Skip to main content
0 Followers

Free analytics & customer insights

Apna Chulha

550 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA 94110
$$
Indian, Beer Bar, Indian

Drop a Vibe Check

Rate this spot and tag the vibes that fit

Log In to Add Vibe Check

Master Critic Review

Apna Chulha 7.8
Mission District (Valencia Corridor)
Casual Mission spot pairing North Indian standards with a beer-friendly menu and long hours. Reliable tandoor and rich gravies make it a convenient Valencia Corridor option for small groups.
Must-Try Dishes: Lamb chops, Chicken tikka masala, Paneer tikka
Scores:
Value: 8 Service: 7.6 Consistency: 7.8 Food Quality: 8.1 Atmosphere: 6.4 Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Beer-friendly North Indian plates with dependable tandoor cooking.
Who should go: Friends sharing curries and bread
When to visit: Early evening before peak Valencia traffic
What to order: Lamb chops; butter chicken; garlic naan
Insider tip: Bar-adjacent tables turn fastest on busy nights.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly street parking on Valencia and side streets; can be very limited after 7pm on weekends.
Dress code: Casual—jeans and relaxed attire are fine; no dress code enforced.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—conversation is possible but the room can get loud at peak hours.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes without a reservation, especially after 7:30pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; quick seating available.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—many dedicated vegetarian curries, appetizers, and breads.
Vegan options: Some options—chana masala, aloo gobi, and a few sides; ask staff to confirm dairy ingredients.
Gluten-free options: Limited—tandoori meats and some curries can be paired with rice, but naan and breads contain gluten.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for casual meetups or group hangs than intimate dates—lively atmosphere and communal vibe.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are common, but weekends may involve a wait; weekdays are easier.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for families with older kids; menu has mild options, but the bar crowd and noise may not suit very young children.
Best For
Better for: Great for groups who want hearty North Indian food with beer on tap and late hours.
Skip if: If you’re looking for a quiet, romantic dinner or refined presentation, consider other spots nearby.