late-night dining

Restaurant Website: http://www.myizakaya.comGoogle Maps Link: http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&client=firefox-a&ie=UTF8&q=nombe+san+francisco&fb=1&gl=us&hq=nombe&hnear=san+francisco&cid=0,0,991014118131577965&ei=VeVYS6OEE8ejlAftuoHzAw&ved=0CBAQnwIwAw&ll=37.759791,-122.418594&spn=0.006412,0.012789&z=16&iwloc=A

Japanophiles and savvy Missionites fill the two-part dining room of this unlikely izakaya restaurant that has the remnants of its former trappings: The space used to be a café, complete with a black-and-white checkered tiled floor, that then became a taqueria. Sidle up to the bar, revel in the funky space and focus on the great food.

Eats:What's on your menu.: <p><span style="font-size: small;">Nicolaus Balla, the former chef of O Izakaya Lounge, has spent time cooking in Japan and it shows. Roasted beets are tossed with nothing more than a tingle of freshly grated wasabi and a salad of fried calamari is mixed with fresh mizuna. Balla is also doing traditional yakimono, grilled skewers of everything from chicken skin to chicken thigh with ume and shiso. Don’t forget to look to the specials, which might include a perfectly balanced dish local halibut sashimi on thinly sliced fennel, with hijiki seaweed, grapefruit and sesame seeds. The restaurant is open until 2 am on weekends, serving ramen, which paired with a beer, makes the ideal midnight snack.</span></p>

Restaurant Website: http://www.littleskilletsf.comGoogle Maps Link: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=360+ritch+st.,+san+francisco&sll=37.790416,-122.396167&sspn=0.052838,0.075874&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=360+Ritch+St,+San+Francisco,+California+94107&z=17

The only scene at this window restaurant—a spin-off of downtown soul-food restaurant Farmer Brown—is the line of people waiting patiently to get their chicken-and-waffles fix. It's a lunch and late-night only affair and there is no seating, but on a sunny day, plenty find seating directly of the sidewalk across the alleyway for a little urban picnic.

Eats:What's on your menu.: <p>The brief menu here includes, yes, excellent fried chicken and Belgian-style waffles. But it goes on to include a pulled pork po'boy (which is really a sloppy joe), Cobb salad, biscuits and sausage gravy, and a slightly dubious over-the-top bacon-wrapped waffledog. Forget calorie counting for the time being because even the mini pecan pies are worth it.</p>

Restaurant Website: http://www.michaelmina.net/rn74Google Maps Link: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=301+mission+st.,+san+francisco&sll=37.782595,-122.407715&sspn=0.006605,0.009484&g=16+mint+plaza.,+san+francisco&ie=UTF8&hq=Millennium+Tower&hnear=Millennium+Tower,+San+Francisco,+CA+94105&z=14

The Mina Group's "casual concept" restaurant—led in large part by wine guru Rajat Parr—is named after the highway the runs through Burgundy. Oenophiles convene is the red-leather horseshoe booths here, swirling glasses of Pinot. A haute train-station theme runs through the handsome but whimsical room, including an old-school flip board that announces wines that are on special. Power lunching takes place here, but at night you'll see couples out for special occasions.

Eats:What's on your menu.: <p>Despite the servers in jeans, the refined food here is clearly in the hands of a fine dining chef—Jason Berthold, formerly of the French Laundry. Should you be intimidated by the wine list, fear not. The sommeliers on staff are all at the top of their game. Let them make the pairing suggestions for the eclectic menu items such as the hamachi sashimi with hearts of palm, Asian pear and pine nuts; sautéed pork belly with clams; and a much healthier take on cassoulet made with duck, barley, and shiitake mushrooms.</p>

Restaurant Website: http://www.heavensdog.comGoogle Maps Link: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=1148+mission+st.,+san+francisco&sll=37.787176,-122.407398&sspn=0.006605,0.009484&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=1148+Mission+St,+San+Francisco,+California+94103&z=17

Located at the base of the SoMa Grand building, Heaven’s Dog offers two visions of the celestial. A dark side, where dangerously good cocktails are served on a beautiful blond-wood bar cut from one 28-foot-long trunk of cypress and diners lounge on midcentury-inspired orange-vinyl couches while supping on dan dan mein.And, directly next door, an illuminated side called the noodle bar—stark white with counter-only seating and a long open kitchen where cooks roll out dumpling dough and flame-licked woks jump with green beans tossed with salty Szechuan pickles.

Eats:What's on your menu.: <p>Charles Phan’s first venture, cuisine-wise, out of Vietnam and into China is being manned by chef Andy Wai, whose simple, small-plates menu includes a gorgeous braised pork belly sandwiched within a soft and sweet clamshell bun (undoubtedly a nod to Momofuku’s version in NYC), handmade little shrimp-and-chive dumplings and an egg omelet with pork. The menu is no-frills, but it’s also stamped with Phan’s fresh touch.</p>

Restaurant Website: http://www.thetipsypigsf.comGoogle Maps Link: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=2231+chestnut+st.,+san+francisco&sll=37.750902,-122.434327&sspn=0.006608,0.009484&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=2231+Chestnut+St,+San+Francisco,+California+94123&z=17

At peak times (Friday and Saturday nights, for example) the crowd and accompanying din here can be overwhelming—even during quieter times, the live room can make easy conversation a challenge. Opt for a table in the quieter “library” in back or, if weather permits, carve out some space for you and your friends on the large back patio.

Eats:What's on your menu.: <p>Tipsy Pig serves grown-up pub fare with a few standouts. The pulled pork sliders— sweet, shredded meat piled high on plush buns—are terrific, and the maple-brined pork chop is so good you’ll want to gnaw at the bone (and happily, this is a place where no eyebrows would be raised if you went for it). While some of the other options—burgers, macaroni and cheese, Caesar salads—are somewhat pedestrian, the 50 or so artisan beers help patrons happy.</p>

Restaurant Website: http://www.monkskettle.comGoogle Maps Link: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=3141+16th+St.+San+Francisco&sll=37.783706,-122.419109&sspn=0.009276,0.013304&ie=UTF8&ll=37.765677,-122.422907&spn=0.009279,0.013304&z=16&iwloc=A

Ever-packed, this cozy Mission District beer hall evokes the pubs of Britain with its ample curved bar, dark wood and long wall of banquettes. Beers are each served in their “correct” glass, and bartenders are happy to offer samples of unfamiliar brews.

Eats:What's on your menu.: <p>In order to make a dent in the five-page beer menu, you’re going to need some sustenance of the non-liquid variety. The food here is largely pub grub, the menu comprised of salads, sandwiches and the like, including the requisite burger (either veggie, lamb or beef). While those are all fine, we prefer the items meant for noshing—the charcuterie plate, with house-cured duck prosciutto, and the oversized soft German-style pretzel, served with an addictive cheddar-ale sauce for dunking.</p>

Google Maps Link: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=430+Geary+St.+San+Francisco&sll=37.753242,-122.411921&sspn=0.00928,0.013304&ie=UTF8&ll=37.787946,-122.410312&spn=0.009276,0.013304&z=16&iwloc=A

Though Union Square can feel like a culinary wasteland, this hole-in-the-wall stands as a significant bright spot. Duck through the Japanese curtain and grab a table—they all put you in very close proximity to your neighbor, but no matter. Open late, the Japanese joint makes for a great cheap eat, post-theater; A.C.T. is right across the street.

Eats:What's on your menu.: <p>Although Katana-ya serves far more than ramen, most people here go straight for the excellent noodles. Choose your broth (we like miso, soy or salt) and your add-ins (roast pork being our favorite, but fried chicken and spicy tofu are great too), then slurp to your heart’s content. Drink cold beer now—lots of it.<br /></p>

Google Maps Link: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=1199+Valencia+St,+San+Francisco,+cA&sll=37.781536,-122.440845&sspn=0.012007,0.025148&g=1199+Valencia+St,+San+Francisco,+cA&ie=UTF8&z=16&iwloc=addr

2009 EDITOR'S PICK: BEST NEW RESTAURANT

2009 READER'S CHOICE AWARD: Best Cocktails

This quiet corner of Valencia once housed the Last Supper Club, which was given a complete face-lift before reopening in April 2008 as Beretta. A large communal table anchors the upstairs dining room, and the bar is now the focus of much of the action. Tables in the picture windows are great for people-watching.

Eats:What's on your menu.: <p>Chef/owner Ruggero Gadaldi (who also owns Antica Trattoria and Pesce—both on Polk Street) continues to cook according to his Italian roots, but at Beretta he’s turned his focus to pizza and antipasti. Pies are of the thin-crust variety, with blistered edges and restrained toppings—we’re fans of the potato, radicchio and Gorgonzola version. Antipasti change seasonally, but keep your fingers crossed that the eggplant caponatina with burrata cheese is available. The mostly Italian wine list is made for this kind of food, but you’d be remiss if you didn’t begin your meal with a cocktail, prepared from top-quality juices and spirits by some of the best in the business.</p> <p>MUST ORDER: Eggplant Caponatina and a Dolores Park Swizzle</p>

Google Maps Link: http://maps.google.com/maps?q=398+hayes+st.+san+francisco&ie=UTF8&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&ll=37.777058,-122.422993&spn=0.009396,0.016673&z=16&g=398+hayes+st.+san+francisco&iwloc=addr

2007 EAT + DRINK AWARD: Best Restaurant Cocktails

One of a select group of San Francisco restaurants that has passed the 10-year mark, this Hayes Valley anchor continues to bring brasserie style, superb cocktails and Cal-French food to the neighborhood.

 

Eats:What's on your menu.: <p>Since Jamie Lauren assumed the role of chef last year, the food at Absinthe has only gotten better. Though there are some stalwarts on the menu for the diehards (the croque monsieur and French onion soup, for example), Lauren has infused the menu with smart, satisfying dishes that expertly walk the line between rustic and refined. The menu changes seasonally, but fish dishes are particularly good here, and you can make a meal of larger-than-average “share” plates, such as the rich sautéed mushrooms topped with a poached duck egg.</p> <p>MUST ORDER: Anything with scallops</p>

Google Maps Link: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Sugar++Cafe,+SF&sll=37.776295,-122.422843&sspn=0.007378,0.013819&gl=us&ie=UTF8&ll=37.791405,-122.408166&spn=0.014752,0.027637&z=15&iwloc=A

Should you be at a loss for a place to go for that pre- or post-theater drink, Sugar Cafe comes to the rescue. The sleek gas fireplaces, cozy lounging area and smart turquoise-and-brown color palette are appealing at all times of day (the cafe is open from morning until night) but it’s at its best after dark.

Eats:What's on your menu.: <p>During the day, Sugar has all the cafe standards—baked goods for breakfast and sandwiches and salads for lunch (including our favorites, the simple ham-and-cheese panini and irresistible fudgy brownie). At night, order savory bar bites to accompany your cocktail, or go straight for the sweet stuff with a slice of flourless chocolate espresso cake.</p>