Anchor and Hope - The Basics:
Anchor and Hope Fish House opened in April of 2008 -- a warm combination of trestle ceiling and exposed brick in a renovated turn-of-the-century building -- and former auto repair garage.
The names behind Anchor and Hope -- Doug Washington, Mitchell Rosenthal and Steve Rosenthal -- will be familiar and good news to fans of Town Hall and Salt House. Chef Sarah Schafer comes by way of Frisson, creating a seafood-rich menu with a few selections for the more carnivorous among us.
Anchor and Hope - The Space:
For anyone who's passed by 83 Minna in recent months -- or followed the progress of Anchor and Hope by way of Eater San Francisco -- the interior design manages to fuse some of the original industrial elements with modern touches like the long, zinc dining counter.
The dining room is open and spacious without feeling cold, owing to the inherent socked-in warmth of brick, and the overhead lighting hung to effectively lower the ceiling and dampen the brightness.
Anchor and Hope - The Menu:
Anchor and Hope is all about fish and shellfish -- with a few meaty exceptions. The selections are diverse enough to please oyster lovers (East or West Coast) as well as eaters who love their ingredients steamed, sauteed or creamed into Anchor and Hope chowder (a cluster of little neck clams and white corn with a fresh pour of chowder at the table).
Sample menu items:
- Anchor and Hope Chowder - $9
- Fried Ipswich Clams - $13
- Dungeness Crab Salad - $8
- Anchor and Hope Lobster Roll - $21
- Sea Scallops with Napa Cabbage - $24
- Desserts - $9
Posted in April 2008 - Prices and items subject to change
Anchor and Hope - The Scene:
As with any new establishment, it's too early to typecast this niche of Minna. But in its earliest days, the service at Anchor and Hope was effusively friendly -- from the front-door embrace to the post-meal shot of espresso. The vibe is reminiscent of Town Hall, beautiful but understated, classy but devoid of pretense.
Go For:
- Service - exceptional (to the person) on our visit
- Diverse seafood selection - Sea Scallops and the Dungeness Crab Salad were highlights of our meal
- Location - Walking distance from museums and attractions of SoMa and Yerba Buena Gardens
- Ambiance - A piece of renovated San Francisco structural history
Address & Telephone:
83 Minna Street (between 1st and 2nd)
San Francisco, CA 94105
Telephone: (415) 501-9100
Anchor and Hope Website
Transit & Trip Planners:
Anchor and Hope is an easy walk from Montgomery Street Station (Muni & BART).
For door-to-door directions within San Francisco (by foot and transit) check out Hop Stop San Francisco.