Mama’s in Washington Square had an hour wait, so we “settled” for a half-hour line outside Dottie’s True Blue Café. Settled isn’t really the right word, since Dottie’s is a great breakfast spot in its own right. It’s just in a less desirable location, situated in the heart of The Tenderloin. According to our waitress, the café has existed for 18 years, and Kurt Abney has been chef-owner for the past 15. Considering that Abney makes every bite of food with help from just one assistant, it’s amazing that he’s been able to keep up the torrid pace. If there were ever a short-order cook-off, I’d put my money on Abney.

The block is dominated by Pakistani cafés that fill up after nearby bars close. The interior is classic coffee shop, including lanterns shaped like teapots, cups and saucers. The walls feature photos of Dorothy Dandridge and a thermometer that reads Dr. Barber’s Horse Liniment: Also Good for Mules and Jackasses. Old music plays over the speakers. Abney is clearly a traditionalist.

Near the entrance is a massive pastry case, which Abney dubbed “Dottie’s Own Bakery.” All of Dottie’s breads, pastries, muffins and scones are made in-house, from Abney’s recipes. By the way, there’s no Dottie, and never has been; it’s just an old-fashioned name designed to evoke simpler times.

We started with a hot, icing-slathered Cinnamon Pecan Roll ($4.50), which was soft and gooey, plus a solid Pumpkin Cranberry Muffin ($1.95).

The Blueberry Torte ($4.50) definitely could have done without the cap of melting whipped cream, but there was no doubt the moist pastry and sweet berries worked well together.

A dry erase board listed the day’s specials, including a sweet potato, caramelized red onion and Gruyere tart ($9.95). It came with two eggs and a pair of fist-sized biscuits, which cried out for the container of strawberry preserves. There was even a dish of fresh fruit – strawberries, blueberries, grapes and pineapple.

Fluffy Blueberry Cornmeal Pancakes ($9.25) were another blackboard special, plated with a pitcher of maple syrup. If a dish involves batter at Dottie’s, order it.

Dottie’s (justifiably) Famous Pancakes ($6.25) integrated whole-wheat buttermilk, ginger (for spice) and cinnamon (for sweetness). My father ordered a “Side Idea” of Mild Italian Sausage ($3.95) – butterflied and grilled.

The True Blue Plate ($9.75) included a small juice, two eggs, bacon, stellar home-fried potatoes and toast.

We had a very good experience at Dottie’s. Next time, it might not be a given that Mama’s will be the first San Francisco breakfast place that comes to mind.

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This entry is filed under American, Breakfast, Northern California, San Francisco.