SFReview
Included In
It’s not every day that we come across a potato dish that brings literal tears to our eyes. Or one that makes us whisper mid-bite, “I’m falling deeply in love with an inanimate object.” This rare, starch-fueled euphoria is one we feel every time we eat the patatas bravas at Red Window, a Spanish restaurant in North Beach. And if you want to experience it too, book a table here, stat.
photo credit: Susie Lacocque
What makes these patatas bravas so special? Well-seasoned, paper-thin slices of potato are stacked together, a welcome departure from the typical chunks you might see at other tapas restaurants. Each cube is then placed on top of a swath of aioli and dollops of salsa brava that we need sold in bulk at Costco immediately. But this dish isn’t just wonderful to look at - it’s also delicious, and the crispy, golden-brown edges shatter like glass with every bite. Don’t be surprised if you lose a friendship over who gets the last piece.
But there’s more to Red Window than excellent potatoes - eating here just feels like a party. You might see people from different tables join together in an impromptu birthday toast on the brightly-colored parklet or in the dining room, which is decked out with enough neon floral decals and rainbow colors that you’d think it was designed by Jojo Siwa. The atmosphere all makes for a lively night, and one that fits right in with North Beach’s eclectic, energetic dining scene.
photo credit: Susie Lacocque
The drinks here are festive, too. Red Window focuses on low-proof cocktails, like refreshing spritzes or fruit-filled glasses of red, pink, or white sangria. Some drinks will even be mixed for you tableside from a roving bar cart. After you settle in, dive into the one-page menu. Start off with a few of the pintxos, which are divided up by croquetas, crostinis, and skewers, and served by the piece. Then, move on to the tapas section - the patatas are a must, followed by the garlicky gambas and soft, melty jamón Ibérico.
The food arrives quickly, and before you know it, you’ll be shuffling plates around the table to make more room for everything else. Despite the inevitable overflowing table, you’ll want to order more and stay awhile - the friendly service, lively music playing in the background, and block party energy guarantee it. Make sure to throw in another order of the patatas while you’re at it.
Food Rundown
photo credit: Susie Lacocque
Patatas Bravas
photo credit: Susie Lacocque
Croquetas
photo credit: Susie Lacocque
Jamón Ibérico
photo credit: Susie Lacocque