Best of San Francisco

It is hard to believe that 2026 is here. We have officially completed a quarter of the 21st Century.

We are a little over a month into the new year so we are taking a look back at 2025 and the best it had to offer, as we predict what the new year will bring. This year we could feel the city finally transitioning out of the ashes created by the pandemic in the early 2020’s and into the new technological era of AI. The city feels more exciting than a year ago and we feel hopeful as we progress into the new tech boom.

2025 was a year of positive change, with people heading back into the office and breathing new life into the downtown and Fidi. We elected a small business friendly Mayor, who has been working toward cutting the red tape, so our business community can thrive again. This year many businesses have re-opened and others have extended their hours. New businesses are starting to take over empty spaces. The social scene has improved with busier restaurants and bars, with a wider array of popular happy hours and some places offering late night dining hours again. There were lots of great new San Francisco events mixed with some annual events that keep getting better. Neighborhoods, like Mission Bay has been undergoing modern developments, and are becoming trendy new destinations to get out and socialize, as well. The city is on the verge of issuing new liquor licenses, which will make for a better social scene and more economically viable local business climate. We all eagerly await the re-opening of some of our landmark businesses such as, The Cliff House, Jeanty at Jack’s and The Hotel Huntington, as the grand re-opening dates feel like they are getting very near. We also eagerly anticipate Union Square’s come back, as several businesses have signed new leases in the area in 2025. During the holiday season many flocked to the Macy’s ice rink and Christmas Tree, Gump’s Holiday Store, The Sugar Castle on display in the newly remodeled St. Francis and the Life Sized Gingerbread House at the Fairmont. Last year we were filled with sadness in anticipation of Macy’s, Williams and Sonoma and other beloved destinations closing. As 2025 closed we felt hopeful that some of these beloved destinations will be saved as the city comes back to life.

In 2025 we bid adieu to some well known Bay Area residents, including trailblazing, social activist, historian and oldest national park ranger, Betty Reid Siskin, who was 104, Sly Stone, one of the central figures of San Francisco’s 1960’s Funk scene, who was 82, beloved Chef behind the Slanted Door, Charles Phan, at only 62, and legendary socialite, author and television personality Patricia Montandon, at 96. They all meant a lot to our city and will be missed. They may be gone but will not be forgotten.

Some of the things that reached peak popularity and trended on social media in 2025 included.

High Low Trend

Combining Luxury with Modesty

This trend is where little splurges on luxury were combined with simple, more affordable things. It was a huge food trend and to a lesser extent fashion. Foods like a slider or French fries with caviar or Mac and cheese with a little truffle were trending on Tik Tok, Instagram and the like. The same kind of thing was popular in fashion. Putting together an outfit with tailored thrift store items or simple items bought at value with a designer accessory or signature piece.

Best High Low Play on Surf and Turf

Caviar topped hot dog at Outside lands, Caviar Co.

Best High Low Potato Chip

Cacio Pepe Chips, Sorella, Polk Village

Best high Low Restaurant Week Menu Item

Mini Lumpia Cone, filled with Sunchoke Ice Cream, Garnished with Caviar, Abaca, Fishermen’s Wharf

Best High Low “Nachos”

Bougee Totchos, Crispy hash brown cubes with gorgonzola dolce, white truffle oil, black Perigord shavings, and salmon roe, Left Door, Cow Hollow

Best High Low “Mac & Cheese”

Black Truffle Macaroni Gratinée , Elbow mac baked in truffle-infused béchamel with Parm, Bourbon Steak in Union Square

Best make at home Truffle Corn from a small, local shop

Regalis Microwavable Black Truffle Popcorn, Pepperjack Provisions and Home Goods, Inner Sunset

Best High Low “Old School Favorite”

Truffle Deviled Eggs, Miller and Lux, Mission Bay

Best High Low Inspired Tasting Menu

Late Night 5 -Course Menu featuring Korean Fried Chicken and Caviar and gamtae gimbap with Hokkaido uni among offerings, Ssal, Polk Village

Best High Low Pizza

“Super Gold Pizza”, with white truffles, 24-month aged prosciutto, edible gold flakes, specialty mushrooms, and rare cheeses on a multi-grain crust, Tony’s Pizza, North Beach

Bars & Drinks

Drinking Became Whimsical & Fun Again

As Generation Z comes of age they are bringing fun back into our bar orders. They order what they like and can afford. They have no interest in showing anyone how tough they are by choking down a triple IPA or waiting a long time for a mustachioed hipster to create art out of bitters, tinctures and 17 different kinds of booze. Simple pleasures, like Fern Bar Era drinks are being called for again. There is no stigma attached to ordering a Lemon Drop, Cosmo, Kamikaze, Chocolate Martini or the like when going out. Tiki Bars are growing in popularity too. Why? They are fun.

People are not so rigid with new year’s resolutions either. In early 2025 we said goodbye to die hard dry January ritual and embraced the softer, more reasonable off dry January, where moderation was the goal. Today Low Proof, no proof and boozy cocktails share the spotlight on restaurant specialty menus and it has made it ok to go out “on a school night”, as you can indulge in several low proof, or have one or 2 full proof drinks and switch to delicious mocktails or high quality craft NA Beer.

Coffee cocktails are still going strong, as well. In 2025 the espresso martini may have dwindled ever so slightly in popularity but only to make way for other coffee drinks such as the coffee infused Negroni, the revolver and the coffee cocktail of 2025, the Carajillo. The carajillo is building momentum and we do not see its popularity diminishing in 2026

Best New Bar 2025

Moe’z Tavern (a Simpson’s inspired bar by the folks behind Summer Place and Wizard’s and Wands)

Best Place to Drink Kamikaze Shots with Strangers

Mauna Loa, Cow Hollow

Best Place to order a Fuzzy Navel

The Emporium, NOPA

*if you love Peach Schnapps, also try their “Green Tea” slush made with Jameson, peach schnapps, lemon, and peach!

Best Place to Order a Sex on the Beach without getting the Side Eye

Wipeout Bar & Grill, Pier 39

Best Modern Throwbacks to Fern Bar Era Drinks

Old School: “Midori Splash” ( Midori, peach schnapps, lemon juice, orange juice, &soda), Sutter Station, Fidi

Modern: Peach and Cherry Blossoms (nigori sake, gin, rose/cherry blossom sweetener, lemon, peach schnapps, and a flower ice cube), Lost Cat, Union Square

Best Tiki Bar you never heard of

Players, Pier 39

Best Scorpion Bowl

Pagen Idol, Fidi

Best Brunch with Tiki Inspired Cocktails

Palm House, Cow Hollow

Best Clarified Milk Punch

Milk Washed Strawberry Gin Punch, Third Rail, Dogpatch

Most Creative Low Proof/No Proof Cocktails

The Buddy Bar, The Mission District

Best Place to drink Irish Coffee with Locals at 9AM on a Tuesday

Sully’s Marina Lounge, The Marina

Best Frozen Irish Coffee

ACES, The Tenderloin

Best SF-Created Modern Classic Cocktail with Coffee

The Revolver, Invented by SF Bartender John Santer

Best Places to Order a Revolver

Rye, Tenderloin

Best Irish Coffee

Buena Vista, Ghirardelli Square

Best Hot, Boozy Coffee that is not “Irish”

Bohemian Coffee, Cafe Vesuvio, North Beach

Best Espresso Martini

Bar Spretzaturra, FIDI

Best New Cocktail Trend

The Carajillo

Best SF Carajillo

Lolo , Mission District (cold brew, Luxumus, orange oil and salt)

Best SF Carajillo Presentation

Elena’s, West Portal (reposed tequila, Tia Maria, Vanilla, Coffee, large cube with Elena’s Logo stamped on it)

Best Place for Whimsical Cocktails

Wizards and Wands, The Marina

Vintage Things

Old Things Became New

Coming of age Gen Zers have a newfound enthusiasm for things Gen X was fascinated with in the 80’s and 90’s when they were actually new. Everything from music and fashion they are discovering in their parent’s old boxes stored in attics and garages, to “cool” items they discover at vintage and thrift stores in the mission. Suddenly Polaroid Cameras, turn tables, cassette players and TV/ VCR combos, from an era before streaming, are selling for a healthy profit. Polaroid has even come out with cameras that take mini instant pictures and they are showing up all over the place.

Some of the year’s food and beverage trends were aligned with the old as something new movement. Classic American Comfort foods were playing a key role on restaurant menus and old school classic spots thrived. The San Francisco Chronicle published an article on the phenomenon entitled, “S.F.’s New Set Dining Trend? Old Restaurants.”

Classic cocktails were among the most ordered boozy favorites ordered in bars and restaurants across the city, with the classic old school Martini dominating everywhere from the corner dive to Michelin Starred establishments. The dirty martini, the half and half and the Vespar picking up serious momentum. Bars started offering a wide array of stuffed olives, vermouth choices and had to buy extra olive juice to keep up with the demands. Trendy menus started offering items like dirty martini inspired chip dips, such as the one featured on dirty habit’s appetizer menu, and “Girl Dinner”, i. e. Caesar Salad, fries and a Martini, replacing 2024’s tin canned fish and an Aperol Spritz. Girl Dinner at Delarosa, on Chestnut Street in the Marina, was their number one selling menu selection in 2025.

Best of Everything Vintage, Classic & Old School 2025

Best Vintage Shop

Landline, The Mission District

Best Vintage Clothing Store

Decades of Fashion, The Haight

Best Vintage Book Store

Green Apple Books, Inner Richmond

Best Place to buy a Polaroid

Top Drawer, Cow Hollow and The Mission

Best Place to Play Vintage Video Games

Free Gold Watch, The Haight

Best Donut

Savory : Porcini Donuts with Raclette Dipping Sauce at Rich Table, Hayes Valley

Sweet : French Crullers at Izzy’s, Marina District

Best Bagels

Best NY Style Bagels:

Boichik, Presidio Heights

• Be sure to try the Pumpernickel with Malt Salt

Best Original Bagels:

Dago Bagels, North Beach

*Do not miss the Detroit style bagel, with caramelized cheese, just like Detroit Pizza Crust.

Best Brunch

Classic: Eats, Inner Richmond

Boozy: Original Joe’s, North Beach

Best Breakfast Food

Monte Cristo Sandwich, Mama’s, North Beach

Best Bread

Skylark Bakery, Ft. Mason Sunday Farmers Market

Runner Up: Josey Baker, NOPA

Best Restaurant Bread

Sotto Mare, North Beach

Best Steak Frites

Old School Classic: Chapeau, Inner Richmond

Newcomer 2025: Indigo, Marina

Modern Style with Chef Driven Twist: Mijote, Mission

Value: Perry’s on union, Cow Hollow

Best French Fries

Upscale, Sit Down Dining: Hayes Street Grill
*Order a side of Sezchuan Peanut Sauce, absolutely delish!

Casual Counter Service: Malt Salt Fries, Roam Burger, Cow Hollow
*Great with their house made Herb Ranch

Best Pastrami

Old School: Deli Board, SOMA

Newcomer: Super Mensch, The Marina
*Try it with their boozy Egg Cream Inspired Drink

Fine Dining: Spruce

Best Classic Minestrone

Fino, Andrews Hotel, Tendernob

Best Baked Potato

Brazen Head, Cow Hollow

Best Old School Seafood Counter

Anchor Oyster Bar, The Castro

Best Lobster Roll

Bar Gigi, Lower Haight

Best Oysters

Hog Island, Ferry Building

Best New England Clam Chowder

POPI’s Oysterette, The Marina

Best Dungeness Crab

Woodhouse Fish, Pacific Heights

Best Sand Dabs

Capurro’s, Fisherman’s Wharf

Best Classic Irish Pub Food

Johnny Foley’s, Union Square

Best Classic French Bistro

Le Central, Fidi

Best Old School Steak Lunch

John’s Grill, Union Square

Best Old School Department Store Lunch

The Rotunda, Union Square

Best Old School Power Lunch

Sam’s Grill, Fidi

Best Old School Bar

The Occidental, Beldon Alley

Best Dive Bar

Owl Tree, Downtown

Best Late Night Dining

Il Cilentano, North Beach

Runner up: Petite Lil’s, North Beach

Best Late Night Snack in a Pinch

Cheese Guillotine Cheese and Crackers, Spec’s 12 Adler Museum Cafe, North Beach

In and Out Burger, Fisherman’s Wharf

Best Permanent Food Truck

The Cod Mother Fish and Chips, Fisherman’s Wharf

Best 80s Night

The Cat Club, SOMA

Best 1990s Style Martini Bar

Blondie’s, The Mission District

Runner Up: Martuni’s, The Castro

Best Place to Order a Martini

Old School Classic: Aub Zam Zam, The Haight

New Comer: Bar Maritime, Downtown

Classic with a Twist: Martini Cart at Holbrook House, Fidi

Best Forgotten Classic Cocktail and Where to Drink it

The 20th Century Cocktail, Stookey’s Moderne, Lower Nob Hill

Best Place to order a Vespar

Tony Nik’s, North Beach

Best Lemon Drop

Martuni’s, The Castro

Best Old School Bartender

Tie

Matt Corvey, Mayes Oyster House, Polk Village

Johnny Love Methaney, Blue Light

Coffee

Coffee Culture Soared

Coffee sales soared in 2025, with new high quality coffee products hitting the retail market, new coffee shops opening all over the city, new gatherings at underground 5th wave roasters, an increase in coffee raves and socials, home consumption and coffee events. The world’s oldest energy drink continues to hold its own in a world with options like 5 hour energy, Rock Star and the like.

Best Morning Social Event

Monthly Daytime Coffee Rave with 415 Coffee Club

Best Old School Cafe

Cafe Greco, North Beach

Best Italian Inspired Cafe

Poesia Cafe, Castro

Best Japanese Inspired Cafe

Cassava, Jackson Square

Best Cappuccino

Mario’s Bohemian Cigar Store Cafe, North Beach

Best Mocha

Dandelion Chocolate, The Mission District

Best Latte Art

The Mill, Alamo Square

Best San Francisco Inspired Latte

Ube Latte from Ballast, West Portal

Best Seasonal Latte

Pumpkin Latte at Avotoasty, Cow Hollow

Best 5th Wave Pop Up

NRG Coffee Pop-up at High Treason Wine Bar, Inner Richmond
**Try the Cafe Olla

Best Turkish Coffee

Chemise, Cow Hollow

Best Iced Coffee

Mint Mojito Iced Coffee, Philz Coffee, The Mission District

Best Coffee Ice Cream

South Indian Coffee and Chicory Ice Cream, Koolfi Creamery, San Leandro (so good it is road trip worthy!)

Best Coffee Ice Cream Sandwich

Capuccino It’s It!, Burlingame (by way of Playland at Ocean Beach)

Best Coffee Stoudt

Chocolate and Coffee Stoudt, SF Brew & Co., Ghirardeli Square

Best Local Coffee Cream Liqeur

Cafe Macchiato Cream Liqeur, vomFASS, Ghirardelli Square

Best Self Care Product with Coffee

Etta and Billie Mint Coffee Soap (Made with Ritual Coffee), Ritual Coffee, Mission

Best Annual Coffee Event

Coffee Festival, Ft. Mason

Japanese Culture

Food, Drinks and Tourism

Japanese Culture is more in vogue than ever. Matcha, Japanese Snack Foods, Isakaya Restaurants, food and sake pairings and cocktails made with Japanese Spirits are as trendy as Molly Ringwald’s lunch in the 1980’s John Hughes Film, “The Breakfast Club”. Tourism to Japan is on the rise, with SFO offering direct flights to Tokyo. Japanese Anime, Hello Kitty and other pop culture phenomena are becoming very popular in SF.

Parents are buying popular Japanese Kawaii stuffed toys for their kids, as well as Pokemon, Hello Kitty and Samikko Gurashi themed toys. They are filling the shelves in stores based in Japan and Chinatown, as well as children’s stores all over the city.

Best Airline to Fly Direct from SFO to Tokyo

ANA ( All Nippon Airways)

Best Domestic Airline to Fly Direct from SFO to Tokyo

Delta

Best Japanese Annual Cultural Event in San Francisco

Sake Day at Hotel Kabuki, Japantown

Best Theater to Watch Japanese Anime

Alamo Draft House, The Mission District

Best Place to Buy Japanese Spirits (Retail)

Flatiron Spirits and Wines, SOMA

Best Place to Buy Sake (Retail)

True Sake, Hayes Valley

Best Izakaya Style Dining

Izakaya Rintaro, Mission District

Best Udon Noodles

Udon Mugizo, Japan Town

Best Mochi and Japanese Confections

Not in Japantown: K. Minamoto, Downtown

In Japantown: Nippon-Ya, Japan Town

Best Mochi Donut

Roasted Black Sesame, Modo Hawaii, Inner Sunset

Best Spot for Authentic Traditional Japanese Sushi

Omakase, SOMA

Best Place for Unique Specialty Sushi Rolls

Saru Sushi Bar, Noe Valley

*Must Try Roll: The White out Roll (Seared escargot atop a sushi roll with garlic ponzu and shiso leaf)

Best Dramatic Table side Sushi Preparation

Flaming Sea Bass Roll, Elephant Sushi, Russian Hill

Best Japanese Steak House

Roka Akur, Design District

** They are one of the few spots licensed to sell authentic Kobe Beef from Japan

Best Splurgeworthy Dish Featuring Jidori Egg

Fried Rice w/ jidori yolks, XO sauce, and black truffle, Gary Danko, Ghirardelli Square

Best Unconventional Sake Pairing in a San Francisco Restaurant that is not known for Japanese Cuisine

The Morris, Mission District: Pâté de Champagne and Hierloom Tomatoes with Domaine Kuheiji, Kuheiji Kuno Kurodasho Sake

Best Mocha Latte

Stonewall Matcha, Mission District

Best Iced Match Latte

Paper Son, Dogpatch

Best Frozen Matcha Dessert

Matcha Soft Serve, Matcha Cafe Maiko, Japantown

Everything Italian

Regional Italian Food and Beverage Popularity Soared

Italy has been one of the hot travel destinations for San Francisco for several years.Many travel to wine country or to beautiful destinations like the Amalfi Coast for destination weddings. Regional Italian Food and beverage popularity has been on the rise. Beverage programs city wide feature spritzes and Italian Amari. A wider array of Italian wines have been making their way onto restaurant menus. In 2025 Shelley Lindgren of SF’s beloved A 16, a trail blazer of regional Italian food and beverage, write an Italian wine book along with co-authors Kate Leahy and Nate Appleman. Local Amari Brand Brucato opened a cool bar in the Mission. The Roman Dish Cacio Pepe has been making its’ way onto menus all over the city. The Hugo Spritz is called for, as much, if not more than the Aperol Spritz, at local bars and restaurants. And San Francisco still remains one of the 2 largest markets for Fernet Branca, outside of Italy.

Best Cacio Pepe

Table Side Cacio Pepe, Bella Trattoria, Inner Richmond

Best Italian Fusion Restaurant

Ciaorigato, Italian Japanese Fusion, Tenderloin

Best Roman Inspired Menu

54 Mint, SOMA

Best Italian Happy Hour

Perbacco, Fidi

Best insalata Caprese

A-16, Marina

Best Fresh Made Pastas and Sauces (Retail)

Pasta Supply Co., Inner Richmond and The Mission District

Best “Off the Radar” Gem

Collina, Russian Hill

Best Dish that never gets old

Raviolo, Cotagna, Fidi

**a must have during truffle season

Best New Pizza Destination

Jules, Lower Haight

Best Place for Die Hard Italian Wine Drinkser to get their Fix

Biondivino, Russian Hill

Best Bisteca Alla Fiorentina

AltoVino, Russian Hill

Best Old School Italian

Fino, Andrews Hotel, Tendernob

Best Sicilian Inspired Cuisine

La Ciccia, Noe Valley

Best Fernet Branca Cocktail

Grasshopper, Dawn Club, SOMA

Best Hugo Spritz

Norcina, The Marina

Best Place to Drink a Spritz at Happy Hour

Mattina, Pacific Heights

Best Destination for Creative Spritz

Anina, Hayes Valley

Best Limoncello Dessert

House Made Limoncello Cake, Caffè Macaroni, North Beach

Best Limoncello Spritz

Pink Onion, The Mission District

Best New Amari Bar

Bar Bruccato

Best Amari Selection in the City

Bar 821, Pac Heights

Best Place to Drink Fernet

R Bar, Polk Village

Pickles

Pickles Were Kind of a Big Deal

Pickles were one of 2025’s biggest trends. Chefs were pickling everything they could get their hands on. Snack companies were making dill pickle and spicy pickle flavored snacks, like Dill Pickle Pringles. Even craft breweries are getting in on this growing trend, with a variety of pickle flavored beers. This is a trend that will be on the rise into 2026.

Best Pickle Plate

Birba, Hayes Valley

Best Deli Pickle

Lucca Delicatessen, The Marina

Best Fried Pickles

Kezar Pub, Cole Valley

Best Chicago Dog with a Giant Pickle Spear

The Halfway Club, Outer Mission

Best Restaurant Dish Incorporating House Made Pickles

Grilled Cheese with House Pickled Vegetables, Hog Island Oysters, Downtown

Best Off Menu Pickleback

The Lark Bar, Downtown

Best Pickle Brine Bloody Mary

Elixir, Mission District

Best Pickle Flavored Dessert

Salt and Straw, Pickled Cucumber Sorbet

Best Bar to Kick Back with a Pickle Beer

Brass Tacks, Hayes Valley

*BT offers Donna’s Pickle Beer, a delicious briny lager, co-created by SF’s own Scott Baird!

Best Brew Pub Pickle Beer Feature

Señor Pickles Lager (with jalapeños and pickles added during the brewing process), San Francisco Brewing Company, Ghirardelli Square

Best SF Based Pickle Brand

Bubbie’s, started by Leigh Truex in San Francisco in the 1980’s

Global Influence

Global Snacks & Global Influence in Cooking

When it came to snack foods, Japanese and Italian were not the only international options capturing our attention. Korean snacks, like honey butter chips, middle eastern treats like Zattar Crackers, Turkish sweets, like Turkish Delight and crunchy Mexican treats, like Takis, to name just a few.

Dubai Chocolate also took the city by storm. Local shops and convenience stores displayed A -frame signs boasting that they carry Dubai Chocolate.Everyone from gelato shops to coffee houses started making Dubai Chocolate flavored creations.

Menus all over the city, from grab and go spots to Michelin Starred Dining seemed to incorporate global flavors into their dishes.

Best Store for Japanese and Chinese Snack Foods

Genki, Inner Richmond

Best Global Mini Mart for Snacks, Drinks and Candy

Ha Mini Mart, Chinatown

Best Retail Shop to Buy Imported German Food, Snacks and Candy

Lehr’s German Specialties, Bernal Heights

Best Selection of Irish and British Snacks

Easy Freezy, West Portal

Best Selection of Global Frozen Foods

Olive Specialty Store, Inner Richmond

Best Authentic Indian and Pakistani Market

Indian Spices and Groceries, The Mission District

Best Middle Eastern Grocer

Samirami’s Imports, The Mission District

Best Place to get Swiss Chcocolate

Teuscher Chocolate Shop, Union Square

Best International Food Chain in the Bay Area

Jollibee, Daly City

*Daly city was the first North American Branch of this Filipino Food Chain. One is scheduled to open on Market Street in SF in 2026!

Best Globally Inspired Concession at a Sports Venue

Fuku, Oracle Park

Best Selection of Scottish and Irish Liquor

William Glen and Son, Union Square

Best Kimchi Burger

Gott’s Roadside, Ferry Building

Best Globally Inspired Pizza Slice

Korean Pizza with kimchi, aged goat gouda, buffalo mozzarella, green onions, and sesame seeds, Outta Sight Pizza, Tenderloin

Best Globally Inspired Cookie

gochujang caramel cookie, Sohn, Dogpatch

Best Bibimap

Purple Rice, The Haight

Best Globally Inspired Cookie

Corn Mochi, State Bird Provisions, The Fillmore District

Best Middle Eastern Inspired Small Bite

Harissa Deviled Eggs, Gola, Mission District

Best Dim Sum

Yank Sing, SOMA

Best Babaghanoush

Beit Rima, Doboce Triangle

Best Lumpia

Turo Cafe and Grill, Outer Mission

Best Pierogi

Cinderella Cafe and Bakery, Inner Richmond

Best Eastern European Deli

Sekor, Inner Richmond

Best Globally Inspired Corner Store

Dolores Outpost, The Mission District

Best Baklava

Agean Delights, Castro

Best Turkish Delight

Telve Cafe, Cow Hollow

Best Greek Food

MIlos Meze, The Marina

Best German Food

Leopold’s, Russian Hill

Best Globally inspired Cocktail Menu

Indigo, The Marina

Best Authentic Central Mexican Cuisine and Beverage Program

Colibri, The Presidio

Best Indian Restaurant

Tiya, The Marina

Best Salvadorian Cuisine

Sarita’s Grill and Beer, The Mission District

*Do not Miss the Cheese and Lorocoo Papusa

Best Dubai Chocolate Gelato

Hila Gelato Caffè, The Mission District

Best One Time Only Feature We Wish Would Go on the Menu

Dubai Chocolate Sundae, Ghirardelli Ice Cream Parlor, Ghirardelli Square

Best Dubai Chocolate Inspired Iced Coffee Drink

Dubai Chocolate Iced Latte, Cafe de Casa, Various Locations

Best Dubai Chocolate Inspired Baked Good

Dubai Chocolate Cookie, Hungry Crumbs Bakery, Fidi

Best Local Chocolatier Made Dubai Chocolate Bar

“Dubai Done Better” Bars, Charles Chocolate

Best Filled Chocolates by Local Chocolatier Inspired by Dubai Chocolate

Dark chocolate, pistachio, and kataifi crunch filled hearts, Christopher Elbow

Lager Beers

We Went Loco for Lager

The heavy, hoppy, craft ales that dominated the market for quite some time have started to fall out of fashion. Lighter and crisper lagers, Kolsch and pilsners, with lower ABV are trending. Craft NA beers are also growing in popularity, as more people head back to the office and end up doing lunch with their bosses or happy hour on work nights. You can still catch the game and enjoy a plate of nachos or a burger with a cold one, just without getting sloppy and risking driving home afterwards.

Best Craft Pilsner made in San Francisco

Body Check Pilsner by Standard Deviant Brewery, The Mission District

Gay Bar with the Best Draft Pilsner Selection

Pilsner Inn, Deboce Triangle

Best Selection of German Draft Pilsners

Suppenküche, Hayes Valley

Best Legacy Bar to get a Pilsner

Tie

Toronado, Lower Haight

Hotel Utah, SOMA

Best Place to Enjoy Authentic Czech Lager and Pilsner with Authentic Czech Food

Paprika, Mission District

Best Kolsch Style Beer Made in SF

True Kolsch, 47 Hills Brewing Company, South San Francisco

Best Gluten Free Lager Made in SF

GF Mexican Lager, Otherwise Brewing, North Beach

Best Place to enjoy German Lager during Oktoberfest

Schroederer’s, Fidi

*Be sure to order das boot!

Predictions for 2026

We predict 2026 will be a big year to get out and socialize again. More spots will offer a wide array of fun cocktails, a heavier selection of lager, more Japanese and international spirits. Gin will be on the rise, with fun and festive plays on old drinks like the Gin and Tonic popping up on menus all over the city. We see both the after work happy hour scene and late night options becoming more vast.

The global cuisine trend is on the rise. This year is supposed to be a year where gut health is an important trend and fermented foods will be consumed more often. This means we will see a heck of a lot more pickling and Korean Food and culture may even surpass the popularity of Japanese and Italian. Kimchi will take the local grocers and restaurant menus by storm. Rumor has it, Korean Chef, Peter Serpico, of Stephen Star’s KPOD and formerly of his own Philadelphia namesake restaurant will be opening a spot on the Presidio. The popularity of Kpop, Korean Fashion and Soju are expected to be on the rise.

We are not sure where AI technology will take us this year. We expect that at the end of 2026 we will feel the effects of the new technological era.

We at CrawlSF wish everyone a prosperous 2026!