"Family Cafe is a North Beach spot inspired by Japan’s kissaten cafe culture, meaning attention to detail and warm hospitality are big priorities. This is why coming to the intimate, cozy space feels like stepping inside an old friend’s kitchen, or why the relaxed atmosphere always makes us want to pull up a stool, set our phone to Do Not Disturb, and stay awhile. We especially like heading to Family Cafe for extra-long lunches. The service is never rushed, and, of course, the food is fantastic, from the sandwiches to the curries. The rich chicken katsu curry is always a great option if you want a heartier lunch, but know that no trip here is complete without getting one of their excellent baked goods, like chocolate chip cookies or blackberry matcha cupcakes. Food Rundown photo credit: Sarah Felker Chicken Katsu Curry Rich, thick, and packed with veggies and little chunks of chicken, this is one of our favorite Japanese curries in the city. It’s poured alongside a bed of koshihikari rice and chicken katsu that’s fried to a deep golden-brown. photo credit: Sarah Felker King George Sando You might actually dislocate your jaw trying to take a bite of this sandwich - it’s stacked so high it seems physically impossible. But the effort is worth it, especially for its rainbow of fresh, colorful veggies, including avocado, beets, carrots, cucumber, and shredded cabbage. Plus, the entire thing, down to the sourdough bread, is vegan. photo credit: Sarah Felker Chicken Katsu Sando This hearty sandwich is made with big, tender hunks of chicken thigh, and we wish we could use the soft milk bread it comes on as a pillow. This is our ideal midweek lunch." - Julia Chen
