No, not much in life is free. But before you succumb to believing that everyone has their hand in your pocket, check out these five San Francisco eateries that still know the value of giving stuff away.
Endless popovers at the Cliff House.Courtesy of Yelp/Cliff House
Popovers @ Cliff House
We're not saying it's the endless free popovers that made the Cliff House famous, but it certainly didn't hurt. At this historic restaurant beloved by tourists and locals alike, you'll get a complimentary, refillable basket of light, airy popovers whether you order a meal or just drinks. They're so good, in fact, that Cliff House even offers boxed mix to take home. Unfortunately, you'll have to pay for those. // 1090 Point Lobos Ave. (Sea Cliff), cliffhouse.com
Pacific Cafe offers free wine while you wait for a tableCourtesy of Yelp/Pacific Cafe
Wine @ Pacific Cafe
Nobody likes to wait in line for a meal (ok, well some of us don't, anyway). But at this old school seafood restaurant in the Outer Richmond, they've got a little something to sweeten the deal: a free glass of wine. No, it's not the highest quality vintage, but does it have to be? Free wine, people! Enjoy a glass while perusing Pacific Cafe's simple menu of fresh grilled, baked and pan-fried daily offerings. And if you luck out and find no wait when you arrive? That free wine will be delivered straight to your table. // 7000 Geary Blvd. (Outer Richmond), pacificcafesf.com
Banchan at Muguboka Restaurant.Courtesy of Yelp/Muguboka Restaurant
Sides @ Muguboka Restaurant
Meals at this no-frills Korean restaurant in the Inner Richmond are of the authentic variety—and that means freebies. At Muguboka, the banchan (also known as side dishes)—incluing things like kimchi and dubu jorim (spicy braised tofu)—come the way they are supposed to: complimentary. Muguboka also brings diners free scallion pancakes or tofu soup to go along with their meal. // 401 Balboa St. (Inner Richmond), muguboka.com
Complimentary green tea ice cream and cupcakes at Sugoi SushiCourtesy of Yelp/Sugoi Sushi
Apps and Sweets @ Sugoi Sushi
At this stylish sushi spot, decorated in slate and reclaimed wood, you get a whole lot more than what you pay for. Every meal at Sugoi begins and ends with a freebie: Start with a gratis app, such as seared ahi tuna, and finish with green tea ice cream and mini cupcakes for dessert. The luckiest diners will get several complimentary small plates to go with the beautifully presented sushi. Sugoi fills up quickly, so make a reservation to claim your place at the table. // 1152 Valencia St. (Mission), sugoisushisf.com
Saltroot CafeCourtesy of Yelp/Saltroot Cafe
Cheese Bread @ Saltroot Cafe
This neighborhood Brazilian bakery specializes in pão de queijo, otherwise knowns as cheese puffs. These little round balls of cheesy goodness cost money, but not if you order a beverage. Order a coffee, and get the puffs for free. Take one to go or hang out and enjoy the bright, minimalist cafe with another freebie: WiFi. // 2960 Clement St. (Outer Richmond), saltroot.com
