SFReview
photo credit: Krescent Carasso
PABU
Work dinners. Sometimes they have to happen, and sorry boss, but a last minute 7pm reservation at Zuni just isn’t in the cards. When you’re on the company dime, you want to eat well. But let’s be real, the ideal situation is a place that’s near the office with tasty food that’s probably slightly outside your price range for a normal dinner.
Time to get familiar with the izakaya spot Pabu. It’s big, it’s in the heart of Fidi (literally in the bottom of an office building), you can get a reservation easily, and the sharable Japanese small plates are pretty damn good.
The high-ceilinged space doesn't have the most intimate ambience, but since you’ll most likely be here with your boss and some interns, that’s cool. Service is quick, and the waiters will inform you about the details of the long, long menu with extreme specificity. The ‘happy spoon’ has housemade ponzu creme fraiche? Super.
As for the menu, the small plates are where Pabu excels - you'll want to load up on fried chicken, vegetables, tempura, and some of the skewers. Stay away from the sushi side of the menu, as the rolls we’ve had all tasted of nothing. Do be sure to order sake - they bring out a selection of unique sake cups to choose your own. If you don’t snag the biggest one, you can only blame yourself.
We won't be hitting up Pabu for date night or for a catch up with some non-corporate friends, but it has an ideal location and pricey food that’s perfect for any work-related eating and drinking. Save those receipts.