Pinecrest Diner

Inside Pinecrest Diner, a Rare 24-Hour Restaurant in Downtown San Francisco | Eater SF

"Sitting at the long counter at Pinecrest Diner, I can feel the heat from the burners and flattop grill and smell lingering bacon as a tiny mountain of hash browns sizzles on the plancha, servers dollop generous amounts of whipped cream onto pie slices and waffles, and hot coffee is poured into to-go cups for beat cops—the room is a welcoming slice of pre-pandemic San Francisco despite reminders like plexiglass around the register. Located on the corner of Geary and Mason streets, the diner is the oldest in the area and is steeped in the Foundas family history: Peter Foundas now runs the place his parents opened as a 24/7 spot, and he remains committed to returning to full around-the-clock service even though Pinecrest currently runs 24 hours only Wednesday through Sunday. The nights have a predictable rhythm—early theater crowds from the American Conservatory and the Curran, then post-bar and industry folks, then early-morning construction workers, tourists, pilots and flight crews—and the staff, many long-tenured, handle waves and the occasional rowdy customer with practiced calm. Once boasting a “Bible-sized” menu that included Greek dishes like chicken souvlaki and a Mediterranean combo with house-made tzatziki alongside omelets, corned beef hash, and pancakes, Pinecrest pared the offerings after the shutdown to essentials but added soju-based cocktails (a bloody maria and screwdriver), beer, and wine in August 2021; staples such as steak and eggs, stacks of pancakes, and the ever-popular hash browns remain consistent and keep regulars coming back. The consistency of the food, the crew’s energy, and a familial atmosphere—regulars like Jesse Garcia describe it as family—have helped the diner rebound since reopening late-night service in October 2022, at times even commanding lines out the door during peak evening hours, with Friday nights now especially busy." - Dianne de Guzman