Walk-Ins
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24 Great Walk-In Only Restaurants For When You Didn’t Make A Reservation
Forgot to make plans for tonight? Try one of these spots that don’t take reservations anyway.
The Best Restaurants For A Last-Minute Date Night
Planning a spontaneous date night? We’ve got you covered.
The Best Restaurants For A Last-Minute Valentine’s Day
Forgot to make a reservation for the Hallmark-fueled mayhem that is February 14th? Use this guide.
11 Great Restaurants You Can Actually Get Into
This may blow your mind, but there are restaurants in SF you can just “show up” at without a reservation.
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Ramen Nagi
Ramen Nagi is a Tokyo-based chain that’s busy every night thanks to their rich tonkotsu broth.
So Gong Dong Tofu House
So Gong Dong Tofu House in Palo Alto is where to go for big bowls of Korean tofu stew.
Taqueria El Grullense M&G
Taqueria El Grullense is the best taqueria in Palo Alto—just remember it’s Palo Alto.
Kali Greek Kitchen
Go to Kali Greek Kitchen in Palo Alto for lamb pitas, salads, and rice plates on a sunny patio.
Imm Thai Street Food
Imm Thai is a standby near Berkeley’s campus with excellent Thai food. Expect a wait.
Coconuts Caribbean Restaurant & Bar
Coconuts is a Caribbean restaurant in Palo Alto with excellent jerk chicken and really good red beans and rice.
Nopa Indian Cuisine
Neighborhoody Nopa Indian Cuisine is a casual Indian spot that works great for last-minute big group dinners.
Banhwich
Banhwich is a tiny takeout spot in the Outer Sunset that serves mostly bánh mì and milk tea.
Grand Coffee
Grand Coffee in the Mission is a small outpost of the local coffee roaster with a community vibe.
Curry Hyuga
When you’re looking for a creamy, spicy Japanese curry, head to Curry Hyuga on the northern edge of the Mission.
Zona Rosa Mexican Grill
Zona Rosa Mexican Grill is a taqueria in the Castro with excellent meats and smoky salsa.
Wooden Charcoal Barbecue House
Get KBBQ that still uses real charcoal at Wooden Charcoal Barbecue House in the Richmond.
Hokkaido Sashimi Marketplace
Hokkaido Sashimi Marketplace is a fish shop in the Richmond that makes great-tasting, fresh, and affordable sashimi.
Poc-Chuc Restaurant
Poc-Chuc in the Mission is a Yucatecan spot that’s a full-on party with karaoke, a dance floor, and a live DJ most nights.
Mama Mu's Bistro
Mama Mu's Bistro is a casual Outer Sunset Thai restaurant with spicy food that will make it look like you’re at a hot sauce competition.
La Vaca Birria
La Vaca Birria is a Mission Mexican restaurant with excellent quesabirria—and overly hefty burritos.
House of Pancakes
House of Pancakes in Parkside is serving consistently excellent Chinese beef rolls, dumplings, and charcoal-grilled skewers.
El Buen Comer
El Buen Comer in Bernal Heights is a casual and cozy Mexican spot that excels at slow-cooked guisados.
El Mil Amores
El Mil Amores is a standout Mission breakfast/lunch spot for hearty Mexico City-style plates served in a very casual space.
Cantoo Latin Asian Rotisserie
Cantoo Latin Asian Rotisserie in the Tenderloin is a casual (and affordable) Venezuelan Chinese spot for quick lunches and dinners.
Gumbo Social
Gumbo Social in Bayview specializes in excellent gumbos and po'boys that are downright revelatory.
Funky Elephant
Funky Elephant is a snug spot in a West Berkeley strip mall that's pumping bold, bright Thai comfort food. Get the party wings.
Georgian Cheese Boat
Georgian Cheese Boat is a Georgian restaurant in North Beach with incredible khachapuri and khinkali.