This is true, but I’ve had my fair share of poorly executed dishes and shoddy service at starred places in SF.
Also @beefnoguy and everyone it’s hilarious and sad every time I’m in SF, Golden Gate Bakery is “on vacation” or closed! ,
I can’t find the IG story but I’m pretty sure it was Hangry Diary. She posted a sign on Golden Gate Bakery that they were on vacation for 3 weeks. The story was from this weekend. There were no dates - just said on vacation for 3 weeks. Just in case anybody was planning on going in the near future.
Next time you come, check out Is the Golden Gate Bakery Open Today?
The post on Nov 2 (latest) says they are closed 3 to 5 weeks. I guess that’s your best way to find out in advance.
At this rate, it may not be worth the bother. Last time while I really enjoyed the egg tarts, the 1+ hour wait was not that worthwhile, plus they scaled down a lot of their offerings. But then I did luck out last year when I walked in 30 mins before closing and there were no people, and they still had freshly baked ones out of the oven. At this rate, not worth making a special trip to Chinatown, unless you are on the way to places like Mister Jiu’s, China Live (god forbid), Kusakabe, Quince, Comstock Saloon, Trestle, Roka Akor etc.
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I enjoyed the soft serve at tartine manufactory. And speaking of soft serve, the soft serve at gott’s is excellent.
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Holy shit, someone needs to get some calamine lotion for that burn!
Just touched down at SFO.
Short trip but I’ll post some food porn/reviews later tonight.
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Hi @robert @ipsedixit @BradFord @SFDiner and others,
Any recommendations on great bars (great quality cocktails, I would’ve said, great Sake list (but I’m not getting my hopes up), cool atmosphere) to try in Downtown SF?
(Hopefully near the level of Julian Cox.)
Thanks!
Louie’s gen gen room
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I’m usually at PCH, which is a quick walk from/after Louie’s Gen Gen. Some hits some misses, but generally a chill spot with some fun cocktails that veer tropical.
Great sake list? Sorry I’m not the person to ask. But True Sake in Hayes Valley is a ~15min walk from Downtown and perhaps paying corkage may be worth it.
However, I’ve been enjoying R.T.B. Fillmore for a couple dinners, and they do a beverage pairing that has several sakes. Also a chill spot with a good relative price point for a tasting menu - I’ve had some great dishes there in the past two months. The supplements are worth it here and it’s surprisingly easy to get into (for now).
I usually take visiting friends to: Novela, Local Edition, ANINA, and PCH. Usually PCH gets the vote, but some like the vibe at Local Edition. When it’s not super busy.
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I don’t drink cocktails often enough to have much expertise, but I’ve always had a great time at Comstock and 15 Romolo. Same goes for Rickhouse but it can be crazy busy. I used to love Alfred’s bar but since the makeover it has been too crowded.
Smuggler’s Cove is a must if you love rum and/or tiki drinks. I keep meaning to try Whitechapel, same people but the focus is on gin.
If you’re into sake, you should visit True Sake. They could probably tell you who has a great list.
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It is a store, not a bar. Sorry if my statement was confusing. I meant go to the store and pick up a bottle of sake then head over to a restaurant and pay corkage for bringing your own bottle.
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I’m not a cocktail drinker but my friend enjoyed it.
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The 2-hour time limit thing is, well, limiting.
I don’t drink that often but I’ve heard good things about the Saison Bar/Lounge. I’m guessing very pricey though…Not near downtown but Trick Dog is fun.
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If you aren’t drinking at Trick Dog or Horsefeather you’re doing yourself a major disservice while in SF.
Tosca, Pagan Idol, and Wildhawk are also all worth drinking at.