Highlights
- Great coffee
oChef » Wooden Spoon – San Francisco
Wooden Spoon - San Francisco
Photo from Wooden Spoon
Wooden Spoon at a glance
San Francisco Duboce Triangle
- 🍽️ Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 111 of the guests
#789 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#103 Restaurant out of 254 in San Francisco
Good
7.8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
629
Reviews
75.7%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Excellent food
- Friendly service
- Charming ambiance
Frequently criticized
- Long waits
- High prices
- Noisy environment
The restaurant Wooden Spoon invites you to discover a delightful dining experience in the heart of San Francisco’s vibrant Duboce Triangle neighborhood. This cozy, casual, and trendy spot is renowned for its great coffee, making it a perfect destination to start your day or enjoy a relaxing break.
You’ll find a welcoming atmosphere whether you’re stopping by for breakfast, brunch, or lunch, with convenient options for dine-in, takeout, and delivery.
Overview: Introducting Wooden Spoon
Wooden Spoon offers a pleasant dining experience, often praised for its fresh and simple food and the generally amazing service. Guests frequently enjoy the lovely ambiance, describing the space as cute and having a great vibe.
However, some find the setting can be quite loud and small, occasionally leading to a less peaceful meal. While the culinary offerings receive consistent appreciation, potential diners should be aware of occasional challenges.
Some find the space can be quite loud, and certain dishes have been noted for being either too sweet or bland. Despite these points, many find the overall atmosphere inviting for a casual meal.
Good
7.8
out of 10
629
Reviews
75.7%
Satisfaction
100
negative
53
neutral
476
positive
Wooden Spoon achieves a solid overall score of 7.8, reflecting a good dining experience, complemented by a 75.7% customer satisfaction rate, which is also considered good. This positive sentiment is drawn from a substantial 629 customer observations, with 476 positive remarks outweighing 100 negative ones.
The Food (8.4) truly stands out as excellent, being the most discussed aspect. Service (7.8) also performs well, consistently rated as good by patrons.
The Ambience (6.9) is generally good, though some find it a mixed bag. However, Value (4) is perceived as average, suggesting that pricing might be a point of consideration for some guests.
What people like
- Excellent food quality
- Friendly, attentive service
- Charming ambiance
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- High prices
- Noisy environment
Wooden Spoon is a place worth considering if you prioritize excellent food and good service in a charming setting. While the atmosphere is generally pleasant, be prepared for a potentially lively and sometimes noisy environment, especially during peak hours.
With a strong recommendation score of 8.2, it’s clear many find the experience rewarding. However, if you’re sensitive to higher prices or long waits, you might want to plan your visit carefully.
It offers a solid meal, but manage expectations regarding value and crowd levels.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Wooden Spoon
Food (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 95% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot truly shines with a good score of 8.4 and a good customer satisfaction of 85.6%. Out of 340 opinions, a whopping 291 rave about delicious items like the soft scrambled eggs, perfectly cooked potatoes, and the hearty Big Spoon, often praising the fresh ingredients used across the menu. However, 27 opinions point to some areas for improvement.
A few found dishes bland or overly sweet, noting that lattes could be sugary and biscuits sometimes fell short. Some also felt the menu lacked unoriginality or variety, with occasional oily plates affecting the meal's quality.
Food
340
Reviews
85%
Satisfaction
27
negative
22
neutral
291
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious egg dishes
- Fresh, quality ingredients
- Generous, tasty portions
What people don't like
- Overly sweet drinks
- Inconsistent dish quality
- Limited menu variety
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's a true neighborhood gem offering fresh and simple food in a nice setting. The service was good, and it has become my go-to place for lunch in the area.
- breakfastThe breakfast gives you an ethereal experience
- Big SpoonMy friend had the 'Big Spoon' which is definitely for a hungry man
- FoodFood itself was good
- coffeeI had the Soft Scramble, which was melt-in-your-mouth delicious with salmon – simply sublime. I also enjoyed the very fresh orange juice and a cup of good coffee. The service was excellent, and it truly made my day.
- potatoesI think the atmosphere here is way better than Plow. While Plow's potatoes might be a 10/10, the potatoes here are like a 9/10, which I feel already makes this place more than worth it, factoring in the wait. Wooden Spoon serves brunch every day, so I sometimes come for brunch on a weekday if I'm craving breakfast.
- The Big SpoonGot the Big Spoon and the soft scrambled eggs. All cooked perfectly
- avocado toastMy avocado toast has a sweat glaze that gave a delicious kick to it.
- drinksThe drinks and food are simply amazing
- House HashHouse Hash was different than what I was expecting and tasted great!
Frequently criticized
- foodTheir lattes were also way too sweet. Overall, the prices were too high for what you receive and unless you love your food on the (much) sweeter side, I wouldn't recommend.
- lattesTheir lattes were also way too sweet
- Acai bowlThe Acai bowl feels more like a yoghurt bowl
- Asian saladThe Asian salad was way too sweet
- Swedish pancakesthe Swedish pancakes had almost no powdered sugar
- baconTheir bacon was way too hard.
- biscuitsthe biscuits… were rock solid
- biscuits & gravybiscuits & gravy and the biscuits… were rock solid
- blandwas lowkey super bland
- chipotlelots of chipotle to I guess cover up
If you're looking for a place with consistently delicious food, especially egg dishes and hearty breakfast options, this spot is definitely worth trying. Just be mindful that some drinks might be on the sweeter side, and a few dishes could be inconsistent.
Service (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 82% of the guests
The service here generally hits the mark, with a 7.8 score indicating a good experience and a 72% customer satisfaction rate. Many guests, accounting for 118 positive remarks out of 164 total, rave about the friendly staff and attentive servers. Youll often find the "service" to be "timely, " with "food coming fast" and "minimal wait" times.
However, its not always perfect, with 27 negative comments pointing to some areas for improvement. Some diners have faced long wait times, especially for larger groups, and a few mentioned issues with the hostess or the queueing system. There were even rare instances of wait list jumping and rude service.
Service
164
Reviews
72%
Satisfaction
27
negative
19
neutral
118
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Timely, quick service
- Minimal wait times
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Rude staff instances
- Queueing system issues
Often praised
- serviceI had breakfast for the second time at this nice quiet place. It's a great spot for a great breakfast with amazing service. It seems like prices for food and beverages have gone down drastically in SF.
- staffWhat really stood out to me about this place was the staff
- ServiceService:5
- serversservers working the floor to fill your cup if you should so desire.
- waiting timeFor breakfast and found parking easily down the street. Since it wasn't busy yet, we didn't have to wait long for a table or our food. The food was delicious, the restaurant offered plenty of seating, and the bathrooms were clean.
- LukeMy vegan partner joins me often because they make an entirely vegan huevos divorciados with 'the best eggs'—he was actually hesitant to eat them at first because they looked so much like real eggs! Shout out to Luke, the best bartender! He is such a kind human.
- bartenderThe bartender and the bar back are very friendly
- serverOur server "Cubano" was super helpful and friendly
- Luke and his teamLuke and his team this morning who were very kind, attentive, and welcoming
- bar backThe bartender and the bar back are very friendly
Frequently criticized
- waitThey don't have many tables to accommodate bigger parties. They often seat groups of 2 quickly (usually less than a 30-minute wait), but we waited over an hour for a group of 4. The food was good, but I'm not sure the hour wait was worth it.
- long waityou will have a very long wait
- wait timeextremely long wait time, 1.5 hours
- ServiceService is very hit or miss
- bartenderThe staff is always friendly, and I can't recall ever having any issues. There was one instance with a bartender who wasn't very polite and seemed unhappy with her job, but I haven't seen her in a long time. I truly believe this place will always be around; I said so when they first opened, and it's the type of establishment that won't close easily.
- experiencethe overall experience left both of us feeling disheartened
- food on counterOur food sat on the counter for 3–5 minutes before anyone brought it over
- honestyI wish they could be honest with us
- hostessHostess working at the front was super rude
- hour waitThey often seat groups of 2 quickly (usually less than a 30-minute wait), but we waited over an hour for a group of 4. The food was good, but I'm not sure the hour wait was worth it.
Overall, the service is a strong point for this spot, with most guests enjoying a friendly and efficient experience. While you might encounter a wait, especially during peak hours, the attentive staff and quick food delivery generally make it worthwhile. Go for the great service, but be prepared for potential queues.
Ambience (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 55% of the guests
Overall, the ambience gets a solid 6.9, indicating a good experience for many, with a mixed customer satisfaction of 64.6%. Guests frequently praise the spot as a cute place with a chill vibe and seating options that offer a comfortable experience. Many appreciate the natural light and the lovely atmosphere, making it a great place to hang out, as noted in 64 positive remarks.
However, not everyone finds it perfect. With 27 negative comments, some find the atmosphere can be loud and cramped seating is a common complaint, especially for larger groups. Issues like parking difficulties and a high noise level can detract from the experience, making conversations challenging for some.
Ambience
99
Reviews
64%
Satisfaction
27
negative
8
neutral
64
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cute, chill vibe
- Varied seating
- Bright atmosphere
What people don't like
- Loud noise
- Cramped seating
- Parking issues
Often praised
- atmosphereThe service was amazing, and the flavors were phenomenal. It felt down to earth and comforting. I highly recommend trying the vegan chorizo; it tastes just like the meat version.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- placeI had breakfast for the second time at this nice quiet place. It's a great spot for a great breakfast with amazing service.
- ambianceambiance is simply lovely—a bright, sun-filled space
- cute placeoverall is a very cute place
- vibeLove the vibe
- adorable spotIt's such an adorable spot.
- aestheticsthe aesthetics here are really nice for a catchup
- atmosphere and vibeThe atmosphere and vibe of the place is really nice
- bar seatingsit at the bar for a more peaceful
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereVery small place and can get very loud. Plus tables are very close to each other
- chairsHad to switch out chairs since the one i was on was nearly about to break
- loudIt can get a bit loud
- tablesdon’t have many tables to accommodate bigger parties
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:2
- ParkingParking is unavailable
- Parking spaceDifficult to find parking
- decor upgradingcould work on with a little decor upgrading
- dining roomI wish it wasn't quite so noisy in the dining room.
- dog friendlyMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing. I was looking forward to dining here, but it's important to note that this establishment is not dog friendly and unfortunately, they do not have a patio. This was a significant letdown as I had hoped to bring my dog along.
If youre looking for a cute spot with a relaxed vibe and dont mind a potentially lively (or loud) atmosphere, this place could be a great fit. Just be prepared for possible parking challenges and consider going during off-peak hours if you prefer a quieter experience.
Value (4 out of 10)
mentioned by 16% of the guests
While the overall sentiment leans negative, a few guests did find some silver linings regarding value. They appreciated that some items were reasonably priced for the quality, and the price point was sometimes described as super nice, encouraging repeat visits. This positive feedback, though limited to 3 opinions out of 26, suggests that some aspects of the pricing hit the mark.
However, the majority of the 26 comments, with a significant 19 negative remarks, paint a different picture. Many felt the restaurant tends to increase their prices regularly, with drinks often being pricey or expensive, and some even calling the food overpriced for the quality. This leads to a low customer satisfaction of just 11.5%, and an average score of 4, highlighting significant room for improvement.
Value
26
Reviews
11%
Satisfaction
19
negative
4
neutral
3
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonably priced quality
- Nice price point
What people don't like
- High overall prices
- Overpriced drinks
- Unexpected fees
Often praised
- price pointI have yet to get something here I didn’t like, and the food always comes out super quick. The price point is super nice and definitely encourages me to go! The wait staff is excellent, and I always feel well taken care of here.
- pricesprices are gone drastically for food and beverage
- reasonably pricedreasonably priced for the quality
Frequently criticized
- expensivebut expensive
- pricePrice is high - I spent $40+ having a breakfast myself
- pricesthe prices were too high for what you receive
- priceyA little pricey
- $5 for a Diet Coke$5 for a Diet Coke (from a can)?
- $5 for a coffee$5 for a coffee?
- OJ($10 for an OJ)
- brunch phenomenoncurse the sf $30+ brunch phenomenon
- deceptiveVery deceptive imo
- drinksDrinks are a little pricey
If value is a key factor for you, be aware that many find the prices, especially for drinks, to be on the higher side, with some feeling its overpriced for the quality. With a low customer satisfaction of just 11.5% and an average score of 4, it might not be the best choice if youre on a tight budget.
How are the prices at Wooden Spoon?
You’re looking at roughly 35 per person – reported by 111 diners. That puts it in the $31–$40 category. For a Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average is 35, its interesting to see that most guests actually spend a bit less, with a big cluster around the $21–$30 range. However, theres also a good mix of diners enjoying more premium options, pushing some bills above 40 $.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 111 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing here feels quite fair for a Restaurant in San Francisco. It offers a good balance, catering to both those looking for a solid mid-range meal and those who might want to splurge a little.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Wooden Spoon
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Knowledgeable Staff and Great Vegan Meal
My experience at this restaurant was excellent. The staff were knowledgeable about the food and happy to answer any questions I had. I enjoyed an alcoholic cocktail with my vegan meal, which was a great combination.
The service, kid-friendliness, atmosphere, and food all received a perfect score of 5. Everything from the workers to the menu and the bathroom was simple for our younger table mates to navigate, making it a great experience for families.
- staff10
- alcoholic cocktail9
- vegan meal9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
7
Good Food, Minor Issues
My experience at this restaurant was generally positive, with the food standing out. We visited for Sunday morning brunch and were pleasantly surprised by the minimal wait. I personally enjoyed the house hash, noting that the short rib was well-made.
The other dishes ordered by my party were also good. However, there were a couple of minor drawbacks: the chairs were a concern, with one nearly breaking, and the street parking only can be inconvenient. Overall, the food quality made up for these small issues.
- minimal wait8
- house hash8
- short rib8
- chairs3
- street parking4
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
8
Great Brunch Spot, Lattes a Bit Sweet
My experience at this restaurant was great. It's a top spot in the city for brunch. Everything we had was great.
However, the lattes are a bit sweet, so if you're a matcha connoisseur, you might want to skip them.
- brunch9
- food10
- lattes3
- matcha3
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
8
Excellent Brunch, Worth the Wait
My experience at this cafe for brunch was fantastic. The food was excellent, and the servers were very friendly. However, be prepared for a long wait on the weekends.
- food10
- servers10
- long wait3
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Not dog friendly, no patio
My experience at this restaurant was disappointing. I was looking forward to dining here, but it's important to note that this establishment is not dog friendly and unfortunately, they do not have a patio. This was a significant letdown as I had hoped to bring my dog along.
- dog friendly2
- patio2
What Wooden Spoon offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Transgender safespace
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Solo dining
- Breakfast
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Hard liquor
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Dessert
- Table service
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
Is Wooden Spoon accessible for all guests?
Yes, Wooden Spoon prioritizes accessibility for you. The restaurant features a wheelchair accessible entrance, ensuring easy access for everyone. You’ll also find comfortable wheelchair accessible seating and a dedicated wheelchair accessible restroom, making your visit smooth and enjoyable.
What dining options and offerings can you expect at Wooden Spoon?
At Wooden Spoon, you can enjoy breakfast, brunch, and lunch with comfortable table service. The menu includes healthy and vegetarian options. For drinks, you’ll find great coffee, beer, wine, cocktails, and hard liquor, ensuring a delightful experience for you.
How does Wooden Spoon rate overall?
Wooden Spoon holds a 7.8 score, indicating a good dining experience. Its Food (8.4) is excellent, while Service (7.8) and Ambience (6.9) are good. However, Value (4) is considered average.
What are the highlights of the food at Wooden Spoon?
Guests often praise the fresh and simple food, with specific mentions of delicious breakfast items like the Soft Scramble and the House Hash. Some also appreciate the good coffee and fresh orange juice.
What are some common concerns at Wooden Spoon?
Some patrons note that the restaurant can be loud and small, leading to long wait times, especially for larger groups. The prices are also frequently mentioned as being on the higher side.