15+ Best New Year’s Day Brunch Spots in San Francisco (2026)

Daniel C
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The morning after New Year’s Eve calls for something that feels just right—no fuss, no pretense, just good food and a space where you can breathe. San Francisco delivers on that front, with brunch spots that balance flavor, comfort, and a little local character. Whether you’re nursing a quiet morning or meeting friends for a reset, these places offer a solid start to 2026 without leaning on clichés or over-the-top vibes.

15+ Best New Year’s Day Brunch Spots in San Francisco (2026)

Cassava

Cassava, Brunch
Photo via Cassava

This North Beach spot blends French and Japanese influences into a menu that’s thoughtful without being stiff. The miso-glazed salmon with soft scrambled eggs is a standout, and the yuzu French toast brings a bright twist to a familiar dish. The space is small but warm, the kind of place where you can actually hear your conversation.

SPARK Social SF

If you want variety and energy, this outdoor setup in Mission Bay has you covered. Food trucks rotate in, so you might find tropical smoothie bowls, savory dumplings, or loaded breakfast burritos. The $20 mimosa bottles keep things festive, and the bay views add a quiet kind of magic.

  • Where: 730 Bryant Street
  • Website: sparksocialsf.com
  • Hours: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
  • Note: No reservations, first-come seating

Red Window

Red Window, Brunch
Photo via Red Window

Bold flavors and a lively North Beach setting make this one worth a visit. The Egg Bocadillo—chorizo, roasted peppers, fried egg on crusty bread—is a solid pick, and the chilaquiles get a Mediterranean lift with olives and feta. The space is loud in the best way, full of color and conversation.

  • Where: 500 Columbus Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94133
  • Website: https://theredwindow.com/
  • Hours: Sat 10 a.m. – 11 p.m, Sun 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
  • Reservations: Available via Resy

Plow

A Potrero Hill staple, Plow keeps things simple but sharp. The buttermilk pancakes are light, the eggs Benedict is executed without drama, and the space feels lived-in, not staged. It’s the kind of place where you don’t need to dress up or explain why you’re out at 9 a.m. on January 1.

  • Where: 1299 18th Street, San Francisco, CA 94107
  • Website: https://www.eatatplow.com/
  • Hours: Weekdays 7 a.m. – 2 p.m, Weekends 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
  • Note: No reservations, lines form early

City Cruises by Hornblower

City Cruises by Hornblower, Brunch
Photo via city experiences

For a different pace, this brunch cruise offers a two-hour ride on the bay with a full buffet, free-flowing champagne, and live music. You’ll pass Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the city skyline, all while eating without worrying about parking or crowds. Boarding starts at 11:30 a.m., so it’s a good option if you’re not an early riser.

The New Spot

A no-frills diner on Polk Street that’s open to families and pets, this one’s about comfort and consistency. Omelets, pancakes, and breakfast sandwiches are done well, and the covered outdoor area means you can stay dry if the fog rolls in. It’s not flashy, but it’s reliable.

  • Where: 2401 Polk St, San Francisco, California 94109, United States
  • Website: https://thenewspotonpolk.com/
  • Hours: Weekdays 7:30 a.m. – 2 p.m, Sat & Sun 8 a.m. – 3 p.m
  • Note: First-come, first-served

Bistro Boudin

Bistro Boudin, Brunch
Photo via Bistro Boudin

Right on Fisherman’s Wharf, this spot leans into the city’s sourdough legacy with its famous clam chowder in a bread bowl. The brunch menu includes classics like eggs Benedict and avocado toast, and the outdoor seating gives you a clear view of the bay and Alcatraz. It’s tourist-friendly but still feels like a local option.

  • Where: 160 Jefferson Street San Francisco, CA 94133 Second Floor
  • Website: bistroboudin.com
  • Hours: 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
  • Note: Part of Boudin Bakery, parking nearby

Blue Mermaid

Blue Mermaid, Brunch
Photo via Argonaut

Inside The Argonaut Hotel, this nautical-themed spot keeps things relaxed with seafood-heavy brunch options and a signature “bloody mermaid” cocktail. The space is airy, the service is easygoing, and the location puts you steps from the wharf if you want to walk off your meal.

Jasper’s Corner Tap & Kitchen

Jasper’s Corner Tap & Kitchen, Brunch
Photo via Jasper’s Corner Tap & Kitchen

Part of Hotel Spero, this place mixes American fare with craft cocktails and a modern interior. The breakfast burrito and avocado toast are solid, and the beer list is strong if you’re not in the mood for mimosas. Open at 7 a.m., it’s a good pick if you’re up early and want a full meal.

Mama’s on Washington Square

Lines are long, but the food backs it up. Caramelized banana pancakes and crab cake Benedict are rich, satisfying, and worth the wait if you don’t mind showing up early. No reservations, so get there before 8 a.m. if you want a table. The energy inside is warm and busy, the kind of place that feels like a tradition.

Sweet Maple

Sweet Maple, Brunch
Photo via Sweet Maple

Lower Pac Heights gets serious about bacon, and Sweet Maple is proof. Their thick-cut millionaire’s bacon, slow-cooked with sugar and spices, is worth putting on pants for. The menu’s got plenty of sandwich and omelet options, making this spot solid whether you want something familiar or a plate to share.

  • Where: 2101 Sutter St
  • Website: sweetmaplesf.com
  • Hours: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
  • Must-try: Millionaire’s bacon, breakfast sandwiches
  • Options: Delivery and takeout available

Home Plate

Old school diner meets the café next door. You can pick your spot—from booth to couch—and settle in for their thick-cut maple “All Star” bacon, crab cakes, or bottomless mimosas. The custom Benedicts and vegan/gluten-free choices mean you can come back with any crew, hangover or not.

  • Where: 2150 Lombard St
  • Website: homeplatesf.com
  • Hours: 7 a.m. – 2 p.m.
  • Standouts: Crab cakes, bottomless mimosas, vegan/gluten-free options

Brenda’s Meat & Three

Southern-style, laid-back, and open daily. Brenda’s pushes hearty brunch plates—think pulled pork hash, deep-fried beignets, and Creole Bloody Marys. It’s comfort with just enough spice to wake you up.

  • Where: 919 Divisadero St
  • Website: brendasmeatandthree.com
  • Hours: 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
  • Tip: Try the beignet sampler, order ahead for pickup
  • Drinks: Creole Bloody Mary

Dragon Beaux

Dragon Beaux, Dim Sum
Photo via Dragon Beaux

It’s not just eggs and pancakes here. Dragon Beaux rethinks brunch with modern dim sum—so expect a parade of dumplings, creative takes on eggs, and baked Portuguese tarts that hit differently. Even if you’re just in it for the foodie photos, the menu supports that.

  • Where: 5700 Geary Blvd
  • Website: dragonbeaux.com
  • Hours: 10 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
  • Highlights: DIY Dim Sum Kits, hot pot available for lunch

620 Jones

Four blocks off Union Square, 620 Jones delivers brunch on a rooftop patio with refreshingly straightforward service. The menu pulls in seasonal specials, and the space is set up for relaxing indoors or outdoors—thanks to robust heaters and umbrellas. Froze, sangria, and mimosas are there for weekend brunchers, and you can book a spot easily online.

  • Where: 620 Jones St
  • Website: 620-jones.com
  • Hours: Sun 11 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
  • Best for: Groups, patio seating, pitchers for the table
  • Reservations: Recommended online

Starting the year with a good meal doesn’t have to mean anything grand. In San Francisco, it’s about finding a spot that fits your mood—whether that’s a quiet corner with pancakes or a boat full of champagne and skyline views. These places get it right, offering food and atmosphere that feel real, not rehearsed.​

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Hi, I’m Daniel. I’m a big coffee enthusiast who loves traveling and discovering new places. When I’m not on the road, I enjoy spending quality time with my family and planning our next adventure.

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