Good Place for Sit Down Breakfast

I had breakfast at the Warwick San Francisco Hotel near Union Square on my birthday this year. Their French toast was delectable and the service was great, but the price tag might be a little scary if you are on a budget. I do remember looking at several menus in the neighborhood before settling on this place, so Union Square in general might have some good options (if you are prepared to brave the crowds, that is).

@StephSF: That sounds yummy.

Here's some of my recommendations: Toast in Noe Valley has tables and nice outdoor eating--it this weather holds up it might be really great (but not on Sundays--wayyyyy too crowded).

I'm a fan of Crepeville even for breakfast and I know there is one in Mission so that might be a good choice.

My favorite greasy spoon, hole in the wall diner is Art's Cafe in North Beach--its like a real fifties diner--just a long counter where you can read the paper and stare at your eggs on the grill--great for really early in the morning, especially if you stayed up so late you decided not to sleep and are just giving yourself energy to get going on the rest of the day.

Okay, if you want to splurge for breakfast and have a "nice sit down" then I recommend Brunch at Top of the Mark (restaurant is literally at the top of the Mark Hopkins Hotel in Nob Hill). It's $50 and has everything from caviar, champagne, meat carving station, eggs, waffles, muffins, - anything you can imagine. It's amazing. I haven't been in a few years but it was great.

I also like for a more low-key sit down - Mo's Diner - on Grant in North Beach. (I like Mama's but the line is overrated for the quality).

@FlowerGirl - where is Art's Cafe in North Beach?

Wow! I guess Art's must have bit the dust. I tried to look it up and all I found was a similar place in the Sunset. (I wonder if it is the same guy.) I actually hadn't been there in years--since I lived in North Beach I think. But it seemed like one of those places that would be there forever. I used to be just off of Columbus as I remember.

@Tracypie - how's the view at the Top of the Mark? In New York, we had a place called Top of the Rock, at the top of Rockefeller Plaza. It was insanely overpriced but the idea was the same and the views of Manhattan made it all worthwhile. The food alone sounds worth it...

@Flowergirl - I went to a greasy spoon after going out in North Beach a few months back - it was your basic diner but was rather tasty at 3 AM. It could've been arts, for all I know, but then again, it could've been a million different places.

My new favorite is Cafe Epi in Palo Alto, with omelettes, fruit, and French Toast galore (can you tell that I like French Toast?)

@StephSF - the view at the Top of the Mark is fantastic. Overlooks Nob Hill. And Cafe Epi in Palo Alto sounds yummy. Might have to try that next time I am down that way. I LOVE French Toast too!

After all that there was a change in plans and we ended up meeting for lunch in Emeryville. We went that International Food Court right at the 80 exit. It has like thirty different places in it so you can have everything from a Philly Cheesestake to Afghani food. Really nice as far as cafeteria type food goes. And there is a Borders Books right there too.