Tastebuds
Restaurant · Inner Richmond
600 5th Ave, San Francisco, CA 94118
Highlights
Soul food inspired brunch with chicken & waffles, shrimp & grits
Soul food inspired brunch with chicken & waffles, shrimp & grits
"When you’re in the mood for brunch, but not in the mood to spend an hour of your precious time fighting for your life for a table, Tastebuds is your most straightforward option. The Richmond restaurant is a counter-service spot doing soul food-inspired staples, like shrimp and grits and omelets. But you’re really here for the chicken and waffles, which feature perfectly breaded tenders over a buttermilk waffle so light it could float. Get in, eat your fried chicken, and get out, with plenty of time left in the day to become one with the couch." - julia chen 1, lani conway, ricky rodriguez, patrick wong
"Going to brunch at Tastebuds means starting your morning with fried chicken seasoned so well it could moonlight as a spice rack. And it’s excellent in chicken and waffles form, served with biscuits and gravy, or alone with a dipping sauce. Our vehicle of choice is their airy buttermilk waffle, soaked in syrup. We have no notes." - julia chen 1, patrick wong
"Tastebuds is a soul food-inspired brunch spot in the Richmond where you can get in, fuel up for a day full of birthday parties and soccer practice, and get out within 45 minutes. Order at the counter, grab some coloring sheets and crayons for the kids, and look forward to crispy fried chicken and waffles, steamy bowls of grits, and refreshing green smoothies. Portions are big, so you don’t have to worry about breaking for snacks later." - julia chen 1, patrick wong
"When you just want to walk up, devour a plate of chicken and waffles and leave, drop everything and get to Tastebuds. The soul food-inspired counter-service spot in the Richmond makes some of our favorite chicken and waffles in the city—the golden tenders and fluffy buttermilk waffles strike the ideal balance between sweet and salty. The portions are hearty, but you miraculously won't need to be rolled off the premises after. In the non-fried department, your other options include shrimp over creamy grits, scrambles, yogurt bowls, and refreshing green smoothies. " - Team Infatuation
"“Wanna grab brunch?” is actually code that could mean many things, like getting wasted over bottomless mimosas, or dressing up and waiting hours for overpriced bacon alongside a crowd of influencers who want to see and be seen. But when brunch simply means, well, brunch, head to Tastebuds. The counter-service Richmond spot serves excellent soul food-inspired classics that work just as well for soaking up last night’s margaritas as they do for Sunday family lunch. photo credit: Sarah Felker photo credit: Sarah Felker This spot has everything you need from a straightforward brunch spot. Getting a table right away is usually never an issue, even though you could walk across the entire dining room in just seven steps. Things here also move quickly, so hearty scrambles and shrimp and grits land in front of your face in no time. And leaving without ordering the fried chicken and waffles is sacrilege. The fried tenders are perfectly crackly on the outside, and pair with the buttermilk waffles like a dream. If you’re not in the mood for fried things, look to the lighter options, like green smoothies, yogurt bowls, and salads. Tastebuds is the only answer for a no-fuss brunch in the Richmond. Which is why you’ll find us here debriefing the raucous night before or popping in for a quick breakfast every chance we get—no wait on the sidewalk required. Food Rundown photo credit: Sarah Felker Fried Chicken and Waffles A fantastic version of the soul food staple. It strikes the ideal balance between salty and sweet, and won’t leave you feeling like you need someone to roll you off the premises. Order this every time you’re here. photo credit: Sarah Felker Hangover Helper As the name suggests, this scramble will perk you right up if you wander in here half-dead from single handedly taking down a punch bowl. Smoky chorizo and a layer of shredded cheddar make it one of the richer dishes on the menu, but it’s worth your time. photo credit: Sarah Felker Southern Shrimp & Grits Flavorful and well-cooked shrimp are the star of this dish. They’re served on top of creamy, thick grits—sop up every last bit of it with the toast." - Julia Chen
