The Chase Center is almost open. And if you’ve scored tickets to Metallica, Dave Matthews Band, Chance the Rapper, or any of the other big bands this fall — the biggest being the Golden State Warriors, who kick off NBA preseason Oct. 5 against LA Lakers – you’ll need to know the best places to eat in and around the arena.
First up is Thrive City, the new 3.2-acre outdoor neighborhood in Mission Bay that will feature 20 new shops and restaurants, including Dumpling Time, Gott’s Roadside, Michael Mina, Belly and Sweet Belly, Nachoria and The Corneta Taqueria. Restaurants are expected to open on a rolling basis throughout the arena’s first year. No word on which restaurant will be first.
In the meantime – and if you prefer to eat away from the crowds, in a quieter area – check out the fabulous restaurants and brasseries in the neighboring Dogpatch district. From there it’s a short Uber ride or 20 minute walk to the Chase Center. Here are five fantastic places to grab a bite to eat.
Magnolia Brewery
This brewery and independent restaurant – Magnolia’s follow-up to its place in the Haight – is one of the best places to eat in the Dogpatch. It’s bright and family-friendly, with endless seating and a solid New American kitchen. Closer to 20 craft beers on tap. Dinner highlights: Fantastic flatbreads ($13-$15), like pepper and onion with feta cheese; sandwiches, including a Veggie Reuben ($13); and classic entrees, like a 10-ounce New York strip loin with fries ($32).
Details: Open until 10 p.m. daily at 2505 Third St.; https://magnoliabrewing.com/dogpatch.
piccino
Now in its 10th year, Piccino is a neighborhood institution — and a haven for farm-to-table dining. The Italian-inspired menu centers on the best of the season from farms like Mariquita and Star Route. Currently, look for Burrata Pugliese with Heirloom Tomatoes, Peaches and Corn ($23); Chicken liver crostini with nectarine, chervil and saba ($8), artisan pastas and wood-fired pizzas ($17-$24).
Details: Open for dinner 5-9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and until 10 p.m. Friday-Saturday at 1001 Minnesota St.; https://piccino.com.
besharam
About a mile from the Chase Center is the Minnesota Street Project, home to chef Heena Patel’s chic Indian restaurant. The menu celebrates gourmet updates to Patel’s indigenous Gujarati food, such as Dhokla, fermented chickpea cakes steamed with green chili, lemon and curry leaves ($14), and Dahi Wada , urad dal dumplings with chili spiced yogurt, cilantro and tamarind ($13). Savor family-style dishes with bold flavors. In true Gujarati fashion, utensils are optional.
Details: Open for dinner from 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday at 1275 Minnesota St.; www.besharamrestaurant.com
Small Creatures Brewery
Recently opened in Mission Bay, this Australian export features a full brewery and globally-inspired restaurant with a large menu of shared plates – ranging from gochujang lamb chops ($13) to seasoned and breaded Aussie Wedges ($10 ) – as well as sandwiches ($14). -$18), appetizers and a great Game Day menu focused on those shared plates, of course.
Details: Open 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily at 1003A Third St.; www.littlecreatures.com/mission-bay
school night
Located inside The Pearl, this weeknight-only bar specializes in craft cocktails of pisco, whiskey, and agave. There’s also a small menu of Mexican-inspired bites from the wood-fired oven, like Achiote Chicken Thighs with Cilantro Rice ($16), Duck Fat Confit Fried Potatoes Smashed with Guajillo mojo ($12) and, yes, homemade churros ($8).
Details: Open 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday at 601 19th St.; www.schoolnightsf.com.
