You’re standing on the corner of Bush and Powell. The cable car is clanging right next to you, a sound so aggressively "San Francisco" it almost feels like a movie set. Tourists are fumbling with paper maps (do people still use those?) and the wind is doing that biting, chilly thing it only does in this city. You need a sanctuary. You need a massive plate of carbs. Honestly, you need Roxanne Cafe San Francisco.
It isn’t the trendiest place in the city. It won’t win any Michelin stars for molecular gastronomy or foam-based art. But that’s exactly why people love it. It’s a survivor. Since 1984, this place has been slinging eggs and pancakes to a mix of bewildered tourists and locals who just want a booth where nobody judges them for ordering a third cup of coffee.
The Vibe: No Frills, All Comfort
Walk inside and it’s basically a classic American diner with a slight San Francisco twist. White tablecloths meet vinyl booths. The kitchen sounds—hissing grills, clinking silverware—provide a constant soundtrack that’s way better than any curated Spotify playlist. It feels lived-in.
Some people complain it feels a bit "old school," but isn't that the point? In a city that's constantly tech-disrupting itself into oblivion, there is something deeply grounding about a place at 570 Powell St that just wants to give you a solid omelet.
It's cozy. It's unpretentious. Most importantly, it's consistent.
What You’re Actually Eating (The Breakdown)
Let's get into the food. Most people come here for the breakfast, which, luckily for the late sleepers, is served all day.
The Roxanne Grande
If you’ve spent the morning hiking up Nob Hill, you probably deserve this. It’s the "everything" plate:
- Two eggs (any style, but over-easy is the way to go).
- Two fluffy buttermilk pancakes.
- Two strips of bacon.
- Two pork sausage links.
It’s a lot of food. You’ll probably need a nap afterward, or at least a very slow walk toward Union Square.
The Benedicts
The Eggs Benedict here are solid. The hollandaise is rich, though some diners have noted the ham can occasionally lean toward the "commercial" side. If you want to level up, go for the Smoked Salmon Benedict. The saltiness of the fish cuts through the lemon in the sauce perfectly.
The Stuffed Croissant
This is a sleeper hit. Imagine a flaky, buttery croissant stuffed with scrambled eggs and chunks of salmon, then topped with a layer of molten cheese. It's messy. It's heavy. It's fantastic.
The "Lunch and Beyond" Reality
While breakfast is the main event, the menu actually stretches into lunch and even early dinner. They do Italian-leaning stuff too. Pasta a la Roxanne or the Ravioli al Funghi (mushroom ravioli) are surprisingly decent for a place that looks like a breakfast joint.
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They also serve beer, wine, and mimosas. Because sometimes a cable car ride at 11:00 AM requires a pomegranate mimosa. No judgment here.
Is It a Tourist Trap?
Okay, let’s be real. It’s located right on the cable car line near Union Square. Is it going to have tourists? Yes. Thousands of them.
But "tourist trap" usually implies bad food at high prices. Roxanne manages to dodge that label by actually delivering on the quality. Prices in San Francisco are universally high—you’re going to pay $18-$22 for a breakfast plate pretty much anywhere in this neighborhood. At least here, the portions are big enough that you won't feel cheated.
The 2026 Perspective: Keeping it Real
Looking at the landscape of SF dining right now, places like Roxanne Cafe San Francisco are increasingly rare. There have been whispers and reviews mentioning ownership shifts or slight variations in consistency over the last couple of years. Some say the service can get a bit "brisk" when the line is out the door.
Honestly? That’s just part of the SF diner experience. If the server isn’t moving fast, you aren't getting your table.
A Few Insider Tips
- The Wait: On weekends between 9:00 AM and 1:00 PM, expect a wait. It’s unavoidable. If you can swing a Tuesday morning at 8:00 AM, you’ll have the place to yourself.
- The View: If the weather isn't typical SF "fog-and-misery," try to snag a seat near the window. Watching the cable car stop and start is better than any TV.
- The Coffee: It’s standard diner coffee. It’s hot, it’s caffeinated, and it’s exactly what you need to survive the wind tunnel on Powell Street.
Why It Still Matters
Roxanne Cafe represents a specific slice of San Francisco history. It survived the dot-com boom, the bust, the second boom, and the pandemic. It’s a neighborhood anchor in a part of town that can often feel a bit transient.
Whether you’re a traveler staying at the nearby Sir Francis Drake (now the Beacon Grand) or a local who just wants a break from the chaos of downtown, this corner spot remains a reliable refuge. It's not trying to be the future. It's just trying to be a really good breakfast.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit
To ensure you have the best experience at Roxanne Cafe San Francisco, keep these practical steps in mind:
- Check the Clock: They are generally open from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM for the main breakfast/lunch rush, with dinner hours usually extending to 9:00 PM.
- Order the Potatoes: Don't swap them for fruit unless you really have to. The house potatoes are seasoned well and provide that essential diner crunch.
- Bring a Jacket: Even if it looks sunny outside, that corner of Bush and Powell is a notorious wind trap. You'll want your layers while you're waiting for a table.
- Explore the Area: Use the cafe as your "base camp." You are steps away from the Dragon’s Gate in Chinatown and the shopping madness of Union Square.
If you want a meal that feels like a warm hug in a city that can sometimes feel a bit cold, this is your spot. Just sit down, order the pancakes, and watch the world go by.