Happy almost 2023! You’ve probably already set plenty of lofty goals for yourself in the form of healthy resolutions and low-calorie meal plans. But let’s face it, if you are rolling into the new year after a long evening of cocktails and champagne toasts, it’s likely you will wake up with one thing on your mind: Food. Whether you’ve partied a little too hard or are just plain hungry, these local restaurants will be open and ready to revive you with hearty dishes.
No need to be too hard on yourself. You can turn over a new leaf on Jan. 2.
Tommy’s Joynt
Tenderloin
This 75-year-old neighborhood gem is the holy grail of comfort food. Grab a tray and make your way through an array of fresh carved meats, including turkey, ham, brisket, pastrami and roast beef. You can pack it into a warm sandwich or plate it with sides like mashed potatoes, pasta, green salad and more. It is also known to have one of the largest selections of imported beers in the city, in case you want to keep the party going.
Beep’s Burgers
Ingleside
Straight out of Ingleside, Beep’s Burgers has been loved and respected by the greater Bay Area since 1962. Its simple yet delicious selection of burgers, fries and milkshakes is sure to bring you back to life.
Spice Jar
Mission
If you’re in the mood for Pho-Ga, the Vietnamese chicken noodle soup, or Shu-Mai dumplings, this casual outer Mission bistro serving Asian fusion family style will do the trick. Try its “Laksa,” a rice noodle dish in a coconut curry broth with shrimp, chicken, tofu and bean sprouts. Its signature “Spice Jar Fried Rice” and seven-spiced salmon with green raita and edamame brown rice is also delicious.
Just for You Cafe
Dogpatch
You could easily get lost while perusing the menu of this popular Dogpatch cafe, which, like its namesake, has something for everyone. Breakfast items include eggs with sides, pancakes and French toast. There are also New Orleans-themed favorites like beignets and Mexican-inspired dishes, such as huevos rancheros. Another plus: All of its bread is made in-house.
Tastebuds
Inner Richmond
This family-owned restaurant located in the Richmond District doesn’t beat around the bush. “The Hangover Helper,” featuring chorizo over roasted potatoes, scrambled eggs, cheddar cheese, green onions and a side of toast, has everything you need to recover from a big night out. It also offers corned-beef hash, fried chicken, waffles and cinnamon french toast. Feeling like something a bit lighter? It has fruit and veggie smoothies as well.
Emmy’s Spaghetti Shack
Bernal Heights
If you are craving spaghetti and meatballs topped with parmesan and parsley, then this is the place for you. Other pasta options include the Prawn Habanero Risotto and Orecchiette Alfredo. And the garlic bread is a must—unless, of course, you are trying to avoid a complete carb overload. In that case, go for the zoodles or a salad. Emmy’s also serves plant-based meatballs for the vegans in your crew.
Sweet Maple
Lower Pacific Heights
Known for its famous Millionaire’s bacon, this popular brunch spot provides a unique twist of classic breakfast items, like its “Big Hip Deep Fried French Toast” and Souffle Egg Skillets.
Cha Cha Cha
Upper Haight
Seafood paella, steamed mussels in saffron broth, cajun shrimp in a spicy creamy sauce and jerk chicken with habanero peppers are among the things you’ll find at this Haight Street tapas restaurant, which has been feeding hungry patrons since 1984. It is also widely known for its house-made Sangria, if you want to go another round.
El Farolito
North Beach
There’s no pressure to be an early riser when it comes El Farolito. This popular taqueria stays open late. Whether you decide to order enchiladas, tacos, a burrito or a Suiza quesadilla, know that the portion will be worth your money and the wait.
The Old Clam House
Bayview
A shot of warm clam juice may not be the first thing you’d think about gulping down after a night of drinking. But sometimes you’ve just got to trust the wisdom of your elders. The Old Clam House lays claim to the title of oldest restaurant in San Francisco, and that’s how it likes to kick off its meals. The menu boasts a mix of Italian and seafood comfort dishes, like clam chowder, cioppino, linguini and lasagna. With Dungeness crab in season, you could also order an entire crab or have it toss some of that buttery white meat on top of its Bigoli pasta.
Panchita’s #2
Mission
Pupusas are like a magic hangover-curing elixir—just one bite, and your headache is history! This low-key, family-owned restaurant located in the Mission District has been serving traditional Salvadoran cuisine since 1989. The menu features a variety of pupusas, filled with your choice of chicken, beef or pork. It has vegetarian options, such as beans, zucchini, basil and spinach, as well.
The Front Porch
Bernal Heights
The “Stoner Stack,” a biscuit sandwich with fried chicken breast, a fried egg, cheddar cheese, bacon and homemade sausage gravy, is one of many comfort food options on the menu of this Cajun and Southern-themed restaurant on the outskirts of Bernal Heights. You can also order dishes like the Blue Crab Etouffee, spicy shrimp and grits or fried pickles.
Boogaloos
Mission
The options are plentiful at Boogaloos, but the cool thing about this restaurant is that for almost every dish there is a vegan alternative. For example, the “Boogaloo Classic”—which features two eggs of any style, a homemade biscuit and home fries smothered in vegetarian herb cream and green onions—can be ordered with a tofu scramble.
Marufuku Ramen
Japantown
Nothing says comfort like a bowl of ramen. Located in the heart of Japantown, this contemporary restaurant offers bowls of ramen with an umami-rich broth and perfectly textured noodles. The menu has a variety of options, from its signature Hakata-style Tonkotsu ramen to its creamy white chicken paitan ramen. Plus, you can pair it all with some delicious izakaya-style appetizers and a cold beer or sake.
Original Joe’s Westlake
Daly City
The trip to Daly City is worthwhile for authentic Italian American cuisine. Westlake Joe’s has been an anchor restaurant here since 1954, serving large portions of steaks, chops, veal, chicken and fish dishes. Each main course comes with mashed potatoes, ravioli, spaghetti, fries or a mixed sautéed vegetable side.
The Cheesesteak Shop
Pacific Heights
With a yellow awning that reads “Caution: May Be Habit Forming,” this shop takes pride in being one of San Francisco’s first authentic Philly cheesesteak eateries since 1982. If you prefer your sandwich traditional, order a classic cheesesteak, which comes with sirloin steak or chicken topped with provolone cheese, grilled onions and peppers. If you want to take it to the next level, order the ingredients over fries or choose one of its other signature hoagies.