Food Reviews

By: Annabelle Kennedy

Any George Washington High School student looking for a new place to try for lunch should go check out Pizza Joint. Located just down the street at the corner of Balboa and 32nd ave, it blends classic pizza flavors like pepperoni and cheese with a variety of other foods such as spam musubi and fried shrimp. On the weekend, it’s a cozy pizza parlor with a handful of small tables. The 2000+ student population of Washington are catered to by Pizza Joint and its staff, which boasts a buffet-style, rotating selection of sandwiches and deep fried combos. One day, it’s chicken with a tangy sweet and sour sauce; another, it’s mac and cheese with crispy bacon and oregano. 

My first impression of Pizza Joint was a bustling corner stop, with dark wood floors, a vivid blue ceiling painted with Zodiac signs, and packs of Washington students grabbing lunch. Unsure what to try, I chose the chicken tenders and fries, as I saw many of the other students buying them. My first few bites convinced me that this was a place worth going to in the future: the tenders were crisp and moist, the fries crispy. The addition of a brownie only strengthened my conviction: dense, rich, and filled with chocolate chips. 

Opened in 2004 by the owner, Joe, Pizza Joint has been “proudly serving the Outer Sunset and Richmond District in San Francisco for 17 years!” according to its website, pizzajointpizza.com. Acting as an easily accessible lunch spot for many students. Most food costs around $10 per person, as well as being wheelchair accessible and including vegetarian menu options. However, some larger items can get pricey, with a medium sized pizza - say, for a group of friends - being a minimum of 25 dollars.

In addition to these benefits, Pizza Joint is located close to the school, which is handy for students who don’t want to stand in long lines to receive their food, or wait for half an hour or more and have to rush back to get to class on time. As Washington student Jean-Paul Labarthe stated, “It’s quick and convenient, being so close to school. Great for grabbing food before a club hosted during lunch.” 

Pizza Joint also specializes in, as its name suggests, pizza, offering several different astrologically named pies, such as the “Capricorn” with sausage and fresh green bell peppers, or the “Taurus”, with juicy tomatoes and pine nuts, as well as a build-your-own option. “The crust has a wonderful crunch as well as a soft pillow texture. The additional brushing of olive oil after it comes out of the oven shows great care.” gushed Yelp reviewer Ray L. But one person’s good review does not guarantee every customer will be satisfied, as Labarthe demonstrates, pointing out, “The pizza isn’t great; it’s kinda bready.” Pizza shops such as Georgio’s Pizzeria at the corner of 3rd & Clement Street do better with providing crispy bases for their pizzas. However, Pizza Joint is still able to give students hot, fresh, and flavorful pizza options. 

If you’re someone who likes a fast, convenient and delicious meal, restaurants with a cozy and casual atmosphere serving savory, crisp fried food and rich chocolate desserts, Pizza Joint is for you. However, it can be very busy during school hours, so I would recommend going there outside of the usual lunch times. 

Overall, Pizza Joint delivers a flavorsome, varied menu, and makes up for any shortcomings by providing WASH students with delicious, convenient snacks and sandwiches. I believe it will continue to be a popular lunch stop for future generations of Washington students for many years to come. Pizza Joint is open 11am - 8pm from Monday to Friday, and 1pm - 9pm on Saturdays and Sundays. 

(Image credit: YELP)

By: Jiaxin Tang

I was delighted to know a new dumpling restaurant–Dumpling Bites (品味小笼包)  was opened just in the sunset district. It was attractive for someone like me who grew up with Chinese culture. I miss that taste, and were eager to satisfy our stomachs with the flavors we’ve been missing. 

Dumpling Bites, a casual Chinese restaurant located in Noriega street, was opened in September 2023 by Jason W—who’s from GuangDong, China. The restaurant is known for their fresh, hand craft XiaoLongBao (soup dumplings) and Jiaozi (dumplings) by chefs with 15+ years of experience. Their focus—Steam dishes range from $8.99-$16.99. With a variety of other Southern Chinese dishes under $30. Dumpling Bites opens daily, except Tuesdays. You can walk in at any time during lunch or dinner time without reservation. (Specific hours are on their website). However, if all seats are filled, they will use a waitlist.

When I first walked in, I was impressed by its two-story loft layout interior. The high ceiling and spacious area on the first floor felt open and free. The second floor should be another unique experience as it usually serves larger parties. Though simply decorated, the bright, clean makes a comfortable dining experience. Additionally, the kitchen area was clean and well maintained compared to some other restaurants that have a sticky floor or fishy smell.

It was a busy hour during one of our visits. We were still greeted with a smile, immediately received hot tea and a menu once we were seated. Clean cutlery were already provided. The enthusiastic and well organized service makes customers feel welcomed and pleasant. And most of the wait staff are bilingual. 

The food arrived quickly. We ordered their specialties: ShangHai Style steamed pork XLB (10pcs/ $10.99) and Crab pork steamed XLB (8pcs/ $16.99). Both served piping hot. Each XLB has thin and soft skin with delicate wrinkles, the hot soup inside made it look like a water balloon. Which proves their chefs do have rich experiences on handcraft. A Yelp user’s review aligned with my experience: “A dear foodie friend and I agreed that the XLB delivered the quintessential minced pork flavors and a generous amount of savory broth, that exploded inside the mouth. The silky smooth skin, a tad thicker than the top competitors, held the morsel beautifully. Perfectly cooked.” Indeed, their XLB is an absolute winner for the foodies with recognition from many customers.

However, the crab pork XLB didn’t taste much different from the pork XLB. The crab flavor was quite slight and I needed careful tasting to notice. “Although the crab pork XLB looks more appealing with crab roe decorated, the classic one was still better when it comes to the taste.” My mom, a former dimsum chef, commented. 

The ShangHai-style pan-fried pork buns(6pcs/$11.99) stood out. It has a crispy, fried golden-brown bottom. A little more pan-fried could have been even more tasty. The top was fluffy wrapping the tender and juicy pork filling, gravy were absorbed by the dough. If you are new to this, I would call it a must-try. 

The steamed vegetarian dumplings (8pcs/$11.99)  look like fluffy clouds. Yet the taste was refreshing. It has a mix of rich fillings: vermicelli, carrots, fungus, corn, bamboo shoots and a green leafy vegetable. Other than its healthy taste, nothing stood out. Perhaps the potsticker version would be more tasty. 

The house special roll (10pcs/ 9.99) was quite off. The rice skin wasn't chewy nor soft. The filling of pork, fungus, green onions and carrots was fine. But the overall flavor was bland even with a sauce mixture of soy sauce and sesame oil. “It looks very nice, but the taste is below average.” My mom said, “The skin has lost its original texture and lacks the aroma of rice.” 

The wonton in chilli oil (10pcs/$12.99) was interesting. Each wonton was soaked in red oil, the smell was appealing. Topped with sesame, scallion and pickled mustard makes it incredibly appetizing. The skin of wonton was thin and smooth, wrapping the shrimp and pork filling. It wasn’t too spicy, but absolutely delicious. 

We ended up spending $60-$70 because we ordered quite a lot of things. It's a little pricey and I won’t call it a daily eating place, but it’s a good spot for occasional dining. For Chinese immigrants like myself, Dumpling Bites provides a taste of home. Their handmade and fresh ingredients are reasonable for their price.  Although not every dish is perfect, it was a great time. 

If you love authentic and fresh dumplings, buns or XiaoLongBao, or are interested in trying out Southern China cuisine. This will be a lovely place for you to go. You’ll enjoy the flavors and craftsmanship of their XLB. It's also a nice spot to eat with family, friends, or even business meetings or interviews in a clean, spacious setting.

However, if you are strict with dumplings or are expecting a special and unconventional taste, it may not meet your standards. I'd also hope to see Dumpling Bites to have innovations and improvements on their classic dishes. Such as creating distinct and unique flavors for different XLB. Leaving noticeable memory points for customers could help them stand out more and attract more customers.

Dumpling Bites is worth visiting, But definitely go for their specialties: dumplings and XiaoLongBao rather than the other dishes.

(Image Credit: Jiaxin Tang)

By: Chloe Gensler

If you’re looking for a place that blends exuberant flavors with a comforting atmosphere, La Promenade is the place for you. Rated as one of the coziest coffee shops in San Francisco it certainly brings the hype. 

When I first walked in, an immediate sense of calm walked over me. At the time I wasn’t even there to study but the first thought that hit me was that this was the perfect place to sit down, have a coffee and study. The French murals with muted colors and bookshelves filling the back walls immediately drew me in. The Cafe’s sandwiches, drinks, and atmosphere exceeded expectations of the place. Whether you are a student or a person walking by, La Promenade will leave you with a lasting impression. 

La Promenade first opened its doors in June of 2013 in the Outer Richmond of San Francisco located on Balboa (in between 37th and 38th ave) and has been a staple of the neighborhood since. It’s an exception to most coffee shops in the neighborhood as it opens earlier, and closes later than others. La Promenades hours range from 7am-6pm Monday through Friday and 8am to 8pm on the weekends. This is great for many visitors looking for an early morning drink or an evening snack. Meals and drinks range from 1-10 dollars. The price range is also really affordable, especially as someone who is a high school student. The cafe is owned by Chet Thong, a community advocate who lends his space to nonprofits.

One of the highlights of this cafe was the breakfast sandwiches. When I first went there I had a “Lady Lox Bagel” which is one of their most popular breakfast sandwiches. For $9.95 it had a lot to it, every ingredient upgrading the classic bagel. With thinly sliced lox, juicy tomatoes, crunchy red onions and cream cheese it left you with a very satisfied stomach. The real kicker of the classic sandwich was the melt in your mouth capers that really added to the versatile taste of the sandwich. The wait for my sandwich was only around 10 minutes, which was really fast compared to other cafes where I've gotten a sandwich.

While the food was good, the drinks were even better! The Iced Chai Latte was one of my favorite Chai’s i’ve had from a coffee shop EVER! The drink had a perfect spice to it and the oat milk paired with it was amazing, but my favorite part was the cold foam on top of the drink. It was deliciously sweet and added a beautiful balance to the spiciness of the Chai.

 I also tried a caramel coffee. The bitterness of the coffee was perfect with the added twist of caramel making the drink really phenomenal. It was worth noting that the cost was $5.75 for a large, while the price for the same drink at Starbucks was $5.75 for a small. Overall the drinks were the highlight of my visit!

While many reviews were quite positive, some reviews complained about the fact that there are rarely any tables open.“People are hogging the tables for hours and not leaving room for the people just stopping by for a bit.” While this might be a bit of a problem for some, most people who go there just stay to study and this cafe is a really great place to do so. It’s very high school student friendly. I recommend going when it's least busiest, which is around 5pm Monday through Friday or later evenings on the weekends.

Many cafe goers also didn’t like that you had to clear your own table. Customers looking for a sit down restaurant might not enjoy the fact that you have to clean your own tables, but I felt that it didn’t take away from the whole feel/ambiance of the cafe at all. A reviewer on yelp stated  “I love the ambiance and the fast service, this place is open very early compared to most places making it very accessible.” Many reviewers agreed with her statement.

I highly recommend this cafe, especially for high school students. It's the perfect spot for a student friendly environment to study or hang out in.The menu is filled with mouth watering sandwiches and vibrant drinks, making it a great place to refuel for studying.

However if you’re someone who prefers quiet spaces or smaller cafes, keep in mind that this cafe can become quite busy. Since La Promenade is pretty big and always packed it gets loud at times. If you aren’t looking for a place to study and spend a lot of time at, La Promenade probably isn’t the cafe for you. For everyone else, La Promenade is definitely worth a visit if you’re looking to try a unique and comforting cafe!

(Image Credit: google)

By: Arla Dyrma

Nestled in the heart of the Inner Richmond District, Hamburger Haven presents one of Bay Area's most affordable, old fashioned diner style restaurants, featuring the authenticity of a bold American cuisine amidst buzzing Asian cuisines.

Hamburger Haven’s distinctive diner exudes the impression of the 80’s which is difficult to find in a modern day society with high end, luxurious restaurants. The usual American cuisine that focuses on classic hamburgers and French fries is offered with a warm and hearty touch and deep American roots, sparking a radiant nostalgia within every customer willing to create lively memories. 

I have been raised in this neighborhood for many years, uncovering a convenience in this particular diner. I approached with the mindset of dining at a restaurant similar to the ones I had previously visited in the neighborhood, including King of Thai and Mamahuhu, both representing familiar Asian cuisines. Upon entrance I was greeted with friendly and welcoming staff as well as the waitress who took my order with a warm smile on her face. My eyes immediately wandered to the unique seating arrangement and decor consisting of rustic chairs, stained glass windows and marble countertops. Joyous families, chatting couples and young children who were fiddling with their cups took over the diner. 

 I continuously find myself ordering the classic Haven Burger along with a side of home potatoes which surprisingly, was my first order at the diner. A large bite into the hamburger revealed its plump bun and juicy tomatoes as it began to ooze down my mouth. The tender beef patty, perfectly sauteed mushrooms and the tang of the pickles flawlessly complemented each other into a wonderland of flavors. I caught sight of the laid back, relaxed spirit as the diner was surrounded by worn out booths and chairs alongside the countertops overlooking the steaming hot, open kitchen. My meal took less than 20 minutes to prepare and the plate was exceptionally affordable, costing merely $30 along with a tip and iced tea. 

Dating back to 1957, the Inner Richmond District was welcomed with Hamburger Haven’s appearance in the neighborhood, a family owned business formerly founded by Majid Falahati and currently owned by Roozbeh Falahati.

 Located on 800 Clement St, San Francisco, California, the diner is open from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on weekdays and from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends, highlighting their notable steak and salmon with an optional side dish. Takeout orders are to be placed in person or through the Grubhub and Ubereats app and it is recommended to reserve a table for celebrations or birthday parties in person, accepting cash, credit cards and Apple Pay as suitable payment methods. 

The authentic French toasts and earthy omelets to hamburgers and steak make up for a large portion of the breakfast, lunch and dinner variations throughout the day that are provided on the menu are relatively affordable, ranging from $20 to $30 per meal. 

A critical aspect of the diner is the vast inclusivity of family oriented customers. There were various options on the menu for children and adults alike such as fries, pancakes and French toast which are common for young children to eat. A local at the diner, Grace Chen, emphasizes,“I am constantly under the pressure of handling my 3 children when we want to go out for lunch and spend quality time with my kids. So when we come to Hamburger Haven I can enjoy my spinach omelet and they can enjoy their chicken nuggets as well, it always works out.” Families often desire to dine at a restaurant that offers a variety of menu options suitable for all ages, ensuring that people of all ages can enjoy their meal during their visit, therefore there is a variety of comfort levels for all customers.

In order to maximize the full dining experience, receiving your meal without delay leads to a greater satisfaction, mainly when in a hurry. A Yelp reviewer, Tiffany T., expresses,“We ordered the salmon Benedict, sub home potatoes with French fries and the California omelette with hash browns. It was a pleasant surprise that the food was ready within 10 minutes.” Portraying that in addition to the incredibly appetizing meals, they arrive in a timely manner as well to avoid hefty wait times and long lines, boosting convenience and revealing that the diner takes into consideration the avid hunger of the awaiting customers. 

However, a growing concern among customers regarding the limited nutritional options at the restaurant have emerged for a variety of age groups. San Francisco resident, Greg Nelson, addresses,“This is my all time favorite restaurant in the area but I am almost 64 years old and cannot rely on fried foods as a part of my daily meals for much longer, I would be harming my health if I do so. Don't get me wrong though, I love their onion rings!” His concerns indicate a request to implement healthier menu options to meet the specific dietary preferences of health conscious customers. Furthermore, these individuals may choose to dine elsewhere, leading to a possible shortage in business for the diner. 

Regardless of a shortage in healthy meal options that may convey potential health risks for customers with specific dietary needs, Hamburger Haven fosters a cooperative dining experience, varying across a wide range of pleasant meals alongside quick service to increase customer satisfaction and boost restaurant efficiency. The inclusion of all age groups forms a welcoming setting where families can comfortably indulge in their meal without stress or tension, establishing a memorable dining experience.

Hamburger Haven is the ultimate destination for all the American cuisine enthusiasts, particularly those who crave a classic hamburger regularly. Whether you're seeking for a casual sit down with a friend, family member or coworker, the retro inspired diner offers the perfect ambiance for a quick meal over a hot cup of coffee in the span of an hour. 

Modern day dining aficionados who prefer high end, upscale restaurants that feature rather costly and limited menu options are not suitable in an old fashioned American Diner. Additionally, individuals with dietary restrictions including meat and poultry will find difficulties in choosing their next meal. Furthermore, folks that favor a quieter atmosphere with dim lighting as opposed to listening to chatter and food simmering will opt for a cafe or restaurant nearby to study or attend business meetings.

Hamburger Haven is well worth your time and money, delivering nostalgia and comfort all in a single meal, one that is inimitable in modern eateries. The rugged booths, open kitchen and the welcoming aroma of sizzling bacon mixed with bitter coffee automatically relieve stress upon entrance. Unless you desire a mellow and contemporary dining experience, Hamburger Haven will leave you unsatisfied.

As the food continues to simmer on the stove and coffee pots are repeatedly filled, it is clear that Hamburger Haven strives to blend both the timeless charm of a vintage 80’s diner and cherishing warm meals while welcoming familiar faces in the neighborhood. It isn't simply a regular restaurant in today's society, it is solely an awakening to preserve the spirit of classic eateries.

(Image Credit: google)