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.
I enjoyed the soft serve at tartine manufactory. And speaking of soft serve, the soft serve at gott’s is excellent.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
I’m not a cocktail drinker but my friend enjoyed it.
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.
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.