Food Chronicles

Old School San Francisco: Classic Restaurants in the City

6 Classic Establishments Defining Old School San Francisco.

San Francisco offers a delicious variety of restaurants from the new school modern trends to the most classic old school establishments. Here are 6 places to go for a taste of Old School San Francisco:

 

Tadich Grill

Start with the oldest restaurant in San Francisco. Tadich Grill first opened in 1849, and today still has the best rated Cioppino in town. Other must-order dishes include the Hangtown Fry and Crab and Shrimp Louie. Plus, pair your meal like a real San Franciscan with a dry gin martini.

Tadich Grill | Menu | TripAdvisor Reviews
240 California Street, Financial District, San Francisco
Monday to Friday, 11am to 9:30pm
Saturday, 11:30am to 9:30pm
Closed Sundays

 

The Buena Vista

Home to America’s first Irish coffee since 1852, Buena Vista is the place to go for this iconic drink. Come here for a true taste of history paired with classic American dishes.

The Buena Vista | Menu | TripAdvisor Reviews
2765 Hyde Street, Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco
Monday to Friday, 9am to 2am
Saturday and Sunday, 8am to 2am

 

The Cliff House

With over a 150 years of history, wreckage, and rebuilding, The Cliff House remains an iconic San Francisco landmark. Visitors have dining options including the casual walk-in Bistro, a more formal reservation-recommended Sutro’s, Sunday Champagne Buffet at the Terrace Room, or a quick drink and bite at the Zinc Bar or Lands End Lookout Cafe.

The Cliff House | Website | TripAdvisor Reviews
1090 Point Lobos Avenue, Point Lobos/Sutro Heights, San Francisco
Daily, 9am to 9:30pm

 

Swan Oyster Depot

Opened in 1912, Swan Oyster Depot is a true San Francisco classic worth lining up for (because there are only 18 bar stools and always a line out of the door). This James Beard awarded establishment offers the freshest and best seafood in town.

Swan Oyster Depot | Menu | TripAdvisor Reviews
1517 Polk Street, Polk, San Francisco
Monday to Saturday, 8am to 5:30pm
Closed Sundays

 

Red’s Java House

A waterfront dive since 1955, Red’s Java House is a casual spot for a classic burger and beer, or even for a breakfast plate and a bloody mary. Note: Red’s Java House is often easily confused with Java House on Pier 40, which is also a great spot but not as classic as Red’s.

Red’s Java House | Menu | TripAdvisor Reviews
Pier 30, San Francisco
Monday to Friday, 7am to 6pm
Saturday and Sunday, 9am to 6pm

 

Tommy’s Mexican Restaurant

For classic Mexican/Yucatan cuisine with that same old school San Francisco spirit, head over to Tommy’s Mexican for the best tequila selection in town. Plus Tommy’s has a killer house margarita and delicious chips.

Tommy’s Mexican Restaurant | Menu | TripAdvisor Reviews
5929 Geary Blvd, Richmond District, San Francisco
Wednesday to Monday, 12pm to 11pm
Closed Tuesdays

 
 

 
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