Eater SF answers the question "Where should I eat and drink this weekend?"
A few new places to check out this weekend, fresh from the mouths of Eater editors and contributors.
July 29
For Z&Y Sichuan lovers: Chong Qing Xiao Mian
Opened by ex-employees of Sichuan favorite Z&Y, Chong Qing Xiao Mian focuses more on noodles, but still Sichuan-style. Here, you can get springy, spaghetti-like noodles dressed up in tingly sauces with a variety of meats. My favorites were the house cold noodles spiced with Sichuan peppercorn and hot oil, the won tons in spicy chili oil, and spicy numbing beef tendon. 915 Kearny St., SF — Stefanie Tuder
Image credit: Stefanie Tuder
For a plentiful, tasty lunch: Azalina's
When's the last time you went to The Market, the food hall style space in the Twitter building? Chances are it hasn't been since the space has been transformed into a Ferry Building-style hall with vendor stalls. Poke, pizza, and taco stands have long lines, but snake your way to the back corner for Azalina's, the more overlooked Malaysian restaurant from a La Cocina alum. The food is flavor-forward, with lots of spice, acid, and herbs, so each bite makes you crave the next. 1355 Market St., SF — Stefanie Tuder
Image credit: Stefanie Tuder
For fried thighs and greens: Miss Ollie's
Miss Ollie's is a bright, pink Caribbean wonderland of fried chicken. However, don't go here hangry because you might end up waiting — as I did — an unseemly amount of time for your fried thigh. However, when I got my perfectly fried, seasoned thigh, it was moist, crispy, and incredibly delicious. Go here, eat the fried chicken, get some sweet tea, and don't make a fuss. 901 Washington St., Oakland — Ellen Fort
Image credit: Navin K./Yelp
For SF's new Mediterranean: Tawla
Tawla recently opened in the Mission with what owner Azhar Hashem calls Mediterranean 2.0. That means no hummus, falafel or other street foods that the cuisine is known for, instead focusing on dishes like a trio of labneh, leg of lamb, or whole-roasted fish filled with onions, walnuts, and spices. I loved the bold flavors on almost everything I tasted, including the plentiful amounts of high-quality olive oil and lemon juice. The bread is hands down the best of its kind I've tasted in San Francisco — oiled, salted, and simultaneously crisp and pillowy. 206 Valencia St., SF — Ellen Fort
Image credit: Patricia Chang
For a new take on a meeting spot: Boba Guys
This week I did myself a favor and scheduled a work meeting at the new Boba Guys flagship on Octavia. I highly recommend you do the same. The drink I had — iced jasmine tea, almond milk, tapioca balls, zero percent sweetness — was absolutely what I was hoping for from the place that claims to make "next level" bubble tea. While mine was simple, refreshing, and just delightful, hardcore Instagrammers might want to go for the strawberry matcha almond latte and its #colorblocking. There are bonus points to be distributed, too: for having non-dairy milks on offer, horchata, Wifi, and a clean bathroom. 8 Octavia St., SF — Hillary Dixler
June 24
For a non-brunch Saturday activity: Sequoia Sake
Founders Jake Myrick, Noriko Kamei, and Warren Pfahl are all about making fresh, live, unpasteruized sake at the highest of Japanese standards — even convincing a farmer here to grow sake rice for the endeavor. Bars, restaurants, and shops like Liholiho Yacht Club, Izakaya Rintaro, Birite, and Umami Mart have started to pay attention, carrying this handmde in SF sake. For the full-on experience, though, the crew opens the production up to the public on Saturdays for tours and tastings. 50 Apparel Way, SF — ST
For some no-frills dim sum: City View
Everyone knows about Yank Sing, but City View is just as good and easier to get into. The food is fresh, the staff is reasonably friendly, and the bill is cheap. 662 Commercial St., SF — ST
For a Sausalito lunch, minus the tourists: Fish
Sausalito is always crawling with tourists on the weekend, but the pro move is to head away from downtown just a bit for Fish, a counter-service, outdoor seafood spot that has some seriously fresh fish. You'll still have to wait in line, but it's worth it. 350 Harbor Dr., SF — ST
For a seriously good sausage: Vientian Cafe
It's located in a deeply residential East Oakland neighborhood, offering up excellent excellent Laotian food. Curries are flavorful and complex, but the real must-eat is the sai oo, a fermented Laotian sausage with ginger and lemongrass. It's scored and baked, revealing a multitude of crispy surfaces. Make sure everyone orders their own, you won't want to share. 3801 Allendale Ave., Oakland — EF
For the best on-the-go sushi: Kirala 2
This satellite location of Berkeley's Kirala restaurant is lurking in the Epicurious Garden, a food court in the Ghourmet Ghetto. They've got fresh sushi and bentos packaged and ready to go, or it can be made to order. Either way, the fish is fresh, beautiful and fast. 1511 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley — EF
June 3
For non-douchey wine drinking: Bay Grape
Bay Grape is the bottle shop and wine drinking oasis of your dreams. It's the brainchild of uber charming married couple Stevie Stacionis and Josiah Baldivino, both pedigreed somms who are dedicated to making wine "less douchey." Stop by and buy a bottle to drink in the shop, or for by-the-glass tasting Thursday through Saturday. They also offer tasting classes for wine lovers of all levels; on Monday, go before 6 p.m. for the blind flight that they designed with industry friends studying for their sommelier examinations in mind, then stay for a class on the featured wines at 7 p.m. 376 Grand Ave, Oakland — EF
Image credit: Bay Grape
For efficient, flavorful pho: Monster Pho
This little pho spot delivers steaming, flavorful bowls of pho and vermicelli lickety split. Lunchtime is filled with workers from nearby Kaiser, who flock there for the affordable price and quick turnaround, but it's also open for dinner. Go hungry. 3905 Broadway, Oakland —EF
Image credit: Ellen Fort
For good beers and late night sandwiches: Tommy's Joynt
What the napkins here say is true: there's really no place quite like Tommy's Joynt. A selection of good craft beers on tap, plus an enormous bottle selection back up Tommy's hearty food. A late night oasis for sandwiches, buffalo stew and mashed potatoes, Tommy's is a true SF original. Here's hoping that it's not torn down for condos after all. 1101 Geary Blvd. — EF
Image credit: Tommy's Joynt
For free plums: Stable Cafe
Go to Stable Café for an easy cafe brunch. The garden patio is unparalleled and the plum trees are currently in bloom, so you get a free snack to take with you for later. 2128 Folsom St — Andrew Dalton
Image credit: Stable Cafe/Instagram
For wings of all spice levels: Hot Sauce and Panko
The new hotness in Nob Hill is Hot Sauce and Panko (formerly in the Richmond), a family-run no frills hot sauce store that doubles as a place to buy cheap and delicious wings. You can also get chicken and waffle sandwiches. It's cramped and only has two standing tables, so it's best to plan to order to go and enjoy your food elsewhere (I recommend the nearby Hyde and Vallejo Mini Park). 1468 Hyde St. — Sally Kuchar, Curbed
Image credit: Hot Sauce and Panko
May 27
For a feel-good fast food experience: LocoL
Chefs Daniel Patterson and Roy Choi have brought their revolutionary brand of fast food to the Bay Area, offering healthier versions of burgers and chicken nuggets for affordable prices. Their plan is to expand rapidly, which, after tasting their flavorful dishes, is welcome addition to the dining scene. 2214 Broadway, Oakland —EF
Image credit: Ellen Fort
For a quick trip to Tokyo: Itani Ramen
Chef Kyle Itani has channeled his extensive travels in Japan into a fun, easy ramen spot in Uptown Oakland. Rotating specials highlight the cuisines of different prefectures, while the steadies like shio ramen bring pork chashu and toothsome noodles home every time. Must order: the crispy pig ears.
Image credit: Stefanie Tuder
For mixing it up during BottleRock: Miminashi
While there will be a slew of amazing options for food at BottleRock itself, you might need a break from the festivities. In that case, head to Miminashi for some refined izakaya fare in a relaxed atmosphere. 821 Coombs St., Napa
Image credit: Bob McClenahan
For a brand-new FiDi lunch option: Sababa
Lunch in the Financial District can get real old real fast. Luckily Sababa has just opened, adding a new fast casual Mediterranean option into the mix that is quick, healthy, and delicious. 329 Kearny St., SF
Image credit: Patricia Chang
May 13
For takeout Thai: Farmhouse Kitchen
Farm House Kitchen's food is so much better than any other Thai takeout spot. The fried chicken is supposed to be amazing, but I always get the special 24-hour beef noodle soup that comes with — no joke — a dinosaur sized short rib in veal broth. Pro-tip: just sit at the bar and have a nice beer while you wait for takeout. 710 Florida St., SF — AD
Image credit: Farmhouse Kitchen
For a quick, cheap meal before a night out: Panchita's #2
Panchita's #2 is my go-to spot for pupusas before going out to drink. It's cheap and quick, and you can have a beer before you go meet your friends at whatever Mission bar. 3091 16th St., SF — AD
Image credit: Stacie S./Yelp
To start your weekend right: The Mill
A perfect weekend for me starts with waking up early and walking to The Mill before the crowds arrive. Order any coffee that appeals to you (I am not ashamed of almond milk lattes) and dive head first into the toast. Get the always-available country toast with cinnamon sugar as well as a wild-card option. I particularly like when they have a honey-topped option and I always keep an eye out for the ever-changing jams. 736 Divisadero St., SF — HD
Image credit: Hillary Dixler/Instagram
For a trip back in time: The Ice Cream Bar
Satisfy your inner child with a 1950s ice cream bar visit that's even better than what 10-year-old you could have imagined back then, since here there's booze involved. 815 Cole St., SF — ST
Image credit: Stefanie Tuder
For solid soup dumplings: Dragon Beaux
I wasn't in love with the rest of the extensive menu of dim sum and hot pots, but the soup dumplings here are delicate, brothy, porky, and irresistible. Get multiple orders and call it a day. 5700 Geary Blvd., SF — ST
Image credit: YueStudio Y./Yelp
April 29
For a better burger: TrueBurger
Oakland's answer to Shake Shack, TrueBurger offers up better-than-average burger. The burgers are simple, consisting of 5 ounces of ground beef cooked medium, with tomato, lettuce and garlic mayo, with options of cheese and/or bacon. (Pro tip: add grilled onions.) Milkshakes and garlic fries are also a must. 4101 Broadway Oakland — EF
Image credit: Ellen Fort
For the OG tiki experience: Trader Vic's
It's an integral part of tiki culture, nestled deep in Emeryville. Trader Vic's is where the mai tai hit the big time, and they're still pumping out 300 a night. High octane drinks, kitschy decor and fun for the whole family (seriously, there were kids in there at 10 p.m.) is found in this tropical oasis. The drinks are great, without the super craft cocktail aspect of a 2016 tiki bar. 9 Anchor Dr, Emeryville — EF
Image credit: Ellen Fort
For date-night: The Alembic
The Alembic is always on point and never obnoxiously crowded. New cocktails are always in rotation, and I think they might have the best cocktail descriptions in town — slightly pretentious, but self-aware ("We infused Pisco with whatever we found when we looked up 'fresh.' I mean, you're on Haight Street,'" one reads). 1725 Haight St. — AD
Image credit: Chloe List
For an under-the-radar gem in the Tenderloin: Rusty's Southern
The Southern classics are good at Rusty's, but the restaurant's true finesse shines through in its vegetable melange with farro, a poached egg and Parmesan. Sure, it can feel embarrassing to order a vegetable dish when a country-fried steak or a barbecue plate are your other options, but trust. 750 Ellis St. — ST
For a bonkers burger: Scotland Yard
Just look at this hulking, drippy mess of a badass burger. Eat it on the patio out back and win the weekend. 3232 Scott St. — ST
April 22
For late night food heaven: Tosca Cafe
Tosca is always good, but the time it really shines is post-midnight, when things get a little rowdy as the dining room trickles home and the bar crowd starts to swell. And the best part is its brand-new late night bar special, when pasta and a beer clocks in at $20. 242 Columbus Ave. — ST
Image credit: Patricia Chang
For a change of pace in FiDi: Bini's Kitchen
In the land of overpriced salads and mediocre sandwiches, Bini's Kitchen is a solid lunch alternative. Get the Gorkha chicken curry combo, which comes with rice and four turkey momo dumplings for just $10. And feel good knowing you're supporting a business that got its start at La Cocina, the non-profit that helps low-income, often minority women start food businesses. 2948 Folsom St. — ST
Image credit: Stefanie Tuder
For a buttery, off-beat burger: Garaje
During the weekdays, Garaje is saturated with tech bros taking up all the tables with their incessant shouting about Crossfit and babes. But on Saturday (closed Sunday), this cash-only spot on SoMa turns quieter, making it ideal for catching a Giants game (on one of their many screens) and wolfing down their butter burger. It's just what it sounds like: chips of butter mixed into the patty prior to frying. Failing that, order the fried chicken sandwich. 475 3rd St. — BK
Image credit: Garaje
For a flavorful taste of Southern India: Juhu Beach Club
Bold flavors and textures make every dish at Juhu exciting, from the bhel salad with puffed rice to the curryleaf coriander shrimp. Dinner or weekend brunch are both ideal times to visit, with weekend offerings like dosa waffles a draw for those in need of a hangover cure. 5179 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland— EF
Image credit: Nathan Ziebell
For a not-so-casual place to try: Benu
Brimming with cash, time, and not sure where to dine? Hit Benu. Why not? Out of the four three-star Michelin sparklers in the Bay Area, Cory Lee's Hawthorne Lane joint ranks as the best of the bunch. From the famous "thousand year old quail egg" to "eel porridge," Lee's 17-course fixed-price menu, that transforms classic Asian ingredients into tiny bite-size miracles, is worth your money and a couple of hours. 22 Hawthorne St — BK
Image credit: Nick Solares
April 15
For some authentic Sichuan: Z & Y Restaurant
For my first proper dinner in San Francisco's Chinatown, I headed to Z & Y Restaurant where living legend Cecilia Chiang took the wheel and ordered for a table of friends from San Francisco and New York City. Some standouts from our order, which I never would have found on my own: The couple's delight, a chilled dish of beef tendon and other bits (ask for sauce on the side like Cecilia, who likes to manage spice levels herself), ribbons of bitter melon served with a side of honey for your drizzling pleasure, and the stunning, perfectly cooked whole fish with hand-pulled noodles. Go hungry, and go with good company. 655 Jackson St. — HD
For no-frills Mexican: Pancho Villa Taqueria
Brusque service, smoky air, fluorescent lights and long(ish) waits are all worth it at this fast-paced taqueria where no matter what you order — nachos, burritos or tacos — you can't go wrong. Be sure to load up at the salsa bar. 3071 16th St. — ST
For a no-rush meal: La Nebbia
This relaxed, neighborhood Italian trattoria is the ideal place for a chill night of catching up with friends over wine and pizza. 1781 Church St. — ST
Image credit: Patricia Chang
For peaceful lunch or dinner: Iyasare
Iyasare is unreasonably pleasant for a light lunch in Berkeley, especially if you're eating the kaki-age tempura, a beautifully fried nest of burdock root, onion, sweet potato, and shiitaki mushrooms, served with a light broth for dipping; add the black tiger shrimp and it becomes almost a full meal. Sit on the zen-like patio that looks out onto Fourth Street for a relaxed, tree-lined dining experience. Add sake, repeat. 1830 Fourth St., Berkeley — EF
For a laid-back lunch: Southie
You may have heard of "The Balls," Southie's massive meatball sandwich that puts others to shame. Well, the rumors are true: it's a saucy, meaty lunch that gives you bang for your buck. If not feeling the sauce-factor, check out the fried chicken salad, or the "Spicy Hog" sandwich with pulled pork, slaw, jalapeño, and lime aioli on an Acme bun. It's close quarters in this small spot, but it's a great spot to people watch if you can snag the window seat. 6311 College Ave., Oakland — EF
April 8
For a selection of Chinese pastries: Fancy Wheat Field Bakery
This Chinatown bakery is gleaming white and filled with sneeze-guards galore. The a Chinese chain (there's also one in Portola), offering warm savory pastries like pork buns, alongside egg custard tarts, breads and all kinds of interesting pastries and desserts. Waltz in, grab a tray and some tongs, and start choosing your own adventure. 1362 Stockton St. —EF
Image credit: Jennifer C./Yelp
For a subway-tiled dream lunch: Foundation Cafe
This isn't your typical grab-and-go, FiDi Soylent equivalent (as in, it's just sustenance and nothing more). They've got breakfast and lunch that would make any hipster proud, including a garlicky kale caesar with the option of fried chicken. Veg options are also great, including a tofu and eggplant sandwich that even a carnivore can love. 335 Kearny St. —EF
Image credit: Jeff M./Yelp
Dragon Beaux
Of all the food I got here, the only thing I enjoyed were the soup dumplings. That being said, they were extremely good soup dumplings that I would return for and solely order. 5700 Geary Blvd. — ST
Image credit: YueStudio Y./Yelp
Terzo
This ten-year-old Cow Hollow Mediterranean is a favorite for a reason: friendly service, cozy atmosphere and —most importantly — delicious food. It's a true neighborhood spot. 3011 Steiner St. — ST
Image credit: Terzo
Lucca's Delicatessen
Stepping into Lucca's is like stepping back in time; the 80-year-old Italian shop has salami hanging from the ceiling and people shouting out orders from every which way. The obvious order is the #1 Italian combo (salame, ham, mortadella, provolone, mayo, mustard, lettuce, tomato, mild Italian pepper). There are a ton of other sandwiches, plus heaping salads, antipasti, meats and cheeses to satisfy your Italian-American cravings. Plus, it's family owned, which is always feel-good.
Image credit: Sasha H./Yelp
March 25
For seasonal Japanese fare in Marin: Village Sake
Bring a group for a parade of small plates. Must orders include the takoyaki, grilled shiitake and kimchi Brussels sprouts. Just don't order dessert — instead, read below. 19 Bolinas Rd. — ST
Image credit: Darrin S./Yelp
For inventive, hippie ice cream: Fairfax Scoop
Once you've had your fill at Village Sake, head around the corner to Fairfax Scoop for locally-sourced and creative flavors like vanilla honey lavender, bittersweet chocolate and olive oil. Of course get the homemade waffle bowl or cone. A serious plus is the low prices. 63 Broadway Blvd., Fairfax — ST
Image credit: Kymberli C./Yelp
For Cow Hollow's most mature people-watching: Belga
It's just plain pleasant to sit in Belga's light-drenched front room (avoid the back room at all costs) while sipping drinks, munching on food (the falafel plate is very underrated) and people-watching through the open front windows. 2000 Union St. — ST
Image credit: Stefanie Tuder
For super fresh dim sum: Yank Sing
Yank Sing ain't no secret in this town. This is just your reminder to go. 101 Spear St. — ST
Image credit: Stefanie Tuder
For a legit spot on the Embarcadero: Hard Water
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