by Patrick Heig - 324 Reviews - 95 List
Even as the economy hammers the restaurant industry and dining rooms across the city sit half-empty, a new, renegade breed of restaurant is thriving. Run by some of the city's most talented chefs, these semi-secret eateries avoid the expense and risk of a proper restaurant by operating out of kiosks, dive bars and even a random Chinese takeout spot, allowing them to serve top-notch food at low prices. Not surprisingly, they've garnered cult followings among foodies who savor knowing when and where to find these hidden hotspots as much as they do the food itself. Read on for our rundown of the best underground eats in the city.
Updated: September 21, 2009
Head to the small window at the back of Jack's Club, a rough-and-tumble Outer Mission bar, where from a kitchen the size of a walk-in closet come authentic Cajun delicacies like jambalaya, crawfish etoufee, and especially oyster po' boys at prices that young men of that description can easily afford. Mon-Sat from 11am on.
The fried chicken at Civic Center eatery Farmerbrown is so good that the team opened up a sister spot devoted entirely to the crispy bird, paired with either biscuits or waffles and served out of a walk-up window next to nightlife hot spot 330 Ritch. Lunch of po' boys and waffledogs can be eaten in the alley way, but the best time to stop by is when the shop stays open late for special nights at the dance club/music venue. Mon-Sat 9am-3:30pm (and occasional late nights).
