John W.
Yelp
Tl;dr - Fresh, bright, and bold flavors -- this is hands down one of my top three brunch spots, currently holding the top tier position. I'm really letting it out the bag talking about this one.
So, I realized I haven't given this a review in some time and probably for good reason, because I want to keep it all to myself. Very few places in the city you can get into and find parking around prior so if you go, go once and don't come back. :)
Haha, all jokes aside this place is right by the civic plaza in a very nicely lit space adorned with flowers and color. Very much a Thai/Asian brunch, it weaves traditional American brunch cuisine with various eastern style dishes. Conversely though, the Pansy does it with great flair compared to other spots like Surisan, Farmhouse, Sweet Maple, etc.
All those spots are good, but I just think PP edges them out easily in just the overall menu and the drinks especially. Their Bloody Mary is exceptional, and the mimosas are always good. They also have a very deep coffee and tea menu with a lot of awesome options, all executed to perfection.
Some standouts for me would be the crouffles, the crab Benedict, the pork tacos, hell I don't think I've had anything here that wasn't firing on all cylinders.
The service is brisk but friendly, they typically only stay open for the brunch time slot so they are all business, trying to get folks in and out at a speedy pace. Totally appreciate that.
Only thing I'd say is if you end up by the windows it can get a little warm, they could try to block the sun a bit more but that would inadvertedly hurt the vibe in the early morning I expect.
Overall, perfect place to bring a group of folks for a nice time and then go for a walk around hayes valley afterwards. 10/10, just please for the love of God SF will you not ruin another of the places I like. If I see a line out the door tomorrow with 80 wasian girls I'm done dropping these nuggets. lol