A Guide to 24 Hour Restaurants in San Francisco

I loathe witty introductions so let's just get right down to brass tacks. You're up long after the sun has gone down in San Francisco and you need to go somewhere where you can pay money to sit down and have someone make food for you and then bring it to you and then take away the remnants. SF is definitely not a "city that never sleeps", in fact you'll find most of it turns in quite early. Anyway, I've experienced most of what few restaurant options there are in my time here and I'm taking it upon myself to try to help. So, on we go -

Sparky's Diner
242 Church Street
415-626-8666

On the sidewalk outside of Sparky's there's a sign proclaiming that it's perhaps the only place in the world where you can sip a root beer float while listening to Prince and George Michael. I took that as a hearty endorsement to keep on moving. I'm a straight dude, though, if you are not then your mileage may vary. If Culture Club blasting on the stereo while you down diner food at 2 A.M. sounds like your thing, you'll find this place just across from the Safeway on Market Street near Church.

Pinecrest Diner
401 Geary Street
415-885-6407

Ugh. Overpriced, an almost complete lack of service and the food is hell of generic. Once the lacksadaisical waitress seats you she'll return to sitting up front and staring out the window and will never come near your table again unless you yell at her and jump up and down, perhaps flinging silverware. Expect to pay $10 or more for a mediocre plate of a mediocre size of typical greasy American diner food. This place is open all night solely because of drunk trendy club kids with more money than sense. Oh, and I hope you didn't drink too much cause they ain't got no bathroom. Screw the Pinecrest Diner. For my money the Jack In The Box right across the street is a preferable choice.

International House of Pancakes
2299 Lombard Street
415-921-4004