Looking for somewhere new to eat? We’ve got you covered. Here’s your monthly cheat sheet of five brand-new places that recently opened around town.
Winning for the most colorful new opening, Loló has left its 22nd Street location to open in bigger digs: the former Lot 7 on Valencia. The 65-seat dining room now has two bar areas (including a nine-seat agave bar) and look for a downstairs private dining room to open later this spring. The quirky and cheerful décor by Lorena Zertuche is conversation-worthy, but so is the food from Jorge Martínez, ranging from some old favorites (gotta love that taco tropical!) to new dishes like Dungeness crab croquetas and black mussel and calamari escabèche. There’s also a new cocktail list to explore, good times. Open Mon–Thu 6pm–12am and Fri–Sat 6pm–1am. 974 Valencia St. at 21st St.
Sometimes you just want a tasty sandwich for lunch, and don’t want to drop more than $10, but you still want some quality ingredients. The corner restaurant at 14th Street and South Van Ness is back in biz with a new team and menu, and while you can get many classic taqueria options, there are some healthier picks too, like the quesadilla California, loaded with kale, butternut squash, sautéed onion, refried beans, fried sweet potato, and sour cream, with nothing over $8. The neighborhood-friendly menu also includes a quarter rotisserie chicken, or a housemade chorizo burger with an egg. Housemade tortillas, check. The interior has been spruced up, you can get organic coffee for $1, a fresh-squeezed juice for $5, and the breakfast burrito is only $4. Deals, baby! Hours are 7am–6pm. 301 S. Van Ness Ave. at 14th St.
Fans of Jeff Krupman’s quality pizzas (you know, the guy who has popped up around town with his FrankenWeber) now has a brick and mortar in La Lengua/Bernal (in the former Inka’s). Grab a seat with your fellow pizza lovers at one of the (indoor) picnic tables, and tuck into his 12-inch pizzas, like one with arugula, lemon, chili paste, and garlic, or pepperoni, olives, and hot peppers (and lovingly homemade tomato sauce). You can also get a big, honking salad, beer, and wine. During this opening month they have been running out of pizza, so don’t get there toooo late or you may have to come up with a plan B. Open Wed–Sat 5pm–10pm, Sun 1pm–9pm. 3299 Mission St. at 29th St.
The former Red Vic Movie House has been converted into this marketplace that functions like a business incubator for five small businesses, including High Cotton Kitchen, a New Orleans-style lunch spot (think gumbo, red beans and rice, po’boys, plus Beauty’s Bagels, and Sightglass coffee) andCommunity Craft, a cooperative bakeshop selling items from nine bakers (with gluten-free options)—don’t miss the butterscotch pudding from Ebbs Bakery and carrot cake from Butter Water Salt Flour. Other vendors include Anda Piroshki, the juice bar RAW, and the spice shop, Spice Hound. Hours vary but this charming spot is open daily. 1727 Haight St. @ Cole.
Anyone who loves brunch, fried chicken and waffles, and cocktails will want to head to this easygoing spot that recently opened in the former 330 Ritch in SoMa. There’s a list of creative craft cocktails (including some larger format options in case you’re with a group), and some good bites to go with them, like deviled eggs with crispy chicken skin and mini burgers. Weekend brunch is a doozy, and here’s the best part: it’s served all day on Sat–Sun, starting at 10am (why hello, big biscuit sandwich). The kitchen is run by the same folks as Little Skillet, so lunch is still available from Little Skillet in the alley Mon–Fri 10:30am–2:30pm, and then inside Victory Hall & Parlor after 4pm. The bar is open daily 12pm–12am. 330 Ritch St. at Townsend.
Marcia Gagliardi is the founder of the weekly tablehopper e-column; subscribe and get more food news and gossip at tablehopper.com. Follow her on Twitter: @tablehopper.
