Review Mason Diner - San Francisco

Matt Flores

Went to this place because the famous place across the street was packed, and I'm glad it was! Cafe Mason is the bomb. I've been twice in the last week and both times were perfect. Great food, fast service, friendly staff, clean establishment, and great prices. Pictured are the breakfast items we had. Country fried steak and eggs were awesome, I'm a Texan, so I know a good country fried steak. I forgot the other plate but it was a platter type deal with pancakes and all. It went perfect with the fresh coffee. Go. I wouldn't send you to a bad place.

Daniela Holloway

As a woman vacationing in San Francisco with my husband for 4 days, we had the pleasure of starting each day at Cafe Mason, and I must say it was an incredible experience! The breakfast at Cafe Mason was absolutely delightful, offering a delicious variety of dishes that made each morning special. We found ourselves returning to this charming cafe every day of our trip. Alejandro (Alex), has truly mastered the art of breakfast. His culinary expertise shone through in every dish we tasted. Even though we didn't have the chance to interact with Alex personally, it was evident that his passion for food and dedication to his guests extended to the breakfast menu. The staff's attentiveness and friendly demeanor added to the overall charm of the place, making our mornings in San Francisco even more enjoyable. I highly recommend Cafe Mason for breakfast to anyone visiting San Francisco. It's not just a cafe; it's a morning ritual curated by the talented owner, Alex. My husband and I will cherish the memories of our breakfasts there during our trip for years to come!

Angelique Turner

Very busy restaurant in a good populated area. Very busy when got there. Had to wait maybe 10 minutes or so. Staff was efficient but not real friendly. Our group ordered the Croq Madame. Not like one I have ever had before. Like a ham breakfast sandwich with a hard fried egg on top. Was pretty decent. The waffle with whipped cream and strawberries was good. Hot and fresh with plenty of strawberries. The corned beef has good but kind of greasy. The food did come out super fast if you are in a hurry. They have big portions. Overall. A good experience.

Melinda Temple

Cafe Mason is a fantastic breakfast cafe. It’s located right next to the King George Hotel. The first time we went we only had 15 minutes to grab a quick breakfast to go. All the staff, especially Alex and Alejandro were friendly and efficient, ensuring we had everything we needed for our breakfast on the go. The next day we went back with more time available and enjoyed the food, and visiting with Alex . We’d definitely recommend Cafe Mason if you are near Union Square. Enjoy !

Mary Zwaan

Nice spot. Stopped in after the Pride Parade for some nourishment. I had a shrimp and crab melt on sourdough with fries and an iced tea. It hit the spot. Service was top notch and I loved the ambieance of the blue glass, the orchids and the golden lighting. Very cozy. Clean restrooms too. Service with a smile!

Ivan Martinez

Cafe Mason offers a pleasant dine-in experience. Their Belgian Waffles are gigantic! Strawberries and whipped cream always make them look tasty. The Profiteroles Au Chocolat also make a great treat. Make sure to eat them before the ice cream melts.

Francyloanofficer

Cafe Mason has delicious food, great service, and a friendly atmosphere. It is an excellent place to have a good breakfast with the family. I was on a family vacation in San Francisco last week, and we decided to have breakfast at Cafe Mason since it was close to our Hotel. Let me tell you, we enjoyed the food and the service so much that we had to return the next day, and on the last day, we were in San Francisco. The waitresses Alejandra and Sibel were so sweet, and helpful. They took our order fast, and we got the delicious food quickly. Alex was also very helpful and friendly. Great team! Everyone was always making sure we were enjoying our food and time at the Cafe. If you are in San Francisco, I highly recommend Cafe Mason.

1girl 1passport

Located near our hotel we came here for breakfast/bunch. Was busy but there was no line up. Staff were friendly. Food overall was good and came out fast. Personality still on the pricey side for a breakfast but I guess that’s just SF cost. Did see two people shooting up in the alley as we left….soooo…..not the best impression. Overall had a good meal and enjoyed it.

Bull Dogg

This diner/cafe is pretty large, has a nice interior, and is open from 6:30am to 2:30pm every day. We only tried breakfast at the Mason Diner. We ate at Mason both on the weekend and during weekdays. During the winter time, which was our most recent visit(s), there was no wait to get a table, even when arriving around 8am. The restaurant features many booths, but also tables for two or four people. The booths are mainly for four persons, but there are a few booths that also seat six people. When you arrive you will be greeted and seated. There is a small waiting area in case the restaurant is full. We were seated in a booth for four the times we ate at the restaurant. The staff is extremely friendly and accommodating. We were amazed by their professionalism and how they went out of their way to make us feel welcome. We were greeted with ”oh, you are back, thanks for dining with us again“. The waiters and waitresses are smiling and also giving great advice. Most dishes are fine to make some substitutions, even if the menu says they don‘t (perhaps also because we came during the winter, when there are less tourists in the area). We tried many different breakfast options, and everything was great. We can highly recommend the huevos rancheros, among the best we have had. The pancakes are fantastic, and so is the hash brown. The orange juice is freshly squeezed and excellent. The eggs made to order were perfect as well, and the french toast is top notch. We love trying different diners, but comparing with some of the others in this part of SF, the Mason Diner and Cafe really stands out. We won‘t be shopping around for other diner experiences when in this part of town. Mason is it for us, and we will come back again. Special thanks to Alejandro, Alejandra, Sibel, and Roberto for making our breakfasts great during our ten-day stay in SF. Ambience: 5/5 for a diner Staff: 5/5 Food: 5/5 for a diner Price/quality: 4/5 (normal prices but very good quality)

Gerin

I only give 5 stars to Michelin starred restaurants that deserve it. Otherwise I would’ve given them 5 stars for sure. This place has a very friendly staff, it’s very clean and the food is delicious. I ordered the 2x2. Alejandro was sweet enough to recommend adding a topping which made it perfect. I will definitely come here again. Thank you for a great meal and a lovely experience.

Dr. Robin Futoran

Wow! Great Place. All locals eating. Alejandra is the best server ever! Smart (didn't need to write down the order from 5 of us being a little wild), kind, fun, hard working and just a beautiful person. The menu is interesting, the food as good as the menu looks. I'd be there everyday if lived close by. Highly recommend! And the crab and shrimp (Sardou) benedict is something to remember...

Mike Amundsen

A quirky decor with fine service, friendly staff, and classic American fare. Coupled with decent prices near Union Square make this a great place to stop for breakfast any time of day.

Ruby Yaritza Hurtado

I had the opportunity to eat at both Pincrest Diner and Cafe Mason, so I can say this with confidence! The pancakes and omelets at Cafe Mason are so much better. One thing that I also appreciated is that Cafe Mason has a larger selection of breakfast items. Definitely recommend this place! The food was delicious and so was the coffee

Rachel Orme

I was recommended Cafe Mason by a friend and it did not disappoint! The perfect breakfast spot in San Francisco! The service was incredible (special shout out to Lana who was welcoming and made us feel special, despite the fact they were busy!) The food is another level good! The fluffiest pancakes and do not leave without trying the billion dollar bacon eggs Benedict! True American experience for a Brit abroad!

Neimar Alves Guerra

Great place for having breakfast in SF downtown. One of the things I’d like to point is that their orange juice is really fresh, not something coming from a plastic jar. All the dishes are well prepared and delicious. Loved going there every morning while visiting SF. If you’re around do not miss it. Totally recommend.

Daniel Barnes

I was looking forward to eating based on the reviews. I ordered a hamburger. It was nothing more than an overpriced, frozen Walmart patty!! No pickles!! WTH??? Fries were nothing special. Waiter was good. Perhaps other items are better but I will never know.

Chia-chen Lehahn

Update: GDC2023-after trying other cafes nearby, Cafe Mason is still the best. Still friendly, coffee got refilled quickly. If something took longer, they will let you know and apologise for the delay. We had breakfast here several days in a roll. Everything was great, the staff was nice and service very smooth. During GDC there was a little wait of 3 minutes on some days.

Raveena Shekhawat

Great breakfast Ate here several times and enjoyed a good hearty breakfast. Extensive menu available throughout the day. Would recommend.

Vidhya Rastogi

Had breakfast at this cafe every morning of our stay in San Francisco. The place was buzzing and once we had to wait for a table. Prompt service, coffee and teas excellent. Nice. Choice of breakfasts served piping hot on hot plates . Service with a smile. Good value for money. Would recommend.

Kemal Tugcu

A very good choice for a traditional American breakfast. The place is very comforting and well climatized, does not smell heavy like most other diners. Good portions and good prices. Friendly and fast service. Loved their bacon and sausages. I strongly recommend.

Lauren Niekerk

Classic breakfast spot in the heart of Union Square! The egg and bacon breakfasts were great but super filling and we couldn't finish them. I had the Californian eggs benedict (basically an eggs florentine with additional avocado). The eggs were poached perfectly and the hollaindaise sauce was light as was the citrus flavor on the spinach. However, there was too much spinach - there didn't need to be that much on the dish! Coffee refills were a plus and the hot chocolate was very delicious. We didn't like the hashbrowns - they were soggy at the bottom and lacked seasoning so they were bland. Our waitress was friendly but she forgot to bring our water and was very hard to pin down for the bill.

Vaishali Sontakke

I went there in morning, the places bustling with crowd, We wanted to grab breakfast. had less time already. We picked up stuffed omelets from the menu, Chicken stuffed omelete , Vegetable omelete side with mashed potatos. I don't like potatoes , SO server exchanged it with fruits :) A very good complement from her. We tried french toast which was amazing. Fresh fruits , vegetables from omelete, optimum sweet and yummie french toast.. Recommend this place. made my morning. :) :)

Ramit Budhiraja

After a long flight and checking in hotel next door I wanted to grab a quickie. Ended it up here around 6 P. M we ordered for a different pasta as in Alfredo in white sauce plus red sauce which was out of the menu and server KATYA was ready to make it without any extra charge. Overall food was delicious and Drink was served chilled at the stop. Looking forward to go here for Monday morning breakfast. Regards Ramit Budhiraja

Dr S

I only went here because it was right next to my hotel and I got a voucher that said 20 percent off. However after tax and the gratuity charge even though I got takeaway and received no service it cost only a dollars less than I would have paid originally; so no bargain. I got the grilled red snapper which can be requested to be blackened in white wine sauce with stir fry beans and rice. While I waited to get my food, the kitchenn staff came out to have their own meals and chat in Spanish. I didn't see any patrons arrive in cafe mason while I was there. My fish smelt delicious and the buttery shiny beans were scrumptious. In contrast, my fish was very dry and hardened and there was minimal white wine sauce at the bottom which had seeped into the cardboard box so I tasted nothing except dry fish. The rice had bits of corn in it and appeared flavored and was quite nice on its own. Its a 24/7 diner and I would go here for convenience rather than for quality food. They don't do all day breakfast or lunch. :(

Ravishankar R

Sunday morning breakfast at masons was good. Place was crowded, had haveus rocher their special breakfast. Was pretty decent omelette on a bread. Liked the fact the food was hot

Michael

Came for breakfast on a busy Saturday morning. Staff were attentive and efficient, and I didn't have to wait long to be seated and served. Had pancakes with bacon and maple syrup. Good portion size and great tasting. Good value, and free coffee top ups was a bonus!

Elizabeth Muncher

I had the chicken piccata with rice and steamed asparagus everything was good. Staff were very nice. I spoke to 3 and they were very friendly. Just arrived in San Francisco a couple hours earlier so I can't speak to price. I saw a menu at a place up the street for an $11 burger alone. Fries were an additional $3. So I figured I'd get a healthy meal for $3 more. I was not disappointed.

Linds

It's a decent meal. This came highly recommended but it didn't live up. I had the Thai salad and wasn't as impressed as I had hoped. Cheaper meal if you're looking for that. Service was okay. Diner feel atmosphere.

Seb's Urban Adventures

Open 24hrs which is a cool spot after clubbing, generous portions and food is pretty good. Menu also have a good selection of different types of food to satisfy what you're in the mood for. I had the shrimp and crab melt.

Ana Lucero

Food is pretty good, even if a bit under seasoned. However, the service is terrible. I waited 10 minutes to get a drink and once my food came out my waitress never came back to my table to check on me. Ended up waiting 15 minutes after I finished eating to get my check.

Josh Pierre

Had breakfast here with my wife this morning based in reasonable reviews here on Zomato. I had the Croque Madame and my wife the Crepes Veronica. Both came out quickly and were good servings with nice sides of fruit. Surprisingly the flat white I got was perfect temperature and delicious. Would recommend and will most likely return to sample some French toast with bacon and syrup!

S To The B

The mason French toast is amazing -- made with a croissant! I'd come back just for that!! The service and ambience is also very nice! Yum

Hande Gokoglu

I had been there for breakfast, ordered croque madame.. delicious kind of french toast with grilled ham and cheese topped with fried egg.. it was served with fresh fruit.. nice, cosy restaurant.. I'd like come again for lunch or dinner..

Oneoftheseven100

Lame. Food wasn't really good. They have crab cakes but it's really only 1 with a plate full of leaves. Won't go back.

Kristin Hotchkiss

Came here for a late night snack, DO NOT order any of the appetizers they all taste old and frozen. The quesadilla was barely edible an tasted like soap. The only thing worth ordering here is the coffee.

MtnYuppie

The food is fine, it's the service that's terrible. There is not enough wait staff when it gets busy. The wait staff has to hand squeeze the OJ themselves which takes them away from taking care of their customers. You may be ignored for sometime, especially by the foreign wait staff. They act like they're doing you a favor by waiting on you. My last visit I left after 10 minutes without anyone saying a word to me. It's just not worth it.

Tanya Reczek

Pleasently Suprised. It was a toss up between this diner and a few others for breakfast and we settled on Cafe Mason, mainly because it was close. I didn't have high expectations, as the reviews are only okay, but it turned out to be great. Coffee was good, food was quick and hot - what more can you ask for from a breakfast place! I had the crepes, which was delicious.

Greg

Terrible!!! Ordered a chees.... Terrible!!! Ordered a cheeseburger, salad and baked potato. All items were terrible. I am not a restauranteur or gourmet chef but even I can make a consistent cheeseburger. The baked potato was the size of a lime and was so overlooked that it was hard...and cold. Do not recommend this place to anyone.

Sue Pellerito

Very good fresh food and presentation. Clean. Good service. On business trip staying next door. Visited restaurant twice both good.

Belinda Carpenter

Not a great experience. Hos.... Not a great experience. Hostess was kind of rude, not pleasant like you expect them to be. My husbands coffee was way too strong. There was no creamer on the table so we asked the hostess as she was walking by and she told us we had to wait for our server. What's with that? When our server came by we asked her for cream and she brought over the little individual cups. We look around and all the other tables have the fresh cream in little pitchers. So I went to a table near by and swapped with their cream. :) Food was just ok. Don't think we will go going back any time soon.

Dalejr88lvr

The food was average and way overpriced for the amount of food received. $10 for two eggs, one piece of toast and a few small potatoes is unreasonable. Service was average.

Wjgreeneiii

Service was very slow. Waited almost 10 minutes for someone to come to my table and waited over 30 minutes for the sandwich I order at 9:30 pm.

Patrick Anlauf

Excellent, polite, customer service and great food. I had breakfast. A+++++

David Grawrock

Read all other reviews but needed a late night dinner due to late flight. Our experience was good. Service was spot on. Food was very good. Great flavor in the fusili and pasta cooked to al dente. Would return when in need of late night food again.

Melissa

It wasn't busy when we tried to eat here on a Saturday morning...after 10 minutes with nobody coming by to even take our drink orders we walked out. Not worth the stop.

Marshdp

Liked it a lot service great and for the price the food was good as well.

Captain Napkin

This attractive yet casual restaurant features a blend of Italian and American menu items. The service was friendly and quick. The food was pretty good, and the prices fair. Located in the theatre/ hotel district, it was crowded with tourists and younger couples. Beer and wine are served.

Michael

On the bland, dry, lifeless side. Probably fine for the after bar crowd who've been drinking for a while.

Jay Henderson

The service was terrible, and the food is sub par which is hard to figure because it's not cheap. Im here now and have been sitting for 25min, and have yet to be greeted by a server. If this was the first time here and this happened, i'd be a little more understanding, but everytime is rediculous.

Robert Bush

Great breakfast place. I got the house specialty: a pumpkin crepe, which was amazing. My girlfriend got the pancakes, which she called "fluffilicious".

Joshua L.

You'd think in a city like SFO there would be places to eat after 10 pm ... But not too many. This is one gem that is. Good food too.

Todd

I purchased the pumpkin crepe, which was recommended by the waitress. The crepe was bland and unseasoned. To fill a crepe with boiled pumpkin is unimaginative and boring. When I expressed my displeasure, the waitress offered me another item from the menu, which improved my opinion of the restaurant.

Bradley

Surprisingly Decent Fare after hours. My review is basically summed-up in my title of this piece. I've speant many-a-night hitting the bar scene around Nob Hill and Union Square. At the close of an eventful affair during which walking was the main mode of negotiating the hilly neighborhoods, I always found that I was hungry. Being the foodie that I am, I would rather hit-the-sack than force myself to eat a sub-par meal at any hour. One evening, I was staying at the Sir Francis Drake and was aching for a decent meal after 2am. I took a walk a few blocks over to Mason and happened upon this cafe which boasts a diversified menu and 24 hours of service. As I said, the food runs the gamut from a scratch burger/fries to a sashimi salad that you might find at a sushi bar elsewhere. All around the "mediocre" to "good" level...but don't expect "excellent" to "superior". I've asked my old college friends about this place, and they too have sought sustenance at the establishment after hours. Although I wouldn't choose the Cafe Mason as a primary location for a meal during conventional hours (especially with the culinary works that The City has to offer), I definitely recommend it as a "must eat" if you find yourself under similar circumstances.

Thecasualfoodblogger

We were lucky enough to stumble across Cafe Mason, a small eatery which specialises in producing homemade breakfasts, lunches and dinners from scratch using fresh ingredients.