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At the end of a weekend of frivolity, urbanistas need to unwind over brunch—to fortify themselves for the shopping or museum-hopping ahead. Whether your version is caffeine-fueled or “hair of the dog,” these top brunch spots will fill you up, allow you to de-brief with friends, and help you gently transition back to your Monday world.
Best Brunches in....
Best Brunches
San Francisco
Absinthe Brasserie and Bar 398 Hayes St., Hayes Valley, 415-551-1590 absinthe.com
The Draw: Cocktail enthusiasts familiar with Absinthe’s award-winning book, The Art of the Bar, are making this posh brasserie a must-see stop on the SF culinary cocktail scene. And on Sundays, this starts at brunch. The Scene: Bohemians and sophisticates alike who prefer a healthy dose of Parisian glamour with their Anson Mills cheese grits need look no further. Hayes Valley lines up for Jamie Lauren’s re-inventions of bistro classics. Tue–Fri 11:30am–midnight, Sat 11am–midnight, Sun 11am–10:30pm. $$ Hot Tip: If you haven’t reserved ahead, try walking in for a seat at one of the bar tables looking out onto Hayes Street.
Slow Club 2501 Mariposa St., Potrero Hill, 415-241-9390 slowclub.com
The Draw: With its comfort cooking and minimalist visual aesthetic, Slow Club is a pastoral oasis in the center of urbanity. The Scene: Slow Club is such a hot dinner destination that some folks don’t even know it has one the best brunches in town. Rub elbows with the upscale Mission crowd getting fortified to splurge on antiques on Valencia. Mon–Thu 11:30am–2:30pm and 6:30–10pm, Fri 11:30am–2:30pm and 6:30–11pm, Sat 10am–2:30pm and 6–11pm, Sun 10am–2:30pm (bar opens at 5pm). Open for coffee and pastries Mon–Fri 8–11am. $$ Hot Tip: The pineapple-orange agua fresca is even better with a splash of tequila.
1300 Fillmore 1300 Fillmore St., Western Addition, 415-771-7100 1300fillmore.com
The Draw: Chef-owner David Lawrence’s soulful cooking hits all the right notes, and the dining space is both elegant and completely relaxing. The prix-fixe menu includes Lawrence’s legendary barbecued shrimp and grits. The Scene: The city’s jazz district is quiet on Sunday mornings, and the gospel brunch draws not only the dressed-to-the-nines post-church crowd, but also Fillmore shoppers waiting for stores to open. Mon–Thu 5:30–11pm, Fri–Sat 5pm–1am, Sun 10:30am–2:30pm. $$ Hot Tip: The fried buttermilk chicken sandwich is not on the menu, but you can get it if you ask.
