Early To Rise, Scratch Made Brunch

Brunch restaurant · Western Addition

Early To Rise, Scratch Made Brunch

Brunch restaurant · Western Addition

2

1801 McAllister St, San Francisco, CA 94115

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Early To Rise, Scratch Made Brunch by null
Early To Rise, Scratch Made Brunch by Dave Bazzano/af&co
Early To Rise, Scratch Made Brunch by null
Early To Rise, Scratch Made Brunch by null
Early To Rise, Scratch Made Brunch by null
Early To Rise, Scratch Made Brunch by null
Early To Rise, Scratch Made Brunch by null
Early To Rise, Scratch Made Brunch by null
Early To Rise, Scratch Made Brunch by null
Early To Rise, Scratch Made Brunch by null
Early To Rise, Scratch Made Brunch by null
Early To Rise, Scratch Made Brunch by null
Early To Rise, Scratch Made Brunch by null
Early To Rise, Scratch Made Brunch by null
Early To Rise, Scratch Made Brunch by null
Early To Rise, Scratch Made Brunch by null
Early To Rise, Scratch Made Brunch by null
Early To Rise, Scratch Made Brunch by null
Early To Rise, Scratch Made Brunch by null
Early To Rise, Scratch Made Brunch by null
Early To Rise, Scratch Made Brunch by null
Early To Rise, Scratch Made Brunch by null
Early To Rise, Scratch Made Brunch by null
Early To Rise, Scratch Made Brunch by null
Early To Rise, Scratch Made Brunch by null
Early To Rise, Scratch Made Brunch by null
Early To Rise, Scratch Made Brunch by null
Early To Rise, Scratch Made Brunch by null
Early To Rise, Scratch Made Brunch by null
Early To Rise, Scratch Made Brunch by null
Early To Rise, Scratch Made Brunch by null
Early To Rise, Scratch Made Brunch by null
Early To Rise, Scratch Made Brunch by null
Early To Rise, Scratch Made Brunch by null
Early To Rise, Scratch Made Brunch by null
Early To Rise, Scratch Made Brunch by null
Early To Rise, Scratch Made Brunch by null
Early To Rise, Scratch Made Brunch by null
Early To Rise, Scratch Made Brunch by null
Early To Rise, Scratch Made Brunch by null
Early To Rise, Scratch Made Brunch by null
Early To Rise, Scratch Made Brunch by null
Early To Rise, Scratch Made Brunch by null

Highlights

Scratch-made brunch featuring donuts, Benedicts & French toast  

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1801 McAllister St, San Francisco, CA 94115 Get directions

earlytorisesf.com
@earlytorisesf

$20–30 · Menu

Reserve

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1801 McAllister St, San Francisco, CA 94115 Get directions

+1 415 796 3360
earlytorisesf.com
@earlytorisesf

$20–30 · Menu

Reserve

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Last updated

Aug 7, 2025

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@eater

The Hottest Places to Eat Brunch in San Francisco Right Now

"As of February 29, chef Andrew McCormack’s former pop-up Early to Rise has a permanent home in the NoPa neighborhood. In the former Automat space, the sunny restaurant serves a tight menu of breakfast and brunchtime fare with many of the ingredients including butter, jam, challah, hot sauce, sausage, and even bacon made on-site. Start with an order of the sugar-dusted doughnuts or a New York-style bagel before moving on to heartier options including eggs Benedict or a one-of-a-kind potato pancake." - Lauren Saria

https://sf.eater.com/maps/best-brunch-san-francisco
View Postcard for Early To Rise, Scratch Made Brunch
@eater

16 San Francisco Restaurants Serving Solid Breakfasts Every Day the Week

"Head to this sunny new restaurant for breakfast and brunch seven days a week. Chef Andrew McCormack applies fine dining techniques he picked up cooking at restaurants such as Quince to breakfast fare like eggs Benedict and apple butter French toast. He and the team make everything including English muffins, butter, hot sauce, and bacon in-house. Start with the sugar-rolled doughnuts and don’t sleep on the samusa potato pancake inspired by San Francisco’s many Burmese restaurants." - Lauren Saria, Dianne de Guzman, Paolo Bicchieri

https://sf.eater.com/maps/best-weekday-breakfast-coffee-san-francisco
View Postcard for Early To Rise, Scratch Made Brunch

Oneill Mclean

Google
Early to Rise was solid but didn’t quite blow us away. I came with my partner and a few friends we tried the Up & At’em, the eggs Benedict, and the shrimp and grits. The portions were generous and everything was well-prepared, but flavor wise, it leaned more safe than standout. The shrimp and grits had a nice texture, though it could’ve used a bit more punch. Service was friendly, and the vibe was laid-back and cozy. Overall, a decent brunch spot, just not a must-return for us.

Dixun Cui

Google
Extremely disappointing and frustrating. We had a reservation for 4 for brunch and our whole party was there on time. However, we had to wait 45 minutes beyond our reservation time until we were seated. After we were finally seated and we ordered, it took another 30 minutes for the food to come out. We got the shrimp and grits and up and at em. They were alright, but definitely expected better with the high price and limited menu selection. I will not be coming back and encourage anyone to go to one of the countless better brunch spots in SF that are better run with more worthwhile food.

maia tidwell

Google
Midweek brunch. Light airy space that easily allowed for conversation . Each of us got a different savory dish and tried a couple donuts. The special donut was passion fruit with coconut. Good, but the regular one was better. The samusa pancake doesn't come with an egg, but I might suggest one . The Benedict had the biggest slabs of Canadian bacon. Super yum. The bacon on the BLT was delicious! The shrimp and grits was the standout dish in terms of being so unusual for the area and so good. The roasted shrimp broth was beautiful and full of shrimp and pepper rings. The salads, the arugula with the benefits, the herb arugula with mint for the samusa were light and perfectly dressed. I might go back for the salad entree with delicata squash. The service was friendly and attentive but forgot our drinks. I imagine this place is hopping for weekend brunch. We didn't need reservations and found easy street parking but I bet it's different on a weekend or holiday. Will be back.

Jerry James Stone

Google
Early to Rise is like if a chic modern diner and SF brunch culture had a baby—with excellent taste and zero chill on weekends. Nestled in the NoPa neighborhood, this place is bright, airy, and absolutely not messing around when it comes to brunch. The staff? Super sweet. The crowds? Absolutely feral by 10 a.m. If you roll up without a resy on a weekend, that’s a bold choice. Good luck. Now, let’s talk food. The eggs Benedict come with a runny, sous-vide egg situation and a brown butter hollandaise that could honestly win awards. It’s rich, buttery, and just tangy enough to give you feels. The white cheddar grits? Creamy. Dreamy. Like a weighted blanket for your stomach. And listen, I’m not usually about the sweet breakfast life, but one bite of the French toast had me rethinking my choices. Custardy, thick, not tooth-achingly sweet. I would fight a child for another slice. DO. NOT. SKIP. THE. DONUTS. Get all of them for the table. You’re welcome. In short: Early to Rise is a brunch baddie. It’s got style, substance, and housemade everything. Go early. Book the damn res. And order like you mean it. I did—and I regret nothing.

Jade Potts

Google
This is my favorite brunch spot in San Francisco. I love their cocktails and normally get the eggs breakfast. Eggs are standard, but I really like how they do their grits, arugala salad, and toast. I also split an order of banana pancakes with friends and that was good too. A reservation is definitely required since it gets very busy very fast.

N George

Google
Excellent eggs, sausage and hash browns. We all enjoyed our breakfast immensely. Their hot sauce is also excellent. Two poached eggs in a nest of hashbrowns.....looked and tasted amazing. Highly recommend. A memorable experience for your eyes and taste buds.

Joshua James

Google
Omg, I wish you could smell what is in those pictures. Is it fresh bread? Donuts? Both! They have real HASHBROWNS! Such a huge focus on “scratch made” even down to the bar program. Non Alcoholic beverages options are so great, and the food is insanely delicious. So awesome what’s going on in here.

Andrew Lim

Google
Amazing brunch joint located in NoPa neighborhood. Ingredients are fresh and offers a fun take on classic brunch dishes. Eggs are hot and fluffy and the donuts are a must try. Reservations are highly recommended to avoid long wait times.
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Eric Joseph D.

Yelp
I am salivating right now as I am writing this review. Early to rise is one of the best brunch spots in the city right now and it is worth all the hype. I have ordered almost every single thing on the menu and have not had a bad dish whatsoever. I would highly suggest the shrimp and grits, their doughnut of the day, or the French toast or ricotta pancakes (depending on the flavor). They also have great cocktails and the bottle of champagne is also affordable. Early to rise has that comfort food flare with a touch of fanciness. I would highly suggest making a reservation or coming here on a weekday!
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Taylor Y.

Yelp
I came here after my MIL was raving about the strawberry pancakes from the summer. It was initially mixed feelings when I went in January and realized that their menu changes seasonally so there were no strawberry pancakes on the menu. This just means I have to come and try each iteration of pancakes as the season changes. Instead we tried the bananas foster pancakes and persimmon pancakes which were both delicious and not too sweet. The pancakes were perfectly fluffy and filled with bananas. It wasn't overly rum-y like some bananas foster desserts which I appreciated. While I loved the pancakes, I really loved their homemade sausage patties. I'm usually a breakfast sausage person and these were packed with so much flavor and fresh herbs. I highly recommend this as a complement to any sweet main dish. Service was prompt especially since we were sitting at the bar.
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Amy F.

Yelp
Met up with some friends to try this brunch spot and I'm so sad it's not closer to San Jose. It's a small restaurant but has tons of charm. So many cute photos on the wall of different people, it felt like family and friends. I made a reservation for 9:15 but showed up a few minutes earlier. The rest of my party was running late but they had no problem seating me early . The server quickly poured water and took my drink order. She was very polite and didn't put any pressure about the rest of the party being late. I ordered The Wake Up Call to drink and omg was it delicious. The citrus mixed with the cinnamon and coffee flavors was divine. We got their daily deluxe donut to share which was so good. The flavor was chocolate chip mocha and wow. So buttery, fluffy, and not too sweet. I tried their banana fosters pancakes which were just perfection, fluffy, not too dense, not sickly sweet, and the walnuts/oats were the perfect added texture. I also tried the ham Benedict which wasn't crazy special but still very good. I opted for hash browns instead of grits, because girl loves her potatoes, and they were so crispy yet soft. You can tell how much pride they take in each plate. So much here is scratch made and it shows! Everyone was very happy with their meal. I would gladly come back and recommend to anyone needing a brunch spot.
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Lily C.

Yelp
Love the vibes and decor here! We came here around 9am and there was already a line. The food is southern inspired breakfast. We got eggs Benedict and a breakfast platter. My favorites were honestly the simple stuff on the menu. The hash brown and pancakes were the main standouts. Pancakes were so fluffy and flavorful - I actually like them more than the ones at Zazies. If I go again, I would order those with eggs instead of a main dish.
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Sona J.

Yelp
Came here for a late brunch on Saturday with 2 friends - we made a brunch reservation about ~1 week in advance! The ambience of this place is amazing - lots of natural light and plants! We shared the following 3 dishes: Eggs Benedict: The eggs were perfectly poached and the bread was very soft! The side salad was also light and refreshing. Samusa Pancake: I loved the fresh greens on top! The flavors were nice, though I think the potatoes could have been a little bit more crispy! Persimmon French Toast: This was absolutely amazing - loved the candied pecans and spices! This dish definitely brings the holiday vibes :) Overall, the quality of the food was amazing and the staff was very friendly! Will be back again soon!
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Chloe L.

Yelp
I've been to Early to Rise multiple times, and I'm always excited to see the new seasonal additions to their menu. That said, I do miss certain favorites when they're gone, like the daily deluxe lavender Earl Grey donut. Food Ordered: Up & At 'Em (10/10): A classic, traditional American breakfast that never disappoints. I always go for the silver dollar pancakes--they're so worth it and are a consistent menu item, which I love. The Canadian bacon and breakfast sausage options are also excellent, making this dish a staple for me. Persimmon French Toast (9/10): A perfect balance of sweetness with a festive holiday kick from the spices. It's warm, comforting, and ideal for anyone who loves a sweet breakfast. However, the portion size is quite large, so I recommend sharing it with a friend. My go-to strategy is to pair one sweet item with a savory dish and split both for the best of both worlds! Samusa Potato Pancake (no rating because my cousin ordered it, but he said he enjoyed it). The service is always friendly, and the staff genuinely make an effort to get to know you. It does get busy on weekends, so I highly recommend making reservations--even during the week, just to be safe. The atmosphere can get pretty loud, but it works well for both small gatherings and larger groups (we went as a party of five this time).
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Helen A.

Yelp
3.5/5 Love the interior and vibe of Early to Rise! This spot took over the space formerly known as Automat. I was intrigued on their stratch-made brunch. * The donut of the day was earl grey. I was excited to try this one but it lacked filling and was average. * The lox sandwich was fine, but I had better. * The blueberry ricotta was a highlight for me. The texture was soft, and the flavors were on point. Overall, it was a decent experience, and I'd give it another try.
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Rachel H.

Yelp
Nice (relatively new) brunch spot in NoPa with spacious dining room, friendly service, lots of counter seating and a rock solid menu using local ingredients. The chef owner has Michelin bonafides and makes his baked goods and smokehouse meats in house. Favorites included their shrimp and grits and a delicious but simple poached pear "breakfast appetizer" with ricotta and micro greens. This is not not your typical "eggy" breakfast spot, although four dishes do incorporate eggs and they do have some more traditional brunch options, if that's your preference. All the breakfast meat is made in house to certified standards, with the bacon, added liberally to the shrimp and grits, being a real standout.
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Melanie M.

Yelp
What amazing FLAVOR!!! I was blown away by the eggs benedict. Def the best in the city by a LONG SHOT. The brown butter hollandaise was so complex and balanced and packed an addicting punch that had me always going back for another bite. The sausage was also amazing -- juicy, rosemary forward, umami. I have never had such amazing sausage. The food on top of the cutesty diner decor and fast, kind service makes this place my new fav brunch spot in the city !!!
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Sharon C.

Yelp
Got lucky and came for brunch, was able to get seated right away. Their specialty donut was a like basil glaze with peach cream filling. DELICIOUS. Got one to-go to share with the husband, who also enjoyed it. I got the up and at em with scrambled eggs and chicken sausage. Eggs were fluffy, chicken sausage were like little homemade patties. Chicory salad had hazelnuts, pomegranates. It was light and perfect. My friend got the persimmon French toast. Portion size was pretty big. Def coming back again, esp to try their next specialty donut flavor!
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Tiffany C.

Yelp
Came here on a Saturday at noon, waited 45 min but didn't seem that long given we went to bobs donuts and the coffee shop down the block! Interiors is beautiful, however service and classic savory brunch were lacking. You don't have an assigned waiter or waitress, so at times we were trying to catch anyone's eye to order, get water, etc. The menu was a confusing mix of southern, Japanese and classic diner items. Definitely favors the sweet side than savory. The two savory items were good, but not amazing. The donut was above average though! Would swing by for a donut sweet treat again. It's worth trying but not a regular spot for me.
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Liz M.

Yelp
Best brunch ever! We had the potato pancake and blueberry ricotta pancake - perfect mix of savory and sweet. The wait was quite long, but worth it. Very cute spot all around.
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Crystal X.

Yelp
I visited Early to Rise with a gf for their scratch-made brunch and wasn't as impressed as I had hoped. Strawberry pancakes: Beautifully presented, but I would have preferred fresh strawberries instead of macerated ones and a fluffier pancake Shrimp and grits: The shrimp was fresh but the roasted prawn broth, roasted mushrooms, and bacon bits made the dish too umami On a positive note, service was excellent and the airy, bright atmosphere was lovely. I wouldn't go out of my way to come back, but I'd consider giving it another try.
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Ben J.

Yelp
I have to say I love ETR! Having been here three times now it has never disappointed and somehow strikes a lovely balance between popular but not oversubscribed which seems exceedingly rare in San Francisco. Each time we've been we have been seated right away (on weekdays admittedly) and on our most recent visit they were very accommodating of our baby and stroller. In fact every time we've been there have been kids there which makes it quite a family friendly spot. The restaurant is airy and sun filled, with plenty of windows to take advantage of their corner space. The food has each time exceeded my expectations! This latest time we got the eggs benny and french toast and both were excellent - the benny (and I have eaten a lot of benedicts) had delightfully tangy hollandaise, perfectly poached eggs, and even a side of grits to mix it up! The french toast, while perhaps a little too sweet with it's sugar granules, was airy and delicious and paired perfectly with the fruit topping. We also love sampling their daily donuts which change flavors. We'll be back!
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Rachel A.

Yelp
Grateful my favorite brunch pop-up of 5+ years finally has a permanent location (I'm a little late, this review has been sitting in my drafts for way too long). Early To Rise has a special place in my heart because it's the brunch I chose to take my parents and in-laws when my parents were visiting for our US wedding (we have a family picture on our fridge!). I've been a fan and have been countless times over the past 5+ years including outdoor pop-up dining and takeout during the height of the pandemic. It's amazing to see my favorite famous freshly made bagels, donuts, cheesy grits, and french toast on a permanent menu! Chef Andrew totally deserves all the love!
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Johnny W.

Yelp
Summary: Automat's replacement, offering up equally tasty eats! Details: I never got to frequent Automat while they were still in this location, only making it out once before they shut down. Early to Rise took over the spot soon over, pretty much keeping all the same internal decor and furnishings, and possibly even serving up the same coffee (?), but offering up their own take on food, of course. There's plenty on offer on the menu, from small bites, to bagels, to larger and more filling entrees. Everything we tried was pretty good, with the shrimp and grits being the most standout, and similar in enjoyment to the ones that Alnico carries. French toast was a bit on the sweet side for us (unsurprisingly), but great flavor and texture, and likewise with the simple donut. The waits can be a bit long, around 45min for us at 10am on a Saturday, but they'll take your number down and text you, so you can at least wander the area and grab coffee/bread/snacks while you're waiting. Accessibility: The space hasn't really changed: lots of seating available, but not all of them are accessible, like the high counter or booth seating. They do have a few accessible options though, including an accessible spot at the counter for two.
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Audrey I.

Yelp
Early to Rise, once a pop-up, is now Andrew McCormack's permanent breakfast haven in NoPa. They offer a mix of freshly baked goods and a variety of familiar brunch staples, making them quickly a local favorite -- so much so that wait times on the weekend range from 45-60 minutes for 2. Once we sat down, our waiter enthusiastically shared the specials including the famed donut which received lots of Instagram buzz (so I already knew about it going into the experience). The daily donut was tamarind flavored, reminiscent of a malasada and served warm. It had a touch of spice I couldn't quite place, but it was a perfect start to my Saturday. For the main, I had the lox bagel sandwich which was puny to say the least and the lox portion being just nominal. The bagel was on itself fine, but after recently returning from NYC, I know my standards are skewed. The eggs Benedict was impressive though. You can tell their muffin is baked in-house with its delightfully light, slightly misshapen homemade charm you'd want. I noticed a few patrons inhaling pancakes and french toasts nearby, so I'll definitely get these my next trip. Service is also friendly but definitely on the slower end. But, all in all, Early to Rise is a solid addition to SF's competitive brunch scene. Plow still is the reigning champ for me, but this definitely will be on my rotating list of brunch spots!
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Nancy D.

Yelp
We made reservations for a group of 10 people. The staff was super accommodating and sweet! We got so many different plates and they were all good quality, fresh ingredients. We also got two or three bottles for the mimosa, but our favorite was the strawberry. They also have amazing and fresh desserts.
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Lauren M.

Yelp
We came here on a Sunday and were quoted about a 45 minute wait which was great because we wanted to be tourists and check out the painted ladies. Our wait ended up being a little shorter which was great but we definitely rushed back! I got the eggs benedict with both canadian bacon and spinach, I found the ham to be a little dry but it was still pretty darn tasty. The grits that came on the side were a great taste and texture as well. It was a heavy meal but luckily my hungry, hungry husband was able to eat my leftovers! Definitely a good spot to check out if you're in the area.
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Susanna L.

Yelp
Early to Rise was first founded as a pop-up in 2016 and now has become a staple in San Francisco's NoPa neighborhood. Born from the desire to bring high-quality homemade brunch food to San Francisco, Early to Rise boasts an impressive number of items on their menu that are all made in-house, including their bagels, charcuterie, and preserves. It's highly recommended to make reservations (especially if you're looking to dine-in on the weekends); however, if you are early to rise (haha get it?) and arrive at the restaurant soon after they open you just might get lucky and snag one of their counter top seats. And that's exactly what I ended up doing. As much as I love brunch, I'm much more of a night owl as opposed to an early bird so waking up in the mornings can be a challenge for me. On this particular Sunday morning I happened to find myself awake bright and early at 7am. Thinking to myself since I was already awake I might as well make the most of it, I ventured outside in search of a brunch place to sample. Early to Rise came across my search and I arrived at the dining establishment shortly after they opened around 8:05am. Luckily, they still had countertop seats available and we snagged two seats for ourselves. When you step into Early to Rise you're immediately greeted with what I can best define an elevated diner aesthetic, in which there are design elements somewhat reminiscent of an old 1970s diner, but modernized. We decided on their peaches cobbler french toast, the eggs benedict, a sugar donut, plus a side of hash browns (because who doesn't love potatoes). To wash that all down, I also ordered their strawberry yuzu spritz, which can be made alcohol if you want (with an addition of prosecco); however, the original version of the drink utilizes non-alcoholic spirits from Lyre (perfect for me). To start with the drink, the drink was freshly prepared in front of us (as we were seated at the countertop) and was perfectly sweet, tart, and bubbly all at the same time - definitely something I would love to drink again. After the drink came the sugar donut (being the second sugar donut of the day as we were told) and was absolutely delectable - a light, fluffy, sweet bite at all the same time. For those of you looking for something a little more decadent they do have their daily deluxe donut which features both a filling and a topping. For the main dishes, we both really enjoyed their eggs benedict as the dish was perfectly prepared and the addition of Canadian bacon and spinach (which is a +$3 added cost on top of the dish) was definitely worth it and added another savory dimension to the meal. Although I'm a HUGE fan of french toast, I did find their peach cobbler rendition to be on the sweet side, but almost overwhelming so and regrettably I could only finish one of my two slices. Last but not least, the hashbrowns were delicious perfectly fried potato goodness. If you're looking for a new brunch place to try, then Early to Rise has to be one of your next stops in San Francisco!
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Areeta W.

Yelp
3.5/5 Make reservations on their website! They're usually packed on weekends so make reservations to skip the line. My friend made reservations like a week in advance for Sunday afternoon at 11:30am. We got seated after a couple of minutes. I really wanted the Blueberry Riccotto pancakes but their new menu doesn't have it. I like how their menu is an one-pager. I ordered the: Eggs Benedict (3/5) and Peach Cobbler French Toast (3.5/5 - I liked the crunchy peach streusel). Both of these took a while to come out. :( Overall, this place was ok.
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Angela Y.

Yelp
a homey brunch spot that's recently opened in nopa! Delicious scratch-made food. I really enjoyed the everything bagel and the donut of the day. Service was quick and attentive. I always see long waits on the weekend, but we managed to snag a reservation online! I'd recommend doing that. Prices are on the higher side, so I don't know that I'd come here regularly.
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Ken G.

Yelp
Overall, I thought my experience here was nice...it's a good spot for breakfast and brunch options in San Francisco. They have a decent selection of options to satisfy most cravings. I ordered the Bananas Foster Pancakes and these were pretty good. I thought the pancakes by themselves were not that great - I'm pretty picky with pancakes and these were plain and nothing special; the addition of the bananas, walnuts, cream cheese and caramel syrup, definitely made it more interesting and unique. I also had a side of scrambled eggs and those were amazing - I can tell they put a decent amount of butter in the dish and it really made the flavors pop. The service was fairly attentive. My server didn't check on me after my food arrived, but it was fine since I had everything I needed. This spot is very lively and casual. It's also very popular so arrive with a reservation or plan to wait. I'd visit again, but probably try something else.
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Linda T.

Yelp
I'm so glad we made reservations! There was a line out the door when we arrived. It felt like a chic breakfast diner. The weather was extremely hot over the weekend and we managed to make it through our meal. We ordered the Small Batch Donuts (1), Shrimp & Grits, Up & At 'Em with bacon, Lox Bagel Sandwich, and a side of hashbrowns. The best thing: the donut and hashbrowns FYI, the small batch donuts just come with 1 regular sized donut. I was thrown off with the plural. It was a strawberry cream donut and it was heaven though we split it 3 ways. Hashbrowns were cooked to perfection and seasoned. Eggs were also good. Bagel sandwich wasn't mind blowing nor was the shrimp & grits. Shrimp wasn't seared or seasoned.. it was barely cooked all the way through. Overall, if I lived in the neighborhood I would maybe go back. Other than that I don't plan to revisit
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Josh W.

Yelp
Early to Rise is a breakfast spot that truly lives up to the hype. They execute on every level, making it a standout choice for any occasion. When a good friend was deciding where to host her 40th birthday brunch, I recommended this place without hesitation. It is a perfect example of how attention to detail can elevate a restaurant beyond the sum of its parts. Everything here is scratch-made, right down to the butter they cook with. The staff are incredibly welcoming, and the owner is almost always present, ensuring every guest feels well cared for. Without question, this is the best Benedict in town, featuring a perfectly tangy hollandaise that ties it all together. Early to Rise is an absolute gem.
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Sarah C.

Yelp
I've come here twice now on two different occasions and enjoyed both times. What I've ordered & enjoyed: - donut - strawberry pancakes What I've ordered & thought was good but not incredible: - potato pancake: good flavor but the potato chunks were quite large and it didnt stick together - bagel sandwiches: doesn't pass my New York friends' bagels standards but is acceptable In general, a solid brunch place. Love their concept and the food came out fast.
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Lakshana A.

Yelp
Disclaimer: This brunch spot was fairly new when we visited and they were just getting started as a small business! Service was really kind and the wait wasn't too bad -- about 15 minutes, which is honestly amazing for brunch on a weekend. Thought the food was okay, I got the samusa pancake and while I appreciate a good experimentation of flavors it did taste a lot like a korma....... (which isn't a bad thing!!! just not what I'd expect in a "pancake") The french toast though - yummy and loved the crème fraiche with apples and the crunch of hazelnuts!! One of the managers came after to check in and ask if there was anything they could improve on as a small business since they're just getting started which was absolutely sweet -- love that they were truly engaging with their customers and trying to get constructive feedback. Big plus for that. Overall, hoping to see growth in the menu and always in support of more small businesses opening up!
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Connie W.

Yelp
I loved the vibe and interior of Early to Rise, it's super cozy with great lighting inside. We came over the weekend around 10:30am and we didn't really have to wait too long, maybe 10 minutes? We ordered the lemon ricotta pancakes and up and at em, as well as the special donut of the day, which I can't recall the flavor of. The donut was average and overhyped in my opinion. I also think up and at em wasn't the best pick, the hash brown was super salty and arugula was underdressed. The lemon ricotta pancakes were good but too sweet for me, it was hard to eat a lot of it. Overall I think we just didn't order the right things, but I would love to come back to try other items on the menu!
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Nancy H.

Yelp
The food was really delicious. I had the eggs Benedict with the spinach and my friends had the French toast and the chicory salad. We started with the donut of the day and the smoked ricotta with poached pears. I enjoyed everything so much. There was a really long wait but they will text you so we just walked around the neighborhood until it was time (about 40 min on a Sunday morning at 11am). Highly recommend.
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Carlos A.

Yelp
Early to Rise is now one of my favorite breakfast spots! Everything we had was excellent. The first time I tried to visit, it was really busy, and the wait was too long, so we decided to come back. On our second attempt, we arrived right at 8 AM when they opened and got in without a reservation. We started with the Small Batch Donuts, which were much larger than expected. They came out of the oven hot and fresh. We tried both the Sugar Rolled ($2.50) and the Daily Deluxe ($4). For my main dish, I had the Eggs Benedict ($22), which comes with house-smoked Canadian bacon or garlic Taiwanese spinach, poached eggs, English muffins, and brown butter hollandaise. It's served with white cheddar grits and an arugula salad. The hollandaise sauce was incredibly rich and flavorful--I loved it. My wife ordered the Apricot French Toast ($20), which is made with challah bread, apricot jam and slices, whipped ricotta, toasted almonds, honey-chamomile syrup, olive oil, and sea salt. I had a few bites, and it was excellent as well. The apricots tasted fresh, and the flavor was wonderful. The staff were incredibly friendly, and I would definitely go back!
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Helen H.

Yelp
TLDR: Best pancakes in the city and simply a must-order. Jury's out on the bagel platter -- I've heard so many great things about their made-from-scratch bagels but I think there are better bagels in the city. I have to come back to try their donuts and Samusa potato pancakes. Excellent service and lots of parking nearby! ------ FOOD: 1. [MUST TRY] Strawberry Pancakes (5/5) - Two huge plate-sized pancakes drizzled with softened berries (they probably use whatever fruit is fresh and in-season), creme fraiche, syrup, hazelnuts, and mint. Every bite somehow had a bit of everything without trying, and nothing was ever soggy or dry. It's a lot of pancake though, so this is great to share with others. 2. Bagels & Lox Platter (3.5/5) - They say this serves 2 but the 3 of us couldn't even finish it so I think this could serve 2-4 people. The bagels were a little dry for my taste, and they were more bready than chewy without a crisp exterior. The lox was fine, and the schmear was good (though wish they gave more). ------ SERVICE: * Everyone here was so nice, from the hostess at the front to the waiters to the other people we interacted with. They all left a great impression and earnestly checked in on us throughout the meal even though it was obvious they were all very busy ------ ENVIRONMENT / AMBIANCE: * This is the old Automat space and it mostly looks the same! Lots of tables of various sizes and I believe some counter seating as well. They have booths here so you know that you won't be too close to other diners (meaning it won't get as loud) * Lots of parking on nearby streets since this is a relatively residential area) * If you want to walk off the pancakes after your meal, Divisadero St. is right nearby so you can explore that busy street (though it's mostly more restaurants and bars)
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Sandhya G.

Yelp
I really loved their potato pancakes! what a combination of flavors and at the same time making it so light to eat! loved the fact that all items are made from scratch :) the wait time was pretty bad - we waited for an hour before getting seated on a Saturday! however the host was very pleasant and the ambiance was really cool to sink in the vibes from the street as it has a very wide windows overlooking the intersection
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Talia B.

Yelp
My cousin and husband really liked the Deluxe donut of the day - inspired by cannoli, but all that was really cannoli was the ricotta everything else kind of reminded me of a baklava. It was orange cardamom with pistachios which in general aren't my vibe so I didn't like it. 9.5/10 The peach cobbler French toast was amazing. It wasn't overly eggy, the crumble was good and I wish they put more of it esp considering the name of the dish. This French toast, though filling, wasn't *heavy* like I think most ft are. 8/10 The strawberry pancakes were good, I liked the strawberry sauce. I personally wouldn't get it again bc I'm not a pancake person but my husband and cousin liked it a lot. They agree the fr was better than the pancakes. 9/10 The lox bagel was fresh though on the smaller side. The staff was really friendly and the service was quick. We had reservations and were seated immediately, our food came out pretty quick - we sat at 10:15 and had finished eating by 11. Pricing isn't totally unreasonable considering food quality and location. Total review is 4.5/5 rounded down to 4
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Manana H.

Yelp
We visited Early to Rise on a rainy afternoon, and despite the rain the place was full upholding its reputation of being a neighborhood favorite. My friend got us a reservation in advance, so we didn't wait in line. Food 4/5 We ordered Eggs Benedict, Potato Samosa Pancake and Persimmon French Toast. I was in love with the Persimmon French Toast - it tasted like fall in all the possible good ways. However, both Eggs Benedict and Potato Samosa were weak for me. I took a mental note to revisit Early to Rise to try out their pancakes, as they are famous for them. Service 5/5 Quick and polite service. Atmosphere 5/5 Loved the ambience Presentation 4/5 Very basic plating Value 4/5 The main dishes cost around $20 per plate. Given SF pricing I think the prices were average.
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Joyce D.

Yelp
The early bird catches the worm, or in this case, breakfast! I am a fan of breakfast food but also, a fan of combined meals such as brunch. My friends and I came here on a Sunday morning during their soft opening and it was packed, which I expected since it was prime brunch time and who doesn't love a soft opening. The restaurant is cute and has a very family/community feel. The staff are attentive and friendly! It was a soft opening and they knew/had their stuff down. Our server gave us great recs! We ordered the Apple Butter French Toast, Eggs Benedict-classic brunch item in my opinion, and Samusa Potato Pancake. All three dishes where delicious and writing about them is making my mouth water again. I really loved the Samusa Potato Pancake as it was savory, crispy, and had the right amount of spice! The Apple Butter French toast was sweet but not too sweet and the apple were crisp! Lastly, the classic Eggs Benedict--it was classically amazing and the grits! The grits were the perfect texture which was balanced by the crispiness of the Canadian bacon.
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Claire L.

Yelp
5 stars for the salmon lox bagel spread, but skip the rest. I've been dreaming about eating Early to Rise again since pre-pandemic. I had attended a pop-up they had in SF and was so excited to hear they opened an actual restaurant recently! EARL GREY DONUT - good, very fresh, very soft, but too much liquid oozing out HASH BROWNS - skip, look at the pic it doesn't look good at all POTATO LATKE - pretty good, like the sauce/ flavors. STEAK & EGGS - SKIP! A disappointment. Eggs were weird and steak was too done. Nothing special about this at all. LOX BAGELS - get this again and again. Their bagel is so good, the salmon lox, the capers, the cream cheese, ugh I"m drooling again!
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Sammi L.

Yelp
Tried Early to Rise for the first time on a Monday at 11am. Really nice that they accept reservations. It wasn't too crowded, but I will say that service was slow although very nice. I didn't know what to expect, but the food was so flavorful. We ordered the eggs benedict, potato pancake and cucumber salad - as well as the donut of the day. Everything was super fresh and well-seasoned, which I think made up for the wait. Inside is cozy and not too loud to converse. Seating was comfortable, too. We ogled the french toast and blt so plans to return for sure.
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Kristine L.

Yelp
This place can get busy on the weekends for brunch, but it is SO worth the wait. Me and two others put our name down, walked across the street for coffee, and our table was ready in about 30min. I love the interior of Early To Rise. There are a ton of windows and mirrors, so natural light shines very well. We decided to share bottle service for $48 - this includes a bottle of Prosecco and OJ or grapefruit juice. Such a great deal with 3 people. We also decided to order family style! Everything was delicious and you could tell it was homemade. The bacon is THICK inside the eggs Benedict. The Bagel is yummy and the pancakes stole my heart. Overall - price was about $45 a person. Not bad for brunch!
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Mikala C.

Yelp
Perfect place for a girls brunch. I came here with a few friends and my only complaint was the hour long wait. But, I understand why! The homemade deluxe donuts alone are worth the wait. I also enjoyed the plate options as well! We ordered a mix of savory and sweet to share. If you can get a reservation or don't mind the wait, I recommend checking it out. Thanks for the great morning!
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Matty E.

Yelp
This cute NOPA neighborhood spot lives up to its made-from-scratch reputation. The strawberry pancakes taste exactly like how a dad would make them (buttery edges and extra fruit), but elevated with premium ingredients like pistachio-hazelnut-brittle and spicy mint. It just may be the best pancake in the city! We decided to opt for the "fancier" eggs Benedict -- "Eggs Stinson" -- and were pleasantly surprised by how well the crab pairs with the hollandaise sauce! The chilled meat helps cut the spicy flavor of the sauce and compliments the dressed greens. Admittedly, the grits were a bit uninspired -- they were pretty bland with nothing but butter for flavor -- so next time we'd ask to sub them in with hash browns. Now, there are a few words of caution before trying Early to Rise: (1) the coffee was, I'm sorry, possibly the worst cup of coffee I've ever had. It may have just been a bad batch of beans, but it was so bitter than no amount of milk or sugar could've redeemed it. Don't get me wrong, I'm not a coffee snob by any means (I use k-cups at home, for heavens sake!) so for me to say it's bad honestly means it was, frankly, really bad. (2) the lack of reservation system is a big drawback. Getting a table was a nightmare, not only because of the long wait (which we expected for a place that doesn't accept reservations), but the front-of-house was seriously chaotic. Guests were cutting past one another, the instruction from the hostess was unclear, and several groups were getting clearly agitated by the confusion. Even without adding in reservations, incorporating some type of system that texts the waitlist when their table is ready could go a long way in making the dining experience more smooth, in addition to a bit more clarity from the hostess. All the same, brunch time on the weekend gets hectic and it's a (relatively) new place, so I'm hopeful that they will work these kinks out. Overall, I'd give this place 4/5 as the food (minus the coffee) was phenomenal and the service was eager though not yet fine tuned.
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Grace L.

Yelp
Phenomenal brunch spot by the Panhandle! There was an hour wait at 12pm on a Sunday but it was so worth it. We got the daily deluxe donut which was a passionfruit cream donut with toasted coconut, and the tangerine pudding to start, and they were so delicious! The donut dough was light and fluffy, the passionfruit cream was also light and tart, and the toasted coconut flakes added a little crunch on top. The tangerine pudding was super smooth and creamy and tart as well, especially with the crème fraiche. The citrus flavors were just very refreshing and perfect for the start of summer! Out of all of the mains we got, I liked the eggs Benedict the most. I recommend getting it with both the Canadian bacon and the spinach! The eggs were runny, the bacon was not too salty, and the flavor of the hollandaise was perfect. I don't know how they got it tasting so special even though they used standard eggs Benedict ingredients. The samusa potato pancake tasted like an Indian take on hash browns, and the flavor was really stimulating with the tart coconut lime yogurt and the savory masala spices -- pretty unique! We were excited about the seasonal apricot French toast but the apricot jam and slices were too tart/sour for me sadly -- the actual challah bread and ricotta were nice and fluffy though! The ham steak didn't stand out that much either. The interior was also super nice for brunch -- it had a nice cozy yet modern vibe, and there were windows all around so it was sunny and open. They also rotate items on their menu so you can keep coming back to try new things! Overall, loved the brunch experience and the unique and flavorful dishes.
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Michelle Z.

Yelp
Absolutely incredible brunch spot near golden gate park. We went at 12pm on a sunday and waited 1 hour to get seated, but it was absolutely worth the wait! Everything we ordered was so flavorful and very unique. For the sweet dishes, we ordered the deluxe donut (coconut with passionfruit cream filling), the tangerine pudding, and the apricot french toast. For savory dishes, we got the samusa pancake, ham steak with spring mushrooms, and the eggs benedict. For 4 people, this was more than enough food! Would definitely recommend getting a balance of sweet and savory dishes since they do both really well. The donut was one of the best I've had -- really good donut base and super lightly sweet cream. Not too heavy at all. The tangerine pudding was really unique and so decadent, with buttery almond cookies and whipped cream. Definitely good for sharing, as it's a huge portion and pretty sweet. The apricot french toast challah was sooo soft. Amazing texture and surprisingly not too sweet (the apricots themselves were quite tart). I think we would've enjoyed it more if we hadn't had the donut and the tangerine pudding to start! Definitely recommend 1-2 sweet dishes but 3 was a lot for the 4 of us. Samusa pancake was really unexpectedly delicious. It had strong Indian inspired flavors and was full of veggies. Definitely worth a try. The eggs benedict was my favorite dish! The grits were honestly so good and comforting and went so well with the runny egg and ham, and the whole dish was very different from any eggs benedict I've had before. Highly recommend!! Service here was great -- super friendly, efficient, and we got water refills often. The ambiance inside is also really cute, and gives modern farm vibes. The plating and decor is very well done and feels slightly fancy. Will definitely be back to try the rest of the menu!
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Hope L.

Yelp
I was so excited to try this restaurant but I personally was a bit let down by all the hype. We got a malasada donut and the strawberry pancakes. The malasada had a strawberries and cream filling and wasn't as flavorful and sweet as I would've liked. The pancakes were pretty big but the chocolate mint on it kind of ruined the taste for me as they made the pancakes taste bitter. I also wish there was more maple syrup as I ran out of the syrup after eating only half of the pancakes. However, I did enjoy the pistachio and hazelnut brittle as that was a unique touch to the dish. Overall, the food was alright but for the price you're paying I think there are better brunch options out there!
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Alice N.

Yelp
We were excited to try this place as we're suckers for brunch food. Overall, I thought the food was fine! The interior of the place is nice, so I'll give it four stars. - Service was great - Portions were good - Blueberry ricotta pancake was our favorite dish. - Lox bagel tasted like your average lox bagel - The Eggs Benedict was okay - Up & At 'Em: I made the mistake of getting sausage instead of bacon. The sausage wasn't great, so I'm hoping the bacon is better. - The sugar-rolled donuts were freshly made, so I would definitely get those again!
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Pepe W.

Yelp
Excellent choice of dishes. I got the "Up & At'Em". This dish consist of two eggs (had them scrambler), choices of smokehouse meat (I got the bacon and it's sinfully delicious and juicy.), arugula salad (so scrumptious), and hash browns (very good, dear Chef, next time, try not using too much salt, try no salt or less.). I add two silver dollar pancakes and these were fluffy and highly nommable. Drip coffee is surprisingly smooth and tasty, sort of in between a medium and dark roast but more medium. I like coffee in medium and they got it right, thick and not watery. My wife dish was awesome as well. She got the same as mine but with English muffins, had her two eggs poached, and add vegan cream cheese. She said she wants to come back again. The interior's great. You can see the kitchen. The vibes are all good and modern. Very clean.
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Cherylynn N.

Yelp
Breakfast is my least fav meal of the day. Plus, I have a hard time paying $18-$20 for eggs, sausage, and toast that I can make at home in the comfort of my grandma pjs and creepy michael myers sheet mask. So, what's a cheap weirdo like myself doing here? Early to Rise is not your typical brunch spot. They make nearly EVERYTHING in-house from scratch...breakfast meats, butter, preserves, hot sauce, bagels, and bread. Worth it. Soft opening last week is Early to Rise from a fine dining alum (Jean George, Spruce, Quince). This pop-up (started in 2016) turned brick and mortar, took over the former Automat space (Lazy Bear's casual sister resto). Walk-in only (no rezzies). Indoor dining only. No takeout for the first few weeks. Picnic/bagel boxes will be available at a later time. Visited for a weekday lunch during the soft opening. It was quiet and no wait around 12:15 pm. As a highly anticipate opening, this will change when words gets out. M E N U American homestyle breakfast with a sprinkling of Indian. Link to menu: http://tinyurl.com/mwvbk2tn For drinks, there's juice, hot tea (no matcha), coffee, beer, wine, mimosas, and bloody mary. No SF surcharges. F O O D * Lox Bagel w/ chive schmear, capers, tomato, red onion ($14) // 3.5 stars: http://tinyurl.com/ms9bsnz7 --Requested no capers Their highly rated pop up (4.8 stars) is known for their bagels so I was low key disappointed in this. The everything bagel was quite tough to chew. The easiest way to eat it was open-faced. The lox was good, silky smooth and buttery with a briny flavor. It paired well with the savory, delicate oniony schmear. The tomatoes mellowed out the saltiness but IMO, two slices overpowered the lox. It's a small bagel so if you're hangry, def order a side to go with it. * Samusa Potato Pancake w/ peas, roasted carrots, scallion, tamarind, lime yogurt, garam masala spices ($18) // 4.5 stars: http://tinyurl.com/bdfzhza3 A creative spin on samosa chaat, the savory veggie centric pancake was deliciously satisfying. Pleasant warming spices with a medley of sweet, tangy, citrusy, and creamy flavors. Drizzle some housemade hot sauce and you're golden. The dressed greens, crisp english peas, and bell peppers were a great accompaniment, adding fresh in-between bites and texture/crunch that the pancake was missing. If you're looking for something different than the usual American breakfast food and like flavors on the bolder side, get this. Plus, it's a great way to get your veggies in! * Side Sausage (3 pc-$5) // 4 stars Savory and juicy with a seared crust, bouncy chew, and distinctive seasoning. Runs salty. * Daily Deluxe Donut: Earl Grey Cream Filled Donut ($4) // 4 stars: http://tinyurl.com/dmmdev9p Fried to order, the donut's texture was on-point, fluffy soft and airy. The sugary exterior was a nice contrast to the slight yeasty flavor, but I was sad that there was just a fart of earl grey cream. * Up & At' Em: Two eggs any style w/ toast, hash browns, choice of smoke house ($17) // 4 stars --Eggs: scrambled --Smokehouse: Sausage Friend said it was good and rated it 4 stars. S E R V I C E Full-service, cordial, and prompt. Pay your bill using a QR code. A M B I A N C E Minimalist, bright, and airy with a mix of tables, booth, and counter seating. Open kitchen. P A R K I N G Residential street parking - pretty easy on the weekdays, more challenging on the weekends. Overall, Early to Rise is off to a good start. I appreciate their commitment to making nearly everything from scratch and most importantly, it's affordable for the city's standards.
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Adrienne L.

Yelp
I've been eagerly anticipating the reopening of SF's from scratch, brunch pop-up Early to Rise. After closing a couple years back to focus on finding a more permanent location, Early to Rise is reborn in the light-filled NoPa corner that formerly housed the popular Automat bakery and cafe. Among the numerous breakfast spots in San Francisco, Early to Rise stands out to me for its detailed and refined approach to simple breakfast fare. Chef Andrew McCormack's menu is an excellent showcase of his fine dining background (Quince, Spruce) combined with his Southern roots. Brunch classics like French toast, pancakes, and eggs Benedict are elevated, with nearly everything house-made - from the fluffy challah to the Calvados-apple butter, and even the smoked Canadian bacon. The lox bagels and airy filled donuts are also some of the best in the city. I dined on the first soft opening day and was impressed at how polished every dish already was. In addition to the aforementioned items, I also enjoyed a bright tangerine pudding with almond cookies and olive oil. And a savory samusa potato pancake with tamarind and garam masala spices was a nod to San Francisco's diverse and fusion food scene. One of my prior Early to Rise favorites, Southern shrimp and grits with bacon, was not yet available, but I've been told it's upcoming. And it's not brunch without some beverages, options of which include coffee, tea, wine, beer, mimosas, greyhound, and bloody mary. Grand opening is Thursday, February 29th.
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Erin W.

Yelp
I had brunch here and everything was great! We got the eggs Benedict and blueberry pancakes. Both were delicious! The service was great and I thought the restaurant was very aesthetically pleasing.
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Rachel L.

Yelp
i came here on a saturday at 1 pm with a reservation for a group of 3. my frien waited 2.5 hours the first time he came without a reservation so we were glad we got a reservation this time, but it's near (ish) thrift stores on haight street so you can go there to pass the time. the atmosphere felt very cozy (i love the mug designs). we got the apricot french toast to share - it was round, which i feel like isn't a conventional french toast shape, and was warm. i also got a lox sandwich for myself. i haven't had too many lox sandwiches but this one is definitely up there. i had heard great things about the donuts but didn't get one (i think they were out). overall decent spot for brunch, not sure if i would go out of my way to come here but i'd stop by if i was in the area (ex. haight st thrifting).