Coffee professional Erin Meister wrote, “Their focus on the beans rather than the roast or even necessarily the barista were a sort of turning-point for a lot of other coffee companies.” Read more.
The quality begins with Four Barrel’s commitment to sourcing beans in a sustainable, ethical manner. It comes to fruition in their cozy cafes, which are sans Wi-Fi, electrical outlets and soy milk. Read more.
Hard to go wrong at this ice cream spot known for its inventive flavors, but Vietnamese Coffee and Secret Breakfast are two menu staples for a reason. Sundaes are worth the splurge.
If you can stand the hipsterism and priciness of everything here, they've got some really great produce and good deli sandwiches.
Pork fat fried lobster. Nothing else to say (except that the tacos are also truly epic).
Locals have been shopping here for house-made pastas, cured meats, Italian groceries, and imported cheeses for over a century. Sandwiches are great for a picnic. - Green Guide Editor
April Bloomfield and Ken Friedman of The Spotted Pig in NYC revamped this classic North Beach bar and added a full restaurant menu.
It's tight, crowded, smells terrible & there ain't no way I'm not coming here. Best blues bar period.
Congratulations, you've found one of Esquire's Best Bars in America. No matter how many tourists drop in for a pint, it still feels as though it's full of locals. We recommend an Anchor Steam.
The bread, made in the Tartine style, is worth the trip alone, but don't overlook chef Brett Cooper's phenomenal soups or his inspired use of farm fresh produce. [Eater 38 Member]
Trouble's thick-sliced, butter-rich cinnamon toast is a stellar version of your childhood favorite.
The salted caramel remains justifiably famous, but don’t overlook the subtly spicy honey lavender and nuanced balsamic strawberry.
That’s It Market liquor store has a torta stand that serves up massive sandwiches to locals. It’s really the hot dogs on the sandwich that add insult to injury. – Anthony Bourdain, No Reservations
Coolest little bar in Chinatown, where tired regulars, hip locals & confused tourists meet. Tip: Get a shot of the magical Chinese elixir pronounced “in-gah-pay” in the clay bottle behind the bar.
A beer garden with bikers, a jukebox with local bands & a back patio full of picnic tables. As recommended by Travel Channel host, Anthony Bourdain.
A genuine Tiki room/Polynesian restaurant at the Fairmont Hotel. Has a swimming pool turned bar & a rain/thunder show! Seen on Travel Channel’s The Layover with Anthony Bourdain.
Since it opened, F+W has been making waves with its sophisticated pizzas and pasta, but even more impressive is that it's lived up to the hype. [Eater 38 Member] Read more.
Food blogger Stephanie Stiavetti says, “Their food is incredible and... they’re open until almost 3 a.m.! Fresh avocados and a ton of shredded cheese on every super burrito? Yes, please.”
Bring a friend and share a pot of the cioppino. It's a must for seafood lovers.
After eight years at The French Laundry, Corey Lee finally gets the spotlight. At his SOMA-district jewel box, everything is well sourced—from the porcelain to the $160 tasting menu. Read more.
SF Weekly’s Best Of 2011 Winner – Editorial Pick – BEST PORK IN ALL ITS GLORYBest place in town to sample pig meat in all its succulent manifestations is the upscale takeout counter & restaurant... Read more.
It's no surprise the oysters are coveted at Anchor, where they've been doing their thing for over "30 shucking years." The crab cakes, clam chowder, and garlic bread are also commendable. Read more.
This raw bar now serves $1 oysters and $3 Sierra Nevadas every Monday-Thursday from 5pm-6:30pm. Try $5 glasses of wine, and discounted signature dishes like Seafood Chowder and fish tacos. Read more.
$2 Tecate Cans - I mean it only gets better if they were a dollar. Great bartenders also.
Definitely do the roast dungeness crab and crack it yourself. And the calamari was out of this galaxy
The made-to-order tortas are generous and tasty. Carnitas here is particularly good.
This three-story resto offers menu selections from up and down the Indian subcontinent—not just northern India. Head to the buffet and try their dosa crepes and rasam soup, both from southern India. Read more.
Featured on the Food Network, this popular spot centers on Burmese, Thai, and various other Asian cuisines. The famous tealeaf salad costs only $8.25 and features real imported Burmese tealeaves. Read more.
Order the seven-course beef meal that is worth the $16 and inevitable food coma. Read more.
The food is great. Get two or more plates and they bring them out family style. It's soo worth it.
You can make the argument that no restaurant in the last decade has changed the dining landscape quite like Delfina and its pizzeria offshoot next door. And that's a good thing. [Eater 38 Member] Read more.
Try the 3 piece fried chicken with a buttermilk waffle, and sweet tea to wash it down. Good music and service, too.
Shelley Lindgren has crafted one of the best Italian wine programs in the country, service is gracious and chef Liza Shaw has kept the restaurant firing on all cylinders. [Eater 38 Member] Read more.
Homey flavors and unexpected touches abound in chorizo with seared scallops or pork short ribs with kabocha squash. – Green Guide Editor
Great burgers. The alpine burger rocks. They are big and good so I would skip on all else and concentrate on the burger.
Very cool ambiance for a date. The Shrimp and grits are amazing. Definitely try it. Fried chicken here is a favorite and you CAN ask for white meat only but shrimp + grits = best I've had
After a cathartic Greek meal, enjoy a Greek coffee cooked over hot sand, but leave that last sip for the gods. Oh, and you could probably stand up in that fireplace, but don’t try it. - Inspector
This downtown spot from the Bar Agricole team has food (including gorgeous charcuterie) all day, with a cognac-focused cocktail list by Thad Vogler. Try the cognac Old Fashioned!
Go to dynamo to try unique flavors like quince or cardamom, and get a cup of Four Barrel Coffee.
Get the beef brisket. Chopped pork as backup. Skip the overpriced cauliflower ($9 for a few florets?!)
We've lushed over the Hot Castle Dip cocktail - now onto the food. Try the smoked black cod croquettes w/ packed wallop under their crust. The chopped liver on toast is a delight. Read more.
Hip, hip, hip in the Mission District. Hard to get in but easy on the wallet with great cocktails and wine list. -Tim Nugent, Top Chef Just Desserts
If you can handle wordy descriptions and a sometimes-moody staff, your reward is a haunt for cocktail enthusiasts that serves savory bites warranting a trip on their own merit. [Eater 38 Member] Read more.
The best taqueria on the Mission. An inexpensive hole in the wall with great food. -Anita Lo, Top Chef Masters
Affordable food, from a tasty beef tartare to a top-notch kale salad to the most perfect fries, is proving to be worthy of return trips, and trendsetting in terms of local menus. [Eater 38 Member] Read more.
Complement bocce with 800+ bottles of wine and eats like eats like half-shelled oysters or a trio of sliders (crab, pork, steak). Read more.
The mouthwatering small plate pairings at the Press Club make the spectacular wines even more so (we're thinking Applewood bacon-wrapped shrimp, fresh oysters and Provençal olives).
