Moulin Rouge, San Francisco, California Restaurant Details

Food:

Steer clear of this place! Not only is the place incredibly dirty (their food inspection score is 69 out of 100 which makes me wonder how they are still open?), their service was absolutely pitiful and rude. I came in at 1:35pm on a very hot day (9/20/15) and asked for a seat in the back away from the heat since their door was open. The woman cooking said it doesn't matter (yes, it does) and to sit down by the window. There were people sitting in the back and it was much cooler back there. I asked the waitress (who looked completely over her job) if I could sit there and she said yes. I sat down and the waitress got me a cup of coffee. At this time, it was 1:40pm. An older man approached the table and very rudely told me that they close at 2pm and that I'd have to be gone by then. I hadn't even ordered yet. I was still looking over the menu. I then asked him (frankly) how on earth I'd be able to be out the door and "gone" by 2pm if I hadn't ordered yet and the food wasn't even cooking. He said that I'd need to eat the food in a few minutes once it's out (an entire pancake, eggs and bacon meal). The problem is this: when you are open for business, you are open for business. I work in a restaurant myself and even though it sometimes sucks to have late-comers at the last minute (this was 20 minutes before, not three), you have to serve guests. Here I was being told that I'd need to basically swallow everything in 3 minutes and be out the door. The guy wasn't even nice about it. It was like his face was shaking because he was so adamant about it.

I have been to this spot a few times before, and it's always at the end of my list to visit because of the cleanliness issue and because of the inept service. This visit will indeed be my last, and here's why:

"Get out of here. Don't ever come back! We are closed at 2pm. If you can't eat your food before then, don't ever come back!" I was appalled. I hadn't raised my voice. I just asked how he seriously thought I could eat a huge meal in 3 minutes, and why he would accept new customers if everyone had to be out by 2pm.

I decided to go talk to the lady up front, who is usually pretty spacy, but nicer than the guy who runs it. I just said that they shouldn't allow customers to come in, look over a menu, order coffee, and get ready to eat if they actually don't have the time to serve their guests. I told her that I have been to their restaurant before and couldn't believe the way they were doing business. Plain as day, she said, "I don't care. We are closed at 2!" I told her that although I don't even write Yelp reviews, this is the perfect time to, because the situation was seriously messed up.

I left. The place was full. 60% of the tables were eating or waiting for food. How on earth would they realistically clear the place out in 15 minutes?

Their behavior is shocking and that is why I'm sharing this with anyone who wants to try this place out. There are dozens of eateries in the neighborhood, and this place deserves no business (or respect) in my opinion. Shame on them.

Food:

A wonderful place, great atmosphere, excellent food and prompt service. The two owners, like everyone says are adorable and fantastic people. Great prices for San Francisco, fellow travelers! Highly recommend the corn beef hash, two eggs, grilled tomatoes and sourdough toast.

Food:

Great portion, great taste, great service! Very friendly owners!!

Food:

These reviews are insane. First of all it is a traditional breakfast place so you have a fair idea what to expect. I don't eat here regularly but whenever I do I always wonder why I don't make it by more often. Just two weeks ago I was in and had to comment on how I got absolutely perfect sunny side up eggs just the way I like them with no hard edges. If you think this is a simple thing you don't eat around much. They bake real ham and slice it for you and it is the best! I recall years ago John telling me he goes to the restaurant shows and markets and buys the best ingredients he can find and Janet manipulates those ideas well. The pancakes are fluffy and really what else would you want? They sure beat IHOP to pieces unless you're a fan of whipped cream and artificial syrup. I can tell you that even the regular places I eat for brunch are certainly no better and in several ways not as good and clearly more expensive. Probably if the Moulin was in a less sketchy area it would have more cache with the elitists. It is simple fare expertly and I might say lovingly prepared and served. Admittedly I am a fan, not a relative, have lived in the city 37 years and have eaten in a few restaurants. I have seen a lot of breakfast cafes come and go and among them all Moulin still stands tall. Sure, I've eaten at Brenda's and Toast and the Village Cafe and even my favorite - The Bell and all over the Bay Area, and have seldom been more satisfied with my meal. So eat where you like and spend as much as you can but when the Moulin goes it will be missed.

Food:

It's not about the food... which is awesome by the way... it's about the wonderful old Korean couple who run the place. The gentleman gives good tips on what fruit is in season, and the lady makes the best food for getting the morning started right. There are tables for 2 along the kitchen, which is up front behind glass where you can see everything. Then tables for 4 or more in the back and upstairs. Stop in and give these people your business. You'll enjoy the food and the historic San Francisco atmosphere.