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Hard Knox Cafe on Clement Street, San Francisco, CA

Hard Knox Cafe on Clement Street

4.8
4.8
145 Reviews
$30 and under
Southern

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 2 times today
  • Neighborhood gem
  • Kid-friendly
  • Great for outdoor dining
Hard Knox Café offers San Francisco diners the best in southern home-style cooking. It is sometimes said that someone has gotten their education from the school of “hard knocks” meaning one born from experience rather than classroom training. Southern cooking is much like that as it is most often learned from family and growing up southern rather than a culinary course. Southern cooking also means lots of stick-to-your-ribs goodness and great hospitality. Both are in great supply at the Hard Knox Café. Great soul food like gumbo, po-boys (shrimp or catfish), pulled pork, jambalaya, crawfish etouffee, oxtails, BBQ ribs and fried chicken are good for what ails you. Catering services are also offered by the Hard Knox Café.

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Southern, Comfort Food, Soul food
  • Hours of operation
    Daily 11:00 am–9:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (415) 752-3770
  • Payment options
    Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Catering
    We Do Catering! Contact us for more information.
  • Neighborhood
    Richmond District
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Additional
    Beer, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 145 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8
4.8 based on recent ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.9Service
  • 4.4Ambience
  • 4.7Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • San Francisco Bay Area

    Best Service

  • San Francisco Bay Area

    Kid-friendly

  • San Francisco

    Best Service

  • San Francisco

    Kid-friendly

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Hard Knox Cafe on Clement Street is a welcoming spot known for its "always wonderful service and comfort like none other." Guests rave about the "BEST" corned beef hash in SF and tender oxtails. Enjoy generous portions of soul food classics, including standout corn muffins and fresh fruit salads. Perfect for families!

145 Reviews
  1. Laura

    San Francisco

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    First time at Hard Knox Cafe. We chose it because of the reviews and its proximity to the Legion of Honor. We met my niece and nephew and the staff was very accomodating of guest arriving at different times. The food arrived quickly and was very hot which was terrific. The portions are very generous and we had dinner the next night on the leftovers. The food was flavorful without being spicy. We ordered fried chicken dinner with yam fries and salad; ribs with corn and coleslaw; spicy fried chicken with collard greens and another vegetable; and a pulled pork sandwich with fries. We all enjoyed our food and will definitely be returning.

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  2. Kathie

    San Francisco

    142 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    142 reviews

    Dined on November 14, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Always wonderfully prepared comfort food , served with a smile and a bit of conversation. A wonderful neighborhood main-stay!

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  3. John

    Seattle

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 9, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    You won’t leave hungry from Hard Knox! The food is big and yet far more than quantity. From the light and fresh beignets to the best Benedict’s in the city (try the pulled pork or the crab), you will leave happy. And the servers are smart and attentive, with a friendly (but not too familiar) character. Can’t say enough for this place.

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  4. Sue

    San Francisco

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 6, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    I especially appreciated the attentive service snd kindliness of the staff. When I accidentally left my jacket on my chair, they put it away in a closet to be safe until I could come back to retrieve it.

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  5. Suzy

    Vancouver

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 1, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Service is always the best here! The portions seemed just a tad smaller tonight, but still delicious. Something happened with the OpenTable app. It confirmed my reservation, but when we got to the restaurant, they didn’t receive the rezzy. But, they did their best to accommodate our large party of 8. Thanks Hard Knox staff!

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  6. Eric

    San Francisco

    31 reviews

    3.0

    31 reviews

    Dined on October 15, 2024

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 3
    Good, not great fried chicken and waffle. Excellent service.

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  7. Richard

    San Francisco

    12 reviews

    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on October 12, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    My server was exceptionally attentive and made the dining experience worth coming back

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  8. Vladimir

    San Francisco

    336 reviews

    4.0

    336 reviews

    Dined on September 25, 2024

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Very good fried chicken. Large portions. Good service. Quaint atmosphere.

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  9. dine4fun

    San Francisco

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on September 14, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We had a wonderful server that made sure we all had exactly what we ordered along with plenty of drink refills. We had a party of 7 and were allowed to chat leisurely over our brunch. We so appreciated the thoughtful server who made our brunch so enjoyable! (I’m sorry I don’t remember your name, but you are the best! Thank you!)

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  10. Beth

    San Francisco

    36 reviews

    5.0

    36 reviews

    Dined on September 1, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The wait staff is so friendly, regardless of person has your table. And surprisingly my favorite side is stewed cabbage! Who knew

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FAQs

Hard Knox Cafe on Clement Street does offer delivery in partnership with Chow Now. Hard Knox Cafe on Clement Street also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (415) 752-3770.

Hard Knox Cafe on Clement Street is rated 4.8 stars by 145 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 2 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Hard Knox Cafe on Clement Street

2448 Clement St, San Francisco, CA 94121

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Neighborhood
    Richmond District
  • Hours of operation
    Daily 11:00 am–9:00 pm
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Southern, Comfort Food, Soul food
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Payment options
    Mastercard, Visa
  • Additional
    Beer, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
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