Frommer's San Francisco 2012 - Matthew Poole [100]
517 Hayes St. (btw. Laguna and Octavia sts.). 415/864-2122. www.sebosf.com. Reservations recommended. Individual sushi $7–$18; izakaya items $5–$9. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Tues–Sat 6–10pm; Sun 6–11pm. Bus: 19, 21, 31, or 38.
Suppenküche ★★ GERMAN It’s a challenge to create a German beer hall anywhere outside of Germany and not come off as a bit tawdry. But this Hayes Valley favorite proved all of my preconceived notions wrong. Diners sit at long wooden tables, often right next to other parties, and the food is as authentic as it comes, with Wiener schnitzel, spaetzle, potato pancakes, bratwurst and sauerkraut, and other familiar Bavarian fare served heartily. The drink menu is full of German, Austrian, and Belgian brews and wine, and those with a supreme thirst to quench should consider ordering Das Boot: 2 liters of your favorite beer served in a boot-shaped glass—if nothing else, it sure is fun to say. Drinks also come in 3-liter and 5-liter beer glasses, as well as the standard pint.
525 Laguna St. (at Hayes St.). 415/252-9289. www.suppenkuche.com. Reservations recommended for parties of 6 or more. Main courses $14–$20. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Daily 5–10pm; Sun brunch 10am–2:30pm. Valet parking $7. Bus: 19, 21, 31, or 38.
HIDDEN treasures
They’re on the way to nowhere, but because they’re among the city’s most unique, it would be a crime to leave out these destination restaurants. If you’re not familiar with the streets of San Francisco, be sure to call first to get directions; otherwise, you’ll spend more time driving than dining.
Thanh Long ★, 4101 Judah St. (at 46th Ave.; 415/665-1146; www.anfamily.com; streetcar: N), is an out-of-the-way Sunset District Vietnamese standout that, long after my mom started taking me here as a tot for excellent roasted crab and addictive garlic noodles, has remained a San Francisco secret. Since the owners, the An family, have become rather famous for their aforementioned signature dishes now that they’re served in sister restaurants Crustacean Beverly Hills and S.F.—suffice to say, the crab’s out of the bag. But this location is still far enough on the outskirts of the city to keep it from becoming overcrowded. The restaurant is more visually pleasing than most Southeast Asian outposts (white tablecloths, tastefully exotic decor), but the extra glitz is reflected in the prices of luxury dishes (main courses run $14–$34) such as charbroiled tiger prawns with those famed garlic noodles and steamed sea bass with scallions and ginger sauce. On the plus side, unlike the cheaper options around town, there’s a full bar here, too, serving fun cocktails such as the Pineapple and Litchi vodka infusion. Reservations are recommended. Thanh Long is open Sunday and Tuesday through Thursday from 4:30 to 10pm, Friday and Saturday from 4:30 to 11pm, and is closed on Mondays.
The Ramp, 855 Terry A. Francois St. (at the end of Mariposa St.; 415/621-2378; www.ramprestaurant.com; bus no. 22 or 48), is an out-of-the-way mecca for seaside snacks, dancing, and drinking that’s at its best when the sun is shining. If you’re lucky enough to be in San Francisco on one of those rare hot days, head to this bayside hangout. The fare is of the basic pub grub variety—burgers, sandwiches, salads, and soups from $8 to $13—but the rustic boatyard environment and patio seating make this a relaxing place to dine in the sun. In summer, the place really rocks when live bands perform (4:30–8:30pm Fri–Sun Apr–Oct) and tanned, cocktailing singles prowl the area. It’s open for lunch Monday through Friday from 11am to 3:30pm, and for brunch Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 4pm. The bar is open until 9pm on weekdays and later on weekends. From April to October, an outdoor barbecue is offered Saturday and Sunday from