Side A Photos
Business Info
SIDE A ATMOSPHERE
You might also consider
More like Side A
Recommended Reviews - Side A
Start your review...
Reviews With Photos
Funny name garbage salad but it's surprising how much the salad stole the show. Light flavorful salad dressing that's barely there but enough to coat all the leaves. Pork belly like Chinese twice cooked pork. Crispy without feeling greasy Leek dip the habanero accompaniment is bright and nice contrast but watch out for the spice. We were already full after the salad and dip. Portions deceptively large Acidity of the pickles in the gnocchi. Shortrin so rich Carrot cake roasted nuts helps with the sweet drench on the sponge
I finally had the chance to try this place on Sunday at 6pm with my husband and daughter, and we had such a wonderful experience! They have a few tables outside, and luckily the weather was beautiful, so we were able to sit outside. We asked our server, who was really nice and helpful, for a few recommendations and ended up ordering the corn risotto, the gnocchi, and the cod. The risotto was amazing! I've never had a risotto in a San Francisco restaurant that tasted so close to the Italian one. I actually told them how impressed we were, and I'm already looking forward to trying their next risotto. The gnocchi were also delicious, perfectly cooked and paired with a really tasty combination of flavors. And last but not least, the cod was incredibly tender and juicy, with the other ingredients on the plate complementing it perfectly. We didn't get to try dessert because the portions were so generous that we simply didn't have any room left! Overall, it was a fantastic experience from the food to the atmosphere and the wonderful staff. We'll definitely be back!
That damn Caro-line & Parker done figured it out. Side A is the shit. I haven't been this excited over a restaurant that I had to wait for over an hour to be seated: in like never. I am a native and for the most part I don't pay to wait in line to eat. Facts: I didn't make any reservations and thought I was being so fuqn smart and banking on everyone being at Outside Lands. I do the same thing during Super Bowl and it works but the lies they told this time. I would have just bounced but that damn Caro-line challenged my friends and I to come back for the food and vibes. Well shit, don't threaten my ass with a good time because I will show up. At first we were going to hang out and drink in the back of the truck that they have parked right in front of the restaurant. That shit is real riche, but back to the drinks; they only have beer and wine. Oh and a section for other than wine that may be a bit misunderstood. Caro-line and I will be talking about how that could look different in the future. LMFAO. FYI- Trick Dog is around the corner. This is what made this experience so clutch...Caro-line recognized that we were in need of more than beer and wine so suggested Trick Dog which would also buy time for us to potentially be seated when we returned. True to her word, she put the word out that we would be coming back and for folks to be on the lookout for our arrival. That's that shit right there. We walk up, we get seated, and it was on from there. Now, when we first met Caro-line she made it clear that Side A is a woman owned business and she brought the vibes. Aight coo shorty I see you. I am going to go ahead and validate that Side A is a vibe. No lie. Chef's kiss. Speaking of a kiss to the chef... Parker be fuqn shit up in that kitchen. BTW, Parker is the co-founder, husband and chef. He brings the other reason why we would show up there, food. I heard about the cheese burger made with goat cheese and a nice side of bone marrow. Say Less. That damned thang was decadent. What made it better is that, Parker understood the assignment ; he wanted to make sure that we had an amazing experience and pulled our entrees from the available quantities so not to sell out while we were ordering. Not to mention, how personable and engaging he was with us and his staff. Good times.... Speaking of Good Times we learned that they are originally from Chicago and here they are. Growing up in SF, I remember it not being too much going on in that part of Potrero besides General Hospital and BlowFish. That part. Gawd, I am aging myself. I am a big fan of restaurants that only have a few items on the menu with subtle seasonal rotations because you know that food is going to be hella good evr'y time. This is probably my most important observation of the evening, and that is what restaurant have you gone to that has a bidet pronounced bdā in the restroom. Hm, yeeaah about that. You know what I always say, don't take my word go check it out for yourself. Chow for now!
Side A had been on my shortlist to visit for a while after I came across a post about it, and I finally had the chance to check it out with a friend on a weekday. The available reservation options were outside of peak dinner hours, so we ended up meeting for an early dinner (I think they had just opened for the evening). It wasn't too busy when we arrived, but it definitely filled up by peak dinnertime. It was a beautiful day to start with a light, refreshing glass of wine before sharing everything family-style. We ordered: - Bone marrow with onion jam and bread - Gnocchi with short rib - Black cod Everything was excellent. The gnocchi was a bit on the heavier side, but it paired nicely with the lightness of the cod, making for well-balanced mains. Beyond the food, I really enjoyed the atmosphere. The space had a cool vibe, and the staff were friendly and happy to offer recommendations when we weren't sure what to order on this first visit. There are still a few things I'd love to come back and try. The garbage salad with pork belly caught my eye, but we couldn't fit it in this time. We also skipped dessert because we wanted to walk off the meal a bit (lol), so that's another good excuse to plan a return visit :)
Delicious flavors, creative, unique an all around balanced meal we had the other night. My friend coined it say " its very of the times" kind of place. small, trendy, crowded, musical , modern. They seem to have it all, including good service. Most importantly the food was executed with attention to detail. Tasty dishes that were super well rounded, good sized and fresh. I highly recommend trying at least once!
Absolutely fantastic in every way! After hearing about this place online, I realized it's just a few steps from my house and therefore a must-try. I'm very glad I did! When we arrived, we were greeted by some awesome music being spun by their DJ, lending a really great vibe to the whole experience, and it was almost like having dinner and a show. The food was so great. Everything we tried was delicious! I definitely recommend the gnocchi entree. The gnocchi were pillowy and there was a healthy amount of meat as well. The garbage salad was also delicious! I liked the dressing but could have used just a touch more of it. For dessert we sampled the carrot cake and it was also great but so huge that we had to take some home. The service was also good; everyone was prompt and friendly. We will definitely be back soon, and if I like it as much the second time this will definitely become one of my new local neighbourhood go-to spots!
For over a year, side A has been consistently booked, and I finally understand why. It's an all-around terrific dining experience. It starts with the staff; they're extremely friendly as soon as you step foot into the restaurant. The star of the show was the short rib gnocchi for sure. I also really enjoyed the bone marrow and butter beans. Don't even get me started with the carrot cake.... Phenomenal! It's the first time in a while I felt like I got my money's worth in SF.
Came here for a bday dinner and the staff was sure to make it special! We were able to snag a late night reservation 8:30pm and enjoy. They recommend sharing plates, our party of 4 was able to share 3 apps and 2 entrees as well as cake for dessert. Of the dishes the standouts were the bone marrow and the chicken cutlet. The bone marrow was fatty, juicy and paired perfectly with the caramelized onions. The slight sweetness highlighted the marrow nicely! The chicken cutlet was a pretty large portion, it was crispy with the perfect amount of breading. I will say this was a pretty mustard heavy dish. I found the sauce to be quite overpowering but still enjoyed the dish! The carrot cake is practically a mini cake. We were all able to enjoy and slice for dessert. The cake itself was moist however it was on the sweeter side. I wish the cream cheese frosting was a bit more tart to balance the sweetness. Overall a great place for drinks with immaculate and attentive staff!
Fun atmosphere with a dj playing good tunes. Tried the garbage salad and the chicken cutlet based on reviews and had enough to bring home some of both. They were both tasty with some unique flavors and hearty portions. Mostly an Italian wine list probably how they make their money because it's hard to know what they are, we tried 4 different glasses, including the house red and white which were fine. Wish they had soft serve at night but apparently they are only offering it during the day when it is a coffee shop. We weren't in the mood for a big cake carrot or chocolate but it looked good. Hope to be back to try some of the other items on the menu.
The burger with bone marrow was life-changing. 10/10. I kept thinking about it so much that I made another res 2 weeks later... sadly, it was not on the menu. Hopefully it's not gone forever - if it's on the menu the day you go, you must order it!! Soft Serve, Garbage Salad, and Halibut were good. Short Rib Gnocchi was a bit too salty for my taste.
I've been wanting to check out Side A after seeing so much on social media to hype up this new restaurant in the Mission and managed to find a reservation for Friday dinner. I came with a friend and we ended up sharing what I would call an excellent girl dinner. I was disappointed that they didn't have the famous burger with roasted bone marrow and their ice cream machine was down so no Coffee Movement ice cream either. We shared: - A bottle of Lambrusco: My favorite sparkling variety, they don't offer it as a glass so we split a bottle which was perfect for a warm summer day. - Garbage Salad: We got the salad after seeing it almost on every table and it was such a good choice. The fried pork belly is delicious and I loved how nicely the lettuce was dressed. A perfect start to the meal. - Short Rib Gnocchi: Really nice comforting sauce and the gnocchi was nicely pan-fried but the short rib itself was a bit dry and didn't add a lot of flavor to the dish itself. - Carrot Cake: This may have been our favorite bite, the carrot cake is perfectly moist with a great cream cheese frosting that wasn't too sweet or heavy. The cream cheese could have been more tart but I loved the walnuts and coconut shaving on top. While it's pricey for a dessert, it's definitely large enough to share between 3-4 people and a great sweet treat to take home. Service was friendly and prompt but not quite a stand-out as some articles and reviews have suggested. The ambiance is interesting as it's loud from the music and talking in a small space but the food is pricey for a casual neighborhood restaurant so it's difficult to say what crowd this would be tailored for.
Have been hearing so much about this spot, so I was super excited to come! Reservations are hard to come by, and they have a strict cancellation deadline of 2 days before, so just be aware of that! I was only able to change my reservation time over the phone. We came at 9pm on a Thursday and it was super bustling even later in the evening. The restaurant was pretty full the whole time. They had a DJ playing some vinyls the whole night which was a nice vibe, and the service was pretty good despite the mixed reviews I've heard. My water was refilled often and our dishes came out in a pretty timely manner (even offering to box up the salad since we didn't finish it before we got to the mains). The food was good but nothing I'd come back for, but I'm curious to try other things on the menu. The salad components didn't feel like they 100% belonged together. The risotto was good but a little too spicy for us. Short rib gnocchi was also tasty (good gnocchi texture) but wine flavor was a bit too strong for me. Carrot cake was delicious though! Their soft serve machine was broken which was unfortunate but I'm also glad we got to try the carrot cake because it was sooo good. It is a pretty big portion which is why it's more expensive ($20).
All around phenomenal. From the moment we walked in to the minute we left. Service was exceptional and everything we ate BOMB! Short rib gnocchi! Burger! Artichoke dip! Ice cream ofc! Music was a vibe. Sunday was a chill day. Had open seats at bar.
1 day ago
Came here with my friend to try out this restaurant! We had both seen tiktoks and Instagram reels about this place, so we were both excited to come try out this place as well as to celebrate a couple milestones! We ordered the gnocchi, garbage salad, burger, and carrot cake to share. My favorites were definitely the salad and the carrot cake. The cake is cinnamon-y and topped with shaved coconut - a truly delicious end to a great meal! The salad is also such a combination of diverse items that come together very well - I loved the pork belly and egg as well as the green beans and sun dried tomatoes! I also enjoyed the burger and gnocchi - both were very tasty but also very rich and a bit heavy. The service was great! The servers were attentive and we were seated promptly per our revelation time. The ambiance is also nice! There's a music area in the corner and many vinyls around the restaurant! Overall, I'd definitely come back again! read more
I haven't had a Gnocchi that fit my preferences until I tried the one here. The sauce had a good consistency and flavor. The gnocchi was easy to chew through and not dense like most places. The short rib was tender and fell apart. It was also moist. My brother enjoyed the gnocchi more than the corn risotto (but he's not big on corn). The bone marrow was very shallow. read more
1 month ago
Visited this place on a Monday night and it's busy... The DJ and entire staff are super fun to mingle with as they are both experienced and service oriented. We also met the owner himself as he came out to talk to us. It's just an incredible neighborhood vibe! Between my wife and I, we ordered 5 dishes in total. They all tasted great and had their own flair. My favorite is the "Garbage Salad" and I'm not even a salad guy. The Bone Marrow is as expected, "perfection." Rich and full of flavors. The duck confit is definitely unique and very tasty. For the entrees, we ordered the Gnocchi and Black Cod. The Gnocchi is perfect: smooth and decadent. Finally, my favorite part of the Cod is the pickled charred leeks and white beans. You can't even force me to eat beans on a good day. However, I enjoyed it immensely. The play is about "Flavor Bombs and Contrasting Hits" that accompanies each dish. The best word that accurately describes my first visit is: "Confidence!" They have confidence in their execution and food... Side A is a "go to" when I need some comforting! read more
1 month ago
Funny name garbage salad but it's surprising how much the salad stole the show. Light flavorful salad dressing that's barely there but enough to coat all the leaves. Pork belly like Chinese twice cooked pork. Crispy without feeling greasy Leek dip the habanero accompaniment is bright and nice contrast but watch out for the spice. We were already full after the salad and dip. Portions deceptively large Acidity of the pickles in the gnocchi. Shortrin so rich Carrot cake roasted nuts helps with the sweet drench on the sponge read more
1 month ago
I finally had the chance to try this place on Sunday at 6pm with my husband and daughter, and we had such a wonderful experience! They have a few tables outside, and luckily the weather was beautiful, so we were able to sit outside. We asked our server, who was really nice and helpful, for a few recommendations and ended up ordering the corn risotto, the gnocchi, and the cod. The risotto was amazing! I've never had a risotto in a San Francisco restaurant that tasted so close to the Italian one. I actually told them how impressed we were, and I'm already looking forward to trying their next risotto. The gnocchi were also delicious, perfectly cooked and paired with a really tasty combination of flavors. And last but not least, the cod was incredibly tender and juicy, with the other ingredients on the plate complementing it perfectly. We didn't get to try dessert because the portions were so generous that we simply didn't have any room left! Overall, it was a fantastic experience from the food to the atmosphere and the wonderful staff. We'll definitely be back! read more
That damn Caro-line & Parker done figured it out. Side A is the shit. I haven't been this excited over a restaurant that I had to wait for over an hour to be seated: in like never. I am a native and for the most part I don't pay to wait in line to eat. Facts: I didn't make any reservations and thought I was being so fuqn smart and banking on everyone being at Outside Lands. I do the same thing during Super Bowl and it works but the lies they told this time. I would have just bounced but that damn Caro-line challenged my friends and I to come back for the food and vibes. Well shit, don't threaten my ass with a good time because I will show up. At first we were going to hang out and drink in the back of the truck that they have parked right in front of the restaurant. That shit is real riche, but back to the drinks; they only have beer and wine. Oh and a section for other than wine that may be a bit misunderstood. Caro-line and I will be talking about how that could look different in the future. LMFAO. FYI- Trick Dog is around the corner. This is what made this experience so clutch...Caro-line recognized that we were in need of more than beer and wine so suggested Trick Dog which would also buy time for us to potentially be seated when we returned. True to her word, she put the word out that we would be coming back and for folks to be on the lookout for our arrival. That's that shit right there. We walk up, we get seated, and it was on from there. Now, when we first met Caro-line she made it clear that Side A is a woman owned business and she brought the vibes. Aight coo shorty I see you. I am going to go ahead and validate that Side A is a vibe. No lie. Chef's kiss. Speaking of a kiss to the chef... Parker be fuqn shit up in that kitchen. BTW, Parker is the co-founder, husband and chef. He brings the other reason why we would show up there, food. I heard about the cheese burger made with goat cheese and a nice side of bone marrow. Say Less. That damned thang was decadent. What made it better is that, Parker understood the assignment ; he wanted to make sure that we had an amazing experience and pulled our entrees from the available quantities so not to sell out while we were ordering. Not to mention, how personable and engaging he was with us and his staff. Good times.... Speaking of Good Times we learned that they are originally from Chicago and here they are. Growing up in SF, I remember it not being too much going on in that part of Potrero besides General Hospital and BlowFish. That part. Gawd, I am aging myself. I am a big fan of restaurants that only have a few items on the menu with subtle seasonal rotations because you know that food is going to be hella good evr'y time. This is probably my most important observation of the evening, and that is what restaurant have you gone to that has a bidet pronounced bdā in the restroom. Hm, yeeaah about that. You know what I always say, don't take my word go check it out for yourself. Chow for now! read more
Side A had been on my shortlist to visit for a while after I came across a post about it, and I finally had the chance to check it out with a friend on a weekday. The available reservation options were outside of peak dinner hours, so we ended up meeting for an early dinner (I think they had just opened for the evening). It wasn't too busy when we arrived, but it definitely filled up by peak dinnertime. It was a beautiful day to start with a light, refreshing glass of wine before sharing everything family-style. We ordered: - Bone marrow with onion jam and bread - Gnocchi with short rib - Black cod Everything was excellent. The gnocchi was a bit on the heavier side, but it paired nicely with the lightness of the cod, making for well-balanced mains. Beyond the food, I really enjoyed the atmosphere. The space had a cool vibe, and the staff were friendly and happy to offer recommendations when we weren't sure what to order on this first visit. There are still a few things I'd love to come back and try. The garbage salad with pork belly caught my eye, but we couldn't fit it in this time. We also skipped dessert because we wanted to walk off the meal a bit (lol), so that's another good excuse to plan a return visit :) read more
Delicious flavors, creative, unique an all around balanced meal we had the other night. My friend coined it say " its very of the times" kind of place. small, trendy, crowded, musical , modern. They seem to have it all, including good service. Most importantly the food was executed with attention to detail. Tasty dishes that were super well rounded, good sized and fresh. I highly recommend trying at least once! read more
Absolutely fantastic in every way! After hearing about this place online, I realized it's just a few steps from my house and therefore a must-try. I'm very glad I did! When we arrived, we were greeted by some awesome music being spun by their DJ, lending a really great vibe to the whole experience, and it was almost like having dinner and a show. The food was so great. Everything we tried was delicious! I definitely recommend the gnocchi entree. The gnocchi were pillowy and there was a healthy amount of meat as well. The garbage salad was also delicious! I liked the dressing but could have used just a touch more of it. For dessert we sampled the carrot cake and it was also great but so huge that we had to take some home. The service was also good; everyone was prompt and friendly. We will definitely be back soon, and if I like it as much the second time this will definitely become one of my new local neighbourhood go-to spots! read more
For over a year, side A has been consistently booked, and I finally understand why. It's an all-around terrific dining experience. It starts with the staff; they're extremely friendly as soon as you step foot into the restaurant. The star of the show was the short rib gnocchi for sure. I also really enjoyed the bone marrow and butter beans. Don't even get me started with the carrot cake.... Phenomenal! It's the first time in a while I felt like I got my money's worth in SF. read more
Came here for a bday dinner and the staff was sure to make it special! We were able to snag a late night reservation 8:30pm and enjoy. They recommend sharing plates, our party of 4 was able to share 3 apps and 2 entrees as well as cake for dessert. Of the dishes the standouts were the bone marrow and the chicken cutlet. The bone marrow was fatty, juicy and paired perfectly with the caramelized onions. The slight sweetness highlighted the marrow nicely! The chicken cutlet was a pretty large portion, it was crispy with the perfect amount of breading. I will say this was a pretty mustard heavy dish. I found the sauce to be quite overpowering but still enjoyed the dish! The carrot cake is practically a mini cake. We were all able to enjoy and slice for dessert. The cake itself was moist however it was on the sweeter side. I wish the cream cheese frosting was a bit more tart to balance the sweetness. Overall a great place for drinks with immaculate and attentive staff! read more
18 days ago
Fun atmosphere with a dj playing good tunes. Tried the garbage salad and the chicken cutlet based on reviews and had enough to bring home some of both. They were both tasty with some unique flavors and hearty portions. Mostly an Italian wine list probably how they make their money because it's hard to know what they are, we tried 4 different glasses, including the house red and white which were fine. Wish they had soft serve at night but apparently they are only offering it during the day when it is a coffee shop. We weren't in the mood for a big cake carrot or chocolate but it looked good. Hope to be back to try some of the other items on the menu. read more
11 months ago
The burger with bone marrow was life-changing. 10/10. I kept thinking about it so much that I made another res 2 weeks later... sadly, it was not on the menu. Hopefully it's not gone forever - if it's on the menu the day you go, you must order it!! Soft Serve, Garbage Salad, and Halibut were good. Short Rib Gnocchi was a bit too salty for my taste. read more
I've been wanting to check out Side A after seeing so much on social media to hype up this new restaurant in the Mission and managed to find a reservation for Friday dinner. I came with a friend and we ended up sharing what I would call an excellent girl dinner. I was disappointed that they didn't have the famous burger with roasted bone marrow and their ice cream machine was down so no Coffee Movement ice cream either. We shared: - A bottle of Lambrusco: My favorite sparkling variety, they don't offer it as a glass so we split a bottle which was perfect for a warm summer day. - Garbage Salad: We got the salad after seeing it almost on every table and it was such a good choice. The fried pork belly is delicious and I loved how nicely the lettuce was dressed. A perfect start to the meal. - Short Rib Gnocchi: Really nice comforting sauce and the gnocchi was nicely pan-fried but the short rib itself was a bit dry and didn't add a lot of flavor to the dish itself. - Carrot Cake: This may have been our favorite bite, the carrot cake is perfectly moist with a great cream cheese frosting that wasn't too sweet or heavy. The cream cheese could have been more tart but I loved the walnuts and coconut shaving on top. While it's pricey for a dessert, it's definitely large enough to share between 3-4 people and a great sweet treat to take home. Service was friendly and prompt but not quite a stand-out as some articles and reviews have suggested. The ambiance is interesting as it's loud from the music and talking in a small space but the food is pricey for a casual neighborhood restaurant so it's difficult to say what crowd this would be tailored for. read more
1 year ago
Have been hearing so much about this spot, so I was super excited to come! Reservations are hard to come by, and they have a strict cancellation deadline of 2 days before, so just be aware of that! I was only able to change my reservation time over the phone. We came at 9pm on a Thursday and it was super bustling even later in the evening. The restaurant was pretty full the whole time. They had a DJ playing some vinyls the whole night which was a nice vibe, and the service was pretty good despite the mixed reviews I've heard. My water was refilled often and our dishes came out in a pretty timely manner (even offering to box up the salad since we didn't finish it before we got to the mains). The food was good but nothing I'd come back for, but I'm curious to try other things on the menu. The salad components didn't feel like they 100% belonged together. The risotto was good but a little too spicy for us. Short rib gnocchi was also tasty (good gnocchi texture) but wine flavor was a bit too strong for me. Carrot cake was delicious though! Their soft serve machine was broken which was unfortunate but I'm also glad we got to try the carrot cake because it was sooo good. It is a pretty big portion which is why it's more expensive ($20). read more
All around phenomenal. From the moment we walked in to the minute we left. Service was exceptional and everything we ate BOMB! Short rib gnocchi! Burger! Artichoke dip! Ice cream ofc! Music was a vibe. Sunday was a chill day. Had open seats at bar. read more
7 months ago
Was able to do walk in at 5 pm on a Sunday, got a really nice seating right next to the chefs counter. Great service, really like the house red wine. We got the garbage salad -- wasn't a huge fan of the blue cheese, but really enjoyed the candied walnuts. We got the short rib gnocchi and chicken cutlet for entres. Both were good, but the gnocchi was a bit too rich/salty for my personal taste. Big fan of the carrot cake. read more
Instant new favorite and such a good new dinner restaurant in the neighborhood. The sidewalk seating is perfect, service is genuinely friendly, and the whole place has great energy with vinyl records playing. Short rib gnocchi is a must order and the crab risotto is just as good. Must save room for at least a bite of the star of the menu: the carrot cake. One of the owners said it's even better leftover the next day with coffee -- can confirm, sooo good! Btw also love that it turns into a coffee shop with The Coffee Movement on weekday mornings. read more
3 months ago
Went here for a date night, and it exceeded every expectation! From the moment we walked in, the entire staff was warm, welcoming, and genuinely fun--they made the whole experience even better. We ordered the garbage salad, shrimp, fries, and gnocchi, and every single dish was outstanding. We paired everything with the house white wine, which was the perfect complement. The real surprise, though, was the chocolate cake. It completely stole the show! Everyone around us seemed to be ordering the carrot cake (which looked incredible), but don't overlook the chocolate cake--it was one of the best desserts I've had in a long time. To top it all off, the DJ created such a great atmosphere and made the night even more memorable. This was easily one of the best dining experiences I've had in San Francisco in a long time. I can't wait to come back. Go support this place! read more
Side - A is one of those rare gems that nails ambiance, food, and service all in one go! Though gotta say, it's a bit pricey, but I get it. From the moment we walked in, the vibe was effortlessly cool - warm lighting, stylish yet unpretentious decor, and a welcoming energy that made us feel like we'd stumbled into a neighborhood favorite. There are not too many restaurants that plays vinyl! Overall perfect for a dinner with friends or a unique dinner date. It is small, everything is a bit tight, but that adds to the energy, and you'll feel it! Although, it was a bit hot and smokey inside - there is opportunity for ventilation to be better. Now, let's talk food. The menu strikes that perfect balance between comfort and creativity. We had the fried squid, gnocchi, and the halibut. Fried squid is worth skipping. Gnocchi was delicious - more please! The star of the night was the halibut, cooked absolutely spot-on - moist and flaky with the perfect sear. It was served atop a beautifully composed plate that balanced flavor and texture, and some chili crisp (I think)! Super unique. Overall, you can tell real thought and care goes into each dish - from the curated ingredients to the bold, unexpected flavor combinations. The service was equally impressive - friendly without being overbearing, knowledgeable about both the food and drink menus, and genuinely excited to share what makes Side A special. It really feels like a place run by people who love food and community. Reservation highly recommended. read more
4 months ago
Love love this place. The vibe, the staff, the food. They make salads like it is nobody's business. The gnocchi is literally pillows of heaven. I love that it's in my 'backyard.' Will be back again and again ! read more
1 year ago
This is one of those tough reservations to get these days, another hot spot. I'm thinking it's a hot spot because the chef of Aphotic left and started this place? (We loved Aphotic back when it was still open!) anyway, my husband somehow snagged a 2-person reservation on a Friday night. We arrived on time for our 5:30pm reso on Friday night. Music was blasting, funk music, that was extremely loud (have to shout to your dining partner) but a fun way (for some) to get your weekend started. However, I thought the music was way too loud, and actually a bit overwhelming for my taste. Our table was a tiny, cramped table for 2. The whole restaurant was cramped though, tables with barely any room between to get through before sitting down, barely any headroom if your daughter has dropped her crayon and you need to pick it up, barely any room to put a diaper bag in between tables on banquette seating. We ordered the Garlic French fries, Shrimp, Artichoke Dip, Gnocchi with short rib, and Halibut with gigante beans. The Shrimp was good, and garlic fries good, but generally everything was just okay. The artichoke dip was too rich. The short rib in the gnocchi tasted dry. I just didn't see what the hype was about. Nothing seemed unique, or particular fresh ingredients that blow your mind away. One piece of the halibut did taste fishy, but the other pieces were fine. Actually the stand out favorite dish was the Carrot Cake, which had amazing cream cheese frosting (not too sweet or heavy), which paired nicely with the crispy bits of walnut and I think coconut bits. It was $18 for a mini cake - very pricy, but delicious, and we did take home some leftovers (just for our dignity, my husband could've finished it on the spot). I will say that I loved their Heath Ceramic dinnerwear. Nice touch. Also, there was an article run the day before in the Chronicle about how Side A had terrific service, exceptional, how they treat you as if you're members of their family. We did not experience this amazing service. Yes, the service was good, but just as good as any other restaurant - nothing stand out. Not sure why they would write a whole article to highlight this. No special accommodations for our toddler either. He called the day before and asked if we could get a slightly larger spot since we'd have our toddler daughter joining us. They said yes, but when we arrived, we still got a cramped 2-top table squashed between those tables I described above. I wasn't expecting anything special for our daughter, but somehow was, since an article was run about how hospitable they are to all their customers. I'm not terribly excited to return, although I think perhaps if we ordered different menu items, we would have had a slightly different experience. The food itself was underwhelming, and the ambiance was overwhelming (way too noisy and loud, cramped tables). What a weird combo. It'll be a hard sell for me to return. read more
Oh man, this is a hard one to write. First off, I appreciate the intended aesthetic but the music was so loud I had a hard time carrying on a conversation with my party and my ears were ringing by the time we left. On the upside, the service was decent and wait staff was nice. The food was way too salty. Yes, I expect things to be seasoned but definitely dial back the aggressive use of salt. I felt as if I needed to drink a gallon of water upon returning home. I totally get the intended vibe and food they're going for, but overall the execution was average for SF. And, I've spent a good amount of time in the Midwest and nothing really was quintessentially midwestern except the carrot cake. The best bite was the soft serve. read more
1 year ago
Dinner parties. To me, they can be hella awkward. Especially when you're an introvert and feel pressured to engage in convos. IDK about you but I'm just here for the free food and alkie. J/k! Enter Side A. Dinner party vibes without the awkwardness. Come with a date, a couple of friends (you want to be with), or come solo to sit at the bar...the owners will make you feel like you're at their home dinner party with private chefs. Side A took over Universal Café and is from a husband-wife team. Caroline DJ's in front and welcomes guests in, while Chef Brown (defunct Michelin-starred Aphotic) and his team are churning out delicious elevated comfort food. Currently, it's walk-in only with rezzies starting 5/15/25. We arrived at 4:45 pm on their first day and it was about 2.5 hour wait for counter seating so we hit up several bars to kill time. Trick Dog and True Laurel are just around the corner. There's indoor and outdoor seating. For now, outdoor seating are drinks only, no food is served. M E N U Midwestern cuisine through a California lens. Small menu of about 20 items: starters, entrees, sides, and dessert. Beer and wine only. During the daytime, they operate as The Coffee Movement with coffee and donuts (8 am - 1 pm). Brunch to come in Mid-July. F O O D * Shrimp w/ chili vinaigrette, acme pain de mie ($38): https://tinyurl.com/2nrz8cz2 Half a dozen head on shrimp served over toasted bread. The shrimp had good flavor with a tang tho a touch overdone and I was hoping for more heat. Regardless, it was tasty esp with the bread soaking up the the buttery vinaigrette. * Gnocchi w/ short rib, giardiniera, liwa ($32): https://tinyurl.com/245pbkm7 Fav dish of the night and their signature dish, the parisian-style gnocchi were pan-seared, pillowy soft served with meltingly tender short ribs. Nice creamy tang from the liwa goat cheese and acidic bite from the italian relish. It's quite a hearty dish so I would share this. * Cheeseburger w/ smoked bone marrow, red onion jam, acme sesame bun, fries ($33): https://tinyurl.com/2be2f2th - Requested medium rare (default: medium): https://tinyurl.com/4vkxxkpe Tired of smash burgers? Then, Side A's cheeseburger is for you. Spoon the beef butter (bone marrow) onto the patty AND dig in. The thicc beef patty had a nice sear and was perfectly medium rare and juicy. The bone marrow added a buttery indulgence with the tangy goat cheese and acidic onion jam cutting through the richness. The toasted bun maintained its structural integrity while still being soft. Served with crunchy straight cut fries, aioli, ketchup, and beef jus. S E R V I C E Awesome hospitality from the owners and staff (thanks, Eric for accommodating us). Caroline was very welcoming, shaking guests hands and introducing herself. Asked if we had any music requests and even offered TT treats. For being a full house and their first night, food service was pretty prompt. A M B I A N C E Minimalist with custom DJ booth with premium sound system, vinyl record lined walls, and open kitchen. Soul and funk playing. Small dining room with about seven tables and six counter seats. Two café tables outside. P A R K I N G Really challenging street parking. Overall, Side A is off to an great start. If you're into hip, Japanese style hi-fi listening bars and/or a low-key fun place serving top-notch, elevated comfort food, Side A will be your jam. read more
10 months ago
I was a little disappointed by this place. Why? It comes down to the food. Nothing stood out, most things felt under seasoned, and no dish was "special". You're truly coming for the ambiance (I love me a good wine bar that plays live vinyls), pretty decent service (everyone was so nice and courteous), and for the ice cream (that soft serve was the redeeming dish of the entire meal). I wanted to love this place so much because of the modern, hip feel, but I ended up very disappointed with the food. Hopefully the are able to iron out the kinks and really beef up the food in the future. read more
9 months ago
Delicious food and a great experience all around. A friend visiting from NYC said this place is constantly popping up on his social media (he used to live in SF), so we had to check it out. We ordered the chicken katsu, short rib gnocchi, and the "garbage salad." The katsu was fried perfectly, the short rib was incredibly tender, but the real standout was the salad--radicchio, pickled green beans, and perfectly fried pork belly came together in a way that was unexpectedly amazing. Alston was our server and he was both warm and attentive throughout the meal. We'll definitely be back. read more
I came on a Saturday evening as a walk in and was seated within 30ish min! We ordered the bone marrow, delicate squash and hanger steak. The bone marrow was rich and came with milk toast. I would've preferred a different type of bread because the milk toast + bone marrow felt too rich for me. The delicata squash came as a cold dish and I would've preferred it hot. The herbs and dressing made the dish taste fresh. The curly fries that came with the steak were soo good and the steak was cooked perfectly. We got the soft serve for dessert which was the perfect size. Service was great and I liked the ambiance of the place. The prices felt a bit high for the portion sizes. Worth a try! read more
2 months ago
3 months ago
Stopped in without a reservation and lucky enough to get a table outside right away. Come early as many people were waiting quite awhile after we were seated or make a reservation. It's adorable inside and love all the vinyl and decor. We tried the fried squid to start, the burger and gnocchi for entrees, and coffee soft serve for dessert. The squid was lightly battered, well balanced with the garlic aioli and the tomato chow chow underneath. Not exactly sure what tomato chow chow is but it had some tomato under the squid that had an almost pickled/spicy tones. It was so good and the flavors went so well together. The gnocchi was nicely browned and the beef was so tender. The sauce was so rich and delicious. The burger was amazing. I loved the cheese along with the aioli and bone marrow for such good flavors. The fries had good texture and loved the beef jus, aioli, and ketchup options to dip. The coffee soft serve was so creamy and nice way to end the meal. Left incredibly full and would definitely come back. Service was on point and everyone was so friendly. read more
4 months ago
I had a really great experience at Side A! From the moment I stepped in, I was warmly welcomed and shown to the table (even though I arrived 30 mins early!). Everything on the menu looked delicious. I opted for the kale salad and gnocchi. The kale salad was probably the best I've ever had! I loved the portion size, to really enjoy the flavors. The gnocchi was also absolutely delicious. I loved the mix of the short rib with the goat cheese. I personally would've opted out of the pickled veggies because generally I'm not a huge fan but they seemed to complement the dish well. For dessert, I got the soft serve twist to try the flavors and they did not disappoint! I'll be back soon! I really liked the atmosphere, the energy and whole vibe of this place read more
10 months ago
First (and most certainly NOT last!) time to Side A. I was able to get an 8pm Monday reservation, and wow was it packed! As soon as we walked in, we were kindly greeted and checked in by Eric (Erik?). The vibes matched my expectation of the space from the photos I've seen online. There was great energy in the restaurant, especially for a Monday. We were promptly sat, and were given a rundown of the menu and the menu's goals. The menu is revolving from what it seems, and it looked as if they always have a vegetarian option on the menu. I went with the mushroom risotto as my entree and my buddy went with the short rib gnocchi. We also shard the cheese fries (curly fries). Everything came out at perfect temps and our food held temp throughout dinner, which is always a huge plus. Portions really filled us up, but we HAD to order the carrot cake, as the phots of it looked amazing. This was pretty much a whole cake, not a slice of a cake! We both ate half of our portions and took the other half to go. I have been looking for a place for a while that would replace my former go-to place (Fat Angel, closed in 2019) regarding ambiance, food, staff, and overall vibes. I think Side A might be the one to fill that void! Looking forward to my next experience here! read more
1 year ago
Food: Garbage Salad - 8.5/10, loved the candied walnuts and the warm pork belly pieces. Cheese fries - 9/10, woah tons of flavor with the caramelized onions and chili crisp. Almost felt Asian inspired. Dip each fry in the garlic aioli for the perfect bite. Wish the fries were a bit more crispy though. Chicken cutlet - 8/10, well executed with a thin breaded chicken cutlet in a creamy macadamia nut sauce with herbs on top. Big portion size! Coffee Movement Ice Cream - 9.5/10, we loved this! The coffee flavor was strong and paired nicely with the light orange blossom flavor which brightened things up. Small portion but enough to share after a hefty meal. Vibe: There was a DJ spinning vinyl tracks during dinner Friday night and it was a vibe. We sat on the patio and the volume was perfect but can see how it can be a bit too loud inside. Service: All the staff members were super friendly. :) They are super busy and stretched thin though so you'll likely need to flag someone down if you need something as they don't check in on the table that frequently. read more
5 months ago
Page 1 of 3
More info about Side A
2814 19th St
San Francisco, CA 94110
Mission
Directions
Visit Website
http://sideasf.com
Hours
Payment methods
Food & Alcohol
Indoor Amenities
Outdoor Amenities
Other Amenities
From the Business
More Info
Health Score
