Located in the heart of Hayes Valley and surrounded by local eateries, bakeries, and creameries, Straw stands out as a carnival-themed dining experience.

With colorfully decorated walls, amusement park-themed dishes, menus made from children’s books and a booth shaped as a tilt-a-whirl ride, Straw successfully transports its diners to a carnival. The breakfast, brunch and lunch restaurant offers childhood favorites like Mac and Cheese ($7), Corn Dogs ($7), and Grilled Cheese ($10), in addition to their signature Donut Burger ($15) and chicken and waffles ($16).

Once seated at the table, servers bring popcorn in place of the usual pre-meal bread. The popcorn’s sweet and crunchy kettle-corn base paired with a cheddar flavor keeps diners munching as they await their meal.

Enclosed by two glazed donuts, the Donut Burger can be packed with toppings such as avocado, bacon, a fried egg or even a second patty in addition to the side of shoestring fries that come with each order. Although the sandwich is a seemingly bizarre combination, the sweet compliments the savory.

The donut and avocado medley provide a flavorful boost to the burger, enhancing the patty’s flavor, making it a tasty choice.

Straw’s Philly Cheesesteakadilla serves as another creative and delicious option for diners. The tri-tip steak, peppers, onions and gooey cheddar cheese come together to upgrade a classic quesadilla into a rich, yet well-executed dish.  

The strawberry-basil lemonade ($4) is a perfect, refreshing choice while consuming heavy dishes. Drink options include a classic root beer float ($7), “STRAWnold Palmer,”($3.75) and regular house lemonade ($3).

The uncommon food creations and combination of ingredients have distinguished Straw as one of the most Instagram-worthy restaurants in the city by San Francisco Travel.

While photogenic, Straw’s food is quite heavy and rich. It is not the place to eat every morning, however, it is a great spot for the occasional comfort meal.

Straw is most definitely a worthwhile visit. If brunching, bring a friend and split two dishes to sample the menu and its variety.

To ensure a seat, make an online reservation beforehand. Straw is located at 203 Octavia Street at Page Street and is open Monday to Friday 9 a.m.–2 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m.– 3 p.m.