I left my belly in San Francisco.
Last weekend, I celebrated a friend’s birthday in San Francisco. Being that it’s approximately 6 hours by car and 1 hour by plane, it’s a city that is close enough for a weekend getaway once or twice a year. While I’m sure each visit can be exceptional enough to keep me coming back, this past weekend I made it a priority to shy away from the many photo-ops to immerse myself in good company. Below are some places we ate at over the weekend, and I can vouch for them having been my second time visiting a few! There’s definitely something very comforting in the no-frills theme of San Francisco food.
R&G LOUNGE / $$ / yelp
CASUAL CANTONESE RESTAURANT IN CHINATOWN
Dungeness crab will forever have it’s reserved spot on my list of favorite foods. I remember searching for “dungeness crab” on Yelp a couple of years ago, and the abundance of listed results sent me into a state of shock and euphoria. R&G Lounge’s fried salt and pepper version does not disappoint! If I can compare it to something, it’d be that of fried chicken–flavorful crisp on the outside with tons of juicy goodness on the inside. The best part is, most of the other traditional menu items also exceed expectations. I’m allergic to fish, but my friends were raving over the baked cod!
THE MILL / $$ / yelp
BREAD & COFFEE CAFE IN ALAMO SQUARE
I can probably shorten this paragraph to three words: toast and coffee. But you probably need more, right? If you’re going to spend $6 on a piece of bread, it better be here. My favorite is their cream cheese with salt and pepper, but their avocado toast is also yum! The minimal bright space is the perfect place for getting some work done or catching up with friends, and they rotate their choice of Fourbarrel Coffee on brew. You can also bring a little piece of The Mill back home with you by buying a bag of Fourbarrel roast or freshly baked bread on site.
THE BAKED BEAR / $ / yelp
CUSTOM ICE CREAM SANDWICH SHOP IN FISHERMAN’S WHARF
While I will always love every visit to Bi-Rite Creamery, it was refreshing (and fun!) to make my own ice cream sandwich at The Baked Bear after filling ourselves up with (even more) dungeness crab along Fisherman’s Wharf. I don’t know what’s more enticing: the fact these ice cream sandwiches are customizable or the plentiful options they offer! Indecisive? You can even go as far as to mix and match your top and bottom cookies. Warm bakery + ice cream is probably one of my favorite forms of dessert. At The Baked Bear, I loved that the cookie was so soft that I didn’t even mind it being room temperature. Om. Nom. Nom.
SWEET MAPLE / $$ / yelp
LOCAL BRUNCH SPOT WITH HINTS OF ASIAN FUSION IN LOWER PACIFIC HEIGHTS
Forget that this place is widely known for it’s millionaire’s bacon, their baked specialty that’s caramelized in sugar and spice. How about the fact that they have two kinds of bacon? And what about their sweet potato tots? Or their french toast that’s perfectly crispy on the outside but oh so soft on the inside? Have you ever tried a dungeness crab omelette? Okay, I kid. Don’t forget to add the bacon to your order. And while you’re at it, try the omurice. There’s really something for everyone with even four types of mimosas! (Beermosa, anyone?) Come hungry, and leave with your pants unbuttoned like I did. They don’t skimp on their portions.
Tip: This place can have a two hour wait on the weekends! Come on a weekday to skip the lines.
LOLINDA / $$$ / yelp
LIVELY ARGENTINEAN TAPAS RESTAURANT IN MISSION
PHOTO COURTESY OF LOLINDASF.COM
Everything. That’s what I recommend. Dining with tapas is one of my favorite ways to get my grub on. Lolinda surprised me with every dish! It was my first time trying a gem squash, and I’m still dreaming of their ensalada de palmito, the salad drenched in a lime-y, buttery dressing. Seriously amazing. Of course, their entraña and empanadas were just as incredible. The best part is: the savory food won’t be the only thing that will keep you coming back. This place also has a vibrant atmosphere with generous pours.
HOUSE OF PRIME RIB / $$$$ / yelp
TRADITIONAL PRIME RIB RESTAURANT IN NOB HILL
PHOTOS COURTESY OF HOUSEOFPRIMERIB.NET
This place found its strong suit and made it their craft. Don’t judge me–I’m a medium well type of lady. However, I decided to go with my friend’s flow of ordering my prime rib cooked medium because I was sharing with the birthday girl. The prime rib came out PINK, all over. I was pretty intimidated of eating it once I received my plate, but my goodness, it was SO GOOD! There’s no need in recommending my favorite dish; besides their catch of the day, prime rib is the only entree on their menu. Do you want your prime rib small, medium, large or extra large? Bonus points if you get the extra large bone-in King Henry cut, which will allow you seconds at no extra cost.
The San Francisco food scene continues to grow, but I love that most traditional local spots still thrive in the city. Have you been to San Francisco? What are your favorite eateries around the city? Comment below, and I’ll be sure to add it to my bookmarks next time I’m there! xx