Park Tavern

Anna Weinberg and chef Jennifer Puccio are the winning team behind Park Tavern, the second in their successful trio of San Francisco restaurants, each imbued with a pitch-perfect sense of culinary and neighborhood identity. In the heart of North Beach overlooking Washington Square Park, the Tavern is a boisterous brasserie that manages to keep its large space intimate. Every item on the appetizers menu is a must-have—from the now-legendary brussel sprouts chips and addictive lemon chips with burrata, to the smoked deviled eggs with bacon and pickled jalapeńo. Among the main options, the tender grilled pork chop, Marlowe burger (an always-in-demand import from its sister restaurant) and poulet vert—a whole herb-stuffed chicken served standing up on a cast-iron plate, are standouts. If possible, save room for dessert, which includes a monthly rotating “birthday” cake.