- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Red Door Cafe
Categories: Restaurants Breakfast & Brunch Restaurants Cafes Breakfast & Brunch, Cafes
1608 Bush StSan Francisco, CA 94108
Neighborhood: Pacific Heights
(415) 441-1564
- Hours:
Mon, Fri 10:30 am - 1 pm
Sat-Sun 9:30 am - 1:30 pm
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Breakfast, Brunch
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Hipster, Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
John S. said: "Spectacular coffee, friendly staff and very good bagels... yes quality bagels in SF! That alone is reason to go. But seriously, the coffee rivals everything from Blue Bottle to Ritual. I think they use Illy and big props to the…" read more »
546 reviews for Red Door Cafe
Review Highlights
"Best French Toast Josephine( chocolate chip) EVER."
(in 45 reviews)
"And Ahmed definitely deserves a big shout."
(in 135 reviews)
"I ordered the Le Metro Parisian."
(in 12 reviews)
Loading...
546 reviews in English
-
Review from S. Y.
San Francisco, CA
2/6/2012
Oh! Em! Gee!
I came here on the last day of 2011. What an amazing experience and probably one of the most delicious things I've ever eaten!!!
I can't even begin to describe the flavor explosion of Two Titties! I'm not even going to try. You will have to see for yourself.
I can't stop thinking about it!!! And I think I now have a crush on Ahmed! -
Review from Rona Y.
2/6/2012
I'm not even going to rate this place on rudeness... I get that is one of the draws and it is an experience and they have their rules posted so if you are lactose intolerant (as my friend was), you probably shouldn't bother coming because they are just going to be rude and not accommodating.
My rating is purely based on the food and I've had better. I'm not sure if the hype is what makes everyone else rate this place so highly or the fact that it's in their rules to do so....
The french toast was different and good, but not better than other restaurants around the city. It just wasn't memorable or special.
And then I got something that had eggs, cheese, bacon it it. Again good, but then again with those ingredients, you'd really have to try to make it bad.
I'll give credit for presentation and I think that it is an SF experience worth trying (as long as you have no food allergies or preferences of any kind), but I'm never going back and it definitely does not deserve an average 4.5 stars. -
Review from Brandon T.
San Francisco, CA
2/5/2012
Probably the first time I've yelled "cock me!" at brunch. But don't despair, reader: the mouthwatering bacon/gruyere/onion/potato/egg open-faced sandwich I had more than made up for any transient embarrassment.
If you've read other reviews, you've gathered this place is polarizing: that's because this is not really a restaurant in the normal usage of the term. This is more a "your-fabulous-kitch-collecting-cousin-opens-his-h ome-to-breakfast-guests-and-hilarity-ensues" type of establishment. Pluses: awesomely bizarre doll-and-phallus themed decor, incredibly crafted and plated breakfast food, great coffee, intimate setting. Minuses: intimate setting (read: small! there are six 2-person tables in the whole place) and the potential for the more straightlaced members of society to be absolutely mortified.
If you're an easygoing person who takes embarrassment in stride, loves fatty comfort breakfast food and can give as good as you take: this is a great couple (or double-date) breakfast place. If you're a more straightlaced member of society who uses euphemisms for your genitals, this may require some personal growth on your part. If you're a threesome: don't bother (honestly, the atmosphere and logistics of this location all work against large groups; just save it for a time when you're without the third wheel or can fix them up with a buddy). -
Review from Reese K.
San Jose, CA
2/5/2012
WOOOO!!! we made it in with a party of 3! I took the risk thinking that we might as well try it and if it didn't work out then we would go somewhere else, but luckily we made a good impression and the owner said she would let us in only if she got a good vibe from our friend who was joining us, although we couldn't tell him that she was going to be testing us. But we passed! We had to sit at the table for 2 but we had naked ken dolls to play with so it was not a bother at all.
This place is, if anything else, an experience, and the owner is great as long as you're open and friendly. Don't be closed minded of easily offended by crude comments. If you're nice and open this will be the best brunch experience you've probably ever had.
...plus the food is good too! -
Review from Caitlin B.
San Francisco, CA
1/31/2012
Unbelievably rude.
They go through some sort of ridiculous "selection" process to decide if you're fit to dine there. Only in our case, they didn't even bother to do that because we were a party of 3. There are about 10 pieces of paper plastered to the window with rules. One of the rules is that parties of 3 can't be served.
So after we show up at the restaurant and begin reading the rules, we're so confused by the 'no parties of 3' one. There is a group standing right outside (I'm assuming the owners who are supposed to interview us) who see how confused we are, and proceed to laugh loudly in our faces.
I don't even understand the mentality that a place like this has. You have to be somehow 'good' enough to eat here..and you have to come in the proper party size. Unless you want to be interviewed and judged before having a nice breakfast, DO NOT GO HERE.
This is your typical elitist place that believes they are so amazing that they have the right to judge you and question you before you can sit in their restaurant. Sorry, but that's just not working for me. -
Review from Ms. T.
San Francisco, CA
2/3/2012
This is really not a restaurant in the conventional sense. It's more like eating in someone's private home. And that someone is fierce and hilarious! If you are uptight, prissy, a yuppie, or someone with a superiority complex, don't even bother with this restaurant. If, on the other hand, you are ready to crank out some funny banter with your host, and be patient and respectful while you wait for your sexy coffee, you will love it here like I did.
DO NOT TRY TO GET A PARTY OF THREE ON THE LOVE BOAT! You cannot have a party of THREE. Fair warning. -
Review from Sarah H.
Newark, CA
2/1/2012 1 Check-in Here
There are two types of people:
A) You are excited at the thought of holding on to a naked baby doll while standing in line
B) You are horrified at the thought of holding a naked baby doll while standing in line
If you are type B then you shouldn't attempt to eat here. Which is your loss, because you would be missing out on some really incredible food and a unique, fun dining experience. -
Review from Pauline L.
San Francisco, CA
1/29/2012
Be warned, if you faux flake out on me while I'm standing in line for us for almost an hour and show up late afterwards, Ahmed will put the hurt on you and have a slap happy time on your behind. I'm still laughing at the surprised look on my friend Sandy M. when she was spanked for being tardy. OOO, girl, I hope we all learned that lesson, hehe. That being said Ahmed was fabulous, with his pink wig and gold short shorts. I was jealous of the cabbage patch doll being held by the next people in line, but mine was cute too.
I ordered the "Park Your Wife and Taste my Salmon." I'm all about smoked salmon and the mango turmeric sauce sold me on the dish. First off, the dish is huge! I love the 2 sunny side eggs, and the smoked salmon was just right with just the right touch of salty flavors (sometimes people assume all smoked salmon tastes the same, but they are sadly mistaken), and side salad with fresh spinach leaves and sweet corn were drizzled with super yummy dressing. I heart the fresh fruits on the plate, everything on it was sweet! Sandra M. went with The Titties with an order of Nipples to boot, and she loves loves loves the cheese that's in her dish.
Service was all Ahmed, and ladies, check your attitude and yuppy tendencies, cause he doesn't go that way. You must come with positive humor and plenty of it, or you'll get the boot.
Parking is metered around the area, and some 2 hour free parking. -
Review from Bill L.
Antioch, CA
1/29/2012
Ok.. This was the best brunch I've ever experienced. Plus I got to see Sandy M get spanked (See review by Pauline L below).
Today was my first time here and I had a blast. The wait in line was about a hour but my friend and I were thoroughly entertained the whole time by A.D and it went by quickly. You go through an interview process to see if dining here is a fit for you. Just have fun with it and if you're not a jerk, you'll have no problem. I'd recommend reading the rules posted in the windows before hand :-)
The food was exceptional. I had the Roll Your Cuban and not only did it taste fabulous, the plate presentation was amazing.
I forgot the name, but my friend had sunny side up eggs on salmon. He raved about it.
As others have said before.. have an open mind, don't be easily offended by dirty language, expect to wait and just have fun.
I'll be going back.
Thank you A.D for such wonderful morning.
Bill from Antioch -
Review from Kristy W.
San Francisco, CA
2/8/2012
Early on a Sunday morning my SOS & I stood in line awaiting what can only be described as the best breakfast experience ever! The owner was clearly passionate and a complete sweetie about the cafe. It's refreshing to see how much love is really poured into the experience, the food was delicious. Coffee was sexy as promised and the service was like no other. We will definitely be back because I want to try everything on the menu:) 5 giant stars!!!
-
Review from Kasra V.
San Francisco, CA
1/28/2012
The most amazing tasting brunch I had.
Don't go here if you don't have a sense of humor.san Francisco natives will love this place.
"Live, love and be happy " -
Review from Nick R.
San Francisco, CA
1/23/2012
Truly the best brunch experience of my life. The service is a thing of beauty. The food is a thing of art. Come here - it will make your dreams come true.
FYI - we had the French Toast and the Sloppy Vegetarian Whore- AWESOME. -
Review from natalie y.
Palo Alto, CA
1/18/2012 1 Check-in Here
This was the best restaurant experience I've ever had. I came here at 10 in the morning of New Years with my bf because of the wonderful yelp reviews. There was a line outside the door already, but we decided that it should be worth it. After 5 minutes of waiting, AD comes out with his pink wig, gold hot pants, and amazing cowboy boots. He spots us and immediately explains his rules about who he lets in his restaurant - only people who have positive personalities. I was intimidated at first, but his jokes and joyful personality totally lifted my doubts. All the people here who gave one star reviews all have negative energies. The food was SO Amazingly good. It is a work of art.
AD, please continue doing what you're doing. You are amazing, your restaurant is amazing, and your food is amazing. Absolutely. Delicious. Hateful people should not come here. -
Review from Lefteris L.
San Francisco, CA
1/15/2012
Horrible, horrible place!
It doesn't take a genius to realize that this establishment is owned and run by a misanthropic being that really needs help.
Our party of 3 found this on yelp and we thought it would be nice, only to find out that:
"Parties of 3 cannot be served"
Because, hey it's all about turnover, right? Wrong. Apart for that there is an actual LIST of rules that we must comply to before eating here.
Typical SF restaurant that suddenly everyone has to experience because it's "the best". Even though I never ate anything from here (and never will) I know it wouldn't be the best simply because the surroundings and attitudes would irritate me beyond redemption.
So do yourself a favor and stay away from here!
Seriously.
Stay.
Away. -
Review from Heather P.
San Francisco, CA
1/19/2012
Wow I have loved reading all the reviews!!!
I've walked by Red Door many times and am thrilled I finally went. The food is worth every penny and more.
I was with a friend and we figured what it must take to be turned away, which is NOT unassuming and friendly and all I can say is, YOUR LOSS DUDES!! The owner is not a bully, he is sweet and loving and creates a wonderful environment and I can't wait for my Mom to visit again so I can take there.
Thank YOU!!! -
Review from Michelle N.
San Francisco, CA
1/20/2012
Dear Ahmed,
If you're reading this, please don't be offended that my fiance and I haven't been around lately...in fact, for a while. And usually only on weekdays - even though we live literally less than a block away across the street. I'm somewhat crowd-o-phobic, but the times that I have waited in line for your amazing food have been worthwhile!
To the rest of the world, this is how Red Door works. So, like Minako's, Leland Tea Co., Bourbon & Branch, and other establishments around town - Red Door has rules (a social contract, to put it in Lockeian terms). Be sweet, cheerful, open-minded, and patient and you'll be ushered into those scarlet doors in due time and be fed delicious things. Yes, he doesn't like corporate coffee - but you know what? So does every other Mom & Pop business, and quite frankly, it's rude. It's extremely gauche to bring your own beverage or food into an establishment that serves such items. Ask any other small business owner. But if you let yourself go and follow the rules, you'll make a fantastic acquaintance/friend and have an experience that you can talk about for years.
Ahmed can be a little much if you're more reserved - he made my very introverted, nerdy fiance briefly suckle a teat on a mug shaped like a cow udder, which brought the room to applause. But it's seriously all in good fun, and if you can't handle that sort of thing, you should head to a more conventional establishment. The food is fantastic as well - bright, wonderful flavors and adorable garnishes. My favorite is the Havana, personally, but their French Toast Josephine is also to die for. We chose this place as our last meal before our two week trip to Paris last year, and there wasn't a day where I wished I was eating breakfast at Red Door instead of croissants and Camembert.
Dump your ego, chill out, and have fun. Good things come to those who wait! -
Review from Liz S.
1/13/2012
If you have a bad attitude, don't come here.
If you are full of negative energy, don't come here.
If you expect that the cash in your pocket entitles you to be catered to just because, don't come here.
If the word "Cock" on the menu offends you, don't come here.
Because more likely than not, you're not going to get in.
Otherwise, get yourself over to Red Door Cafe and prepare to go on a delightful trip down the Rabbit Hole! Just roll with the punches and get ready to become a part of an impromptu, multifaceted family circus, orchestrated by the ringmaster, A.D.
If you pass the interview and get in (no parties of 3, no Starbucks Latte in hand), you will probably laugh and smile your way through a delicious breakfast, brunch or lunch.
I don't want to recount the entire experience here, because some should be left to the element of surprise when you visit, but let me just say that everyone in there felt like old friends, staff and customers alike. I was sitting next to a woman who confessed that she was a stay-at-home mom and this was her first time out in 2 years. She was teary-eyed as she described how this was the most fun that she had had in recent memory.
We shared the Cuban and the Eggs & Salmon (with much more clever names than I can recall here). Both delicious, spicy, and full of life like our experience there.
I feel that as a seasoned Yelper and diner in San Francisco, I have done myself a disservice by not stopping in before today. I can't wait to make up for it by coming back very soon! -
Review from Iris W.
San Francisco, CA
1/21/2012 1 photo
I came here for the first time a few months ago. I waited about an hour and a half in line but it was worth it. Watching and interacting with the owner is awesome live entertainment. The food was amazing. I had the two titties with nipples which is two delicious tacos with fried eggs on top. Amazing flavors and very filling.
I came again three weeks ago. This time I got there at 9:25 so I didn't have to wait as long. I witnessed the birth of one of the one star reviews. This woman with a horrible attitude exploded at A.D. while he stayed very calm and simply told her that he could tell she wasn't going to like it here. She stormed off in a huff and the girl standing behind her in line and I bonded. I ended up joining her and her friends at the four top and we enjoyed a wonderful meal together. My new friend and I shared a Havana and a French toast. Amazing!!
I came back the following weekend sat AND Sunday and each time brought one of my closest friend with me and each time had a fun time and a delicious meal. I finally tried the roll my Cuban which is awesome!
I will be back this weekend for sure. I am quickly becoming a regular. Love this place!!! -
Review from Michelle Z.
Torrance, CA
1/9/2012
This review is for service only.
This restaurant was our first stop during our trip to SF. There were so many glowing reviews that we decided we really wanted to try the restaurant out. I did see a good amount of 1 star reviews but I figured that people have off days and maybe they were having a bad day and it affected their experience at the restaurant but WOW how they were spot on. I cannot understand how any self respecting person will take crap from a person let alone hand over their money after. He told me that if "I had a problem with his rules then I should just leave" and I needed to prove to him why I should be allowed to eat at his restaurant. I have never dealt with such ridiculousness in my life. I will gladly take myself somewhere else I'm just really disappointed that I had to ever meet someone like that ever in my life and I hope that I never do again.
Edit: I added the message he sent me cause it is so hilarious that he wrote back
Hi Michelle,
A. M. has sent you a message on Yelp:
Glad you decided to leave
"Read your pathetic review and decided to write back and say : thank you for doing us all a favour and leaving cause you look like a downer and would have sucked all the fun energy out of me.
Well, people who take themselves so seriously should not be traveling to begin with. You mentioned that your first restaurant experience in S.F was at Red Door . Well, the truth is I bet all your restaurant experiences on this trip will probably be all the same.
When I stepped back outside to talk to the other couples and realized you were gone I looked up at the sky and said : "thank you gay Buddha she is gone".
By the bitterness of your review I realized that my first impression of you was right...... Boring and a misfit for the place. Truth is, I did not like you at all
Good luck with your precious dollar elsewhere my dear snobby missy."
Really why anyone would want to help a man like this stay in business is absolutely beyond me. Thanks for the reply! You really made my night more interesting. Oh how insightful you are you got me all figured out and A+ for your ability to google since we only interacted for less than a minute. Haha but seriously this has been fun.
You took a look at my designer shoes and bag and decided that you knew every aspect about me and my personality. How could you be so quick to judge? Anyone who has ever been discriminated by how they look knows that it feels like shit especially over something so trivial like a bag but here you are perpetuating hate.Comment from A. M. of Red Door Cafe 1/9/2012
Lol, you cracked me up my little suburban and unexposed… More » -
Review from Benjamin K.
Oakland, CA
1/8/2012
This place has their priorities out of wack. I tried to go here with two friends over the weekend and when I got there, my friend who had been waiting in line was no where to be found. She said she had waited in line, the owner was going through the line asking about the sizes of the parties. When he got to her, she told him she was a party of 3, and that her 2 friends were parking. He said he hated parties of 3 and that he hopes we won't be bitchy. After she asked him to explain, they did not get along and he sent her to Mel's and told her they serve breakfast there.
The owner contacted me and said he was joking and that she didn't get it, that she wasn't a good fit for his restaurant and that his restaurant isn't for the conservative types. He apparently considers gay people and their friends, all of which who are involved in musical theatre, pride, drag shows, and cabaret conservatives. What a joke.
My deal is this, if you are going to joke with your customers, that is absolutely your prerogative. But if one of them gets offended and upset, it is your responsibility to apologize and figure out a way to make it right. And if you are going to be a jerk and send someone away, you can absolutely expect some bad yelp reviews.
Mel's was fantastic actually, you should go there.Comment from A. M. of Red Door Cafe 1/10/2012
Correction my dear Ben, This place does not have it's… More » -
Review from Kayla G.
San Francisco, CA
1/8/2012
The Soup Nazi has nothing on Ahmed.
If you don't have a sense of humor, don't come to Red Door Cafe. If you have a fear of creepy dolls, don't come to Red Door Cafe. The place is filled with them.
The owner feeds who he wants, when he wants, and has no problem turning people away for no reason other than he doesn't like their personality. You will have to impress him with your wit to earn your way inside. The upside: you feel like you're having brunch in someone's home rather than a restaurant, and you'll get a hug when you leave.
You'll probably have to wait in line, but if you are patient and respectful he'll bring you snacks while you wait, ask your name, get to know you, and let you touch his penis necklace. If you are an attractive gay man, probably more than the necklace.
- The food here is worth the wait. Absolutely spectacular, cuban/latin inspired dishes. Order anything with the smoked salmon in it.
- You'll meet fun, interesting people in line while you wait.
- The signs outside, house rules, and dish names are brutally honest and hilarious. I'm not going to ruin them for you by sharing the details here.
- Do NOT come with any more than 4 people. There are 6 tables in this place.
Ask Ahmed how he keeps his legs so toned, and you're guaranteed to have a breakfast you'll never forget. -
Review from Juliana K.
Lakeside, San Francisco, CA
1/25/2012
Yelp reviewers convinced me to go here, now I hope I can do you all a favor, and persuade you to check this place out! Went on a weekday morning so there wasn't too much of a wait. Ahmed was SO funny. Talk about entertainment.
Please note: If you don't have a sense of humor - DON'T go HERE.
Ahmed's sarcasm is to die for. The menu looked amazing. Ordered the two titties. SO much flavor and deliciousness. I think it was about $12 for the dish and the portion was huge. The fresh orange juice is tasty as well.
It's hard to find a place with good entertainment, service, and food. but this is it.
Can't wait to be back! I want to bring all my friends and family to this place. -
Review from Saba S.
Mountain View, CA
1/2/2012
Waited an hour on the sidewalk before we were told it was going to be another 2-3 hrs. I'll give it to the hostess; extravagantly flamboyant with energy and pizzazz and he was giving out dolls as seat reservations??? Fun and interesting. It is SF people.
The issue I have, is a great BFAST place the size of a studio with 4 tables??? About 25 people outside equates to a 3 hour wait. Just a heads up. Wasn't worth the 30 min walk. I doubt I will try it again, but we shall see. -
Review from Cody F.
San Leandro, CA
1/3/2012
Hands down, one of the best breakfasts ever. I had the "Park Your Wife and Taste my Salmon." Mind you, I was with my wife, and Ahmed made sure to point this out. The dish was incredible, big and filling, super delicious and complex, but not heavy at all
Having moved to California from Tennessee around five years ago, this was by far my most "SF" experience yet. Ahmed is gracious and entertaining and certainly makes you feel welcome, though only after he has accepted your presence in his line.
My wife and I ate here the first day of 2012 and will certainly be coming back, just might get in line a little early, camp out or something, like Bieber is in town and we have all come down with the fever. Worth the trip from any Bay Area Locale. -
Review from William C.
Minneapolis, MN
1/7/2012
I spent the new year in San Francisco and one of my friends spotted the high scores for the Red Door Cafe which had us intrigued. We knew we had to go for brunch after reading a large amount of comments describing a dark featured man named Ahmed with beautiful, voluminous locks reminiscent of a lion's mane. I can attest that these descriptions were accurate.
I am happy we did our homework on Yelp because we were ready for the obligatory interview. Ahmed was wearing a vest with no shirt underneath and silver shimmering booty shorts. After exchanging some sass talk, we were given dolls to hold until we were seated (we were a group of 5).
The menu was overtly sexual (I ordered le big cock) and the food was delicious. My advice is to arrive early to beat the lines, bring your sense of humor and recognize that you are paying partly for the crazy experience.
From what I have read, you can avoid issues by making sure your entire group is waiting in line (I wouldn't bring kids) and don't drink coffee from a national chain. -
Review from Kayla A.
New York, NY
1/13/2012
Make sure to "check your attitude at the door," mentally prepare for a one-on-one interview, and hold the toy doll (often scantily clad, or contorted into a raunchy position) he gives you as you wait for your table, for Ahmed makes his point clear: he can't serve you unless he loves you, meaning, listen to what he says, or no entry admitted.
This small café squishes in 12, allowing only two to a table, the borderline cramped table arrangement almost encouraging eavesdropping, to the point where 98% of the couplets sitting next to each other are bound to have at least one short conversation.
The food emerged from the kitchen as a colorful spread of pinks, greens, blues, and yellows, as a result of the various fruits arranged around the plate and drink umbrellas stabbed into your toast. I ordered the French Country, an egg, sausage, and cheese combo, on a piece of toast. The scramble was tasty, but fairly average, apart from being heavy on the cheese, and the toast, absolutely unrippable. My boyfriend ordered a generously proportioned smoked salmon sandwich, which he really enjoyed.
But really, what we paid for was not only the food, but the experience. Knowing you endured several trials of screening for this meal makes you enjoy it even more, and sitting in close proximity to five other groups of people, with the knowledge you all survived Ahmed's interrogation and have now gained his respect, creates a community within the café in a way that no other restaurant can. -
Review from John L.
San Jose, CA
12/30/2011 1 Check-in Here
The food = very good
The service = amazing
The owner = very nice and flirty ( I LOVE IT!)
The line = long (save it for a day you have nothing that's time constricted)
This is just one of those thing you have to experience. The owner was magical. Even though the wait was long, he made it entertaining. He spend most of his time in the kitchen, the other half he would come out and joke with us, laugh, and just be sweet. I don't know how he does it. It's looks exhausting.
He said he would let us order the coffee now so that we can have something to drink while we waited. He also passes out dolls for us to play with while we wait. hahaha. What a day!
Coffee was darn good too. -
Review from Ryan C.
Boynton Beach, FL
2/6/2012
First and foremost, I've never felt the need to review a place on Yelp before this. It was that good of an experience.
--Skip to the bottom for the bottom line, or continue reading for more details.--
My Fiance and I were in San Francisco for the second time. We got engaged on our first visit two ears ago, and this time we were getting married. We of course wanted to eat at the very best places and when we needed a place for breakfast, we checked Yelp, leading us to the Red Door Cafe.
I read reviews on here and we knew that we had to check this place out, it just seemed to fit an artsy and kind couple like ourselves.
Some of the reviews seemed scary, but you'll also notice a certain attribute to people who didn't review this place positively. They are rude, impatient and snobby.
This is not a diner, or a restaurant. This is Ahmed's kitchen. You need to realize that you are essentially being invited over and he is offering to cook you delicious food. And you should treat it just as that and be very thankful. If you think or feel you are entitled to anything or feel that you are a 'customer' rather than a guest, you need to rethink this.
Ahmed invited us in, and hands down, this was the greatest experience we had ever had. It was casual, playful, funny and pleasant all around. We each got Orange Juice, which was the best Orange Juice I've ever had (Strawberry!)
I had the French Toast Josephine. I don't usually like French Toast, but I was in mood for breakfast and something told me, if I was I was gonna have it anywhere, it should be here.
This was the best freakin' thing I've ever eaten. It was just so darn good. French Toast with Almonds, a whole Banana, Syrup, Strawberries, Blue Berries and a whole lot of love.
My Wife had the Mexidilla, which was completely Vegetarian. It was a breakfasty Quesadilla with scrambled eggs and other goodness inside. Totally not something I would eat but let me tell you... I had a bite and this thing was also spectacular. I usually taste whatever my Wife orders (which is usually quite different from me, or vegetarian or whatever) and for the most part I like it, but I always stick to what I eat. But this, this was awesome. I don't like scrambled eggs but man, I almost wanted to order a Mexidilla for myself after I finished my French Toast. The food was just so good.
Ahmed was a pleasure to be around. We truly felt like we were having a nice breakfast with a very talented close friend who was nice enough to cook delicious food for us. I can't think of a better way to summarize the experience than that. We couldn't stop talking about it. It not only made us smile for the rest of the day but is one of the fondest memories we have of San Francisco - and we were engaged and Married there! We will absolutely return to SF, and to the Red Door to Ahmed and to hopefully be fed wonderful food again. This place is the best place to start your day, fix your mood and just have a great, great time.
I had second thoughts about writing this, especially this detailed because I'm afraid Yelp may attract the wrong kind of people to this Gem, but I also felt the need to express just how lovely this place is.
--Bottom Line---
It's one thing to make good food. And another to make food good. Ahmed makes food good. Simple as that. -
Review from Dan W.
Park City, UT
1/30/2012
The most unbelievable food and service I can describe! If you have a tight ass or an uptight girlfriend, you need to chill out an decide if you want to be here and have fun.
My food was "explode in the mouth" type f stuff.........hot and spicy with fresh fruit and cool flavors.
You have to wait in line to get in, but once you're in, you're golden!
I had the "Roll my Cuban" and it was unbelievable....a combination of fresh, hot spicy, fruity and well balanced flavors.
I've read some of the critic's and my response is "grow up", if you can't deal with it, get the "f" out, you're uptight assholes, get over it.
This place is amazing food, you'll be blown away! -
Review from Sean F.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 1/18/2012
Glad to be back! I love reading the one star reviews on here, comedy gold mine.
This time I got to the play the penis ring toss, but I didn't get any of them on :(1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
10/4/2010
This place is a real gem. The Roll my Cuban was as fresh as I've ever tasted, and delicious to boot!… Read more »
-
-
Review from Alexia V.
Los Angeles, CA
1/16/2012
I was visiting the Bay for my New Years trip vacation. We were lucky to listen to the awesome Yelpers who recommended Red Door Cafe as THE place to have breakfast.
It's super nice to have such great people around while enjoying a meal like if we were at home. Ahmed is the best! This is by far the most fabulous, funny and welcoming breakfast I've had. Even if you're away from home, you won't feel like it at Red Door.
Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU. Much much love from SoCal to the staff at Red Door! The food is amazing and the service is beyond any expectation.
And haters: there's a reason you didn't get in. You tell them, Ahmed. -
Review from Meixing L.
San Francisco, CA
1/30/2012
It was a one of kind experience only to be had in San Francisco!
The food was excellent and the whole atmosphere put my friend and I in a fun mood for the rest of the day.
I can understand why some may be offended, but as long as you don't take yourself too seriously you will enjoy the host (A.D.)
The line is long but time flies when you are having fun!!! -
Review from Erin B.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 1/23/2012
Great food, as per usual. I don't live in the 'hood anymore or else I would be in here way more often. My grandma came into the city with me from Petaluma and she LOVED it. Such a community atmosphere - it's really like having brunch in a friend's living room with great new people to talk to. Ahmed, my grandmother LOVED that you LOVED her hair. Hopefully she'll be back with my grandpa and me and omg who will be our fourth!?!?! Thanks for showing her a side of the city they don't get to see too often. :)
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
12/29/2009
I went today with friends and got the 14th street wrap. The presentation was awesome, with salad and… Read more »
-
-
Review from Jessie R.
San Francisco, CA
2/3/2012
The Love Boat. Come aboard! Prepare to leave your grumpy attitude at home, bring an open heart and mind, and you will not be disappointed. In fact, you are bound to leave with a smile on your face. This place is a blast if you just let yourself enjoy it. People complain about the rules, but frankly, they are not unreasonable and the result is your neighbors while you eat will be nice, fun, appreciative people instead of snobs. And the food...oh my gosh...the food is SO GOOD. Some of the most unique brunch options I've seen in a long time. Bringing in the best of Cuban, Mexican, American, and Fabulous, the menu is just awesome and you really can't go wrong. Bonus points for the world's most entertaining and sweet host you will ever meet. LOVE IT!
-
Review from Christine C.
Arcadia, CA
12/15/2011
The French Toast Josephine is amazing here. I don't usually order french toast but since everyone was raving about it on yelp, I figured it was definitely worth a shot. And wow, so good! The almonds and fruit and "hint of seduction" on the french toast comes together wonderfully, making every bite crunchy, sweet and fluffy.
I tried my sister's order, which was Le Big Cock, and it was one of the best breakfast burritos I've ever had; it's one of the best breakfast burritos my sister has ever had. It was also incredibly filling and my sister could not finish it. People with big appetites won't be disappointed by the portions at this place.
The service is great. The host/server is constantly moving through the room, making sure everyone is fed and comfortable. He's really funny in this adorably outrageous way. He's also the only one taking care of everyone, which looks rather overwhelming since he'll manage anywhere from 5-6 tables at a time. But he does it very well and I doubt anyone felt neglected during their dining experience.
I had a really wonderful time here and I really can't wait to go back and try everything else on the menu! -
Review from Sharon B.
12/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
Just had one of the most amazing experiences here.
First of all, if you're in a rush, don't come here. They don't have a lot of tables so you will find yourself waiting to see who's leaving to anticipate a table.
Second, you will NEED to pass the interview by the owner, who will shock you in more ways than one, but if you go with the flow, will have your a$$ laughing and pee in your pants.
Third, you will definitely find yourself having hair envy, because dude's hair is gorgeous, I don't care if you're straight or gay, his hair is FABULOUS and according to him, his legs are too.
I ordered the "Two Titties" and damn, that plate was SLAMMIN. I couldn't tell you what was in it, but it had two perfectly fried eggs (hence, two titties) sitting atop a bed of red onions, crisp bits of bacon, arugula, ham (?) in a taco, all to be squeezed with a lemon slice. Damn, I'm full, but my mouth waters just thinking of it. While eating it, my head was bent over my plate to keep taco in place and when I finally came up for air (according to my friend), I was just too amazed on how delicious that was, I was speechless.
The coffee had me wired and laughing way too much at dude's crazy stories.
I had a great time and seriously, if you have a stick up your butt, don't come here, he'll seriously kick you out. -
Review from robot m.
Elk Grove, CA
1/20/2012
At first I was getting self-conscious waiting in line for brunch, thinking of every Christian Lander-penned stereotype we were fulfilling. A line tended by a man in gold lame hot pants and cowboy boots on a brisk Sunday morning who apologizes for the wait, brings you coffee and disturbing dolls to hold reassured me that our wait in line wasn't an aimless exercise in typical white hipster culture. And so went our first venture into the Red Door Cafe.
Frankly, the more I read about the owner, the more I like him. He genuinely cares about the customer experience, wants it to be unique and fun, and he's honest about the party of 3 rule. We were never treated like we should have been in awe just to be in their presence by any of the staff. In fact, it was some of the most wonderful custom service we've ever experienced. The young lady who waited on our table went above and beyond for us. We slipped out after paying the bill, and the owner came running down the block to thank us. Geez, can't say I've ever had that happen. Frankly, I'm grateful he gracefully screens for cranky assholes who ask for lemon in their water. Who wants that buzzkill ruining your brunch?
We didn't bother to read a single review or even the rules before showing up. Does that mean we are cool? Hell no, and I would have been guilty of breaking a few of them had he not been serving coffee to the line while blasting a perfect Sunday morning mix of music (Elvis, Dusty Springfield, McFadden & Whitehead). It just gave us a chance to talk, do research about useless facts on our phones and pose for pictures with our creepy dolls.
And frankly, the food is just that damn good. I would kill a homeless drifter for the french toast josephine. The salmon/spinach/tortilla concoction my other half ordered was divine. Lots of fresh fruit and the coffee was plentiful. Plus a perfectly blended chai latte. The decor and vibe inside is what I would expect John Waters to come up with should he give up film and dedicate himself to serving brunch. By far, this was the best SF experience we've had in ages. -
Review from Carly O.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 1/11/2012
For him to seriously call me "Jersey Shore" is hilarious. I spoke to him kindly at first-even when I first went in and asked if there was a list to put my name on. When he approached, I answered his questions, and when his discriminatory comment "You're not the right fit for this restaurant" came out, (similar to another review here on yelp where he told a customer "your kind doesn't fit in here") is when I got angry, and in my opinion, rightfully so. And tell me "Dear Ahmed" what is the joke in "How many are in your party?" Sounds like a question to me. I'm a liberal, tolerant person who was head judge of Gay Pride. My judgement is that your cliquey establishment is a bullying establishment and should not be tolerated in a city that represents acceptance and love. You are not accepting Ahmed. You are a bully. People like you and me get bullied every day across the world for being members of a Queer society. Why turn around and do it to someone else? Does it make you feel good? Does it make you FEEL POWERFUL? And P.S. Not everyone has time to read yelp. They look at the star rating, and decide to give it a try. None of us KNEW you had such a stick up your ass, or else we wouldn't have come in the first place and wasted our place in line.
I agree- joke all you want. But if you offend someone, it shows CHARACTER if you try to make it right. Mean Girls is for high school. Get out of High School and get out of this city. You're a bully. Bullies never win in the end. And in this case, I will make sure of it.1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
1/7/2012
"I don't think this restaurant is the right fit for you."
The Story:
I was going to meet friends for… Read more »
-
-
Review from Jing S.
San Jose, CA
12/31/2011
The hubby and I were in the city early this morning to attend the Asian Art Museum's bell ringing ceremony. It has become an annual New Year's eve tradition for us, even though it was quite a trip from our South Bay abode.
Anyway after the event, this preggo girl has become quite ravenous and craved something new, sweet and different for brunch. (The hubby suggested eating in the museum cafe but I was a bit overpowered by my craving and nothing looked appealing to me in their menu.)
So where to find brunch fare that's new and different in SF? Why Yelp, of course. And Red Door Cafe has quite the high rating. So why not? Though I didn't read the reviews thoroughly and missed the "interview" part by the proprietor himself, AD/Ahmed. This is because I saw the words "French Toast Josephine" right away on some of the reviews and everything fell to the wayside. (That's how this pregnant lady is these days, the stomach takes precedence over the brain everytime. XD)
Unfortunately, we came a bit late. There's already a long line of people waiting to get in when we got there. AD/Ahmed was out "interviewing" people when we stood in line and he informed us that the people in front of us were supposed to be the last in line. But he graciously said we can come in since the people in front of us have decided to get their food to-go. He also informed us that the wait would be around 2 hours or so. We thanked him and thought about whether to stay or not.
The hubby asked me if I was really set on this place. Well, I've decided what to eat and once I decided I'm not gonna budge. So we stuck it out but ordered to-go instead. Hence, part of the reason I'm giving it a four rating since my experience of the place is incomplete. So bear in mind that I only got to experience the food (French Toast Josephine and Mexidilla) minus the dining in part.
But we did caught a glimpse of how AD/Ahmed interacted with the people waiting in line. He is gracious and quite funny. Again, we "escaped" the interview by getting the food to-go so I don't know if he'll turn on the sass on us. But watching him work the crowd is really amusing and something new.
We don't know about the dolls but when he came out with them and started distributing them to people in line, he took the time to explain to us what they were all about. "Oh the dolls are some sort of tickets to get in that I give to people to carry around, but since you guys are not eating in, you don't get them." I thought that's a quirky way to keep people even more entertained while waiting. But like one reviewer wrote previously, if you hate Chuckie or is afraid of un-cute dollies, you may not want to get in line.
There were a couple of people who stood behind us and I had to tell them that we were the last in line. When AD/Ahmed came out again, he talked to one of them, apologized and said that the cafe will be closing soon (it was nearing 1:30pm) and so he can't really accommodate people anymore.
As for our to-go food, we got them pretty quickly. The French Toast was quite tasty. I ate it on the drive home and left nothing (So lucky I'm a passenger on this trip...lol). The hubby ordered the Mexidilla but didn't get the salsa even on the side since he's such a coward when it comes to spicy food. (Just a little bit of heat in his food and he couldn't eat it. I sometimes tease him it's a serious affliction. XD) But he ate all his food without complaints.
Would I go back here and try again? I might when I'm in the city and it's going to be my first stop before doing anything else. Perhaps on that day, I'll be lucky enough to get in line early, pass the "interview", get to eat inside the cafe and enjoy the ambiance that everyone here is raving about! -
Review from J E.
San Diego, CA
12/12/2011
We were visiting SF from San Diego and I was anxious to come here but I was a little intimidated after reading the other reviews and nervous that we weren't going to get in. We got there about 45 minutes before they opened, were the first in line, and were actually there before Ahmed got there so he gave us the run down as he was on his way in.
I was so nervous I was going to screw up that I was very quiet but luckily he liked my wife right away and we were given a couple dolls to hold, which meant we were in. Still, I was afraid I was gonna screw up somehow and get them revoked. The word "epic" is definitely over used but there is no better way to describe what I ate here. I got the bacon boogie and my wife got the chocolate french toast. I almost couldn't enjoy my food because it was hurting me to see it disappear knowing I didn't know when I would be back to SF to come here again. I cant even describe what it was like, i just have a feeling of "WTF was that??!?!?"
I was excited to see cholula, rather than tabasco, but after taking my first bite I decided to forego it because the delicate flavors were already perfect and I did not want to ruin it. I'm anxiously looking forward to going back.
