Hitachino Beer & Wagyu
We found Hitachino on Eater SF while searching for something in walking/stroller-ing distance from our the Grand Hyatt San Francisco. We’d just been camping/hiking in Sequoia and King’s Canyon National Parks (trip report here) — the food in the parks wasn’t anything to write home about, so we were super excited to try Hitachino’s craft brews and wagyu beef.
I made a reservation using Hitachino's website for 5:45pm that same night, because that's when old people and 30-somethings with babies like to eat. ;) We might have walked right past the restaurant if it weren't for this sign out front.
Decor is dark and hip. They were blasting the Beatles during our entire meal, which I loved. Loud music is perfect for covering up any tired baby sounds.
The beer was not cheap - $10 for an 8 oz draft, but it was good!
My husband and I tried three each, and my favorites were the white ale (a Belgian-style brew with hints of orange) - and the ginger brew (exactly what it sounds like).
We chose to order off the ala carte menu and share everything. If you opt for the tasting menu, everyone on the table must participate, and most of the things on the tasting menu were also on the ala carte menu anyway.
We started off with tongue skewers accompanied by brussels sprouts charred in beef fat. If you're not an adventurous eater (I'm not really either!), eating "beef tongue" probably sounds gnarly. But it was really good! Super tender. $8 each.
Seared "nigiri" style wagyu. $8 each. Totally worth it.
A pound of garlic ribeye over garlic rice. Oishiikatta! So delicious. $95
This one was a special for the night: grilled mochi wrapped in thin layers of wagyu. Chewy and yum. I think this was $16.
The weakest dishes of the night were the tantan ramen (fine but nothing special) and the curry (same).
Total bill came out to $260-ish before tax and tip, so a little over $100 per person including beer. A solid meal if you're in the mood for Japanese and want something in walking distance of Union Square!
Hitachino Beer & Wagyu. 639 Post Street | Union Square/Lower Nob Hill