Hayes Valley is where San Francisco dresses up to go casual—tree-lined boutiques, pop-up art, and more sidewalk seating than curbside parking. When the sun goes down, the neighborhood’s dinner calculus gets simple: book Rich Table or settle for second best. Housed in a former livery stable at 199 Gough Street, this 65-seat room delivers California cooking so assured it held a Michelin star for seven straight years and still plates like it’s hungry for another.

From those Insta-famous sardine chips to a playlist that slides neatly from Miles to Mos Def, Rich Table nails the Hayes Valley brief: neighborhood-cool married to destination-worthy craft. Until another kitchen outperforms on freshness, creativity, and “can-you-get-me-in?” demand, this is the Not Urgent Pick for dinner in Hayes Valley. Book once—then set an alarm for that midnight, 45-days-out re-up.

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Five Reasons Rich Table Tops Our Scorecard

Chef pedigree — Husband-and-wife chefs Evan & Sarah Rich trained at Bouley, Quince, and Coi before opening their own kitchen.

Signature wow dish — The iconic Sardine Chips still sell out nightly.

Reservation sanity — Tables drop 45 days ahead at midnight on Resy; ten bar seats stay walk-in friendly.

Service windows — Dinner runs Tue–Sat, 5 p.m.–10 :30 p.m., perfect for pre-show bites or a late linger.

Staying power — From Bon Appétit shout-outs to 1,600-plus Yelp raves, Rich Table’s buzz is built to last.

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What to Order (and Why)

Sardine Chips, Horseradish Crème
Trust the hype—salty-crispy-creamy in one bite. Two per person is the correct math.

Porcini Doughnuts, Raclette Dip
Umami-dusted brioche puffs you’ll remember longer than your last password.

Hand-Cut Tagliatelle, Brown Butter & Black Truffle
The dish locals stalk Resy for; silky noodles, forest-floor aromatics, zero fuss.

Dry-Aged Duck, Stone Fruit & Chicories (summer rotation)
A crash course in how California’s micro-seasons taste on one plate.

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Insider Playbook

Last-Minute Date: Drop in at 5 p.m. for bar seats; order sardine chips plus a half-pour of grower Champagne—the team will pour whatever’s already open.

Group of Four: Book exactly 45 days out and request the corner banquette so everyone can share plates without elbow wars.

Chef-Nerd Splurge: Add the caviar bump to the tagliatelle and let the somm pair a Jura savagnin—lean, nutty, perfect.

Early Curtain at SFJAZZ: 5 p.m. seating, three “Bites,” split one pasta; you’ll be out by 6:30 p.m. with time for a Patricia’s Green stroll.

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Quick Prep Checklist

Dress code: Casual-elegant; dark denim and a blazer blend with the room’s reclaimed-wood vibe.

Getting there: Five-minute walk from Civic Center BART; rideshares should pin 199 Gough—parking is unicorn-rare after 6 p.m.

Allergies: Flag ’em in Resy notes; the kitchen swaps gluten-free pasta or adjusts tasting menus with 24-hour notice.

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