Cheap Diners Around San Francisco

By Kate Freeman

Dining out on a budget can seem contradictory. We've put together some great diner finds around San Francisco, that will satisfy both your stomach and your wallet.

Cafe Mason

320 Mason Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 544- 0320
Hours: Daily, 24 hours
Website & Reviews

Cafe Mason offers tons of delicious items 24-hours a day. This tenderloin diner should be your late-night stop after a night out. The restaurant has many booths-- making it great for groups and the service is very fast. Try one of their many omelets, which come with a generous serving of seasoned potatoes. We recommend the Salmon deluxe omelets with avocado.

Squat & Gobble Cafe & Crepery

Five locations in the city
2263 Chestnut Street
San Francisco, CA 94123
(415) 441- 2200
Hours: Daily, 8 a.m.- 10 p.m.
Website & Reviews

Squat & Gobble Cafe & Crepery is how the Marina does diners. The European feel and excellent food draws many people to this popular brunch spot. But be prepared to wait in line to place your order, and on a busy today it can take nearly 30 minutes to get your food. However, the waitstaff comes by regularly to refill your coffee and you may be able to grab a table outside. Try the crab cake florentine or the South of the Boarder omelets.

Fog City Diner

1300 Battery Street
San Francisco, CA 94111
(415) 982-2000
Hours: Mon to Thurs 11:30 a.m. – 10 p.m.; Fri 11:30 a.m. – 11 p.m.; Sat 10:30 a.m. – 11 p.m.; Sun 10:30 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Website & Reviews

This near waterfront diner occupies an unusual space- wedged between Embarcadero and financial district high-rises, it's a great spot for brunch, lunch or dinner. Stop by for dinner and enjoy some small plates to share, such as mac and cheese, sweet corn fritters and crispy brussel sprouts.

Manor Coffee Shop

321 W Portal Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94127
(415) 661- 2468
Hours: Mon to Sat 7:30 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Website & Reviews

This West Portal coffee shop serves home-style comfort food at reasonable prices. Try their diner staples, which are done right at this place: burger and fries, waffles, hash browns or French toast. Enjoy the friendly, service reminiscent of a small town corner diner.

Dottie's True Blue Cafe

522 Jones Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
Hours: Mon, Wed to Sunday 7:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.
(415) 885- 2767
Website & Reviews

Dottie's is another great diner in the Tenderloin area, Dottie's has a big following among people who've tried their great American diner-style food. Try one of the many varieties of pancakes like raspberry cornbread, and be sure to get a side of cornbread with jalapeno jelly if you order an egg dish.