Famished Girl
Park Chow, Inner Sunset
With moderate prices, friendly service and excellent food, it’s no wonder Park Chow is packed every night. This is the quintessential neighborhood spot.
Tony Gulisano opened Chow in the Castro about eight years ago. The Sunset location — near the southern edge of Golden Gate Park — came along about a year later. Most of the food is California-Italian, with some Asian influences. The menu is best known (and loved) for its comfort foods. From burgers to pasta, seafood to wood-fired pizzas, there’s a dish here for any palate and any budget. (With the exception of the fish of the day, nothing is over $15.)
There are a plethora of beverages to choose from — including a good selection of beers on tap and inexpensive wines. Depending on the weather, I’m partial to the raspberry lemonade or the hot, spiced apple cider.
My usual Park Chow meal consists of: bruschetta, followed by noodles of some sort, and finally a slice of ginger cake served alongside pumpkin ice-cream. (Saving room for dessert means I still have a good portion of my entree left over for the next day!) My husband can’t resist the daily sandwich special. It comes with a green salad, soup or fries — all for under $10. A great deal.
The atmosphere here is just as warm and inviting as the food. The main dining room features a fireplace and beamed ceilings, while heat lamps keep things cozy on the upstairs deck and street-side patio.
TIP: Park Chow doesn’t accept reservations for groups less than eight, but you can call ahead and put your name on the waiting list.
Park Chow
1240 Ninth Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94122
(415) 665-9912
