San Francisco’s Gastropubs

San Francisco’s dining scene has built quite a following, both locally and among travelers. But what’s surprising is the proliferation of gastropubs, which blur the line between bar and restaurant. These spots specialize in outstanding, inventive cocktails or have a top-notch beer selection, but they also boast a skilled kitchen that churns out plates worthy of inclusion in lists of the city’s best places to eat.

Trick Dog’s © Christopher Michel | Flickr

Trick Dog’s menu is designed like a cheap Chinese restaurant menu, with photographs and Chinese characters followed by descriptions in English. The chicken nuggets and thrice-fried fries are the main draw, and the cocktails are excellent too. There’s no sign on the door though, so use your GPS to point the way.

ABV in the Mission District pours expertly composed cocktails alongside small bites that must be eaten with the hands — there are literally no knives or forks in the building. But everything they make is excellent, even if it’s in miniature.

Mikkeller Bar © Jennifer Morrow | Flickr

Mikkeller Bar is known for its incredible tap selection, with 42 beers represented, but you can’t go wrong with the food selection either. From roasted peanuts to salt cod cakes and the array of house-made sausages, be sure not to fill up on just beer.

Fat Angel has an overwhelming selection of beer and wine, in both bottles and on tap — and yes, they have wine on tap too. On the food side, they serve flatbreads, cheeses and meat- and greens-based plates, all of which can be washed down with an after-dinner beer or wine.