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The Bay Area Heatmap: Where To Eat NOW

by Allie Pape
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by Allie Pape
1 comment / new

More often than not, tipsters, readers, friends and family of Eater have one question: Where should I eat right now? Restaurant obsessives want to know what's new, what's hot, which favorite chef just launched a sophomore effort, where to sip the cocktail of the moment. And while the Eater 38 is a crucial resource covering old standbys and neighborhood essentials across the city, it is not a chronicle of the 'it' places of the moment. Thus, we offer the Eater Heatmap, which will change continually to highlight where the foodie crowds are flocking at the moment.

Check out the map of the Bay Area's hottest restaurants right now below (in no particular order), and drop any feedback in the comments section.


10/3/13: Added Fog City, 1760, Bergerac, The Vestry

9/5/13: Added The Cavalier, La Urbana, Palmer's Tavern, Pesce, Stuffed

8/1/13: Added Mikkeller Bar, Bouli Bar, Rustic, Homestead, Aliment

7/11/13: Added 20th Century Cafe, Barrel House Tavern, Heartbaker, Le Marais Bakery, Roka Akor, Redford, Waiheke Island Yacht Club

6/6/13: Added Osso Steakhouse, Mason Pacific, Novela, MKT Restaurant and Bar, Mama Ji's, El Techo de Lolinda, The Palace, A16 Rockridge

5/2/13: Added Coqueta, Seaglass, Tribune Tavern

4/4/13: Added Padrecito, Hard Water, Hutong, 20 Spot

3/7/13: Added b. patisserie, South at SFJAZZ

2/7/13: Added Trick Dog, Saison, and Hi-Lo BBQ

1/7/13: Added Ramen Shop, Rickybobby, American Grilled Cheese Kitchen, and KronnerBurger

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Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process. If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.

heartbaker

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A bakery in every pot seems to be the mission of the SF food world in 2013, and former Kokkari and Aqua pastry chef Sybil Johnson has a lovely one in the Richmond, with cookies, cheesecake, cupcakes, cream puffs, creme brulee...and that's only the Cs.

1408 Clement Street, San Francisco, CA 94118
(415) 283-6787
(415) 283-6787

Also featured in:

Le Marais Bakery

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The Marina finally has a top-notch bakery to call its own, with French bread and viennoiserie aplenty and desserts from an Aziza and Presidio Social Club alum. The decor is also a notch above the standard for a bakery.

2066 Chestnut St, San Francisco, CA 94123
(415) 359-9801
(415) 359-9801

Also featured in:

Palmer's Tavern

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Though owners Klaus and Albert Rainer (Leopold's) seemingly don't want anyone to know about it, their revamp of the former Long Bar is open, with swanky cocktails, a clubby vibe, and hearty food like salmon and steak.

2298 Fillmore Street, San Francisco, CA 94115

Also featured in:

1760

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The Acquerello team's casual little sister is the first in a wave of new projects to light up Polk. Adam Tortosa's tasty crudos and inventive pastas are a perfect match for Christopher Longoria's creative cocktails, and the fried-duck sandwich will cure any overindulging at the nearby bars (provided you don't decide to tackle the 300-bottle wine list).

1760 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109
(415) 359-1212
(415) 359-1212

Also featured in:

Mason Pacific

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This chic new bistro atop Russian Hill is distinguished by its love for vino, with a nifty Copain draft-wine program and a deep reserve list. The chef has cooked at some of the best restaurants in both Paris and SF, and the eclectic menu is fresh and approachable.

1358 Mason St, San Francisco, CA 94133
(415) 374-7185
(415) 374-7185

Also featured in:

Waiheke Island Yacht Club

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The America's Cup has brought a terrific pop-up to town: Waiheke Island Yacht Club boasts chefs and staff from one of Auckland's most acclaimed restaurants, and while the atmosphere is industrial, the food is sublime. It all ends December 31, so get in while you can.

Pier 29, San Francisco, CA
(415) 956-1048
(415) 956-1048

Also featured in:

Fog City

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Bruce Hill's remodel of the iconic Fog City Diner is an ultra-modern stunner, and the menu has been equally updated, with hearty seasonal fare like fish, steak, and burgers. The breakout items: dark and stormy slushies for sipping, and freshly-fried crullers with creamy frozen custard for dessert.

1300 Battery St, San Francisco, CA 94111
(415) 982-2000
(415) 982-2000

Also featured in:

Roka Akor

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This big, glitzy new edition of the Illinois-based Japanese chain is a looker, with flown-from-Japan sushi, robata-grilled steaks, and a huge bar in the basement.

801 Montgomery St, San Francisco, CA 94133
(415) 362-8887
(415) 362-8887

Also featured in:

Coqueta

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Celebrity chef Michael Chiarello's Embarcadero Spanish spot remains one of SF's toughest reservations tickets for tapas, inventive cocktails (liquid-nitrogen sangria!) and the ever-exquisite Bay views. At only 50-odd seats, though, it's a challenge to get a table.

Pier 5 - The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA
(415) 704-8866
(415) 704-8866

Also featured in:

Bouli Bar

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The Ferry Building sequel to Boulette's Larder is still getting underway, but they'll eventually have cocktails and dinner entrees to complement the wood-fired pizzas and authentic mezze they're currently serving up at lunch.

1 Sausalito - San Francisco Ferry Building, San Francisco, CA 94111
(415) 399-1155
(415) 399-1155

Also featured in:

aliment

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This classy new restaurant from Blue Plate and Nob Hill Grille alums is a welcome addition to the Tendernob, and with fried chicken and braised short ribs on the menu, it's definitely got its comfort-food bonafides on lock.

786 Bush St, San Francisco, CA
(415) 829-2737
(415) 829-2737

Also featured in:

Redford

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This American tavern in the former Ambassador space isn't fancy, but for simple pub grub, flights of wine and whiskey, and cool decor, it's a friendly, relaxing option.

673 Geary St, San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 563-8192
(415) 563-8192

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Mikkeller Bar

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Beer lovers would be hard-pressed to find a selection more outstanding at this gleaming bar from the Trappist team and the famed Danish gypsy brewer, and Michael O'Brien's food provides a solid farm-to-table pub grub foundation.

34 Mason St, San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 984-0279
(415) 984-0279

Also featured in:

The Cavalier

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The latest project from the power ladies behind Marlowe and Park Tavern takes a British turn, with Welsh rarebit, lamb scrumpets, and a riff on their infamous burger. Cocktails abound, and the clubby space has taxidermy to spare.

55 5th St, San Francisco, CA 94103
(415) 321-6000
(415) 321-6000

Also featured in:

La Urbana

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Easily the most upscale restaurant to ever make its home on the Divisadero corridor, this sleek nouveau-Mexican spot has been packing them in for fancy ceviche, duck sopes, carne asada, and mezcal-centric cocktails. A more casual taqueria component will open later this year.

661 Divisadero, San Francisco, CA 94115
(415) 440-4500
(415) 440-4500

Also featured in:

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20th Century Cafe

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Michelle Polzine, Range's star pastry chef, now has a bakery of her own, with Eastern European-inspired offerings like potato knish, Russian honey cake, and poppyseed bagels to enjoy with a cup of coffee. A few lunchtime savory options are also offered, like chicken paprikash and kale soup.

198 Gough Street, San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 621-2380
(415) 621-2380

Also featured in:

Bergerac

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Inspired by Keith Richards' French villa, this cozy charmer (with a fireplace!) seems worlds away from the club-centric bustle of 11th Street. Russell Davis' quirky cocktails cover everything from barrel-aged sippers to wild-child drop shots, and Randy Lewis globetrots with bar bites like soy-caramel chicken wings and a Scotch egg wrapped in black pudding.

316 11th St, San Francisco, CA 94103
(415) 255-9440
(415) 255-9440

Also featured in:

Pesce Seafood Bar

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The original project from the duo behind Beretta and Delarosa has moved from Russian Hill to an upscale new home on Market Street, where there are more seats, fancier decor, revamped menu items (still along the original theme of Venetian seafood), and updated cocktails.

2223 Market Street, San Francisco, CA 94114
(415) 925-8025
(415) 925-8025

Also featured in:

The Vestry

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Valencia isn't hurting for dining options in general, but as far as late-night spots with a full bar go, concert venue The Chapel's sister restaurant is still a rare bird. The menu is simple and satisfying, the drinks straightforward and strong, and the soon-to-open patio will provide some serious people-watching.

777 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 551-7306
(415) 551-7306

Also featured in:

Stuffed

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Dana Sacco and Andy Schoengrund's Mission tribute to pierogi is finally open, with both classic stuffings and unusual twists like smoked salmon and buffalo pierogi. They'll be bringing in Midwestern beers soon, too, and they're open late (midnight on weekends) for a good post-bar bite.

2788 Mission, San Francisco, CA 94110
(210) 314-5527
(210) 314-5527

Also featured in:

Rustic

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This cheerful new Mission pizzeria serves up tasty Neapolitan pies with plenty of beer, but its real attraction will be open just in time for SF summer: an enormous patio, complete with two bocce courts.

3331 24th St, San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 800-8266
(415) 800-8266

Also featured in:

Tribune Tavern

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Chris Pastena's latest project is getting attention for Huw Thornton's meat-heavy pub menu, the inventive cocktail program, and a strong beer and wine selection. The cool historic vibe of the Tribune building doesn't hurt either.

401 13th Street, Oakland, CA
(510) 452-8742
(510) 452-8742

Also featured in:

Homestead

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This husband-and-wife restaurant is ambitious, yet laid-back, with a gorgeous home in a '20s Julia Morgan building and adventurous comfort food like duck confit tortellini and chili-rubbed pork.

4029 Piedmont Avenue, Oakland, CA 94611
510-420-6962
510-420-6962

A16 Rockridge

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The Marina staple's new Oakland sister spot retains its focus on pizza and pasta, but with more of an emphasis on seafood and some unusual pies. The mothership's amazing wine selection remains, and unlike the original, it's got a full liquor license and cocktails.

5356 College Avenue, Oakland, Ca
(510) 768-8003
(510) 768-8003

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heartbaker

1408 Clement Street, San Francisco, CA 94118

A bakery in every pot seems to be the mission of the SF food world in 2013, and former Kokkari and Aqua pastry chef Sybil Johnson has a lovely one in the Richmond, with cookies, cheesecake, cupcakes, cream puffs, creme brulee...and that's only the Cs.

1408 Clement Street, San Francisco, CA 94118
(415) 283-6787
(415) 283-6787

Le Marais Bakery

2066 Chestnut St, San Francisco, CA 94123

The Marina finally has a top-notch bakery to call its own, with French bread and viennoiserie aplenty and desserts from an Aziza and Presidio Social Club alum. The decor is also a notch above the standard for a bakery.

2066 Chestnut St, San Francisco, CA 94123
(415) 359-9801
(415) 359-9801

Palmer's Tavern

2298 Fillmore Street, San Francisco, CA 94115

Though owners Klaus and Albert Rainer (Leopold's) seemingly don't want anyone to know about it, their revamp of the former Long Bar is open, with swanky cocktails, a clubby vibe, and hearty food like salmon and steak.

2298 Fillmore Street, San Francisco, CA 94115

1760

1760 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109

The Acquerello team's casual little sister is the first in a wave of new projects to light up Polk. Adam Tortosa's tasty crudos and inventive pastas are a perfect match for Christopher Longoria's creative cocktails, and the fried-duck sandwich will cure any overindulging at the nearby bars (provided you don't decide to tackle the 300-bottle wine list).

1760 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109
(415) 359-1212
(415) 359-1212

Mason Pacific

1358 Mason St, San Francisco, CA 94133

This chic new bistro atop Russian Hill is distinguished by its love for vino, with a nifty Copain draft-wine program and a deep reserve list. The chef has cooked at some of the best restaurants in both Paris and SF, and the eclectic menu is fresh and approachable.

1358 Mason St, San Francisco, CA 94133
(415) 374-7185
(415) 374-7185

Waiheke Island Yacht Club

Pier 29, San Francisco, CA

The America's Cup has brought a terrific pop-up to town: Waiheke Island Yacht Club boasts chefs and staff from one of Auckland's most acclaimed restaurants, and while the atmosphere is industrial, the food is sublime. It all ends December 31, so get in while you can.

Pier 29, San Francisco, CA
(415) 956-1048
(415) 956-1048

Fog City

1300 Battery St, San Francisco, CA 94111

Bruce Hill's remodel of the iconic Fog City Diner is an ultra-modern stunner, and the menu has been equally updated, with hearty seasonal fare like fish, steak, and burgers. The breakout items: dark and stormy slushies for sipping, and freshly-fried crullers with creamy frozen custard for dessert.

1300 Battery St, San Francisco, CA 94111
(415) 982-2000
(415) 982-2000

Roka Akor

801 Montgomery St, San Francisco, CA 94133

This big, glitzy new edition of the Illinois-based Japanese chain is a looker, with flown-from-Japan sushi, robata-grilled steaks, and a huge bar in the basement.

801 Montgomery St, San Francisco, CA 94133
(415) 362-8887
(415) 362-8887

Coqueta

Pier 5 - The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA

Celebrity chef Michael Chiarello's Embarcadero Spanish spot remains one of SF's toughest reservations tickets for tapas, inventive cocktails (liquid-nitrogen sangria!) and the ever-exquisite Bay views. At only 50-odd seats, though, it's a challenge to get a table.

Pier 5 - The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA
(415) 704-8866
(415) 704-8866

Bouli Bar

1 Sausalito - San Francisco Ferry Building, San Francisco, CA 94111

The Ferry Building sequel to Boulette's Larder is still getting underway, but they'll eventually have cocktails and dinner entrees to complement the wood-fired pizzas and authentic mezze they're currently serving up at lunch.

1 Sausalito - San Francisco Ferry Building, San Francisco, CA 94111
(415) 399-1155
(415) 399-1155

aliment

786 Bush St, San Francisco, CA

This classy new restaurant from Blue Plate and Nob Hill Grille alums is a welcome addition to the Tendernob, and with fried chicken and braised short ribs on the menu, it's definitely got its comfort-food bonafides on lock.

786 Bush St, San Francisco, CA
(415) 829-2737
(415) 829-2737