The October Hit List: Lily, Al’s Place, Copas, and More

There’s a lot to explore on the menu at Rob Lam’s Lily on Clement — but the banh mi section is particularly compelling, with creative takes and mashups on various dishes. Consider the cha ca la vong featuring turmeric fried fish with cilantro and dill, or the pho bo banh mi, a roast beef dip sandwich of sorts featuring a pho au jus.

Al’s Place’s food is so unique, and sometimes feels so summery and healthy. Maybe it’s the light, vegetable-forward dishes like artichoke dip with fried brussels sprouts, yeasted apples, and flax seed crunch, or fluffy dahl hummus with tomatoes, pardones, and burrata. Either way, we’re here for Aaron London’s eclectic, eccentric food.

It’s hard to believe Rich Table has been open for nine years. It’s become a San Francisco favorite thanks to its wide range. From small bites like sardine chips and porcini doughnuts to handmade pastas to the seasonally changing rib eye set to Sara’s wonderful desserts, this new classic spot has it all.

Barzotto is back in action, featuring small plates and affordable pasta dishes made in-house. But low-key, their creamy vanilla soft serve is one our favorites in the city, featuring creamy Double 8 Dairy, a salted caramel topper, and chocolate pearls. That alone is worth a trip.

Family Name is a new California Bistro located inside City Beer Store. You’ll find things like  smoky deviled eggs, crudo with smoked tomatillo, mussels with lao sausage, steak frites with thai chile miso butter, and plenty of beer, of course.

Newly-opened Copas on Market Street features a menu of Mexican and Spanish flavors and dishes using California’s best-in-season produce. Offerings include hamachi aguachile, pan con tomate, Spanish octopus with sea spinach and a mixed chile paste, and so much more. It’s also open for breakfast, where you can get churro donuts with your morning coffee.

When was the last time you had Lebanese beer? Brewed with sumac and thyme and other spices, it kinda tastes like zaatar, and pairs perfectly with their zaatar and cheese manoushe.

Detroit style pizzas — that’s so 2018. Bring back the soft and soupy Neapolitans – let’s make that old trend trend again! In all seriousness, A16’s VPN certified pizzas are pfg. If you’re lucky, proprietress and wine expert Shelley Lindgren will be there to pour you something to pair.

Queen’s is an unassuming spot on the Embarcadero right next to Pier 33 — they have all kinds of Creole and Cajun fare, but the thing to get, as the name suggests, is the po’ boy. Specifically, the crispy shrimp version made from Gulf Bay shrimp. Beignets for dessert are always a good call.

For crispy fried shrimp tacos topped with creamy avocado and beautifully balanced, citrus-y aguachile, head to San Bruno’s Mariscos El Pariente taco truck. Look for the bright blue seafood-centric truck, which was started by Baltasar Lobato in 2016.

How many natural wine bars double as dance clubs? Only one that we know of: Bar Part Time, now opened in the old Thieves Tavern space on 14th. This spot helps San Francisco keep its soul.