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Heading to an SF Sketchfest show? The 18th annual comedy festival — which runs from Jan. 10 to 27 at venues throughout San Francisco — will descend on several theaters and venues in and around the Mission district. And that’s great news for you, because the Mission’s one of the best restaurant neighborhoods in the city.
Whether you’re walking or hopping in an Uber, here are five delicious dining destinations near the Brava Theater Center, Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, The Chapel, Swedish American Music Hall and The Castro Theatre. Best of all? These eateries accept reservations.
Foreign Cinema
The ever-evolving Cal-Med menu. Those memorable movie screenings. That legendary brunch. Foreign Cinema is still one of the hottest dinner and drinks spots in the Mission, with a menu that is thoughtful and fresh: Think shareable Urban Picnic nibbles ($6-$17), like Monterey Bay Calamari with Oaxacan mole rojo and tasty Premiere small plates ($9-$18), including Beef Sirloin Carpaccio with Burgundy truffle sauce. Save room for stunning Features ($23-$60) — or entrees — like Madras Curry Fried Chicken with cardamom honey ($26). Roll credits, please.
Details: Open from 5:30 p.m. daily at 2534 Mission St., San Francisco; http://foreigncinema.com
Mission Chinese
Even before Martha Stewart patted her belly in praise, Bay Area diners knew that the chow mein and broccoli beef brisket at Mission Chinese would become cult favorites. Elevate your experience with chef Danny Bowien’s truly unique eats, like fried Westlake Lamb Dumplings ($9), Thrice-Cooked Bacon and Rice Cakes with sweet tofu skin and bitter melon ($17), and the spit-roasted, dry-fried General Tso’s Veal Rib. Don’t forget an order — no, make it two — of spicy Mongolian Long Beans ($15).
Details: Open from 5:30 p.m. daily (and 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Thursday-Monday) at 2234 Mission St., San Francisco; www.missionchinesefood.com
Tartine Manufactory
Sure, you can brave the lines at Tartine Bakery on Guerrero Street. We say, head east a dozen blocks instead to this 5,000-square-foot mammoth of exposed concrete and raw leather. Inside, choose where to eat: Will it be the bakery, ice cream shop or restaurant? If you choose the latter, tuck into Five-Spiced Duck with peanut butter miso hoisin ($20) or perhaps the daily soup, which may be, say, winter squash with celery root, apple and fennel ($12). Wash it down with a Quince Collins ($13) or Fig Leaf Pina Colada ($16) and be grateful for the leg-and-elbow room.
Details: Open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily at 595 Alabama St., San Francisco; www.tartinebakery.com/san-francisco/manufactory
Limon Rotisserie
There’s nothing quite like authentic Peruvian ceviche and Pisco sours before a show. Luckily, Limon has two Mission District locations within a mile of each other, so there’s plenty of lime-cured fish to go around. Add an order of home-made, steaming empanadas ($8.95 for two; Carne and Veggie are our faves) and if you’re still hungry, opt for a shareable half rotisserie chicken ($20), which is marinated, cooked over open-flame and served with ají amarillo huacatay sauce and two sides. Papas fritas, natch.
Details: Open from 11:30 a.m. daily at 524 Valencia St. and 1001 S. Van Ness Ave., both in San Francisco; www.limonrotisserie.com
Dosa on Valencia
This California-inspired South Indian eatery has a fantastic weekday happy hour from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the bar, where you can score an R&D ($9), the bartender’s latest concoction, or glass of wine for $8. Soak them up with a Pappadum & Chutney Sampler ($4) or masala-rubbed, Slow Cooked Lamb Ribs (half rack, $15; full, $25). Grabbing a table for dinner? Feast on dosas and uttapams, like the Classic Masala Dosa with mashed and spiced potatoes ($12) or the Organic Mushroom and Arugula Uttapam with curry leaves ($16). Lots of dairy-, nut-, gluten- and egg-free options, too. Details: Hours vary. 995 Valencia St., San Francisco; www.dosasf.com
