Red’s Java House

This is one of the office favorites for an extended lunch. Red’s has a view of the bridge and waterfront to rival any of the higher-priced dining establishments along the Embarcadero from a great patio area in back.  So what if it’s a converted chunk of parking lot?  Just ensure that someone is guarding your meal when you run to grab another pitcher… the seagulls/pigeons/little wren-like-creatures are quite ruthless when it comes to abandoned meals.

But we don’t take the 10 minute trek just to consume the scenery.  Although at each visit there’s some renegade who orders the double-decker hot dog, veggie burger, or chili (all deemed tasty, by the way), the fish ‘n chips are what most bring to the table… and for good reason (personally, so far, my favorite in the city).  Light, crispy batter, tasty, perfectly moist fish, and enough fries for two or three people to share.  And even when the line stretches out the door, you can end up with food-in-hand within 15 minutes.

For those who aren’t on the clock, the full bar out back has beer to pair well with every meal… AND (gratuitous college reference) a bartender from Jupiter’s, one of my favorite bars back in Champaign, Illinois.  Unfortunately, as a result, I’ve never moistened my lips with the nectar for which they are named.  Some morning, perhaps, if I’m not yet un-hung-over, I’ll drop in for the breakfast and a cup of java.

Oh… did I mention a two-piece fish ‘n chips and a beer is still under $10?  Take that, every other overpriced pub in the city without a waterfront view.  N’yah.

Pier 30
San Francisco, CA 94105
(415) 777-5626