San Francisco classic diner known for cheap breakfasts closes after 50 years

The exterior of the Howard's Cafe in San Francisco. The exterior of the Howard's Cafe in San Francisco. Photo: Douglas Zimmerman, SF Gate / Douglas Zimmerman Photo: Douglas Zimmerman, SF Gate / Douglas Zimmerman Image 1 of / 93 Caption Close San Francisco classic diner known for cheap breakfasts closes after 50 years 1 / 93 Back to Gallery

A 50-year-old classic San Francisco diner, known for serving breakfast plates loaded up with bacon, eggs and pancakes, has reportedly closed its doors.

Howard's Cafe in the Inner Sunset District at 9th Avenue and Irving Street appears to no longer be in business. Furniture is already removed from its interior, according to Hoodline.

"It's empty," says Alaina Nagy, who lives in the neighborhood and works at the neighboring Mucky Duck bar. "There's nothing there anymore. It's gone. It started happening within the last month. As of this weekend, they had a construction crew in there gutting everything out."

SFGATE called the phone number for the restaurant and it has been disconnected. Attempts to track down the owner have failed.

Shaded by a black-and-white striped awning, this cozy, cash-only diner served breakfast, lunch and dinner with an emphasis on good ol' American standbys such as BLTs, chicken pot pie and meatloaf.

The cafe had a 3.5-star rating on Yelp and reviewers noted Howard's served solid breakfast food at affordable prices. Reviews are mixed regarding service.

The most recent review posted in July comes from a person who recently moved away from S.F. and reads, "Old school all the way and great service. You want everything perfect? Then this is not the place for you. It's a diner not the House of Prime Rib. My memories of pea soup and beef stroganoff are not forgotten."

Amy Graff is a digital editor with SFGATE. Email her at agraff@sfgate.com.