State Bird Provisions

"State Bird Provisions is small plates royalty, and its reign stretches to even before the new Bay Bridge was a thing. The Californian restaurant continues to be one of the most fun places to have dinner in the city. Staff wheel dim sum-style carts stacked with pork belly salads and smoked trout dips as double dates and birthday groups take breaks from their crispy quail to see what’s making the rounds. The menu regularly changes, but you can always end a meal here with shots of “World Peace” peanut milk, which are basically little glasses of liquefied Reese’s Pieces. Reservations are released 30 days in advance at midnight on OpenTable. The bar is reserved for walk-ins. According to SBP, a line starts forming outside about half an hour in advance, so plan accordingly." - julia chen 1

"How Far In Advance Should You Book? Week of for a later reservation or seats at the counter, three weeks to a month for a prime time. This Fillmore restaurant is small plates royalty and one of the most fun places in the city for a date night. The dim sum-style carts are always stocked with hyper-seasonal dishes, guaranteeing repeat meals here never get boring. While people still line up before opening for walk-ins at the counter, you can snag a bar reservation or a table after 8:30pm just by checking their site." - julia chen 1

"Restaurants owned by Stuart Brioza and Nicole Krasinski, nominated as semifinalists for the Outstanding Restaurateur category." - Dianne de Guzman

"A lot of the fun at State Bird comes from the fact that the food is served dim-sum style, but it’s tiny portions of what would be full courses at other restaurants. You can get as much or as little as you want, depending on how much you’re allowed to spend, and if you can’t get away with whole bottles of wine, State Bird has a good by-the-glass selection. The menu changes regularly, but it’s always interesting and delicious, and you should make sure to get the state bird." - will kamensky

"Your Order: Pork Belly "Salad" This salad from the Fillmore legend is about 75% meat and 25% fruit and herbs—we have zero complaints. Salty, fatty chunks of pork belly get cozy with whatever fruit is in season, and a fish sauce vinaigrette that would make even the wiltiest lettuce come alive tops it off. Saying no to this dish when it comes to your table on one of their signature dim sum-style carts isn’t an option." - julia chen 1, lani conway, ricky rodriguez