Highlights
- Great coffee
oChef » Paula’s – San Francisco
Paula's - San Francisco
Photo from Paula’s
Paula's at a glance
San Francisco Lower Haight
- 🍽️ Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 56 of the guests
#1285 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#148 Restaurant out of 254 in San Francisco
Good
7.4 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
408
Reviews
73.5%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious breakfast
- Friendly staff
- Pleasant atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- Slow service
- Inconsistent food
- Poor value
The restaurant Paula’s invites you to experience a delightful culinary journey in the heart of San Francisco’s vibrant Lower Haight neighborhood. You’ll find a welcoming spot where the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, a standout feature here, greets you at the door.
This casual eatery is perfect for a quick bite or a leisurely meal, offering a comfortable setting for you to relax and enjoy.
Overview: Introducting Paula's
Paula’s offers a generally pleasant dining experience, often praised for its friendly people and timely service. Many appreciate the delicious breakfast burrito and great coffee, making it a solid choice for a morning meal.
The nice atmosphere also contributes to a comfortable visit. However, some guests have noted very slow service and occasional issues with raw eggs in dishes.
The small portions for the price can also be a point of contention, suggesting that while the food is often good, the overall value might not always align with expectations.
Good
7.4
out of 10
408
Reviews
73.5%
Satisfaction
85
negative
23
neutral
300
positive
Paula’s achieves a respectable Restaurant Score of 7.4, indicating a generally good performance across the board. This is supported by a solid Customer Satisfaction of 73.5%, suggesting most diners leave content.
These figures are drawn from over 400 customer opinions, with 300 positive remarks outweighing 85 negative ones, painting a largely favorable picture. Delving deeper, Food (7.6) stands out as a strong point, often receiving praise for its quality.
Service (7.5) also performs well, with many appreciating the attentive staff. The Ambience (7.2) contributes positively to the experience.
However, Value (4.9) is where Paula’s faces challenges, with some finding portions small relative to the cost.
What people like
- Delicious breakfast items
- Friendly, accommodating staff
- Pleasant, quiet atmosphere
What people don't like
- Slow service, long waits
- Inconsistent food execution
- Poor value for money
Paula’s, with a Recommendation Score of 7.6, is a place worth considering, especially if you prioritize a good breakfast and a welcoming environment. While it generally delivers on taste and hospitality, be prepared for potential service delays and manage expectations regarding portion sizes versus cost.
Ultimately, if you’re seeking a casual spot with tasty morning fare and don’t mind the occasional wait, Paula’s could be a good fit. However, those sensitive to pricing or needing quick service might find it less appealing.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Paula's
Food (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
It looks like the food here generally hits the spot! With a solid score of 7.6 and customer satisfaction at 75.2%, many diners rave about the delicious taste, great variety, and generous portion sizes. Out of 246 remarks, a significant 185 were positive, highlighting fresh ingredients and excellent presentation.
However, not every dish is a winner. There were 45 negative comments, with some guests finding the food bland or overly salty/oily. A few experiences mentioned small portions, raw eggs, or stale items, suggesting some inconsistency in preparation.
Food
246
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
45
negative
16
neutral
185
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious, fresh food
- Great variety offered
- Generous portion sizes
What people don't like
- Food can be bland
- Portions sometimes small
- Inconsistent food preparation
Often praised
- foodA significant factor in my rating is the SF prices; the entire meal, including tip, came to about $40. While I'm glad I tried the place and the food was good, I'm hesitant to say I'd pay $40 for this type of meal again.
- breakfast burritoMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed their great coffee, a delicious breakfast burrito, and the crab omelette was served in an awesome serving. The atmosphere outside was also great.
- breakfastI’ll definitely be back for breakfast, lots of good options
- coffeeThe coffee tasted great. Really full bodied and rich.
- FoodFood:4
- breakfast burritosThe breakfast burritos are the perfect comfort food
- horchata latteThe orange juice is freshly made, and the mangonada smoothie was the perfect consistency and refreshing. We also got the horchata latte (iced) — holy cow, it was delicious! It was sweet but not overwhelming.
- breakfast potatoesI had the BEST breakfast I've had in a long time. The fresh squeezed orange juice was a perfect start, followed by perfectly seasoned breakfast potatoes and delicious horchata. We will definitely be back!
- chilaquilesMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic, especially with their breakfast burritos, which were absolutely bomb! They also offer a great selection of traditional brunch dishes alongside some delicious Latin America inspired options like chilaquiles. The food quality was a perfect 5 out of 5, and the service also received a high rating of 5.
- crab omelettea crab omelette $25 (with real crab meat)
Frequently criticized
- eggsWhile the waiter was nice, I cannot recommend this place due to significant issues. The service was very slow, and when the food finally arrived, the eggs in both our dishes were raw, with very clear egg whites. Although they offered to remake the dishes, we were running late at that point.
- foodI returned it, and they kindly provided an exchange at no charge, which was nice. I also tried the crab Benedict, which was okay, but the English muffin could have been toasted longer, as it was a bit soggy, and the food came out cold.
- baconEverything kinda tastes like bacon, salty and smokey
- breakfast burritoordered the breakfast burrito with bacon and it was very disappointing
- portionsPortions were small for the price and I didn't feel full at the end.
- English muffinThe English muffin could have been toasted longer
- Lomo SaladoLomo Salado was 19 dollars for almost nothing
- San Francisco standardsDefinitely not up to San Francisco standards
- asparagusdid not get the asparagus with mine
- breakfastbreakfast (Benedict and vegetarian meal-shouldn’t take much of time to prepare)
If youre looking for a spot with generally delicious and varied Latin American-inspired dishes, its definitely worth a try. Just be aware that while many find the portions generous and the food fresh, there's a slight chance of encountering blandness or inconsistent preparation.
Service (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 72% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark, boasting a solid score of 7.5 and a good customer satisfaction rate of 74.7%. Based on 95 customer opinions, with 71 positive remarks, guests frequently praise the friendly staff, great service, and how accommodating the team is. Many found the staff to be sweet, welcoming, and attentive, often noting quick food preparation and excellent customer care.
However, it's not always smooth sailing, as 22 negative opinions point to some areas needing attention. Concerns often revolve around wait time and slow service, with some experiencing long waits for food or tables. A few guests also mentioned an inattentive server or occasional communication barriers, suggesting that while the overall experience is positive, there can be inconsistencies.
Service
95
Reviews
74%
Satisfaction
22
negative
2
neutral
71
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Great customer service
- Accommodating team
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Long wait times
- Inattentive server
Often praised
- serviceThe cafe had a nice atmosphere with soft Spanish music playing in the background. The staff was friendly and provided timely service. I ordered the "Two eggs your way" dish, with one egg served with breakfast potatoes and the other with French toast.
- staffWe called ahead on a Saturday to see if they could accommodate a larger group for a birthday brunch. The eggs Benedict and mimosas were amazing, and the staff were incredibly accommodating, kind, and sweet. They even brought us a special birthday dessert and went out of their way to hold a comfortable seat for my pregnant friend.
- ServiceService:5
- customer serviceAnd they have great customer service too!
- peoplesuper friendly people
- waiterMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing. While the waiter was nice, I cannot recommend this place due to significant issues. The service was very slow, and when the food finally arrived, the eggs in both our dishes were raw, with very clear egg whites.
- waitressThe staff and our waitress were very friendly and welcoming.
- Chef Erick ZelayaEl chef erick zelaya es calidad de perdona
- Doña Magdalena Floresigual que Doña Magdalena Flores
- EricEric was nice enough to offer to bring me my order
Frequently criticized
- serviceWhile the waiter was nice, I cannot recommend this place due to significant issues. The service was very slow, and when the food finally arrived, the eggs in both our dishes were raw, with very clear egg whites. Although they offered to remake the dishes, we were running late at that point.
- waiting timewaited more than 50 minutes for our breakfast
- serverWhile the food was good, the service and atmosphere were not up to par. I found the tables and chairs to be dirty, and the server was inattentive. Overall, the food was a highlight, but the other aspects detracted from the dining experience.
- communication barriersfrustrating about language/communication barriers when ordering
- late afternoonMy experience was that the posted hours on Google Maps were incorrect. The restaurant is not open in the late afternoon.
- long linesdon't go to café reveille, the line is too long
- opening hoursopen until 5:30 pm but when I came by at 3:30 pm
- posted hoursposted hours on Google Maps were incorrect
- reservationstable was not ready for 15 mins
- takeout onlyonly olen for take out
If youre looking for a place with generally friendly and attentive staff, youll likely have a good experience here. Just be prepared for the possibility of a wait during busy times, as service speed can sometimes be a hit or miss.
Ambience (7.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 40% of the guests
Alright, lets talk about the vibe at this spot! The ambience here generally hits a good note, with a solid score of 7.2 and customer satisfaction sitting comfortably at 74.5%. Many folks (38 out of 51 comments) loved the "cozy little spot" and "warm, welcoming vibe, " often highlighting the "super comfy booths" and the "quiet noise level" for easy conversation.
Plus, the "outdoor seating" gets a special shout-out for being pleasant. However, its not always perfect, with 9 comments pointing out areas for improvement. Some found the atmosphere lacking or crowded and noisy at times.
There were also mentions of dirty tables and chairs and less-than-ideal table location, like being too close to the bathroom. So, while generally good, there are a few snags that can affect the overall feel.
Ambience
51
Reviews
74%
Satisfaction
9
negative
4
neutral
38
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy, welcoming vibe
- Comfortable seating
- Quiet noise level
What people don't like
- Crowded and noisy
- Dirty tables/chairs
- Poor table location
Often praised
- atmosphereI particularly enjoyed the birriaquilles and the experience of sitting at the window, appreciating the people-watching. The atmosphere was good, and the noise level was quiet, making it easy to talk.
- noise levelHowever, the server didn't ask about my preference for pancakes versus toast and just gave me toast, which I felt was the worse option. The diner was clean and quiet overall.
- placeThe place is beautiful
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:4
- outdoor seatingtheir outdoor seating is COVID safe and a great way to enjoy Lower Haight.
- COVID safetheir outdoor seating is COVID safe
- atmosphere outsideGreat atmosphere outside too
- cafeA refreshing cafe
- cafe atmosphereFood always comes out of the kitchen very fast but still tastes like it was made with care. Nice cafe atmosphere & all the staff are lovely. Also, I love the way they do their breakfast potatoes!
- comfortable seatThe eggs Benedict and mimosas were amazing, and the staff were incredibly accommodating, kind, and sweet. They even brought us a special birthday dessert and went out of their way to hold a comfortable seat for my pregnant friend. 100% would recommend for casual breakfast in a friendly environment.
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereatmosphere was crowded and fairly noisy
- Parking spaceSomewhat difficult to find parking
- musicthey played sexy and i know it 15 times in a row
- neighborhoodIl y’a mieux dans le quartier
- signagesignage was in an awkward position
- table locationa table right next to the bathroom with the door opening into your face
- tables and chairstables and chairs were dirty
If youre looking for a generally cozy and welcoming spot with good outdoor options, youll likely enjoy the atmosphere here. Just be aware that on busy days, it might get a bit noisy or you could end up with a less-than-ideal table.
Value (4.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 17% of the guests
When it comes to value, some diners found it to be quite a mixed bag, yet there are bright spots. Many appreciated the good value and felt the price-performance ratio was spot on, especially for a quality meal or finding reasonable prices for generous plates. Despite a lower customer satisfaction of just 37.5%, the overall score for value sits at an average 4.9, suggesting a split experience.
However, the value proposition isnt always clear, with 9 negative comments outweighing 6 positive ones out of 16 total remarks. Several guests felt the prices were high for the service or portions, and some even felt overcharged or that the food simply wasnt worth the price. There were also mentions of an unexpected $10 minimum for card payments, adding to the cost concerns.
Value
16
Reviews
37%
Satisfaction
9
negative
1
neutral
6
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good value
- Reasonable prices
- Quality meals
What people don't like
- High prices
- Small portions
- Card minimum
Often praised
- PriceReasonably priced French Toast
- good valueit's such good value
- pricePrice was very reasonable- 40 bucks for two full plates
- price-performance ratioPreis Leistung hat gestimmt
- pricesGreat prices too!
- quality mealfind a quality meal under $20
Frequently criticized
- pricePortions were small for the price and I didn't feel full at the end.
- $10 minimumthey have a $10 minimum for using cards now
- SF pricesMostly docking stars here though since I'm not used to SF prices
- billmy bill was $30...not sure why
- food that wasn’t worth the pricecharged us for food that wasn’t worth the price
- overchargedovercharged for the coffee and side of eggs
- pricesPrices are pretty high for this type of service
- whole mealThe whole meal cost about $40
If youre looking for a bargain, this spot might be a bit of a gamble, as opinions on value are quite divided. While some find decent deals and quality meals, others feel the prices are too steep for what you get. Its worth considering if you're prepared for potentially higher costs, especially with card minimums.
How are the prices at Paula's?
You’re looking at roughly 25 per person – reported by 56 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Restaurant in San Francisco, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most diners spend between 11 – 30 $, showing a clear sweet spot, though a few venture into more premium options.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 56 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a restaurant of this type, especially considering the range of options available to diners.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Paula's
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
10
Delicious Breakfast and Excellent Service!
It was our first time in San Francisco, and we decided to stop by Paula’s Café for breakfast. It turned out to be a great decision — the food was delicious, and the service was excellent. I’d definitely recommend this place!
- food10
- service10
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Delicious Food and Excellent Service!
My experience at Paula's Café was fantastic. The food was incredibly delicious, and the attention from the staff was #100. I highly recommend this place.
- food10
- attention10
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
2
Slow Service, Oily and Salty Omelette
My experience at the restaurant was marked by slow service. Despite the restaurant being only half full at 1: 30 PM, it took 30 minutes for my omelette to arrive. The food was just okay; my omelette was very oily and salty.
The chicken sausage was also too deep fried. Unfortunately, my stomach didn't feel good afterwards.
- service2
- omelette3
- chicken sausage3
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
3
Iced Mocha Not Great
I only ordered an iced mocha, so I can't judge any other food. Unfortunately, it wasn't great. In my opinion, there was way too much chocolate.
- iced mocha2
- chocolate2
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Incorrect Hours, Not Open Late
My experience was that the posted hours on Google Maps were incorrect. The restaurant is not open in the late afternoon.
- posted hours2
- late afternoon2
What Paula's offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Crowd
- Tourists
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Solo dining
- Breakfast
Amenities
- Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What kind of dietary options and beverages can you find at Paula's Cafe?
At Paula’s Cafe, you’ll discover a variety of healthy options and vegetarian choices to suit your preferences. For beverages, you can enjoy great coffee, along with a selection of wine and beer, making it a versatile spot for any time of day.
Does Paula's Cafe offer outdoor seating and is it suitable for families?
Yes, Paula’s Cafe provides outdoor seating for you to enjoy the San Francisco weather. It’s also considered good for kids, with high chairs available, making it a family-friendly destination for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner.
How does Paula's generally perform according to customer feedback?
Paula’s has a good overall Restaurant Score of 7.4 and Customer Satisfaction of 73.5%. Its Food (7.6), Service (7.5), and Ambience (7.2) are well-regarded, though Value (4.9) is an area where it falls short.
What are some popular food items at Paula's?
Customers frequently praise the delicious breakfast burrito, great coffee, freshly made orange juice, and perfectly seasoned breakfast potatoes. Latin American inspired options like chilaquiles are also well-received.
Are there any common complaints about Paula's?
Some customers have experienced very slow service and long waiting time. There have also been mentions of inconsistent food quality, such as raw eggs or cold food, and concerns about small portions for the price.