Hollywood Cafe — Restaurant in San Francisco

I was wanting to try something new and thought I may enjoy some sunny outdoor seating and breakfast. I was excited to see that they had several tables open when I walked up and stood behind the couple in the line queue (thinking we couldn't be waiting long as there were 3 open tables set and ready to go!). I was horribly wrong. Myself and the couple who was there before me stood there for several minutes and was passed countless times by servers. I smiled, made eye contact, and was not once acknowledged. Nobody even had the courtesy to say "hello" or "we will be right with you". The atmosphere was not very nice at all, and I had plenty of time to watch lackluster plates being served to those who had been seated. After more than five minutes (I kept track on my watch) of being blatantly ignored by servers clad in hideous yellow shirts, I left. As a local, I will not be recommending this cafe to anyone. As a person in the service industry, I am disappointed with the way I was dismissed as not even being worthy of a greeting when servers passed me several times, saw me waiting for several minutes and had nothing to say to me, but plenty of time to talk to each other...... There are plenty of great restaurants here in North beach, where you will be treated well. Do yourself a favor and skip this...

What a lovely place right before you get to the Wharf… where everyone seems to be heading in the area. This place was across from my hotel, and I am not sure I would have ever found or tried it otherwise.

I am glad we did!

The staff here is very attentive and friendly. I am definitely seeing this trend for restaurant staff in SF! Even during the hustle and bustle, the waitstaff is smiling, busy, but helpful as well.

Our food and drinks were tasty and came right out after ordering. There was no wait as we came during brunch hours. The sidewalk had several people eating, and in SF the weather is amazing so we ate out on a sidewalk table.

As far as price goes, we ordered drinks and two breakfast plates and it was reasonable. It was definitely worth it. My burrito was cut into two and I ate half and was plenty satisfied and full. Mine was a hash burrito which had hash browns, scrambled eggs, cream cheese, avocado and ham in a tortilla (see pic). My wife enjoyed her two eggs, crispy bacon, and pancakes. She always asks for her bacon “this side of burnt” but most places are afraid to get it right. This one didn’t quite get it, but they tried. Everything else was perfect!

This is a hidden gem, in my opinion. If you come across this review, eat here.. and this review a like if it...

So I was torn on whether to give this place three or four stars, I would have rather given it 3.5 if there was that option.

I've decided to go with three stars for a couple of reasons, I'll start with the good stuff.

PROS: Food portions are large and delicious! Their fruit platters are amazing. Had their omelette and Hollywood hash browns, delicious! Wait generally isn't too long if you're a party of four or smaller. Quick service, I mean really quick.

CONS: No real clear direction for newcomers on getting seated, you just walk in and try to find a waiter or put your name on a waiting list. Tables are very small, we had a group of four and there was no room to place anything on the table after we received our meals. For a group of five or more, expect to wait upwards of 30 minutes around 10am, and make sure the entire group is there or they will skip you. Feels like you're rushed all the time for them to move on to the next customer. The real reason I gave it three stars, the giant hair that was sticking out of my omelette.

Overall, this is a good place and I would love to give it four stars, but the hair in my food really killed it for me. I would go back, much better option than the restaurant across the street...