I asked on Twitter for suggestions on where to dine in SF, and someone told me to go to Dottie’s True Blue Cafe. Noticing how close it is to SFG’s place of work, I suggested that we go there for breakfast one morning before he had to work. Unfortunately, due to a timing issue, there was a huge line when we arrived. After 5 minutes of waiting on an unmoving line, we decided to find another place nearby. Using our smartphones – which are kind of stupid, given the initial suggestions we turned up – we found Little Griddle and quickly walked over.
About the size of a small diner or a large coffee shop – which is what Little Griddle is – I was happy to see the casual space, with lots of different choices for coffee, and a case of bagels. OMG bagels outside of NYC! SFG ordered the weekend recovery sandwich – apple smoked bacon, avocado, cage free eggs scrambled, & tillamook pepperjack – because he didn’t want a lot of food to bog him down before work. We both didn’t realize it came with hash browns though and I was amused by how huge the plate turned out to be. I’m sure he enjoyed it – I didn’t try any.
I was lured in by the idea of avocado and sour cream, so I ordered the ultimate hash browns, with three types of cheese. While the hash browns were crispy and seasoned nicely, the parts with cheese on them were a bit too much since the cheese hadn’t melted and were sort of just clumps of warm, not fully gooey cheese. I ate around most of that and just enjoyed the rest of my plate quite a bit… super tasty! And super filling. I really needed a long walk after this… thankfully that was exactly what I had planned for the day.
I really enjoyed Little Griddle and can imagine them being packed in the early morning hours and for lunch – it’s the perfect spot when you work in the area. I would totally go back for other things, if I’m in the area… very casual, low key spot that I’d be happy to call my local breakfast spot.
CheeeeEEEEse says
My love of hashbrowns is unparalleled! I just wish avocados were more a thing on the east coast (best coast) for breakfast… (forget brunch).
Feisty Foodie says
Whatever coast I’m on is the best coast, doll 😉
I agree though – avocados don’t enjoy quite the same popularity here as they do in Cali (as you can see by my past few posts of ordering avocado on everything).
I know you live on the other side of the island now, but there’s a diner in Hell’s Kitchen that has a breakfast plate with avocado on it. I posted about it a while ago… It’s super far west though but that dish was slammin’. Think it was a benedict…
Stephanie says
I found a company here called Einstein Bros Bagels and their bagels are actually okay! They’re only opened from 7-3 though. Other than that, I don’t think I’ve seen bagels around here. Shame. =(
I don’t know why, but your post reminds me of Honey Honey Cafe in Union Square. Have you been there?
CheeeeEEEEse says
I’ve seen Einstein’s in New jersey before. They were pretty good bagels.
Stephanie says
Just did a search. Their locations in Jersey are places that I normally wouldn’t head to so that’s why I’ve never seen them! but yeah, not too bad if I’m craving out here. =)
Feisty Foodie says
I have not. Any good? Also, Einstein Bros. is in NYC as well – there used to be one close to where I live which is now Forest Hills Bagel, but their bagels are really good so. Not sure where Einstein originated though or if the one where you are is related to the one over here on the East Coast.
Stephanie says
Oh, Einsteins is originally from NY! (Looked it up.)
Honey Honey is alright. They have breakfast and lunch and are known for their crepes. It’s more like an order on line and they bring your food out to you. Not really any service.
Dessert Zombie says
I have not seen Einstein’s outside of airports.
Wiki says it all started with Boston Chicken/ Boston Market and they expanded by buying out other bagel stores.
Feisty Foodie says
Oh, that’s exactly how the service was here. You bring a thing with a letter on it to your table and they bring it to you. It didn’t take long though.
Dessert Zombie says
Hooray for bagel sandwiches!!
And I really enjoy that style of home fries. My local diner serves it like that. When it’s covered in hot sauce and runny egg yolk from my sunnysides, I’m lovin’ it!
Feisty Foodie says
Shredded potatoes? I always look for them in the frozen section – frozen shredded potatoes are great to add to soups, stir fries, or make hash browns… Trader Joe’s has something similar but they’re fried a little first so the flavor is different. Hehe.
hungry says
No good bagels in Cali? Gasp! I don’t know if I could ever live there then…but all the fresh produce. What to do, what to do…when I’m old.
Feisty Foodie says
I don’t believe anywhere outside of NYC makes really good bagels. I’m a snob like that. Montreal bagels are different.