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✔️Breakfast ✔️Brunch ✔️Lunch ✔️Dinner ✔️Dine in ✔️Take out ✔️Delivery
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Cozy eatery serving French, Creole, and Southern cuisine, including beignets and po’ boys.
Hours
| Thursday | 8 AM–8 PM |
| Friday | 8 AM–8 PM |
| Saturday | 8 AM–8 PM |
| Sunday | 8 AM–8 PM |
| Monday | 8 AM–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 8 AM–3 PM |
| Wednesday | 8 AM–8 PM |
Address and Contact Information
Address: 652 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94102
Phone: (415) 345-8100
Website: http://www.frenchsoulfood.com/
Menu Photos
Order and Reservations
Order: Order online
Photo Gallery
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Reviews
Jean Explores & Reviews
I tried this spot for Sunday brunch based on its great reviews. We had a reservation, but for parties of two, it seemed walk-in seating was readily available—several two-tops remained open during our meal. However, a group of five that arrived before us wasn’t seated until we were almost done. So, I’d definitely recommend a reservation for any group larger than two.
My main draw was the famous savory beignets. I ordered the crawfish beignets, and wow, they were dense! A set of three is served, and after about one and a half, I was surprisingly full, which impacted the rest of my meal. The tables are quite small, so the staff waits for you to finish appetizers before bringing out mains.
For my entree, I got the Creole platter to sample a variety. In hindsight, I wish I’d chosen the seafood gumbo. The catfish batter didn’t adhere well and fell off, and the only side I truly enjoyed was the beans, sausage, and rice.
Parking: Some street parking is available, but the area didn’t feel especially safe. I took public transit, walking from Civic Center Station.
Service: Was good.
Best Part: The beignets. I would return just for these.
Worst Part: The table size. I understand the need to maximize seating, but the tables are very small. With two plates, it’s cramped, and the outer seat has to sit close to avoid the waitstaff.
Tip: Make a reservation in advance, especially for groups over two.
Return? Yes, but primarily for the beignets.
… moreMy main draw was the famous savory beignets. I ordered the crawfish beignets, and wow, they were dense! A set of three is served, and after about one and a half, I was surprisingly full, which impacted the rest of my meal. The tables are quite small, so the staff waits for you to finish appetizers before bringing out mains.
For my entree, I got the Creole platter to sample a variety. In hindsight, I wish I’d chosen the seafood gumbo. The catfish batter didn’t adhere well and fell off, and the only side I truly enjoyed was the beans, sausage, and rice.
Parking: Some street parking is available, but the area didn’t feel especially safe. I took public transit, walking from Civic Center Station.
Service: Was good.
Best Part: The beignets. I would return just for these.
Worst Part: The table size. I understand the need to maximize seating, but the tables are very small. With two plates, it’s cramped, and the outer seat has to sit close to avoid the waitstaff.
Tip: Make a reservation in advance, especially for groups over two.
Return? Yes, but primarily for the beignets.
Jamie Harris
We had a wonderful breakfast here. The staff was friendly, warm, and on top of everything. Water service was great and I appreciated that they offered half orders for several items.
The Bananas Foster French toast was amazing, rich without being too sweet. The andouille sausage was fantastic and full of flavor, and the strawberry jam was truly heavenly. I also had an iced Grandma’s Coffee with black walnut and whipped cream, which was delicious and felt like such a fun treat.
We ordered the beignets too. They were a little dense, but the flavor was still very good.
Overall, a great breakfast spot with excellent service and food that really stands out. I would definitely go back.
… moreThe Bananas Foster French toast was amazing, rich without being too sweet. The andouille sausage was fantastic and full of flavor, and the strawberry jam was truly heavenly. I also had an iced Grandma’s Coffee with black walnut and whipped cream, which was delicious and felt like such a fun treat.
We ordered the beignets too. They were a little dense, but the flavor was still very good.
Overall, a great breakfast spot with excellent service and food that really stands out. I would definitely go back.
Sovereign
Favorite breakfast and brunch in San Francisco, it’s popular for good reasons! My favorite spot everytime I come back stateside, it’s the breakfast that gives me life after a 12 hour flight. It’s a classic, and it stayed the same throughout the years.
Service is nice, place is lovely. The area around is not the safest but it’s safe inside.
Food is awesome, their homemade watermelon sweet tea is my liquid IV. The beignets are delicious, the grits are buttery, the meat is tender and juicy. Their specials are always worth trying! They also have breakfast sandwiches that are cheap ($5-$6) and good to go, after 10 you get a free sando!
The place used to be packed every morning, now it’s a little more sparse, things seem to have changed through the pandemic.
… moreService is nice, place is lovely. The area around is not the safest but it’s safe inside.
Food is awesome, their homemade watermelon sweet tea is my liquid IV. The beignets are delicious, the grits are buttery, the meat is tender and juicy. Their specials are always worth trying! They also have breakfast sandwiches that are cheap ($5-$6) and good to go, after 10 you get a free sando!
The place used to be packed every morning, now it’s a little more sparse, things seem to have changed through the pandemic.
June Wong
Echo all the great reviews here. Quick service at 10:00 am on a Saturday morning. Pork belly grits were delicious. Nice and hot. Great crisp on the pork. Lots of good cheese and poached egg too. Spicy onion jam was really good. Croque Monsieur and slaw was good. Got the 3 way (plain, apple, chocolate) beignets. My fave was the plain, just because I like a pure beignet, but the chocolate and apple were also good. Good place to go!
… moreMark Liu
We ordered the messy mess. The fried chicken was excellent. The buns was nice and sweet and buttery.
We added a potatoe hash and bignet for $1.99 each. The hash was a big mistake. Doesn’t taste much of anything. I had to add hot sauce which wasn’t as good as Tabasco and pepper still couldn’t flavor it up.
The bignet was excellent! Plain bignet is the best. I remember the one with fillings was too sweet.
… moreWe added a potatoe hash and bignet for $1.99 each. The hash was a big mistake. Doesn’t taste much of anything. I had to add hot sauce which wasn’t as good as Tabasco and pepper still couldn’t flavor it up.
The bignet was excellent! Plain bignet is the best. I remember the one with fillings was too sweet.
Robert Lee
The food is delicious. Service is fast and efficient. Atmosphere is OK, but what l expected. Parking socks. And I would come back again and again.
… moreAL Cobb
Honestly this place is perfect. I feel like it’s just the right size and that they’ve truly perfected the service speed, style,portions and recipes. I’d almost not want to see them expand it because they do it so well currently. You know how like when you double a recipe sometimes it doesn’t come out quite right (or that could be just me ).
Anyways I got the sampler platter which looking back at the menu looks more like it could’ve been the daily special and not always on the menu. The greens were good solid greens like just classic that you could eat continuously. The red beans and rice were definitely a hit my mom and aunt both make them like that. The gumbo is the most authentic gumbo I’ve had outside of my uncles. What do I mean by that? Normally if it has not been made by my uncle (from a line of Prudhommes out of Louisiana I think) the gumbos on the menus I’ve had are usually just a pretty good soup. Theres always something just off about them but this gumbo was heart warming and I could only imagine what the deluxe version tastes like. If I had more time here I would’ve tried it! My husband had the catfish de allemands and I think he said something along the lines of my God almighty when he tried it haha . Safe to say he loved it. It was pretty good. Honestly we were both thrown off by the pecans in the rice but they were good but I’d never have them anywhere else. Only at Brenda’s now can you pecans in my rice I guess. Ok let’s talk about the pillow soft hot beignet that I will dream about as we make our way back to the east coast. Wow it was probably the best no I’m sure thee absolute best one I’ve ever had. I think that’s what princess Tiana’s must have been based off of for sure because they truly were amazing.
Overall the staff was friendly and efficient. They were not playing no games with us. If the came over and we weren’t ready they weren’t wasting no time. They quickly said “we’ll give you a few more minutes” and I appreciated that because they were just so many good things to bounce between hence why I got a sampler. But again we didn’t feel rushed or pushed off or like anyone was rude. Everything was efficient well done and felt like a well oiled machine. I hope to make it back one day!
… moreAnyways I got the sampler platter which looking back at the menu looks more like it could’ve been the daily special and not always on the menu. The greens were good solid greens like just classic that you could eat continuously. The red beans and rice were definitely a hit my mom and aunt both make them like that. The gumbo is the most authentic gumbo I’ve had outside of my uncles. What do I mean by that? Normally if it has not been made by my uncle (from a line of Prudhommes out of Louisiana I think) the gumbos on the menus I’ve had are usually just a pretty good soup. Theres always something just off about them but this gumbo was heart warming and I could only imagine what the deluxe version tastes like. If I had more time here I would’ve tried it! My husband had the catfish de allemands and I think he said something along the lines of my God almighty when he tried it haha . Safe to say he loved it. It was pretty good. Honestly we were both thrown off by the pecans in the rice but they were good but I’d never have them anywhere else. Only at Brenda’s now can you pecans in my rice I guess. Ok let’s talk about the pillow soft hot beignet that I will dream about as we make our way back to the east coast. Wow it was probably the best no I’m sure thee absolute best one I’ve ever had. I think that’s what princess Tiana’s must have been based off of for sure because they truly were amazing.
Overall the staff was friendly and efficient. They were not playing no games with us. If the came over and we weren’t ready they weren’t wasting no time. They quickly said “we’ll give you a few more minutes” and I appreciated that because they were just so many good things to bounce between hence why I got a sampler. But again we didn’t feel rushed or pushed off or like anyone was rude. Everything was efficient well done and felt like a well oiled machine. I hope to make it back one day!
Prince
We went on Christmas day, so of course it was super busy, without a reservation the wait was 45 minutes to an hour. Once we sat down, the food came out pretty fast and everything taste too good however it’s hard to appreciate considering the wait. The shrimp and grits were very flavorful however, with the smoothness of the grits, as well as the sauces added, it felt a bit soupy. The crawfish beignets were a little light on the crawfish however, the crab beignet was amazing and full. I’d recommend adding an egg or two or something else to the grits to give it some texture.
… moreDavid Baker
If you’re looking for good Louisiana creole cuisine, Brenda’s is a good bet.
Some dishes stand out, such as the fried chicken and the hushpuppies. The garlic and butter beignets are a nice savory accompaniment to a meal. The onion soup is absolutely wonderful — rich and delicious as I’ve had in any French bistro. I really enjoyed my fried oyster po’boy — good bread, enough rémoulade to keep the sandwich moist, and a generous portion of intensely flavored oysters. For dessert, the ube beignet is a fun fusion of cuisines that delights.
The gumbo is good, not great. I prefer my own by far.
I recommend passing on the red beans and rice, as well as the sausage gravy.
Service can be hit or miss. One time, our server instantly appeared as soon as my drink was empty. I took a bit of my food, decided I needed a little salt, and he appeared before I could even mention it to my wife. Another time, we placed our order and didn’t see our server again well into our second course. My drink was long empty. The kitchen staff had brought out the appetizers, and when they brought our entrees, we had to speak up and ask them to clear our appetizer plates. (The table next to us didn’t speak up, and ended up making a tower of appetizer plates in the middle of their table.)
The restaurant packs a number of tables into a small space. So, it can get a bit loud from surrounding conversations. And one evening, there was a band playing in the small space. However, while I’m sensitive to noise in a restaurant, I never felt uncomfortable or had difficulty enjoying a conversation with my dinner partner.
Go to Brenda’s. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.
… moreSome dishes stand out, such as the fried chicken and the hushpuppies. The garlic and butter beignets are a nice savory accompaniment to a meal. The onion soup is absolutely wonderful — rich and delicious as I’ve had in any French bistro. I really enjoyed my fried oyster po’boy — good bread, enough rémoulade to keep the sandwich moist, and a generous portion of intensely flavored oysters. For dessert, the ube beignet is a fun fusion of cuisines that delights.
The gumbo is good, not great. I prefer my own by far.
I recommend passing on the red beans and rice, as well as the sausage gravy.
Service can be hit or miss. One time, our server instantly appeared as soon as my drink was empty. I took a bit of my food, decided I needed a little salt, and he appeared before I could even mention it to my wife. Another time, we placed our order and didn’t see our server again well into our second course. My drink was long empty. The kitchen staff had brought out the appetizers, and when they brought our entrees, we had to speak up and ask them to clear our appetizer plates. (The table next to us didn’t speak up, and ended up making a tower of appetizer plates in the middle of their table.)
The restaurant packs a number of tables into a small space. So, it can get a bit loud from surrounding conversations. And one evening, there was a band playing in the small space. However, while I’m sensitive to noise in a restaurant, I never felt uncomfortable or had difficulty enjoying a conversation with my dinner partner.
Go to Brenda’s. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.
Jim Tan
The food is amazingly good but rmb not to over order. I love the fried chicken and the gumbo. The starter platter is a good degustation menu to try everything in small portion. Note that they only sit the table when everyone arrives.
… more