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

 
 

 
Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links to hotel booking sites. With no additional cost to you, your bookings earn me a commission if you click on the links via my website – Thank you!


Sign up for my newsletter on the sidebar for blog updates and my travel insider tips! And, check out my vlogs on YouTube!

Angela

Share
Published by
Angela

Recent Posts

Ramen History of Japan’s Famous Noodle Soup

Slurping up the Strands & Theories of Ramen History. Ramen is undoubtedly one of Japan’s…

3 days ago

Silog History: Looking Back at the Famous Filipino Breakfast

In Search of Silog’s Origin Story. Silog is a must-have dish when in the Philippines.…

5 days ago

Poke History: From the Ocean to the Islands to the Mainland

Origins and Variations of Poke. In recent years, poke and poke bowls have been so…

1 week ago

Sinigang History: The Unofficial National Dish of the Philippines?

Everyday Comfort Food for All Occasions. While the world may know of adobo or lumpiang…

2 weeks ago

Parker House Rolls History: The Unintentional Creation of America’s Dinner Roll

Kind of on purpose, but also kind of an accident. Parker House Rolls are dubbed…

2 weeks ago

Pepperoni History: Origins & Timeline

A Timeline of Pepperoni History. Pepperoni is truly an iconic American food as it is…

3 weeks ago