Long lines in San Francisco

The viral places people queue for, what to get when you reach the front, how long the wait usually is, and how to beat it. Waits are typical, not live.

11 places in San Francisco · by Chef Amazing · updated October 23, 2026
Photo: Wikimedia Commons: BrokenSphere, CC BY-SA 3.0

1. 1

   Swan Oyster Depot

   Seafood counter · Nob Hill (Polk St)

   Get: The Sicilian sashimi, a crab back, and oysters

   A counter of 18 stools and a century of seafood. The line is part of it. Expect: often 1 to 2 hours. Beat it: be in line before opening on a weekday.

   Also on these lists: San Francisco: what to eat and where, Where locals eat in San Francisco.

   1517 Polk St, San Francisco · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
2. 2

   Tartine Bakery

   Mission

   Get: The morning bun, and a slice of country bread

   The bakery that taught a generation how to bake sourdough. Expect: 20 to 45 min on weekend mornings. Beat it: go at weekday opening, or after 2pm.

   Map · Add to Chef Amazing
3. 3

   Bi-Rite Creamery

   Ice cream · Mission (by Dolores Park)

   Get: Salted caramel ice cream

   The Dolores Park ice cream stop, with a line down the block on warm days. Expect: 20 to 40 min on sunny afternoons. Beat it: go before noon or late in the evening.

   Also on the list: Where to get ice cream in San Francisco.

   3692 18th St, San Francisco, CA 94110 · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
4. 4

   Golden Boy Pizza

   Sicilian pizza · North Beach

   Get: Square focaccia slices: clam and garlic, or the combo

   A North Beach slice counter that's been crowded since 1978. Expect: 10 to 30 min late at night. Beat it: go in the afternoon.

   Also on the list: Where locals eat in San Francisco.

   542 Green Street, San Francisco, CA 94133 · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
5. 5

   Tony's Pizza Napoletana

   North Beach

   Get: The Margherita, from a world pizza champion's oven

   Pizza titles cover the walls, and people wait for it. Expect: hour-long waits at weekend dinner. Beat it: go at lunch on a weekday.

   Map · Add to Chef Amazing
6. 6

   Mitchell's Ice Cream

   Bernal Heights

   Get: Ube, buko (young coconut) or the mexican chocolate

   A family scoop shop since 1953, known for its Filipino flavors. Expect: 20 to 40 min on warm nights. Beat it: go in the early afternoon. Take a number.

   688 San Jose Ave · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
7. 7

   Hog Island Oyster Co.

   Ferry Building

   Get: Raw oysters and the grilled cheese

   Bay-view oyster bar in the Ferry Building. Expect: 45 to 90 min for a table at weekend lunch. Beat it: sit at the bar, or go on a weekday at 11am.

   1 Ferry Building · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
8. 8

   La Taqueria

   Mission

   Get: A carnitas super burrito, dorado style (crisped on the griddle), no rice

   Many still name it the best burrito in the Mission. Expect: 20 to 40 min at lunch. Beat it: go mid-afternoon on a weekday.

   Also on these lists: San Francisco: what to eat and where, The best Mission burrito in San Francisco, Where locals eat in San Francisco.

   2889 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110 · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
9. 9

   Brenda's French Soul Food

   Tenderloin

   Get: Beignets, shrimp and grits, and a fried chicken plate

   New Orleans soul food that fills up every weekend. Expect: 45 to 90 min at weekend brunch. Beat it: go on a weekday morning, or get on the waitlist.

   652 Polk St · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
10. 10

    Molinari Delicatessen

    North Beach

    Get: An Italian combo on a Dutch crunch roll

    A North Beach Italian deli since 1896. Expect: 20 to 30 min at lunch. Beat it: go at 10am.

    373 Columbus Ave · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
11. 11

    Arsicault Bakery

    Inner Richmond

    Get: The croissant, plain or almond

    A neighborhood bakery once named the best new bakery in America. Expect: 20 to 45 min in the morning, sells out. Beat it: be there before 8am, especially on weekends.

    397 Arguello Blvd · Map · Add to Chef Amazing