Best bets for cheap eats in San Francisco
October 17, 2007
The San Francisco Chronicle has released their annual Bargain Bites round-up of the "best culinary bangs for their bucks" — their top choices for restaurants where the maximum entree price is $12, including many places where prices are considerably less. Considering that there are thousands of affordable restaurants within the greater San Francisco Bay Area, the Chronicle’s choices comprise a very select group indeed.
It’s no surprise that several of the Chronicle’s picks for best bargain eats are within easy walking distance of both the San Francisco City Center Hostel and the San Francisco Downtown Hostel. Here we offer a sampling of recommendations for hostellers staying at either location.
To read the full list of Bay Area Bargain Bites, visit sfgate.com.
NEAR THE SAN FRANCISCO CITY CENTER HOSTEL
- PAGOLAC (1 block away)
This tiny restaurant has some of the freshest Vietnamese food you’ll find for less than $12. Starters include crisp imperial rolls, a cold vermicelli noodle and vegetable salad with a light sweet dressing, and a chicken salad with refreshing mint, cabbage and peanuts. The wraps — especially the grilled shrimp and sugarcane or the grilled pork — are also good choices.
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Vitals: 655 Larkin St. (at Ellis), San Francisco; (415) 776-3234. Dinner Tues.-Sun.
- SAI JAI THAI (1 block away)
This homey restaurant uses ample dashes of lime juice, chile and sweet and sour sauces to make its dishes come alive. Menu offerings include soothing pad kee mao, stir-fried noodles with vegetables and meat, and spicy string beans with basil and peppers. The grilled pork really shines — especially the pork shoulder salad.
Cuisine: Thai
Vitals: 771 O’Farrell St. (at Larkin), San Francisco; (415) 673-5774. Lunch, dinner daily. No alcohol.
- SULTAN KEBAB (1 block away)
At lunchtime, a small crowd assembles at this Tenderloin restaurant to order bowls of lentil soup, stuffed grape leaves, and lamb and beef doner sandwiches. The two-story cafe, specializing in Mediterranean cuisine, serves dozens of lamb, beef and chicken kebab dishes with sides of rice, salad and bread.
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Vitals: 637 Larkin St. (near Eddy), San Francisco; (415) 931-8444. Lunch, dinner Mon.-Sat. No alcohol.
- TURTLE TOWER (1 block away)
The draw at this bustling corner of the Tenderloin is pho, as weekend lines out the door will attest. Choose from more than 10 types of this hearty soup, packed with noodles and every imaginable cut of beef or chicken swimming in unusually subtle broth. It’s warming, refreshing food. That, plus a solid selection of bun (vermicelli) and com (rice-based) platters, make a perfect pit stop: Eat, slurp and be on your merry way.
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Vitals: 631 Larkin St. (between Eddy and Ellis), San Francisco; (415) 409-3333. Breakfast, lunch and early dinner Wed.-Mon.
- SAIGON SANDWICHES (2 blocks away)
One of the best lunch deals in the city is found at this hole-in-the-wall specializing in bahn mi — Vietnamese sandwiches with meat, carrots, jalapeno and cilantro tucked into a French roll. Barbecue pork and pork meatballs are standouts, but roast chicken, "fanci" pork and pate won’t disappoint. The best part: It’ll only set you back $2.50.
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Vitals: 560 Larkin St. (at Eddy), San Francisco; (415) 474-5698. Breakfast, lunch, early dinner daily. No alcohol.
- THAI HOUSE EXPRESS (2 blocks away)
The lesser-known dishes are our favorites at this unpretentious but politely serviced corner restaurant. Kao Pad Ka-Na Pla Kem is an anchovy lover’s fried rice, a comfort dish for many Asians. Gui chai are aromatic garlic chive dumplings deep-fried, while the large salad category will reward the adventurous. The chef has a good touch with the not-too-sweet and sour balance in his dressings. Also at 599 Castro St., SF.
Cuisine: Thai
Vitals: 901 Larkin St. (at Geary Street), San Francisco; (415) 441-2248. Lunch, dinner noon-midnight daily.
- ALATURCA (3 blocks away)
Dollar for dollar, this Turkish Tenderloin staple remains hard to beat, its kitchen serving up authentic doses of seasoning that can be hard to find in the Bay Area. Settle in for such hearty starters as lahmacun (Turkish meat pizza) and cacik (a garlicky yogurt sauce) before tackling the ample platters of doner and kebabs. Or order up one of the pide or gozleme, hand-stuffed with feta and spinach or potato — self-contained meals to eat on the run.
Cuisine: Turkish
Vitals: 869 Geary St. (near Larkin), San Francisco; (415) 345-1011. Lunch, dinner daily.
- LAHORE KARAHI (3 blocks away)
The Tenderloin has more than its fair share of North Indian/Pakistani restaurants, and this is our current favorite. Chef-owner Zulfiqar "Guddu" Haider offers an all-halal menu of lively spiced curries, such as a gingery chicken korma. Aloo bengan — eggplant with potatoes — is packed with fresh vegetables. Many dishes are on the greasy side, so be sure to request the smoky, delicious naan sans butter.
Cuisine: Indian
Vitals: 612 O’Farrell (at Leavenworth), San Francisco; (415) 567-8603. Lunch Tues.-Sun., dinner nightly. No alcohol.
- GYRO KING (4 blocks away)
This Mediterranean cafe is a popular spot for the San Francisco City Hall crowd. There are lots of good choices, including the succulent lamb and beef gyro, which comes either as a platter or wrapped in a lavash sandwich with tahini sauce. Also on the menu are stuffed grape leaves, homemade spinach pie, chicken shish kebab and baklava.
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Vitals: 25 Grove St. (near Larkin Street), San Francisco; (415) 621-8313. Lunch, dinner daily. No alcohol.
- PEARL’S DELUXE BURGERS (5 blocks away)
Fancy gourmet sandwiches are shunned in favor of classics at this no-frills burger joint. Even the selection of "Special Burgers" avoids bells and whistles. The Prized Pearl, for example, is a delicious but uncomplicated combination of bacon, sauteed onions and blue cheese. There are also buffalo and veggie burgers, chicken sandwiches and sweet potato fries. Also at 8 E. Blithedale Avenue, Mill Valley
Cuisine: American
Vitals: 708 Post St. (near Jones Street), San Francisco; (415) 409-6120. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Mon.-Thurs., until 2 a.m. Fri.-Sat. No alcohol.
NEAR THE SAN FRANCISCO DOWNTOWN HOSTEL
- LAHORE KARAHI (3 blocks away)
The Tenderloin has more than its fair share of North Indian/Pakistani restaurants, and this is our current favorite. Chef-owner Zulfiqar "Guddu" Haider offers an all-halal menu of lively spiced curries, such as a gingery chicken korma. Aloo bengan — eggplant with potatoes — is packed with fresh vegetables. Many dishes are on the greasy side, so be sure to request the smoky, delicious naan sans butter.
Cuisine: Indian
Vitals: 612 O’Farrell (at Leavenworth), San Francisco; (415) 567-8603. Lunch Tues.-Sun., dinner nightly. No alcohol.
- PEARL’S DELUXE BURGERS (3 blocks away)
Fancy gourmet sandwiches are shunned in favor of classics at this no-frills burger joint. Even the selection of "Special Burgers" avoids bells and whistles. The Prized Pearl, for example, is a delicious but uncomplicated combination of bacon, sauteed onions and blue cheese. There are also buffalo and veggie burgers, chicken sandwiches and sweet potato fries. Also at 8 E. Blithedale Avenue, Mill Valley
Cuisine: American
Vitals: 708 Post St. (near Jones Street), San Francisco; (415) 409-6120. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Mon.-Thurs., until 2 a.m. Fri.-Sat. No alcohol.
- OUT THE DOOR (4 blocks away)
Though the price of a meal is slightly higher than at the other restaurants in the basement of Westfield San Francisco Centre, the quality of the food, the table service and the serene environment make it worthwhile. Look for an irresistible street food version of the menu at owner Charles Phan’s Slanted Door restaurant, with unparalleled Vietnamese sandwiches, noodle soups and stir-fried noodles. Portions are on the small side, so you’ll want to share a starter such as a crisp Vietnamese crepe. Also 1 Ferry Building, S.F.
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Vitals: 845 Market St. (at Fifth Street, in Westfield San Francisco Centre, concourse level), San Francisco; (415) 541-9913. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Saturday, until 8 p.m. Sunday.
- SAI JAI THAI (5 block away)
This homey restaurant uses ample dashes of lime juice, chile and sweet and sour sauces to make its dishes come alive. Menu offerings include soothing pad kee mao, stir-fried noodles with vegetables and meat, and spicy string beans with basil and peppers. The grilled pork really shines — especially the pork shoulder salad.
Cuisine: Thai
Vitals: 771 O’Farrell St. (at Larkin), San Francisco; (415) 673-5774. Lunch, dinner daily. No alcohol.
- SPLIT PEA SEDUCTION (5 blocks away)
In SoMa’s slowly improving Sixth Street corridor, Split Pea Seduction’s clean awning stands out. But it’s worth going out of your way to pick up lunch. Crostatas — flaky pastry with a variety of toppings — are a specialty, but soups and salads are especially delicious, with daily changing combinations that might include grilled romaine with tomatoes and chimichurri, or Manila clam and sweet corn chowder.
Cuisine: California
Vitals: 138 Sixth St. (at Minna), San Francisco; (415) 551-2223. Breakfast, lunch weekdays. No alcohol.
- ALATURCA (6 blocks away)
Dollar for dollar, this Turkish Tenderloin staple remains hard to beat, its kitchen serving up authentic doses of seasoning that can be hard to find in the Bay Area. Settle in for such hearty starters as lahmacun (Turkish meat pizza) and cacik (a garlicky yogurt sauce) before tackling the ample platters of doner and kebabs. Or order up one of the pide or gozleme, hand-stuffed with feta and spinach or potato — self-contained meals to eat on the run.
Cuisine: Turkish
Vitals: 869 Geary St. (near Larkin), San Francisco; (415) 345-1011. Lunch, dinner daily.
- MEDICINE EATSTATION (6 blocks away)
Since it opened in 2005, this Kyoto-style organic restaurant has been taking some, well, medicine of its own. Now open only until 6 p.m., it sports a more spartan menu that encourages takeout and includes fish instead of strictly vegan food. The menu focuses on noodles, rice plates and bento boxes. "Value meals" allow you to add a soup, drink or side dish to a main course for a few extra dollars. Unlike at most fast-food places, however, the food arrives on nice dinnerware.
Cuisine: Japanese
Vitals: 161 Sutter St. (in Crocker Galleria), San Francisco; (415) 677-4405. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Mon.-Fri.
- THAI HOUSE EXPRESS (6 blocks away)
The lesser-known dishes are our favorites at this unpretentious but politely serviced corner restaurant. Kao Pad Ka-Na Pla Kem is an anchovy lover’s fried rice, a comfort dish for many Asians. Gui chai are aromatic garlic chive dumplings deep-fried, while the large salad category will reward the adventurous. The chef has a good touch with the not-too-sweet and sour balance in his dressings. Also at 599 Castro St., SF.
Cuisine: Thai
Vitals: 901 Larkin St. (at Geary Street), San Francisco; (415) 441-2248. Lunch, dinner noon-midnight daily.
- TURTLE TOWER (6 blocks away)
The draw at this bustling corner of the Tenderloin is pho, as weekend lines out the door will attest. Choose from more than 10 types of this hearty soup, packed with noodles and every imaginable cut of beef or chicken swimming in unusually subtle broth. It’s warming, refreshing food. That, plus a solid selection of bun (vermicelli) and com (rice-based) platters, make a perfect pit stop: Eat, slurp and be on your merry way.
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Vitals: 631 Larkin St. (between Eddy and Ellis), San Francisco; (415) 409-3333. Breakfast, lunch and early dinner Wed.-Mon.
To read the San Francisco Chronicle’s full list of Bay Area Bargain Bites, visit sfgate.com.