What Are Good Places to Go in San Francisco for American Food?


Whether it’s a craving for classic diner fare or a desire to try the latest New Age cuisine, there are many places in San Francisco to enjoy American food. Those wanting old fashioned comfort foods like burgers, shakes and fries can find them at classic eateries throughout the city, including the famous Pinecrest Diner in Union Square. In contrast, there are also many eateries that focus on making refined, upscale and artisanal American foods using fresh, sustainable and locally sourced ingredients. Found in everything from vegetarian cafés to Zagat reviewed and Michelin-rated restaurants, those in search of innovative, contemporary and wholesome American dishes will not be disappointed with the array of options in the city.


Established in 2010, Marlowe is a relative newcomer to San Francisco’s culinary scene, but it’s already earned a reputation for itself as a premier award-winning restaurant with many delectable items to offer. Brunch, lunch and dinner are the primary meals served at Marlowe. The restaurant also has a dessert menu filled with scrumptious sweet treats and a full wine list. With its intimate atmosphere and romantic settings, Marlowe is a good place to go for dates. Those sitting down to dinner here can start with fresh seafood appetizers like baked oysters or oysters on the half shell before moving on to delectable entrées such as pan roasted cod and the juicy meat burger topped with bacon, melted cheese and caramelized onions.

Blue Plate

Located in the Mission, Blue Plate serves contemporary, innovative American cuisine in a clean and bright setting. The dinner menu has a long list of items to take customers happily from appetizers through desserts. Some choice starters on the menu are the deviled eggs, which are made with paprika, capers, mayonnaise and smoked trout, and the creamy roasted butternut squash soup that comes with a topping of chipotle cream and croutons.

Hollywood Cafe

Good old-fashioned diner style eats are the norm at Hollywood Cafe, where standard dishes are renamed after legendary celebrities and old film stars. Everyone from early risers to night owls can enjoy the scrumptious, homemade breakfast at Hollywood Cafe, which offers classics like omelets, toast, pancakes and waffles. For those who enjoy griddle specials in the morning, the Audrey Hepburn is a recommended item. This dish features homemade pancakes, served with butter and syrup, and paired with a side of fresh fruit.


Stylish and sophisticated, Outerlands offers lunch and dinner during the week, but it gets the most traffic for its exceptional weekend brunch. Those sitting down to brunch here can start off with a healthy light bite like the yogurt parfait made with homemade granola, a mixed greens salad or toast with stonefruit jam. Some exceptional entrées worth a taste are the quiche made with kale, roasted garlic and pecorino cheese, and the tortilla soup, which is made from scratch, that contains chicken, a salty broth and an egg served sunny side up on the side.

SF Insider