Mama's on Washington Square

08/20/2008 Posted by RussAkred

There is a line down the sidewalk for a reason. People politely wait to even get into this small bistro to place their order and be seated. Huge omelets and fresh fruits combined to make a superior morning wake up. It's crowded and a little pricy but it is understandable. With great food like this customers will be beating down your door to be fed.

Pros: Filling, Tasty, Ambience

Cons: Waiting, Price

04/28/2008 Posted by genianc

I have to say, I was a little confused about the line. We were told to wait outside until they INVITED us in. So we did. Then 10 other people walked right past us into the place and got served. I was a little peeved about that. If you are in line, don't let people pass you, I guess. But, enough of that. They had the most amazing pancakes I have ever tasted in my life. How hard are pancakes right? Well, obviously pretty hard since I'd never tasted some this amazing. My mouth is currently watering. I will definitely go back on next visit to San Fran. But, I'll be the first in the door so no one can waltz in while I've waited 30 minutes to be "invited" in. Enjoy and def order the pancakes!

Pros: Best pancakes ever!

Cons: Size of establishment - limited seating.

01/12/2008 Posted by ajr523

After reading the reviews we decided to travel across san francisco to wait in line for an hour. We were very excited and by the size of the line so was everyone else. We finally got in the door only to stand in one more line. The kitchen was a surprise. The chefs were dirty wiping their hands on their dirty aprons that had been on I'm sure since they opened. The cutting boards were filthy and the stove was unappetizing. The cashier was very unfriendly and rude. We still wanted to give it a shot. We both ordered an omelette and when they came out it was luke warm and no flavor or seasoning. The potatoes were so closed to burnt that they shouldn't have been served. The water and coffee was the best part of the meal. We waited for an hour and ate in ten minutes. We left uncertain of how to feel.

Pros: oj, coffee, and water

Cons: satisfaction

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11/19/2007 Posted by paul_from_victoria

excellent breakfast, portions were huge!!!!!!! I had a hard time deciding what to order. I don't think you can go wrong with any of the items.

Pros: Food was great!!!

Cons: The restaurant was small. Had to wait 20 minutes to get in.

08/29/2007 Posted by yykk

I went to there on Sat arround 10:00am. There was a loooong line and I waited for 1hr 15mins to get a seat. I heard there are not so many ppl on business day arround 2:00pm. If you don't wanna wait for long, you might wanna go there businessday arround 2:00pm. The price is inexpensive. Most of the meals are from $10~. I ordered 2 things; special menu that was french toast with berries & a sausage (side menu). It was too sweet for me, so next time I wanna order an omelet. About the sausage, this is really great taste, but price is too expensive. Only 1 thin sausage costs $3.75. Other ''side order menu'' is also too expensive. However, overall Mama's is great.

Pros: Great taste

Cons: Long line on weekends

07/15/2007 Posted by nbaycritique

I went to Mama's last Saturday after reading the reviews at citysearch, but it was a total letdown! There was a long line at 8:00 am (but I don't think it's because of the food), it was simply because there are only about 10 small tables inside and maybe half of the people waiting in line are the same people who read the "not so accurate" reviews. The french toast was totally flat, the berries, too tart and the eggs benedict was blah! The only saving grace were the sausage and the bacon which I'm sure is store bought and not home-made. You have to wait in line outside, wait in line inside to order your food with the rather unfriendly cashier, and then wait further for your food once you're seated. SOOOO NOT WORTH IT! A total waste of time especially on a weekend ...

Pros: Can't think of anything

Cons: The long line, long wait, food is less than okay, the tables are too close to each other.

01/24/2007 Posted by acreyes

My wife and I went there with our two kids and friends last weekend(Dec. 16) and we were lucky that we did not have to wait for so long (15 mins to be exact) because we got there early. The food was great and freshly made. I had the crab and shrimp omelette. The place is a small cafe and probably did that in purpose so that people will have to wait in line even if the food is a little pricey for breakfast. The employees were friendly and it was good that you have to pay your bills right before you had your meals so that you don't have to pay wait any longer....My advise it to come there at 8am to avoid the long waiting in line.. This is sure a good place to eat when you have friends coming over to SF because it's also nearby Coit Tower.

Pros: A little pricey for breakfast

Cons: Great Food

01/15/2007 Posted by audreyjl

I've lived in the area for 2 years and have never wanted to wait in the line but finally did! the breakfast is definitely tasty, but geez, it's a long wait. I would say it's worth it if you have nothing else to do in the morning and bring a book or the paper. It wasn't the best breakfast I've ever had but I did enjoy it and I'm sure I will return. One of the people i was with had one of their specials, a crab benedict, which was very good. I'd say go for their specials, and their crab is great. You can see the ingredients in the kitchen while you wait and everything is very fresh. Once you're inside the service was great, quick and friendly.

Pros: food, service

Cons: long wait

11/20/2006 Posted by ls04

The breakfast food here is definitely yummy, although you usually have to wait outside for a bit. Because it's in North Beach, parking is definitely an issue. The restaurant is tiny, so be prepared to hear the conversations of people who are sitting next to you.

10/08/2006 Posted by ebayfoodie

My friend and I got in line at 9:30am on a Saturday morning. Finally, at 10:30am we arrived at the counter to order our food. Thank goodness the food was excellent to make up for the long wait. The crab & avocado eggs benedict was fabulous - large crab meat chunks, soft poached eggs, sliced avocado, all covered in a rich hollandaise sauce. The crab omelette was also good, but not up to par w/the e.benedict. We also tried the carrot cake and cranberry bread, both of which were delicious. I'm very particular about my breads and I have to say that the texture, moistness, density, and flavor of both were perfect! I will have to make many return trips to try all the other delicious looking breads and menu items. Homey atmosphere and friendly service.

Pros: food, service

Cons: long wait