Sunday Brunch in SF?

[yummy06]

I have some friends coming into town this weekend and trying to plan a Sunday brunch for 8-10 people. Any suggestions?

[kapeli415]

Absinthe. I don't know if they can fit you this late, but if you give them at least a weeks notice, I believe they can. The corn beef has is amazing...

[ML8000]

I usually head to Lulu for Sunday brunch. Nothing mind-blowing but overall very good...and sometimes some interesting dishes (white corn on the cob w/ truffle butter). The big thing is it's never crowded, always can get a table fast. I feel like grandpa recommending a place for this reason but the crowded Sunday brunch thing in SF is enough to kill any appetite and the last thing I want to do on a Sunday morning is wait in line with jumpy hipsters or young families with strollers. (Hey, you kids get off my lawn!)

[larochelle]

Hooray for you, Gramps ML8000! I'm waiting patiently for the day I get to remove the "in-training" my title "crazy-ol'-bitty" (And your little dog, too!)

When I rate brunch places food is always the most important aspect but I do give them 50 extra points for no wait and subtract 10 for each stroller.

[ML8000]

Hey lady watch where you swing that cane!!

Okay, Lulu is sort of late 90s SF but there are a few things still worth it at brunch - the fire roasted chicken or pork sandwiches, pizza and an eggs benedict like thing served on brioche. The room also looks better in the daytime then at night. Yeah okay it's a semi lazy pick but on a sunday who wants to wait sit on the sidewalk? BTW, valet parking is available so it actually would be good to bring grandpa and grandma.

[susancinsf]

I'm with you too Gramps! Last Sunday at about noon hubby and I drove by Toast on Church in Noe Valley: there had to be at least thirty people waiting on the sidewalk! Meanwhile, Pomelo down the street had empty tables. Now, I am no Pomelo fan, and haven't eaten there in several years, but still, I can't believe that Toast is that much better.....Hubby had been making noises about going to brunch, but I convinced him to come home, eat leftovers, and save our dining dollars for Sunday night, when I was confident that we could find a place to eat without standing on a sidewalk with neighbors and strollers...

(so thanks for the Lulu tip; I didn't realize they served brunch....)

[ML8000]

Haha...that's it, the sidewalk people. Com'n, mob scene for brunch? I remember first seeing it at some brunch place on Valencia around 21st/22th about 8 years ago and thinking, WTF, get off the ground scooter kid. Then I saw it in the Marina and thought it's like yuppie boomers on harleys except it's slacker/MBA kid on the sidewalk. BTW, the other place with easy old people access - Park Chow...park your Buick in GG Park and walk over.

[larochelle]

Don't tell the young'uns but here's a secret....every time we've been to Bar Tartine (!?!) for brunch there has been no wait AT ALL. They serve Blue Bottle coffee, make some of the best iced coffees around and their bacon is awesome. And the food it really good, although the duck hash is a little too rich for me. And pork belly for breakfast is a little crazy as well. Highly, highly recommended. (And you know I don't do that often!)

[Atomica]

I have posted this a bunch of times, but I will never return to Bar Tartine for brunch. Ridiculously expensive and very, very bad.

[larochelle]

Specifics?

[Atomica]

The search function is failing me. The portions were teensy. My husband had a dish (can't remember name, it's a Middle Eastern dish) that is also often served at Universal Cafe, and Universal's is far better and a better portion. I ordered the French Toast, which was ONE piece for 10 bucks. It was like a parody of a hipster breakfast. I'm never going back there for breakfast. In this case, I say there's a darn good reason there's no waiting at Bar Tartine.

[OldTimer]

Garden Court at the Palace Hotel is classic...and only $64.00 per person.
http://www.gardencourt-restaurant.com...

[larochelle]

I know its classic and very SF, but have you been lately? Is it any good? I've heard more than one report that its a pretty tired buffet. I'd love to hear if there are any positive reports specifically about the food?

[OldTimer]

Not being particularly facetious, I wouldn't trust the judgment of anyone who would pay $64 for brunch. I have never had brunch at the Palace, but I have (over the years) enjoyed the Green Goddess salad. I doubt if it would ever taste as good as the first time.

[OneMoreCindy]

Why not give them a unique San Francisco experience at Harry Denton's Starlight Room? They do a drag show with brunch, and I hear the food is good.

Dim Sum at Yank Sing always impresses the out of towners, and it's good - but pricey.

[ashleys]

Citizen Cake.

[bperez]

Lime in the Castro is a lot of fun...plus bottomless mimosas!

[larochelle]

Those "mimosas" are a perfect example of why choosing quantity over quality is a bad idea.

At Lime, they make the juice & sparkling by the pitcher and let it sit around on the bar so by the time the waiter brings it to your table and refills your glass is almost entirely flat. And there's very high juice to sparkling ratio, the one time I ordered the bottomless mimosa, I had six and didn't "feel" them at all whereas normally, I'd notice the alcohol on my 2nd mimosa.

[Lori SF]

I don't know what it is but I don't like going to brunch in a place where I may have been cocktaiiling the night before, Lime is more of a bar lounge than I place would go to for brunch, the food is not that good copared to many of the other choices.

I forgot to mention Greens, very lovely spot and parking.

[kresge86]

I second the Foreign Cinema recommendation. They offer a fabulous brunch, and if the weather's nice, great outdoor seating. If you're more interested in a view than food, I'd also suggest Beach Chalet. It's a great location. The food is okay (brunch is definitely better than dinners).

[sfbrit]

Third Foreign Cinema.
2223 is also good, though can be real noisy.
Consider Absinthe in Hayes Valley area.

[Lori SF]

there are lot's of places and this is a popular question and most places can accommodate-
Maverick takes a reservation, there is a large table in front.
Universal Cafe is great
Foreign Cinema
2223 Restaurant
Bar Tartine

Here is a post- http://www.chowhound.com/topics/36459...

[micheleanne]

A few more brunch spots that I have been to (and enjoyed) that accomodate large parties:

The Last Supper Club (3 tables that can fit up to 10 people)
Luna Park

[Fussy Foodie]

We're going to Maverick with a big group on Sunday. Any specific standout dishes? I'm leaning towards the soft shelled crab Po'boy.

[Lori SF]

I loved the fennel sausage with grits, the grits are so creamy.. get some donutholes!

[westberkeleygal]

slowclub, dim sum