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ZipPicks Awards

Best American in the Castro Best Sandwiches in the Castro

Vibe Check this spot

Food Quality 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
Consistency 5
Cultural Relevance 5

0 / 5 selected

Master Critic Review

Memento SF 7.8
Noe Valley
Newer Noe Valley New American with globally inflected plates and a neighborhood-warm room. Balanced cocktails and a concise menu show care and polish.
Must-Try Dishes: Crispy Curry Chicken, Pan Seared Salmon, Basque Ube Cheesecake
Scores:
Value: 7.5 Service: 7.8 Consistency: 7.7 Food Quality: 8.1 Atmosphere: 8 Cultural Relevance: 7.3
What makes it special: Contemporary neighborhood spot marrying California produce with global flavors.
Who should go: Modern American date nights
When to visit: Tue–Thu early evening happy hour
What to order: Crispy curry chicken, salmon, ube cheesecake
Insider tip: Bar seats work well for walk-ins and solo dinners.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is the main option—relatively manageable in early evenings, but can tighten after 7pm. No valet or lot available.
Dress code: Smart casual—think elevated neighborhood dining. Jeans are fine with a nice top or button-down.
Noise level: Moderate; lively bar chatter and music but still easy to hold conversation at most tables.
Weekend wait: Expect 30–45 minutes without a reservation, especially after 7pm.
Weekday lunch: Closed for lunch; dinner service starts late afternoon with minimal early wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several thoughtful small plates and mains feature vegetables as the star.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 adaptable dishes; ask staff for modifications.
Gluten-free options: Check website for updated information
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. Cozy lighting, polished service, and creative cocktails make it a confident choice for a first or second date—upscale without pretension.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible on weeknights or early weekends if you’re flexible. The bar counter and a few patio seats are often held for walk-ins.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly. While staff are friendly, the setting and menu skew adult—better for teens or older kids comfortable with contemporary dining.
Best For
Better for: Refined yet approachable plates and strong cocktails in a smaller, more intimate setting than nearby bistros.
Skip if: You’re seeking large portions, a kids’ menu, or a boisterous group-night energy—look to Starbelly or Firefly instead.

Hours

MondayClosed
Tuesday5pm - 9pm
Wednesday5pm - 9pm
Thursday5pm - 9pm
Friday5pm - 9:30pm
Saturday5pm - 9:30pm
SundayClosed