Special Feature: Products Sally Recommends
Suppenkuche
525 Laguna
San Francisco, CA 94102 (415) 252-9289
Cuisine: German
Pluses: Bright atmosphere, authentic German cuisine, large beer list, shared tables
Minuses: Can be noisy, shared tables (though I really consider this a plus)
Don't Miss: mashed potatoes, mixed salad, Weiner Schnitzel
Prices: Moderate; entrees $9.95-$13.95
Overview: Open for dinner daily from 5-10 pm, brunch Saturday and Sunday from 10 am-3 pm
Reservations accepted for parties of six or more
Visa, MasterCard,
and American Express accepted
Parking on street
Smoking in bar area
only
Beer and wine only
Wheelchair accessible
If you're anything like I am, you grew up thinking that Weiner Schnitzel was the name of a hot dog joint. Glory be to Suppenk¸che Head Chef Tilo Guentvel for showing me the schnitzel light.
Suppenk¸che is a small, airy, brightly lit German restaurant in the Hayes Street Valley. It's perfectly located for an enjoyable post-opera dinner, a mid-museum beer, or, as I found recently, a pre-concert convergence of friends. The Valley has a reputation for being a bit dodgey, but recent strides toward gentrification make this restaurant a must-do.
Tables are long, rough-hewn, and seat eight comfortably. Our party of six was seated, and soon thereafter a party of two joined our table. Though some might find this arrangement a bit close, I enjoyed speaking to our newfound dining companions...all for the love of good food.
And such food! Smoked Pork Chop with mashed potatoes and sauerkraut, J”ger Schnitzel with spaetzle and mixed salad, Braised Beef with oven roasted potatoes and red cabbage, and a special Lamb Chop all had the touch of a kitchen that knows simple food can taste fantastic.
The beer list is also incredible with no fewer than eight types offered (from the wheaty hefe to the robust stout). There is also a recessed bar area in the main dining room. Smoking is allowed in this part of the bar, but the smoke did not seem to travel towards the diners.
When we arrived, the place was filling up. As we left for our concert at the newly refurbished Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, Suppenk¸che was packed. Schnitzel-smiles all around.
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.
