Old Ship Saloon

298 Pacific Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94111
(415) 788-2222
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Quite possibly the oldest saloon established in San Francisco, the Old Ship Saloon is a Jackson Square landmark that’s been in business since the three-masted boat named the Arkansas was beached here back in 1851. At inception, a door was merely cut directly into the hull of the boat to convert the ship into an ale house. Over time the ship was replaced with a brick and mortar building that functioned as a hotel, which still operated the Old Ship Saloon in a barroom on the ground floor. Read more »

21st Amendment

563 2nd St
San Francisco, CA 94107
(415) 369-0900
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There really is no better way to spend a sunny Spring Saturday than with good friends, good drinks and baseball. Just a few blocks away from AT&T Park, home of the SF Giants, you’ll find 21st Amendment, a local brewery and restaurant founded in 2000. A great setting for both pre and post-game gatherings, it’s the perfect place if you’re there to try some of their hand-crafted beers, or just hoping to grab a burger.

One of the best things about 21st Amendment is the beer garden they open up on game days. Read more »

farmerbrown’s little skillet

360 Ritch Street
(at Townsend Street)
San Francisco, CA,
(415) 777-2777
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On a bright and sunny alley in SoMa, patrons line up near the kitchen counter window, waiting intently to order soul food favorites like fried chicken and waffles, biscuits and gravy, and po’boy sandwiches. Farmerbrown’s little skillet also serves |Fall Mills| stone-ground organic grits, |Let’s Be Frank| hot dogs wrapped in waffles, and pulled pork sandwiches.

The waffles here have a nice golden crust that softens just right from the real maple syrup, which also goes great with the savory fried chicken. Read more »

Johnny Foley’s Irish House

243 O’Farrell Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 954-0777
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Being St. Patrick’s Day and all, it seemed appropriate to spend my Saturday celebrating over pints of Guinness and some pub fare. My friends decided upon Johnny Foley’s Irish House, a traditional Irish pub located near Union Square, for the festivities. Foley’s was surprisingly larger than expected with multiple dining areas and a separate bar in the rear dining room. There’s even a dueling piano bar located in the basement worth checking out. Read more »

Anna Belle’s

54 4th Street
San Francisco, CA 94103
(415) 777-1200
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Following a late night movie at the Metreon, the search was on for a kitchen still open late on a Sunday. Luckily, the brightly lit florescent sign at Anna Belle’s caught my attention. Located in the Hotel Mosser, Anna Belle’s menu features local and sustainable American fare served until a half hour past midnight. Read more »

Subs Inc.

1300 Castro Street
San Francisco, CA 94114
(415) 648-4256
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Located on the corner of 24th and Castro in the Noe Valley district, Subs Inc. combines choice deli cuts, freshly baked bread, tomatoes, crisp iceberg lettuce and onions, all to create a satisfyingly delicious sandwich.

A good sandwich always starts with the bread, and Subs Inc. has some amazing Dutch crunch. Try it with their roasted turkey and cranberry sauce or their hot pastrami. The meatball sub is also delicious, perfect on a sweet roll. For dessert, there’s plenty of ice cream to sample. Read more »

Just for You Cafe

732 22nd Street
San Francisco, CA 94107
(415) 647-3033
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Located in an area of the city mostly known for its relics of San Francisco’s shipping industry, Just for You Cafe is helping to redefine the Dogpatch district as an up and coming neighborhood worth visiting. While many of the large industrial spaces still remain as reminders of this district’s roots, the local landscape is also a blend of live/work lofts, restaurants, and a growing arts scene. Situated on a sunny block of 22nd Street, the cafe is conveniently located near the T-Third Street Metro line, which makes the trip from Downtown only a few short stops. Read more »

Nettie’s Crab Shack

2032 Union Street
San Francisco, CA 94123
(415) 409-0300
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From tables adorned simply with brown butcher paper and a tall shaker of sea salt, to the weathered furniture and inviting Cape Cod decor; one step inside Nettie’s should conjure up memories of a charming seaside village somewhere in New England.

While they do serve some conventional New England fare such as clam chowder with bacon, warm lobster roll, steamers, and crab cakes; the rest of the menu features a diverse selection of comfort foods from various regions of the country. Read more »

Dynamo Donut & Coffee

2760 24th Street
San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 920-1978
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Deep within the Mission, far from its more likely surroundings of chic boutiques and trendy restaurants located further up 24th Street; Dynamo Donut & Coffee is a charming little shop that’s gaining a loyal following for their unique and unconventional donut varieties. Visible mostly by it’s bright yellow paint and green awning, Dynamo’s retro styling and quaint walk-up counter feels like a trip back to 1950s Americana. Read more »

Pat’s Cafe

2330 Taylor Street
San Francisco, CA 94133
(415) 776-8735
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Not far from the Powell Street cable car line turnaround, Pat’s Cafe is an unpretentious, charmingly small North Beach restaurant, best known for their brunch and breakfast dishes. I like this place for the neighborhood cafe feel, the personable service, and convenient North Beach location.

Let the tourists wait in line at all the crowded traps (i.e. Mama’s) around Washington Square; I’d rather not start my day with a hour plus wait just for some hearty breakfast. My favorites include the French toast, pancakes, and the scrambled eggs with cheese and chicken-apple sausages. The free Wi-Fi is a nice perk, and I heard they recently started dinner service. Read more »