My favorite media hangouts in the city are all legendary places; some a bit classy than others, and a few you might consider surprises.
*Tadich Grill has been around for over a hundred years--the food is great, we all know that, but what I love the most is the consistent experience of the place; the bread is always fresh and the butter is always nice, the waiters in their white uniforms with the old-fashioned food order checklist. Tadich also has a knack for giving you a great meal every time in and out and fast. Herb Caen used to love the private booth, but I still like the front counter.
*John's Grill: Always a winner in my book. Old-fashioned and a SF staple. This is where the Chron's entertainment and singles writer, Gerry Nachman, interviewed me. Like Tadich, the place is quintessential SF with great food and vibe, a certifiable throwback, located across the street from where the old Emporium used to be located. Best sand dabs in America and yes, again, classy waiters. No wonder it has Bogey edge.
*Tommy's Joynt: I joke always about Tommy's Joynt but it's still a hit. Hoffbrau food is my favorite but it has to be good. The old Hoffbrau in Oakland on Broadway was #1, at least until I devoured Tommy's. It's across the street from the KRON building. I've heard numerous stories. But I'll concentrate on the food: I like the hot turkey sandwich and the brisket is to die for. I'm not a beer guy but they have about 50,000 choices and the prices of both of the food and booze are reasonable.
What places do you like?
*Follow me on Twitter and listen to me Monday-Friday, 1-4 PM PT, on KSCO/KOMY Radio.
I like Tadich and Tommy's too! Isn't there a pub near Chron/Old Examiner? I was pitching an editorial idea to Chron staff maybe 20 years ago and one of the editors took me and my colleague to lunch there. Everyone drank HARD. lol
ReplyDelete"M and M" bar on 5th and Mission is the place I believe you're referring to...Big writer hangout in its day.
DeleteYup! That is the one! Is it still happening?
DeleteI believe it's a goner.
DeleteDang!
DeleteIt's now The Chieftain, an Irish bar. Here's a nice memorial page:
Deletehttp://fifthandhowardsf.com/M_MTavern.php
I don't live in The City, but I worked there for several years and also had Giants seasons tickets (at The Stick) for many years. Absolutely loved Tommy's, especially before and/or after games.
ReplyDeleteNever tired of Tommy's Turkey Dinner Platter. A good meal at a good price, in an unpretentious atmosphere.
Good piece. 3 of my favorite places too. It's old San Francisco, before the city became the amusement park & landing for techies, trust fund babies, & entitled East Coasters. A tougher, more bare knuckled SF that had style.
ReplyDeleteDo you mean: soft, creamy, sweet, spreadable, fresh, whipped, flavored or . . . ?
ReplyDeleteI don't know whether any newbie place in fashionable south of Market or the ball park area will ever develop the tradition or the staying power of these three places. Of course we'll see a half century from now... I thought of Sam's Grill on Bush. I had not been there in a long time and looked at the Web site. Is this still the same venue? It seems to have the name Belden Place... This as I remember it was more of a businessperson's destination than Tadich's.
ReplyDeleteDo they still shake dice for drinks these days? If so, any place where this is a lunch ritual is a good bet. I may be behind the times.
When I worked at KPIX in the 80's and 90's, everyone there liked to go to MacArthur Gril...or this cheap chinese joint on Broadway. (Both were close to the station).
ReplyDeleteMacarthur Park and Hunan? Hunan still there and has great spicy Chinese food.
DeleteIf you like hofbrau-type food, you need to try Harry's Hofbrau at numerous locations around the bay.
ReplyDeleteI still want to eat at the Cliff House if it's still open .....
ReplyDelete....Newsflash. Melanie Morgan is now speaking live on the America's Morning News. I think she's just filling in this week. Or is something going on? Are we shopping around for something new? She deserves good things.
Cliff House is going stronger than ever, but much more chi chi than in the 70's when my brother would take me there for Irish Coffee! But still, you must go! Had a great brunch there a year ago with a big ole cousin reunion, followed by a visit to Camera Obscura--a San Francisco must do!
DeleteNot Hunan, Rich. This Chinese "divey" place was on Broadway, about a block from those strip clubs. It was a true hole-in-the-wall...about four tables total...rude/indifferent owners/servers...everything about $5.
ReplyDeleteIn short, the PERFECT place for cynical/overworked behind-the-scenes "Hacks" to dash in on our dinner breaks!
Is that the place near Grant Avenue, across from Sam Wong's hotel?
DeleteIs it me or does the bloated one look like he had a face lift? In particular his left eye brow looks higher than I recall...
ReplyDeleteYou are hilariously out of touch.
ReplyDeleteI think the Hoffbrau in Oakland on Broadway was called Dahlkey's. Awesome. My dad took me there before game #4 of the 1972 World Series. Gene Tennace hit a home run and the A's hit four straight singles in the ninth to win it.
ReplyDelete