Retro Diners Trending in San Francisco
A wave of retro-themed diners is sweeping through San Francisco, catering to a demand for classic American comfort food and nostalgic atmosphere. New spots like Goldenette, Hamburguesa Bar, and Chicken Fried Palace are leading the trend.
This trend toward casual, value-driven dining is a notable shift in San Francisco's culinary scene. The city is seeing a rise in more approachable and comforting food concepts, moving away from the dominance of fine dining. This pivot reflects changing consumer preferences and economic factors within the city's restaurant industry. Goldenette, located in the former Toast Eatery space on Polk Street, is a partnership between Toast owner Eddie Naser and Wes Rowe of the popular Wes Burgers 'n' More. The menu focuses on classic diner fare like patty melts, breakfast burritos, and tater tots, all served in a space with a "Millennial pink" aesthetic. SoMa's new Hamburguesa Bar is the creation of Lane Ford and Alvin Luna, who also own the nearby pizzeria Pie Punks. The spot offers a dive bar atmosphere with vintage decor and a menu centered around smashburgers and charbroiled tavern patties, with a deal for a burger, fries, and a beer priced at $23. Chicken Fried Palace in the Mission is helmed by Michelin-starred chef Seth Stowaway, formerly of Osito. He has transitioned from a high-end tasting menu to Southern comfort food, taking over the space previously occupied by WesBurger 'N' More. The menu features dishes like chicken fried steak, buttermilk biscuits, and a "bloomin' onion" with a twist.
