Welcome to the 51st Bay Guardian Best of the Bay! It’s a fantastic celebration of our diverse community. Thanks to everyone who participated in the Readers’ Poll. Here are this year’s winners:
Best Overall Restaurant: Caffe Macaroni
Runners Up: Playa Azul, Original Joe’s
Best Budget Restaurant: Yamo (3406 18th St, SF)
Runners Up: SAJJ Mediterranean, Tu Lan
Best Date Restaurant: Cafe Jacqueline (1454 Grant Ave, SF)
Runners Up: Bix, Front Porch
Best Food Truck: Señor Sisig
Runners Up: El Gallo Giro, El Tonayense
Best Farmers’ Market: Alemany
Runners Up: Ferry Building, Clement Street
Best Vegetarian: Greens
Runners Up: SAJJ Mediterranean, Rad Radish
Best Pizza: The Pizza Place on Noriega
Runners Up: Tony’s Pizza Napoletana, Golden Boy
Best Burrito: La Taqueria
Runners Up: El Farolito, La Corneta
Best Sandwiches: Rhea’s Deli
Runners Up: Molinari’s, Submarine Center
Best Burger: Beep’s Burgers
Runners Up: Lovely’s, Scopo Divino
Best BBQ: 4505 Burgers & BBQ
Runners Up: J&D’s BBQ, Baby Blues
Best Sushi: Ebisu
Runners Up: Shizen, Saru
Best Brunch: Taffi’s
Runners Up: Plow, Wooden Spoon
Best Cafe: Caffe Trieste
Runners Up: Cafe de Casa, Cafe du Soleil
Best Bakery: Arsicault
Runners Up: Arizmendi, Bernal Basket
Best Chocolates: Dandelion
Runners Up: Chocolate Covered, Charles Chocolates
Best Overall Bar: Madrone Art Bar
Runners Up: The Riptide, Royal Cuckoo
Best Dive Bar: Pop’s Bar
Runners Up: El Rio, Bender’s
Best Sports Bar: Rikki’s
Runners Up: Hi Tops, Kezar Pub
Best LGBTQ Bar: El Rio
Runners Up: Oasis, Aunt Charlie’s
Best Wine Bar: Scopo Divino
Runners Up: Etcetera, Blush
This year’s poll highlights the rich food culture in our community. According to a recent survey by the National Restaurant Association, 80% of Americans love trying local eateries. This growing trend emphasizes the connection people feel with their neighborhoods. Cultivating support for these local businesses helps keep our community vibrant and unique. Let’s continue to celebrate and uplift our favorite spots!