Brenda's French Soul Food
Southern restaurant (US) · Tenderloin ·
French, Creole, Southern fare: beignets, po' boys, gumbo, fried chicken
French, Creole, Southern fare: beignets, po' boys, gumbo, fried chicken
"Brenda’s in the Tenderloin (with sister locations in NoPa and Oakland) has been frying up their secret-recipe fried chicken for nearly 20 years. We haven’t been able to discern what sorcery is occurring in the kitchen, but we’re always pleased with the light crispy crust and meat that’s tender and plump. What we love most about the Brenda’s chicken-eating experience though is the hot pepper jelly that adds some tang and sweetness. You’d be a fool to leave it untouched." - julia chen 1, patrick wong
"$5 breakfast sandwiches are why you’re at Brenda’s, a soul food spot in the Tenderloin (with another location in NoPa). Of the weekday-only sandwiches, go for the “Messy Mess” that comes with a fried chicken cutlet nearly twice the size of the roll it’s in, or the “Basic B” with the classic combo of bacon, egg, cheese, and tomato. Note that you’ll need to dine-in or order via phone for takeout." - patrick wong, julia chen 1
"Bringing a signature sweet-and-savory festival treat in the form of crawfish beignets, marrying Gulf flavors with classic beignet technique for handheld sampling in the park." - Dianne de Guzman
"Brenda’s in the Tenderloin has the best breakfast sandwich deal in SF. Their $5 sandwiches are hockey puck-sized, and come stuffed with juicy fried chicken and chipotle rémoulade, bacon and a fried egg, or smoky ham with ham jam and a tomato. On top of getting a filling and delicious breakfast that costs less than half a cappuccino in this city, they also have a $1.99 deal on sides—in case you want to throw in a beignet for dessert." - julia chen 1, lani conway, patrick wong
"The original location of Brenda’s in the Tenderloin serves soul food staples that get the job done when you’re nostalgic for your last trip to the French Quarter. Their dense beignets and shrimp and grits are solid, but you’re here for the “Breakfast Club” menu that includes a lineup of $5 sandwiches and $1.99 sides. The hockey puck-sized sandwiches are small but filling and, considering the price tag, one of the best AM deals in the city. Get the Messy Mess with a crispy fried chicken cutlet and chipotle rémoulade, or keep it classic with the Basic B (bacon, american cheese, and a fried egg). And note that they’re only available for dine-in or via phone order." - Julia Chen