Best American Restaurants in Tenderloin (94102)
4 hand-picked restaurants, AI-analyzed and critic-validated
Essential Picks
#1
Kiln
9.1
Chef John Wesley’s two-Michelin-star tasting room channels Nordic preservation—curing, drying, fermenting—into elegant, deceptively simple courses. Locals book it for milestone dinners where service precision, pacing, and technique lead the experience.
Must-Try Dishes:
Puffed beef tendon snack, Squab lacquered with burnt honey & truffled jus, Seasonal preserved seafood course
What makes it special: Two-star Michelin tasting menu with Nordic-leaning preservation techniques.
Notable Picks
8.0
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Comfort Food Classics
Hayes Valley slice shop (since 2019) turning out New York–style pies plus a few holdover classics like the chicken parm. Go for a quick slice, grandma squares, or a low-key takeout dinner near Patricia’s Green.
Must-Try Dishes:
Formaggio Slice, Salsiccia Pizza, Chicken Parm Sub
What makes it special: Authentic NY-style slices with fold-first directive on every box
Worthy Picks
#3
Birba
7.9
Cozy Hayes Valley wine bar with a leafy back patio and a tight menu of dips, tinned fish, and snacks that pair well with the list. Perfect for a light dinner, date, or a pre-show glass and bites.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pistachio feta dip with flatbread, Deviled eggs with pickled shallots, Tinned fish board
What makes it special: Wine-first patio spot with dialed snacks and low-key hospitality.
#4
PLS on Post
7.7
Retro-chic burgers, shakes, and cocktails just off Union Square with friendly, quick service. It’s an easy pre-show or post-shopping stop with happy hour and plenty of shareables.
Must-Try Dishes:
Super Burger (double ¼-lb patties, Super Sauce), Mini Burger, Veggie Burger
What makes it special: Classic double-stack burgers in a lively hotel bar space.