We here in San Francisco love our gourmet provisions, but from time to time we need a break for good old comfort food—and the diner never disappoints. With nostalgic charm, coffee that flows like wine, and single breakfast portions that could feed a small army, we'd like to take a moment to salute our favorites.
It's Tops Fountain Coffee Shop
We start our list with this SF oldie, but goldie. Serving food almost all day long, this family-owned joint has been around for 80 years. The atmosphere is unbeatable, with short bar stools, cozy booths, a jukebox, and bacon waffles to die for. // 1801 Market St, itstopscoffeeshop.com
Get your scrambled eggs all night long. This Castro diner is a great place after you've danced the night away and need to fuel up (and soak up) before the ride home. // 3991 17th St.
Photo via St. Francis Fountain Website
When a place has claimed its stake since 1918, then it just must be good. And St. Francis really is. Milkshakes are what dairy-filled dream are made of, and their burgers are top-rated among both professional and amateur foodies. // 2801 24th St., stfrancisfountainsf.com
We can't decide what we love more at Eddie's—the buttery biscuits, the music, their mug collection, or that they remind us that there still are places that don't rob you blind on a bleary Sunday morning. // 800 Divisadero St.
Photo by Lime Wave Photo
Although Mel's has grown from a small diner into a chain, we still appreciate its atmosphere, its contribution to American film history, the curly fries, and that they always top off our shakes. // 2165 Lombard St., melsdrive-in.com
Photo by Eat Speak SF
A city staple for the brunch set, this kitschy spot was so successful, it moved to bigger digs just off Market in 2012—5 times bigger then the former space. Brave the lines for thick-cut French toast and imaginative omelettes amidst the Hollywood divas. // 28 6th St.
Photo via Grubstake
Night owls, this is your spot. Nestled in an old rail car, Grubstake combines traditional American food with Portuguese cuisine. Don't miss the buffalo wings. // 1525 Pine St., sfgrubstake.com
Scrambles: $8.95. Cup of coffee: $2.75. The view: priceless. We doubt that there is another diner anywhere in the world with such a spectacular scene. Settled on a cliff overlooking the Sutro Baths and the Pacific, Loui's has been serving classic American food to tourist and locals alike since 1937. // 902 Point Lobos Ave., louissf.com
