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Oak and Divisadero
Lynn Friedman

Eat and Drink Down Divisadero Street

Carnitas tacos, pepperoni pizza, and much more

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Oak and Divisadero
| Lynn Friedman

Is it part of the The Panhandle, Western Addition, NoPa, DMV Heights, or Alamo Square? Whatever you call it, The Divisadero Corridor has arguably seen some of the most dramatic changes as a result of gentrification over the past decade. On any given night, you’ll see hoards of cash-flush, starry eyed millenials piling up at Nopa for burgers, Bi-Rite for ice cream cones, and Bar Crudo for lobster bisque. To be clear: the neighborhood wasn’t like this ten years ago.

As CGI broker Catherine Meunier told Eater, restaurateurs and residents see the area's slightly more palatable rents as an antidote to oversaturated Mission and Valencia Streets. So what was once a sleepy stretch — with only a handful of options like Bluejay Cafe (now Brenda’s Meat and Three), Da’Pitt BBQ (now 4505 Meats), and Popeye’s (still kickin’!) — has morphed into a frequent destination for eating and drinking. As such, a breakdown is in order: Where to Eat on Divisadero is not a so much comprehensive guide as it is a map of the best places to eat in the area.

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Brenda's Meat & Three

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The sophomore effort from New Orleans native Brenda Buenviaje offers a restaurant-y take on the classic southern meat and three. It’s an affordably priced option as far as the neighborhood is concerned. Order crackly fried chicken, juicy brisket, and vegan collards.  And remember that the U-shaped bar is a great perch for parties of one or two.

Brenda’s meat & three, inside, bar
The inviting U-shaped bar at Brenda’s
Yelp/Brenda’s

Oasis Cafe

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While the coffee, omelets, and other standard American fare at Oasis is entirely forgettable, the kitchen's Ethiopian menu is delicious. The cafe is owned by an Ethiopian family that oversee a kitchen cranking out authentic flavors. Order the chicken tibs or the beef kefta and feel free to ask for extra of any of the vegetables it comes with. The collard greens are a favorite and the vegetarian sampler platter is also great.

Uli B./Yelp

El Rancho Grande

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To quickly satisfy a craving for Mexican food, this taqueria is a sure bet on Divis. If you want a taco or burrito, the lesser-known cuts like cabeza (head) and lengua (tongue) provide great flavor. The shrimp diablo, pozole, burrito mojado, and quesadilla suiza are also solid orders. Avoid the American items on the menu and don't miss the DIY salsa bar, which has four different kinds of salsa and various pickled vegetable options.

El Rancho Grande’s tacos
Yelp/Dylan L.

Little Star Pizza

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The oozy, buttery deep-dish pies are not a carbon copy of some Chicago creation by any stretch. With topping possibilities like artichokes and goat cheese, they’re a distinctly California creation — and a drop-dead delicious one at that. Note: the menu recently welcomed some healthy seeming things like a roasted kale appetizer and a broccolini topped deep dish pie, but don’t miss the classic — with sausage, mushrooms, and green bell pepper — and the spicy chicken wings. The wine and beer list isn’t all that bad either.

thick crust pizza topped with tomato, cheese and pesto
Deep dish pie from Little Star
Instagram/Little Star Pizza

Boba Guys

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Of course Boba Guys’ expanding chain (now in LA and NY) of customizable bubble tea shops has a front-row seat to the new Divisadero Street. And while it’s not altogether unique at this point, their commitment to quality and design still makes for line-generating boba of all stripes.

Boba Guys [Official]

Che Fico

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This long awaited rustic Italian restaurant in a gorgeous second story space above Divisadero Street is an ideal showcase for the talents of chefs David Nayfeld and Angela Pinkerton. Nayfeld’s Jewish-Italian cuisine, handmade pasta, and perfectly charred pizza in his own San Francisco style have made a major impression on the local dining scene. Great drinks seal the deal, and no meal here would be complete without dessert from Pinkerton, whose olive oil cake and a wood-fired crostata for two, topped with a perfect globe of gelato, leave patrons stunned.

Eddie's Cafe

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Granted legacy business status for its long tenure, Eddie’s diner-y atmosphere can practically slow down time. The greasy spoon was opened in 1974 to feed Western Addition customers on classic soul food like grits and gumbo, and in 1988, the couple Helen and Min Hwang purchased the place, focusing their efforts on ideal breakfasts and their zany mug collection.

The Mill

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First popularized for its A+ housemade bread and “four dollar toast,” baker Josey Baker’s neighborhood cafe sports a very San Francisco modern carpenter vibe. Now over four years old, most of The Mill’s toasted sliced bread with toppings will today set you back more than five dollars, but it is actually well worth the price. See also: nightly pizza dinners where the neighborhood comes together over passable pies and bottles of wine.

Note: The Mill was founded as a partnership with Four Barrel, whose former CEO, Jeremy Tooker, left the company after eight employees alleged that he sexually harassed them. In an open letter to customers, Josey Baker addresses Tooker’s alleged behavior and lays out his own business principles for Josey Baker Bread.

Toast from The Mill
Flickr/Christopher Michel

4505 Burgers & BBQ

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Best consumed with a beer on the heated patio, this barbecue spot is filled to the brim with smoked meats of all types, from ribs to chicken to pulled pork. The burger is a favorite for many, featuring grass-fed beef with, lettuce, onion, Gruyere cheese, and secret sauce on a griddled bun. Excellent sides abound, like frankaroni (crispy fried macaroni and cheese with hot dogs), beef tallow French fries, and posole.

barvale

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A vibrant tapas restaurant from the date-night experts behind Beretta, a Mano, and many more, Barvale occupies the large space that was formerly La Urbana. It’s the perfect spot for a pre-dinner gin tonic and pintxos at the bar, or a full meal of small plates in the dining room: Get the eggplant escabeche, the octopus, and an order of the nightly paella.

Bar Crudo

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Seafood chowder, the crudo sampler, lobster burrata salad, repeat — Bar Crudo has served basically the same menu since it opened in 2005 and that’s a very good thing. If anything, this cleanly decorated neighborhood spot has increased in popularity in recent years as Divisadero Street has gotten more crowded. Adding to the fun, owner Tim Selvera consistently geeks out over the beers on offer.

oysters, crab, raw fish, Bar Crudo, SF
From the raw bar at Bar Crudo
Zomato

With its classic California-style menu, and busy neighborhood feel, this lofty and almost barn-like restaurant quickly worked its way into the hearts of the city when it opened in 2006. It’s remained a favorite since: the grass-fed burger is a late-night restaurant industry go-to; seven o’clock reservations are booked out months in advance; and the narrow bar clutters early-on every night as locals elbow their way in for concisely made drinks. 

nopa, eggs, brunch, tablescape
Brunch spread at Nopa
Facebook/NopaSF

Namu Stonepot

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The latest from the Lee brothers (also behind Namu Gaji), Namu Stonepot has debuted on Divisadero with many dishes served in the eponymous vessel, including ramen and stonepot rice. Mochiko chicken, which uses rice flour for an extra crispy crust, is a new signature dish, alongside Namu Gaji favorites like gamja fries.

Our chicken ramen in action ♨️ #getitstoned

A post shared by Namu Stonepot (@namustonepot) on

Horsefeather

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Craftsman wood finishes, an enclosed front patio with natural light, and a menu of excellent cocktails from Justin Lew and Ian Scalzo (alums of SF’s Future Bars group) give this neighborhood bar extra charm. The food menu is filled with low-key comfort food items like pulled pork tacos and fried chicken, balanced with lighter dishes like halibut ceviche and a tuna poke bowl. Plus it’s open late, with food available til 1 a.m. — a true gem in this sleepy town.

This growing local Greek food chain has a notable California influence. The short menu includes incredibly hearty salads and gyro bread filled with your choice of roasted lamb, chicken, or sweet potato. The atmosphere is fast-casual, but there’s a gorgeous patio, silverware, and a nice wine list which take everything up a notch. If you like Greek yogurt, get the tart frozen soft serve for dessert.

Souvla sandwich and fries
Facebook/Souvla

Nopalito

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Nopa’s kid sister restaurant focuses on regional Mexican food prepared with sustainable ingredients. The result is purely craveable fare like crispy, orange-tinged carnitas with housemade corn tortillas and on point margaritas. No reservations: call ahead to get on the waitlist.

pork, carnitas, Nopalito
Carnitas from Nopalito
Bill Addison

Ragazza

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A respite from the world around us (including Karl the Fog), Ragazza is cozy and welcoming at all times. A list of pizzas with simply but excellently curated ingredients — like peaches with caramelized onions, Cypress Grove goat cheese, speck, upland cress and balsamic — star alongside a few pastas, and antipasti.

Sightglass Coffee

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Sightlgass has brought its particular brand of third wave coffee to Divisadero, joining The Mill (which is powered by Four Barrel) in a wonderland of light wood, tile, and light roasts. This location has a walk-up window catering to commuters, as well as food from Neighbor Bakehouse, b. patisserie, and Piccino.

The Page

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The Page has: Lots of whiskey, 22 beers on tap, carpet on the floor, and layer upon layer of SF history. It’s also cash only, which freaks patrons out in this day and age. And don’t expect to use your Bitcoins there anytime soon, as the website’s response to its currency-forward state is: "Berating us about this only makes us stronger." Believe it.

Indian Paradox

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Indian Paradox is a homey, charming wine bar from owner/sommelier Kavitha Raghavan, named for the supposed paradox of pairing Indian food with wine. Whatever conundrum there was, she’s unraveled it, with authentic street snacks and delightful wine pairings that have earned the bar its fair share of regulars.

Powder Shaved Snow

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A Californian twist on a Taiwanese treat, Powder Shaved Snow is popular for its light, fluffy ribbons of “snow” shaved from frozen blocks of dairy. It’s a sunny day delight that won’t leave you stuffed, but definitely satisfied.

Deluxe omakase sushi treatment with a personal touch makes Ju-Ni one of the city’s best. Chef Geoffrey Lee and business partner Tan Truong earned a Michelin star in 2017 for their meticulous food and service: 12 courses for just 12 diners per seating. It’s $155 per person without supplements, but with so much personal attention (four customers to one chef), it’s a tutorial that’s easy to write off as an investment in sushi education.

Fool's Errand

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Fool’s Errand is a wise choice when seeking a cozy bar with outdoor parklet seating. There’s an outstanding selection of local beers and wines to be had, including a healthy selection of natural and biodynamic wines. Another area of emphasis: Riesling, with several available by the glass at any given time. A cheese board is an option, should you need one. Consider this a great back-pocket date spot.

Caleb Pershan

Brenda's Meat & Three

The sophomore effort from New Orleans native Brenda Buenviaje offers a restaurant-y take on the classic southern meat and three. It’s an affordably priced option as far as the neighborhood is concerned. Order crackly fried chicken, juicy brisket, and vegan collards.  And remember that the U-shaped bar is a great perch for parties of one or two.

Brenda’s meat & three, inside, bar
The inviting U-shaped bar at Brenda’s
Yelp/Brenda’s

Oasis Cafe

While the coffee, omelets, and other standard American fare at Oasis is entirely forgettable, the kitchen's Ethiopian menu is delicious. The cafe is owned by an Ethiopian family that oversee a kitchen cranking out authentic flavors. Order the chicken tibs or the beef kefta and feel free to ask for extra of any of the vegetables it comes with. The collard greens are a favorite and the vegetarian sampler platter is also great.

Uli B./Yelp

El Rancho Grande

To quickly satisfy a craving for Mexican food, this taqueria is a sure bet on Divis. If you want a taco or burrito, the lesser-known cuts like cabeza (head) and lengua (tongue) provide great flavor. The shrimp diablo, pozole, burrito mojado, and quesadilla suiza are also solid orders. Avoid the American items on the menu and don't miss the DIY salsa bar, which has four different kinds of salsa and various pickled vegetable options.

El Rancho Grande’s tacos
Yelp/Dylan L.

Little Star Pizza

The oozy, buttery deep-dish pies are not a carbon copy of some Chicago creation by any stretch. With topping possibilities like artichokes and goat cheese, they’re a distinctly California creation — and a drop-dead delicious one at that. Note: the menu recently welcomed some healthy seeming things like a roasted kale appetizer and a broccolini topped deep dish pie, but don’t miss the classic — with sausage, mushrooms, and green bell pepper — and the spicy chicken wings. The wine and beer list isn’t all that bad either.

thick crust pizza topped with tomato, cheese and pesto
Deep dish pie from Little Star
Instagram/Little Star Pizza

Boba Guys

Of course Boba Guys’ expanding chain (now in LA and NY) of customizable bubble tea shops has a front-row seat to the new Divisadero Street. And while it’s not altogether unique at this point, their commitment to quality and design still makes for line-generating boba of all stripes.

Boba Guys [Official]

Che Fico

This long awaited rustic Italian restaurant in a gorgeous second story space above Divisadero Street is an ideal showcase for the talents of chefs David Nayfeld and Angela Pinkerton. Nayfeld’s Jewish-Italian cuisine, handmade pasta, and perfectly charred pizza in his own San Francisco style have made a major impression on the local dining scene. Great drinks seal the deal, and no meal here would be complete without dessert from Pinkerton, whose olive oil cake and a wood-fired crostata for two, topped with a perfect globe of gelato, leave patrons stunned.

Eddie's Cafe

Granted legacy business status for its long tenure, Eddie’s diner-y atmosphere can practically slow down time. The greasy spoon was opened in 1974 to feed Western Addition customers on classic soul food like grits and gumbo, and in 1988, the couple Helen and Min Hwang purchased the place, focusing their efforts on ideal breakfasts and their zany mug collection.

The Mill

First popularized for its A+ housemade bread and “four dollar toast,” baker Josey Baker’s neighborhood cafe sports a very San Francisco modern carpenter vibe. Now over four years old, most of The Mill’s toasted sliced bread with toppings will today set you back more than five dollars, but it is actually well worth the price. See also: nightly pizza dinners where the neighborhood comes together over passable pies and bottles of wine.

Note: The Mill was founded as a partnership with Four Barrel, whose former CEO, Jeremy Tooker, left the company after eight employees alleged that he sexually harassed them. In an open letter to customers, Josey Baker addresses Tooker’s alleged behavior and lays out his own business principles for Josey Baker Bread.

Toast from The Mill
Flickr/Christopher Michel

4505 Burgers & BBQ

Best consumed with a beer on the heated patio, this barbecue spot is filled to the brim with smoked meats of all types, from ribs to chicken to pulled pork. The burger is a favorite for many, featuring grass-fed beef with, lettuce, onion, Gruyere cheese, and secret sauce on a griddled bun. Excellent sides abound, like frankaroni (crispy fried macaroni and cheese with hot dogs), beef tallow French fries, and posole.

barvale

A vibrant tapas restaurant from the date-night experts behind Beretta, a Mano, and many more, Barvale occupies the large space that was formerly La Urbana. It’s the perfect spot for a pre-dinner gin tonic and pintxos at the bar, or a full meal of small plates in the dining room: Get the eggplant escabeche, the octopus, and an order of the nightly paella.

Bar Crudo

Seafood chowder, the crudo sampler, lobster burrata salad, repeat — Bar Crudo has served basically the same menu since it opened in 2005 and that’s a very good thing. If anything, this cleanly decorated neighborhood spot has increased in popularity in recent years as Divisadero Street has gotten more crowded. Adding to the fun, owner Tim Selvera consistently geeks out over the beers on offer.

oysters, crab, raw fish, Bar Crudo, SF
From the raw bar at Bar Crudo
Zomato

Nopa

With its classic California-style menu, and busy neighborhood feel, this lofty and almost barn-like restaurant quickly worked its way into the hearts of the city when it opened in 2006. It’s remained a favorite since: the grass-fed burger is a late-night restaurant industry go-to; seven o’clock reservations are booked out months in advance; and the narrow bar clutters early-on every night as locals elbow their way in for concisely made drinks. 

nopa, eggs, brunch, tablescape
Brunch spread at Nopa
Facebook/NopaSF

Namu Stonepot

The latest from the Lee brothers (also behind Namu Gaji), Namu Stonepot has debuted on Divisadero with many dishes served in the eponymous vessel, including ramen and stonepot rice. Mochiko chicken, which uses rice flour for an extra crispy crust, is a new signature dish, alongside Namu Gaji favorites like gamja fries.

Our chicken ramen in action ♨️ #getitstoned

A post shared by Namu Stonepot (@namustonepot) on

Horsefeather

Craftsman wood finishes, an enclosed front patio with natural light, and a menu of excellent cocktails from Justin Lew and Ian Scalzo (alums of SF’s Future Bars group) give this neighborhood bar extra charm. The food menu is filled with low-key comfort food items like pulled pork tacos and fried chicken, balanced with lighter dishes like halibut ceviche and a tuna poke bowl. Plus it’s open late, with food available til 1 a.m. — a true gem in this sleepy town.

Souvla

This growing local Greek food chain has a notable California influence. The short menu includes incredibly hearty salads and gyro bread filled with your choice of roasted lamb, chicken, or sweet potato. The atmosphere is fast-casual, but there’s a gorgeous patio, silverware, and a nice wine list which take everything up a notch. If you like Greek yogurt, get the tart frozen soft serve for dessert.

Souvla sandwich and fries
Facebook/Souvla

Related Maps

Nopalito

Nopa’s kid sister restaurant focuses on regional Mexican food prepared with sustainable ingredients. The result is purely craveable fare like crispy, orange-tinged carnitas with housemade corn tortillas and on point margaritas. No reservations: call ahead to get on the waitlist.

pork, carnitas, Nopalito
Carnitas from Nopalito
Bill Addison

Ragazza

A respite from the world around us (including Karl the Fog), Ragazza is cozy and welcoming at all times. A list of pizzas with simply but excellently curated ingredients — like peaches with caramelized onions, Cypress Grove goat cheese, speck, upland cress and balsamic — star alongside a few pastas, and antipasti.