|
|
|
Sort By:
 |
Restaurants
The Marina's New Flavor Profile
Flavor is often described in four ways: bitter, sour, salty, and sweet. But there's a fifth, more eclectic element that Japanese call "umami," and this is where the new restaurant in the old Yoshida-Ya space comes in. A clever endeavor, Umami incorporates tastes from Japan, Thailand, Korea, and Vietnam to create a "best of" list in a manner that strives to recreate classic dishes. More
|
 |
Restaurants
Arabic Fusion in a Hidden Oasis
One of the first things one notices about Saha is what there is not to notice. There is no street presence, since it's tucked away inside the Hotel Carlton (part of the Joie de Vivre boutique hotel chain, and situated next door to SF Station favorite Brick). Chances are you just don't stumble upon Saha; someone has to recommend it, or you just have to know, and that's part of the allure. More
|
 |
Restaurants
Double Your Pleasure
It's an old school SF dining address with modern lacquer; it's novel and casual Cal-American cuisine with a silver-haired clientele. It's Two, the latest incarnation of Hawthorne Lane, and it's two restaurants in one. After 22 Hawthorne Lane's namesake reign of over twelve years, this reinvented eatery has received a youthful makeover. More
|
 |
Restaurants
A Good Time at the Barracks
Walk into Presidio Social Club and step back in time. Set in a historic barracks building a century old, this spacious meeting/drinking/dining spot charms and promises a good time as easily as it could have sixty years ago. Of the three just-opened Presidio establishments, including La Terrasse and Pres A Vi, Presidio Social Club is the newest and most casual of the national forested bunch. The restaurant serves classic American fare -- solid comfort food with an occasional departure -- and offers a relaxed and convivial ambiance, attracting the neighboring Presidio/Pacific Heights and Marina clientele. More
|
|
|
Restaurants
A newcomer to the Presidio, PSC gives a flashback feel in sync with its historic site. The ambiance is at once animated and relaxed, with plenty of stimulation both visually and on the palate. The drink list references the era of the Pimm's Cup and the Manhattan, and for the most part, the classic American fare is sumptuous with few misses. Some of our favorites include the crab "cupcakes," the house chopped salad, and Kobe beef burger. Though Pres A Vi and La Terrasse have also recently opened in the Presidio, Presidio Social Club seems to be winning the popularity contest. It’s certainly got my vote. More
|
|
|
Restaurants
Never having been to a German beer garden, I can only imagine it to be like Suppenkuche, with perhaps many more tipsy souls in the surrounds. With few Bavarian restaurants in the city, this one does it right, with a folksy but cool atmosphere that is candlelit and furnished with pine bench seating. An impressive list of beers includes pilsners, wheat beer, bock beer and a few Belgians to boot. Speaking of boot, if you go with a group of friends and want to make it a true communal experience, request the 2-liter boot to guzzle from. Keeping in line with the authentic brews, the fare is hearty with lots of meat and potatoes. More
|
|
|
Restaurants
Don't mind the overly greasy spoon vibe here where home-style Cantonese and Mandarin are served up. That feeling easily subsides once you catch sight of the famously gargantuan pot stickers, a true meal in themselves. This neighborhood favorite along the cable car track presents portions that are consistently fit for a family -- and make for great leftovers. Though some plates are hit-or-miss such as the Chop Suey, which we don't dare go near, or the soups which are less than mediocre, other dishes like the ginger beef with green onions or the simply sauteed bean thread with spinach are must-haves. More
|
|
|
Restaurants
Tucked in a cozy prime spot overlooking the Presidio gate, this lil' pub feels like it hasn't changed in decades, its interior characterized by deep dark wood and walls covered with old photos of local figures. Offering up solid fish and chips, a mean burger, and other usual pub fare till 1am, it draws a late been-out crowd. When the weather heats up, whether it’s a lazy afternoon or brunch time, expect to see crowds vying for the outdoor seating. More
|
|
|
Restaurants
To a background DJ sound of electronic beats in tune with the hip Hayes Valley locale, this cool Belgian house of small eats serves up big paper cones full of thick Belgian fries with a wide selection of flavored ketchup and mayonnaises such as Creamy Wasabi Mayo, Ginger Orange Mayo, Caper Onion Ketchup and Curry Ketchup. There are also savory sandwiches, salads, and crepes to fill bigger appetites. Wash it all down with a proper Hoegaarden on tap on the outdoor patio out back. The feel is more lounge than cafe, but who needs coffee when you’ve got Belgian ale and fries. More
|
|
|
Restaurants
Dim sum aficionados flock to Ton Kiang for its regaled delicate dumplings like the siu mai and the shrimp balls. But just about every dish wheeled by is a spectacle for the eyes and stomach. And they taste even better than they appear. Being a traditionalist, I opt for the winning barbecued pork buns, daikon cake, and shrimp blanketed in wide rice noodles, but there are always plenty of new creative dishes waiting to be tried. And the best part is, dim sum is served until 10:30 at night, so it’s not just for brunch anymore. More
|
|
