Chicken like I wish Mom made. I don't get down here too often - which is probably a blessing for my hips! Their fried chicken is the best. The only trouble is deciding on only two sides. I usually go with the yams (better than Thanksgiving) and the greens. The place is small and doesn't take reservations. If you find yourself with a long wait, you can stroll into Yield for a glass of wine.
So, here you are? An old-time san franciscan who still thinks the dogpatch neighborhood is the same from 20 years ago & never tread into the territory! Your loss for a variety of reasons, #1 being they have some tasty vittles!! Story I received goes something like this, owner ( family ) originally from louisiana! Migrqated out west. Couldn't find the taste of home. Tuh-duh! We all win!! Ambience is key for me when dining out, & this place reeks of a cross between a backyard & lack of a better description, but in a complimentary way, a metal shop. Meaning, it has character & isn't some cookie cutter, mainstream blueprint. Full-bar, couple of tvs, clean & spacious! Now, the eats! I have been twice and have tasted four dishes. The smothered pork-chops, & smothered chicken were something out of this world flavorful, & may I add, the meat of both literally feel off the bone. Mashed potatos, greens, mac & cheese are the staple side dishes as well as the beans/rice! The baby back ribs are the result of someone who has mastered his craft, & we are the beneficiaries! With the "yums" "oohs" & "aahs", parlayed with the satisfied expressions of the restaurant, was his rewards!! The pulled pork sandwich, delectable!! I can't eat seafood ( allergies) so you are on your own, but if its half as good as everything else, need not worry! Its what we like to call, " rib sticken meal!" I literally didn't get hungry til lunch the next day. All fairly priced to make you want to go back & please, don't wear your church clothes
Straight forward/ simple & cheap Soul Food. Here it is in a nut shell. the spot is simple. Its small, & when its packed (which it usually is) it's loud.
The Fried Chicken is killer! 3 pieces & 2 sides for $12. Ask for it extra hot (temp not spice). Trust me!
Ribs. Awesome. Can't go wrong when u pair up with the col. greens. Also $12.
If u don't want to wait, go during the week. Parking is cool.
We dined here with our daughter and her boyfriend who live in the neighborhood. My wife and I are both Tennessee natives and know our soul food and this place does a good job of serving up the real thing. Entrees and munchies are just like you get "back home". Kind of refreshing in a town that is one of the great eating venues in the world.
Joanne Boston-KwanHull
+4.5
So this is a place that I would have never have gone to if I hadn’t watched Check Please, Bay Area. Just so happens that At Di watched it, too. So after months of wanting to check it out, we finally made a date to. One reason why we didn’t make plans imme
KC had a hankering for southern cooking and suggested we try this restaurant out in her neck of the woods, the Potrero/Dogpatch area. I remembered the 3rd Street stretch to be dingy with a distinct pr
I used their shelter in place delivery a lot when most cafes restaurants were delivery or pick up
Their deliveries were fast ⏩ and surprisingly the food was still piping hot. I enjoyed each time it was ordered. Today I went face to face and checked out the old rustic memorabilia decor plus a giant size Television behind the counter it was easy to locate once I got the bus operator to let me off. I enjoyed my meal 🤤
The staff was attentive and were busy that was a plus
Food was awesome and the service was great. The bar tender dealt with a bad situation very professionally and the fried pork chops were huge and tasted like my grandma made them!
The blackened catfish was extremely flavorful and flakey. The freshly made corn bread is moist and the mash potatoes and mac and cheese were all so delicious.
★★★★★ (5 out of 5 stars)
I had the pleasure of visiting Hard Knox Cafe in San Francisco recently, and it was an unforgettable dining experience. From the moment I stepped in, the cozy atmosphere and welcoming staff made me feel right at home.
For my meal, I ordered the Fried Chicken Plate, which came with a generous serving of collard greens and macaroni and cheese. Let me tell you, this was some of the best comfort food I’ve ever had!
The fried chicken was perfectly crispy on the outside and tender and juicy on the inside. Each bite was bursting with flavor, and the seasoning was spot on. It’s evident that they take great care in preparing their fried chicken, making it a standout dish that I will crave for days to come.
The collard greens were cooked to perfection, maintaining a lovely texture without being overly mushy. They had a delightful hint of smokiness, and the seasoning complemented the greens wonderfully.
Now, the Macaroni and Cheese! Oh my goodness, this was pure indulgence. Creamy, cheesy, and rich, it was the ultimate comfort food that left me utterly satisfied. The combination of cheeses used created a delectable harmony of flavors that had me scraping the plate until every last morsel was gone.
The portion sizes were more than generous, and the prices were very reasonable for the quality and quantity of food served.
I must also commend the friendly and attentive staff. They were quick to offer suggestions and made sure I had everything I needed throughout my meal.
Hard Knox Cafe has undoubtedly mastered the art of comfort food. Whether you’re a local or a visitor to San Francisco, this restaurant is a must-visit for anyone who appreciates flavorful and soul-satisfying dishes.
In conclusion, my dining experience at Hard Knox Cafe was outstanding. The fried chicken plate with collard greens and macaroni and cheese was a symphony of flavors, and I left with a full stomach and a big smile. I can’t wait to return and explore more of their delicious offerings. Highly recommended!
Yummy oxtails warm corn muffins mash potatoes and gravy Mac and Cheese Smothered pork chops in the other picture
I’m new to the Bay Area and had been craving soul food for awhile. Today I decided to take a drive to the city and try this place out. Let me just say they did not disappoint. I had the chicken and waffles with a side of collard greens, cabbage and candied yams. It was a little pricey but was worth every penny. I have definitely found my new spot for feel good food! Oh and the staff was nice and friendly and I did not dine in but the environment looked welcoming and comfortable. Next time I will stay to eat. The only down side is that it is hard to find parking but once you do it is totally worth it. Highly recommend this place for soul food.
Very tasty, low-key local dive. It’s definitely more unique and properly southern than your average diner, which I really appreciate. Everything I’ve had so far was just solid, but their mashed potatoes and gravy are absolutely stellar.
Simply amazing. The staff was attentive and polite, it was super hot and we appreciated the waiter for keeping us filled up on ice water! The portions are huge, you can easily split one of their two side combo between two people. The potato salad has a nice spice to it and the candied yams were divine. We really liked the seasoning on the chicken too.
My literal favorite Soul Food Home Cooked Cafe in San Francisco. The fried chicken breast a la carte is perfect with a side of mashed potatoes and steamed cabbage. Comfort food on another level! Friendly service and homey cafe. When I visit the Bay Area I just have to go there. Perfect for takeout as well.
My wife and kid both raved about their waffles, so that's a big plus. The Fried Chicken was good and went well with their waffle. I got the Juicy Lucy and it was yummy. The prices are fair as well. Would definitely go again
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