Art's Cafe — Restaurant in San Francisco

Within in a one block radius of the intersection of Irving Street & 9th Avenue there are at least four small restaurants that might be called "greasy spoons" colloquially or American-style cafes euphemistically. Over the next few weeks every Sunday I intend to try one for breakfast. Today I stopped by Art's Cafe.

Without a doubt Art's Cafe offers a great deal for $5.70: two eggs, two pancakes (or french toast), and four of any combination of bacon or sausage. I had scrambled eggs, pancakes, two sausages, and two slices of bacon. It looked like Art was doing the cooking. I could tell he definitely puts his best effort into his work. Each pancake was perfect and despite the low price he did not scrimp on size. Each slice of bacon was fried to the perfect crispiness and he somehow is able to make them similar size and shape. Although I did not have hash browns, as I watched him prepare them on the grill, I noticed he had a specific technique that seemed to produce a uniquely thin, crispy hash brown. Art definitely takes pride in his workmanship and this made me happy to eat there.

However, one gets what one pays for. In this case, my marks of 'good' and 'very good' are in comparison to other greasy spoons and in the context of my perceived quality expectations of San Franciscans.

Other than the eggs in the scrambled eggs there was nothing else--not even salt & pepper from what I can tell. Personally, I like this because it allows me to dress them the way I like. However, I could understand how many San Franciscans, used to the eggs at places like Boogaloo's, might find these a bit bland. The syrup was not a high-quality maple but instead most likely a commercial product like Aunt Jemima's. The coffee was similar to what you might be served at a truck stop diner.

As for the service, the cook, waitress, and busboy are standing right in front of you the entire time so the service is practically immediate! The place was still relatively empty when I went in around 8am so I tried to strike up a conversation with the waitress (I assume Art's wife) but with little success. So, though the service was efficient I had hoped for something a little more friendly to accentuate its potential as greasy spoon where the locals might like...

Great place for breakfast! Metered street parking, and also there's parking lot Indoor & outdoor dining is allowed (3/16/21). Inside seating is bar-style where food is prepared in front of you on the grill. Currently as of 3/16/21, the inside seating is limited to 25%. I enjoyed how the food is freshly cooked on the grill in front of you. Very clean food prep area. The owners were very attentive, helpful, and great to talk to. The menu was easy to follow, and prices were great! I love how they offer a choice of rice or hash browns with breakfast. I got both, because I like rice, & hash browns. The hash browns here were really good! The owner said they prepare it fresh, instead of using frozen/pre-made, and it definitely makes a huge difference as the hash browns were very tasty & cooked perfectly! Ordered the vegetarian omelette, and I enjoyed every bite of it. The vegetables were fresh, including the avocado. The portion was more than enough. We also got the pancakes & toast. The no-frills-great-tasting pancakes were fluffy & delicious.

I would definitely recommend this cafe for breakfast! We'll be back not only for breakfast, but next time for lunch, so we can try out their Korean entrees!

Thank you to owners Young, Lee, and their daughter who were awesome during...

A diner-style counter run by Koreans = typical American comfort food along with Korean dishes and sometimes things in-between?

Our order:

1. Vegetarian Hash Brown "Sandwich" ($6.60) had onions, mushrooms, bell pepper, and tomato wrapped with a potato hash "shell". Served with 2 eggs and toast. Their hash brown sandwiches are the specialties. It's something different!

2. Bi Bim Bop Veggie Omelette ($6.95) which had spinach, zucchini, bean sprout, and carrot with cheese inside an egg wrap. Served with hash browns and toast. I'm not sure I like bean sprouts with cheese but I was rather empty-stomach and ate the whole thing including the toast. It's really something different! _

The hash browns here are by default made really crispy. The shredded potato cooked on the griddle is bonded so well that it reminds me of how paper is made. Can I write on this?

Prices are pretty good for...