14 Exciting Things To Do & Eat In January

Just because January is almost over doesn’t mean there aren’t still tons of things to do and eat across town. There are Lunar New Year bar pop-ups and seasonal pastries, exciting new restaurant openings, and more. We update this guide weekly, so check back for the latest. 

HEAD TO MIDNITE BAGEL BEFORE THEY CLOSE

photo credit: Julia Chen

This Inner Sunset bagel shop is officially closing its doors on January 29th (after a few false alarms)—so make sure to get some of their excellent whole grain sourdough bagel sandwiches before then. Astranda Bakery will also be popping up to help send them off on Saturday, January 28th. 

BRUNCH AT SHUGGIE’S

photo credit: Erin Ng

On January 28th, Shuggie’s in the Mission is serving brunch from 11am-2:30pm. Their past brunch menu included things like biscuits and gravy, “shakshuggie,” and of course, their signature grandma-style pizzas made with upcycled ingredients. 

RED ENVELOPE POP-UP AT VIRIDIAN

January 26th to February 25th, Viridian in Uptown Oakland will transform into Red Envelope, a Lunar New Year-themed bar pop-up. Head to the swanky bar for special cocktails, plus dishes like lamb bao and an Asian-inspired take on a baked Alaska.

NEW MOON AT TRADE ROUTES

photo credit: Brianna Danner

Trade Routes in Nob Hill is ringing in the Year of the Rabbit with New Moon, a Lunar New Year-themed bar pop-up. Head over now until February 12th to check out their themed cocktails and decorations, which include a 23-foot dragon. 

LUNAR NEW YEAR TEA AT THE ST. REGIS

photo credit: St. Regis SF

The St. Regis is serving a Lunar New Year-themed afternoon tea, January 19th to February 5th (reserve here). The SoMa hotel will have things like har gow, dan tat crème brûlée tarts, and matcha crème rolls to go along with their special teas. 

IBÉRICO PIG DINNER AT AFICI

photo credit: Joseph Weaver

Pork fans, listen up—Afici in SoMa is serving a $165 prix-fixe menu showcasing Ibérico pig in various forms on January 31st. The six-course meal includes charcuterie, tortellini en brodo, and pappardelle with Ibérico ragu. Reserve here.

CHINESE NEW YEAR DINNER AT EMPRESS BY BOON

photo credit: Sarah Felker

Empress by Boon in Chinatown is celebrating Chinese New Year with a special eight-course menu. The upscale Cantonese restaurant will serve things like a scallop caviar egg roll, live lobster with sweet chili sauce, and egg tarts from January 23rd-27th. Reserve here ($168 per person).

LUNAR NEW YEAR AT B. PATISSERIE

photo credit: Julia Chen

Another Lunar New Year sweet treat option: B. Patisserie. The bakery in Lower Pacific Heights is offering their annual pastry specials—this year’s kouign amann flavors are black sesame and mango lychee. Other specials include milk tea cakes, black sesame tart flan, and red bean vanilla tarts. Pre-order here for pick-up or head over from January 21st-February 5th.

PECKING HOUSE AT TURNTABLE

photo credit: David A Lee

Turntable is a Nob Hill spot hosting rotating chef pop-ups—and January 10th-28th, Brooklyn’s Pecking House returns for another stint. This time, their famous chili fried chicken, salted egg fried chicken, and dirty fried rice will be available for takeout only. 

FERNET MENU AT CURIO

photo credit: John Valenton

Curio in the Mission is offering a Fernet-themed menu from January 11th to February 8th. The Mission bar will incorporate the amaro into their three-course dinner—think Fernet gastrique and Fernet tiramisu. Reserve a spot here ($45 per person).  

NEW OPENING SPOTLIGHT: ANGIE’S PIZZA

photo credit: Nicola Parisi

One new SF restaurant opening to keep an eye on is Angie’s Pizza. The Mission spot focuses on thin-crust, wood-fired pies topped with combinations like goat cheese, bacon, and dates, or pepperoni with garlic chili honey. They also have great housemade ice cream sundaes that are motivation enough to get here. 

SMASHBURGERS AT THE LAUNDROMAT

photo credit: Julia Chen

The new-ish Richmond pizza and bagel spot is offering smashburgers every Wednesday (5-9pm). If you need something to do on the midweek day besides watch Jeopardy! reruns, consider this a sign. 

CHECK OUT A BEST NEW SF RESTAURANT OF 2022

photo credit: Carly Hackbarth

Now that the holiday chaos has settled, you probably have time to prioritize a trip to one of the best new restaurants of 2022. From a slice shop in the Tenderloin to a four-course French tasting menu spot in the Mission, start checking these places off your to-do list. 

PLAY MARIO KART OR BOWL AT A BAR

photo credit: Julia Chen

ICYMI, we just rounded up our favorite bars with activities. It includes spots with Monday night Super Smash Bros. tournaments, bowling, and every arcade game imaginable.