UPDATE Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020: At a press conference on Friday, health officers from the counties of Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Santa Clara, San Francisco, and the city of Berkeley announced that the region would proactively enter into the state's most restrictive shutdown since March, closing down outdoor dining and limiting other businesses in much of the area as of Sunday, December 6, SF Eater reports. For Contra Costa, Marin, Santa Clara, SF, and the city of Berkeley, the stay-at-home order will begin on the already-established curfew hour of 10pm Sunday. In Alameda County, it will take effect on Monday, December 7. In Marin County, the order will take effect on Tuesday, December 8. The new restrictions will remain in place across all these counties until January 4, 2021.
All this sheltering in place is basically a San Francisco foodie's nightmare. Sure, there's excellent food available for takeout, but we still want the community of clinking glasses and breaking bread, the atmosphere of our favorite funky neighborhood spots and, of course, there's always something to be said for service.
As of June, restaurants with patios began opening for limited outdoor service. Sidewalks have been converted for table space, and new parklets have popped up to accommodate businesses not previously set up for alfresco dining.
Plus, on September 18th, Mayor London Breed announced the City's move-forward plan for indoor dining, which may resume by the end of the month at 25 percent capacity up to 100 guests. Until then (and maybe even after that because, hey, we're playing it safe), here's where to eat and drink outside in San Francisco.
Where to Eat Outside in The Mission During Covid-19
AL's Place
Listen up. AL's Place is switching from takeout to patio dining for the first time since the pandemic started. This is notoriously one of the toughest reservations in town, so we recommend you reserve your table as soon as possible (up to two weeks in advance). Expect AL's usual veggie-centric fare such as chickpeas a la Catalan, mushroom broth chawanmushi, and those signature brine-pickled fries. The patio opens Thursday, September 24th. // 1499 Valencia St. (Mission), alsplacesf.com
Beretta
Sidewalk seating is open at this perennial favorite spot for innovative cocktails, crusty pizzas, and Dungeness crab arancini. // Open daily, join the waitlist at Yelp; 1199 Valencia St. (Mission), berettasf.com
Curio
Pony up to the big outdoor patio for fresh cocktails, waffle bites, and green shakshuka served with live music Wednesdays through Sundays. // Open for dinner Wednesday through Sunday and brunch Saturday and Sunday; 775 Valencia St. (Mission), curiobarsf.com
Expertly made cocktails and sunshine are the draw at Elda, which is teaming with different local chefs for rotating food pop-ups. // Open Wednesday through Sunday; 3198 16th St. (Mission), eldasf.com
Flour+Water
Cozy up beneath the heat lamps outside this quintessential SF restaurant for wood-fired pizzas and handmade pasta. // Open 5pm to 9pm, Wednesday to Sunday, reservations recommended; 2401 Harrison St. (Mission), flourandwater.com
Easily one of the City's most iconic restaurants with one of its most iconic patios, Foreign Cinema is open for its signature cinematic culinary experiences. Oh how we've missed those organic fruit pop tarts! // 11am to 3pm Saturday and Sunday, dinner on weekdays; 2534 Mission St. (Mission), foreigncinema.com
Lers Ros
You may once again get some of the best Thai food in town at all three Lers Ros locations. // Open daily 11am to 3pm and 5pm to 10pm; 307 Hayes St. (Hayes Valley), 730 Larkin St. (Tenderloin), and 3189 16th St. (Mission), lersros.com
Take advantage of the closed-corridor days on Valencia Streets by heading to the outdoor seating section for this cheese shop and cafe. Choose from wine, beer, and many, many cheeses plus accompaniments for the perfect happy hour spread. // 4pm to 8pm Thursday and Friday, 2pm to 8pm Saturday; 736 Valencia St. (Mission), missioncheese.net
Monk's Kettle
Talk about limited seating: You'll be guaranteed to social distance at one of just four tables, where you can sample from their expert bottle list along with sandwiches and snacks. // Open noon to 10pm daily, reservations available via Yelp; 3141 16th St. (Mission), monkskettle.com
Pizzeria Delfina
For the duration of shelter in place, we've been getting our Pizzeria Delfina fix with takeout. But in mid-November, the 18th Street restaurant opened up a charming new parklet—think string lights, astroturf, and heaters—where we can chow on a Delfina-Pizzeria Delfina hybrid menu along with wine, of course, as well as new cocktails. As per usual, they're accepting walk-ups only—wear your mask and prepare to wait. // Opens at 5pm Tuesday through Sunday, 3611 18th St. (Mission), pizzeriadelfina.com.
There's just one place in SF to get your forks into delish, authentic Guamanian fare, and thanks to its new open-air patio, we're hitting up Prubechu once again. // Open noon to 3pm and 5pm to 9pm Wednesday through Friday, noon to 9pm Saturday, and 11am to 3pm Sunday; 2224 Mission St. (Mission), prubechu.com
Rosamunde Sausage Grill
Oktoberfest isn't cancelled at Rosamunde where, through October 11th, they're serving special festbiers from Bavaria and the Bay Area. Pods of up to six beer lovers can make reservations for a limited time package of six liters of beer, pretzel sticks, grilled sausages or pork schnitzel. Feeling lower key? The regular a la carte menu is still available. // 2832 Mission St. (Mission), rosamundesausagegrill.com
New sidewalk seating means we can enjoy yellowtail tostadas and Glamburgers with a side of sunshine. Bonus points for brunch delivery to Dolores Park! // Open Tuesday through Sunday; 2990 24th St. (Mission), sonsaddition.com
Stable Cafe
Grab a seat on the garden patio for veggie frittatas, lox bagels, and paninis. // Open 8am to 3pm daily, walk-ins only; 2128 Folsom St. (Mission), stablecafe.com
True Laurel
True Laurel offers a smattering of tables along a cute neighborhood block. Come for the cocktails, stay for the oozy patty melt. // Open 4pm to 9pm Wednesday to Friday, 11am to 9pm Saturday and Sunday (brunch till 2pm); 753 Alabama St. (Mission), truelaurelsf.com
Get your brunch on with buttermilk fried chicken, soft scrambled eggs, and french toast at the beloved Universal Cafe. // Open for dinner Friday, Saturday and Sunday plus weekend brunch; 2814 19th St. (Mission), universalcafe.net
Zeitgeist
Get your grilled cheese and bloody fix in the City's iconic beer garden. // Open Wednesday through Sunday; 199 Valencia St. (Mission), zeitgeistsf.com
Where to Eat Outside in SoMa + Mission Bay During Covid-19
54 Mint
When in Rome, er Mint Plaza, indulge in Roman-style suppli, saltimbocca, panini, and pastas—and vino, of course—on the patio at 54 Mint. // Open 5pm to 9pm daily; 16 Mint Plaza (SoMa), 54mint.com
Amber India
Craving Indian food? Amber India downtown will do the trick, especially when paired with happy hour drinks from 5pm to 7pm on weekdays. // Open for dinner daily, lunch Friday through Sunday; 25 Yerba Buena Ln. (SoMa), amber-india.com
If you're looking for grub (think empanadas and quiche) plus good beer, look no further than Black Hammer Brewing. // Open noon to 9pm, Tuesday through Sunday; 544 Bryant St. (SoMa), blackhammerbrewing.com
Gozu-chan
You might remember the opening of Gozu last year, with its melt-in-your mouth wagyu and a nose-to-tail tasting menu. These guys are back with an abbreviated but still divine menu of charcoal-fired eats in a new a Japanese Highball Garden and Robataya. Bonus points for heat lamps and a UV irradiation sanitizing system to keep you germ-free. // Open 5pm to 7:45pm Tuesday through Thursday, 3pm to 8pm Friday and Saturday; 201 Spear St. (SoMa), gozusf.com
Little Skillet
Fried chicken and waffles and cocktails? Yes, please. Grab a platter of chicken from Little Skillet plus drinks from Victory Hall bar and set up shop in the outdoor parklet just outside. // Open 11am to 8pm daily. 360 Ritch St. (SoMa), littleskilletsf.com
Montesacro Pinseria
This Italian restaurant that specializes in Roman flatbreads is getting creative, partnering with its next-door neighbor, Dottie's True Blue Cafe, for open terrace dining just above Montesacro. // Open daily, reserve via Opentable; 510 Stevenson St. (SoMa), montesacrosf.com
Palette
The new mural-decorated and pet-friendly terrace continues Palette's theme of art plus great food. Enjoy dishes like buttermilk fried chicken bites with salmon roe or a New York strip with a fully loaded baked potato. Enjoy oysters and Champagne during happy hour daily at 4pm. // Open 5pm to 9pm Tuesday through Saturday; 816 Folsom St. (SoMa), palette-sf.com
We've always loved the casual neighborhood vibe of this Tuscan-inflected spot. Go for the classics—think spaghetti pomodoro and Margherita pizza. // Open 5pm to 9pm Monday through Saturday; 337 3rd St. (SoMa), pazziasf.com
Get ready for inventive cocktails and creative twists on Indian food—think masala jackfruit tacos and tandoori monkfish—at this SoMa restaurant. Reservations are accepted. // Open 5pm to 9pm, Tuesday to Sunday, 333 Brannan St #150 (SoMa), roohsf.com
Seven Stills
With a team that hails from such venues as Che Fico, True Laurel, and The Restaurant at Meadowood, you can rest assured that only the finest efforts are being poured into the new menu options here—look out for an insane burger, fried eggplant po' boy, Liberty duck wings, and savory beignets with quirky toppings like sea urchin butter. And since this is a brewery and distillery, it's pretty much guaranteed you'll have all the craft whiskey, cocktails, and beer you can handle—and the patio is dog-friendly. // Open 3pm to 9pm Wednesday through Friday, and weekends starting at 11am; 100 Hooper St. (Mission Bay), sevenstillsofsf.com
This downtown fave promises an urbane setting for southern-style eats paired with outdoor music and twinkly lights at night. Brunch is your chance to relive the glory of country ham with pepper jelly and seriously bomb buttermilk biscuits; dinner is the time for house-smoked St. Louis ribs and collard greens. Plus, parking is a breeze these days. // Open 10:30am to 2pm Friday through Sunday, 5pm to 9pm Wednesday through Sunday; 342 Howard St. (SoMa) townhallsf.com
Yank Sing
The covered, shaded, and heated patio at Yank Sing is open for dim sum binge fests. Rejoice! // Open from 11am to 3pm Wednesday through Sunday, reservations available; 49 Stevenson St. (SoMa), yanksing.com
Where to Eat Outside in the Marina + Cow Hollow During Covid-19
A16
A longtime happy place for us, A16 feels more comforting than ever these days thanks to their delightfully chewy-charred pizzas, antipasti, and pastas including squid ink tonnarelli. Headed up north? Check out the restaurant's weekend pop-ups in Boonville in September and October. The Oakland location is also open for alfresco service. // 4pm to 8pm Tuesday through Thursday, noon to 9pm Friday through Sunday; 2355 Chestnut St. (Marina), a16pizza.com
Brazen Head
Meat eaters, rejoice—Brazen Head is open for outdoor services of such dishes as meatballs marinara, prime rib sliders, and NY strip pepper steak. Looking for something lighter? Order up heirloom tomato and burrata, chicken marsala, or an Impossible burger. // 5pm to 10pm Sunday through Wednesday, 5pm to 11pm Thursday through Saturday; 3166 Buchanan St. (Cow Hollow) brazenheadsf.com
Cultivar
A roaring fireplace on this urban patio means cozy vibes for foggy and weekend brunches, lunch, and dinner. Operated by Cultivar Wine, you can expect choice pairings to go with your seasonal "vine-to-table" fare. // Open 3pm to 10pm Monday through Friday, 10am to 10pm Saturday and until 9pm on Sunday; 2379 Chestnut St. (Marina), cultivarsftogo.com
Tasty thin crust pies are ready for your consumption at Delarosa's Marina location. Join the waitlist on Yelp. // Open 12pm to 10pm Monday through Thursday and until 11pm Friday, 11am to 11pm Saturday, and 11am to 10pm Sunday; 2175 Chestnut St. (Marina), delarosasf.com
The Dorian
If frosé, oysters, and truffle fries are calling your name, take yourself out for a date at this corner restaurant. // Open 4pm to 9pm Tuesday through Thursday and till 10pm Friday, 10:30am to 10:pm Saturday and and till 9pm Sunday, with reservations via Opentable; 2001 Chestnut St. (Marina), doriansf.com
Park yourself on the patio or brand-new parklet at this popular Mexican restaurant for belly-warming plates of citrus-roasted carnitas, chile relleno, and tacos teamed with margaritas and palomas. Join the waitlist via Yelp. (The Corte Madera location is also open for outdoor dining.) // Weekdays 12pm to 10pm and until 11pm on Friday, 11am to 11pm Saturday and till 10pm Sunday; 2030 Union St. (Cow Hollow), floressf.com
Indie Superette
Indie Superette is back for all things healthy—think acai bowls, veggie sandwiches, avocado toasts, creamy matcha froyo, and quinoa and mushroom tacos. Order at the counter and head to the new street seating on Filbert. // Open 8am to 6pm daily; 3060 Fillmore St. (Marina), michaelmina.net
Izzy's
Twinkle lights set the mood beneath the new 40-seat tented patio at Izzy's, which stays warm thanks to heat lamps, bone-clinging steaks, and Knob Creek rye manhattans. Reservations are accepted. // 4pm to 9pm nightly; 3345 Steiner St. (Marina), izzyssteaks.com
Get a taste of expertly crafted Nikkei food—a blend of Peruvian and Japanese cuisines—in dishes like funky sushi, seafood pasta, and savory meats. // Reservations are accepted for dinner Tuesday through Sunday for parties of four to six; lunch is first come first served, closed Mondays; 1838 Union St. (Marina), kaiyosf.com
Channel that trip to Paris you can't take at the Castro and Marina locations of this go-to bakery and bistro for flaky pastries, egg dishes, and croques. // Open 8am to 3pm, Thursday to Sunday at 498 Sanchez St. (Castro), and 8am to 7pm seven days a week at 2066 Chestnut St. (Marina). lemaraisbakery.com
Maybeck's
Sate your cravings for fried chicken with fixings, fish and chips, and housemade pastas at this elegant Cal-American spot. // Open 2pm Fridays and Saturdays, walk-ins only; 3213 Scott St. (Marina), maybecks.com
Palm House
Can't you just taste the fruity, slushy cocktails of this tropical paradise in the City? Open for brunch, lunch, and dinner (and happy hour, of course) Palm House is slinging piña coladas and chipotle mango margs alongside ahi tuna bahn mi and coconut-crusted prawns. // Open all day, Tuesday through Sunday, walk-ins only; 2032 Union St. (Marina), palmhousesf.com
Wildseed
Nourishing plant-based fare that also tastesgood is what's to brunch, lunch, and dinner here. Share a mezze plate to start, then go all in for Impossible meat Bolognese, gluten-free pizzas, and donburi bowls.// Open daily, join the waitlist via Yelp; 2000 Union St. (Cow Hollow), wildseedsf.com
Where to Eat Outside in Tenderloin, Union Square + FiDi During Covid-19
Cafe Bastille & B44
Need a staycation? A bowl of onion soup and plate of coq au vin alway feel like a getaway on string-lit Belden Lane where Frenchie bites await at sister restaurants Cafe Bastille and B44, which are currently sharing a patio. // Open noon to 2:30pm Monday, noon to 8pm Tuesday through Friday, and 5pm to 8pm Saturday; 22-44 Belden Place (FiDi), cafebastille.com, b44sf.com
Chambers Eat + Drink
Not too many San Francisco restaurants can brag about poolside dining. Soak up a vacay vibe with boozy slushies and fresh spring rolls. // Open 4pm to 9pm Tuesday to Saturday, reservations available; 601 Eddy St. (Tenderloin), chambers-sf.com
Charmaine's
Look out over the quieter-than-usual city from the rooftop restaurant at the Proper Hotel during breakfast, lunch, or dinner. We suggest ordering a Proper chopped salad and the Afternoon Spritz. // Open daily by reservation only. To book, call 415.786.3467 or book online at Opentable; 1100 Market St. (Civic Center), properhotel.com
Del Popolo
Once mostly reserved for ambient private dining, the patio at Del Popolo is now open for pizza lovers. Space is limited, so online reservations are highly recommended if you hope to get your mouth around some boquerones, melon and coppa, and salami piccante pie. // 5pm to 8pm Tuesday through Saturday; 855 Bush St. (TenderNob), delpopolosf.com
Lers Ros
You may once again get some of the best Thai food in town at all three Lers Ros locations. // Open daily 11am to 3pm and 5pm to 10pm; 307 Hayes St. (Hayes Valley), 730 Larkin St. (Tenderloin), and 3189 16th St. (Mission), lersros.com
Sam's Grill & Seafood Restaurant
Get your fix of fresh seafood classics—think shellfish cocktail, Dungeness crab cakes, and cioppino—and take advantage of happy hour from 5pm to 7pm. // Open 11:30am to 8pm Tuesday through Friday; 374 Bush St. (FiDi), samsgrill-sf.com
Oktoberfest on your mind? Celebrate at this German beer tavern from September 19th to October 4th with kartoffell tots, Bavarian pretzels, and all the bratwursts you can handle. // Open noon to 7pm Tuesday to Friday; 240 Front St. (FiDi), schroederssf.com
Pop some popovers and dig into divine mac 'n' cheese, crispy rosemary fried chicken, and sangria at Tyler Florence's popular SF spot. // Open 5pm to 9pm Tuesdays, 11:30am to 9pm Wednesday through Saturday, reservations recommended; 558 Sacramento St. (FiDi), wayfaretavern.com
If you've missed a reason to head downtown, here's a good one. The Vault has expanded into the massive plaza at 555 California to offer a large green space for dinner, drinks, and special events including a tomato feast and a honey tasting. // Open Tuesday through Sunday, reservations recommended; 555 California St. (FiDi), thevault555.com
Where to Eat Outside in North Beach, Jackson Square + The Embarcadero During Covid-19
Bix
While we can't yet lavish in one of the City's most glamorous dining rooms, we can still be served by waiters in white coats at this Jackson Square landmark, which is serving up is old-school vibes, cocktails, and dinner outside on Euro-esque Gold Street. // Open 5pm to 8pm Tuesday through Saturday; 56 Gold St. (Jackson Square), bixrestaurant.com
Boulettes Larder + Boulibar
Soak up the European vibes over apps, pizzas, and wines on the shared patio of these sister restaurants at the Ferry Building. // Open noon to 6pm Friday, 8am to 2pm Saturday; 1 Ferry Building (Embarcadero), bouletteslarder.com
Capo's
Get your Detroit-style pizza fix along with small plates (baked artichokes, chicken wings, fried veggies), cocktails, and a selection of local beers. // Opens 4:30pm, closed Mondays; 641 Vallejo St. (North Beach), sfcapos.com
Il Casaro
Go for a big pizza pie plus antipasti, salumi, and a spritz. // Open daily at 11:30am, 348 Columbus Ave (North Beach); and at 5pm daily, 235 Church St. (Castro); ilcasaropizzeria.com
Try one of four new cocktails—plus beer, cider, wine, and sake—to pair with fried chicken with sambal sauce, lunchtime rice bowls, salt and pepper shrimp, and tonkatsu ramen. // Open 11am to 10pm daily; 570 Green St. (North Beach), chubbynoodle.com
Cotogna
Oh happy day—Cotogna is open and serving up its beloved take on rustic Cal-Italian fare. Make a reservation for squash blossom pizzas, bistecca all Fiorentina, and the signature raviolo di ricotta with egg and brown butter. // 12pm to 8pm Tuesday to Saturday; 490 Pacific Ave. (Jackson Square), cotognasf.com
Da Flora
Pull up a chair on the barrel-lined parklet for alfresco vibes and classic Italian eats in North Beach. // Open 4:30pm to 8:30pm Tuesday through Thursday, until 9pm Friday and Saturday; 701 Columbus Ave. (North Beach), daflora.com
Epic Steak
Steak by the ocean! Er, bay, but you get the idea. Enjoy a perfectly prepared filet, smoked brisket, or a fat juicy hamburger while getting your dose of vitamin D. Ressies are available via OpenTable. // Open 4pm to 9pm Monday through Thursday, 11:30am to 9pm Friday through Sunday; 369 The Embarcadero (Embarcadero), epicsteak.com
Take a walk or jog along the Embarcadero, then refuel on such delish American fare as fried chicken and po'boys. // Open 11:30am to 8pm, Tuesday through Sunday, walk-ins only; 1300 Battery St. (Embarcadero), fogcitysf.com
Fog Harbor Fish House
Eat all the shellfish at this seafood joint that has expanded to make use of its huge outdoor pier, including a second-story of patio space. // Open 11am to 8pm daily, reserve through Yelp; Pier 39 (Embarcadero), fogharbor.com
Gott's
In the mood for Americana comfort food? Dock at Gott's for burgers, fries, and shakes—plus Oktoberfest brats and beer through October 4th. // Opens at 10am daily; One Ferry Building #6 (Embarcadero), gotts.com
Where better to dip into Peruvian cebiches—plus tiraditos, causas, and empanadas—than directly overlooking the San Francisco Bay. // Open daily for lunch and dinner, reservations available; Pier 1 1/2 (Embarcadero), lamarsf.com
Stop in for fish tacos and a pint of Pliny the Elder on the sidewalk or waterfront patio. // Opens at noon daily, closed Tuesdays; Pier 23 (Embarcadero), pier23cafe.com
Pier Market Seafood Restaurant
Clam chowder, anyone? You can have it—plus fried calamari, seafood cocktails, and more—on this festive patio. // Open 11am to 8pm daily, reserve through Yelp. Pier 39 (Embarcadero), piermarket.com
A trip to Basque country isn't in the cards right now, but you can get a taste of pintxos including marinated Mediterranean olives, Medjool dates with bacon and honey, and chilled prawns at Piperade. Reservations can be made (for parties of 6 or less) by phone 415-391-2555 or via Resy. // Open 11:30am to 8:30pm Tuesday through Saturday; 1015 Battery St. (North Beach), piperade.com
Red's Java House
What's not to love about this hella low-key hangout, which opened in 1955 on some of the most prime outdoor real estate around. Throw it back with a simple burger, some onion rings, and a bloody. // Open daily; Pier 30 (Embarcadero), redsjavahouse.com
Thirteen-time World Pizza Champion Tony Gemignani is slangin' 'za on the sidewalk these days. Wash it down with a negroni. But first, join the waitlist on Yelp. // Opens at noon daily; 1570 Stockton St. (North Beach), tonyspizzanapoletana.com
Verjus
Wine the afternoon away with charcuterie, anchovies and housemade bread in the shadow of the Transamerica Building. Also shop for gourmet staples including organic produce, fresh-baked bread, artisan cheeses, and natural wines in their market. // 2pm to 9pm Tuesday through Saturday, reservations available; 528 Washington St. (Jackson Square), verjuscave.com
Bundle up for windy evenings on the bay at Waterbar where the fresh seafood options include jumbo prawn cocktail, a lobster roll, and poached halibut. Reservations are available. // Open daily from noon to 9pm; 399 The Embarcadero (Embarcadero), waterbarsf.com
Where to Eat Outside in Pacific Heights, Nob Hill + Russian Hill During Covid-19
620 Jones
Take a break from your usual WFH setup and head over to the patio at 620 Jones—they have WiFi! Make it feel like a day out with all-day brunch. Reservations are available. // Open from 3pm to 9pm Tuesday through Thursday and till 10pm Friday, 11am to 10pm Saturday and till 4pm Sunday; 620 Jones St. (Nob Hill), 620-jones.com
This Parisian spot's cuisine lends itself to dreamy outdoor dining—order up cheese plates, organic rotisserie chicken, and croques. // Open 11:30am to 9pm daily, reservations available at OpenTable; 1521 Hyde St. (Nob Hill), cocottesf.com
Grubstake
Get your late-night diner fix—think potato skins, burger, fries, and apple pie—with patio dining, drive-in, and delivery from old school spot Grubstake. // 7pm to 2am daily; 1525 Pine St. (Nob Hill), sfgrubstake.com
The New Spot on Polk
Head to the far north end of Polk Street for all-day Denver omelettes and benedicts, soups and salads, and classic sandos. // Open from 8am to 7pm daily, join the waitlist on Yelp; 2401 Polk St. (Russian Hill), thenewspotonpolk.com
Head to this Mediterranean spot on Fillmore Street for pita and spreads, falafel-crusted lamb and beef burgers, and seasonal salads. // Open 11am to 7pm Wednesday and Thursday, till 9pm Friday and Saturday, 11am to 3pm Sunday; 2001 Fillmore St. (Lower Pac Heights), nooshsf.com
Ristorante Milano
Dig into braesola, burrata, pastas, and tiramisu with glasses of wine on the sidewalk at this Russian Hill gem. // Open daily 4:30pm to 8:30pm; 1448 Pacific Ave. (Russian Hill), milanosf.com
Happy hour is from 3 to 6 at this wine bar, so take off work early if you hope to slurp half-priced oysters along with 20 percent off wine and beer. Also catch live music during dinner several nights a week, as well as Sunday brunch. // Open 3pm to 9pm daily; 2800 California St #101 (Lower Pac Heights, scopodivino.com
SPQR
Nothing says comfort more than hearty, Roman-style plates by chef Matt Accarrino. Make reservations for lunch or dinner and indulge in arancini, panzanella salad, strozzapretti with Bolognese ragu, and king salmon in lambrusco butter. // Open 1pm to 4pm and 5pm to 8pm Wednesday through Sunday; 1911 Fillmore St. (Pac Heights), spqrsf.com
Where to Eat Outside in the Castro, Cole Valley + Haight During Covid-19
Canela
Order the paella prix-fixe or go a la carte for a taste of Spain at this edge-of-the-Castro spot. Feeling chilly? You can also purchase an organic cotton blanket off the menu. Space is very limited, so reservations are recommended. // Opens 3:30pm Tuesday through Sunday. 2272 Market St. (Upper Market), canelasf.com
Fable
This Castro garden has long been a favored spot for weekday happy hour and weekend brunch. Cheers, it's back. // Open weekdays for lunch, daily for dinner, and brunch on weekends, reservations available; 558 Castro St. (Castro), fablesf.com
Magnolia Brewing
Both locations of Magnolia are back in the game. Throw back your favorite beers along with fish and chips, charcuterie, and burgers. // 4pm to 8pm weekdays, noon to 8pm Saturday and Sunday; 1398 Haight St. (Upper Haight) and 2505 3rd St. (Dogpatch), magnoliabrewing.com
Padrecito
Cole Valley's go-to for ceviche, tacos, enchiladas, and tequila and mezcal cocktails is open for sidewalk seating at happy hour (Tues-Fri till 5:30pm) and dinner plus brunch on Sunday. // 4:30pm to 9pm Tuesday and Wednesday, 4pm to 9:30pm Thursday and Friday, 11am to 9:30pm Saturday, 11am to 8:30pm Sunday; padrecitosf.com
Brunch every day of the week? Sign us up for English pea and cheddar pizzas, chicken po' boys, and cocktails at this Cal-American joint. // Open for brunch daily; 3583 16th St. (Castro), starbellysf.com
Zazie
Oh how we missed Zazie brunch—and we all remember the pre-Covid wait. Join the Yelp Waitlist to relive the glory of miracle pancakes, eggs Florentine, Nicoise salads, and croques madames. // Open for brunch and dinner daily; 941 Cole St. (Cole Valley), zaziesf.com
Where to Eat Outside in NoPa, Fillmore + Hayes Valley During Covid-19
4505 Burgers + BBQ
If you've missed the "best damn cheeseburger," head to 4505's patio to chow like no one's watching. // Open daily from 10:30am to 9pm daily; 705 Divisadero St. (NoPa), 4505burgersandbbq.com
Absinthe Brasserie
The Hayes Valley landmark with a French accent is open for sandwiches, quiche, caviar, and Champagne—merci! // Noon to 8pm Wednesday through Sunday; 398 Hayes St. (Hayes Valley), absinthe.com
a Mano
Barriers between tables on the patio as well as semi-private dining on the parklet promise Covid-friendly space for eating all that handmade pizza and pasta. Join the waitlist. // Open at noon on weekdays and 11am weekends; 450 Hayes St. (Hayes Valley), amanosf.com
ICYMI, Beretta has popped up on Divis in the old Barvale spot. Head over for that beloved pizza and classic Italian apps. Join the waitlist. // Open daily for happy hour, dinner, and weekend brunch; 661 Divisadero St. (NoPa), berettasf.com
Che Fico Alimentari
Reserve a table then order at the door before settling in at a table on the new parklet for Che Fico Alimentari's epic focaccia, sungold tomato pizza, chopped salad, and suppli fried risotto. // Opens for dinner at 4pm daily and for breakfast 9am to noon Saturday and Sunday; 834 Divisadero St. (NoPa), cheficoalimentari.com
Horsefeather
Pair your California coolers with Moroccan-spiced carrots, chicken katsu sandos, and poke bowls in the lovely atrium at this Divisadero cocktail haven. Reservations are available. // Open for lunch and dinner daily; 528 Divisadero St. (NoPa), horsefeatherbar.com
Kantine
Soak up some sun or find a seat beneath a shade tree on the sidewalk at Kantine for organic Scandinavian-style pastries, soups, and open-faced sandwiches. // Open 8am to 2pm Tuesday to Friday and 9am to 3pm on Saturday and Sunday; 1906 Market St. (Duboce Triangle), kantinesf.com
Lers Ros Thai
You may once again get some of the best Thai food in town at all three Lers Ros locations. // Open daily 11am to 3pm and 5pm to 10pm; 307 Hayes St. (Hayes Valley), 730 Larkin St. (Tenderloin), and 3189 16th St. (Mission), lersros.com
Patxi's Pizza
This West Coast pizza chain is slinging pies on its patios throughout the city. // Opens at 11am daily, happy hour 3pm to 6pm weekdays, 511 Hayes St. (Hayes Valley); for hours at Noe Valley, Inner Sunset, and Fillmore Street locations, go to patxispizza.com/san-francisco.
The Progress and State Bird Provisions
These sister restaurants are sharing outdoor space where each table is surrounded by pretty dividers for socially distanced dining. Browse a menu of classics from both spots, and keep an eye out for daily specials like salmon tartare, red kampot pepper chicken wings, and fruity hand pies. Make reservations via OpenTable. // Open 5pm to 8pm Wednesday and Thursday, 11:30am to 8pm Friday through Sunday; 1529 Fillmore St. (Fillmore), statebirdsf.com
Where to Eat Outside in the Dogpatch + Bayview During Covid-19
All Good Pizza
We love this eclectic beer garden in the Bayview and, with 7,000 square feet, there's plenty room to space out and enjoy Neapolitan pizzas, organic salads, paninis, and drinks. // Open 10:30am to 5pm, Tuesday through Saturday; 1605 Jerrold Ave. (Bayview), allgoodpizza.com
Cafe Envy
Taco bowls, salmon sliders, jumbo smoked chicken wings, and barbecued oysters are waiting for you. // Open from 3pm to 10pm daily, closed Sunday; 1701 Yosemite Ave. (Bayview), facebook.com/CafeEnvySF
Jazz Room
A San Francisco Legacy Business, this funky spot is serving meats from Big "H" BBQ alongside Gratta Wines. // Open from 10am to 2am daily; 5267 Third St. (Bayview), facebook.com
Both locations of Magnolia are back in the game. Throw back your favorite beers along with fish and chips, charcuterie, and burgers. // 4pm to 8pm weekdays, noon to 8pm Saturday and Sunday; 1398 Haight St. (Upper Haight) and 2505 Third St. (Dogpatch), magnoliabrewing.com
No one saw this one coming. Dance club slash event venue The Midway is making use of its expansive street space in the Dogpatch to deliver DJ sets, live bands, local art shows, and outdoor eats. Check the events schedule and make reservations online—these unique parties sell out on the regular. // 900 Marin St. (Dogpatch), themidwaysf.com
Mission Rock Resort
This bayside spot is known for its patio dining, so it's no surprise to see them back up and running. Walk-ins are welcome, but we recommend you secure your spot Yelp. // Open till 8:30pm daily, closed Mondays; 817 Terry A Francois Blvd (Dogpatch), missionrockresort.com
Piccino
A Dogpatch gem, the sunny patio at this yellow Victorian is a delightful place to while away an afternoon over eggs in purgatory and funghi pizzas paired with glasses of wine and bubbly from California, Italy, and France. // Open for brunch and dinner Wednesday through Sunday; 1001 Minnesota St. (Dogpatch) piccino.com
Where to Eat Outside at Ghirardelli Square + Fisherman's Wharf During Covid-19
Cioppino's
If ever there were a time to go for a meal at the wharf, it's now, when large outdoor spaces typically geared toward tourists promise ample space to stretch our sea legs and get some air and grub. On foggy days, order the namesake dish. // 11am to 9pm daily; 400 Jefferson St. (Fisherman's Wharf), cioppinos.letseat.at
Palette Tea House
Looking to lift your spirits? Plate after plate of succulent dumplings and pork buns—served in this iconic outdoor plaza—always do the trick. // Open all day, daily; North Point St b201 (Ghirardelli Square), paletteteahouse.com
Scoma's
Take your crab louie and eggs benedict with a view at this San Francisco landmark. // Open 3pm to 7pm Monday to Thursday, 11am to 7:30pm Friday through Sunday; 1965 Al Scoma Way, Pier 47 (Fisherman's Wharf), scomas.com
Stop in for $5 craft beers during happy hour (3-5pm weekdays) and pub grub including warm baked pretzels and grilled cheese and tomato soup. // Opens at 3pm weekdays and noon on weekends; 3150 Polk St. (Ghirardelli Square), sfbrewingco.com
This is your go-to for 23-ounce drinks, fruity cocktails, coconut fried shrimp, and nachos. // Opens at 9am daily, reserve through Yelp;Pier 39 (Embarcadero), wipeoutbarandgrill.com
Where to Eat Outside in the Richmond, Sunset, & Lake Merced During Covid-19
The Lister Bar
Succulent gardens and a vibrant mural hug in the funky patio at this bar/restaurant where you can nosh burgers and brews while catching whatever is showing on the four outdoor TVs. Reservations are recommended for 75-minute slots. // Open daily noon to 10pm; 77 Cambon Dr. (Lake Merced), thelisterbar.com
Pacific Catch
Tiki cocktails, poke bowls, and Viet hot fish burgers are on the docket at Pacific Catch's new 1,500-square-foot parklet. // Open at 11am daily; 1200 9th Ave. (Inner Sunset), pacificcatch.com
A little off the beaten path (which is just how we like it these days), this neighborhood spot serves bowls of happiness in the form of its signature white Bolognese handkerchief pasta. // Open 5pm to 9:15pm Tuesday through Sunday, reservations available via Resy; 6101 California St. (Outer Richmond), pearl6101.com
Seven Stills
Order up raw or roasted oysters, chips with dips, hearty salads, and sandos to soak up your Hazy IPA or Scribe rosé in this dog-friendly beer garden. // Open 5pm to 9pm Thursday and Friday, 9am to 8pm Saturday and Sunday; 3645 Lawton St. (Outer Sunset), sevenstillsofsf.com
Craving a classic burger and Violet's trademark Negroni? Of course you are. // Open daily from 4:30pm to 9pm, reservations available through OpenTable; 2301 Clement St. (Outer Richmond), violets-sf.com
Where to Eat Outside on Treasure Island During Covid-19
(Courtesy of aracelysf.com)
Aracely Cafe
With lush plantings, an outdoor fireplace, heat lamps, and string lights, Aracely's garden patio is an especially welcome oasis during shelter in place. Expect seasonal Californian fare at breakfast, lunch, and dinner; dishes include oysters on the half shell, king salmon tacos, a grass-fed beef burger, and a pizza of the day. // 8am to 7pm Monday through Saturday, 8am to 4pm Sunday; 401 13th Street at E Avenue (Treasure Island), aracelysf.com
Mersea
The gorgeous bayside restaurant is taking advantage of all its patio space to serve delicious burgers, tacos, and fish & chips with views. // Noon to 5pm Tuesday to Friday, 11am to 6pm Saturday and Sunday; 699 Avenue of the Palms (Treasure Island), mersea.restaurant
The Winery SF
Want the Napa feels without the drive? Pop over to Treasure Island where a 3,000-square-foot outdoor waterfront patio at The Winery guarantees space for social distancing while dining and wine tasting. Make an advance reservation on their website. // Open Saturday and Sunday 12pm to 5pm (Treasure Island), winery-sf.com
