30 Photos
ZipPicks Awards
Best Trendy American in San Francisco
Master Critic Review
State Bird Provisions
8.8
A reservation-obsessed California small-plates spot where carts and an à la carte menu deliver inventive, seasonally driven bites. Locals book for the buzzy energy, sharp execution, and a signature fried quail that still anchors the experience.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fried quail ('state bird'), Mushroom–bean donabe, Hand-cut noodles with chile salsa
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9.4
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 9.2
What makes it special: Ever-evolving small plates with a signature fried quail and rolling carts.
Who should go: Adventurous diners who love sharing plates
When to visit: Early weeknights for smoother pacing and better availability
What to order: Fried quail; seasonal donabe; nightly crudo or noodle special
Insider tip: Counter seats give the best view of the kitchen’s action.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking can be tricky on Fillmore after 6pm; nearby garages on Geary Blvd and Webster St usually have space.
Dress code: Smart casual—most guests lean trendy and stylish but jeans and a nice shirt fit right in.
Noise level: Lively but not overwhelming; you can hold a conversation though it’s energetic during peak hours.
Weekend wait: Expect 45–75 minutes without a reservation; walk-in list fills quickly.
Weekday lunch: Closed for lunch; early weekday dinners around 5–6pm are easiest to book.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several inventive small plates are vegetarian, and staff can guide substitutions.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 vegan dishes depending on the season; chefs can modify some items on request.
Gluten-free options: Yes—many dishes can be made gluten-free, but cross-contact is possible given the open kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—playful small plates and buzzy energy make it a great first-date spot, especially for food lovers who enjoy sharing and conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? It’s possible for early or late walk-ins, but most prime slots book weeks ahead. Arriving before 5:30pm or near closing gives the best chance.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young kids—tight seating, small plates, and a loud atmosphere suit adults or older teens better.
Best For
Better for: Creative small plates and energy; ideal when you want a social, culinary experience that feels uniquely San Francisco.
Skip if: You prefer quiet, traditional dining or need fast service—this is a place to linger and explore dishes.
Hours
Monday5:30pm - 10pm
Tuesday5:30pm - 10pm
Wednesday5:30pm - 10pm
Thursday5:30pm - 10pm
Friday5:30pm - 10:30pm
Saturday5:30pm - 10:30pm
Sunday5:30pm - 10pm