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TaishoSF
Master Critic Review
TaishoSF
7.7
Lively late-night Japanese/Hawaiian spot with drinks, snacks, and private karaoke rooms. Ideal for groups looking to graze on skewers, rolls, and party-friendly plates.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken karaage, Spam musubi, Assorted yakitori
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 7.4
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Karaoke rooms plus a snackable Japanese-leaning menu till late.
Who should go: Groups and birthday crews
When to visit: Prime hours 8–11pm for energy
What to order: Karaage; yakitori; musubi
Insider tip: Reserve karaoke rooms ahead—weekend slots go fast.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in Lower Nob Hill can be tough after 7pm; nearby paid garages on Bush and Sutter are more reliable late night.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual—most guests lean trendy but jeans and sneakers are fine, especially for karaoke groups.
Noise level: Loud during peak hours with music and karaoke; expect a party vibe rather than quiet conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially for larger groups or karaoke rooms.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable—TaishoSF opens late afternoon and runs into the night.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several appetizers, rolls, and sides like edamame and veggie skewers.
Vegan options: Limited—mostly sides and rice dishes; best to ask staff for adjustments.
Gluten-free options: Some options like sashimi and skewers can be adapted, but no dedicated gluten-free menu.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a quiet first date—it’s lively and noisy, better suited for group hangs or fun double dates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes for small groups early evening, but reservations are strongly advised for weekend nights or karaoke rooms.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really—TaishoSF caters to adults with late-night hours, alcohol, and karaoke. Families with older teens might be fine early evening, but not ideal for young kids.
Best For
Better for: Late-night group energy, karaoke, and party-friendly Japanese-Hawaiian snacks—more festive than a traditional izakaya.
Skip if: You’re looking for a quiet sushi dinner, omakase experience, or kid-friendly environment.