In a year without travel, at least we have our past adventures (to clutch to). Yearning for a dose of San Francisco’s storied history, I found this photo of Tadich Grill, a beloved San Franciscan restaurant with its old-school service and decor. The restaurant is always bustling—its patrons enhancing the buzzy ambiance. Open for 150+ years, business regulars and eager tourists frequent its present location. Although, I have shared a line-up with some local folks who (judging by their vintage attire) displayed an affinity for the 1930s.
I squeeze in a lunch at this old-school haunt with every San Francisco trip. Midday, the line moves briskly as small parties choose a seat at the grand wooden bar. Highly recommended, as here, you’ll receive speedy service from Tadich’s attentive servers. I order Tadich Grill classics like their exceptional Cioppino—a tomatoey seafood stew loaded with prawns, scallops, fish & crab, served with a slab of garlic bread; my trusted server at the ready with a pairing of Sonoma Coast Chardonnay. One visit I opted for Boston Clam Chowder, on the insistence of my lunch neighbour, who, BTW, was right on the money. A bar-seat perk is that you’ll invariably connect with diners eager to share conversation and menu recommendations.
The holy trinity of restaurant success—exceptional food, service and ambiance—is never an easy feat. However, Tadich Grill delivers. I’ll need to opt out this year, but as a Tadich Grill devotee I’ll console myself with fond memories and photos (their cookbook, a coffee mug, swizzle sticks…). Sadly, the restaurant is currently closed to diners but according to
tadichgrillsf.com, they are open for curbside pickup and delivery. Lucky locals.