You gotta eat here in San Francisco
A guide to city’s iconic dining and drinking scene
San Francisco is a city with serious food game, whether playing as multi-starred cuisine served in a white tablecloth hush or a simple crab cocktail eaten amid the clamour of Fisherman’s Wharf.
And with the Super Bowl heading to nearby Santa Clara, the hungry hordes hankering for a taste of the local food scene won’t be disappointed. Here’s a guide to foods and drinks San Francisco is famous for and where to find them:
Beer
Anchor Brewing and San Francisco have a history that goes back to 1849, when German brewer Gottlieb Brekle arrived with his family. The brewery weathered earthquakes, fires and Prohibition, but almost went under when mid-century Americans developed a taste for mass-produced beer. In 1965, Fritz Maytag brought back Anchor Steam Beer, writing a new chapter in suds history. Brewery tours are available most days except holidays, cost $15 per person, take about 90 minutes and end with a tasting. Reservations are required — anchorbrewing.com/brewery/ tours.
Cioppino
This is the fish stew created in San Francisco by Italian fishermen in North Beach in the late 1800s. They’d toss into a pot whatever seafood was left from the day’s catch with onions, garlic, tomatoes, olive oil, wine and herbs. Italian restaurants started serving the dish and soon it was part of the region’s culinary lexicon. A solid bet in North Beach is Sotto Mare (552 Green St.).
Coffee
This is a fully caffeinated city with coffee shops on just about every block. For something out of the ordinary, try Ritual. The flagship location is 1026 Valencia St. in the Mission District. Blue Bottle, which began across the bay in Oakland, has a spot in San Francisco’s Ferry Building. For coffee with that little extra kick, try the famous Irish Coffee at the Buena Vista Cafe in Fisherman’s Wharf (2765 Hyde St.).
Crab
You can pick up a traditional crab cocktail at one of the many vendors lining Fisherman’s Wharf (fishermanswharf.org).
Street scene
For meals on wheels, check out Off the Grid, an event featuring food trucks, carts, tents and live entertainment. Download the app to get information on schedules and participants (offthegridsf.com).
Oysters
Oysters on the half shell are a long-standing tradition. For an elegant take with a great view of the Bay Bridge, try Waterbar (399 The Embarcadero).
Sourdough
The region’s tradition of sourdough — bread leavened with a wild yeast starter or ‘mother’ dough — dates back to the Gold Rush. Boudin Bakery, (established in 1849 has a veritable shrine to sourdough at its Fisherman’s Wharf location (160 Jefferson St.).
tea
Whether you’re parched or simply resting up from an afternoon of window shopping, The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus is a fun spot to enjoy the elegant afternoon tea. Set under a stained glass dome with views of Union Square, the restaurant serves teas, starting at $45, 2:30 to 4 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 2:30 to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday (150 Stockton St., Level Four).
tiki
If you like Tiki bars, a stop at the Fairmont Hotel’s Tonga Room is mandatory. Set around what used to be the hotel’s indoor swimming pool, the bar features rain shows, live music and kitsch at (950 Mason St.).