Oldie but goodie.

Like I have said before, being in the Tenderloin everyday does have its perks (although few).  One of my favorite places in the city happens to be behind my law school.  Morty's Deli is the bomb.  Yes I am bringing back 1995, but literally its amazing.  This isn't really a "new" find for me since I have been eating here forever, but it is too good not to mention.

Might look scary, but worth checking out!

Inside of Heaven...Morty's Deli

It is a total SF joint.  Has veggie, vegan, gluten free, and meat lover options.  I always always always get "The Paulie".  It is a roast beef sandwich with Russian dressing, coleslaw, and jack cheese (but I hold the cheese).  It isn't a hot sandwich but it is a HUGE sandwich.  You will NOT be hungry after eating here.  Some other favorites of mine are the Meatball Sub (although not the best), The Golden Gate (if you love prosciutto), The Jake, and the salads are pretty good too.  My veggie friendly buddy loves the veg burger, but had a problem with it looking too much like meat.  Not to worry they fixed this problem and changed back to normal looking veggie burgers.  I have heard the fries are good, but have honestly never had room for any.  I know they have some beers on draft too, but because I only attend this abode during lunch I have never had the chance to partake in the alcoholic festivities.

The Dirty Bird Sandwich...a whole lot of yummy.

Meatball...enough said.

Oli's favorite the Golden Gate, staple of San Francisco

Pluses: takes Credit Card, you can order online for pick up or even delivery near by (a huge plus when studying in the library and can't leave your laptop), and a whole meal is less than $10.

Cons: IT IS NOT OPEN ON THE WEEKEND.  This is the worst thing in the world and the reason why it took bub SO long to be able to try it.

Tourist Tip: To avoid the lunch rush, come no later than noon or pre-order your meal online.  It gets VERY busy for lunch, as it should because its awesome.

Red Bull and Vodkas?

My friend Kelsey is the best.  She has an amazing connection with the Social Planner at Red Bull (Ms. Red Bull), and kindly invited me along to their Flugtag Team announcements at the Phoenix Hotel.  I had never been to the hotel before - it's insane.  The cocktail hour was outside around the pool.  There was a bar (drinks for free!) and a lovely spread of yummy, yummy snacks.

Red Bull and Vodka - open for business

A little Table Top fun!

Cute Pool at Phoenix Hotel

It was a little chilly, which means everyone drank more "to warm up."  Eventually we realized it was EIGHT O'CLOCK and we hadn't eaten dinner.  Kelsey's friend then invited us to join her for dinner at Chambers restaurant inside the hotel.  The restaurant/bar area inside is full of old albums.  It was fun to go through them and read all the old titles.  All the tables are wooden, with low lighting, and a really neat vibe.

We sat at the table to the right.  SO much fun!

Albums on Albums on Albums

Because we all had a little too much to drink, we also ordered a little too much to eat.  Ms. Red Bull ordered some truffle dip (phenom, comes with truffle mushroom dip and waffle chips), ceviche, and some Crisp Polenta (which was also yummy for those veggie eaters out there). Pass on the ceviche, its hard to eat with the little chips and you don't even get that much in an order.

Ceviche and Small Chips - Skip it

Truffle Dip! Still makes my mouth drool...

Kels and I decided to split the Crab Corn Chowder and Chambers Burger.  Both are fantastic.  The burger is HUGE and the fries are amazing.  The  Chowder seems like a small helping but its so rich you almost can't finish all of it.  Wash it all down with a Lagunitas IPA and call it a night!  (Disclaimer - there was alcohol involved so the food tasted especially good!)

Chambers Burger - You won't finish it!

Tourist Tip: Even if you aren't hungry, come here for a drink.  Cool vibe and PACKED on a Thursday!  I heard they also have pretty good cocktails...I was at a Red Bull party so my choices were limited.

A Secret I'm Afraid to Give Up

So this is my ALL TIME FAVORITE Thai restaurant in San Francisco.  I am so sad to let this gem out of the bag (although it has some of the highest hits on Yelp, so I am sure its not THAT much of a secret anymore).  Anyway... bub's parents live in SF and every once in a while we grab dinner and catch up.  One of our go to spots is Marnee Thai.  It is to die for.  There are a lot of Thai places in SF, but Marnee is not only a great bang for your buck, but it's also absolutely fantastic.  Special perk - it has lots of dishes other Thai places just don't offer.  In fact, they call themselves a "Siamese" restaurant instead of Thai.  (see the history of Thailand to read up on Siam)

Back Room is perfect for large parties.

We went to the 9th and Irving location, and had about a 10 minute wait.  Not bad for a place that is always packed.  If you have a big party, try making reservations so you get seated.  The place is very, very narrow but has a large backroom for bigger parties.  Parking is also a bit tough but there are lots of side streets and the N drops you off at the corner.

Pad Thai: What they are KNOWN for!

One of the best things here is the Pad Thai.  In fact, I think they were voted #1 in the City or something.  A must get if you come here.  I always get it with tofu because it's just better that way.  I also love Pad See Ew, but its made a little differently here.  Still yummy but less bar-b-qued and more steamed, with lots of black pepper.  It's amazing with chicken.  The bub LOVES the Minced Garlic Chicken; we have sometimes ordered two of it before.  And the Yellow Curry is yummy, or Pumpkin Curry if you dare.  I will guarantee that anything you order will be absolutely incredible and keep you coming back for more...

Yellow Curry with Chicken so DELISH!

Pad See Ew with Chicken and Broccoli

Red Curry with Tofu - perfect for Spicy Lovers

Tourist Tip : Bring at least three people with you so you can try everything they have.  This place serves family style, and believe me the more you order the happier you will be!