Special Feature: Products Sally Recommends
Betelnut
2030 Union Street (near Buchanan Street)
San Francisco, CA 94123 (415) 929-8855
Cuisine: Pan-Asian-style "street food" consisting of small plates, like tapas, and entrees inspired by many parts of Asia
Pluses: innovative concept, exotic decor, quality food
Don't Miss: Sun-dried anchovies wok-tossed with peanuts, chilis and garlic (appetizer), Singapore chili crab, or Korean charbroiled pork with scallion-pepper sauce (entrees)
Prices: Moderate -- entrees range from $8.95-$14.98
Overview: Open seven days a week; continuous service from lunch through dinner; open until 11:00 p.m. Sunday-Thursday; midnight on Friday and Saturday.
Reservations suggested
All major credit cards except American Express
Parking on the street or in nearby garage (have ticket stamped for discounted fee)
Wheelchair accessible
Patterned after an Asian beer house, the decor in itself is a draw, with unusual-looking ceiling fans, paintings of beautiful Asian women, and an air that makes one feel like Sidney Greenstreet is about to arrive.
The assortment of tasty small dishes include salt and pepper coated Gulf prawns; wok-steamed mussels with Thai herbs; and grilled tuna cakes.
Mid-courses include vegetarian , chicken or pork steamed dumplings; Thai-inspired green papaya-shrimp salad, or a wild mushroom yakisoba noodle dish.
Soups like hot and sour lemongrass prawn or Hunan braised beef come in large bowls begging to be shared.
Oven-smoked sea bass, coconut chicken and smoked tea duck make up the large plates. Asian beers, wines, sake and a large selection of Chinese teas round out the menu.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the businesses in question before making your plans.
