Highlights
- Great coffee
oChef » Pinecrest – San Francisco
Pinecrest - San Francisco
Photo from Pinecrest
Pinecrest at a glance
San Francisco Union Square
- 🍔 American Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 155 of the guests
#1525 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#84 American Restaurant out of 121 in San Francisco
Good
7.1 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
784
Reviews
68.6%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Diner classics
- Authentic atmosphere
- Hearty meals
Frequently criticized
- Service inconsistency
- Hygiene issues
- Pricing concerns
The restaurant, an American Restaurant in San Francisco’s vibrant Union Square, is a true local gem known for its great coffee. When you step into Pinecrest, you immediately feel the cozy and casual atmosphere.
It’s the perfect spot whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a relaxed meal, offering everything from breakfast to late-night food. You can enjoy your meal onsite, grab takeout, or even have it delivered.
Overview: Introducting Pinecrest
Pinecrest offers a classic diner experience where the food often hits the mark, providing hearty meals that many find satisfying. However, some guests have noted concerns regarding value and the overall atmosphere in certain areas.
While the culinary offerings are a clear draw, you might encounter some inconsistencies with the service during your visit. It’s a place that aims for a traditional feel, but aspects of its upkeep and pricing structure have drawn mixed feedback from patrons.
Good
7.1
out of 10
784
Reviews
68.6%
Satisfaction
185
negative
61
neutral
538
positive
Pinecrest holds a respectable overall score of 7.1, indicating a generally good experience, with customer satisfaction at 68.6%, placing it in the mixed category. This suggests that while many leave content, a notable portion of diners have reservations.
The review insights are drawn from 784 customer observations, with 538 positive and 185 negative remarks. Delving into specifics, the Food (7.8) stands out as a strong point, frequently praised for its quality and classic diner appeal.
The Ambience (7.6) also garners good marks, often described as an authentic diner setting. However, Service (6.0) is more average, with some experiences falling short, and Value (5.3) is perceived as the weakest link, suggesting that pricing doesn’t always align with expectations for all.
What people like
- Delicious diner food
- Authentic diner vibe
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service
- Questionable cleanliness
- Value concerns
With a recommendation score of 7.4, Pinecrest is generally worth considering if you’re seeking a straightforward diner experience with reliable food. It’s a place that delivers on classic comfort dishes and an authentic vibe, especially if you prioritize the meal itself.
However, be mindful that service can be a mixed bag, and some aspects of cleanliness and pricing might not meet everyone’s standards. If you’re looking for an unpretentious, hearty meal and can overlook minor imperfections, it could be a good fit.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Pinecrest
Food (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 91% of the guests
When it comes to the food, youre generally in for a treat! With a solid score of 7.8 and a customer satisfaction of 79.5%, its clear most diners are happy. Out of 365 total comments, 290 were positive, frequently praising the generous portions, delicious breakfast, and overall quality of the dishes.
However, not everyone was completely thrilled, with 51 negative remarks. Some found the food to be cold, greasy, or lacking flavor, and a few felt certain items were nothing special. It seems consistency might be an area for improvement in some instances.
Food
365
Reviews
79%
Satisfaction
51
negative
24
neutral
290
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Generous portion sizes
- Delicious breakfast options
- Good food quality
What people don't like
- Food lacked flavor
- Cold or greasy food
- Nothing special
Often praised
- foodMy experience at the restaurant was a classic American dining experience. I encountered great service and great food. While it was a bit over the top compared to what we have in Belgium, I found that to be a positive aspect.
- portionsIt is my go-to brunch place all day. The portions are big and the coffee refill is free. Mornings are usually crowded and may require a wait in line.
- breakfastThis is a typical American diner where you can enjoy a true USA-style breakfast. The menu is extensive and offers a wide range of options to suit all tastes.
- coffeeThe flowing coffee was a perfect touch
- pancakesI had a great experience at Pinecrest Diner in San Francisco! We ordered the fluffy, moist pancakes, a juicy New York steak, and an omelette with American cheese—everything was cooked beautifully. It’s a classic American diner with that cozy, nostalgic charm I love.
- FoodBacon Avocado Burger and Fries was absolutely amazing, cooked perfectly!
- burgerburger which I had a little, quite tasty
- baconThey are open 24 hours, which is a huge plus. I was craving breakfast at 11: 00 pm and they delivered perfectly crunchy hashbrowns, thick bacon, eggs cooked perfectly over easy, and some great sourdough toast. The food quality was spot on.
- Hash BrownsRecommended dishes:Hash Browns
- omelettean omelette with American cheese—everything was cooked beautifully
Frequently criticized
- foodthe food felt very plastic and artificial
- pancakesThe waiters were very unfriendly and, to make matters worse, they tried to cheat on tips. The quality of the food was rather mediocre; the pancakes had the consistency of a leather rag. Additionally, the restrooms were very dirty, to the point where my friend expressed concern about catching a disease.
- French toastWe ordered the Vegetable & Greek omelet and the Brioche French toast. I thought the omelets tasted pretty good, however, my daughter did not enjoy the French toast. She found it to be over-cooked, tasted somewhat average, and the plate came oily.
- chipseven those you couldn't use to scoop up anything because they were so soggy
- food qualityThe quality of the food was rather mediocre
- hash brownshad better hash browns
- Corned Beef HashMy mates corned beef hash arrived at the table burnt
- Food tasted days oldFood tasted days old
- Huevos RancherosMy Huevos Rancheros was a doggy watery mess
- Super NachosI ordered the Super Nachos, and my mate ordered Corned Beef Hash. The nachos were unidentifiable as nachos; it looked like a bowl of cheesy soup with ground beef. I couldn't tell if there were other ingredients, and there were only 3 visible chips, which were too soggy to scoop anything.
If you're looking for a hearty, satisfying meal with generous portions, especially for breakfast, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be aware that a few experiences mention issues with food temperature or seasoning, so manage your expectations for every dish.
Service (6 out of 10)
mentioned by 80% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot lands squarely in the middle with an average score of 6 and a mixed customer satisfaction rating of 54.3%. Based on 247 customer remarks, with 134 leaning positive, many guests appreciated the attentive staff, prompt service, and overall friendly demeanor, often noting the efficiency of the servers and quick food delivery. However, 99 negative comments suggest there's room for improvement.
Some patrons encountered rude behavior from staff, long wait times for orders or seating, and issues with coffee refills or general attentiveness, indicating an inconsistent experience that can sometimes disappoint.
Service
247
Reviews
54%
Satisfaction
99
negative
14
neutral
134
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Prompt service
- Efficient servers
What people don't like
- Rude staff
- Long wait times
- Inattentive service
Often praised
- serviceThe reuben and the burger were both great, but my absolute favorite was the grilled cheese with fries. The food quality was excellent, and the service and atmosphere were top-notch, both receiving a perfect 5/5 rating. While the noise level was loud, it was still possible to hold a conversation.
- staffThe omelette was delicious and well prepared, served with some tasty sourdough toast. The staff was friendly, but the service could have been better. It took a while for the waiter to take our order, and then there was a considerable wait for the food to arrive.
- ServiceService rapide
- wait timeWhile it wasn't a cheap breakfast at $32 (before tip), the portion size of the 9oz steak justified the cost. I was pleasantly surprised by the prompt and friendly service, as I was able to sit at the breakfast counter immediately, avoiding the small line for tables that others experienced. The reviewer metadata also indicated high scores for Service: 5, Atmosphere: 5, and Food: 5.
- StaffStaff works incredibly hard and are still really friendly
- coffee refillIt quickly became our favourite spot for breakfast. The service is fantastic, and they never stop refilling our coffee. Plus, the food is delicious and super affordable.
- good serviceThe occasional wait you might encounter is definitely worth it. You'll get a hearty breakfast, a cool atmosphere, and good service in return. And, if you're alone or with a partner, ask for a spot at the bar so you can follow all the action in the kitchen.
- ownerHe was checking most of the tables we had a small talk he is a nice guy.
- serverPrimo who is our server is attentive with our coffee refills.
- serversServers are very friendly and are hardworking.
Frequently criticized
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was marred by terrible service. The waiter seemed indifferent, constantly walking around without attending to tables.
- waiterHowever, the service was quite disappointing, rated at a low 2 out of 5. The waiter was angry and confused about the order, requiring repeated reminders for coffee refills. It felt like they were venting their anger on customers, possibly due to being underpaid.
- staffthe staff weren’t particularly friendly or attentive
- attitudegive attitude from the moment we all came in
- wait timeWe had to wait about 45-60 minutes to be seated
- waitersVery unfriendly waiters who, to make matters worse, tried to cheat on tips.
- waiting timeSiamo stati in piedi ad aspettare dieci minuti
- waitressignored by the waitress until her coworker told her
- Mr Grumpyencountered Mr Grumpy who couldn't even part with a smile
- bad servicebad service
If youre looking for a quick bite and dont mind a bit of a gamble on the service, this place might be worth a try. However, be prepared for potential inconsistencies, as some visits are smooth while others can be frustrating.
Ambience (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 59% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot generally hits the mark! With a good score of 7.6 and good customer satisfaction at 75.2%, its clear many enjoy the vibe. Based on 100 positive remarks out of 133 total, guests frequently praise its authentic diner experience, friendly and homely feel, and old-school vibe, often noting its a clean restaurant too.
However, not everyone is entirely charmed. The 21 negative comments point to some areas needing attention, particularly seating issues, with some finding it tight on space or having a weird seat. More concerning are mentions of a dirty kitchen floor, roaches, and an unpleasant smell in certain areas.
Ambience
133
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
21
negative
12
neutral
100
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic diner vibe
- Friendly atmosphere
- Clean establishment
What people don't like
- Uncomfortable seating
- Cleanliness concerns
- Unpleasant odors
Often praised
- atmosphereThe reuben and the burger were both great, but my absolute favorite was the grilled cheese with fries. The food quality was excellent, and the service and atmosphere were top-notch, both receiving a perfect 5/5 rating. While the noise level was loud, it was still possible to hold a conversation.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- placeGreat place to grab a bite before the show
- American dinerMy experience at this typically American diner was excellent. It's a very busy place, open around the clock.
- authentic diner experienceI was impressed by the big portions, and everything was served with a smile. If you're looking for an authentic diner experience, I would definitely recommend this place.
- crowdmixed crowd of tourists and locals
- dinerThrowback diner that is classic San Francisco
- noise levelnoise level was quiet, making it easy to talk
- open 24 hoursBest food for late night outings open 24 hours
- vibeGet vibe feels very authentic
Frequently criticized
- atmospherenot the most welcoming place if you’re hoping to linger
- restroomstheir restrooms are not step free accessible
- Dirty kitchen floorDirty kitchen floor
- establishmentClown of a establishment on a Monday night
- fat people friendlyThis place is not fat people friendly
- food hygiene standardsNot the great food hygiene standards
- hands on the foodHands on the food 🫠
- impressionleft a very poor impression
- parking spaceWhile the noise level was loud, it was still possible to hold a conversation. Finding parking was a bit difficult, but the wait time was non-existent. The diner clearly labels vegetarian dishes, making it somewhat recommendable for vegetarians.
- placethe place looked like it has never been cleaned
If youre seeking a classic, friendly diner atmosphere and dont mind potentially tight seating, this place is worth a visit. However, if cleanliness is your absolute top priority, you might want to consider other options.
Value (5.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 20% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot has some interesting contrasts. Many folks appreciate the 14 positive remarks, highlighting affordable meals, reasonable prices, and feeling its truly "worth it. " Youll find opinions praising the good prices and a meal for the price, especially if youre after a quick, no-frills diner experience.
Overall, the score for value sits at an average 5.3, suggesting its not bad, but not outstanding either. However, the picture isnt entirely rosy, with 14 negative comments among the 39 total discussions. Some customers felt it was "overpriced" or that the "prices" were simply "high" for what you get, even calling it "not cheap.
" The customer satisfaction for value is quite low at 35.9%, indicating that a significant portion of diners felt the cost didnt align with the experience, with some even mentioning issues like bill calculations or added money.
Value
39
Reviews
35%
Satisfaction
14
negative
11
neutral
14
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable meals
- Reasonable prices
- Worth the wait
What people don't like
- Overpriced for quality
- High prices
- Bill calculation issues
Often praised
- pricesReasonable prices for plates that were all well done
- pricefood is great for a reasonable price
- affordableThe service is fantastic, and they never stop refilling our coffee. Plus, the food is delicious and super affordable.
- meal for the priceI was walking around the block and decided to give this diner a shot. I had a quick good meal for the price. There were no thrills; you get what you see.
- mealsIf you prefer cozy and fancy breakfast spots, this might not be for you. However, if you're looking for a diner with quick service and affordable meals, I suggest trying it at least once.
- reasonable pricedwhich was reasonable priced
- reasonable pricesReasonable prices? Yep.
- valueservice, value and atmosphere!
- worth itMy experience at this restaurant was that of an amazing place to eat, truly capturing an old style diner feel. While it's a bit smaller and there can sometimes be a line, the wait is definitely worth it. The Hash Browns were a recommended dish, and the overall experience with food, service, and atmosphere all rated a perfect 5 out of 5.
Frequently criticized
- pricePaid full price for a meal I didn't eat
- pricesThe prices were quite high for the value provided
- added moneythey added money in the total
- bill calculationsThe calculations of the bill were not good
- coffee pricethey charged $7 for coffee instead of $3.5
- onion ringsthe onion rings are too pricey
- salarysalary you signed up for
- tipservice did not deserve a tip
- valuequite high for the value provided though
If youre seeking a straightforward, affordable meal without high expectations for luxury, this place might hit the spot. However, be mindful that many find the prices a bit steep for the overall experience, so it might disappoint if youre looking for exceptional value.
How are the prices at Pinecrest?
You’re looking at roughly 27 per person – reported by 155 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 people actually spend, most diners (a whopping 84 of them!) find themselves in the $21–$30 sweet spot, with another 48 guests enjoying the $11–$20 range. So, while there are a few higher-end options, the prices definitely cluster around that comfortable mid-range.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 155 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, for an American Restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels pretty fair. It offers a solid mid-range experience without breaking the bank, which is always a win in our book!
Customer Reviews: what people think about Pinecrest
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
8
Classic Diner with Great Onion Rings
My experience at this classic diner was delightful. The service was quick and pleasant, and the booths were comfortable, contributing to a pleasant off-street atmosphere. The food was average plus, typical diner style without being too fancy, but the onion rings were excellent.
- service8
- booths7
- atmosphere8
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
2
Confusing and Unwelcoming Service
My experience at the restaurant was marked by confusion and a lack of clarity regarding seating. Upon asking to be seated, I was met with a response of ‘that’s not how it works here’ for reasons that were not explained. This left me waiting and feeling bewildered by the service.
It was a weird experience.
- waiting time2
- seating2
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
7
Worth the Wait for Amazing Food
My experience at this restaurant involved a significant wait time, approximately 45-60 minutes, to be seated. The service, while provided by very sweet people, was also quite slow. We were on the verge of leaving due to the prolonged wait for everything.
However, we were ultimately glad we stayed because the food was exceptionally good. Despite the service and wait time challenges, the quality of the food made the experience worthwhile.
- food10
- wait time3
- service4
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
9
Great Food, Speedy Lunch Service
My experience at the restaurant was very positive. I had the Burger and a tuna sandwich for lunch. The food was good, and the portions were generous.
The service was also impressively speedy, even during the busy lunch hour.
- Burger8
- tuna sandwich8
- food8
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
2
Unwelcoming Staff, Avoid This Place
My experience at this restaurant was highly dependent on the staff. I walked in with three empty tables and no one waiting, yet I was told I “couldn’t be seated” unless I took a bar stool, which I couldn’t fit in due to my height (6’5”). It was a clown of an establishment on a Monday night with no crowd.
I would avoid this place!
- staff1
- seating availability1
- establishment1
What Pinecrest offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Late-night food
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Dine-in
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
Does Pinecrest Diner offer accessibility features for all guests?
Yes, Pinecrest is committed to accessibility. You’ll find a wheelchair accessible entrance and wheelchair accessible seating, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming experience for everyone who visits this American restaurant in Union Square.
What kind of dining experiences and food options can you expect at Pinecrest Diner?
At Pinecrest, you can enjoy breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner with table service. It’s also a go-to spot for late-night food and quick bites. You’ll find a selection of coffee, wine, beer, and other alcohol to complement your meal.
What is the overall customer experience like at Pinecrest?
Pinecrest has an overall score of 7.1, indicating a generally good experience, though customer satisfaction sits at 68.6%, suggesting a mixed reception. The Food (7.8) and Ambience (7.6) are well-regarded, while Service (6.0) is average, and Value (5.3) is often a point of concern for guests.
What are the standout food items at Pinecrest?
Customers frequently praise the quality of the food, with specific mentions of fluffy pancakes, juicy burgers, perfectly cooked bacon, and crispy hash browns. Many appreciate the generous portions and the classic American breakfast offerings.
What are common complaints or areas for improvement at Pinecrest?
Some patrons have expressed dissatisfaction with the service, citing issues with staff attitude, slow response times, and long waits. Additionally, concerns about cleanliness, particularly regarding restrooms and the kitchen area, along with perceived high prices for certain items, are noted.