“Eat” listings
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Chambers Eat + Drink
This space inside the Phoenix Hotel (a divey-but-stylish spot where visiting bands often stay) has a got a slightly gothic yet very elegant vibe. Vampirelow lighting and bookshelves stacked with LPs gives this place a cool ambiance, and the food lives up to the hip interiors—Trevor Ogden, formerly of Mission Beach Cafe, serves a burger with the requisite beef and a hunk of beautifully crisped pork belly. $$$ (09/2011)
601 Eddy St
415-829-2316
chambers-sf.com -
Bluestem Brasserie
Hearty bistro fare from awardwinning chefs tastes so much better when there's an outdoor terrace and rooftop bar to enjoy it on. Overlooking Market Street downtown, this classy, comfy newcomer is a breath of fresh air. Chef Sean Canavan's housemade charcuterie is not to be missed. $$$ (09/2011)
One Yerba Buena Ln
415-547-1111
bluestembrasserie.com -
Tres
Formerly known as Tres Agaves, this SoMa favorite has a detailed tequila list that takes a cue from the wine world when talking about origin and tasting notes. It serves authentic fare inspired by the five different Mexican states in which tequila is made. $$ (06/2011)
130 Townsend St
415-227-0500
tressf.com -
Greenburger
At this new addition to the Lower Haight neighborhood, a longtime SF chef and his wife are dishing up locally sourced, meaty American fare inspired by the chef's hometown of Buffalo, NY. Look for Buffalo chicken wings and hearty, made-toorder meatloaf. $$ (05/2011)
518 Haight St
415-829-2491
sfgreenburgers.com -
Straw
Belly up for some low-brow favorites—like cream of tomato soup with Goldfish crackers or a fried chickenn- waffle Monte Cristo—at the only carnival-themed restaurant in the city. Part of the menu changes with a nod to large international festivals; March had Brazilian dishes in honor of Carnival. $$ (05/2011)
203 Octavia St
415-431-3663
strawsf.com -
Contraband
This much-anticipated coffeeshop in the Polk Gulch area is finally open, and java freaks are already raving about it. All beans are roasted on-site, and a coffee lab takes place every Saturday, when you can learn about coffee while sipping samples from single-origin producers. $ (04/2011)
1415 Larkin St
415-839-7388 -
Hog & Rocks
Beyond ham and oysters, pub grub faves like fish and chips and griddled patty melts are elevated to gourmet levels at this newish addition to the hopping Mission food scene. Its 1am closing time is a blessing for night owls. $$ (04/2011)
3431 19th St
415-550-8627
hogandrocks.com -
Skool
Japanese-inspired dishes like sea urchin flan, fried baby eryngii mushrooms and Hokkaido scallops are all in attendance at this classroom-themed place, where the menus are printed on notebook paper. On sunny days, take a long recess on the big outdoor patio. $$$ (04/2011)
1725 Alameda St
415-255-8800
skoolsf.com -
Tadich Grill
The oldest restaurant in California, this local favorite in the Financial District has been serving old-school San Francisco treats for 160- plus years. Try the cioppino,a soup favored by fishermen who would get together and chip in (hence the name) whatever seafood they had on hand. $$$ (04/2011)
240 California St
415-391-1849
tadichgrill.com -
Prospect
One of the hottest contemporary American eateries in town, this spot values artful presentation nearly as much as flavor. Fresh, buttery Dungeness crab, wagyu beef and veal chops feature prominently. Stop in for the laidback weekend brunch, when Southern-fried chicken and hash hijack the menu. $$$$ (03/2011)
300 Spear St
415-247-7700
prospectsf.com -
RAGAZZA PIZZERIA
There’s almost always a wait for a table at this new, no-reservations Italian spot on the burgeoning Divisadero Corridor. Expect bubbly crusted Neapolitan-style pizzas and Italian comfort food like meats and baked pastas. $$ (01/2011)
311 Divisadero St
415- 255-1133
ragazzasf.com -
BAR AGRICOLE
This South of Market place has taken the “locavore” concept to its logical extreme by growing some garnishes for the food and cocktails on-site. It has a chic-industrial look and the menu—which features dishes like rabbit and shell beans or quail with artichokes—changes daily. $$ (01/2011)
355 11th St
415-355-9400
baragricole.com