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The Bay Area Heatmap: Where To Eat NOW

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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.


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

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.

Barrel House Tavern

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It's hard to miss when you've got a view of the Bay as lovely as Barrel House Tavern's, but a smart menu of French fare from Mirepoix's former chef, as well as exquisite decor and a cool house soda program, definitely don't hurt.

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.

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.

Osso Steakhouse

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For old-school pleasure-center maximalism, it's hard to beat a steakhouse, and the Bobo's pedigree and Deco decor here are sure to please those with big pocketbooks. (Hey, what can you expect from a place that cheerfully sells Cristal by the glass?)

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.

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 featuring the cocktail talents of Alembic alum Daniel Hyatt.

aliment

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This classy new restaurant from Blue Plate and Nob Hill Grille alums is definitely 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.

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.

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.

Coqueta

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Celebrity chef Michael Chiarello's new Spanish spot is packing them in for tapas, inventive cocktails (liquid-nitrogen sangria!) and the ever-exquisite Bay views. At only 50-odd seats, though, this one's a hot ticket that's filling up fast; reservations are a must.

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.

MKT Restaurant and Bar

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The Four Seasons' updated restaurant and bar boasts sleek new newspaper-themed decor, a locally-sourced cocktail list, and comfort food like pastas, steak, and salads.

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.

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. It's just treats and coffee for now, but savory options will come online soon.

Mama Ji's

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Good dim sum in the Castro? It seems impossible, but the sticky lotus-leaf rice, pot stickers, and veggie buns will make you a believer. Plus, there's spicy Sichuan cuisine at dinner and Belgian beer aplenty.

El Techo de Lolinda

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Though it's atop Lolinda, El Techo is very much its own entity, with a separate food and cocktail menu and, of course, that to-die-for view. Added bonus: the tenting and glass walls, which keep things toasty for SF "summer" without sacrificing the vista.

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.

The Palace

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Frills are few at Manny Torres Gimenez' new Mission steakhouse, but the high-quality food (lobster, oysters, filet) from the SPQR and Quince alum, not to mention its BYOB status and $50 tasting menu, elevate it to heatmap status.

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.

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.

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.

Barrel House Tavern

It's hard to miss when you've got a view of the Bay as lovely as Barrel House Tavern's, but a smart menu of French fare from Mirepoix's former chef, as well as exquisite decor and a cool house soda program, definitely don't hurt.

heartbaker

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.

Le Marais Bakery

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.

Osso Steakhouse

For old-school pleasure-center maximalism, it's hard to beat a steakhouse, and the Bobo's pedigree and Deco decor here are sure to please those with big pocketbooks. (Hey, what can you expect from a place that cheerfully sells Cristal by the glass?)

Mason Pacific

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.

Roka Akor

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 featuring the cocktail talents of Alembic alum Daniel Hyatt.

aliment

This classy new restaurant from Blue Plate and Nob Hill Grille alums is definitely 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.

Redford

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.

Waiheke Island Yacht Club

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.

Coqueta

Celebrity chef Michael Chiarello's new Spanish spot is packing them in for tapas, inventive cocktails (liquid-nitrogen sangria!) and the ever-exquisite Bay views. At only 50-odd seats, though, this one's a hot ticket that's filling up fast; reservations are a must.

Bouli Bar

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.

MKT Restaurant and Bar

The Four Seasons' updated restaurant and bar boasts sleek new newspaper-themed decor, a locally-sourced cocktail list, and comfort food like pastas, steak, and salads.

Mikkeller Bar

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.

20th Century Cafe

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. It's just treats and coffee for now, but savory options will come online soon.

Mama Ji's

Good dim sum in the Castro? It seems impossible, but the sticky lotus-leaf rice, pot stickers, and veggie buns will make you a believer. Plus, there's spicy Sichuan cuisine at dinner and Belgian beer aplenty.

Related Maps

El Techo de Lolinda

Though it's atop Lolinda, El Techo is very much its own entity, with a separate food and cocktail menu and, of course, that to-die-for view. Added bonus: the tenting and glass walls, which keep things toasty for SF "summer" without sacrificing the vista.