Highlights
- Great coffee
oChef » Toast Eatery – San Francisco
Toast Eatery - San Francisco
Photo from Toast Eatery
Toast Eatery at a glance
San Francisco Polk Gulch
- 🍽️ Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 104 of the guests
#2143 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#242 Restaurant out of 254 in San Francisco
Good
6.1 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
482
Reviews
55.4%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Flavorful Food
- Pleasant Ambiance
- Friendly Staff
Frequently criticized
- Slow Service
- High Prices
- Dish Inconsistency
The restaurant Toast Eatery in San Francisco’s Polk Gulch neighborhood is a casual spot where you can enjoy great coffee. This cozy restaurant offers a welcoming atmosphere for you to relax and grab a quick bite.
Whether you’re starting your day with breakfast or meeting friends for lunch, you’ll find a comfortable setting here.
Overview: Introducting Toast Eatery
Toast Eatery offers a breakfast experience that often hits the mark, with many appreciating the delicious food and generous portions. Guests frequently highlight the varied menu and the quality of items like French toast and coffee.
However, the experience isn’t always seamless. Some diners have faced long waiting times for their orders, and there have been concerns regarding the consistency of certain dishes and the overall cleanliness of the space.
Good
6.1
out of 10
482
Reviews
55.4%
Satisfaction
175
negative
40
neutral
267
positive
Overall, Toast Eatery holds a Restaurant Score of 6.1, placing it in the average category. This is reflected in a Customer Satisfaction of 55.4%, indicating a mixed reception from diners.
With 482 customer opinions, including 267 positive and 175 negative remarks, there’s a clear picture of what works and what needs attention. The Food (6.6) generally receives favorable comments, often praised for its flavor and portion sizes.
However, Service (5.2) appears to be a weaker point, with some guests noting issues like slow order delivery and inattentive staff. The Ambience (6.8) is often described as pleasant, while Value (3.7) is a significant concern for many, with opinions suggesting prices don’t always align with the experience.
What people like
- Flavorful, generous food
- Pleasant, cute ambiance
- Courteous, friendly staff
What people don't like
- Inconsistent, slow service
- High price point
- Inconsistent dish quality
With a Recommendation Score of 6.2, Toast Eatery presents a mixed bag. If you prioritize a hearty, flavorful breakfast in a pleasant setting and don’t mind potentially higher prices or a wait, it could be a worthwhile stop.
However, be prepared for possible service delays and some variability in dish execution. While the food often shines, the overall experience might not consistently justify the cost for every diner.
Consider your priorities before visiting.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Toast Eatery
Food (6.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
When it comes to the food, many diners rave about the generous portions and tasty breakfast staples. Based on 170 positive remarks, highlights include delicious hash browns, fresh-squeezed OJ, and well-prepared omelets and Benedicts. Overall, the food scores an 6.6, indicating it's generally well-received and leaning towards good.
However, not everyone is thrilled, with 78 negative comments pointing to some inconsistencies. Some found the food quality bland or the portions surprisingly small, while specific dishes like chilaquiles and chicken and waffles occasionally missed the mark. Customer satisfaction sits at 62%, suggesting a mixed bag for culinary experiences.
Food
274
Reviews
62%
Satisfaction
78
negative
26
neutral
170
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Generous portions
- Delicious hash browns
- Fresh-squeezed OJ
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Bland dishes
- Dry chicken/waffles
Often praised
- foodWe found this place and it was excellent! The service was super fast, and the food was delicious, arriving very hot. We can't wait to go back.
- breakfastMy experience at this restaurant was exceptional. I found it to be the best place in San Fran to get breakfast. The servings are HUGE, and the food was incredibly yummy.
- coffeeThe place was nice, and the server was very nice. The coffee was strong but excellent for me!
- hash brownsI’ve had the eggs Benedict, the bagel with cream cheese avocado tomato and onion, and the hash browns. It’s all absolutely delicious.
- menuThe menu is varied and very appetizing.
- breakfast sandwichHowever, the food was awesome and worth the wait. I had the French toast pancakes and the breakfast sandwich. I highly recommend getting the orange juice; you will not be disappointed.
- orange juiceGet the orange juice you will not be disappointed
- portionsflavor and portions for ALL DAY
- FoodFood:5
- French toastThe French toast is especially well done
Frequently criticized
- foodmy food took an unusually long time to come out
- English muffinI was already paying Top Price, and it was such a disappointment to feel scammed. I originally put 2 Stars, but came back after I ate the wilted lettuce and the cardboard-like English muffin.
- chickenthe chicken was stated as pulled when it wasn't
- chicken and wafflesNot sure how they mess up chicken and waffles but they did
- chicken fried steakthe steak was about as big as my palm. I started eating it and realized it was essentially all batter and it was disgusting
- chilaquilesthese eggs were not good and the chicken was stated as pulled when it wasn't
- eggsWe have eggs ordered but not received
- portionsdoesn’t translate to the portions you receive
- saladThe salad came in a takeout box
- wafflemy waffle tasted like bread dough kinda
If youre looking for hearty breakfast classics and dont mind a bit of inconsistency, the food here can be quite satisfying. However, be mindful that some dishes might not live up to expectations, so choose wisely to avoid disappointment.
Service (5.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 74% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot offers a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 5.2 and customer satisfaction at 45.5% based on 123 customer remarks. Many guests appreciated the friendly staff, fast service, and accommodating wait staff, noting quick service and helpful servers. Some even highlighted specific instances of staff going above and beyond, like assisting with a shellfish allergy or speaking multiple languages.
However, a slightly higher number of negative comments (62 versus 56 positive) point to significant issues. Common complaints include slow service, unattentive staff, and long waiting times for food or refills. Several experiences mentioned poor communication, understaffing, and a general lack of hospitality, suggesting that consistency in service can be a real challenge here.
Service
123
Reviews
45%
Satisfaction
62
negative
5
neutral
56
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, kind staff
- Fast, quick service
- Accommodating wait staff
What people don't like
- Slow, long waits
- Unattentive staff
- Poor communication
Often praised
- serviceThe toast was warm at best, and I observed what appeared to be a health code violation in a handwashing sink. While the service was fast, the overall food quality left something to be desired. There are probably better options out there.
- staffunderpaid staff even came back out to ask if we needed more water
- ServiceService:5
- English and Spanishthey speak English and Spanish
- baristaunderpaid barista checked on us
- chefTop stars to the chef
- courteous/friendly staffIt's strictly hearty home style cooking. The restaurant is clean and well lighted, with courteous/friendly staff who go out of their way to ensure your order is exactly what you want. Their coffee is so-so with unlimited refills, but if you love your coffee, consider ordering a different beverage.
- friendly staffMy experience at this restaurant was a fantastic way to start off the day. I enjoyed a delicious home-cooked meal, and the friendly staff made the experience even better. The atmosphere was also great, contributing to a very positive start to my day.
- no line for brunchhaving no line for brunch is nice
- no wait listno wait list so come here if other places back out
Frequently criticized
- serviceOur waiter wasn’t very attentive and it took a while to get our water refilled.
- waiting timeMy experience at the restaurant involved ordering 3 waffles and a Florentino eggs Benedict. Unfortunately, it took close to 40 minutes to receive our food. The staff's excuse was that they only had one waffle maker, which I found surprising for a restaurant.
- staffThere was only one person working (taking orders, cleaning up, making the drinks, and charging people).
- ServiceI had to get up again to ask for the check.
- orderMy experience at this restaurant was extremely disappointing. After waiting for 45 minutes, the staff finally realized they had misplaced or forgotten our order. This led us to walk out without being served.
- serverShorty unwelcoming service most likely represents and reflects the top! No greeting and we’ll one has to flag a poor tired server down! 1 star.
- wait timethey said me before wait 5 minutes outside it will ready and i again go inside to ask order they say me 20 minutes to wait and i still wait but then also they didnt give my order
- waterI’m really disappointed with my experience at this restaurant. First off, our server didn’t even bring us water until we had to ask for it; that should be a basic part of service. Then, my food took an unusually long time to come out.
- Online orderingbeware when ordering ONLINE
- ServerI kinda felt like I was helping the server do her job.
If youre lucky, you might experience friendly and fast service, but be prepared for potential delays and inattentive staff. Its a bit of a gamble, so if quick, consistent service is a top priority for you, you might want to consider other options.
Ambience (6.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 39% of the guests
The restaurants ambience generally leaves a good impression, with a 6.8 score indicating its above average, and customer satisfaction at a solid 70.6%. Many guests appreciate the atmosphere, often described as a cute place with a charming 1950s feel and bar seating. Based on 36 positive remarks out of 51 total, the vibe is often noted as clean, comfortable, and well-set up for a pleasant dining experience.
However, not all experiences are sparkling, with 11 negative comments highlighting areas for improvement. Some patrons found the ambient a bit dirty, mentioning sticky tables and even filthy floors or a kitchen not clean. While the overall sentiment is positive, these concerns suggest that consistency in cleanliness and maintenance, along with addressing parking difficulties, could elevate the experience further.
Ambience
51
Reviews
70%
Satisfaction
11
negative
4
neutral
36
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cute, cozy atmosphere
- Nostalgic diner feel
- Good seating options
What people don't like
- Dirty tables/floors
- Questionable kitchen hygiene
- Difficult parking
Often praised
- atmosphereI enjoyed a delicious home-cooked meal, and the friendly staff made the experience even better. The atmosphere was also great, contributing to a very positive start to my day.
- Atmosphereit wasn't a full restaurant and didn't seem that busy.
- ambianceThe ambiance and atmosphere are really cute
- seatingI enjoyed a delicious coffee and the hashbrown hill was also delicious and perfectly cooked. The restaurant had plenty of seating, and the service was very quick.
- 1950s feelgiving the 1950s feel.
- bar seatingHappy they now have bar seating
- bathroom availablehappy to see that they had a bathroom available!
- chill breakie spotgood enough for a chill breakie spot
- cleanRestaurant is clean
- cute placeVery cute place to have breakfast
Frequently criticized
- ambientAmbient a bit dirty
- atmosphereAtmosphere:2
- brunch spotit would be such a great brunch spot but it is literally terrible
- cupswhere the bottoms of those cups had been
- deep cleaningThe kitchen's cleanliness was questionable, and the floor appeared filthy. This establishment needs more staff, a thorough deep cleaning, and better communication among the team.
- floorand the floor looked filthy.
- kitchen cleanlinessThe kitchen did not look clean
- parkingDifficult to find parking
- rude customersAs we walked in rude customers and complaining
- tablethe table we had was sticky
If youre seeking a cozy spot with a nostalgic diner feel and dont mind potential minor cleanliness quirks, this place offers a generally pleasant atmosphere. It's a good choice for a casual meal, especially if you appreciate a retro vibe, but be aware that some aspects of upkeep might vary.
Value (3.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 29% of the guests
Despite a poor score of 3.7 for value and a poor customer satisfaction of just 14.7%, a few folks found some positives. Some felt the prices were reasonable for a diner, even calling them super reasonable for a good meal. A couple of positive comments (out of 5) even mentioned great value food and reasonable prices.
However, the overwhelming sentiment, with 24 negative comments out of 34 total, points to significant issues. Many found items like smoothies, coffee, and even a small glass of OJ to be pricey or expensive. Guests often felt the cost was too high for the quantity or quality, leading to a feeling of being overpriced.
Value
34
Reviews
14%
Satisfaction
24
negative
5
neutral
5
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable diner prices
- Good value food
What people don't like
- Items are overpriced
- High cost
- Poor quantity for price
Often praised
- pricesprices are reasonable for a diner
- priceI would return without a doubt. On average, it's $42 USD for two people, and you eat quite well.
- value foodJust in off a long flight, I needed something to eat and drink. My experience was marked by excellent service and great value food.
Frequently criticized
- priceThe price of lux bagel and toast... do not match
- tipNot everyone can afford a tip on top of it
- expensivevery expensive for basic diner breakfast
- ManagersWay to go to save $$ Managers !!
- Top Pricealready paying Top Price
- chargedThey charged me before bringing anything
- chargersWhen I inquired about chargers, she returned only $2
- checktold us our total without showing/giving us a receipt
- coffeebut overpriced.
- costMy experience at this restaurant was not good enough to justify the cost. The eggs I ordered cost me around $20 total and were just okay.
If you're looking for a budget-friendly meal, this might not be your spot, as value is a clear concern for many. While a few found the prices reasonable, the majority felt things were quite expensive for what you get. You might want to prepare for a higher bill than expected.
How are the prices at Toast Eatery?
You’re looking at roughly 24 per person – reported by 104 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, most diners are comfortably in the 11 – 30 $ range, with a good chunk spending a bit less than the average. There are a few who splurge, but the bulk of the prices cluster nicely around that mid-range sweet spot.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 104 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing here feels pretty fair for a Restaurant, especially given the range of what people are spending. It seems like a good value for a casual meal.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Toast Eatery
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
2
Disappointing Service and Long Wait
I’m really disappointed with my experience at this restaurant. First off, our server didn’t even bring us water until we had to ask for it; that should be a basic part of service. Then, my food took an unusually long time to come out.
On top of that, when I ordered a mimosa, I was told they were out of champagne – how do you run out of something that’s clearly listed on the menu? Overall, the service was slow, unorganized, and definitely not worth the wait. I expected better hospitality and preparation from this.
- water2
- food3
- champagne3
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Great Homestead Breakfast with Locals
I had a great experience at this restaurant, particularly enjoying their homestead breakfast. The amount of locals dining there was a clear indicator that it's a good place to get good food. The atmosphere and service were both rated a perfect 5, and the food also received a 5-star rating.
Parking was noted as difficult to find, but there was free street parking available. Reservations were not required, and there was no wait time.
- homestead breakfast9
- good food8
- atmosphere10
- parking3
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
6
Atmosphere Shines, Food and Service Just Okay
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The atmosphere was the main draw, really capturing a 1950s feel, and I'd rate it a 5. However, the food was nothing special, earning a 3.
The toast was warm at best, and I observed what appeared to be a health code violation in a handwashing sink. While the service was fast, the overall food quality left something to be desired. There are probably better options out there.
- atmosphere10
- 1950s feel10
- food6
- toast3
- health code violation1
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
High Prices, Poor Service, Small Portions
My experience at this restaurant was disappointing. The prices were high and the portions were small. The service was horrible; I had to ask for sugar for my coffee and salt and pepper while the wait staff stood by idly.
Living in the neighborhood, I always wondered why they never had business, and now I understand.
- prices2
- portions2
- service1
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Noise Level
- Loud
8
Cute spot for simple American breakfast
My experience at this restaurant was great! It's a cute place that was conveniently walking distance from our hotel, Holiday Inn. The food was good, offering simple American fare, and the coffee was delicious.
- cute place9
- walking distance8
- food7
What Toast Eatery offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
- College students
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Solo dining
- Breakfast
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Dessert
- Table service
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere and service options does Toast Eatery offer?
You’ll find a cozy and casual atmosphere at Toast Eatery, perfect for a relaxed meal. For your convenience, they provide various service options including dine-in, outdoor seating, takeout, delivery, and even no-contact delivery, ensuring you can enjoy their offerings however you prefer.
What dining options and amenities are available at Toast Eatery, especially for families?
Toast Eatery serves breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dessert, with table service and seating available. They are good for kids, offering a kids’ menu and high chairs to accommodate families. A restroom is also available for guests’ comfort.
What are the main strengths of Toast Eatery?
Customers frequently praise the flavorful and generous food portions, often highlighting items like French toast and coffee. Many also enjoy the pleasant and cute atmosphere, along with the courteous and friendly staff.
What are the common drawbacks at Toast Eatery?
Diners often report inconsistent and slow service, with long waiting times for orders. The price point is also a significant concern for many, who find it expensive for a diner breakfast, and there are occasional issues with dish quality.
How does Toast Eatery generally score with customers?
Toast Eatery has an overall Restaurant Score of 6.1 and Customer Satisfaction of 55.4%. Food (6.6) and Ambience (6.8) receive relatively positive feedback, but Service (5.2) and Value (3.7) are areas that frequently draw criticism.