Mama's On Washington Square

Approval Rate: 92%

92%Approval ratio

Reviews 50

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  • by

    ninersfan2

    Thu Dec 10 2009

    Oh yes, their breakfasts are very good, but what's with the wait? Maybe put some tables outside? Do something, other than just raise prices, and hey maybe I'll be back! On the good note, I appreciate their maybe homemade jam? I like that there are a ton of sweet breakfasts too!

  • by

    danielorou_779337843

    Sun Nov 08 2009

    long lines. a lot of the food is incredibly sweet or too much spices. for breakfast, i need subtler flavors.

  • by

    bluejay29g

    Tue Oct 27 2009

    Great coffee, great service, homemade breads and jam, etc. The Benedict Blackstone and the Northern Italian omelette are fantastic! If you've got the time, the wait is worth it. We've gone about 1:30 to 2:00 on weekdays and the wait hasn't been that bad at all

  • by

    mnkys123

    Wed Jun 24 2009

    I got a to-go order. Yes, a vegetarian Momelet. Omelet was decent, potatoes were average, the jam was the best! Four stars because this jam is that good! Blackberry lusciousness....I could drink it it is that good! I felt bad for all the people waiting in line. The atmosphere is cute and cozy, maybe someday I will take a seat there, but for now, To-Go please! Another thing.....why no CCs?

  • by

    ndm571

    Fri May 22 2009

    First about the wait...whether at Mama's,Tommaso or other old line fixture in NB, you wait up to an hour or more. With 40 seats Mamas serves 400 people a day.. The INGENUOUS part is the people passing through watching the cooks and fresh baked item coming out of the oven throughout the day, makes them by more items (duh). FYI The Mama's that was in Union Square served 1200 people a day with 125 seats ( I worked there). If Mama's NB had 125 seats they would do same. As for the food yes they have basic items, what breakfast place wouldn't? However the omelets with Italian meats, fresh herbs, Dungeness Crab, Benedict with prosciutto or wild mushrooms (seasonal). The pancakes, lemon blueberry french toast, (not the best but none better)Their prices are on par,except with Curly's, which is not on par. No breakfast place in Bay Area consistently put out this type of breakfast. I have worked and eaten at most over the past 35 years. Like your, just an opinion.

  • by

    triguy09173376_1498

    Sat Feb 21 2009

    If you are impatient or in a hurry, I'd pass, but you'll be sorry. This was one of the best breakfast spots I've visited. Well worth the 30 minute+ wait to get to the door. Choosing your breakfast will be the hardest part. Food was exceptional in this intimate setting. Service attentive and very friendly. Sally was great (go Kalamazoo!!). Wide selection of fresh breads, fruit, juices and willingness to accomodate fickle palates made the experience worth every penny. Note to the wise, NO CREDIT CARDS! Bring your cash and enough of it because breakfast is not going to be cheap, but you won't regret it.

  • by

    delectable1573_309228

    Sat Feb 14 2009

    Definitely worth the wait and standing on the the street side in the foggy mist. My husband and I have actually driven from Sacramento to San Fran just for their food. Must go.

  • by

    emmby1

    Wed Jan 21 2009

    Be prepared for long lines at this northbeach institution, but the breads and hollandaise dishes are to die for (as in, by a cholesterol-induced heart attack)

  • by

    36dsowhat1

    Tue Dec 23 2008

    I completely agree with NBAYCRITIQUE, this place isn't crowded because it's the best, it's because it's too small to seat more than 30 people at a time. See that cute little picture next to the restaurant's name? Well THAT long narrow walkway is where you get to wait for 20 minutes AFTER you've waited for an hour OUTSIDE. And guess what else? You're in line to place your order and then PAY for your meal - in CASH, mind you - BEFORE you get your table, or your very basic meal. A party of five, which was in line WAY ahead of us, was still waiting to be seated 20 MINUTES AFTER they had placed their order at the INSIDE line. The staff seemed surprised there was a group of 5 that whole time, and then didn't know where to put them after they had ordered and paid for their meal. Where did they wait, you wonder? in this same narrow little passage with all the people in line on one side of them, and diners sitting on the other side of them, and staff barking at them any time they needed to com... Read more

  • by

    davemorin1

    Mon Nov 17 2008

    Mama's is simply the best breakfast in San Francisco, hands down. This is one of those places where even though you have to wait in line, you love every minute of it because you know how amazing the wonders ahead are going to be.

  • by

    pbakshi1

    Thu Oct 09 2008

    I thought this place was great! I am taking one star off for the really long wait (about 1 1/2 hr for line, ordering, and waiting for food), but otherwise it was well worth the line. I am usually very health food conscious, but I splurged this time on the French Toast with fruit and my husband had the Veggie Omelet and potatoes. Both portion sizes were perfect, I thought the Mimosas were a little pricey for this type of joint at $7.50, but otherwise, well worth it! The beautiful day helped also!

  • by

    asherrin115947_43081

    Mon Aug 25 2008

    Great choice for mother's day or when people are visiting. Prices are low and food is good. Make sure to take cash!

  • by

    russakred1

    Tue Aug 19 2008

    There is a line down the sidewalk for a reason. People politely wait to even get into this small bistro to place their order and be seated. Huge omelets and fresh fruits combined to make a superior morning wake up. It's crowded and a little pricy but it is understandable. With great food like this customers will be beating down your door to be fed.

  • by

    genianc1152146_4927

    Sun Apr 27 2008

    I have to say, I was a little confused about the line. We were told to wait outside until they INVITED us in. So we did. Then 10 other people walked right past us into the place and got served. I was a little peeved about that. If you are in line, don't let people pass you, I guess. But, enough of that. They had the most amazing pancakes I have ever tasted in my life. How hard are pancakes right? Well, obviously pretty hard since I'd never tasted some this amazing. My mouth is currently watering. I will definitely go back on next visit to San Fran. But, I'll be the first in the door so no one can waltz in while I've waited 30 minutes to be "invited" in. Enjoy and def order the pancakes!

  • by

    ajr5231_2060178054

    Fri Jan 11 2008

    After reading the reviews we decided to travel across san francisco to wait in line for an hour. We were very excited and by the size of the line so was everyone else. We finally got in the door only to stand in one more line. The kitchen was a surprise. The chefs were dirty wiping their hands on their dirty aprons that had been on I'm sure since they opened. The cutting boards were filthy and the stove was unappetizing. The cashier was very unfriendly and rude. We still wanted to give it a shot. We both ordered an omelette and when they came out it was luke warm and no flavor or seasoning. The potatoes were so closed to burnt that they shouldn't have been served. The water and coffee was the best part of the meal. We waited for an hour and ate in ten minutes. We left uncertain of how to feel.

  • by

    citysearch1239_196274

    Thu Nov 29 2007

    I've went to an early service at Sts. Peter & Paul and then jumped in line at Mama's right after. The wait is worth it. I think they place i...

  • by

    paul_from_467623757

    Sun Nov 18 2007

    excellent breakfast, portions were huge!!!!!!! I had a hard time deciding what to order. I don't think you can go wrong with any of the items.

  • by

    yykk1_1913245339

    Tue Aug 28 2007

    I went to there on Sat arround 10:00am. There was a loooong line and I waited for 1hr 15mins to get a seat. I heard there are not so many ppl on business day arround 2:00pm. If you don't wanna wait for long, you might wanna go there businessday arround 2:00pm. The price is inexpensive. Most of the meals are from $10~. I ordered 2 things; special menu that was french toast with berries & a sausage (side menu). It was too sweet for me, so next time I wanna order an omelet. About the sausage, this is really great taste, but price is too expensive. Only 1 thin sausage costs $3.75. Other ''side order menu'' is also too expensive. However, overall Mama's is great.

  • by

    nbaycritiq

    Sat Jul 14 2007

    I went to Mama's last Saturday after reading the reviews at citysearch, but it was a total letdown! There was a long line at 8:00 am (but I don't think it's because of the food), it was simply because there are only about 10 small tables inside and maybe half of the people waiting in line are the same people who read the "not so accurate" reviews. The french toast was totally flat, the berries, too tart and the eggs benedict was blah! The only saving grace were the sausage and the bacon which I'm sure is store bought and not home-made. You have to wait in line outside, wait in line inside to order your food with the rather unfriendly cashier, and then wait further for your food once you're seated. SOOOO NOT WORTH IT! A total waste of time especially on a weekend ...

  • by

    acreyes1

    Tue Jan 23 2007

    My wife and I went there with our two kids and friends last weekend(Dec. 16) and we were lucky that we did not have to wait for so long (15 mins to be exact) because we got there early. The food was great and freshly made. I had the crab and shrimp omelette. The place is a small cafe and probably did that in purpose so that people will have to wait in line even if the food is a little pricey for breakfast. The employees were friendly and it was good that you have to pay your bills right before you had your meals so that you don't have to pay wait any longer....My advise it to come there at 8am to avoid the long waiting in line.. This is sure a good place to eat when you have friends coming over to SF because it's also nearby Coit Tower.

  • by

    audreyjl112223_66732

    Sun Jan 14 2007

    I've lived in the area for 2 years and have never wanted to wait in the line but finally did! the breakfast is definitely tasty, but geez, it's a long wait. I would say it's worth it if you have nothing else to do in the morning and bring a book or the paper. It wasn't the best breakfast I've ever had but I did enjoy it and I'm sure I will return. One of the people i was with had one of their specials, a crab benedict, which was very good. I'd say go for their specials, and their crab is great. You can see the ingredients in the kitchen while you wait and everything is very fresh. Once you're inside the service was great, quick and friendly.

  • by

    citysearch1182_411747

    Fri Dec 01 2006

    I was there thanksgiving weekend. The place was absolutely packed. The person at the cash register was not that friendly, but our server was...

  • by

    ls041_1327023465

    Sun Nov 19 2006

    The breakfast food here is definitely yummy, although you usually have to wait outside for a bit. Because it's in North Beach, parking is definitely an issue. The restaurant is tiny, so be prepared to hear the conversations of people who are sitting next to you.

  • by

    ebayfoodie

    Sat Oct 07 2006

    My friend and I got in line at 9:30am on a Saturday morning. Finally, at 10:30am we arrived at the counter to order our food. Thank goodness the food was excellent to make up for the long wait. The crab & avocado eggs benedict was fabulous - large crab meat chunks, soft poached eggs, sliced avocado, all covered in a rich hollandaise sauce. The crab omelette was also good, but not up to par w/the e.benedict. We also tried the carrot cake and cranberry bread, both of which were delicious. I'm very particular about my breads and I have to say that the texture, moistness, density, and flavor of both were perfect! I will have to make many return trips to try all the other delicious looking breads and menu items. Homey atmosphere and friendly service.

  • by

    nancysee111449_09982

    Sun Aug 13 2006

    Yummy yummy yummy. I LOVE their monte cristo served with rasberry jam. It's usually a long wait on weekends. It's cash only. You order and pay at the front counter first. A popular place for both locals and tourists. Waiting in line isn't on anyone's list of things they like to do but if you wait it out, once you're in the door, it goes pretty fast.

  • by

    frozenyogi2087_987127

    Sat Aug 12 2006

    I never order french toast, but it sounded so good (apple yogurt brioche, topped with fresh berries) I ate the entire plate too! Its a little intense eating here because you order your food at the counter and then wait to be seated. The whole time you are eating you feel like you should hurry so someone else has a place to eat their food too. Good little breakfast nook in the city.

  • by

    jenc20041

    Mon Jul 24 2006

    Mama's is excellent. Go during the week to avoid the crowd, and make sure to order a tasty pastery on your way out.

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    citron231_669751155

    Wed Jul 19 2006

    My friend and I were on vacation from Los Angeles. A North Beach local advised us to have breakfast here. Getting out of the taxi at 10am on a Tuesday and seeing a line of people was a good sign. It was well worth the wait. Fresh ingredients and a cute atmosphere made it even better. The food was awesome. I can't wait to go back!

  • by

    creativelo1807_570475

    Mon Jul 10 2006

    Amazing food (Monte Cristo is ridiculous), great value and adorable venue. I walked in to find Rob Schneider dining alone, which was that much cooler :) When visiting SF, you must check it out. If you live in SF, you must become a regular. There is nothing bad I can say about this place...it's just that good.

  • by

    ukmatt78112884_82347

    Wed May 24 2006

    Definitely one of the top 3 best breakfasts that I've ever had in my life. This place is delicious. We went there twice will visiting San Francisco...and it was superb both times. Try it.

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    curious_du6230_16897

    Fri May 19 2006

    Just came back from breakfast at Mama's. Me & my bf woke up extra early just so we don't have to stand in line too long, but apparently many ppl beat us...even though we got there at 8:15. The wait was 30 min but the service was fast. I had the crab omelette while my bf had the smoked salmon scramble eggs. The food was pretty good but it's not exceptional. It's comparable to breakfast at a hotel. I'm satisfied but not blown-away.

  • by

    geeta1_2077434733

    Thu Apr 06 2006

    I live around the corner from Mama's and took out of town guests on a weekday in Jan to Mama's based on all the reviews and its placement on top 10 breakfast lists. We were extremely disappointed; the wait wasn't bad (it was 10 min or less and was expected) - it was the food, it wasn't special, it wasn't unique, and it wasn't tasty. We've had better at regular diners. I'd complain about the portion sizes too except that as the food wasn't all that good, we were better off having lunch elsewhere. Since then, I've had other out-of-towners visit me and have discovered nicer places, Dottie's True Blue Cafe, All You Knead, Ananda Fuara to name a few. Still trying out new places

  • by

    kp731201183885_119

    Mon Apr 03 2006

    I went to this place based on reviews seen on this site. It was worth every step. It is on the small side. And if you see people standing outside you'll have to get in line. Because it's so small they only allow you in if there is a table available for you. That makes it nicer for the diners as it is rather crowded. But still yet, go. It is great and they make their own jam.

  • by

    contributo_94687799

    Tue Mar 07 2006

    The Scene The loyal regulars of this brunch mecca know that the often-long waits are worth it. While hungry couples and eager families order at the counter prior to being seated, and the outdoor bathroom can seem daunting, the ever-smiling service will brighten any mood--even before morning coffee. The Food The sparse country-style decor belies the gourmet goods--this place caters to the breakfast epicure with a big appetite. Fluffy "m'omelettes" are perfectly cooked without a speck of brown, bulging with fillers like pancetta and garlicky cheese. Made with freshly baked breads, the many French toast offerings--Kugelpuph, with cinnamon-swirled brioche, or Apple Pan Dore, crispy baguette slices and warm apples in a light butter-lemon sauce, are equally tempting. A daily changing specials board features items like crab Benedict with spinach. Lunch offerings are also substantial, with enormous burgers and turkey clubs.

  • by

    citysearch_1777480384

    Sun Mar 05 2006

    I live two blocks from this place and I wanted to see what all the hype was about. So after years of watching people wait for eons in rain,...

  • by

    got2boyz1

    Mon Feb 27 2006

    My girlfriend and I went to Mama's full from our dinner at the Boulevard the night before, but we were told to go so we went. We waited outside in a little drizzle for 35 min., but it was worth it. It was a good thing we were not starving!!!! The food was SOOOO YUMMY!!! I got the Washington Square Omelete and my girlfriend got the Eggs Florentine scrambled instead of omlete and they were both yummy. Everything about the meal was delicious-the fruit, the bakery items we ordered, and the potatoes. I will go back the next time I am in the city. GO! GO! GO!

  • by

    kilikana43

    Sat Feb 11 2006

    After a night of partying with friends, the place we always go to for brunch the next day is this mouthwatering restaurant! Yes, the wait is long, the rumors are true...but OOOOHHHHHH sooooooo worth it! My favorite: Eggs benedict over smoked salmon with a side of chocolate chip french toast! Each bite of fruit is a bite ever so refreshing and you defenitely get more than what you are paying for. Seeing the long lines of people waiting outside: you can't go wrong with this place.

  • by

    psboston71_1522303427

    Mon Jan 02 2006

    It's true the ingredients are fresh the fruit delicious. The wait however can be UNBELIEVABLE as it is {first come first serve} & you have to wait outdoors so be prepared in case of bad weather. Definately worth the wait & if you can manage to get there on a non-busy weekday or time AWESOME for you! The menu selection is varied lots of choices to pick, kitchen was open to alternate choices, open grill area so you can see your food being cooked. The french toast was delicious the chicken apple sausage was on the spicy side but really good flavor, omelettes were divine as well. Surprisingly enough the Staff didn't hurry us along & service was okay.

  • by

    risaworld1_1019819761

    Sun Jan 01 2006

    Scratch, claw, drag yourself to Mama's in whatever way you can. Once there, take turns with someone standing in line, and nooo complaining. You will soon enter the nirvana of breakfast. So bring cash, a huge appetite, and a good attitude. You'll soon be rewarded!

  • by

    aeharibo1_166568444

    Tue Nov 22 2005

    It's worth the wait. Once inside, the service is speedy and friendly, a rare combination. The food is excellent.

  • by

    princess71

    Thu Nov 17 2005

    I live in LA and I get to San Francisco about 2x a year. A trip to Mama's is a must. The food is so good. Everything is fresh and prepared well. The owner, Cyrus, always remembers me and my girlfriend, no matter how long it has been since our last visit. The jam is delicious. It can be pricey but it is worth it. Afterwards you can walk down to Pier 39 and not feel guilty about how much you just ate. I tell everyone to go to Mama's.

  • by

    michellean_327360256

    Sun Oct 16 2005

    The breakfast here was great. The wait was horrible. I don't think it was worth the long line. I'm glad we went but we won't go again.

  • by

    jessy9231

    Fri Oct 07 2005

    Another FL reviewer says they travel to SF to eat at Mama's...We do too! It's THAT good. OK, so maybe not JUST to eat there - but Mama's is a big draw!! It's WORTH the 6 hr flight, the 1 hour wait, and the $30+ tab. Why?? The staff are awesome...we go multiple times during our visits and by the 2nd time, we feel like regulars. We're recognized, greeted, and served like there's no tomorrow. Also, it's entertaining...the kitchen is in plain view and we get a kick out of the 'dance' that the guys do to create the most amazing breakfasts imaginable. Oh yeah, the FOOD. It's almost too pretty to eat. Pretty pancakes, french toast, and the momlettes are the lovliest eggs I've seen. I can't describe the taste! The baguette toast with jam is as sinful as most desserts. I just can't say enough good about Mama's!

  • by

    sprocket19

    Sat Oct 01 2005

    my husband and I were in San Fran 4 days visiting from Chicago. We wnet to Mama's 3 out of our 4 days. We send all of our friends and family when they travel to San Fran. WE LOVE IT!!!!

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    limegreene

    Tue Aug 23 2005

    The best thing about Mama's, besides the food of course, is the atmosphere. It is one of those San Francisco places that you just don't want to miss out on. Some of the best memories I have involve breakfast at Mama's with friends. One of my goals in life is to become a Mama's "regular"! And, the Monte Cristo Sandwich is to die for.

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    andersadol

    Tue Aug 09 2005

    The place is small and cozy. The staff are friendly. The food is worth the wait. Been there now and then when visiting SF. March 2005, visited 6 out of 7 days. Mondays closed :-( Get there early = No lines. Don't miss it! Enjoy!

  • by

    cal_native

    Fri Jun 10 2005

    First time patron. Took friends for breakfast based on the positive reviews on this site. We were not disappointed!! ! The food is absolutely fabulous! We had the pecan pancakes, Ranchero eggs w/black beans and omlettes. The wait was long (45 mins), but it was worth it. Best breakfast ever!

  • by

    sbudijono1

    Sun May 29 2005

    the thing is, you need a whole day to come to this place... there's line at the front, and inside too. the place is small but cozy. the people are friendly but not obnoxious. the food is sooooo worth the wait. been there with a few out of towners, and they all gave thumbs up and even craving the food. i looove their pastry. and their french toast. and their potatoes. even their lunch menu is tasty. if you are not in a hurry, then should check out this place when you are in the neighbourhood.

  • by

    palomino1

    Fri May 13 2005

    I couldn't believe my eyes when I read all these bad reviews! I am a huge eater and a picky one at that. These people must be complete snobs that simply enjoy discrediting excellent food simply b.c there is hype surrounding this place! I admit, the wait was long....but my boyfriend and I ordered just about everything just to try it all. Every single item was to die for! Seriously! Not one complaint. I would wait in that line every day for their food....and the owner is extremely personable! I love this place so much that I refuse to try any other breakfast joints in fear that they will not compare.

  • by

    jamiebeach_886651097

    Sat Apr 30 2005

    The food was great - you must try the pecan buttermilk pancake with their specialty jam! The pancakes melt in your mouth like you wouldn't believe! The omelette was great too, recommend egg whites - makes it so much lighter. The service was so- so and the ambience was decent, not absolutely the greatest. Their coffee cakes are awesome too!!! But you have to get there early - before it opens if you can. The line forms fast and goes around the corner! Be the first ten if possible!