Highlights
- Great coffee
oChef » Plain Jane – San Francisco
Plain Jane - San Francisco
Photo from Plain Jane
Plain Jane at a glance
San Francisco Mission District
- 🍽️ Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 81 of the guests
#1561 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#186 Restaurant out of 254 in San Francisco
Good
7.1 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
530
Reviews
68.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Great food
- Good ambiance
Frequently criticized
- Poor service
- High price
The restaurant Plain Jane in San Francisco’s vibrant Mission District offers a truly inviting experience. You’ll discover a casual yet trendy atmosphere perfect for enjoying a meal or simply grabbing a drink.
Known for its great coffee, it’s an ideal spot whether you’re starting your day with breakfast, catching up over lunch, or unwinding with small plates and cocktails.
Overview: Introducting Plain Jane
Plain Jane offers a generally pleasant experience, with many guests praising its flavorful dishes and lively vibe . The menu provides comforting and tasty options that often hit the mark, making for an enjoyable meal.
However, some visitors have noted inconsistent service and a few specific food items that didn’t quite meet expectations. While the atmosphere is often described as welcoming and clean, there are occasional remarks about noise levels or limited options for certain dietary preferences.
Overall, Plain Jane seems to deliver on its culinary promise for many, though there are areas where the guest experience could be more consistently refined.
Good
7.1
out of 10
530
Reviews
68.9%
Satisfaction
119
negative
46
neutral
365
positive
Plain Jane achieves a respectable overall score of 7.1, indicating a generally good experience for most patrons. However, customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 68.9%, suggesting that while many leave content, a notable portion encounters issues.
This slight divergence highlights a place with clear strengths but also areas needing attention. Delving into the specifics, the Food (7.8) is a definite highlight, frequently receiving high marks from guests.
The Ambience (7.5) also contributes positively to the dining experience. However, Service (5.4) appears to be an average aspect, and Value (4.8) is perceived as less favorable.
These insights are drawn from a substantial 530 customer observations, with 365 positive remarks contrasting with 119 negative ones.
What people like
- Flavorful, comforting food
- Lively, welcoming atmosphere
- Quick food delivery
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service
- Limited vegetarian options
- Challenging parking
If you prioritize a meal with flavorful and comforting dishes in a pleasant setting, Plain Jane is certainly worth considering. The culinary offerings are often a strong point, and the atmosphere generally contributes to a good time.
Just be prepared for potential variations in service quality. With a solid recommendation score of 7.6, Plain Jane is a place many would suggest.
While the food and atmosphere are often commendable, managing expectations regarding service consistency and overall value will help ensure a more satisfying visit.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Plain Jane
Food (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
When it comes to the food, diners are generally thrilled, with a solid score of 7.8 and customer satisfaction sitting at a good 77.9%. Out of 340 total comments, a whopping 265 rave about the delicious eats! Many cant get enough of the red velvet pancakes, pancake flight, and chicken and waffles, often praising the generous portions and creative menu that offers a fantastic variety of tasty dishes.
However, not every bite is perfect, with 49 comments pointing out some areas for improvement. Some found the chicken and waffle to be dry, while others were disappointed by the food quality or a fishy smell in the lobster roll. A recurring concern is the limited vegetarian/vegan options', which left some feeling the menu lacked consideration for diverse dietary needs.
Food
340
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
49
negative
26
neutral
265
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious food options
- Generous portions
- Red velvet pancakes
What people don't like
- Limited vegan options
- Dry chicken and waffle
- Inconsistent food quality
Often praised
- foodThe staff was incredibly friendly, and our server was super attentive, though they seemed to be managing many tables. The food was very flavorful. I enjoyed the coconut banana pancakes, which were hot and tasty, though a bit too rich for my personal preference.
- French toastthe French toast and the Norwegian Benedicts were the winners
- red velvet pancakesThe service was also good. I particularly enjoyed the red velvet pancakes and the lavender milk tea, which was really tasty!
- coffeeyou can’t go wrong with some coffee and mimosas
- breakfastI had the pancakes, which were amazing, and the Benedict was also amazing. It was truly one of the best breakfasts I've had in a long time. I highly recommend getting the pancake flight!
- french toastespecially the french toast. They were so good!
- brunchMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I found it to be by far the best brunch in the bay area. I especially loved the red velvet pancakes, pistachio latte, and crab salad.
- chicken and waffleschicken and waffles... Everything was delicious
- dishesdishes were comforting and tasty
- fried chickenThe fried chicken are all amazing
Frequently criticized
- fried chickenWe both ordered the red velvet waffle and fried chicken. The chicken was deep fried so long there was barely any chicken left in it. I can't quite give it a 4-star rating either because the restaurant echoes so loud.
- vegan optionsI wish they would have vegan options
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was a huge deception. The service was very rude, and the food was cold. When I brought this to the attention of the manager, he told me to never return.
- guacamoleI personally thought it was a little odd to include guacamole with this dish
- vegetarian/vegan optionshow little thought they put into vegetarian/vegan options.
- 2 eggsthe only thing you can get here as a vegetarian are 2 eggs (for $16!!!)
- American foodreminds me of how grotesque American food can be sometimes
- Benedictszero Benedicts that a vegetarian can eat
- ChilaquilesChilaquiles has to come with pork
- Eggs BenedictEggs Benedict (super easy to make vegetarian) has to come with Canadian bacon
If youre looking for a spot with creative, hearty brunch options and dont mind a few misses, especially if you're not strictly vegetarian or vegan, this place is definitely worth a try. Expect delicious, generously portioned dishes, but be mindful of potential inconsistencies in certain items.
Service (5.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 68% of the guests
When it comes to service, it seems like experiences here can be a bit of a mixed bag, with a customer satisfaction hovering around 46.1%. Many diners praised the friendly staff, noting quick service and how lines moved quickly, making even longer waits feel manageable. With 53 positive remarks, its clear that when service is good, it really shines.
However, the service score of 5.4 suggests theres room for improvement. There were 51 negative comments, often highlighting long waits, rude staff, and issues with table management or poor communication. Some found the service rushed or unaccommodating, indicating inconsistency in the overall experience.
Service
115
Reviews
46%
Satisfaction
51
negative
11
neutral
53
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, quick staff
- Efficient line movement
- Fast food delivery
What people don't like
- Rude, unhelpful staff
- Long, frustrating waits
- Poor table management
Often praised
- serviceOn my second visit, I found a nice range of dishes, and the food was excellent both times. While the service was subpar on my first visit, it was friendly and attentive this time. Please be aware that they automatically add a 20% gratuity, even for a table of two.
- staffMy experience at the restaurant was mixed. The staff were nice, but the food was only average and not very tasty. The highlight of my disappointment was the cappuccino, which I can only describe as the worst I've ever had: boiled water with a drop of milk and cinnamon, served in a very hot cup.
- lineMentally prepare yourself to find a parking spot. However, don’t groan if you see a line - it moves pretty fast! I tried their chilaquiles verdes while my friend got their red velvet waffles & chicken.
- waiting timeI also loved the crowd and the plate decor. The lines can be long but we only waited 10 minutes on Sunday at 11: 45am. Kantine and Outerlands are close and I have yet to try Plow.
- PamPam was just fantastic
- ServiceService:5
- food came out quicklyfood came out quickly after we were seated
- food explanationexplained about the food well
- food preparationmy food was prepared quickly
- gatheringValencia Street is a haven for bakery, coffee, chocolate, and brunch lovers. My friends and I never miss a good gathering in this area, and we’ve made Plain Jane a regular stop. This chic and modern yet Californian casual spot is always welcoming and impeccably clean.
Frequently criticized
- serviceOn my second visit, I found a nice range of dishes, and the food was excellent both times. While the service was subpar on my first visit, it was friendly and attentive this time. Please be aware that they automatically add a 20% gratuity, even for a table of two.
- waitThe service was efficient, and we didn't feel rushed despite the wait. I would recommend going before 11 AM because the wait gets long after that. Definitely try the Chipotle Red Velvet Chicken and Waffles or any of the hashes.
- wait timethe wait—i think we waited 20 minutes to be seated
- waiting timewait outside for 40 mins in the rain
- accommodationscan't at least make accommodations
- answersgave very aggressive and sarcastic answers
- behaviorbehavior continued in a very rude and unhelpful way
- closing timeWe went in to eat and were told no, they were closed 20 minutes before closing. Then, after being seated, we were informed that we couldn't order half the menu.
- disrespectfulthey did very disrespectful for me
- engagingHowever, it's important to note that the establishment is not Gluten-free or dairy-free friendly. The service was a significant letdown; it felt very rushed and the staff were not very engaging. On the positive side, the atmosphere was enjoyable.
If youre considering a visit, be prepared for a potentially inconsistent service experience. While you might encounter friendly, efficient staff and quick service, theres also a chance of long waits or less-than-stellar interactions. It's a bit of a gamble, so manage your expectations accordingly.
Ambience (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 40% of the guests
Overall, the ambience here scores a solid 7.5, with customer satisfaction at a good 74.5%. Based on 41 positive remarks out of 55 total, many rave about the atmosphere, vibe, and outdoor seating. Guests love the relaxing, aesthetic, and lively feel, finding it spacious and great for bigger groups in a fantastic location.
However, 9 negative comments point to some drawbacks. Terms like fried chicken smell, uncomfortable chairs, and echoes pop up. Some found the interior noisy and echoing, making conversation difficult, while others mentioned uncomfortable seating and challenges with parking.
Ambience
55
Reviews
74%
Satisfaction
9
negative
5
neutral
41
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Vibrant, lively atmosphere
- Great outdoor seating
- Spacious and cozy
What people don't like
- Loud, echoing interior
- Uncomfortable seating
- Challenging parking
Often praised
- atmospherethe atmosphere was also a 5/5
- ambienceAmbience is great. It's not too fancy but feels cozy inside like a typical breakfast place.
- ambiancerelaxing ambiance
- parkingWe enjoyed both the French toast and the Benedict, which were both delicious. The service was great, parking was fine, and the atmosphere was good, too. I would definitely come back!
- placeThe place was very aesthetic
- spotMy friends and I never miss a good gathering in this area, and we’ve made Plain Jane a regular stop. This chic and modern yet Californian casual spot is always welcoming and impeccably clean. The food is amazing, with beautifully presented plates and artistic decorations.
- vibethe ambience and vibe is very lively
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- Seating outsideSeating outside, pleasant
- awesome spotTruly an awesome spot
Frequently criticized
- attacked by fliesI was getting attacked by flies.
- brunch placeWould expect more of a brunch place in SF of all places
- chairsWe came for brunch on Saturday and sat outside. Since all the tables outside were empty, I asked the waiter to change our table because the chairs we were sitting on were very uncomfortable. There were 4 of us, but the waiter only changed my chair as a solution and told us that we could sit inside if we wanted.
- fried chicken smellstrong fried chicken smell that sticks on clothes
- parkingWhile the food was a definite highlight, parking proved to be a bit of a challenge. It looked like it should’ve been easy, but I still had a hard time finding a spot.
- parking spotMentally prepare yourself to find a parking spot. However, don’t groan if you see a line - it moves pretty fast!
- placeThe place in itself is not super welcoming
- restaurant echoesthe restaurant echos so loud
- sound dampeningEveryone was literally screaming at each other! It definitely needs some sound dampening in there to maybe get everyone to chill out on the screaming a bit.
If youre looking for a vibrant spot with great outdoor seating for a lively brunch with friends, this place could be a fantastic choice. Just be prepared for potential noise inside and a bit of a hunt for parking, and maybe avoid it if youre sensitive to strong food smells.
Value (4.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 15% of the guests
Despite an overall customer satisfaction for value sitting at a rather low 30%, the score for this aspect is an average 4.8. Many guests felt the value was spot-on, especially for San Francisco, and found the prices reasonable despite being high. Some even highlighted that the overall experience made the food very worth it, with coffee sizes offering good bang for your buck.
However, based on 20 customer remarks, with 10 negative observations compared to 6 positive, many found the restaurant quite expensive and overpriced for what it offered. The automatic gratuity and the cost of beverages, particularly iced coffee, were frequent points of contention, leaving some feeling like they wasted their money.
Value
20
Reviews
30%
Satisfaction
10
negative
4
neutral
6
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Worthwhile experience
- Good value (SF)
- Generous coffee sizes
What people don't like
- High prices
- Automatic gratuity
- Expensive beverages
Often praised
- pricethe food is expensive but very worth it
- coffee sizesthe coffee sizes are also great, good bang for your buck
- experienceit’s definitely worth the experience
- pricesThe prices were high but I think they're reasonable.
- valueThe value is spot-on for San Francisco
Frequently criticized
- overpricedA tad bit overpriced
- automatic 20% gratuityThey were able to remove them, but the staff was a bit rude about it. To top it off, it comes with an automatic 20% gratuity at the end of your receipt, and they still leave an option for tipping.
- beveragesBeverages are criminally expensive
- expensiveI did appreciate the availability of gluten-free pancakes, but they were just 'fine'. Overall, the food was decent, but I found it to be quite expensive for what it is.
- gratuityWhile the service was subpar on my first visit, it was friendly and attentive this time. Please be aware that they automatically add a 20% gratuity, even for a table of two.
- iced coffeeHowever, my second visit was a letdown when I tried the sweets flight – it was a mistake. Additionally, the beverages are criminally expensive; paying over $6 for an iced coffee is not something I'd recommend.
- option for tippingthey still leave and option for tipping
- pricev expensive lol
- wasted your moneyThis neighborhood has many good breakfast restaurants with great service; Plain Jane is not one of them. Go elsewhere unless you want to feel like you wasted your money like me 🥴.
If youre looking for a worthwhile experience and dont mind paying a bit extra, especially for good coffee sizes, you might find the value acceptable. However, be prepared for potentially high prices on beverages and an automatic gratuity that could impact your overall perception of cost.
How are the prices at Plain Jane?
On average, you’ll spend around 33 per person – from 81 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $31–$40 category. For a Restaurant, that’s mid-range, maybe slightly above.
While the average is 33, a good chunk of diners actually spend a bit less, often in the $21–$30 range. There are also some higher-end options that pull the average up.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 81 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering it’s a Restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers a good mid-range experience, with options for those looking to spend a little less or a little more.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Plain Jane
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Amazing Monte Cristo at Plane Jane's!
My experience at Plane Jane's, the sister location of Pancake Boy, was just amazing. The PJ'S Monte Christo was a definite win! 🙌
- PJ'S Monte Christo10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Delicious Home-Style Mexican Food!
My experience at this restaurant was wonderful. I absolutely loved their huevos con chorizo. I was pleasantly surprised by the inclusion of 3 warm tortillas and a toasted jalapeño, which made the dish feel like home.
The avocado and aoli were incredible. I will definitely be coming back again.
- huevos con chorizo10
- warm tortillas9
- toasted jalapeño9
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
2
Poor Service Ruined Decent Food
My experience at Plain Jane was disappointing due to the service, which was inexplicably passive-aggressive and poor. The male waiter with glasses was rude throughout our interactions, constantly hovered, and then rushed us and another table out at 2: 10 PM while we were still eating. This lack of adequate time was not communicated.
While the food was decent, it was overshadowed by the negative service. I regret coming here and especially leaving a tip. This neighborhood has many good breakfast restaurants with great service; Plain Jane is not one of them.
Go elsewhere unless you want to feel like you wasted your money like me 🥴.
- food3
- service1
- male waiter1
- time to finish1
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
9
Incredible Stuffed French Toast!
My experience at this restaurant was a classic, satisfying breakfast and brunch. The value is spot-on for San Francisco; you get generous, well-prepared portions without the shocking big-city price tag. I have to single out the stuffed French toast—it was incredible!
It absolutely lived up to the hype and is a must-order. Be prepared, especially on weekends, as it gets very busy. But honestly, the food is worth a little patience.
- value9
- stuffed French toast10
- food8
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Delicious Frisco Omelette and Red Velvet Latte
I visited on a Wednesday morning around 10 am, and the restaurant was quite empty. I was seated immediately, and my food was prepared quickly. I ordered the Frisco omelette and a red velvet latte with whipped cream.
Both were delicious and very filling.
- seating9
- food preparation9
- Frisco omelette10
What Plain Jane offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Crowd
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Solo dining
- Breakfast
Offerings
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Dessert
- Table service
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What dining options are available at Plain Jane?
At Plain Jane, you can enjoy a variety of dining options throughout the day. Whether you’re looking for a delicious breakfast to start your morning, a leisurely brunch, or a satisfying lunch, they have you covered. Table service and comfortable seating are available for your convenience, making it a great spot for any meal.
Does Plain Jane offer options for families and pets?
Yes, Plain Jane is designed to be welcoming for everyone. It’s considered good for kids, and high chairs are available to accommodate younger guests. If you’re bringing your furry friend along, you’ll be pleased to know that dogs are allowed in the outside seating areas, so you can enjoy your meal together.
How does Plain Jane score overall?
Plain Jane scores 7.1 overall, with Food (7.8) and Ambience (7.5) being strong points. However, Service (5.4) and Value (4.8) are areas where it receives lower marks.
What are the standout dishes at Plain Jane?
Customers frequently praise the French toast , pancakes , and chicken and waffles for their taste and comforting qualities.
Are there any common issues to be aware of at Plain Jane?
Some visitors note inconsistent service , limited vegetarian options , and parking difficulties as potential drawbacks when planning a visit.