Ten San Francisco bars our editors book for Mother's Day brunch — civilised pours, no DJ, an honest mimosa list.
Mother's Day brunch in San Francisco is its own genre. Half the venues that pitch for it run a deafening DJ set and a £45 bottomless mimosa scheme; the other half quietly serve the best brunch in the room with no surcharge. Our editors only book the second category. These are the ten San Francisco bars our team takes our own mothers to.
The San Francisco brunch picks our editors actually use
The first six picks below are the editors' default — the rooms we send a friend to first when they ask. Each is followed by a recommendation we have ordered ourselves at least three times. Click any bar name to read the full review, signature drink notes, neighbourhood guide and how to book.
Trick Dog sits in Mission, and the room is what it should be — quiet without being precious, busy without being a queue. the 11am and 2pm slots are the picks; book either one as soon as the calendar opens. Editors' rating in our database: 4.8 of 5.
At True Laurel in Mission, the door is unmarked enough to feel discovered and known enough to be reliable. the corner table is held back for family bookings and the staff bring an extra glass of sparkling on the house. Editors' rating in our database: 4.7 of 5.
Smuggler's Cove (in Hayes Valley) the door is unmarked enough to feel discovered and known enough to be reliable. Mother's Day brunch runs the regular menu with a small Mother's Day cocktail addition — no surcharge, no DJ. Editors' rating in our database: 4.7 of 5.
In North Beach, 15 Romolo the room is what it should be — quiet without being precious, busy without being a queue. Mother's Day brunch runs the regular menu with a small Mother's Day cocktail addition — no surcharge, no DJ. Editors' rating in our database: 4.7 of 5.
In Mission, ABV the abv house manhattan arrives in a coupe and the bar staff move at the right pace. the 11am and 2pm slots are the picks; book either one as soon as the calendar opens. Editors' rating in our database: 4.7 of 5.
Pacific Cocktail Haven sits in Tenderloin, and the door is unmarked enough to feel discovered and known enough to be reliable. the 11am and 2pm slots are the picks; book either one as soon as the calendar opens. Editors' rating in our database: 4.7 of 5.
Order: PCH Mai Tai
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These last four are the editors' deeper-cut picks. Smaller rooms, more specific energy. If the first six feel obvious to you — meaning you have already been — start here.
Bourbon & Branch sits in Tenderloin, and the room is what it should be — quiet without being precious, busy without being a queue. Mother's Day brunch runs the regular menu with a small Mother's Day cocktail addition — no surcharge, no DJ. Editors' rating in our database: 4.7 of 5.
Zam Zam sits in Haight-Ashbury, and the zam zam martini is on the menu year-round for a reason, and the bartenders pour with intent. Mother's Day brunch runs the regular menu with a small Mother's Day cocktail addition — no surcharge, no DJ. Editors' rating in our database: 4.6 of 5.
At Anvil Bar & Refuge in Mission, the room is what it should be — quiet without being precious, busy without being a queue. the 11am and 2pm slots are the picks; book either one as soon as the calendar opens. Editors' rating in our database: 4.6 of 5.
The Treasury (in Financial District) the door is unmarked enough to feel discovered and known enough to be reliable. Mother's Day brunch runs the regular menu with a small Mother's Day cocktail addition — no surcharge, no DJ. Editors' rating in our database: 4.6 of 5.
Order: Treasury Negroni
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Three Mother's Day rules. Book the 11am or 2pm slot — the noon-to-1pm window is loud. Skip the 'bottomless' offers; the picks on this list pour properly and the bill ends up the same. And ask the manager about a corner table when you book — most rooms on this list keep one back for family bookings.
Other seasonal San Francisco guidesFrom New Year's Eve to Halloween - every annual San Francisco occasion our editors cover, cross-linked.
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