Nopa

"If you want to go on a nice date without blowing all of your money for the weekend, you can game the system at Nopa. Eating here alone can be expensive, but the portions are also huge, so if you go there with someone else, you can split an appetizer and an entree and make it out fine. The burger is a little small to cut in half, but if you get stood up, take yourself on a date and get that and a cocktail." - will kamensky

"Yes, you should make reservations for a table at Nopa pretty far in advance, but that’s why we like sitting at the bar, which is first-come, first-served. Grab a few cocktails while you wait for a spot to open up, then split a flatbread and order some duck or pappardelle. When you’re done with your meal and happy that you made it into one of the most classic SF restaurants around, pay, and let the couple behind you take your seats next - it’s the circle of life." - taylor abrams, will kamensky

"Sitting at Nopa’s bar in a beautiful evening gown, with a negroni frizzante in one hand and a perfect, golden brown fry in the other, it’s impossible not to look hot as f*ck. And since the cushy booths and long wooden tables are filled with everyone from families or dates to groups of friends catching up, there’s a buzz in the air that feels exciting, sexy, and a little mysterious. Or maybe that’s the pheromones. Get a side of fries with aioli, and a burger if you’re more hungry, and don’t forget to bring a book so you can pretend to read while periodically making eyes at the hottie a few seats down." - julia chen 1

"After a long Monday filled with unnecessary phone calls and a neighbor’s car alarm that wouldn’t stop going off, you could probably use a place to unwind. We suggest the bar at Nopa. The American restaurant is home to a phenomenal pork chop, which you can (and should) finish off with a cocktail and some fries while you make small talk with the bartender. " - julia chen 1, lani conway, ricky rodriguez, patrick wong

"Nothing screams “I will not be sharing” than proclaiming you’re getting the burger. And the one at Nopa is legendary. Rolling up to the bar and ordering their cheeseburger, complete with thick-cut bacon and a side of fries, is a city-wide rite of passage, especially for anyone who gets territorial over the last bites. The rustic restaurant in NoPa also does other classic American dishes, like fried chicken, pork chops, and nine-hour bolognese, and getting any of them won’t leave you in need of a trip to McDonald's after. " - julia chen 1