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Cafe GoLo
Categories: Food Bakeries Restaurants Breakfast & Brunch Bakeries, Breakfast & Brunch [Edit]
1602 Lombard St(between Gough St & Octavia St)
San Francisco, CA 94123
Neighborhood: Marina/Cow Hollow
(415) 673-4656
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Breakfast
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
171 reviews for Cafe GoLo
Review Highlights
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"The French toast was scrumptious." In 25 reviews -
"Dont leave without tasting the pastries." In 37 reviews -
"I liked the sweet potato/potato mix." In 15 reviews
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171 reviews in English
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Review from Thom V.
Marina/Cow Hollow, San Francisco, CA
3/30/2012 1 Check-in Here
Just awesome, wish they were open all the time Straight up yum.
Had breakfast here twice last week while in town on business. Steak and taters, taters and chili. Amazing flavors, reasonably priced, great atmosphere.
Worth the wait if there is a line. -
Review from Kiesha R.
3/24/2012
Really? 4-1/2 stars? Wow.
So based on the reviews, I was expecting the brunch of a lifetime with service of a lifetime. Instead, it was a standard, tasty enough brunch (french toast with sausage and bacon) with equal parts friendly/awkward service.
I arrived a little after 1 to meet a friend, who had not yet arrived. It is a very cramped room, so I was politely asked to wait in the vague back area. During this time, three Spanish-speaking tourists came in to use the bathroom, which is for customers only, else $2/person for use. Odd. After some time, one of the owners tried explaining at least part of this policy, which clearly was not understood. Later, the other owner tried explaining they owed $6, and it was painful enough that I had to step in with my Spanish to explain. It was the first of a few awkward service moments.
The second came when the host informed me I had "let him forget about me" so he seated another table ahead of us. Um, okay, that was weird, but whatever, we were seated right after that.
The third moment of awkwardness came when said host became our waiter and shortly after taking our order, returned to say, "You asked me for a side, but I do not know what." Wow, am I that forgettable?!
The final moment of awkwardness came when around 2:30, we were the last ones in the restaurant, having just paid the bill. Forgive us for still chatting and having some water at that point, but an owner came to inform us they closed at 2 and we needed to leave. Ouch.
Everything that happened was veiled by genuine friendliness, which is why they still get 3 stars. And the food, again, was good enough. I just don't know what we missed with the other 1-1/2 stars everyone else gave. -
Review from Christi W.
Valley Glen, CA
3/15/2012
Went to Cafe GoLo both mornings I was in San Francisco for breakfast. The food is delicious! The French toast made with delicious cinnamon bread in incredible, the homemade pastries and the breakfast potatoes, a mix of regular and sweet potatoes, are also new favorites.
The staff is so friendly and helpful, stopping by to see how everything was or just to ask how you are. Highly recommend this little gem! -
Review from Brenton M.
Milpitas, CA
5/24/2012 1 Check-in Here
This place is a little small, so there can be a wait sometimes hot damn though, is it worth it! Great service too!
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Review from Anon A.
San Francisco, CA
5/25/2012
Flawless.
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Review from Chris M.
San Francisco, CA
5/1/2012 4 Check-ins Here
This place has a good breakfast selection that's not pretentious and is good. Which surprisingly is a hard combo to come by in the Marina. The pastries they give out before the meal is also a nice bonus. The servers are always nice and sincerely want you to enjoy your meal. My only complaint is really something that only makes it more quaint, is that it's small and the seating is very close.
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Review from Ricky V.
Flushing, NY
4/23/2012
The carrot pancakes and scones with fruit dips were scrumptious!
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Review from Russell D.
San Gabriel, CA
4/3/2012
Out on vacation and stumbled upon this place as it's down the street from my motel.
I had a feeling they might know what's up when I saw the bottle of Castillo habanero hot sauce in their selection, but this place really blew me away! I've never had an omelette with eggs that fluffy and those potatoes are simply the best. Who would have thought to combine sweet potatoes with regular potatoes for some of the best breakfast potatoes you've ever had? (potato potato!)
The food was awesome, the pastries were awesome, the hot sauce selection was awesome, the look and layout the restaurant was awesome and PB is one of the sweetest people I've ever met. Definitely gonna have to stop by here again when I return in May. -
Review from Sydney T.
San Francisco, CA
2/21/2012
The first time we came here it was literally 10 mins. till closing. We didn't know that or else we wouldn't have come in. We hate being the last people inside. But the staff was MORE than welcoming! They were friendly and ensured us they would be happy to seat us! We got a table in the back (A really low-key back patio that's quiet and quaint). We never felt rushed or hurried.
Since then we've been back more times that I can count. At least 4!
I love that we get little pastry samples while we're waiting for our food. Usually they're SO good that we buy a full one to take home to eat the next day.
I can't think of one thing we've ever ordered that wasn't REALLY delicious. The Golo breakfast, any and all of mexican-style options, the breakfast pancakes and french toast. All good! Even their coffee is good.
My boyfriend calls it, "heaven on earth." He also adds, "The nicest goddamn people on earth work there. only."
Which brings me to my last point, the best thing about them: The service!!! Everyone there is SO nice! They'll play with your babies (I've seen it), they'll regale you with stories of their travels (I've heard it!), they'll give you more than your share of smiles and "how are you's?' But they aren't pushy about it, so if you felt like being left alone, I'm sure they wouldn't bother you either. They're just happy to be there and happy to help. Which is the best part of any "mom & pop" shop. -
Review from Lauren J.
Berkeley, CA
2/13/2012
Delicious Eggs, mexican breakfast options and pancakes. Great service. And free pastry samples!
Only improvement could be better coffee. -
Review from Peter C.
1/21/2012 4 Check-ins Here
Wowwwww! Why has it taken me this long to try Cafe GoLo?!?
We had brunch there this morning and loved it. This breakfast nook is easy to miss on Lombard St, but don't be fooled by the exterior. Hiding inside this breakfast gem is wonderful food, exceptional service, and a pleasant atmosphere. I had the french toast with a side of eggs and my wife had the GoLo Breakfast. Food was delicious and well priced, and the service was stellar.
How long until next weekend so I can come back? :) -
Review from erin b.
Denver, CO
3/25/2012
What a wonderful, wonderful place. Enjoyed our breakfast at GoLo and loved the friendly host/waiter (he might be the owner?)! My fella had the French toast, and I enjoyed a veggie omelet packed full with the best veggies. Potatoes had some sweet potatoes mixed in and were very good. Coffee was great, and the bacon and sausage were cooked perfectly! Loved this place and its super friendly atmosphere; we'll be back on our next visit to SF.
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Review from Jenna L.
1/11/2012
We were looking for a quick breakfast right before we started a large organized scavenger hunt in the city, and this place was nearby so we went inside to see if we could grab something to go. It's a small place, so there isn't much space inside to wait, so we waited in the back and one of the waitresses kept us entertained and fed us little bits of pastries while we were waiting. I got a basic kind of breakfast: eggs, sausage, toast, and fruit.
They packed it all to go, but it was a bit challenging to eat while standing up. I guess I should have thought that through before I ordered what I ordered. The others got breakfast burritos, much easier to eat on the go... oh well. It was good, and I was able to share with the others. Next time I'll definitely try to go to sit down instead. -
Review from Eastsac G.
Sacramento, CA
12/31/2011
Went for breakfast and food was pretty decent. Had chorizo omelet and DH had a egg breakfast sandwich. French toast/pancakes looked yummy but I'm not a "sweet" breakfast fan. Breakfast potatoes included sweet potato along with russet. Nice touch.
Am reserving more stars for a return visit. Only slight complaint is toast could have been "toastier" and at $11 for an omelet, is kinda pricey.
Wait staff extremely pleasant. Small place so could be a wait. -
Review from Rachelle M.
Elk Grove, CA
2/23/2012 1 Check-in Here
Awesome home potatoes made with sweet potatoes
And red potatoes onions and pepper's... Best thing ever... -
Review from Rob Y.
Beverly Hills, CA
3/25/2012
Best breakfast period. All you get here is top notch food and service. I will go everday when im in SF
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Review from Lauren R.
San Francisco, CA
1/3/2012 8 Check-ins Here
How have I never reviewed this place? I'm pretty sure it was probably because I don't want tons of people discovering our little local gem :)
I've never got anything bad at this place. Amazing coffee. Free sampling of pastries. I usually get an omelet every time, the side of potato/sweet potato mix is mouth-watering good. The husband gets the pigs in a blanket every single time no matter what, he loves them that much. Service can't get any better. Quick, attentive and they always remember us. It is small in there, so if you go prime weekend brunch time, you may have to wait a few minutes.
I could go on and on, but just go there, you won't regret it. -
Review from Stephanie P.
San Diego, CA
1/19/2012
Superb service - the staff was so friendly and courteous. The food was terrific and the prices were cheap. Our waiter brought us some free pastries courtesy of their bakery, and they were tasty. And I'm always a fan of a super strong cup of coffee!
I had the pigs in blankets - it was delicious. Boyfriend had the south of the border scramble, which he devoured. Both came with a side of potatoes with sweet potatoes, hash brown style. I normally don't touch the side orders of potatoes that come with restaurant breakfasts (they tend to be heavy and unflavorful) but these were really, REALLY good!
We will definitely return on our future trips to SF! -
Review from Melissa V.
Charlotte, NC
3/31/2012
We found this place because it was a block away from our hotel. I love a good breakfast, and this place did not disappoint. The first day, (we went twice on our three-day trip...) I got the classic breakfast with eggs, bacon, potatoes, and fruit. The fruit is fresh and I believe picked weekly. The potatoes are OUT OF THIS WORLD. If anything, get something with the potatoes. Also, I am really picky about restaurant bacon...Golo's was perfect. My boyfriend got one of the omelets, and it was delicious. The eggs were so fluffy! The second day I got the french toast with bananas, and my boyfriend got the tater scramble. I could hardly contain myself - they were that good.
The owner is super nice and seems to really get to know his patrons. He also brings you samplings from his bakery. This prompted me to get a scrumptious raspberry-mango tart. I could go on and on about this place. It's easy to miss because it's so small, but make sure you stop by! -
Review from Victoria B.
San Francisco, CA
11/25/2011
Dill bread was phenomenal. I brought it home to my mother and after I jokingly told her I baked it myself, she was so proud, I couldn't tell her the truth after that.
Fantastic pastries and incredible breads.
Pastry flavors you've never thought of, like blueberry mango...
Exellent sweetrolls and baked apple pastries.
I've eaten breakfast here twenty times and it is reliably good.
Reminds me of a small town restaurant where everyone knows you, and the owner will greet you by name on your third visit.
He also runs a little weekend pastry shop at the Allemany Famer's Market right by the gorgeous Afghani (Afghanee?) girls who sell sauces! -
Review from S. C.
San Francisco, CA
9/11/2011
My husband and I decided to check out a new restaurant today and came upon Cafe GoLo based on the yelp reviews.
The food was phenomenal. I ordered eggs, with grilled seasonal vegetables. It was really good. A very huge portion of delicious grilled veggies.
My husband ordered ranchero (mexican dish), and it was one of the best dishes we've had.
The owner chatted with us for a while, and gave us amazing service.
The place is also baby friendly, we came in with a stroller, and went to the patio section, which was really nice.
They bake their own bakery and desserts, which were super yummy.
And, pretty much all their food is from the farmer's market. It was really fresh and good. -
Review from Kurt A.
Long Island City, NY
8/25/2011
A nice breakfast with friendly service. I liked the sweet potato/potato mix. Good-sized portions.
I have to disagree with Yelp's one dollar sign rating, however. Your breakfast will not be under $10 (just my veggie omelet was $9.50). And the day I was there, there were too many tables for the one server, and things got backed up. -
Review from S.Paul R.
San Francisco, CA
3/14/2012
Service/amosphere/food-we're great! If you are ever in SFO areas of North Beach/Wharf area-this is your breakfast spot. The place only holds about 25 people so this is quaint&you really feel like it's a locals spot.....I highly recommend the pastries!
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Review from Jeanette L.
San Francisco, CA
1/20/2012
Really happy with my breakfast this morning. While the space is small, there wasn't a wait and our food was delivered quickly. Their side of fruit is amazing; they give you bananas, pear, apple, persimmon, blueberries, pomegranate seeds, kiwi and blood orange. So awesome! The potatoes were also delicious, with both white potatoes an sweet potato.
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Review from Arya K.
West Hollywood, CA
9/24/2011
What more is there to desire in a breakfast spot?
Amazing sweet potato taters (w/ chicken), coffee cup was NEVER empty (got maybe 5 refills), service by the only 2 servers was unprecedented, fresh ground pepper for breakfast!?
Hangover? Cured -
Review from Larry L.
7/2/2011
Great little brunch spot.
The servers are friendly and generally seem happy to be there (although maybe a little absent minded). My girlfriend had the red white and blue pancakes (strawberry, banana and blueberry) pancakes and I had the breakfast quesadilla. Both were good.
A nice little touch is when you are waiting for your food, they bring you some samples of the pastries. Nothing too big, but enough for you to say "damn, I want to order some of that."
Re absent minded ness - I ordered a tea and it didn't come out until I asked the other server and my girlfriends bacon didn't come out until she asked about it. Not a big deal and it really wasn't a problem or a blemish on the service here.
Oh yeah, the bathroom was amazingly clean. I think it's the cleanest restaurant bathroom I've been to in a long time. -
Review from Jeanette W.
San Francisco, CA
9/19/2011
My best friend and I went to Cafe Golo yesterday after seeing all the great Yelp reviews. We were absolutely blown away by the friendly greeting and great customer service. We read rave reviews of their pigs in a blanket and their potatoes. The best friend ordered the pigs in blankies and loved them. I had the linguica omelette and was so not disappointed. The potatoes (a mix of white and sweet) are delicious. Savory with just a little bit of sweet.
I had to go back this morning to have their Cheese Toasty, served on grilled sourdough with tomatoes (yep, on the breakfast menu). We were eyeing it on the menu yesterday. Its served with their own honey mustard dipping sauce. It was cheesy delicousness. And I, of course, had to order a side of potatoes.
P.B., one of the friendly servers, blends a mixture of coffee beans for the perfect pot of coffee. It cannot be replicated. The owner, John, also extremely friendly, made it a point to learn my name and he was actually my server this morning. You've got a great thing going there, John.
I've found my new regular breakfast place. -
Review from Henry P.
San Francisco, CA
11/6/2011
Great local Marina spot. Inexpensive food, especially for this 'hood, and very friendly staff who I believe are the owners. I recommend the breakfast quesadilla or any of the tater scrambles.
Only downsides to this place are that it is extremely small (sometimes cramped feeling) and service can be slow when there are more than a few tables occupied. -
Review from Mike F.
San Francisco, CA
12/28/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Long overdue review - but this place is just about perfect. My hangover and I go here just about every weekend and neither of us are let down. Between the staff, the menu, the prices and the quality of food - there's nothing to complain about.
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Review from Thomas R.
San Francisco, CA
Fantastic french toast :-) Incredibly friendly owners! Do NOT miss this place.
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Review from Will E.
Brooklyn, NY
8/19/2011
From the minute I walked in, my experience at Cafe Golo was absolutely wonderful. We were served by the owner, John, on a quiet saturday morning. Pastries and bread are baked on site, all ingredients are local, and the food was delicious.
We were given small pieces of fresh pastry to start, still warm from the oven. I had a "tater scramble," which was white and sweet potatoes, onion, pepper, zucchini, mushroom, cheddar and a spicy green salsa. I also added an egg over easy. Everything was cooked perfectly, and everything melded together in a symphony of flavor. One of the best breakfasts I have ever had. My dining partners had a linguica omelet and a chili scramble, both of which were also amazing. Even the toast was out of this world, baked fresh in the back.
This would be enough for a 5star rating, but there's more. The owner spoke to us at great length, talking about his relationship with farmers, where the food comes from, and also his personal background. He spoke of the pleasure he took in feeding people and providing for his family--immediate and extended. We could not have felt more welcome. John's openness and conversation made this a great, great meal, and I can't recommend Golo highly enough.
If you are in the neighborhood, or even across town, you have to make a stop here. John will take excellent care of you. -
Review from Jodie B.
San Francisco, CA
4/1/2011
Whoa whoa whoa whoa! Stop the presses - this place is a-mazing!
The pigs in a blanket were so delicious - 2 slightly spicy pork sausages wrapped with crepes, dusted with powdered sugar - and then syrup for dipping/pouring? Yes please! Seriously, it was so good I almost ordered a 2nd round...
That was the PERFECT serving size. On top of that, the owner, John is wonderfully kind and loves talking shop about food. The place itself is cute, clean, well kept and adorable.
Soooooo I have a new city brunch favorite... Cafe Golo, you've got what it takes. ;-)
It does still have one hoop to go through... since I'd already had one at home, I didnt try a latte...Will have to try that next time... I have a feeling it will only add to the experience.
I might have to go back again tomorrow.... or hell maybe even later today... -
Review from Flora H.
5/25/2011
Very unassuming little place...
We came here after reading all of the positive yelp reviews. It would be a great breakfast place for a couple or a small group of friends (and by small I mean 4 or less - we had 4 people and were at their "largest" table - and it was perfectly adequate space for us, but we are all small...) so keep that in mind when deciding whether or not to come here. But with such a small place comes the ability for above average service on all levels.
Service: Nothing short of amazing. They brought us out pastries to sample while we waited for our friends to arrive, then as soon as they arrived, promptly refilled the plate so that they could have some as well. When my friend and I decided to split two dishes, they offered to split them for us onto our own plates, so we didn't have that do that awkward swapping-halfway-through-the-meal thing. Water glasses were never allowed to empty. When my friend was given a french vanilla instead of capuccino by mistake, she didn't even have to say anything. She made a face after her first sip and they were at the table apologizing and making her a new one before she even had time to realize what was going on.
Food: So, after reading the reviews, we had to get the french toast and the pigs in a blanket. I'm not really a sausage fan, but man, these were good. I almost wished I wasn't splitting it so that I could have both for myself. That being said, I'm not sure that ordering this dish alone would have been enough to fill me up for brunch. I'd recommend ordering your own dish and then splitting this one with someone else.. but I'm am eater :) French toast was good, but didn't stand out as much as the pigs in a blanket did. -
Review from Atif K.
Fremont, CA
6/21/2011
This review is a combination of my friend's analysis of the service and mine of their food.
In short, while you wait for a pretty good breakfast burrito, you will be served tea/coffee and pastries with a smile. That is unbeatable service my friends.
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Me and my friend came here for a good breakfast before we went on a monster hike. We split a breakfast burrito (which comes with eggs, cheese, potatoes, sausage, and bell peppers).
While I waited in the car (no parking available), my friend waited inside while he was served tea and pastries. Oncoming Rant: "WTF, I WANTED THAT SERVICE".
Breakfast Burrito: 4.5/5 - This was a great start to the day. It was filling, and it kept itself together real well. I really wished I had some hot sauce, which would have totally complimented the entree. Oh well, we were in a rush, but I do want to come back.
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I am coming back for another burrito and that service!!! -
Review from Elena P.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 5/21/2011
Still sweet sauce!
This place is so awesome. I took some family from out of town there, and it didn't fail. The fam was super impressed with the food and the people were as nice as ever. Love me some Cafe Golo :)1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/12/2011
The Food:
Blows IHOP, Mels, Squat & Gobble, Crepe-vine/ville out of the H2O.
Eggs in the omelette were… Read more »
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Review from kelly c.
5/2/2011
This place is not a hit and not a miss. Kinda stuck in between. Here's the truth:
1 star for food. I never had tater tots and potatoe with cheese that good before.
1 star for convience - no wait. quick seating.
1 star for staff service. the young staff brought our food out fast and water frequently.
Minus 1 star for being too squishy. I could barely move my chair around the tight space and end up hitting the backs of the family behind me with it. You need to make more room here.
Minus 1 star for staff service. The kind lady(i'm guessing the owner) was working way too slow. We waited so long to get our check.
This place is OK. I guess I would come back for the food. -
Review from Stefanie L.
San Francisco, CA
5/1/2011
Listen closely, Cafe GoLo, because I'm going to lay down some hard truth right now. You have major potential. Your staff is friendly and attentive. Your chefs seem to know their way around brunch food. But you are suffering from what is known as New Restaurant Identity Crisis. I'm here to help.
For one, your waiters don't need to be wearing full-on white uniforms. This isn't an upscale restaurant; most of your menu items are under $12. It looks like you're trying too hard. Tone down the outfits. For two, you need to eliminate at least 3 tables. San Francisco rental space is small enough and we don't all need to crawl on top of each other in order to get to our seats. For three, you need to seriously reconsider your breakfast burrito contents. 90% bell peppers, 5% egg, 2% onion, and 3% boring sausage is not a ratio that I'm cool with. I wanted to reach across the table and steal the avocado from my friend's Denver omelette and the black beans from my other friend's breakfast quesadilla.
You've really got something going with the pastries, though, which I was glad to sample on the tiny plate brought to our table. If you play up the sweets and fix those things I mentioned, you'll be serving hoards of hungover Marina bros in no time. -
Review from Christine A.
Cerritos, CA
2/15/2011
They've got the sweetest lady waiting tables. As we pored over maps and guides, she dropped by our table to discuss places to go off the beaten path.
The cook, overhearing the locations we were interested in, poked his head out to recommend places as well -- particularly the Golden Gate Park bison to watch the unique eco-system.
The food here is delightful. Our server brought samples of the pastries while we waited for our orders. My Monte Cristo, however, was more of a French toast sandwich, as opposed to a fried ham sandwich with powdered sugar.
It's a very friendly, warm local place, and I highly recommend it for breakfast. It's small, but genuinely cozy. -
Review from Claudia F.
Miami, FL
4/14/2011
Only thing to say... Amazing Everything!
John is too sweet and the service...Amazing...
The French Toast with Mascarpone and Honey spread is unforgettable also have to try their potatoes with a mix of Sweet Potateos! Yum!
Definitely one of the BEST Breakfast we have ever had. :) -
Review from Steve W.
Waltham, MA
3/23/2012
Super duper -- beautiful pastries, friendly host. Y'all come!
