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Street Restaurant and Bar

2141 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109
$$
BBQ Ribs, French Fries

Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)

Street Restaurant and Bar 8.6
Polk Gulch
Neighborhood spot known for crisp Kennebec fries fried to order and sized for sharing. Locals pair them with smash burgers and dips at the bar or a quick table on Polk.
Must-Try Dishes: Kennebec Fries with aioli, Cheese Fries, Smash Burger + Fries combo
Scores:
Value: 8.4 Service: 8.2 Consistency: 8.9 Food Quality: 9.2 Atmosphere: 7.6 Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Hand-cut Kennebec fries cooked to a shattering crisp.
Who should go: Fries-first burger fans
When to visit: Early evenings before the dinner rush
What to order: Kennebec fries, cheese fries, smash burger
Insider tip: Ask for extra-crisp on the fries—kitchen will oblige.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly metered street parking on Polk; gets scarce after 6 pm, so plan extra time.
Dress code: Casual—jeans and sneakers are fine; no dress code enforced.
Noise level: Moderate; you can hold a conversation but bar chatter picks up during dinner hours.
Weekend wait: 25–40 minutes for a table; bar seating may open faster.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; service is quick for dine-in or takeout.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—plain fries and cheese fries work; salads are sometimes available.
Vegan options: Limited—plain fries are the reliable option.
Gluten-free options: Fries are naturally gluten-free, but fried in a shared fryer with other items.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want casual comfort—sharing fries and burgers can be fun and low-pressure, but it’s not a quiet or polished spot.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are the norm. Just avoid peak weekend dinner rush for faster seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who like burgers and fries; no high chairs or kids’ menu, so toddlers may be less comfortable.
Best For
Better for: Crisp Kennebec fries and a laid-back Polk hangout vibe—ideal if fries are your priority.
Skip if: You want a polished sit-down dinner or a menu beyond fries and smash burgers.
Street Restaurant and Bar 8.2
Polk Gulch
Neighborhood American spot known for St. Louis dry-rubbed barbecue pork ribs served with classic sides. Locals come for honest smoke, balanced saucing, and portions that hit the value sweet spot.
Must-Try Dishes: St. Louis Dry-Rubbed BBQ Pork Ribs, Buttermilk Fried Chicken, Collard Greens
Scores:
Value: 8.7 Service: 8.1 Consistency: 8.3 Food Quality: 8.6 Atmosphere: 7.2 Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Proper St. Louis–style ribs with a clean dry rub and balanced smoke.
Who should go: Rib fans who want substance over frills
When to visit: Early evening before the dinner rush
What to order: Half rack ribs; coleslaw; barbecue beans
Insider tip: Ask for fries or collards as your rib side—both travel well for takeout.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on Polk and nearby side streets; fills quickly after 6pm. No valet service.
Dress code: Casual; jeans and t-shirts are common, no need to dress up.
Noise level: Moderate—conversations are possible but can get lively during peak dinner hours.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation during prime hours.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; easy seating.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—salads, sides like fries, coleslaw, and occasional seasonal veggie specials.
Vegan options: Limited—fries, pickled vegetables, and a couple of sides qualify.
Gluten-free options: Yes—ribs and several mains can be ordered gluten-free; staff can advise.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for a casual, low-pressure date. It’s lively and relaxed, but not overly romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are common, though waits run long on weekends. Early arrivals have the best chance.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—high chairs available, familiar sides like fries and mac & cheese appeal to kids.
Best For
Better for: Generous portions of authentic dry-rub ribs at a solid price point—great value for groups or casual dining.
Skip if: Skip if you want a polished or upscale barbecue experience; this is more neighborhood and hearty than refined.