The Street Eats That Make the City
When people think of San Francisco’s food scene, they often picture Michelin-starred tasting menus, artisanal coffee, and those perfect Instagram lattes. Don’t get me wrong—I love a fine dining splurge. But in my ten-plus years as a travel consultant and lifelong foodie, I’ve learned that you can understand a city best through the food you eat standing up, balancing a paper plate in one hand and a camera in the other.
Street food in San Francisco isn’t always about trucks parked on curbs—it’s a patchwork of casual walk-up spots, open-air markets, and grab-and-go counters where flavor trumps formality.
I’m taking you through five of my favorite real places to grab unforgettable bites in the city, complete with my personal tasting notes, price ranges, exact addresses, and some tips to make your own food journey smoother.
1. The Codmother Fish & Chips – Fisherman’s Wharf
📍 Location: 496 Beach St, San Francisco, CA 94133
💵 Price Range: \$12–\$18 for mains
🍴 Signature Dish: Classic Fish & Chips
If you’ve ever been to Fisherman’s Wharf, you’ve seen the lines—crowds gathered around a bright blue food truck with a cheeky mermaid logo. That’s The Codmother, and it’s my go-to for when I’m craving crispy, golden fish without the sit-down fuss.
My Order & Experience:
I went for their Classic Fish & Chips (\$15). The fish? Flaky, juicy cod, perfectly battered—light enough to hear the crunch when you bite, but sturdy enough to hold up under a generous drizzle of malt vinegar. The chips are thick-cut, not greasy, and have that potato sweetness you only get when they’re cooked right. I ate mine sitting on a bench facing the bay, seagulls eyeing my food like tiny winged pirates.
Pros:
- Friendly staff who work fast even during the lunch rush.
- Generous portions—you won’t leave hungry.
Cons:
- No indoor seating, so windy days can be a bit of a challenge.
Insider Tip:
Skip the Wharf tourist traps selling overpriced “fresh fish” and head straight here. If you want extra crunch, ask them to double-fry your chips—it’s not on the menu, but they’ll do it.
2. Señor Sisig – Filipino-Mexican Fusion Truck
📍 Location: Rotates around the city; check schedule at senorsisig.com
💵 Price Range: \$10–\$14 per entrée
🍴 Signature Dish: Pork Sisig Burrito
San Francisco has always been a crossroads for cultures, and Señor Sisig is proof that sometimes the best food happens when you break all the rules. It’s a Filipino-Mexican mash-up that works so well you’ll wonder why you haven’t been eating it all your life.
My Order & Experience:
I went for the Pork Sisig Burrito (\$12), which is basically a party wrapped in a tortilla—crispy pork chunks, garlic rice, pico de gallo, and a perfectly fried egg in the middle. The pork has this smoky char from the grill, the egg yolk oozes into the rice, and the spice level is just enough to make you take a sip of your Mexican Coke between bites. I ate mine sitting on the curb outside a brewery in SoMa, and I swear every passerby asked, “Where’d you get that?”
Pros:
- Creative flavor combinations that still feel comforting.
- Great vegetarian and vegan options (the tofu sisig is excellent).
Cons:
- You have to track the truck, which can be tricky if you’re short on time.
Insider Tip:
Follow their Instagram stories for live location updates—they often park near breweries, which makes for a perfect pairing.
3. Arsicault Bakery – Croissant Heaven
📍 Location: 397 Arguello Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94118
💵 Price Range: \$5–\$8 per pastry
🍴 Signature Dish: Almond Croissant
Okay, this one isn’t technically “street food” in the food truck sense, but when you see the line snaking around the block for a bakery, you understand that street eating in San Francisco sometimes starts on the sidewalk.
My Order & Experience:
I waited 25 minutes for their Almond Croissant (\$6.50), and it was worth every second. Buttery, with crisp edges and a filling so rich it borders on dessert territory. The powdered sugar dusting got everywhere—I walked around with a happy trail of pastry flakes like a breadcrumb map for other hungry travelers.
Pros:
- Recognized as one of the best croissants in America by Bon Appétit.
- Small but mighty menu—everything is consistently excellent.
Cons:
- Limited quantities; they sell out early.
Insider Tip:
Go before 9 a.m. if you want the full selection. And yes, get two croissants—future you will thank you.
4. El Farolito – Mission District Late-Night Savior
📍 Location: 2779 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110
💵 Price Range: \$8–\$14
🍴 Signature Dish: Super Burrito (Carnitas or Al Pastor)
Some cities have diners for late-night cravings; San Francisco has El Farolito. This Mission District institution is always open late and always serving burritos the size of your forearm.
My Order & Experience:
After a night of live music, I found myself at El Farolito at 12:30 a.m., ordering a Carnitas Super Burrito (\$12). It came loaded—tender pork, refried beans, rice, cheese, sour cream, avocado, pico, and a heat level that made my eyes water in the best way. The tortilla was warm, the fillings balanced, and it was exactly what my post-concert soul needed.
Pros:
- Fast service despite constant lines.
- Authentic Mission-style burritos that fill you up for hours.
Cons:
- The place is tiny—expect to eat standing or take it to go.
Insider Tip:
If you’re here during the day, grab your burrito and eat it at nearby Mission Dolores Park for a picnic with a view.
5. Thanh Long – The Garlic Roast Crab Legend
📍 Location: 4101 Judah St, San Francisco, CA 94122
💵 Price Range: \$25–\$50 per main
🍴 Signature Dish: Roast Dungeness Crab with Garlic Noodles
Yes, it’s more of a sit-down restaurant, but hear me out—Thanh Long is a street-food-level experience in spirit because their most famous dishes are messy, hands-on, and unforgettable.
My Order & Experience:
I ordered the Roast Dungeness Crab (\$48 market price) with a side of their Garlic Noodles (\$15). The crab was coated in garlic butter so fragrant it could probably be smelled from the Pacific Ocean. You roll up your sleeves, crack open the shells, and let the juices run down your fingers. The garlic noodles? Chewy, rich, and soaking up every drop of that buttery sauce. It’s the kind of meal where you don’t care about looking graceful—you just care about not missing a single bite.
Pros:
- Legendary dishes that are worth the trek to the Outer Sunset.
- Family-run, with a warm and welcoming vibe.
Cons:
- Prices are on the higher end, but portions are generous.
Insider Tip:
Make a reservation—especially during crab season (November–June).
Street Food Culture in San Francisco: What You Need to Know
1. Carry Cash – While many vendors now take cards, some smaller or traditional spots (like Stockton Street markets) still operate cash-only.
2. Weather Matters – San Francisco’s microclimates mean you could be sweating in the Mission and shivering at Fisherman’s Wharf in the same afternoon. Bring a light jacket—you’ll thank me when that bay breeze hits.
3. Reservations for Popular Spots – Thanh Long and Arsicault Bakery require either early arrival or booking ahead to avoid disappointment.
4. Food Safety – Look for high turnover (busy stalls) to ensure freshness. I’ve rarely had issues here, but it’s always smart to watch for good hygiene practices.
5. Timing is Everything – Hit food trucks for lunch between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. to get the best selection before they sell out.
Why San Francisco Street Food Feels Like Home
I’ve eaten my way through dozens of cities, but San Francisco’s street food scene stands out because it blends cultures, creativity, and comfort in every bite. It’s where you can have a Filipino burrito for lunch, a Paris-level croissant for breakfast, and garlic crab for dinner—and all of it feels perfectly at home in this city by the bay.
When I think back to my trips here, it’s not just the views of the Golden Gate Bridge or the clang of the cable cars that come to mind—it’s the taste of vinegar on hot fish and chips, the smell of sizzling pork on a griddle, the joy of powdered sugar dusting my shirt.
So, if you come to San Francisco, eat with curiosity and without a plan. Wander the markets, follow your nose, and don’t be afraid to try something you can’t pronounce. Those are the bites you’ll remember long after you’ve gone home.
