Kitchen Story in the Castro serves bold and hearty Asian-inflected Californian brunch classics—think thick bacon flights, mascarpone-stuffed French toast, and ribeye omurice—perfect for lively weekend gatherings.
"Kitchen Story in the Castro is one of the best spots in the city for weekend bottomless brunch. We’re not sure what makes the brown sugar, pepper, and cayenne dusted bacon “millionaire’s bacon,” but we’re glad we don’t have to be an actual millionaire to eat it. Go with friends, sit outside, and drink eight to 10 mimosas if you want to." - julia chen 1, lani conway, ricky rodriguez
"This Castro brunch spot has lots of pancakes, thick slabs of bacon, and mimosas, all of which you’ll most likely end up waiting in line for. But it’s okay, because the outdoor seating is plentiful and your dog will probably end up making friends and/or meeting their soulmate while you wait." - julia chen 1
"Yes, the food at this Asian-leaning brunch spot is prime content for your social feed, but it also delivers punchy flavors. Like the original SF outpost, dishes are decadent, portioned for a herd of bison, and just really damn good. You’ll find deep-fried, mascarpone-filled french toast topped with rich honey butter, a face-sized galbi omurice covered in velvety demi-glace, and a spicy Bloody Mary garnished with a candied bacon slab and more vegetables than Alice Waters’s garden. For a place where the food goes maximalist, the dining room is demure—it looks like a breakfast nook with dark wood accents and checkerboard floors—and isn’t as loud or chaotic as its sister location." - Lani Conway
"On the corner of 16th and Sanchez, Kitchen Story is a family-run restaurant and wildly popular brunch spot, mixing classic eggs and pancakes with Thai flavors. Fans order the pork belly rancheros, ribeye omurice (marinated steak, scrambled eggs, jasmine rice), and sweet-and-salty “millionaire’s bacon,” which is now available for takeout by the pack." - Becky Duffett
"That line on the corner of 16th and Sanchez Street every weekend is for one thing: brunch. And the sugary bacon. And the mascarpone-stuffed french toast. And the mimosas. If you want to start your day with a big group hang, this casual spot is it—there are a ton of seats out on the street patio and sidewalk. Also know that other people have the same idea, and is why this place is a zoo on Saturdays and Sundays." - lani conway, julia chen 1, ricky rodriguez
