Lower Haight is the Eastern stretch of Haight Street (with
Fillmore, a major cross street), a neighborhood possessing
an edgy yet laid back vibe. It is thankfully lacking the
expensive boutique (and the Gap!) take-over that controls
the Haight-Ashbury (Upper Haight) area, though it is an area
primarily for those who like a grittier, alternative scene
in downplayed digs.
My husband loves to hang out at unusual shops like Robot
Speak (keyboards & electronic equipment) while I like
the cheap, varied dining options, with a surplus of Indian
food, pubs/bars and sandwich joints. Here are some of my
favorite hang-outs:
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• Ethiopian: Axum
Cafe, www.axumcafe.com – Solid,
tasty Ethiopian food served with enough injera (spongy Ethiopian
bread) in one order to feed an entire family! |
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• Burgers: Burger
Joint, www.burgerjoint.com – Though
a local chain, they offer burgers made of grass-fed Niman Ranch
beef; the menu is basic - hamburger, cheeseburger, veggie burger,
hot dog – but they do what they do right; with
fries and a root beer float, it’s one gratifying meal |
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• Café: Café du
Soliel, 200 Fillmore Street (corner
of Waller), 415-934-8637 – A sunny,
Parisian-style café with sidewalk tables, free wi-fi,
tasty coffees, sandwiches, salads, pastries and wines by the
glass (even more being added to the menu soon) |
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• Juice & Sandwiches: Estela’s
Fresh Sandwiches, 250 Fillmore Street (between
Haight and Waller Sts), 415-864-1850 – Not
only are the sandwiches large and freshly made (as the name suggests),
but the fresh-squeezed juices, smoothies and wheatgrass shots
leave me feeling recharged and invigorated |
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• Indian for those who don’t eat Indian: Indian
Oven, http://indianovensf.com – Do
you have a visiting friend or relative who doesn’t think
they like Indian food? This is the spot to begin to convert the
fearful; I’ve seen many a reluctant soul begin eating Indian
after a meal here; the clean, white linen dining room, pleasant
service and mild but still flavorful curries, make for a good conversion
point into Indian cuisine… and you’ll like
it, too! |
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• Best Evening Out
in Lower Haight: RNM, www.rnmrestaurant.com – The
single more ‘upscale’ offering in the ‘hood,
RNM provides elegant comfort food, including signature mini-burgers
topped with Vermont white cheddar, caramelized onions and house
made bacon; sit at the bar (reservations may still be needed)
with its glowing lamps and flat screen TV showing classic films
for a more casual meal; a three course $28 prix fixe menu is
offered Tue-Sat, 5:30-7pm |
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• Best Sausages: Rosamunde
Sausage Grill, 545 Haight St (between
Fillmore and Steiner Sts), 415-437-6851 – THE best
sausage sandwiches around: spicy lamb, duck with fig, wild boar
with apples, spicy andouille… these are just a few of
the brilliant offerings at Rosamunde; served in a bun, covered
with mustard, sauerkraut, grilled onions or grilled peppers,
the sausage bursts from the skin with juicy flavor; take your
meal next door to Toronado (see below),
order a beer, and the cares of your day will dissipate |
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• Affordable Indian/Pakistani: Rotee, www.roteesf.com – Not
to be confused with the higher-priced Roti in West Portal & Burlingame,
Rotee offers cheap, generous curries in a clean setting; their
Tikki Masala is one of the creamiest, most addictive in town; the
Naan, savory; and the free Chai, comforting |
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• Fresh
Thai Food: Thep Phanom, www.thepphanom.com -
Though I hesitate to list this place as a “favorite”,
a neighborhood list seems incomplete without it due to the attention
it has received over the years and bright dishes you won’t
find at your average Thai joint. However, the $15-a-plate average
does not reflect food that is that much better than cheaper alternatives. Though
fresh and, at times, inventive, equally good Thai food exists
at lower prices around the city. Still, it’s worth
a visit if in the area craving Thai. |
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• Beer Selection: Toronado, www.toronado.com – Service
can lack at this bar, especially when busy (read: disinterested,
slow), but the beer selection of over 40 draft beers from
around the world (even more by the bottle) is rarely matched; the
selection changes so you can always try something new; coupled with
Rosamunde Sausages, which you can bring in to eat with your beer,
this is the real San Francisco treat! |
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