San Francisco Hood ‘n Fud: A locals guide to eating SF
Posted on October 12, 2015
You could swirl into oblivion on review sites
looking for the best, hippest, most organic, fanciest and so on, San Francisco place to eat, or you can read this list of sure-fire, great eats cultivated by recommendations from local San Franciscans and years of personal experience dining in this metropolis of food. San Francisco is awash in burgeoning culinary trends and sometimes you want that, and sometimes you want a burger, maybe not even an organic one. Whether it’s high haute cuisine or low brow liquor sopping up grub, you can your pick of either from this short, tested and approved, list that is separated by neighbourhoods.
Downtown
My China – Located in the Westgate Mall and the perfect combo for when you need chinese food and a movie (there is a Century movie theater one floor up in the mall). The “My China” chefs hand pull the noodles to the out-stretches of their arms, twist and repeat before the noodles are cut up and served. The glass walled kitchen allows you to watch this noodle making show.
Mission Neighbourhood
Izakaya Rintaro – is a tiny japanese restaurant that feels like you are no longer in San Francisco and warms you to the toes. Try the “New Year’s set” for sure.
Pancho Villa – is the go-to, anytime, day or night, Mexican restaurant. Burritos are probably the best thing on the menu, but you really can not go wrong with any of Pancho Villa’s offerings. They have a Happy Hour deal called “Taconomics” from 3-5pm Monday through Friday, a fresh salsa bar and the service is outstanding. Get ready to queue up after the bar closes, and it’s possible in the morning you will not be certain if you have a booze or burrito hang over.
South Market – Soma
The affogato bar at Sightglass Coffee – when you need ice-cream and coffee – anytime of day. When you walk in, there will likely be a line and if you order coffee, it could be a long wait as the baristas take exceptional care making your coffee. The wait is worth it. And the ice cream…have mercy.
Whiz Burger – ya, Whiz Burger! You will go past this former gas station looking place and wonder what kind of sickness will befall you from eating here. But toss that aside and order fries, shakes and a burger. Don’t ask if it’s organic. It’s not. Whiz Burger doesn’t have a website, but here are the map directions.
Castro
Starbelly – when you do want an organic burger and a glass of rosé. The wood plank walls and warm atmosphere make for a cozy spot. They also have patio and side-walk seating and walk-ins are no problem.
Hayes Valley
Birba – Say hi to Angie!
Birba is perfection in a glass. Go for an exceptional wine list, hand picked by the owner and served with love, probably by the owner too. Say hi to Angie! Birba is intimate, but lively and can serve as a good date night or a spot to meet friends for a drink, a quick bite and then off you go into the night.
Inner Sunset
San Tung – for a clientele that is a real cross section of the Sunset and dry-fried everything chicken, beef, shrimp, string beans…Dry-frying is a Sichuan cooking style that creates a crispy outside, while maintaining a tender, favor-filled center. The real definition though is – go eat it.
Outer Sunset
Haight-Ashbury
Magnolia’s Brewery – busy, wacky, unapologetically San Franciscan. The food is consistently delicious, the restaurant has a simple, slick decor, and they brew a wide variety of their own beer like Bonnie Lee’s Best, and Dark Star Mild to name just two. The food is locally sourced and the burgers are a signature plate.
North Beach
Tosca Cafe – the recent redo of the Tosca Cafe preserved all the classic, old school charm of the leather booth restaurant while a complete gut renovation of the menu creates a taste of fine, mint-on-the-pillow style San Francisco Italian food.
Mario’s Cigar Shop – a great spot for sandwiches with a view of Washington Square Park.
Tony’s Pizza Napoletana – the best pizza in North Beach, possibly the city. Pizza made with pride, a good wine list, great desserts. This is a must eat place.
Embarcadero/Fisherman’s Wharf
Ferry Building Food Hall and Market – you may hate yourself if you end up here prime time on a Saturday morning during the Farmers’ Market as it will be busier than busy BUT, it can be fun to be in the mix and bustle. You can sample everything from arugula to oysters from the many vendors or eat at the staple restaurants in the food hall inside the Ferry Building. If crowds are not fun for you, then try the food hall on a weekday when the farmer’s market is not operating, but the food hall is open. Give yourself plenty of time as there is a lot to eat/drink/shop for in this popular spot.
Swan Oyster Depot – located just a few blocks up from Fisherman’s Wharf is this gem of fresh seafood. There will be a waiting line. It will be worth it, especially if you came to San Francisco for a seafood meal.
Ocean Beach/Waterfront
The Beach Chalet – tourists in the front, locals in the rear.