Nopa?

[Teraesa22]

Anyone been? How is it? Is it walking distance to Haight-Ashbury area?

[redchair]

I feel like Nopa isn't getting its due here. It's quite good, and has a very sophisticated/fun vibe. I was there the other night, and had a fabulous duck leg with cranberry beans and escarole. Our waiter could not have been nicer and more professional, with knowledgeable suggestions on food and wine. We had a reservation, but arrived early, and they seated us early.

[Teraesa22]

I called way too late for reservations & they only had a 9:45 for Friday night....I'm disappointed-what should be my second choice?

[rahir]

How many of you are there? You may be able to snag seats at the communal table (which is a fun experience). You might also try calling back between now and (this?) Friday to see if there are any cancellations.

[Teraesa22]

I've been hearing that Limon, Maverick and Tablespoon may be better than Nopa? What do you think? And are all those restaurants in the same area?

[mofo313]

Tablespoon is now Bar Johnny and I don't think it's anywhere close to what you'd get at Nopa. It's also pretty far away--Polk & Green streets.

[epicurious_sf]

I can't believe anyone hasn't mentioned the pork chop. It's brined, and it's fantastic. As mentioned, hard to get a table, quite loud, but well worth it. The 'donut holes' for dessert are quite good.

Edit - missed the original reply which praised the chop!

[whiner]

I've had the pork chop -- wonderful! Oh, and I've also had the donut holes... also excellent!

[Teraesa22]

Do they take reservations?

[whiner]

They do now. Yes.

[Teraesa22]

What's the deal w/ the communal tables? Is the entire restaurant like that or are there individual booths/tables for 2?

[rahir]

There's one large communal table in the front near the bar, and the seating is first come, first serve. The rest of the restaurant is tables. (I don't think there are booths.)

[oakjoan]

If you can get a table upstairs, it's a little quieter. Get the runner bean app. if they have it. Id' go there just for that, although the pork chop IS fantastic. Everything I've ever had there has been good.

[Teraesa22]

Thanks for the feedback-I'm just really looking for a good restaurant near Haight-Ashbury & it seemed close on the map..not really sure walking distance though. Any others you would recommend in the area?

[whiner]

I just looked at a map... when I said 12 I over estimated how far of a walk it is. It is only 9 1/2 blocks to the corner of Haight and Ashbury and only 8 1/2 blocks to the major start of the strip at Haight and Masonic. I don't know of a better restaurant that close to the area.

That said, I also like Eos in the Cole Valley but I haven't ben there in ages andI'm not sure if it is still even the same owner as the last time I went. And I don't like it as much as nopa. BUT... based upon the last time I was there, which must have been three years ago, it is very good, well priced, and close to the Haight. Well, I doubt that last part would have changed much ;-)

[virtualguthrie]

It's totally walking distance to the upper Haight. It's a nice walk, probably no more than 10 or 15 minutes, walk along Fell St. and walk through the panhandle then turn left at Central and walk up to Haight and take a right, you'll be right at the beginning of the strip.

Also if you are into gourmet food stores and bakeries check out Falleti and Dellesio which are on the way. Gourmet cheese, olives, charcuterie, prepared foods and amazing desserts and baked goods.

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Falletti Foods
308 Broderick St, San Francisco, CA

DeLessio Market & Bakery
302 Broderick St, San Francisco, CA 94117

[wally]

Has the panhandle become a good place to walk at night? I lived there many years and I must say many years ago and I must say that I would be hesitant.

[whiner]

I've had no problems walking from USF to the Haight in the earlier parts of the night (after dark, before 11pm) -- usually going a little out of my way and walking down Masonic, but I've not had occasion to walk along the panhandle.

[SteveG]

There might be a few homeless wrapped up in blankets, but I've never seen them hassle anyone. Worst-case scenario is they dog-leg over one block to walk through the residential neighborhood.

[wally]

Clearly a big change since I lived there.

[rahir]

I've lived right about the Panhandle for the past 5 years, and I often walk through it, most times with a friend, at night without any problems. Like most places in SF, just remain aware of your surroundings.

And yes, the walk is doable, plus walking through the Panhandle gives you the flattest walk back to the Haight.

[wally]

That is nice to know.

[rworange]

Next to Falletti, Nopalito, a Mexican restaraunt by the owners of Nopa, is set to open soon. It was supposed to open in August but that has been delayed. More info about Nopalito in the Place link.

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Nopa
560 Divisadero St, San Francisco, CA 94117

Nopalito
306 Broderick St, San Francisco, CA

[SteveG]

Call before you go to find out what the walk in wait will be. It can be realllly long sometimes, and I've had barbaric experiences on multiple occasions waiting for a seat at the communal table or bar.

Note that the flatbreads are inconsistent. I always wondered why, until I sat at the kitchen view seat and got to watch someone in their first day running the woodfired oven station get trained on the job with minimal feedback. They have good recipes, but the service and execution can hurt consistency.

[whiner]

Love it, well priced, too, but it can get very loud. If you are up for a good walk, the yes, it is walking distance. But it is at least a dozen blocks or so.

[budnball]

My personal fav. and I drive up from San Jose every other month or so. Great bar scene and open late. Wonderful flatbread and often the best porkchop I've found. Also one of the best burgers around. Not cutting edge but a fine neighborhood joint that is friendly and welcoming to all types of crowds. Also can be a bit loud. as for walking from the haight, that depends on how far you are from Divisadero.