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    Old Skool Cafe

    4.6 (704 reviews)
    Closed Closed
    Updated 2 weeks ago

    Old Skool Cafe Photos

    Business Info

    OLD SKOOL CAFE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Classy
    Good for groups

    Recommended Reviews - Old Skool Cafe

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    Reviews With Photos

    Shrimp n Grits
    Sarah N.

    I was in town from San Francisco for a basketball tournament and hadn't planned on eating out much beyond quick bites. But when friends invited us to brunch and we had some time before our games, I decided to join--and I'm so glad I did. Parking was easy, either on the street if you get lucky or in the lot next door. Since we made reservations, the wait wasn't long, and in the meantime, we played cornhole--a great touch for families with kids who can't sit still for long. Our server was wonderful (wish I remembered his name--lots of tattoos!) and very knowledgeable about the menu. On his recommendation, I ordered the shrimp and grits, which I later learned had actually won a "Best Grits" award from a grit society. The dish was incredible--full of flavor, and the grits absolutely lived up to the hype. The menu is creative, the atmosphere welcoming, and the food memorable. Next time I'm in town, this will definitely be on my list to revisit.

    Short Ribs (Gf)
    Steve D.

    Nice spot. Our first time here, pass by this place pretty often. Really digging the ambience and the music, and our server was an absolute sweetheart. Ordered a couple things off the menu. Braised short ribs was my favorite.

    Sharine d.

    Great idea. Loved the restaurants feeling of an old school speakeasy. Loved the kids working and having stories to share. Service was attentive. Loved the high school band members playing jazz in the background (they were very good) . Food was ok... nothing was bad, but neither was it special. At the end of the day... I've had worse, I've had better... that leaves me at average food with a little too much salt for my personal taste. At the table braised rib (fair), fried chicken (I thnk it was the baked variety), mac & cheese (not baked soul food style, think shells and melted white cheese), fried catfish (a few catfish nuggets).... This is a great restaurant to support because of the mission of helping the kids. It is a very cool experience in a challenging area of town... for a premium price.

    Wonderful experience! The ambiance was amazing. The food was even better! And the staff were all friendly and fun. We eloped and made this our wedding night dinner experience. They were friendly and celebrated with us! The food... AMAZING! The shrimp appetizer was delicious! The fried chicken was elevated in a way I didn't know was possible, with greens that made your mouth water and mashed potatoes that were like a cloud that dissipated on your tongue. The braised short rib was the best I've ever had. The drinks were perfectly crafted! And supporting their mission and purpose of helping at-risk youth made the whole experience better! Thank you for a wonderful evening! Mandy & Jesse Cox 4-2-26

    Becky V.

    Few parking spots right in front of entrance Just a beautiful restaurant. The interior, people, mission, and good cause. Right when you step in, you'll feel like you're transported to another place, gorgeous and elegant 1920's decor. Food was delicious and plated wonderfully. Tried Abu's peanut butter stew which caught my attention because how often do you see that? It was yummy. There's a bar so you can order cocktails to go with your meal too I had a group of 5 and had the window booth area Happy hour specials available at certain time Live music by young performers was a treat. Check online calendar for performers

    Sea bass over risotto.
    Matt H.

    Gotta' say, I did like this joint. It is everything you've read and heard about. The band wasn't playing when we dined, although a pianist was upstairs playing some nice piano the whole time. Service was excellent and attentive. The food was very good. I had the short ribs, which were pretty perfect. My friend had the sea bass over risotto which he said was great. All in all I'm very happy I went here and it felt good to support a good cause. I would go back!

    Old Fashion
    Michael B.

    Valentine's Day dinner. Perfect ambience. Think Jazz club meets a dinner club. The staff were friendly and attentive without being intrusive. The food was sublime. We'll be going back for sure, especially given we're neighbors.

    AmErica A.

    Took my son, mother and her husband to this gem of a restaurant. I stumbled upon it on Yelp and so glad I found it. When I asked how long they had been around and was told 20 years, my mom and I were surprised. This place is like SF's secret and it shouldn't be. I think everyone should be dining here. What reeled me in was that it's a "speakeasy." I just visited Chicago earlier this month so I am still coming off that high so to see a speakeasy that also featured live music I thought was fitting. So I made reservations via Yelp and the earliest dinner reservations offered was 7:45. So then I emailed to request if we could possibly be squeezed in at 5:00PM since my son and I would be travelling a couple hours and my mom and her husband wanting to eat earlier. I was called later in the day and was told they could accommodate my request. Which we were all happy for. This place was easy to get too off Highway 101. We parked in front of the school along Mendell Street. Walk up to the building that dawned the marquee and was hesitant at first because it's so unassuming. Luckily for us there were a group of gentleman sitting outide bbqing (not for the restaurant just because it was a Saturday) and they pointed out which door to go through. You open the door and are immediately transported back in time. The walls are dark and adorned with various photos in brilliant gold frames. Music lures you in down the hall until you get to a door way that opens up to the roaring 20's. Your eyes immediately lock onto the large bar area where the bartenders are dressed in black shaking and mixing drinks. Then you notice the plush red booths. We were immediately taken to a corner booth that was decorated in everything peacock (my absolute fave) and a crystal chandelier. It was in this moment that I was so bummed I hadn't dressed the part! Typically there is live jazz but they had called off last minute. I can only imagine that the live music is the icing on the cake! We didn't order anything from the bar but we did order the following: Apps: 1. Catfish fingers: seasoned and coated perfectly in cornmeal and served with a delicious aioli dipping sauce. Fingers fried crispy. 2. Warrior Wings: chicken wings deep friend and then dressed in their sweet and sour sauce. Cooked well and sauce was indeed everything you want a sweet and sour to taste like. Dinner: 1. My mother's husband ordered Abu's Peanut Butter Stew with shrimp: It reminiscent of a thai coconut curry. Delicious and served with a mound of rice. 2. My mother ordered Jordan's Fried Chicken: It comes with 3 pcs of fried chicken on top of a mound of mashed potatoes and greens. Chicken was a perfectly golden brown, crisp on the outside and juicy on the inside. Mash was yummy and the greens were cooked well. 3. My son ordered Daniel's Gumbo: It was a shrimp gumbo. My son is used to my gumbo wherein I use shrimp, chicken, sausage and crab legs. That roux was a nice color though, someone back in the kitchen got a sore arm from getting that roux the right color! It came with a mound of steamed rice. Even though the kid grumbled in the beginning he sure did lick his plate clean..lol! 4. I ordered the Smother Pork Chop: what had me convinced was that whiskey mushroom gravy. Delicious and will need to try my hand at it. Pork chop was a thick cut and seasoned and cooked well. It laid on top of a bed of grits and stewed veggies. All components complimented each other well. Dessert: 1. Date Cake: My mom made a face when I ordered it. She said it was because she doesn't like dates. I tried a date cake in Vegas and was a fan. So had my fingers crossed this would change her mind. I was right. She enjoyed it. 2. Lavender Cheesecake: you can't really taste the lavender in it. Delicious cheesecake nonetheless. There are 2 gender neutral restrooms that were spacious, clean and well stocked. Drinks menu looked yummy. Next time I'm bringing a DD so I can enjoy a yummy bevvie. We will be back. This time I am coming dressed the part and I got my fingers crossed we can catch some jazz.

    Ota appetizer
    Michael S.

    My first visit. This was an absolutely delightful culinary experience. Service was friendly and attentive. The food was incredible and such a delight to have live music. I highly recommend dining here and contributing to a very worthy cause.

    Absolutely charming in every way. Great food. Great atmosphere. Lovely people and good music. When was the last time you felt good about patronizing a restaurant? Check out the back story on this place. They're doing it. And it's great.

    a man sitting at the bar
    Lamarr E.

    Was in the area and stumbled upon this soul food restaurant. Who doesn't love a feel good story about someone giving back to the community! It's a walk right into the roaring 1920s inside the establishment. They had live jazz and all the staff dressed the part. I ordered the peanut stew and my wife ordered the Fried Chicken. We both really enjoyed our dishes! The peanut stew was warm and comforting. All the staff were extremely accommodating and attentive. All and all, I would for sure check out this unique place in BayView again!

    Smothered chicken
    Mehrnaz H.

    So glad we dined at @oldskoolcafe tonight. I agree with another Yelper about this being truly the definition of dining with a purpose. Old Skool Cafe is a violence prevention program, that provides job training, employment and a second chance at life by way of a 1920's speakeasy, jazz restaurant, run by at-risk, formerly incarcerated and foster care youth ages 16-22. It allows these at-risk teens/young adults a chance to develop skills in hospitality, life-lessons and getting them ready for a life where they can support themselves. The restaurant is located in not the best neighborhood in SF, but as someone commented, "don't judge a restaurant by its location"! We opted for one special 3-course dinner (which high included fried catfish fingers, smothered fried chicken and a dessert), gumbo and short ribs. We also ordered the side of mashed potato's and mac & cheese. I must say, you cannot go wrong with anything on this menu!!! Everything was finger licking good!!! We tired the sweet potato tart and the date cake with toffee sauce. The food was just an amazing southern culinary experience. The staff is extremely friendly and easy to chat with during dinner. We will definitely be back supporting this great cause and gaining a few more pounds along the way!

    Adam D.

    Old Skool Cafe is a youth-run, jazz-themed supper club. It is a faith-based, violence prevention program, that provides job training, employment, and a second chance at life by way of a 1920's speakeasy, jazz restaurant, run by at-risk, formerly incarcerated, and foster care youth ages 16-22. The food, service, and ambience were incredible. Highly recommended. Pictured here are sweet potato rolls, catfish fingers!, shrimp and grits, fried chicken, and sweet potato tartlets. I love their mission and food. This is a must do.

    The entrance into the restaurant

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    2 years ago

    Such a great experience! We loved the ambiance, delicious food, and of course great service. Will definitely be back soon.

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    An overall great experience! The food, drinks, and service were top tier. The ambiance did not disappoint!

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    3 years ago

    Wonderful service I loved the food and the atmosphere. It definitely is a place I would recommend to friends and family. I loved it overall

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    Business owner information

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    Fun atmosphere, good food and drinks, and a fantastic mission supporting local youth!

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    Teresa G.

    Thank you so much for sharing the Old Skool story!!

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    Teresa G.

    Thank you!!! We loved celebrating you!

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    4 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Food was soooo good and the vibe was on point. I highly recommend to experience this place at least once in your life.

    Business owner information

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    Teresa G.

    Thank you, Clarissa! We hope you come again.

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    Great food and nice atmosphere! Different than what I expected. Service was great and it was Dec 2022.

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    Page 3 of 18

    Ask the Community - Old Skool Cafe

    How often are the musicians in the house?

    Every time I've been there, there is a calendar in the website that lists who is playing specifically. The talent is real!

    Are they enforcing Covid vaccine cards or results for dine in?

    no covid vaccine cards necessary

    Anyone know why they are closed? I hope they will open soon!

    I was there their second to last night and they said they were closing for renovations, but would reopen in October. Contrary to Kimmie's experience, my group loved it and will be back when they reopen.

    View All 4 Questions

    7 Mile House

    7 Mile House

    4.2
    (2.2k reviews)
    2.3 mi
    $$

    The last mile house that is only in Brisbane, still close to Cow Palace, never far off. The last…read moremile house that last for over 168 years is an amazing sight, with many stories of old to tell, along with survival stories like COVID that 7 Mile House stronger and better than ever. Used to serve anything that's both American and Italian, until Vanessa had made it into a family run small business restaurant which was absolutely welcoming for both locals and tourists alike since 2004. It's the only reason I come to 7 Mile House during Asian History Month that aims for Filipino fun. My specialty drink: Ube Colada (non-alcoholic). I want to try the Lambanóg, but it's few years late and I wouldn't mind since I prefer any drink that's zero proof. This creamy purple smoothie is so refreshing, I wouldn't mind getting a brain freeze. Main course? Actually, I take something out of the lunch menu, which is Beyond Burger; pickles at the top, lettuce, tomato, and cheese; old school American style with a plant based patty! I eat the fries first since they're fresh and chewy. Wish I stick around for an appetizer or a salad; but given that there's several people dining indoors while few of us outdoors, I'll have to pass. Before I walk a couple of blocks toward 7 Mile House, I noticed the gas prices for both gas stations are just as high as near my neighborhood. I'll be wondering how long will a famous family run restaurant can go an extra mile before it runs out of steam. My best bet is that we must support each other as local communities, just like how the 7 Mile House of today had kept us together for generations.

    3.5 star We visited…read moreon a Saturday night and ordered the fish lumpia, sweet chili garlic wings, Manila-style sisig with rice, and sizzling pork adobo with rice. For drinks, we tried the Ube-B-Boba and the Mango Margarita. The fish lumpia came out fresh from the fryer and was crispy, although pretty oily. The flavor was decent, but it really needed the soy sauce vinegar dipping sauce that came on the side to add some acidity and balance. The sweet chili garlic wings were good, but the sauce reminded me a lot of Mae Ploy sweet chili sauce. Both entrees were flavorful, but overall they leaned too salty for my taste. The pork adobo was tender, but I wished it had more vinegar and black pepper flavors. That's just how I enjoy my adobo though. I also found myself wanting more acidity in the sisig to cut through the richness. The drinks were fine. The Mango Margarita can be ordered blended or on the rocks. I chose it blended, but it was a little too sweet for my preference. The Ube-B-Boba was enjoyable but didn't particularly stand out. Overall, the food was fine, but nothing really wowed us. It's a decent spot, but I don't feel a strong need to rush back.

    Photos
    The cheery section of the interior.
    The cheery section of the interior.
    Crab, avocado salad with olives
    Crab, avocado salad with olives
    Bloody mary

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    Bloody mary
    Aroma Buena Cafe

    Aroma Buena Cafe

    4.8
    (62 reviews)
    1.6 mi
    $

    A Neighborhood Anchor in San Francisco's Comeback At the…read moreintersection of Visitacion Valley and Little Hollywood in San Francisco, Aroma Buena Café and Kitchen capture the spirit of neighborhood resilience. A pleasure of San Francisco's "comeback" are the great new businesses opening around town. Aroma Buena Kitchen in Visitacion Valley/Little Hollywood is one of those wonderful new additions to the city, and all the better knowing how it's come to be. The location formerly housed the Piccolo Pete deli, which in its prime was a neighborhood institution. When Candlestick Park was around, and the Schlage Lock factory was down the street, Piccolo Pete did big business with big sandwiches ready for tailgating and hearty lunches. But with the Giants leaving the 'stick, followed by the 49ers, and the lock factory closed, the core business was gone. The deli closed in 2016, and the building sat vacant except for a small coffee business on the corner. But what about that coffee business? A few years ago Aroma Buena opened in the tiny space at the corner of Bayshore and Tunnel Road. Though there was just enough space for a counter and a couple of tables, the place really took off, particularly for breakfast take-out. The menu had the standard breakfast and lunch staples, but many with Latin influences reflecting the woman-owned "Hispano World Cuisine" catering business behind the venture. Food was delicious, service was friendly, and prices were decent. It quickly became a neighborhood spot with a loyal clientele. Fast forward to last year, and Aroma Buena was ready to expand into the rest of the building. This allowed the catering business to move onto the premises and a new counter-service sit-down restaurant to open up. The front of the building, long neglected after the deli closed, was transformed by a colorful mural that stretched the entire length of the façade. The interior was completely rebuilt, fresh and bright. The original café at the corner is now known as "Aroma Buena Café," and the new restaurant is "Aroma Buena Kitchen." The two complement each other, with the café focused on breakfast and lunch, and the kitchen focused on sit-down lunch and weekend brunch. Both offer a relaxed, welcoming spot for breakfast and lunch, with a local, community-focused vibe. The café serves up a range of fresh classics with a Latin-inspired twist. Their menu includes hearty breakfast burritos (like the popular chorizo and bacon-egg varieties), savory sandwiches (such as the chicken margherita and oven-roasted turkey), healthy wraps, and tasty salads. In keeping with its "Hispano World Cuisine" roots, the menu blends flavors from Spain, Latin America, the Caribbean, and beyond. The flavors are subtle but present, suggesting a kitchen that understands flavor as heritage rather than garnish. The setup of both the café and kitchen is laid-back and friendly. In both you order at the counter, and your food is brought out to you by the friendly staff. In a nutshell, Aroma Buena Café and Kitchen is a hidden gem in one of San Francisco's less well-known neighborhoods. Each offers a comfortable place with flavorful breakfast and lunch options grounded in Latin-inspired cuisine. Whether you're stopping by for your morning coffee or settling in for a hearty lunch, it delivers good food with a friendly neighborhood feel. The food is hot and delicious. The portions are fair. The service is unfussy and kind. And with these qualities, Aroma Buena is a neighborhood anchor. And in the daily life of a city, that's the true comeback story. Aroma Buena is located at 2155 Bayshore Boulevard (corner of Tunnel Avenue) in San Francisco.

    Great neighborhood corner coffee spot. The service was great. The barista was really kind and let…read moreme know about their new menu choices (see photo). I got an iced coffee with almond milk and sugar-free vanilla. The coffee was strong, but not bitter. The milk and syrup had was at a pleasant ratio. Good vibes and excellent coffee.

    Photos
    Inside
    Inside
    Chorizo Breakfasts Burrito
    Chorizo Breakfasts Burrito
    Murals!

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    Murals!
    The Rabbit Hole

    The Rabbit Hole

    4.2
    (135 reviews)
    1.8 mi
    $$

    Rabbit Hole is an awesome neighborhood bar with inventive Asian-inspired food. They have happy hour…read moreeveryday 3-6pm, with one of the best smashed burgers I've ever had. We also had the ribeye and fried chicken sandwich. All food was good, especially the ribeye, which was amazing. At $31 for a ribeye, one of the best deals I've ever seen. Highly recommend trying out this place and I'll be back soon to try more items on the menu. They also have indoor and patio seating. Patio seating was great for a warm afternoon. Service was also really attentive and they had great recommendations.

    Was really excited to give this spot a try; drinks were okay, but the service ruined it…read more Came here for a pre birthday celebration, and while the drinks and small bites were okay....the service was just bad from the beginning. Came here with my partner and the waitress only wanted to approach me, and was not nice to my partner at all. When he was mid sentence ordering his drink, she cut him off and demanded to see his ID. ( mind you...it is also his bday...) A while later, we decided to get another round and he raised his hand hoping to get her attention. I completely understand that being a server is hectic and very stressful, but a little acknowledgment when you see your table asking for you should be bare minimum. She completely ignored him multiple times. When she finally came to our table and bluntly said to him " I see you okay. I'm doing other things but I see you. " she only wanted to speak with me when ordering also....which I found kind of weird. She is also not the nicest to the table next to us also, so at least it's not targeted. But aside from that, drinks and small bites are pretty standard for a cocktail bar. Nothing too special, but a good place to try with friends. The service mostly ruined it for us that night.

    Photos
    The Rabbit Hole
    Popcorn Chicken
    Popcorn Chicken
    Burger w/ brioche bun, sharp cheddar, gochujang aioli ($14)

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    Burger w/ brioche bun, sharp cheddar, gochujang aioli ($14)
    The Front Porch

    The Front Porch

    3.9
    (3.4k reviews)
    1.8 mi
    $$

    There are very few restaurants that are as important to me as The Front Porch. It's a place my…read morefriends and I only come to about once a year. It's an annual tradition that we've held since 2019. My Southern friends would say this is the closest you can get to New Orleans in San Francisco and they're probably right. This dimly lit, quirky, old fashioned hole in the wall is a special place. The service is always great and the owner always comes to say hello if he's there. They are about to celebrate their 20th anniversary and one can see why. They make the best fried chicken in town! Not just great fried chicken, but other great dishes as well. We always start with fried okra and fried pickles. The fried okra is always cooked to perfection, and never slimy! The fried pickles are thin, crispy with a spicy remoulade that pairs perfectly. The corn bread comes with a delicious, sweet butter and the Red Beans and Rice with Andouille is not to be missed. The mashed potatoes and gravy and Mac and cheese are always ordered along with a bucket of fried chicken. The fried chicken here is crunchy, juicy and full of flavor. I also love their spiced popcorn. I have tried their Collard Greens, but they're not really our thing so we never order them. Please come and support this great, local business in the Outer Mission! It's worth it!

    The Front Porch is one of those places that gets everything right. The food is creative,…read morecomforting, and packed with flavor, blending Southern-inspired classics with a distinctly San Francisco personality. Every dish feels thoughtfully prepared and beautifully balanced. The atmosphere is lively without being overwhelming, warm without being pretentious, and the staff are attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely welcoming. Whether you're stopping in for brunch, dinner, or drinks with friends, it feels like the kind of neighborhood restaurant every city wishes it had. Great food, great service, and a memorable experience from start to finish. The Front Porch is well worth a visit and deserves a spot on any San Francisco dining list.

    Photos
    Bar area!
    Bar area!
    Asparagus with poached egg
    Asparagus with poached egg
    Citrus and arugula salad

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    Citrus and arugula salad
    The Korner Store Bites & Vibes

    The Korner Store Bites & Vibes

    4.6
    (89 reviews)
    2.5 mi
    $$

    The Korner Store is a private event space now. I sent an inquiry in for a Saturday night booking,…read moreand received prompt response with a quote and some options. There's a minimum food and drink amount. I coordinated a walk through of the space and made a deposit! The hosts and owners (Ina and Nick) are incredibly helpful throughout the booking and night of the event. My ~40 guests enjoyed the Korean food and full bar. We had a fantastic time in the private space. The venue has tv screens, music inputs, DJ and dance area, karaoke, and an optional photobooth. I highly recommend considering The Korner Store for your next event.

    This place is as unique as their food and vibe is excellent . I arrived early for my event and…read moresaw how incredibly creative the owners were . We were a group of international visitors who knew little of Korean food and gift wrapping . Yes , the event was to learn Bojagi and eat delicious home cooked Korean food . If you don't know what kind of event you want , the owner Ina will help you think of something ! I'll let the photos speak for themselves. I strongly recommend this for having your next party or team building or just a night out in your own event space . We had so many dishes and the Korean drinks were delicious.. we had maybe five different drinks ? We didn't have a chance to fully enjoy the music by the dj... next time . I can't wait for my next party here . (I couldn't post all my photos !)

    Photos
    Inside the restaurant, facing the interior.
    Inside the restaurant, facing the interior.
    Kimchi Stuffed Mushroom: Portobello Mushroom w/ kimchi, mozzarella cheese | $12.95
    Kimchi Stuffed Mushroom: Portobello Mushroom w/ kimchi, mozzarella cheese | $12.95
    Jinro Ilpoom, 24% abv (shot - $9.95) + Golden Barley, 17% abv (shot - $8.95)

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    Jinro Ilpoom, 24% abv (shot - $9.95) + Golden Barley, 17% abv (shot - $8.95)
    Luisa's Restaurant

    Luisa's Restaurant

    4.7
    (184 reviews)
    2.3 mi

    My friend snagged a same-day reservation at Luisa's Restaurant for Saturday evening. This was…read moresurprisingly easy, considering we were a party of 6. The interior had simple decor and a swirl of little lights across ceiling. For drinks, we shared a bottle of Chianti, which was excellent. We also ordered a few appetizers for the table - Garlic Bread and Buratta. The Garlic Bread wasn't particularly memorable for me, but the Buratta was very tasty with the fresh pesto on top. I loved that most pasta dishes could be prepared with a choice of sauce, and ordered the Lobster Ravioli with Vodka Sauce. This was so tasty and surprisingly filling! My friends all enjoyed their dishes as well, including the Linguini Tuttomare, Penne Gorgonzola, and Chicken Parmigiana. Service was friendly and quick. Would happily return for more!

    Really solid Italian restaurant with surprisingly good gnocchi…read more Caesar salad: 3.5/5. To "anchovy" for my taste. Next time I will ask them to leave out the anchovies or pick a different salad. otherwise the salad was quite good. Spaghetti carbonara: 3.5/5. A solid version of this dish, but not exceptional. Great pasta, nice texture, but the meat could have stood out better. It sort of hid in the shadows. Gnocchi: 4.5/5. Since I make my own gnocchi this is a very high rating from me. Excellent texture and taste for this gnocchi and the vodka sauce complemented it really well. I would definitely have this again.

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    Luisa's Restaurant
    Garlic Bread
    Garlic Bread
    ORTOLANA PIZZA

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    ORTOLANA PIZZA
    Flats Burgers

    Flats Burgers

    4.6
    (93 reviews)
    2.6 mi
    Locally owned & operated
    Catering service

    I'm about to review all these burgers because tbh all of the ones I've tried so far is (fire…read moreemojis). This was the second time my partner and I have gone here. The first time we tried the Sarap Manila and Aji Inferno burgers. This time we tried the Wasa-bish and Tro Oi burgers. And gawd damn. They haven't missed once. In my opinion. Let's start with the place. It's located inside Rocks Den, a pretty chill bar on Mission. The times that my partner and I went, there wasn't too much people. The bartenders were nice and their drinks were pretty good. They have another room with a pool table and foosball. The place can definitely hold a lot of people and there is ample places to sit and eat. Flats burger is basically in the back; it's a window to their kitchen. You order your food and while you're waiting you get yourself a couple of drinks before your buzzer goes off. And then next thing you know, you got a hot juicy burger with fries to eat. Now the foooooood: The wasa-bish burger is refreshing. The wasabi sauce isn't too strong but it's enough to knock your sinuses clear. The Tro Oi burger was really good. It was like a bahn mi as a burger with the Nem Nuong patty and pickled veggies. The vinegar was a nice touch to the savoriness. The Aji inferno burger was good because of the sauce. The man at the register said it was spicy but I don't think it was at all. I could've gotten a side of that sauce to dip the fries in. The Sara Manila burger was also bomb. You gotta get it with the egg; which is unfortunately an extra topping that you have to pay for. It's smart on the resturaunt's part for doing that. My partner didn't really like this burger as much. I think it was because she tried my burger and liked it more than hers; she was turned off. I think if you're feeling for Longanisa, definitely get that. Flats also has lumpia and wings which we haven't got to try yet. I think I'm gonna come back to review all of their food. I recommend this spot to people who are coming off of work and need a spot for a great meal and drinks.

    Came for a killer burger and got exactly what I wanted -- a classic diner style smashburger…read moremade-to-order, all tied together with their signature house sauce. Absolutely a win!! This burger was incredibly filling, and at about $12 per burger, it's one of the best deals in the Bay. We added some Cajun fries and got two sides of their interesting fusion sauces to try -- the wasabi aioli and banana ketchup aioli. Both had distinct Asian inspiration, as did their entire menu (lumpia, Vietnamese pork burgers, kimchi burgers, you name it) and that really made the place stand out. The service was quick and friendly, and we ordered at the counter near the back of a bar. The joint had an admittedly hole-in-the-wall feel; it might not be everyone's cup of tea, but I enjoyed the grungy neighborhood feel to the place.

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    Flats Burgers
    Nuoc Mami Burger; Vietnamese
    Nuoc Mami Burger; Vietnamese
    Loaded Tots With Longanisa Meat

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    Loaded Tots With Longanisa Meat
    Seafood Station

    Seafood Station

    4.6
    (250 reviews)
    1.4 mi
    $$

    Seafood Station! This a family owned and run business and they are really sweet and offer GREAT…read morequality seafood. This is a clean small place with 8 tables and few bar tops. I ordered the baja tacos to-go. They come with two fried fish tacos and a side salad. Ok the side salad has a simple but delicious vinegrette! This order was also so big I could've shared with another person. You would think two tacos and a small side salad is enough for one person but the tacos were HUGE! The service was great and attentive but most importantly they have FRESH & QUALITY seafood! They have salads, pastas, seafood boils, sandwiches and a decent kids menu. A must try if you are in the Bernal Heights area!

    Let me start by saying my wife has eaten here many times and really likes the food..and the many…read morereturning customers while we were there the other day is a very good sign. I had steamed mussels with fries. There were not enough mussels because they were huge and the sauce was more a broth and not at all flavorful enough. I usually love sopping up every last drop of the juice. But the really disappointing aspect of our dinner was the service. There were 3 people behind the service station. All of them need a training course on how to pay attention to paying customers. Instead they were all engrossed in private conversation with each other or with one particular customer. And one of the staff was simply intimidating, and very very loud. I suspected his behavior may have been chemically induced. Our waitress was very sweet, cheerful and helpful when we could catch her attention. But as I said a 15 minute training exercise each evening before starting work would work wonders. Like look around each customer every time you are not doing anything. And the more senior staff member was just uninterested and perhaps a little grumpy. So the food was blah, more flavor in the broth would help, and ok but at today's prices a "dinner out" has to be about more than just the food.

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    Seafood Station
    1lbs Snow crab leg and 1lbs Crawfish, Cajun flavor
    1lbs Snow crab leg and 1lbs Crawfish, Cajun flavor
    Cioppino was delicious!!

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    Cioppino was delicious!!

    Old Skool Cafe - soulfood - Updated July 2026

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