How 39 People in San Francisco Cure Their Hangovers
The first time I heard the phrase “Sunday Scaries” was while living in San Francisco in 2010. While sitting hungover on my couch after a night at my favorite pub, the now-permanently closed Fiddler’s Green, I simply needed no explanation for what the phrase meant. I already felt it.
There were several other bars that led to my first-ever Scary Sundays as well: Horseshoe Tavern, Balboa Cafe, The Tipsy Pig, Sully’s Marina Lounge, CC’s, among others.
My cure? I’d pick myself up, leave my apartment, and walk directly toward the base of the Golden Gate to watch the surfers. Being more broke than I can explain at the time, I’d eventually head to The Grove for a fresh salad or a decadent bowl of French Onion soup. The $14 soup was always the most expensive meal of the week for me, so it was one that I knew I had to save for when I was in need.
While a lot of my old haunts have shut down or moved, here are a bunch of reader responses that may help if you ever find yourself struggling in San Francisco.
Several Irish coffees from Buena Vista Cafe.
Little Original Joe’s! Crispy chicken Caesar, zucchini fries and a glass of rosè.
Burger at Jasmin’s on Bush St.
BEC from Newkirks. Italian cold cut sandwich on soft bread from Molinari’s with plenty of mayo, and an ice cold Italian mole cola.
Breakfast Little breakfast burrito. Cold brew from Philz or a Diet Coke.
Crossing the bridge back to Oakland! Sesame paste noodles from Shan Dong.
Sandwich at Mario’s in north beach, topped off with hair of the dog after at Vesuvio.
Polar plunge at Ocean Beach, followed by beer at the Riptide (they have a fire place), and lunch somewhere in the Sunset.
RT Rotisserie - chicken soup with ALL the toppings. Trust me.
While I haven’t been hungover in the city for awhile, kids ya know, a breakfast at Plow could do the trick. The lemon ricotta pancakes are amazing.
A big bowl of pho at Kevin’s Noodle House in the Sunset or a breakfast burrito from Bean Bag Cafe in NOPA. Outside of food, going for a walk in Golden Gate Park. Avoid cafes because there are always too many tech bros coding or discussing start ups/AI disruption.
Fennel tea made by my cousin who lives there. We had an amazing evening in Bix, with many a Martin and this cured me. And a Bloody Mary.
Go for another beer at the Dogpatch Saloon.
Walk to the Ferry Building and get a California burrito from Senor Sisig (add the fried egg).
Breakfast sandwich from Devil’s Teeth, muni to OB, chill and touch grass.
Cozy brunch in The Grove (Mission St)!
Take Advil and a 5mg edible, and sit at the top of Alta Plaza Park drinking a Diet Coke.
Either the Sanfranpsycho or Italian Sub from Boy’s Deli on Polk St.
Breakfast sandwich somewhere in your neighborhood at a non-aesthetic corner store early enough it’s still cold, Michelada somewhere in The Mission as the fog retreats, Dolo and a few beers while it’s sunny, ramen as the fog returns and then solemnly sitting on your back porch with a cold mist on your face.
Breakfast burrito from the Presidio Golf Course (best in the City and I’ll die defending this take). Enjoy in the Presidio grass park overlooking the Bridge and the bay.
breakfast little!
HOUSE OF NANKING! The wonton soup with puffy rice is unlike any other.
Getting some delicious chilaquiles from Chavitas on Mission and 26th Street.
Crab paste Pho from Ly’s Vietnamese on Lombard.
Grab a sandwhich and take a nap in the sun at whichever park is closest to said sandwhich spot.
Henry’s Hunan.
Pick up breakfast sandwiches at Devils Teeth and take them to the beach, staring at the Pacific and questioning your life choices.
La Bomba breakfast burrito from Underdogs Too ( with a Mexican Coke or a Michelada) and a walk on Sunset Dunes.
Grilled cheese on white with American cheese and extra crispy fries with ranch, as well as an Irish coffee from Buena Vista.
Sea salt bagel at Laundromat Bagels.
Drag myself to Saint Frank for an iced latte, listen to jazz playlist while walking to Fort Mason and let the breeze cure the rest while I look at the view of the Bridge and fog. If that doesn’t work, Reuben from Wise Son with side of potato salad and liquid-IV.
Buena Vista Cafe for two (2) Irish coffee then head to Swan Oyster for six (6) oysters and one (1) crab back.
One (1) crispy Coors Light at the darkest dive bar in my neighborhood (maybe two if I’m feeling extra dusty). Then grabbing a Mission burrito and crawling back onto my couch.
Breakfast burrito from Bodega.
The Perry’s to Bus Stop pipeline is the only cure. Waymo there so as not to be judged. Have some mid food but a damn good Bloody Mary. Then keep the beers flowing over football.
Walking from Ocean Beach across the GGB then taking the ferry back to the city.
The Boys Deli PG13 Sandwich — Giant Dutch crunch sandwich dripping because they are NOT shy on spread/sauce.
Redwood grove in the Botanical garden.
Saunter on over to The Buena Vista. Order as many Irish Coffees as it takes to get back to baseline, but under no circumstances more than 3, unless you’re built like Haloti Ngata. Once you’re good and oiled up, take the party over to Rutily’s Market around the corner and order the Gus special. Walk a couple blocks north to Fort Mason park and chow down with a view of the bridge.
