El Farolito is one of the Mission's most beloved dive taquerias. The lighting is alright, the decor is bargain-basement, but the burritos are huge and the filling is a delicious, slow-cooked Carne Asada, tender chicken, spicy pork, or veggies and guacamole. You will also find tacos and enchiladas. It is a popular place with locals and people looking for a quick meal, especially late at night when most other spots have closed down. The service is quick and efficient. Only cash accepted.
The name's a bit misleading. Not only is there no ocean view, but this is not your ordinary diner. Though it has streamlined aluminum and black-and-white tile, and the fare is inspired by diner cuisine, the ingredients are the freshest available and the dishes are prepared with care and imagination. At breakfast, the cooks do wonderful things with the humble buttermilk pancake, and the scrambled eggs and tortilla chips are memorable, as well. At lunch, it is sandwiches and plate specials, which often feature a fresh fish filet. The to-go counter next door offers sandwiches and pizza slices.
Sometimes you want a Louisiana link that sends your tongue on a one-way trip to New Orleans, or a decent kosher frank. That is what the owner wanted when he opened up this small stand: a taste of New York's famous ethnic sausages from its German, Italian and Polish neighborhoods. And they ship bulk orders around the world, too! Not surprisingly, this joint is a hit with local students grabbing a quick bite between classes or a satisfying break during a late-night study session. Place your order at the front and hang out while waiting for your link. Lemon Chicken, Kielbasa and the turkey "Bird Dog" are among the several appetizing selections.
Rustic and romantic, Freehouse is a haunt for the beer lover in you. The interior of this beer garden is made to look like a cozy living room; it is furnished with intimate seating spaces and the fireplace keeps patrons warm on colder evenings. Yellow lights and timber-clad walls give this place an old-school look. The outdoor seating in the spacious courtyard lets larger groups dine under the bright California sun. At Freehouse, the menu is ever changing but classics like Beer Poached Mussels, the house salad and Chicken Pot Pie never go out of style. Limited but potent cocktails are on offer along with beers sourced from eminent breweries.
Since 1896, this place has been supplying the best of the Italian kitchen to San Francisco. The tiny storefront is a charming delicatessen in North Beach always jammed with tourists as well as locals in search of something from the 'Old Country'. The shelves are filled with authentic Italian comestibles such as olive oil, mozzarella made in the style of Campania and enough sardines to feed a small army. The deli counter staff is filled with a garrulous group of guys that create huge sandwiches made-to-order. Make sure to check out one of their most popular, the Renzo Special, this behemoth made with prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, sun-dried tomatoes and pesto can easily feed two. One other tip: Don't forget to take a number!
Established in the year 1987, Chloe's Cafe is set in the neighborhood of Noe Valley in San Francisco. This family-run cafe is currently managed by Chef Bobby Siu and Anne Siu. The menu includes a variety of breakfast and lunch favorites like pancakes, sandwiches, scrambled eggs, bagels and salads. Along with cozy indoor seating, they also offer curbside seating arrangements. This quaint little cafe is a great place to visit with family and friends.
Kagawa-Ya Udon is a sleek Japanese bistro dishing out Japanese and Hawaiian specialties. Fans of Japanese cuisines can relish Udon, Onigiri, Tempura, a variety of curries and much more. They are popular for their Udon dish, which is prepared by aging it for 19 hours, it is then pressed, rolled and sliced to perfection. Foodies can come in and enjoy a bowl of delicious Udon. Besides regular drinks they also serve Hawaiian beverages like Hawaiian sodas, coffee and tea.
Casual, bright and cheerful, Papito West is a nice little Mexican eatery serving a selection of delicious Mexican fare, open for lunch and dinner. The restaurant is not you're usual fast-food spot, rather it takes pride on the freshness and quality of its ingredients and even features a raw bar where you can enjoy fresh cevice, crudo and oysters. With a great selection of mouth-watering gourmet burritos, try out combinations like the duck confit burrito, papa con chorizo prepared with homemade Mexican chorizo and vegetariano with crispy tofu and wild mushrooms. The interesting wall mural adds a unique touch of character to the space. The restaurant is a popular lunch spot, with office goers crowding it for their mid-day dose of Mexican fare.
Overlooking Grove Street in the city of San Francisco, Om Sabor was established by Dhanistha Rivera and Luis Alfredo Flores. They offer plant-based dishes that are influenced by the Latin and International flavors. The menu includes fusion meals like tacos, crab cakes, tostadas, burgers, pies and a lot more. To support the environment, they use bio-degradable utensils and cutlery to package their meals. The restaurant’s sophisticated interiors and dim lights exude a classy vibe. In addition to indoor seating, they also offer outdoor seating arrangements.
Sam's Diner is a simple and charming eatery that serves up an impressive all-day breakfast menu alongside a selection of sandwiches, salads and entrées that are perfect for a hearty lunch. With options like corned beef hash, smoked applewood bacon, pork chops, steaks, SF Crab Benedict, Korean tacos, pastas, sliders, burgers and much more, you are sure to find something that will appeal to your taste and satisfy your appetite. With friendly service and a laid-back atmosphere, Sam's Diner boasts an eclectic clientèle of tourists and locals from all walks of life. Happy hours are from 3p to 6p during weekdays so stop on by for some amazing deals on beer, wine, cocktails and snacks.
The Willows is an amazing gastropub delighting patrons with delicious pub fare, creative cocktails and, board and video games. The welcoming setting of the pub consists of two bars and a seating area which is lined with simple tables and chairs. The seating is comfy enough to aid you in playing an undisturbed game of scrabble while gorging on chicken wings. One bar of the pub is dedicated to serving craft beers while the other is where the cocktail magic happens. In addition to games, a pool table also occupies the spacious pub. Looking for a place to enjoy a good game of Jenga in the company of friends, beers and pork sliders? The Willows is just the right spot, for that plan!
Sushi Zone is a hip-and-happening place for yuppies, students, Bohemian-types and everyone else who wants to have great sushi at low prices. It is usually crowded, but the high-energy atmosphere makes time fly by. The food is a treat. All the classics are here - maki, nigiri, hand rolls and the like, made with lightening speed from quality ingredients by the ebullient sushi chefs. The service from the wait staff is also fast, with a plate of great food or a glass of excellent Japanese beer at your elbow no sooner than you order it.