SFReview
photo credit: Carly Hackbarth
Gumbo Social
Included In
San Francisco isn't a gumbo town, but Gumbo Social is here to change that. This fan-favorite pop-up turned Bayview brick-and-mortar has clearly mastered the art of the slow-cooked stew. Their gumbos are downright revelatory—every bowl is rich, buttery, and creamy at once.
The menu at this counter-service spot is simple—no need to over-complicate things when the gumbo alone has us standing outside the door like a puppy eagerly waiting for a walk outside. A deep, dark roux is simmered with a secret blend of species (paprika, cayenne, and black pepper notes really shine through), perfectly browned okra, and the holy trinity of Cajun cooking (onions, bell peppers, and celery for the uninitiated). Two kinds are usually on offer: chicken and sausage, and a smoked turkey (there’s occasionally a vegan option, but call ahead for availability). Both taste pretty similar—intensely caramelly, a touch nutty, and slightly spicy. However, the andouille adds smokiness to the chicken and sausage, and elevates it to star player.
photo credit: Carly Hackbarth
photo credit: Carly Hackbarth
What else is a star? The old-timey wooden cabinet near the front of the restaurant, full of rows and rows of hot sauces. Dive into it because there’s no upper limit to how spicy to make gumbo. Your bowl will skyrocket straight to the stratosphere with any combination of vinegary, smoky, or citrusy hotness. Jalapeño-based sauces, Caribbean-style habeñero, and the ever-elusive Tabasco chipotle are all here. Choose your own spice tolerance, and raise your endorphins.
Gumbo—and the hot sauces—are the headliners, but the po’boys are an excellent closer. Eating one will have you asking, "When is Gumbo Social opening up Po’Boy Social, with twenty locations across the city?" These po’boys are a masterclass in sandwich making. A hunk of French bread is toasted, stuffed with crunchy coleslaw, a creamy-garlicky sauce of our dreams, and filled with one of four amazing protein choices. Zero in on the char-grilled shrimp or the fall-apart roasted pork for the juiciest, most satisfying experience.
photo credit: Carly Hackbarth
The final thing to know: this place is casual to the max. Inside are just a few basic tables and some plain white walls, and compostable paper plates and cups take the place of silverware. And since Gumbo Social is focused on pumping out the best food possible, above all else, service is quick. Coming here never feels like hard work.
Like that friend that always stops by unannounced, we’ll make any excuse to drop in for another bowl, or po’boy. And we’re not the only ones. The gumbos often sell out, so get in early, especially if you want seconds. You’re going to want seconds.
Food Rundown
photo credit: Carly Hackbarth
Chicken And Sausage Gumbo
photo credit: Carly Hackbarth
Smoked Turkey Gumbo
photo credit: Carly Hackbarth
Grilled Shrimp Po’Boy
Roasted Pork Po’Boy
photo credit: Carly Hackbarth