The Laundromat

SF is full of restaurants that look like the home section at Urban Outfitters. You know, the kind that tends to attract the type who keeps their caps lock off, rolls up a thrifted beanie, and majored in film. A new iteration of this vinyl-and-retro-graphic-tee aesthetic, The Laundromat, has officially landed in the Outer Richmond—paper lanterns, Elmer Fudd water glasses, and all. But while this spot could easily be written off as repetitive, there’s substance behind The Laundromat’s style. The bagels and pizza alone make this place a worthy destination, even if you live on the other side of town. 

photo credit: Melissa Zink

photo credit: Melissa Zink

By now, you’ve probably deduced that The Laundromat isn’t where to bring a hamper and some quarters, although the restaurant is housed in, you guessed it, a former laundromat. It’s now a neighborhood gathering spot. Families arrive with strollers or on bikes to dine alongside natural wine lovers who spend their Friday nights going feral under the disco ball at Bar Part Time (because, of course, The Laundromat serves natural wine). The menu is simple: to-go bagels in the mornings and pizza at night. And it’s clear the people who work here know their way around an oven, because both are excellent.

The Laundromat is the most fun at night when the dining room and bar are open. Metal trays with Sicilian-style pizzas are on almost every table, a pretty good indicator that you too should order one. Go for any pie with their chunky and slightly sweet tomato sauce—the best one on the menu is the broccoli rabe, packed with leafy greens and finished with zingy calabrian chili aioli. Another thing to get excited about: smashburger nights (Wednesdays), which transform the place into a zoo of people clamoring for one of these gooey hits. Show up early for a seat before it gets too crowded, or stick out the wait—the double patty, which drips cheese and house sauce on a perfect potato bun, is worth it.

photo credit: Melissa Zink

If you’d rather dig into a pizza from your couch, this spot runs an efficient takeout operation. Or, swing by in the morning for a quick breakfast—the bagels (by the Santa Cruz-based pop-up formerly known as Holey Roller Bagels) are plump, shiny knockouts. The Laundromat is a versatile addition to the neighborhood. It’s also the area’s most buzzy spot for families spicing up a weeknight dinner and couples on dates. Grab your comfiest beanie and some pét-nat, and join them. 

Food Rundown

photo credit: Melissa Zink

Broccoli Rabe Pizza

Our favorite pie on the menu. It’s loaded with somewhat chunky tomato sauce, a drizzle of calabrian chili aioli, and enough broccoli rabe to fulfill your day’s vegetable quota. Lean into the whole broccoli-on-pizza thing and order this.

photo credit: Melissa Zink

Meatball Pizza

Another great option if you want a meat pizza. The beef meatballs are crisp on the outside, and globs of gooey ricotta on top add a nice creaminess.

photo credit: Melissa Zink

#1 Double Patty

The good news: This smashburger is fantastic. The downside is that it’s only on the menu once a week, which means you’ll have to brave the crowds and test your patience to get your hands on one.

photo credit: Melissa Zink

Bagels

In the mornings, The Laundromat rolls out towering racks full of still-warm bagels that fill the whole place with the glorious scent of everything seasoning and malt. They’re chewy on the inside, well-seasoned, and some of the best you can get in the city. Get the egg everything and a tub of scallion cream cheese.