Classic Establishment
Most Popular Guides
Guide
18 Restaurants That Are Actually Worth Waiting In Line For
Our favorite spots in SF where waiting is actually worth it.
Classic Establishment
Sorted by most recentSFReview
Hang Ah Tea Room
Hang Ah Tea Room is the oldest dim sum spot in the US, and serves up quick, solid dim sum.
SFReview
Tommy’s Mexican Restaurant
Tommy’s Mexican is a Richmond neighborhood icon, but that doesn’t mean you need to stop by.
SFReview
Tommy's Joynt
Tommy's Joynt is an iconic hofbrau on the corner of Geary and Van Ness serving brisket, sandwiches, and beer.
SFReview
Grubstake Diner
Grubstake is a diner in Polk Gulch that looks like a streetcar, serving straightforward burgers, breakfast plates, shakes, and fries until 4am.
SFReview
John's Grill
At John’s Grill in Union Square, you can get into old-school classics like steak and baked potatoes and check out a shrine to The Maltese Falcon.
SFReview
Sears Fine Food
For the classic American breakfast (and Swedish pancakes), go to Sears Fine Food in Union Square.
SFReview
Anchor Oyster Bar
This seafood spot in the Castro serves great cioppino, oysters, and chowder in an old-school space.
SFReview
The Buena Vista
The Buena Vista is a bar and cafe near Ghirardelli Square credited with introducing Irish coffee to the U.S.
SFReview
R&G Lounge
R&G Lounge is a Chinatown institution. Head here with a big group to share a spread of Cantonese seafood dishes, like lobster, steamed clams, and the iconic salt and pepper crab.
SFReview
Sotto Mare Oysteria and Seafood Restaurant
Sotto Mare is an Italian seafood spot in North Beach serving gigantic bowls of cioppino.
SFReview
Kokkari Estiatorio
Kokkari Estiatorio is a FiDi power lunch staple complete with high-backed armchairs, fireplaces, and Greek dishes like lamb chops and saghanaki.
SFReview
The Old Clam House
The Old Clam House is a Bayview seafood institution serving perfectly solid fish and chips, clam chowder, and seafood pastas. Clam juice shots are on the house.
SFReview
Brazen Head
Brazen Head is a cozy late-night steakhouse in Cow Hollow that looks like an old pub.
SFGuide
25 Classic Restaurants In SF
Eating in the city just wouldn't be the same without these spots.
SFReview
Sam Wo Restaurant
Sam Wo has been a Chinatown institution since 1908, and serves everything from BBQ pork noodle rolls and jook to fried rice and chow mein.
SFReview
Bounty Hunter Wine Bar & Smokin' BBQ
Bounty Hunter Wine Bar & Smokin' BBQ is the best place for wine, whiskey, and lots of meat with a group.
SFReview
Ristorante Allegria
Ristorante Allegria serves fresh pasta in an old bank building that's perfect for big groups.
SFReview
Bistro Don Giovanni
Make a reservation at Bistro Don Giovanni to eat excellent homemade pasta with vineyard views.
SFReview
Bix
Bix is an old-school American restaurant in Jackson Square that feels like time-traveling back to a 1930s nightclub.
SFReview
Red’s Java House
Red’s Java House is a classic SF stop off for a burger and a cold beer on the Embarcadero.
SFReview
Gamine
A Cow Hollow French bistro that’ll make you feel like you’re in Paris. Gamine’s got it going on.
SFReview
Cheese Board Pizza
Cheese Board Pizza in Berkeley does only one type of pizza every day. It tends to be kind of unusual, but it’s always worth the long wait.
SFReview
Sir and Star at The Olema
Sir and Star is one of the best dining experiences in Northern California. Get your ass out to the hunting lodge in Olema.