Lucho’s — Restaurant in San Francisco

Update: Sunday at 11:30, diners were finishing up ans a few tables were available. My friend and I were seated right away and had a wonderful brunch. Mango mimosas, chilaquiles, peach pancake was amazing, crispy edges, and almost too sweet but we devoured it. Next time I’m asking for syrup on the side. The place had a queue right after we were seated, timing is everything! I had house made conchinita pibil (pork) with my chilaquiles and it was sublime! Tender and flavorful. Staff were attentive and efficient. ——————— Great neighborhood spot for a boozy (or not!) brunch.

Came here twice in two weeks, first on a Tuesday morning around 9:15am, we weren’t the first there. You order at the counter and pay then sit and the food is brought to you-I like this system because there’s no waiting to pay when you’re done. It’s a small space, clean and cozy. There’s a parklet outside too.

I first noticed they had mimosas and beer and tequila! I didn’t try in this visit but was pleasantly surprised. The menu has traditional breakfast offerings with a Latin flair (think Birria Benedict, chilaquiles, breakfast burritos). I had avocado toast and my husband had the breakfast burrito-which was huge, delicious and filled with eggs, cheese, potatoes, bacon and salsa. So delicious! We shared the special pineapple coconut pancake- perfect! Not too sweet and crisp at the edges. My toast was good but overshadowed by the burrito and pancake. Coffee was very good and from a local roaster.

Next visit was on a Sunday before the Stern Grove concert, got there at 9:45 and it was filling up fast, the owner was there and was managing the line and seating very well. She was gracious and personable. Some staff were newer so needed some guidance from her but overall service was good and attentive.

This time I had the chilaquiles with soy chorizo, avocado, salsa, fried egg. You have to add the proteins and avocado on separately to the order…which makes it an expensive dish but let me say it is well worth it. I had a half portion which was enough for two. It was fantastic and I can’t wait to come back and order it again.

I had the mimosa this time and it was a nice pour…

Great neighborhood place that is well liked so if you go on the weekend, be early or prepare to wait. Weekdays are better…there is also lunch too but I haven’t gotten that far in the menu yet! Parking...

I went here during a stay in SF last October. I think it had only been open for a very short time by then, as it was extremely difficult to find any reviews elsewhere.

I really enjoyed it! I got the vanilla yogurt parfait, which I had anticipated to be a smaller size given the lower costs in comparison to some of the other places I had eaten at. However, it was not small in the slightest! There was a very sizeable portion of the yogurt itself, which I believe was organic and sourced relatively locally, and it was covered in the freshest berries I've had in a long time, not to mention the delicious housemade granola! It's a pretty small place, and doesn't have too much in the way of seating, so I would base your visit on the day of the week/time of day to avoid running into large crowds. I went around 8:00 a.m. on a Thursday and there were a few other people, but we had three or four tables to choose from. The only downside in my opinion was the lack of a restroom. When I asked if there was one, however, the woman handed me a ring of keys and gave me instructions on where I would find a bathroom in the building next door. Having to leave Lucho's, walk to the next building's entrance, find the correct key, get inside, make my way up a few flights of stairs, and then find the bathroom wasn't convenient, but it wasn't hard, either. The building in which the restroom was located was very clean, though, and decorated tastefully with marble and dark wood.

All in all, it's a great place to grab breakfast, even if they lack a restroom. I didn't end up getting coffee, but it looked and smelled fantastic, so I'll go ahead and recommend...

The first time I stepped foot in Lucho's was in the midst of the pandemic, several years ago. At that time, they had outdoor dining set up exclusively, and although they still have some of their outdoor seating available, they've since reopened their indoor dining. While a bit close-quartered, it's a great way to observe the kitchen churning out some delicious food in very tight confines. Never again will I complain about the size of my kitchen.

Being such a popular place, particularly for brunch on weekends, the process is a smooth one. Simply put your name on the list, and after they call you, head up to the register and order your meal. Of course, if you want to order more, you can always do that from your table, but that's pretty much it—and it works.

And speaking of the food, it's outstanding! I'm a big fan of Lucio's Omelette ($16.25), whereas my wife likes trying various items from the menu. During our most recent visit, she ordered the California Eggs Benedict ($18.25), complete with bacon and avocado. This time of year, they also have Pumpkin Pancakes, which are truly special. I get one as a side, but if you're a fan of pancakes at all, order two or three—they're outstanding.

Speaking of outstanding, despite the hustle and bustle of such a busy restaurant, the staff will make you feel welcome and are truly customer service-focused. For sure, give Lucho's a try if you're ever...