People Watching Restaurants

Open late every night of the week, Taqueria Zorro in North Beach has been serving up fast Mexican fare for a decade. Offering guests a choice of black, whole, and refried beans, four kinds of salsa at the salsa bar, as well as 10 kinds of meat including spicy chicken, marinated chicken, roast pork, char-broiled pork, beef, and fish, Taqueria Zorro has something for nearly everyone. Taqueria Zorro is one of the few places in San Francisco that serves California burritos. This Southern California staple is essentially a carne asada burrito with French fries. The next time it is late, …

Chowder Hut Fresh Grill at Fisherman’s Warf is a nice place to sit, enjoy an outdoor meal, and watch as the hordes of tourists pass. Upon entering, patrons are greeted by a glass case displaying a variety of the more popular menu items. Chowder Hut Fresh Grill is one of many sea-side fast food options at the Warf, so don't expect anything too fancy, but the restaurant is clean, the service friendly, and the view is nice. The menu offers typical Fisherman’s Warf fare, from fish and chips and chowder (both clam and crab) served in a bread bowl, to …

Thai Stick in Pacific Heights is a combination Thai restaurant and sports bar catering to those looking to watch the game, enjoy a drink, and eat some curry. The Pumpkin Curry is popular among patrons as is the Chicken Satay and “My Aunt’s Egg Rolls” which feature a healthy serving of bamboo shoots. Other favorites include the Roasted duck with Sautéed Spinach and the Pineapple Rice. Thai Stick offers brown rice as well as Jasmine, and the affordable, large menu and friendly staff leaves patrons with a wide range of flavors to choose.

Loft Bar and Bistro in downtown San Jose is the hip spot to indulge in great drinks and fresh fare. Dining is three tiers with an upstairs and downstairs dining area and then a rooftop patio that is always bustling seven nights a week until 10:00p.m. Monday through Wednesday and until 11:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. The Loft has Italian hints on the carte du jour but falls more in line with contemporary American cuisine. Chicken Parmesan, Teriyaki Beef Short Ribs, and the Pork Picatta are meatier entrees. Fresh seafood peppers the appetizer section with fried Calamari, Smoked Salmon, Tuna …

Tacolicious is admittedly not a traditional San Francisco taqueria. While incorporating Mexican ingredients into every one of the restaurants offerings, Tacolicious sees itself as a San Francisco restaurant first and foremost. The menu incorporates seven different tacos, seasonal salads, a Tombo tuna tostada, as well as a slew of appetizers, and even a brunch menu for the weekend. House-made agua frescas pair well for those looking for something free of alcohol, but if libations are on the mind, freshly-squeezed margaritas, an extensive Mexican beer list including bottles and tap, wine, as well as a selection of over 100 tequilas, including …

Named after the California Flag, and offering ingredients and décor sourced from within 150 miles of San Francisco, The Republic in Marina serves up contemporary comfort food. Menu items are upscale versions of classic bar fare such as Nachos, Fish Tacos, Truffle Parmesan Fries, Carnitas Sliders, and White Mac & Cheese made with smoked Gouda and white cheddar topped with fresh chives. The bar offers a California-centric craft beer menu with 60 specialty American beers including 20 on draft, as well as 10 specialty cocktails, and an American themed wine list. The Republic offers those in the Marina a great …

Open until 4:00 a.m., Won Mi Korean BBQ offers some of the latest dining in the Western Addition neighborhood of San Francisco. Diners enjoy the authentic Korean fare from the bi bim bap, kimchijjigae, and jjigaes, to the assorted banchan. Tea and soft drinks are available, as are soju and Korean beers. Kind and accommodating servers keep diners happy as they dine throughout the night. The next time a late night craving for Korean food strikes, Won Mi Korean BBQ offers hungry diners a way to satiate those cravings.

Taqueria Castillo B in the Tenderloin is a local favorite. The namesake quesadilla, aptly named Quesadillas Costillo is wrapped like a burrito. The spicy Camarones diablos delight seafood lovers looking for a taste of the sea with a bit of kick. With some of the tastiest tacos this side of The Mission, the al pastor should not be missed. Tortilla choices include the standard flour and corn, but wheat and spinach as well. Guests can order meat combo burritos, should they choose, that is to say al pastor and carnitas, or pollo and carne, etc. Whole avocados are used instead …

Taqueria El Castillito in the heart of the Tenderloin serves up some of the tastiest burritos this side of town. When it comes to sides, return customers rave about the flavorful and fluffy rice, as well as the black, pinto, and refried beans. The pollo asada, lingua, al pastor, and carnitas are all top notch, and one would be hard pressed to not enjoy a dish featuring any of these meats. The generous sized burritos can easily carry over to two meals for those of moderate appetites. Fresh made aguas frescas refresh the thirsty with flavors such as watermelon and …

For over a decade the Slanted Door has been one of the most sought after dining experiences in San Francisco. Executive Chef Charles Phan blends his passion for Vietnamese cooking with top quality ingredients, showcasing the abundance of produce and ecologically farmed fish, game, and poultry sourced by local farms. Many of his recipes are inspired by his mother’s cooking, along with ideas he has picked up from his travels to Vietnam. If you are looking for irresistible food and a lively atmosphere, the Slanted Door may become your new favorite.

Thanh Tam II in the Mission offers those looking for a taste of Vietnam a way to curb their hunger pangs. The menu includes various Pho offerings, perfect for those brisk San Francisco nights. The Bahn me is famously affordable, as is the majority of the menu. The dining area is cozy, and the service good, but should diners choose to stay home, delivery is available. Returning patrons rave about the Imperial Rolls, Garlic Noodles, Shaken Beef Salad, and Lemon Grass Tofu and Vermacelli bowls. For an affordable Vietnamese meal in the Mission, Thanh Tam II delivers.

Taqueria La Cumbre in the Mission District of San Francisco claims to be the birthplace of the now ubiquitous Super Burrito. Whether or not Taqueria La Cumbre is responsible for the legendary Mission style Super Burrito, the rest of the menu has diners returning to sample their varied offerings. Dishes such as the pollo asada plate, multiple types of quesadillas, hot caldos, and tacos give plenty of options to hungry patrons. The quality, flavor, and texture of the house carne asada is raved about. The habanero sauce, only available on Friday and Saturday, steps up the flavor profile of those …