BUBU

For residents of California, particularly those navigating the vibrant culinary scene of San Francisco, discovering a local eatery that combines exceptional quality with incredible value is always a win. BUBU, a Japanese restaurant conveniently located on California Street, has quickly become a beloved spot for exactly these reasons. It's not just a place to grab a bite; it's an experience, especially for those looking to enjoy fresh, delicious Japanese fare without breaking the bank.

BUBU has earned a stellar reputation for its fantastic offerings, particularly its much-talked-about happy hour. Diners consistently rave about the freshness of the fish and the deliciousness of all the food options available. It’s a testament to their commitment to quality, even amidst busy periods and incredibly competitive pricing. Whether you're a long-time sushi connoisseur or simply looking for a fun and engaging dining experience with friends, BUBU offers a compelling blend of taste, ambiance, and value that makes it a must-visit for locals.

BUBU is strategically located at 2417 California St, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA. This address places it squarely within the charming and well-heeled Pacific Heights neighborhood, easily accessible from various parts of San Francisco.

The restaurant's location on California Street, a major thoroughfare, makes it quite convenient for both public transportation users and those driving. Numerous Muni bus lines operate along California Street and in the surrounding Pacific Heights area, providing easy access for locals from different districts. For those preferring to drive, street parking is available in the vicinity. While parking in San Francisco can sometimes require a bit of patience, the area around BUBU often offers more options compared to more congested downtown locations. The lively yet manageable atmosphere of Pacific Heights further enhances the appeal of visiting BUBU, whether for a quick happy hour bite or a relaxed dinner.

BUBU offers a diverse menu of Japanese cuisine, with a strong focus on fresh sushi and other popular small plates, all designed to be enjoyed in a lively setting. Their offerings cater to various preferences, including:

• Sushi and Sashimi: A selection of fresh fish for nigiri and sashimi, often highlighted for its quality even within a value-driven context. Varieties include Salmon, Hamachi (Yellowtail), and various hand roll options.
• Hand Rolls: A specialty at BUBU, particularly during happy hour, with a unique pricing structure that makes them exceptionally affordable ($5 for two handrolls, meaning $2.50 each). Options may include Salmon Skin Handroll, Negi Toro Handroll, Salmon Avocado Handroll, Spicy Tuna Handroll, and more.
• Sushi Rolls: A range of classic and special rolls such as California Rolls, Spicy Tuna Rolls, Rockin' Roll (Unagi and Avocado), and deluxe options like Uni Toro O-toro Roll and Truffle Scallop Roll.
• Appetizers and Small Plates: A variety of delicious starters perfect for sharing or enjoying alongside sushi. These include popular items like Takoyaki (octopus balls), Chicken Karaage (Japanese fried chicken), Shrimp Tempura, Chicken Gyoza, Sea Salt Edamame, Seaweed Salad, Roasted Brussels sprouts, and Shishito Peppers.
• Fresh Raw Tastings: Specialty items such as Truffle Hamachi (yellowtail sashimi with truffle ponzu), Albacore Tataki, and Rainbow Carpaccio, showcasing fresh fish with unique flavor profiles.
• Udon Noodle Soups: A selection of comforting udon bowls including Garden Tempura Udon, Shrimp Tempura Udon, Tofu Teriyaki Udon, and Niku Udon.
• Donburi Bowls: Rice bowls topped with fresh sashimi or other ingredients, such as Tekka Don (bluefin tuna over rice) and Chirashi Don (variety sashimi over rice).
• Beverage Options: A selection of Japanese and domestic alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, including Asahi and Sapporo beer, hot sake, and refreshing options like the Yuzu Sparkler.
• Vegan Options: The restaurant offers a few dedicated vegan options and can often make some dishes vegan, catering to plant-based diets.
• Dine-In Service: Providing a fun and inviting ambiance for an enjoyable meal, perfect for pairs or small groups.
• Takeout/Delivery Service: Available through platforms like Uber Eats, allowing customers to enjoy BUBU’s offerings at home.

BUBU has several standout features that contribute to its popularity and make it a favorite among San Francisco locals:

• Unbeatable Happy Hour Deal: This is arguably BUBU's biggest draw. With many food and drink options priced at just $5 each (or $2.50 per handroll when ordering two), it offers exceptional value for money, especially in San Francisco. The happy hour is available both early evening and late night, making it very flexible.
• Fresh Fish Quality (Especially for the Price): Despite the affordable pricing, customers consistently highlight the freshness and good taste of the fish, noting it's "excellent for the price point."
• Fun and Inviting Ambiance: The restaurant offers a lively and pleasant atmosphere that contributes to an enjoyable dining experience. It's often described as a fun place to be, especially with friends.
• Efficient and Friendly Service: Even when busy, the staff (sometimes just two individuals managing the whole place) are praised for providing good service and handling waiting lists effectively, ensuring a relatively smooth experience.
• Unique Hand Roll Pricing: The "two for $5" hand roll deal is a particular highlight, making these popular items incredibly accessible and encouraging diners to try multiple varieties.
• Variety of Drink Options: Beyond standard Japanese beverages, the happy hour includes various alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks for $5, such as Asahi, Sapporo, hot sake, and refreshing options like the Yuzu Sparkler.
• Good for Groups (with a caveat): While excellent for pairs or smaller groups (especially during happy hour), larger groups may need to split up to be seated, as noted by a reviewer. However, the overall experience remains positive.
• Vegan-Friendly Offerings: The presence of specific vegan options and the ability to adapt dishes demonstrates their consideration for diverse dietary preferences.

BUBU's most significant and consistent promotion is its renowned Happy Hour. This offer is available at specific times, making it accessible for both early dinner and late-night cravings:

• Monday - Thursday: Happy Hour starts at 4:30 PM.
• Friday - Sunday: Happy Hour starts at 3:30 PM.

During happy hour, a wide selection of food and drink options are priced at just $5 each. This includes:

• Various sushi items: select sushi rolls, sashimi, and nigiri.
• Hand Rolls: advertised as $5 for two, meaning each handroll is effectively $2.50. You do not have to order an even number of handrolls.
• Hot food items: such as Chicken Karaage, Takoyaki, and possibly other appetizers.
• Drink options: including Asahi, Sapporo, and hot sake.

This happy hour deal is consistently praised by customers as an incredible "steal" due to the excellent quality of the food at such a low price point. It's highly recommended to "come early (or late)" to take full advantage of these fantastic savings.

For those eager to experience the fantastic offerings at BUBU, here’s how you can connect with them:

Address: 2417 California St, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA

Phone: (415) 796-3376

Given the popularity of their happy hour, especially on weekends, it's a good idea to consider arriving early or late during the happy hour windows to ensure a smoother seating experience, particularly if you are in a pair or small group. While they manage waiting lists well, arriving strategically can enhance your visit. For takeout or delivery, checking third-party delivery apps like Uber Eats (where their menu and pricing are often available) is a convenient option.

For San Francisco locals, BUBU stands out as an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended Japanese dining spot. Its primary appeal lies in the rare combination of high-quality, fresh Japanese cuisine and an incredibly affordable price point, especially during its generous happy hour. In a city where dining out can often be an expensive affair, BUBU provides a fantastic opportunity to enjoy delicious sushi, hand rolls, and other Japanese favorites without breaking the bank.

The "fun ambiance" and "good service," even when busy, create a welcoming and enjoyable atmosphere that encourages repeat visits. It's the kind of place where you can comfortably bring a friend or two for a casual yet satisfying meal. While there might be marginally "better fish" at higher price points in the city, the overall quality-to-price ratio at BUBU is consistently highlighted as "unbeatable." For anyone in San Francisco craving fresh sushi, delightful Japanese appetizers, and refreshing drinks in a lively setting that offers fantastic value, BUBU on California Street is undeniably a local gem that promises a truly rewarding dining experience.

BUBU

2417 California St, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA