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The Front Porch
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
The Front Porch
7.9
Lively Southern-leaning spot for fried chicken, grits, and cocktails. A neighborhood standby that balances comfort cooking with a fun, slightly rowdy room.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fried chicken, Shrimp & grits, New Orleans-style beignets
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Southern flavors with Mission energy and nightly crowds.
Who should go: Fried-chicken lovers and brunch crews
When to visit: Early dinner to avoid peak waitlist
What to order: Fried chicken; shrimp & grits; beignets
Insider tip: Nearby lot on Mission offers flat-rate evening parking.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Small paid lot across Mission Street plus limited street parking on 29th; best luck after 6:30 pm.
Dress code: Casual—most guests wear jeans and button-downs; brunch crowd leans relaxed.
Noise level: Lively but not deafening; conversation is possible though the bar area gets loud after 7 pm.
Weekend wait: 40–60 minutes without a reservation; bar stools open faster for walk-ins.
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately or within 10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—mac & cheese, salads, and several sides are vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Limited—some vegetable dishes can be modified upon request.
Gluten-free options: Partial—fried items contain gluten, but some mains and sides can be adjusted.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Fun and casual, but more playful than intimate—better for second or third dates when you’re past first impressions.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but expect a wait during peak hours; the bar and front patio often seat faster for smaller groups.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—early evenings and weekend brunches draw families; staff are accommodating with high chairs and booster seats.
Best For
Better for: Laid-back Southern comfort cooking and social energy—great for groups and casual celebrations.
Skip if: You want a quiet dinner or refined tasting menu; the room’s energy stays high most of the night.
The Front Porch
8.1
Southern-leaning Mission favorite known for crispy fried chicken, hearty plates, and a lively weekend brunch. Warm colors and stacked dishes make easy, satisfying shots.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fried Chicken & Waffles, Shrimp & Grits, Buttermilk Biscuit Sandwich
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Comfort-first Southern brunch with SF flair and big portions.
Who should go: Fried chicken brunch fans
When to visit: Arrive by 10am to avoid a long wait
What to order: Chicken & waffles; shrimp & grits; biscuit sandwich
Insider tip: Add hot honey to the chicken for a balanced shot and bite.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking dominates—expect tight parallel spots along 29th and Church; nearby residential blocks open up after 6pm.
Dress code: Casual with personality—denim, sundresses, and weekend wear fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—conversation-friendly indoors, more relaxed at sidewalk tables.
Weekend wait: Typically 30–45 minutes for a table; reservations advised for larger groups.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait, often seated immediately before 12:30pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several Southern-style vegetarian dishes like biscuits, grits, and veggie sides.
Vegan options: Limited—few items adaptable with minor modifications; confirm with server.
Gluten-free options: Yes—some dishes can be adjusted, but shared fryer may affect strict avoidance.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you’re going for playful and relaxed—Southern comfort food and lively energy make it feel warm and genuine rather than formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but expect a wait on weekends. Join the list early or try weekday brunch for faster seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Absolutely—families frequent weekend brunches. Booster seats available, and staff are accommodating to little ones.
Best For
Better for: Crowd-pleasing Southern plates and photo-worthy comfort classics in a fun, high-energy setting.
Skip if: You’re looking for a quiet, minimalist brunch or strictly health-focused menu.
The Front Porch
8.3
A cozy spot offering Southern comfort food, including a standout fried chicken. Known for its warm ambiance and hearty portions.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bucket O' Chicken, Cornbread, Collard Greens
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Generous portions of Southern classics in a welcoming setting.
Who should go: Groups and families seeking hearty comfort food.
When to visit: Ideal for weekend brunch or casual dinners.
What to order: Array
Insider tip: Don't miss the house-made hot sauce to complement your meal.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking available, but can be challenging during peak hours. Consider arriving early or using nearby paid parking lots.
Dress code: Casual, jeans and comfortable attire are perfect for this laid-back spot.
Noise level: Moderate - conversation is easy, but can get louder on busy weekends.
Weekend wait: 45-60 min without reservation
Weekday lunch: No wait typically
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - dedicated menu section with options like fried green tomatoes and mac & cheese.
Vegan options: Limited - offers a few plant-based sides, but no full vegan entrees.
Gluten-free options: Yes - separate prep area to avoid cross-contamination, with options like gluten-free fried chicken and cornbread.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes - cozy ambiance and hearty food make for a warm, welcoming atmosphere, perfect for a laid-back first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? It’s best to make a reservation, especially for weekend dinners, as the wait time can be long without one.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes - the restaurant has a family-friendly atmosphere with high chairs available, making it perfect for groups with kids.
Best For
Better for: A great spot for large groups or families looking for hearty, comfort food in a cozy setting. The fried chicken is a standout.
Skip if: If you're looking for fine dining or a quiet, upscale experience. For that, consider other spots with a more refined atmosphere.