Top 5 Hole-In-The-Wall Spots – San Francisco

Yes, San Francisco has the reputation of being one of the most expensive cities in the world. However, some of the dankest eats in the city are mom-and-pop, hole-in-the-wall establishments. These spots will keep your wallet fat, your stomach full, and your taste buds dancing.

Aria Korean Street Food

We shouted out Aria in our burrito guide, but it is so good it deserves its own spot on this list as well. Aria gives a straight-out-of-LA vibe, complete with underground hip-hop blasting, and a wall covered in Supreme stickers.

Have all of your IG friends’ mouths watering, as Aria is one of the most “Gram-able” restaurants in the city. Their KFC (Korean fried chicken) and gangjung chicken are served hot, crispy, and covered in their delicious sauces. If you can’t decide whether you want the garlic soy or sweet and spicy, we recommend trying both.

Finally, make sure to save room for the bulgogi fries. Yes, that’s right. These are crinkle-cut French fries covered in delicious bulgogi ribeye and an array of flavorful sauces.

Cordon Bleu

Cordon Bleu is the definition of hole-in-the-wall. Located on the corner of Polk and California, this family-run restaurant is cooking up quality menu items you won’t find at your average Vietnamese joint. By keeping the menu simple, they are able to execute on great food, and serve customers to perfection. Cordon Bleu is run by two Vietnamese ladies, who are all business as they command the grill behind the counter.

For those who are feeling ambitious, the Number 5 offers all of the greatest hits of Cordon Bleu’s menu in one meal. We want to shout out the meat sauce, which is a rich, thick gravy that you will want to bathe in.

Rosamunde Sausage Grill

What we are going to say next might sound crazy… but here we go.

There is more to the Mission than burritos, tacos, and Dolores Park. Although everyone needs to get a Mission burrito at least once in their lives, everyone must also stop at Rosamunde at least once in their lives.

This craft sausage maker is cranking out every type of sausage under the sun, from your classic beer sausage made with local Lagunitas IPA, to wild boar & duck sausages.

Every good sausage needs a good bun on which to deliver it to your mouth. And we’re happy to say, in this department, Rosamunde does not disappoint

Street Meat

Ok, street meat isn’t exactly a restaurant. It is more of a food phenomenon sweeping across the Bay Area.

Starting at around 11:30 P.M., on every popular bar corner, people with flat top grills will seem to appear out of thin air. The magical smell of bacon-wrapped hot dogs and sautéed onions & peppers will fill the air. The best part? For $5 you can get one of the best drunk snacks of your life.

Street meat is a staple in San Francisco, and you really can’t say you have experienced the city until you have had one these heavenly hot dogs wrapped in bacon (With the works, of course).

Oasis Grill

San Francisco is best known for its Mexican and Asian food, but Oasis Grill is a hidden gem in the hustle and bustle of the financial district. This place does shawarma right, with the perfect amount of kick. If you are looking for a perfectly-grilled shawarma wrap, or a plate with creamy hummus and money baba ghanoush, Oasis has you covered. Grab one of these delicious wraps and enjoy one of San Francisco’s many POPOs (privately-owned public parks).