From fried chicken to mac and cheese to BBQ, everyone loves comfort food. Whether you're feeling down or celebrating a special occasion, we all need to stuff our face with a filling meal sometimes – especially these days. Check out the list below for some of the best comfort food in the Bay.
Last updated December 10, 2021
San Francisco
(4618 3rd St // Bayview)
Auntie April's is only open four days a week, but it's the spot for truly delectable comfort food. A perfect piece of fried chicken, sitting on top of a perfect waffle, with some syrup to top it off? Say no more.
(652 Polk St // Tenderloin)
Brenda's is probably the most well-known soul food spot in SF, so if you're new to the food scene in the Bay, you should definitely hit this place up. It's a tried and true restaurant that will provide you with an amazing meal every time.
(5176 3rd St // Bayview)
If it's got "fried" in the name, then you know it's going to be delicious. This is a family-owned spot with stand-out fried chicken, fried fish, and super filling sides -- what else does one need in life?
(2448 Clement St // Richmond + 2526 3rd St // Dogpatch)
This gem has two locations and everything you could want in Southern-style cuisine. Choose from jambalaya, chicken and waffles, cajun shrimp balls, and plenty more. Sounds like heaven if you ask us.
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East Bay
(362 17th St // Oakland)
American fried chicken is something we all know and love, but if you haven't had Japanese fried chicken, then you're missing out. Interest piqued? Aburaya is the place to go. Japanese fried chicken is their specialty, and it's pretty bomb.
(400 40th St // Oakland)
Mac and cheese is the only thing you need to fill that empty void in your soul (or your stomach). With 14 different types of mac and cheese on their menu, you're guaranteed to get lost in the (cheese) sauce.
(2688 Fruitvale Ave // Oakland)
Just looking at Lucky Three Seven’s menu will make your stomach rumble. When you check it out, arrive prepared to eat yourself directly into a food coma. Don't forget your stretchy pants!
(500 Lake Park Ave // Oakland)
Who says comfort food is only for meat eaters? If you're a vegan who likes soul food and BBQ -- or really any person that likes to eat -- then you need to check out Vegan Mob in Oakland.
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South Bay + Peninsula
(Changes Regularly)
With locally sourced meats and wood fire smokers, Capelo’s BBQ is some of the best you can get on the Peninsula. They’re a food truck that mostly serves the Peninsula and South Bay, but they occasionally venture elsewhere. You can check where the truck is going to be next on their website.
(270 San Pedro Rd // Daly City)
The invention of chicken and waffles is really one of the best things to ever happen to American cuisine. Keith's has pretty much mastered the art of making this dish, so you definitely can't miss it if you're craving comfort.
(365 S B St // San Mateo)
Pancho Villa is a god-tier Peninsula taqueria, which means you can’t really go wrong with anything on the menu. Snag a super burrito and a horchata and you’ll be set for the rest of the day.
(3378 Monterey Hwy // San Jose)
There’s nothing quite like breakfast for lunch, and Southern Kitchen coffee shop serves it up until 2 pm every day. If you're looking to pig out on pancakes midday, this spot is just for you!
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North Bay
(711 Madison St // Fairfield)
For a soul nourishing meal, you need to hit up Chez Soul. They've got all the Southern classics like fried chicken and BBQ ribs, but they also have seafood, oxtails, and a whole bunch of other tasty dishes. This place is the real deal.
(522 7th St // Santa Rosa)
There aren't a whole lot of Korean BBQ spots in Santa Rosa, but the fact that this is one of the few makes us lowkey jealous of all you North Bay folks. Korean BBQ hits different to begin with, but this spot really hits just right.
(1040 N Dutton Ave Ste A // Santa Rosa)
This establishment says that they're "not your average chicken restaurant", and we gotta say, that statement seems to be true. Chicken and waffles are great, but have you ever heard of a waffle chicken sandwich? If you're into beignets, chicken, and unconventional meals in general, you'll want to check this place out.
Via Trattoria Cattaneo
(2700 Yulupa Ave // Santa Rosa)
To finish off the comfort food guide, we have Trattoria Cattaneo. Authentic Italian food is consistently good, and is always there when you need it the most. Head here for a truly hearty and heart warming meal.
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