Will Kamensky
Former San Francisco Staff Writer
All Posts
Page 2Atwater Tavern
Head to Atwater Tavern in Mission Bay before a Giants Game for views of the bay and things to share, like fancy pizzas and fries.
True Laurel
True Laurel is a cocktail bar and small plates spot in the Mission that’s great for a date.
Comstock Saloon
Comstock Saloon is an old-school spot in North Beach serving great food and cocktails. Get the brussels sprouts.
Mr. Pollo
Mr. Pollo is a tiny tasting menu restaurant in the Mission unlike anything else in the city.
Sorrel
Sorrel is an upscale California-Italian place in Pac Heights that’s designed to impress, even if they do everything a little too by the book.
The Pink Elephant
The Pink Elephant in SoMa meets the bare minimum requirements for brunch. And a minimum security prison.
Bow Bow Cocktail Lounge
Bow Bow Cocktail Lounge is a dive bar in Chinatown great for an impromptu karaoke night.
Amelie
Amelie in Nob Hill is a neighborhood spot with well-priced wine and French and Italian small plates.
Fifth Arrow
Fifth Arrow in Union Square is a bar and bowling alley with pizza that you’ll actually want to eat.
Seven Hills
Seven Hills is an Italian neighborhood spot between Nob and Russian Hills that makes good pasta, but everything else is hit-or-miss.
Verjus
Verjus is a wine bar and bottle shop in the Financial District perfect for an after-work date and drinks before dinner.
Cordon Bleu
Cordon Bleu is a Vietnamese lunch counter in Lower Nob Hill where you can eat a lot of food for cheap. Make sure you get the five spice chicken.
Tadich Grill
Tadich Grill in the Financial District is a classic San Francisco steak and seafood spot that you should go to at least once.
Black Hammer Brewing
Black Hammer Brewing in SoMa makes great beer in a space that looks like an artist’s den.
Dyafa
Head to Dyafa in Oakland for Middle Eastern food and great cocktails. Order a lot of pita and small plates.
Noosh
Noosh is a Mediterranean place in Lower Pac Heights that feels like you’re taking a short vacation out of SF.
Lai Hong Lounge
Lai Hong Lounge in Chinatown is an old-school banquet hall with solid dim sum that’s great for big groups.
Trattoria Contadina
Trattoria Contadina in North Beach serves fantastic pasta in a warm and welcoming setting.