Enter the Gates of Hash Brown Heaven at Irving Street Cafe

Don't live near Irving Street Cafe? Just take Muni right to it.

Everyone knows that the cornerstone of a good breakfast, what separates the just-okay ones with the amazing ones, are perfect hash browns.  Now, I am aware that there are differing schools of thought on what the perfect hash brown actually entails, but the consensus in my circle (which essentially entails me and sister agreeing on everything) is that whatever form the hash brown takes, be it oval and handheld like those at McDonald’s or thin and shredded like the frozen kind I buy at Target, the key is a crisp outer shell with tender, flavorful potatoes underneath.

Enter Irving Street Cafe, where not only are the portions huge and the prices dirt cheap, but the hash browns are pretty damn near perfect.  They’re griddle-style, which means there’s a flat, crispy layer on the top — my personal favorite.  For only five bucks, I chomped a three-egg Spanish omelette, hash browns and toast.  I’m obviously not on a low-carb diet.  Though I’m partial to the diner-style breakfast plates, there’s also lunch options that look pretty decent.  Best thing:  Nearly everything on the menu is $6 or under.  There’s your reason to go to the Sunset.