Indulge in anju, the art of devouring savory Korean snacks with booze.
For all those times you've entered the search phrase "fun dinner," hoping to uncover a hidden gem with cool decor, a hip, energetic vibe, and that's a little off the beaten path, there's Foxsister. Easily hitting all the stipulations, this daringly vibrant neighborhood eatery and bar offers tasty Korean cuisine focused on the tradition of of anju, the practice of eating of spicy, crunchy Korean snacks while sipping on spirits. Expect dishes with explosive flavors like spicy fried chicken, kimchi nacho cheese dip, octopus rice cakes, sticky slow-cooked ribs, simmering hot pots, and savory bulgogi (thin marinated slices of beef) lettuce wraps. The beverages are equally as enticing with a variety of wines, Asian and local beers, and soju-infused slushies in flavors like piña colada and frozé.
The restaurant is inspired by chef and owner Brandon Kirksey's travels through Korea—think bright neon signs, twinkly string lights, paper lanterns and deep red booths. His culinary background includes Flour + Water, The Slanted Door, Jardiniere, and a James Beard Award-nominated Korean steakhouse in Seattle called Girin Ssam Bar. Foxsister is Kirksey's opportunity to bring his experiences full circle, and it shows. Bites are satiating, the drinks are spot on, and the old school hip-hop streaming through the restaurant promises a night of merriment.
A colorful mural montage welcomes you into Foxsister.
Upon entering, you know you've discovered an eclectic neighborhood gem.
Said 'anju' drinking tradition naturally starts with a beverage. Try one of Foxsister's signature soju slushie cocktails like a piña colada, peach daiquiri, watermelon ginger-lime, or froźe.
Start with the mung bean pancake filled with finely-minced spicy ground beef and bean sprouts; topped with a sprinkling of chives and served with a side of salty soy dipping sauce.
This pork fried rice is perfectly seasoned with a red chili paste and topped with all the right fixings -- crunchy scallions, scrambled eggs, and fermented kimchi.
All of the dishes on the menu are meant to be shared family style. The larger main plates offer a range of delicious meats such as bulgogi (thinly sliced pieces of pork), short rib, or pork belly -- all served with leaves of lettuce and Korean condiments to make your own wraps.
The dumplings at Foxsister are delectable—a perfectly chewy noodle encasing a succulent blend of pork and beef.
// 3161 24th St. (Mission), foxsistersf.com.
