Best Southern American Restaurants in The Castro

133 restaurants available nearby

1. Frances

4.8

Exceptional(3642)

Price: Very Expensive

• Southern american • Castro

Booked 22 times today

Frances, nestled in the vibrant Castro neighborhood of San Francisco, is a contemporary American gem where culinary creativity shines. Chef Melissa Perello presents a menu that epitomizes modern California cuisine, focusing on fresh, local ingredients sourced from neighboring markets, farms, and producers. The restaurant, named after Perello’s grandmother, encapsulates a fusion of refined yet comfortable sensibilities in both its food and decor. Guests rave about dishes like "the best gnocchi we’ve had anywhere" and the "flawlessly cooked" pork chop. With reviews praising its "creative dishes and wonderful wine pairings," Frances stands out as a top destination for those seeking a stellar dining experience. The ambiance is described as "cozy and elegant," making it perfect for any occasion, from casual dinners to special celebrations.

2. Starbelly

4.5

Awesome(1560)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • Castro

Booked 35 times today

Starbelly in The Castro, San Francisco, is a haven for California Comfort food enthusiasts. Praised for its "excellent brunch" and "wonderful restaurant for California cuisine," Starbelly shines with its vibrant, urban vibe and a charming garden patio that enhances every dining experience. Guests rave about the "amazing food," from the Margarita Pizza to the creatively delicious French toast, and the lively ambiance that accompanies it. The positive feedback doesn't stop there, with diners highlighting the "attentive and awesome" staff and the consistently "fresh, flavorful, and fabulous" meals. Whether it's the praised chicken with waffles or the fresh oysters, Starbelly stands out as a top choice for authentic and heartwarming comfort food in a fun and inviting setting.

3. Fable - SF

4.7

Exceptional(2170)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • Castro

Booked 21 times today

Nestled in the vibrant Castro neighborhood of San Francisco, Fable - SF epitomizes the spirit of Californian cuisine with its fresh, seasonal offerings and a delightful garden patio setting. Recognized for serving "the best brunch in town," this charming spot impresses with its innovative dishes that showcase California's rich produce. Patrons rave about the experience, noting the "beautiful, sunny SF patio" and "spectacular food and drinks." With glowing reviews like "the food is always good and the service too…there is nothing quite like sitting in the back patio," Fable - SF stands out as a quintessential destination for those seeking authentic and high-quality Californian dining in a picturesque outdoor setting.

4. Blind Butcher

4.5

Awesome(485)

Price: Expensive

• Southern american • Castro

Booked 33 times today

Blind Butcher in The Castro, San Francisco, is a beacon of Contemporary American cuisine, offering a symphony of flavors that delight and surprise. Nestled in a sophisticated yet inviting urban setting, the restaurant boasts a New American menu that skillfully combines hand-cut prime steaks, fresh seafood, and local organic produce. Each dish is crafted with an inventive flair, perfectly balancing diverse flavors with high-quality ingredients. Diners rave about the culinary experience, with one patron noting, "Everything was FIRE!" and another celebrating the perfect steak and lobster Mac and cheese combo. The Blind Butcher's commitment to quality and its innovative culinary approach make it a must-visit for anyone seeking an exceptional dining experience in San Francisco.

5. Lark

4.4

Awesome(80)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • Castro

Booked 3 times today

Nestled in the vibrant Castro District of San Francisco, Lark is a culinary gem celebrated for its exceptional Mediterranean cuisine, particularly its Greek and Turkish influences. Praised for its "wonderful Turkish and Kurdish food" and hailed as the "best Mediterranean we've ever had," Lark offers an authentic dining experience that resonates with the rich culinary heritage of Greek Anatolia. Guests are consistently impressed, noting dishes like the Shakshuka and moussaka as highlights, paired perfectly with "delicious cocktails." The warm, inviting atmosphere complements the high-quality, flavorful dishes, making Lark a must-visit for both locals and tourists seeking an unforgettable Mediterranean feast.

6. Cafe Mystique

4.6

Exceptional(32)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • Castro

Booked 5 times today

Cafe Mystique in the vibrant Castro neighborhood of San Francisco is a haven of Contemporary American cuisine, praised for its exquisite and hearty dishes. Known for using fair-trade products sourced from local markets, the restaurant ensures each dish is bursting with authentic flavors. Patrons rave about the "delicious and fresh gourmet food," with standout dishes like the spicy chicken pasta and the perfectly seasoned steak. The consistent high praise extends to the atmosphere and service, described as "immaculate" and "always welcoming." It's no wonder locals deem Cafe Mystique a favorite, with a reviewer exclaiming it's the "best food I have had so far in the Castro." This gem of a restaurant is a must-visit for anyone seeking a top-notch dining experience in San Francisco.

A photo of Castro Indian Restaurant & Bar restaurant

7. Castro Indian Restaurant & Bar

4.6

Exceptional(18)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • Castro

At Castro Indian Restaurant & Bar, located in the vibrant neighborhood of The Castro, San Francisco, you can experience a Cocktail Bar that truly stands out. This establishment is celebrated for its "well thought out cocktail program" and its happy hour featuring "$8 cocktails" that are an "absolute steal." Guests rave about the "really good drinks" and the exceptional service that accompanies them. One patron notes, "I keep coming back for the cocktails," emphasizing the quality and creativity of their offerings. Whether you're winding down after work or looking to start your evening with a bang, Castro Indian Restaurant & Bar promises a cocktail experience that’s as rich in flavor as it is in spirit.

A photo of House of Prime Rib restaurant

8. House of Prime Rib

4.8

Exceptional(15754)

Price: Very Expensive

• Southern american • Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness

Booked 210 times today

House of Prime Rib, nestled in the vibrant Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness neighborhood of San Francisco, is a bastion of exceptional American cuisine, specializing in an unparalleled prime rib experience. Celebrated for its 62-year legacy, this restaurant is a favorite for its "juicy and perfectly cooked" prime rib selections, from the English Cut to the King Henry Cut. Patrons rave about the "tender and flavorful" meat and the classic accompaniments like creamed spinach and Yorkshire pudding, emphasizing that it's not just a meal but an "unforgettable experience." The ambiance, described as energetic and celebratory, perfectly complements the top-notch service and old-school charm, making House of Prime Rib a must-visit for anyone seeking the quintessential American dining experience.

A photo of State Bird Provisions restaurant

9. State Bird Provisions

4.8

Exceptional(3203)

Price: Very Expensive

• Southern american • Western Addition

Booked 73 times today

State Bird Provisions in San Francisco's Western Addition neighborhood offers a truly American dining experience that captures both the spirit and innovation of contemporary American cuisine. Renowned for its unique approach, the restaurant features a dim sum-style service that delivers a parade of creative and seasonal dishes, earning high praise from diners. Guests rave about the "extraordinary place with extraordinarily good food" and the "interesting, seasonal, and well-balanced flavors." The energy and creativity of the menu make every visit a delightful adventure, with standouts like the duck liver mousse and the smoked trout dip. The combination of top-notch service and a lively atmosphere ensures a memorable dining experience that epitomizes the best of American culinary excellence. This gem is a proud testament to the rich, evolving food scene of San Francisco.

10. The Progress

4.9

Exceptional(2443)

Price: Very Expensive

• Southern american • Western Addition

Booked 53 times today

The Progress, located in San Francisco's vibrant Western Addition, is a beacon of Contemporary American cuisine, celebrated for its innovative and locally-sourced dishes. Guests frequently rave about the "beyond amazing" duck and the inventive flavor combinations that make each visit a culinary adventure. With its reputation for "exceptional food and impeccable service," The Progress offers a dynamic dining experience, described by many as "the greatest dinner party ever." It's not just the food that impresses; the cocktails are crafted with creativity, leading one guest to proclaim, "My wife had one of the most creative and delicious drinks she had ever had." Whether it's the warmly recommended small plates or the standout duck, The Progress ensures a memorable and delightful meal with every visit, making it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking the best of Contemporary American dining in San Francisco.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

E
Erin
San Francisco Bay Area •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Prelude is such a gem that we are lucky to have in the Bay Area. In an era where tasting menus can often leave you underwhelmed and needing a slice of pizza at the end, Prelude did the exact opposite. While I did opt for the caviar supplement and added on the sweetbreads dish from the ala carte menu, even without the extras I still would have left full to the brim. Some can’t miss dishes are the stuffed chicken wing, the catfish dumplings, the aforementioned sweetbreads, and the pork chop. The service was warm, friendly, and attentive, and I found the by the glass wine options superb- I was particularly fond of a pour of a very special 1996 Chenin Blanc with dessert. I look forward to returning to Prelude again and again.
More info
PreludePrice: Expensive• Californian• Financial District / Embarcadero
•
4.6
L
Laura
San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
4.0
Dined 3 days ago
First time at Hard Knox Cafe. We chose it because of the reviews and its proximity to the Legion of Honor. We met my niece and nephew and the staff was very accomodating of guest arriving at different times. The food arrived quickly and was very hot which was terrific. The portions are very generous and we had dinner the next night on the leftovers. The food was flavorful without being spicy. We ordered fried chicken dinner with yam fries and salad; ribs with corn and coleslaw; spicy fried chicken with collard greens and another vegetable; and a pulled pork sandwich with fries. We all enjoyed our food and will definitely be returning.
More info
Hard Knox Cafe on Clement StreetPrice: Moderate• Regional American (Southern)• Richmond District
•
4.8
J
John
San Francisco Bay Area •3 reviews
5.0
Dined on 14 Nov 2024
Nice blues club (really a night club) that serves southern styled food. Go for the music
More info
Biscuits and BluesPrice: Expensive• Regional American (Southern)• Downtown / Union Square
•
4.7
C
Chadvip
San Francisco Bay Area •7 reviews
5.0
Dined on 7 Nov 2024
Excellent food! Highly recommended. Looking forward to going back.
More info
Hard Knox Cafe on 3rd StreetPrice: Moderate• Regional American (Southern)• Potrero Hill / Dogpatch
•
4.6

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The Castro

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Best Southern American Restaurants in The Castro

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133 restaurants available nearby

1. Frances

2. Starbelly

3. Fable - SF

4. Blind Butcher

5. Lark

6. Cafe Mystique

7. Castro Indian Restaurant & Bar

8. House of Prime Rib

9. State Bird Provisions

10. The Progress

See what locals rave about

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