The Public Izakaya

For those in California craving an authentic taste of Japan without the trans-Pacific flight, The Public Izakaya in San Francisco offers an experience that transports you directly to the bustling backstreets of Tokyo. More than just a restaurant, it's a vibrant social hub where delicious food, lively ambiance, and a fantastic selection of drinks come together. Locals rave about its genuine izakaya atmosphere and a menu that delights with both classic and unique Japanese flavors. If you're looking for a spot that feels like a true Japanese escape, especially for late-night bites and shared plates, The Public Izakaya is a must-visit in the Golden City.

The Public Izakaya is conveniently located at 700 Post St, San Francisco, CA 94109, USA. This address places it squarely in the vibrant Nob Hill neighborhood, making it easily accessible from various parts of San Francisco. Its proximity to Union Square and major hotels means it's a convenient dining destination for both residents and visitors exploring the city's downtown core. Public transportation is readily available, with numerous MUNI bus lines and cable car routes operating in the vicinity, allowing for a comfortable journey. While street parking in San Francisco can be challenging, particularly in popular areas like Nob Hill, rideshare services are always an easy alternative. The restaurant's inviting storefront and authentic Japanese decor immediately set the tone for the unique experience that awaits inside.

The Public Izakaya offers a comprehensive menu reflecting the diverse and communal nature of a traditional Japanese izakaya. It’s designed for sharing and enjoying a wide variety of flavors.

• Extensive Izakaya Dishes: As an izakaya, the menu features a wide array of small plates and skewers perfect for sharing. Highlights include their "freshly fried" fried chicken (karaage), flavorful shishito peppers, and robust motsunabe (hotpot), which comes with its own hotpot setup at the table for a truly interactive dining experience.
• Fresh Sushi and Sashimi: Despite its izakaya focus, The Public Izakaya also offers a selection of fresh sushi and sashimi, including delicious hamachi. Options range from nigiri (like yellowfin tuna, salmon, hamachi, unagi, and various roes) to more adventurous selections like their "Flaming Footlong Salmon." They even offer a "California Nigiri Sampler" for those who want a taste of everything.
• Flavorful Ramen and Noodles: For noodle lovers, the menu includes various ramen and udon dishes. Popular choices include Millionaire Tonkotsu ramen with creamy pork bone broth, Tempura Udon, and a spicy miso ramen. There are also unique offerings like "Tomato Bomb" vegetarian ramen and "Fiery Wagyu" ramen.
• Grilled Robatayaki Skewers: A cornerstone of izakaya dining, The Public Izakaya features a robust robatayaki menu with various skewers, including chicken (thigh, heart, gizzard, nankotsu, tail, tsukune ball), beef (A-5 Wagyu), pork (pork belly), and seafood (salmon, jumbo scallop, lobster tail, abalone, calamari, garlic shrimp).
• Full Bar with Japanese Beverages: The bar offers a good selection of Japanese wines and beers, including the popular Kyoto Yuzu beer, alongside a variety of other drinks. This makes it an ideal spot for enjoying drinks with friends while sampling different dishes.
• Delicious Desserts: Don't skip dessert! Customers have praised their unique offerings, such as a "sesame dessert" that was described as "so cool" and "really loved."
• Late-Night Dining: A significant advantage for locals, The Public Izakaya is known as a solid late-night food spot, offering a full menu until late hours (often until 1 AM or later), making it perfect for post-event cravings or evening gatherings.
• Dine-In Service: The restaurant offers a vibrant and energetic dine-in experience, characterized by fast and attentive service, even during busy periods.
• Takeout and Delivery: For convenience, The Public Izakaya also offers takeout and delivery services through popular platforms, allowing diners to enjoy their favorite Japanese dishes at home.

The Public Izakaya's charm and popularity stem from several distinctive features that create a truly memorable experience:

• Authentic Japanese Ambiance and Decor: Stepping inside truly feels like being transported to Japan. Reviewers consistently praise the "cute" and "fitting" decor, complete with "Japanese figurines" and posters, creating an immersive and authentic izakaya atmosphere.
• Lively and Energetic Atmosphere: The restaurant maintains a bustling and dynamic vibe, making it "good for groups to share some drinks and bites." It's often described as a fun and engaging place to dine, especially for those seeking a lively evening.
• Fast and Attentive Service: Despite the lively atmosphere, the service is frequently noted for being "very fast and attentive." Dishes arrive quickly, particularly freshly fried items, ensuring a smooth dining experience.
• Diverse and Shareable Menu: The izakaya concept thrives on variety, and The Public Izakaya delivers with a wide range of small plates, skewers, sushi, ramen, and hot pots. This encourages sharing and allows diners to sample many different flavors.
• Quality Fried Dishes: The fried chicken is a standout, noted for being "freshly fried" and delicious. Other fried items like crispy calamari and fried oysters are also available.
• Unique Beverage Selection: Beyond standard offerings, the selection of Japanese wines and specific beers like the Kyoto Yuzu beer adds a distinct touch to the drink menu, complementing the food perfectly.
• Late-Night Availability: As one of San Francisco's go-to spots for late-night food, it fills a crucial niche for locals looking for quality dining options well into the evening.

The Public Izakaya offers appealing promotions that enhance the dining experience, particularly during specific hours:

• Happy Hour Specials: The Public Izakaya is well-known for its fantastic happy hour, available from 5-6 PM and again from 10-11 PM. During these times, guests can enjoy deals on both food and drinks. This includes discounted grilled chicken and veggie skewers (often as low as $5), and specials on select nigiri and sashimi. Additionally, there are often deals on sake and beer, making it an excellent option for an affordable yet high-quality experience.
• Online Deals: The restaurant may also participate in online platforms like Restaurant.com or DoorDash, where customers might find exclusive deals, gift certificates, or delivery promotions. It's always a good idea to check these platforms for potential savings.

For the most current information on any ongoing promotions, daily specials, or exact happy hour timings, it is always recommended to contact The Public Izakaya directly via phone or check their official website or social media channels.

Ready to immerse yourself in an authentic Japanese izakaya experience? Here’s how you can reach The Public Izakaya:

Address: 700 Post St, San Francisco, CA 94109, USA

Phone: (415) 714-0733

Due to its popularity, especially during peak dining hours and late at night, calling ahead for seating availability or making a reservation is advisable to ensure a smooth visit.

For California locals, particularly those in the San Francisco Bay Area, The Public Izakaya is more than just another Japanese restaurant; it's a vibrant cultural and culinary destination perfectly suited to the local lifestyle. Its ability to transport diners directly to Japan through its authentic decor and lively atmosphere provides a unique escape within the city, making it a refreshing change of pace for a night out with friends or a casual group gathering. The extensive menu, featuring a wide array of delicious izakaya small plates, fresh sushi, comforting ramen, and expertly grilled skewers, caters to diverse tastes and encourages a communal dining experience—a hallmark of Californian social culture.

Moreover, its strong reputation as a solid late-night food spot fills a crucial niche in San Francisco's dining scene, offering quality food and drinks well into the evening when many other establishments have closed. The value offered through their generous happy hour deals on both food and drinks makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious diners seeking high quality. Despite minor service inconsistencies reported by some, the overall consensus points to an attentive and fast service, ensuring a pleasant visit. For an authentic, energetic, and delicious Japanese experience that truly feels like a local secret worth sharing, The Public Izakaya is a must-visit San Francisco gem.

The Public Izakaya

700 Post St, San Francisco, CA 94109, USA