While stereotypical San Franciscans love their local, organic, farm-to-table culinary lifestyle, this foodie town is also home to its share of deliciously sinful junk food. So if you've been looking for an excuse to put down that acai berry bowl and pick up a drive-thru bacon burger, we will co-sign that snack attack:
In 'N Out Burger: Sure, it's not exclusive to SF, but we're one of the few US cities to enjoy the glory that is the In 'N Out Double Double cheeseburger. One of the great things about living in San Francisco is knowing the culinary meaning of "animal style." When it comes to socially acceptable junk food, In 'N Out is San Francisco's first choice.
Photograph: Jakob N. Layman
It's-It: An obvious pick but a necessary one, there are many who might argue that an It's-It isn't junk food at all but rather an iconic regional snack food on par with sourdough bread. The combination of ice cream sandwiched between two oatmeal cookies and then covered in chocolate, wrapped in cellophane, and sold out of gas station freezers makes this sinful sweet treat a local legend. True fans know that the It's-It factory store can be found just past SFO, and is home to an array of rare flavors. Pumpkin or cappuccino, anyone?
Photograph: Jakob N. Layman
Jack in the Box: With only four Jack in the Boxes in San Francisco, this greasy treat is a rare indulgence. When it comes to truly guilty pleasure fast food, we bow our heads, make our way to Jack in the Crack, and order and Ultimate Cheeseburger. Who needs lettuce or tomato? Heck, they don't even put ketchup on this baby. The only condiment that comes with a UC is mayonnaise, and perhaps a side of diabetes. Yum.
Photograph: Courtesy Creative Commons/Flickr/Thomas Hawk
Wright's Pink Popcorn: Whether we got it at the San Francisco Zoo or Stow Lake, children who grew up in San Francisco fondly remember the brick of pink popcorn frequently used as a reward for good behavior. Occasionally this chewy, crunchy, bright pink block of caramelized kernels can be still found at an older Walgreens. This discovery is the local equivalent of a four-leaf clover, albeit much more delicious.
Photograph: Courtesy Wright's Popcorn & Nut Company
Bacon-wrapped hot dog: This magnificent creation is sold on sidewalks outside of concerts, sporting events, and the Mission District's favorite hipster bars. Cooked on an open-air skillet and free of the constricts of any government health code oversight, the bacon-wrapped hot dog's scent tempts even the most cautious eaters.
Photograph: Jakob N. Layman
The Earthquake: Ghirardelli Chocolate is famous the world-over and for good reason. They make great chocolate! The square's beloved soda fountain also serves up seriously delicious ice cream sundaes. While certainly not "junk," there's little nutritional value to this classic comfort food. When we're feeling extra naughty, San Franciscans order The Earthquake, a sundae that includes eight scoops of ice cream, eight toppings, bananas, whipped cream, almonds, chocolate chips and one amazing Instagram opportunity.
Photograph: Courtesy Creative Commons/Flickr/David Park