Who doesn’t like brunch? A mix between two of the best meals simply can’t mean something bad. And it definitely doesn’t at one of SF’s hottest brunch joints – Mama’s. Neighbor to Washington Square Park, Mamas is a small, charming and relatively obscure restaurant…save for the mile-long line that congregates outside at pretty much any hour of the day. If you want a tip: be extreme. Save yourself from the wait and head there either after 1pm, or as early as you can.

While breakfast is the meal to eat there, their famous Monte Cristo sandwich is available all day long. Waiting in line for over an hour in the blistering sun was not the highlight of my experience and next time I go I will most definitely save time and head there later.

Despite the wait, the food inside was not to disappoint. I ordered the famous Monte Cristo sandwich – a combination of turkey, ham, cheddar and gruyere cheese all deliciously wrapped up in egg battered bread and served with homemade jam. I really liked the combination of sweet jam, and savory sandwich. Definitely not something I’ve tried before. The sandwich was served with house-roasted potatoes, which were a tasty addition to the meal.

The hectic waiters and chefs made for a quick meal, but despite the rushed atmosphere Mama’s is definitely a place I plan on returning. If you have time to kill in SF and find yourself craving brunch, head to Mama’s and enjoy the experience!