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    The Front Porch

    3.9 (3.4k reviews)
    Closed 9:30 am - 2:30 pm, 5:30 PM - 9:00 PM
    Updated 3 months ago

    The Front Porch Reservations

    Order The Front Porch Takeout or Delivery

    The Front Porch Photos

    THE FRONT PORCH ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Hipster
    Outdoor seating
    Good for groups

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    Recommended Reviews - The Front Porch

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    Reviews With Photos

    Fried Chicken with mash potatoes and Ham Hock Collards
    Rachel R.

    My partner took me out this time to the Front Porch for dinner. I don't think I've tried as much southern food as I've wanted to so I was delighted to hear about this place. She had heard about this place from a client that she had worked with a couple weeks ago. The place had a really cool vibe to it; it's like you're stepping into a more intimate, Cracker Barrel. We were seated by the front of house pretty quickly. The space could hold quite a few people, there is a bar area and outside seating. We sat in the back by the kitchen. When we got there, we ordered a couple drinks and a lot of food. I had the okey-dokey artichokey and my partner had the respect your elders drink; both were strong and tasty. It went well with our appetizers of fried okra and fried calamari. I really enjoyed the jalapeño aïoli that came with the okra so much that I started dipping the calamari in it. The calamari coating on the outside was a lot heavier than what I was used to, but it was still really tasty. For our main entrées, I got the fried chicken with mashed potatoes and collard greens and my partner got the porch burger with fries. The fried chicken was cooked perfectly. It wasn't dry. It was juicy and I really liked putting their homemade hot sauce on the chicken and greens. The habanero hot sauce was really spicy, but I liked how sweet it was. My partner's burger was cooked perfectly and it was a big portion. I definitely recommend this place to someone who is bold enough to go on a date and still eat with their hands. Somehow, this was elevated southern food, which could be shown by the prices, but I think it's worth it once in a while.

    Biscuits!
    Natalie M.

    I really liked my experience here! The biscuits are delicious--get those for SURE. The hushpuppies as well are a nice really good starter. My husband had the fried chicken and said it was a bit dry. I had the shrimp and grits and this dish was so flavorful and delicious. It was also so hot! Love that it's freshly made. Everything felt that it was fresh. We had also shared a salad that was just so refreshing and yummy to pair with the other heavier parts of our meal. Loved the combination of textures and flavors of the salad. What I liked about my shrimp and grits was the roux that was made to make the sauce for the shrimp and grits. You can taste the butter and the deep Cajun seasonings. Just delish! To be fair though, the only thing I felt could have been better was the service. Our server seemed overwhelmed but NEVER came by our table. She didn't even come back after our food was ordered so this was odd. The ambiance is cute but yah, I think service may vary.

    Porch Burger
    Julio B.

    The Front Porch is a great spot for brunch in South Mission. I really enjoyed both the burger and cocktail that I had. The restaurant itself is nice, and feels good for both friends or even dates. One bummer is that they don't have that much outdoor seating and that the inside is dark. I had no issues with the service and thought it was good.

    Main Menu
    Nina S.

    Amazing southern food and drinks in a cute and cozy space! My friend and I came for brunch on a chilly Saturday morning in December. We signed up for the waitlist on Yelp ahead, which was super nice not worrying about needing to wait long when we arrived. The staff were welcoming and the server helped us decide what to order. Highly recommend everything we got! - hot apple cider with a shot of whiskey - baked egg and grits - fried chicken and waffle The three sauces were really good on all the food. Perfect way to start the weekend! I'll definitely be back with more friends and family and try more of their dishes!

    Elizabeth A.

    1. Lisa is so sweet 2. Will definitely be back. Was hungry and walked by this place a million times thinking it was a pizza place and was pleasantly surprised its southern food. 3. Wow the food is fucking good. Stop reading my review and go.

    Madison M.

    What an experience! My boyfriend treated me to a date night and took me where because he knew it had been on my list for a while. We shared a variety of items from the gumbo, to the fried chicken and Mac n cheese. I have to say that this fried chicken was absolutely phenomenal! The skin was extra crispy, while the meat did not dry out. The seasonings they used added a lot of flavor to the meat as well. Service all around was fantastic. Every employee we engaged with was kind, personable, and provided recommendations when asked. I can't recommend this place enough if you're in the area and looking for a hearty dinner with good company.

    Fried chicken, Mac and cheese, collard greens
    Amber C.

    Front Porch serves awesome southern comfort food and the ambiance is very sultry. Felt like I was in NYC! The selection of hot sauces are also a very nice touch.

    Buttermilk Biscuits ($9 for 3) - 4 stars. Very soft & delicious. Wed dinner 2025-02-19
    Ziyan C.

    Haven't been for dinner in many years and they've held up! I'm so glad Front Porch survived the pandemic and remains a solid option for our southern neighborhoods. RESERVATIONS Made about 3 weeks in advance for a Wednesday evening at 6:30pm for 6 people. They were busy and with a group our size we maybe would have needed to wait. If we were a group of 2-4 we could have gotten a table no problem at any point throughout dinner. THE SERVICE Our server (possibly the manager/owner) was hilarious, got just the right amount involved in our conversation, and was always there when we needed him. THE COST $287.78 total including tax/tip for shared drinks, 5 appetizers/sides, 3 entrees, 2 desserts for 6 people. Only $48 per person - very affordable! THE FOOD COCKTAILS & LIBATIONS * Donkey's Hot Ass ($43 pitcher of 4 cocktails) - 4 stars. Nice spicy cocktail. STARTERS * Fried Okra with Jalapeno Aioli ($10) - 3.5 stars. Good thin breading, nice sauce. * Sauteed Brussell Sprouts ($12) - 2 stars. The sprouts were shredded, and a little undercooked (too hard). SIDES * Ham Hock Collard Greens ($8) - 2 stars. I'm not a good judge, I generally don't like collard greens! These were way too soggy and sour, but isn't that how this dish always is? * Buttermilk Biscuits ($9 for 3) - 4 stars. Very soft & delicious. MAINS * Gulf Shrimp & Grits ($31) - 3.5 stars. Nicely done but a little overpriced for a medium sized dinner entree. * Bucket o' Chicken ($34 for 10pc) - 4 stars. Very moist & tasty. DESSERT * Brown Bagged Beignets ($10 for 5) - 3 stars. On the dry side.

    Donna E.

    Our book club had our dinner meeting recently here. The owner checked on us often, had great menu suggestions, and was a delight. We had reserved a big table in the back. Food was good, and service was outstanding .

    Will K.

    We first went to The Front Porch on a whim. We were in the area, craving Southern comfort food, and spotted it nearby without knowing much about it. Unbeknownst to us, we were about to stumble into something special. For some readers, this may not be a surprise--the Front Porch is well known for its fried chicken, often crowned as San Francisco's best. Yes, the fried chicken deserves every bit of that reputation. Crispy, juicy, and perfectly seasoned, it's exactly what you hope for when you think of really good Southern food. But what made the evening memorable was how much more there was to the experience than the chicken alone. The rest of the dishes we had--collard greens, mac and cheese, and a few sides--followed the same principle. On the surface, they look straightforward and familiar. But when you taste them, the small details come through. Every component is well-prepared, balanced, and thought through. It reminded me a bit of great Italian cooking--where the ingredient list may be short, but when each element is treated with care and the seasoning is just right, the result feels unique and deeply satisfying. That's exactly how the food at The Front Porch comes across: simple in appearance, but layered with nuance. The atmosphere matches the food: cozy, homey, and unpretentious. We arrived late in the evening, close to closing time, but were welcomed without hesitation. The staff felt genuinely warm, not only in how they interacted with us but also in how they interacted with each other. At one point, the owner stopped by to check in--not as a routine gesture, but with genuine curiosity and conversation. It added to the feeling that we weren't just eating at a restaurant, but being welcomed into someone's home. There's also a well-stocked bar, which I'd trust for a proper cocktail, but even something as simple as an Arnold Palmer made with their infused lemonade was a standout. The Front Porch manages to capture something rare: a blend of Southern hospitality with the intimacy of a small village restaurant, the kind of place where you immediately feel at ease. It's grounded, personal, and much more than the sum of its parts. We'll be back soon--and if you're near Bernal Heights and want Southern food in an atmosphere that feels as warm as the cooking, The Front Porch is absolutely worth the stop.

    Wow. 20 years and as welcoming, inviting and the same great food as day 1. Yes, an old timer SF dude here. Went in a few nights ago, (wet and rainy) and host and owner Kevin greeting us with the same genuine smile and welcome he has done since day one. The Porch feels like a gem of a neighborhood spot, nestled in the Mission. Food was as comforting as always. It's difficult for me to stay away from the Bucket of Chicken. Between 2 of us, could barely finish half. Mashed Potato and gravy, collard greens and food coma heaven! Started with Shaved Brussel sprouts. WIsh I could ask for the recipe because they are one hella delicious dish!!!

    Chicken breast grilled to perfection for the bday pup!

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    They sat us right away and the staff was really nice. Waiting over an hour for food wasn't fun with two small children. The food was ok.

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    Best fried chicken i have ever had. (Also shockingly good fried okra.) Cocktail menu is great, ambiance is cozy and romantic. Win-win-win.

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    The Front Porch Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - The Front Porch

    Is the gluten free fried chicken cross made in the same fryer as the normal chicken?

    How's the parking? Will be traveling in from oot and want to plan appropriately, thanks!

    Limited parking on street in front of restaurant. Plenty of parking behind building strip mall/grocery store parking lot.

    I'm curious if you still have the Dr Pepper glazed short ribs on Triple D?

    Yes they do. That's why I went there for....but the only thing we liked out of all we ordered was their fry chicken.

    Polk for kids with peanut allergy?

    The server typically asks if there are any allergies or restrictions. Best to tell so they know.

    What's the parking like on Saturday around lunch? Handicap parking?

    Usually not too bad. You may have to circle the block but usually a spot will open up on the street the restaurant is on or on either San Jose/Guerrero, Mission or Tiffany street across from the restaurant. Patience is the key. The area is mainly… Read more

    What are the vegan options here? Place looks amazing!

    There's a salad, a scramble option that's vegan, and some sides. Overall it's very limited I'd say.

    Is the fried chicken halal?

    The fried chicken isn't halal. They use Mary's sustainable chicken. The type of chicken that is used is printed on the menu. Cheers.

    Do they have an outside area that allows dogs?

    Yes, we've brought our dog a few times before and sat outside. It's a little tight out there, but they can seat four groups.

    Do they have a private room? And if so how many can it hold roughly?

    No they do not.

    View All 13 Questions

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    Cajun Bowl - San Bruno

    4.0
    (288 reviews)
    7.2 mi
    $$$
    Sports on TV
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    A hidden gem! The highlight of this visit to Cajun Bowl was the shrimp and lobster Mac and cheese…read more It was full of flavor, seasoned to the max, and rich. This is a casual spot that isn't too fancy if you're in the mood for some seafood. Parking was extremely easy since it's at a plaza and just a few minutes out from SF. I would recommend coming out here for a yummy seafood bite. The staff were very friendly and welcoming!

    Tried Cajun Bowl in San Bruno for pickup and man, these guys are FAST. Ordered ahead and the food…read morewas ready in about 10 minutes. Everything tasted fresh and hot. We ordered the $75 seafood bowl and it even came with a free seafood pasta, which was a nice bonus. The seafood boil itself was really good, flavorful, and packed with seafood. Only thing was the Ultimate sauce was definitely spicier than expected even though I asked for mild. Still tasty, just had more kick than anticipated. The free seafood pasta was okay, but the pasta was a little overcooked and could've used way more garlic flavor. Maybe it was rushed because they got the order out so quickly. Overall though, solid spot for seafood boils, fast service, fresh food, and good portions. I'd come back again.

    Photos
    Really good restaurant from seafood and the shrimps Are so yummy!!! The place clean and good music! Love it
    Really good restaurant from seafood and the shrimps Are so yummy!!! The place clean and good music! Love it
    Head-on Shrimp w/ super ultimate sauce (cajun, + garlic butter + lemon pepper), "spicy", sausages | $22.99/lb
    Head-on Shrimp w/ super ultimate sauce (cajun, + garlic butter + lemon pepper), "spicy", sausages | $22.99/lb
    Garlic Noodles

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    Garlic Noodles
    Seafood Station

    Seafood Station

    4.6
    (250 reviews)
    0.5 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.

    Photos
    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!!
    PPQ Dungeness Island - San Francisco

    PPQ Dungeness Island - San Francisco

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    4.1 mi
    $$

    PPQ is a San Francisco classic that continues to deliver. The garlic butter crab is always my…read morego-to, and the sea bass. Every dish we ordered was devoured, no leftovers this time, which was both impressive and a little disappointing because there was nothing to enjoy the next day! Service is excellent. They come prepared with bibs, shell bowls, and wipes at the end, making the whole crab-eating experience easy and enjoyable. Parking is fairly easy with metered spots out front (free after 6 PM) and plenty of residential street parking within a few blocks. If you're dining with a group, their preset menus make ordering simple. I also recommend if you don't do a preset to add a grilled charbroiled pork dish or the five-spice chicken to balance out all the seafood and make the meal feel a little more substantial. Great food, great service, and a restaurant that's remained a favorite for good reason.

    We came here for dinner last night for a medical graduation celebration. It took us about 10 min to…read morefind parking. Restaurant is really nice, family atmosphere and you can see everyone enjoying their food. We ordered the Crab set dinner menu for 6 people. There were 5 of us so this set menu was perfect. The server was nice and laid back, easy to talk with and was efficient. He brought first the drinks, beef papaya salad and imperial roll. The salad was crispy with aromatic flavor and beef was tender. The imperial roll was crunchy in the outside and tasty in the inside with the pork, noodle and veggies. Next came the rest of the meal set: roasted crab, peppercorn crab, shaking beef, sea bass, string beans and garlic noodle. It was great that they brought the food all at once. The roasted crab in lemon garlic butter was outstanding. It was full of flavors and went well with all the other dishes. The peppercorn crab was full of umami flavors! It was battered, crunchy and the spices like the garlic and peppercorns were just delicious. It was cooked like a calamari style which was amazing!! Both crabs were big and meaty!!! The Sea bass was soft with just the right touch of seafood soy sauce and sesame oil. The beef was tender, bite size and savory. The string beans were cooked perfectly and still had a crunch into it. Garlic noodles were delicious! This is a must have with the meal, better than rice. It was enough to soak in all the different sauces and spices that it almost seemed like it cleansed our palette so we can keep eating. We all had a great time eating our food. It was fun and the first time that we had a family gathering this way where our hands were full of crab meat and sauce. It was very messy, but in a good way!! The fried banana with Mitchell's signature ice cream mango and macapuno was freaking delish!!! The battered on the banana was light and airy, so crunchy that it melt in your mouth. Add the ice cream and you can't stop thinking why this dessert is so delicious!! It was truly a great way to end a wonderful dinner with family. Love this place! Will come back over and over again!

    Photos
    Dining room
    Dining room
    Sushi
    Sushi
    Salt and pepper crab

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    Salt and pepper crab
    Sotto Mare

    Sotto Mare

    4.3
    (5.9k reviews)
    3.9 mi
    $$$
    Outdoor seating
    Family-owned & operated

    Amazing cioppino and amazing scallops. They cook all the seafood perfectly. Lemon butter caper…read moresauce on everything Service is old school and great. The restaurant has great decor - you can feel it's been open and they've been perfecting their craft for decades.

    I'm a hospitality specialist that works in SFO and some customers of mine recommended this place. I…read moregoogled them, took one look at the cioppino and it was official: I KNEW what I wanted for my birthday. I talked about going to this place for weeks. Finally the day was upon us. I had called ahead to check on the foot traffic and to determine the best time to get there. As they open at 11:30, after speaking with someone over the phone the week before, my wife and I determined the best time to get there was 12:30pm, they don't take reservations for parties of 2. We arrived, saw they already had a wait but were on the list by 12:30pm. We were told the wait would be 30 minutes. No problem. We received the buzzer from them and walked around the block and ended up two restaurants down the street around 12:50pm. At 1:09pm, the buzzer still hadn't gone off and my wife, who went in initially to put us on the list, went back in to check on the status of our table. At the host stand, she heard the manager tell a woman who clearly didn't have a reservation she would be sat in 3 minutes. After hearing that, my wife showed the manager the buzzer we had been given and asked, "So how much longer for us?" The manager replied "It may be another 10 minutes." We then watched them scramble to clear a table and immediately give the table to the woman who had arrived after us. Upon this disappointment we decided to leave because if they can't get something simple like seating guests respectfully right, I can only imagine what else they'll screw up. People don't remember what you do... They remember how you made them feel. As a hospitality professional, not only was this experience totally unavoidable but it left me feeling disrespected and not valued - as a customer; as a person. In being honest, I have to mention that, oddly enough, as I looked around during this disappointment I noticed that everyone seated and being rapidly seated were of one particular ethnic group. Everyone waiting was part of various minority groups which made this incident even more sickening - reinforcing our decision to not only choose to spend our money somewhere else on that day, but to never spend any money there... EVER. I was extremely excited to visit this place and to be shown this kind of treatment further proves that there are still some places that don't want minority dollars so much they simply don't care how they treat you. And unfortunately for them, I'm certainly sharing this experience with as many visitors to the city as I can letting them know "There a MANY fine places to eat in the city... but I'll tell you where NOT to go - unless you feel like being treated like a second-class citizen." Please check in with your personal values before choosing to support this place. Sotto Mare... you all really need to invest in some cultural sensitivity training. It's 2026. Highly disappointed.

    Photos
    Scallop saute
    Scallop saute
    Crecked Crab
    Crecked Crab
    Steamed clams and mussels is really fresh. And the portion is big!

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    Steamed clams and mussels is really fresh. And the portion is big!

    The Front Porch - southern - Updated July 2026

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