratio, and finding the food affordable and not overpriced. Some even felt the pricing was great and offered competitive prices.
However, the customer satisfaction sits at 51.4%, indicating a mixed experience for many. There were 14 negative comments, with some feeling the food was overpriced or that the prices were too high. Concerns also arose around shady billing practices, including unexpected automatic tip additions, and discrepancies with menu prices being higher than advertised.
Value
35
Reviews
51%
Satisfaction
14
negative
3
neutral
18
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great value
- Fair prices
- Affordable options
What people don't like
- Overpriced food
- Shady billing
- Automatic tips
Often praised
- priceA little bit more expensive than your typical diner but worth every cent
- pricesIt's a small but wonderful little space, filled with lots of decorations and blinking lights. The food was wonderful, offering a good selection at fair prices. The service was excellent, and the environment was very friendly.
- pricingThe pricing was more than reasonable
- valueExcellent value
- PriceReasonable price.
- Spanish omelette and pancakesSpanish omelette and pancakes was $19 -- which is reasonable
- affordableIt's a cozy diner with a classic, retro vibe. The staff is friendly, and the food is tasty and affordable. It's a great spot for late-night bites or a hearty breakfast in San Francisco.
- competitive pricesCompetitive prices too!
- fair pricegreat breakfast at a fair price
- not overpricedthe food isn't overpriced
Frequently criticized
- pricesThe prices of over $20 should at least be a good product.
- ShadyShady
- automatic tipadded an automatic tip of 20%
- charged $16To top it off, I was overcharged significantly on the bill, which felt shady. I gave a decent $8 tip but was charged $16.
- current pricescurrent prices are 2.5 times higher
- foodfood was laughably overpriced and underdelivering
- food priceThe food is also incredibly overpriced.
- menu pricesMy experience at this restaurant was marred by inaccurate menu prices. All menu prices, including those in photos, were wrong and super old.
- moneywould never get the pleasure any of my money
- overpricedThe food seemed overpriced
This place offers a decent value for some, especially if you catch a good deal. However, be mindful of potential pricing surprises or feeling like certain items are overpriced, as experiences vary quite a bit.
How are the prices at Orphan Andy's?
You’re looking at roughly 23 per person – reported by 151 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.
Looking at what everyone else is spending, most diners (71 out of 151) are right there in the $21–$30 sweet spot, with a good chunk (66) also enjoying the $11–$20 range. So, prices definitely cluster around this mid-range average, offering a nice variety without going wild on the high end.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 151 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
For an American Restaurant in San Francisco, we think this pricing feels pretty fair. It hits that sweet spot for a casual, enjoyable meal without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Orphan Andy's
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
7
Nostalgic Diner with Great Burgers, Crazy Prices
My experience at this restaurant was a mix of nostalgic charm and sticker shock. The ambience was definitely a highlight, with lots of decor creating a nostalgic diner feel. The food was great; we enjoyed the cheeseburger (9/10), mushroom burger (8/10), and the new-to-me cream cheese burger (9/10), though it was super messy.
However, the prices were crazy, with mozzarella sticks costing almost $20. The service was just okay; their system was a bit confusing but it eventually worked. Overall, for late-night eats and diner food, it gets the job done.
- ambience10
- nostalgic diner feel9
- service5
- prices2
- mozzarella sticks2
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
2
Disappointing Service Despite Past Love
I used to love this place and brought all my out-of-town friends here — emphasis on used to. This morning, since no one was managing the door and seats were clearly open, I sat myself at the counter. Big mistake.
I was told to go wait outside because others couldn’t figure out how to seat themselves. If they can’t organize seating or help customers use common sense, maybe brunch chaos is the new house special.
- seating2
- door2
- customer service1
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Wonderful Food and Friendly Environment
My experience at this restaurant was overwhelmingly positive. It's a small but wonderful little space, filled with lots of decorations and blinking lights. The food was wonderful, offering a good selection at fair prices.
The service was excellent, and the environment was very friendly. I definitely recommend this place if you're in the area.
- space9
- decorations8
- food10
- entrance3
- parking4
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
8
Classic Diner with Great Reuben
My experience at this classic diner was a pleasant one. The decor felt authentic, and the food was delicious. I particularly enjoyed the Reuben sandwich, which was perfectly made, and the accompanying potato salad was excellent.
The waiter was very pleasant and attentive without being intrusive. I've since returned and experienced the same friendly staff. While the biscuits and gravy were just fine and nothing special, I'm eager to explore more of the menu on future visits.
- decor8
- Reuben sandwich9
- potato salad8
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Exceptional Service and Great Food in SF!
My friends and I had a wonderful breakfast experience visiting SF. Our server was truly one of the nicest people I've ever met. He went above and beyond by asking where we were visiting from, providing us with a map, circling recommended places, and explaining public transit routes.
He even captured a photo of us in our booth! The food was pretty good, and the portion sizes were great. We also loved the atmosphere and decor.
This is definitely a place you should go if you're visiting SF!
- server10
- food7
- portion sizes8
What Orphan Andy's offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Crowd
- Tourists
- College students
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Late-night food
- Coffee
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Historic
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What dining options and meal times are available at Orphan Andy's Restaurant?
At Orphan Andy’s, you can enjoy a wide array of dining options throughout the day and night. They serve breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, with comfortable table service and seating. It’s also a popular destination for delicious desserts and late-night food in San Francisco.
Does Orphan Andy's Restaurant offer accessibility features and parking options?
Yes, Orphan Andy’s is designed to be accessible for everyone, featuring a wheelchair accessible entrance and seating. When you visit, you’ll find convenient parking options with both free street parking and paid street parking available nearby in the Duboce Triangle neighborhood.
How does Orphan Andy's generally score with customers?
Orphan Andy’s holds a good overall restaurant score of 7.7, with customer satisfaction at 77.5%. Customers particularly appreciate the Ambience (7.9), Service (7.8), and Food (7.7), though Value (5.7) is considered average.
What is the customer experience like regarding service at Orphan Andy's?
Service at Orphan Andy’s is often highlighted for being friendly, attentive, and kind, with many positive remarks about the staff. However, there are also instances where customers reported rude or unhelpful service, indicating some inconsistency.
Is the food at Orphan Andy's generally well-received?
Yes, the food at Orphan Andy’s generally receives good feedback, with many customers enjoying delicious and generous portions, especially breakfast items like pancakes and burgers. However, some reviews mention the food can occasionally be pedestrian, bland, or mediocre.