a san francisco treat

there are so many restaurants in san francisco (plus the bay area), that sometimes it's hard to choose. it's much easier when somebody tells you exactly what they want. so when i was taking my mom to lunch, it was her choice, and she wanted lobster. san francisco isn't exactly known for lobster, so i was pretty thrilled to come across the North Beach Lobster Shack.

north beach is san francisco's little italy, and it's absolutely adorable (although parking is close to impossible). and the lobster shack, with its kitschy maps and decor, fits right in.

i was disappointed that it was close to empty when we stopped in during lunch, and maybe more disappointed when the only guy that came in while we were there ordered a grilled cheese.

but the food was great! the new england-style clam chowder was creamy, clammy and delicious. and the naked lobster roll, although on the small side, was meaty and great. perfect fries just added to the wonderful meal. my mom had the lobster louie salad; it was good, but it could've used more lobster and more avocado.

i was pleased to have found this hidden gem on a quaint street, but even more pleased when i was craving fro-yo and ran into Swirl Culture right up the block. going with the frozen yogurt craze, swirl culture is the pinkberry of san francisco. and it completely hit the spot.

north beach lobster shack
532 green street btwn grant/columbus
san francisco, ca 94133
415/829.3634

swirl culture
1400 grant avenue at green
san francisco, ca 94133
415/397.9475