Highlights
- Great coffee
- Great tea selection
oChef » Pat’s Cafe – San Francisco
Pat's Cafe - San Francisco
Photo from Pat’s Cafe
Pat's Cafe at a glance
San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf
- 🍽️ Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 164 of the guests
#488 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#66 Restaurant out of 254 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.2 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
717
Reviews
85.8%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Food quality
- Great service
- Cozy atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- Value concerns
- Specific dishes
- Service lapses
The restaurant Pat’s Cafe offers a truly authentic San Francisco experience right in the heart of Fisherman’s Wharf. You’ll find a cozy and casual atmosphere perfect for a quick bite or a leisurely meal.
Known for its great coffee, it’s an ideal spot to start your day or enjoy a relaxing break. Whether you’re looking for breakfast, brunch, or lunch, this welcoming spot has you covered.
Overview: Introducting Pat's Cafe
Pat’s Cafe offers a generally positive dining experience, particularly shining in its culinary offerings and attentive staff. Many guests praise the food quality and generous portions, often highlighting specific breakfast items.
The service consistently receives high marks for its friendliness and efficiency, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere. However, some visitors find the prices a bit steep, leading to mixed opinions on overall value.
While the ambiance is often described as charming, a few experiences mention minor issues. Overall, it appears to be a place where the strengths often outweigh these occasional concerns.
Excellent
8.2
out of 10
717
Reviews
85.8%
Satisfaction
86
negative
16
neutral
615
positive
Pat’s Cafe earns a respectable overall score of 8.2, reflecting a generally good dining experience. This is further supported by a strong customer satisfaction rate of 85.8%, indicating that most patrons leave content.
These figures are drawn from a substantial body of feedback, with 717 total opinions, showing a clear lean towards positive experiences with 615 positive remarks against 86 negative ones. Delving deeper, the restaurant excels in its Ambience (8.5), Service (8.4), and Food (8.3), all scoring well.
While these core aspects consistently impress, the Value (5.8) score suggests it’s an average area, where opinions are more divided. This indicates that while the quality is there, some guests feel the pricing could be more competitive.
What people like
- Excellent Food Quality
- Attentive, Friendly Service
- Pleasant Atmosphere
What people don't like
- Inconsistent Value
- Specific Food Disappointments
- Occasional Service Lapses
If you’re seeking a spot with genuinely good food and a friendly, efficient team, Pat’s Cafe is certainly worth considering. Its strong performance in core areas means you’re likely to have a satisfying meal, especially if you prioritize quality and a pleasant setting.
The recommendation score of 8.5 reflects this solid appeal. However, be prepared for potentially higher prices, as the value perception is a bit of a mixed bag.
While many find it justified, those on a strict budget might want to review the offerings carefully. It’s a place that delivers on its strengths, but it’s wise to manage expectations regarding cost.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Pat's Cafe
Food (8.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark with a solid score of 8.3 and a customer satisfaction of 87.8%. With 345 positive remarks out of 393, many rave about the delicious food, generous portions, and fresh ingredients, especially highlighting the great omelettes and French toast. They even offer appealing vegetarian options!
However, it's not all sunshine and pancakes, as 42 comments point to some areas for improvement. A few diners found the food to be bland, with complaints about greasy omelettes or dishes being undercooked. There were also mentions of small portions for the price, suggesting some inconsistency in value.
Food
393
Reviews
87%
Satisfaction
42
negative
6
neutral
345
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious food
- Generous portions
- Vegetarian friendly
What people don't like
- Bland food
- Inconsistent quality
- Greasy omelettes
Often praised
- foodPat herself greeted me and introduced herself. Her staff were pretty spot on and very attentive, and the food was just how I expected it to be and more besides. I think this is gonna be my go-to place as not only the Powell-Mason Cable Cars go right in front of it and stop half a block away, they have my favorite Trader Joe's around the corner and Fisherman's Wharf a block from this establishment.
- coffeeThe portions were great, and I had to try the corned beef hash based on all the reviews – it did not disappoint! The service was great and friendly, and the coffee was great too. This is how you want to start off your day!
- breakfastMy experience at this restaurant was very positive. It's a great spot for a quick and easy typical breakfast, just as you would expect in the US. The coffee refills were continuous, and there were many sauces on the table.
- pancakesThe staff are lovely, creating a welcoming atmosphere. The food is incredible, with the fluffiest pancakes ever and an amazing veggie hash. They also offer great vegetarian options, with a large selection available.
- portionsWe were so happy to find this place on our journey through SF. The portions were great, and I had to try the corned beef hash based on all the reviews – it did not disappoint! The service was great and friendly, and the coffee was great too.
- omeletteThe food was great (omelette and blueberry pancakes)
- FoodThe restaurant offers a great selection for both breakfast and lunch. The food quality is excellent, as reflected by the 5/5 rating. The atmosphere is also very pleasant, rated at 4/5.
- French toastThis is the best brunch spot. The French toast is made with sourdough bread, not regular 식빵 (shikppang - white bread), which makes it incredibly soft. It's coated in just the right amount of egg batter, allowing you to fully appreciate the bread's natural flavor.
- corned beef hashFresh corned beef hash. Not the canned stuff.
- menufurther explore their menu. I'll bet the rest of their food is outstanding
Frequently criticized
- foodfood tasted like they cooked it in old oil
- breakfastappreciate good breakfasts then flee this place
- portionsexpensive for the portions
- potatoesThe potatoes were worse
- California burritoWhile the food tasted good and the atmosphere was quaint and charming, there were significant issues with the order. I was brought out the wrong order of crepes, and the California burrito did not have any avocado as advertised. Additionally, our side order of home fries was never received.
- Cheesteak sandwichSadly, the kitchen seems to have no feel for cooking food, and I'm guessing the restaurant doesn't much care. The "Cheesteak" sandwich was an abomination. It featured two thick, 1/2-inch strips of fatty steak, with undercooked shish-kebab type squares of onion and bell pepper, and the cheese was an afterthought.
- Recommendation for vegetariansWould not recommend
- avocado toastI had an avocado toast for almost $20, consisting of two slices of white bread, half an avocado, and a scrambled egg. The dish had no taste at all. Don't let the positive reviews mislead you.
- careNo care, seasoning, respect for food
- cheesecheese an afterthought
If you're looking for a generally delicious and satisfying breakfast or brunch with generous portions, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be aware that a few experiences mention blandness or inconsistent quality, so manage your expectations for every single dish.
Service (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 78% of the guests
With a solid score of 8.4 and an impressive customer satisfaction of 84.4%, its clear the service here is a major highlight. Out of 179 comments, a whopping 151 praise the staff, consistently raving about the friendly service, attentive team, and overall excellent service that makes guests feel truly welcome. However, not every experience is perfect.
A smaller number of 25 comments point to occasional issues, such as a rude waiter or concerns about waiting time. Some guests also noted problems with order accuracy and feeling rushed to pay, suggesting theres a little room for improvement.
Service
179
Reviews
84%
Satisfaction
25
negative
3
neutral
151
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Quick, efficient service
- Welcoming atmosphere
What people don't like
- Occasional rude staff
- Order accuracy issues
- Potential waiting times
Often praised
- serviceThe portions were great, and I had to try the corned beef hash based on all the reviews – it did not disappoint! The service was great and friendly, and the coffee was great too. This is how you want to start off your day!
- staffMy experience at this restaurant was excellent. It was a short walk from our hotel, offering great options with fast service and friendly staff. The food was tasty, and the atmosphere was wonderful.
- ServiceI particularly enjoyed the Smoked Salmon. The service was also top-notch, receiving a 5/5 rating.
- customer serviceIt was busy and boisterous, with tables turning quickly. Our breakfast meals were delicious and prepared promptly, complemented by excellent customer service. We enjoyed the California Crepe and Eggs in a Hole, both of which were well-made.
- experienceI haven’t had an experience like that
- peopleHowever, the prices were a little higher than I expected, so be mindful of that. Overall, it was a positive experience with good people and great food.
- EdwinEdwin our waiter, positive attitude was infectious!
- Edwin (or Edward)Edwin (or Edward) was so kind and attentive
- PatI usually like to go a few times before I can recommend a place, but these guys are superb. Pat herself greeted me and introduced herself. Her staff were pretty spot on and very attentive, and the food was just how I expected it to be and more besides.
- RicardoRicardo, who served my table, and the young lady who seemed to be the manager. They were both so attentive
Frequently criticized
- serviceThe service was just okay, nothing special.
- serverMy table wasn’t set up properly. The server took his time chatting with another customer and forgot to take my order. I felt uncomfortable due to my order being “complicated” so I decided to leave the restaurant.
- staffStaff is very rude and disrespectful
- waiterThe food was very good, and the service was fast. However, the waiter was a bit aggressive, which detracted from the overall experience.
- clearing plateWhen the guy came to clear my plate, didn't even asked if I had finished or can he clear it.
- coffee refillNo refill of coffee order until this young lady came with a machine asking me to pay up.
- conversationhardly any conversation with them
- dishesI felt the portions were small. One of our dishes took a long time, so they gave us a discount per the inconvenience.
- helpthey definitely need more help
- hostThe host and server were complaining about my order
Overall, the service at this spot is a definite win. You can generally expect a warm welcome and efficient care, making it a great choice for a pleasant dining experience. While minor hiccups might occur, they seem to be the exception rather than the rule.
Ambience (8.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 49% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot truly shines! With a fantastic score of 8.5 and an excellent customer satisfaction rate of 93.6%, its clear guests adore the atmosphere. Out of 110 comments, a whopping 103 rave about the "charming place, " "cozy atmosphere, " and "friendly vibe, " making it feel like a "home from home.
"However, a few guests did note some minor drawbacks. Among the 4 negative comments, concerns were raised about an occasional "bad smell" or "noise level" being too high, and some found their "table" wasnt set quite right. These seem to be isolated incidents rather than widespread issues.
Ambience
110
Reviews
93%
Satisfaction
4
negative
3
neutral
103
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Charming, cozy atmosphere
- Friendly, welcoming vibe
- Clean, well-maintained space
What people don't like
- Occasional bad smell
- High noise level
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was a mix of good and bad. While the food tasted good and the atmosphere was quaint and charming, there were significant issues with the order. I was brought out the wrong order of crepes, and the California burrito did not have any avocado as advertised.
- AtmosphereThe food quality is excellent, as reflected by the 5/5 rating. The atmosphere is also very pleasant, rated at 4/5. I particularly enjoyed the Smoked Salmon.
- placeWe had lunch at this beautiful place, and everything was excellent. I highly recommend this place.
- ambienceloved everything about this place! ... ambience
- ambianceThe portions were generous, and the atmosphere was convivial. We had a wonderful experience with excellent food, great service, and a lovely ambiance.
- cafeThe cafe also lets the soul arrive...
- conveniently locatedAlthough it was some time ago, I fondly remember the breakfast here. Pat's Cafe is highly recommended and conveniently located. Love it!
- local feelMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's a great spot for a local feel. I highly recommend the veggie hash — it's superb.
- localeLocale carinissimo a due passi da Fisherman’s Warf
- musicOur server, Edwin (or Edward), was incredibly kind and attentive, anticipating our needs with genuine care. The atmosphere was cozy and cheerful, with upbeat music at just the right volume. My children devoured their pancakes, my cappuccino was perfectly made, and the orange juice tasted wonderfully fresh.
Frequently criticized
- bad smellThe place smells very bad
- noise levelNoise inside very high
- smell of Bamboo Shootthough a little smell of Bamboo Shoot...
- tableThe host and server were complaining about my order in Spanish. My table wasn’t set up properly. The server took his time chatting with another customer and forgot to take my order.
If you're looking for a place with a genuinely warm and inviting atmosphere, this restaurant is definitely worth a visit. You can expect a charming and comfortable setting that most guests absolutely love, making it a great choice for a pleasant dining experience.
Value (5.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 17% of the guests
When it comes to value, many guests find things to love! With 16 positive remarks out of 35 total, diners often praise the good value, reasonable prices, and affordable options, especially noting good portions that make the meal feel worthwhile. The overall score for value sits at an average 5.8, suggesting a decent experience for many.
However, it's not all sunshine and savings, as 15 negative comments highlight some concerns. Terms like pricey, expensive, and up-charge pop up, with some finding the cost a bit high or encountering unexpected surcharges or minimum tip options. Customer satisfaction for value is mixed at 45.7%, indicating a need for improvement in some areas.
Value
35
Reviews
45%
Satisfaction
15
negative
4
neutral
16
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good value
- Reasonable prices
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Can be pricey
- Hidden up-charges
- Cash only
Often praised
- pricesMy experience at this restaurant was excellent. The place offers good portions and accessible prices. Above all, the service from the waiters was phenomenal.
- pricePrix dans la fourchette haute mais c’est justifié.
- valueThe interior is cute, and the staff are super friendly and helpful. While it's a little pricey, I found it to be worth it.
- value for moneyMy experience at this restaurant was excellent. I found it to be a good value for money with great portions of tasty food. I ordered the Pat's Hash, and it was absolutely perfect.
- PricesPrices reasonable
- affordableMy experience at this little place for breakfast was absolutely fantastic! If you're staying in Fisherman's Wharf, it's definitely a worthwhile stop and affordable. The food was great, and the service was excellent.
- burritoI had one of the best breakfast burritos I’ve ever had and the portions were huge! 😍 Touch on the pricy side for the pancakes but the burrito was well worth what we paid.
- expenseThe omelets and home potatoes were out of this world. While the place is a bit pricey for tourists, it's well worth the expense. Next time I’m in San Francisco, this is where I’ll be going for breakfast.
- good pricesIf you're looking for a no-fuss breakfast place, this is it. We experienced good food, good prices, and good service. We ate here on our vacation and liked it so much we ate here again a second time during the same week.
- good valuethis place is good value
Frequently criticized
- priceIf you are French and appreciate good breakfasts, then flee this overrated place! I had an avocado toast for almost $20, consisting of two slices of white bread, half an avocado, and a scrambled egg. The dish had no taste at all.
- expensiveit has become really expensive
- priceyseemed a bit pricey
- 20% surcharge20% surcharge over 6 people
- Pancake10 USD this slice of pancake.
- cash onlyCash only was anaunced
- pancakesI had one of the best breakfast burritos I’ve ever had and the portions were huge! 😍 Touch on the pricy side for the pancakes but the burrito was well worth what we paid.
- pricesthe prices were a little higher than I expected
- syrupHowever, I found that almost everything came with an up-charge. For instance, even ordering pancakes meant paying extra for syrup. The staff were working hard and were very kind, but they were clearly stretched thin and seemed to need more help.
- tip optionsEverything was fine and quite fast until it was time to pay. The payment screen presented three tip options, with 20% as the minimum. I commented that this seemed excessive, as it represented a minimum of $20 in tip for a $100 breakfast for four, which I didn't think was unreasonable.
If youre looking for a place where value is a mixed bag, this is it. While many find the portions generous and prices fair, be prepared for potential up-charges or a slightly higher bill than expected. Its worth trying if you prioritize good portions, but keep an eye on the final cost.
How are the prices at Pat's Cafe?
You’re looking at roughly 23 per person – reported by 164 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, prices cluster nicely around this average, with a good portion of diners also finding options in the slightly lower $11–$20 range, showing a nice mix of value.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 164 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering its a Restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers a good mid-range option without breaking the bank, and the spread of prices suggests theres something for various budgets.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Pat's Cafe
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Fantastic Jazz, Food, and Service!
My experience at this restaurant was wonderful. I enjoyed the cool jazz music, which created a pleasant atmosphere. The food was excellent, and the service was the friendliest I've encountered in San Francisco.
It truly felt like a home away from home.
- jazz music9
- food10
- service10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Warm, Relaxed Morning at Pat's Café
My family and I had a fantastic experience at Pat's Café for breakfast. We were staying at the nearby Marriott Vacation Club and found this spot to be perfect for an early start, as they opened promptly at 7: 30 a. M.
Our server, Edwin (or Edward), was incredibly kind and attentive, anticipating our needs with genuine care. The atmosphere was cozy and cheerful, with upbeat music at just the right volume. My children devoured their pancakes, my cappuccino was perfectly made, and the orange juice tasted wonderfully fresh.
I highly recommend Pat's Café for a warm, relaxed start to your morning!
- pancakes10
- cappuccino9
- orange juice9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Excellent Cappuccino and Wraps!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The atmosphere was nicely decorated, and the service was incredibly fast and personable. I was particularly impressed with their cappuccinos, which are infinitely better than Starbucks and have made this one of my two favorite spots for a great cappuccino.
I ordered a chicken wrap with french fries and a sweet potato wrap with salad to go. The french fries were excellent, and the salad was nice and basic with a delicious vinaigrette. I definitely wish I was in town longer to explore more of their menu, as I bet the rest of their food is outstanding.
There was clear thought and care in the little I got to try. They also have live music on weekends.
- atmosphere9
- service10
- cappuccinos10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Fantastic Food and Service!
My experience at this restaurant was excellent. The food was fantastic and plentiful, offering a wide range of choices. The staff was also fantastic.
What the restaurant may lack in size, it certainly makes up for with heart.
- food10
- staff10
- heart9
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
10
Great Breakfast Spot, Worth a Second Visit
If you're looking for a no-fuss breakfast place, this is it. We experienced good food, good prices, and good service. We ate here on our vacation and liked it so much we ate here again a second time during the same week.
Would definitely recommend.
- good food9
- good prices9
- good service9
What Pat's Cafe offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Crowd
- Tourists
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Solo dining
- Breakfast
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Dessert
- Table service
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What dining options and atmosphere can you expect at Pat's Cafe?
At Pat’s Cafe, you can enjoy a cozy and casual atmosphere perfect for any meal. They offer a variety of dining options including breakfast, brunch, and lunch, along with delicious desserts. You can choose between table service or seating, making it a versatile spot for your dining needs.
Is Pat's Cafe accessible and family-friendly?
Yes, Pat’s Cafe is designed to be accessible for everyone, featuring a wheelchair accessible entrance and seating. It’s also a great spot for families with children, offering high chairs and a kid-friendly environment. You’ll find convenient amenities like a restroom and paid street parking nearby.
How does Pat's Cafe generally score with customers?
Pat’s Cafe has a good overall score of 8.2 and a customer satisfaction rate of 85.8%. It scores well for Ambience (8.5), Service (8.4), and Food (8.3), though Value (5.8) is considered average.
What are common concerns about Pat's Cafe?
Some customers express concerns about the pricing, finding it a bit high for certain items, leading to mixed opinions on overall value. There are also occasional mentions of specific dishes not meeting expectations or minor service hiccups.
What can I expect from the food at Pat's Cafe?
The food at Pat’s Cafe is generally well-regarded, with many praising its quality and generous portions. Popular items often include well-prepared breakfast staples and flavorful options, though a few specific dishes have received less favorable feedback.