the hunt for live music
There are plenty of wonderful places to hear some live music in San Francisco. But at times, the options seem overwhelming. To start, here is a brief list of the best venues to check out for a variety of sounds. This list includes venues that play salsa, jazz, indie pop and blues...and is just the start of what is out there in terms of live music!
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So you want a Burrito...
Oh the Burrito debate. Let it begin.
My secret for amazing burritos is: head to the fringes of the city. If you think you can find a decent Burrito downtown, in Pacific Heights, North beach, or the Marina, think again. Start in the Mission and work your way through the district. Here are my favorite places to get a proper San Francisco style Burrito.
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Although this establishment may feel like an assembly line or a factory, just trust that those people in their blue hats and vest really do know what they are doing. With a line out the door (and security personnel) this place means business. Make sure you know which kind of Burrito you want, before it is your turn.
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Sometimes it is nice to be able to count on a late, late night taco. At El Farolito on Mission street, you are sure to find the door open, at most hours of the day or night. They serve cheap, fast mexican food, beer and even have some of the more traditional items on their menu. Cow Brains anyone? Cactus? Tongue?
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For local San Franciscans, La Taqueria offers a warm homecoming. With possibly the best chicken tacos in the world, this place is worth a visit. Stop in, sit out side on a hot day, and enjoy the best the mission has to offer.
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The reviews of Papalote are consitesntly positive. Their Burritos have been perfected and the Jack cheese always melted, tortilla always hot. Papalote is also colorful, with blue ceramic tiles along the outside and red signs. It is a little bit hidden, deep in the mission, but serves as the perfect dinner spot.
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Dim Sum for all occasions
Dim Sum can be a special treat, a weekend ritual, or a three in the morning detour. In San Francisco, Dim Sum restaurants come in all forms making it easy to find an eatery that caters to your dim sum style. From fancy to casual, expensive to cheap cheap cheap, here is a short list of the best Dim Sum places in the city.
Ton Kiang is my pick. It is a little on the pricey side, but still casual and comfortable. Most of the tables are round, besides the few booths. The service is quick and friendly and the dim sum fresh and yummy. The menu comes with charming drawing of what each dumpling looks like...just in case you have forgotten the name of your favorite type of dim sum.
Yank Sing is one of the nicer dim sum places in San Francisco. Located in the Rincon Center, you may need a reservation for this spot, especially for Sunday brunch. Yank Sing is expensive, but expect speedy service and perfect dim sum. This is the spot to go if you are looking for a restaurant for a special occasion.
Dol Ho is much, much, much cheaper than Yank Sing and is an entirely different experience. But, if you are looking for a casual place to stop in and grab some steaming treats, this Nob Hill spot has consistently good dim sum. For just $4 you can walk away with a belly full of 10 pieces of dim sum! Don’t be deterred by the tiny space and disorganized and crowded cluster of people.
Good Luck Dim Sum is the best spot in the city to order Dim Sum to-go. There is usually a line weaving out of this small Clement street eatery, but if you call ahead, you can dart in and out in a jiffy! Go for the BBQ pork buns as they are sweet, savory, and delicious!
Hang Ah Tea Room is housed at the end of a classic Chinatown alley. The restaurant was opened in 1920 and has stuck around for good reasons. They have good vegetarian dim sum, neon green and yellow walls with red chairs and, once again, cheap prices.