Here's the latest on San Francisco's restaurant scene. In this edition, a pizzeria opens in a newly constructed building near the Townsend roundabout, a banh mi spot continues to expand its footprint, and pop-up restaurateurs take over at Joint Venture Kitchen.
Design District
Pizza Squared (885 Brannan St.)
In February, we reported that two new eateries and a Peet's Coffee were working to open in the recently constructed mixed-use building at 885 Brannan St. (at 8th Street).
One of those eateries is Pizza Squared, which our veteran Hoodline tipster Al M. reports is currently in "soft-opening mode."
The new pizzeria specializes in Detroit- and Sicilian-style pies, both of which are served by the square. A slice runs about $6.75, with six varieties on offer.
While you'll be able to partake in a more traditional pie like pepperoni with red onion, there are some unique toppings available, too, like chorizo, leeks and garlic cream sauce or Korean-style bulgogi meatballs.
Pizza Squared will soon be joined at 885 Brannan by El Pipila, a Guanajuato-style Mexican restaurant whose all-female ownership team was recently awarded a grant from the San Francisco Women's Entrepreneurship Fund. It's expected to open in the next few months.
North Beach
Bunn Mike (100 Green St.)
This past April, we reported that Green Box — a healthy eatery known for its salads, poke bowls and pressed juices — had unexpectedly closed its North Beach location.
Now, it appears that Bunn Mike, which specializes in Vietnamese banh mi sandwiches, is prepping to open in its place. The new spot is slated for an October 1 debut, according to the business' website.
This will be the third location for Bunn Mike, which also has another North Beach location at 752 Columbus Ave. (near Greenwich), as well as an outpost at 300 De Haro St. in Potrero Hill.
Our informant Al checked in at the Columbus Avenue location for more details, but an employee on site wasn't able to share any additional information.
Diners can likely expect to see the same selection of banh mi sandwiches, with options like five-spice chicken, grilled pork and the "traditional" with pâté. Each sandwich comes with house-made pickled veggies and homemade Vietnamese mayo.
SoMa
Joint Venture Kitchen (167 11th St.)
Finally, there's a new dinner series launching this weekend at SoMa's rotating pop-up restaurant, Joint Venture Kitchen.
On Saturday, September 15, the Midnight Supper Club — which comes from amateur chefs Samuel Hii and Oliver Hsu — will feature a prix fixe five-course menu for $49.89.
"What we are trying to achieve here is fun, from our kitchen to your table," write the chefs on their Eventbrite page. "Join us as we get one hell of a kick out of bringing you unimaginable dishes you would never get at a traditional dining experience."
Expect to see dishes like smoked eggplant caponata with sweet potato crisps and charred tomatoes on the vine; roasted bone-in pork belly with cider-braised jowl, crispy crackling and chunky mint pesto in a fig reduction; and coffee-roasted summer vegetables rounded out with a dessert comprised of "late summer fruits."
There are two dinner services, at 6 and 8 p.m. Tickets can be purchased here.
Thanks as always to Al M. for the tips! If you've seen something new in the neighborhood, text your tips and photos to (415) 200-3233, or email [email protected]. If we use your info in a story, we'll give you credit.
