Five Favorite Diners in San Francisco

This hometown favorite in the Mission District has been serving loyal clients since 1935. Walking into It's Tops Coffee Shop is like stepping into a time machine complete with chrome countertops, vinyl booths, counterstools and jukeboxes. Let's not forget favorites such as hotcakes, stuffed waffles, bacon (of course) and the ice cream fountain.           

If you happen to be walking around the Dogpatch neighborhood of San Francisco and notice a delicious aroma of coffee and baked goods, it's definitely wafting from the Just For You Cafe. This diner specializes in all the usual diner classics with just a touch of culinary influences from Mexico, New Orleans, or California. Locals recommend the beignets for dessert.

Enjoy a hearty, homestyle breakfast with extra bacon at Eddie's Cafe. Locals line up at this Alamo neighborhood favorite for excellent no-frills breakfast dishes, priced at around $10. For those needing a daily jolt of caffeine, you'll be happy with the bottomless refills, served in one of their quirky coffee mugs; no two mugs are the same. Cash only.

Open since 1918, St. Francis Fountain is a beloved Mission District staple, offering everything from Huevos Rancheros to Buttermilk Hotcakes. New owners took over in '02, adding vegan and vegetarian options as well. The best part of this classic luncheonette-style diner is the full page of dessert offerings, including shakes, sundaes, floats, and banana splits.

Serving customers since the 80's, Lori's Diner relocated in 1993 to a bigger space on Sutter Street, which is just down the road from Union Square. Step into the 50's at this rockin' diner complete with sparkling red booths, a gas pump, a collection of vintage radios and even a '59 Edsel (a Ford Motor Company vehicle that was only manufactured from '58 to '60)! Breakfast is served all day long.