Cherylynn N.
Yelp
Looking for a place to hide to get work done? Or, get your day drank on?
Saluhall.
It's 5 o'clock somewhere.
Well, except if you're in payroll cuz if you're lit...$$$$ bonuses for everyone!
Saluhall is a new massive food hall next door to Ikea, an ambitious project from sister company, Ingka Centres. There's 8 food vendors open for takeout and indoor dining only. And, 3 bars. They also have Cooking/Baking Classes: $65-$165 per class.
F O O D V E N D O R S
***Self-serve water at the bars***
* 1st floor: Smörgåsland (new to SF) - Scandinavian Bakery & Café created by the co-founder of world-renowned Noma and headed by a Michelin-star alum (Coi, Restaurant at Meadowood, and Saison)
My Pick: Merguez & Sage Potato Flatbread w/ california lamb sausage, red peppers ($12) // 2 Stars: https://tinyurl.com/2rtcxrhx
So promising yet so disappointing. The flatbread didn't look like the display/media pics. It was overbaked, heavy, and hella greasy. I ate 1/4th and packed the rest. The lamb + sage had a good gamey herbaceous flavor but the flatbread's execution missed the mark.
Friendly but slow service; 20 minutes for the flatbread (no line).
Total: $16.09
* 1st floor: Burgare Bar (new to SF) - Plant-Based Burgers
- Didn't try
* 1st floor: Snöberg (new to SF) - Soft Serve
- Vegan flavors (oat milk based): Vanilla, chocolate, strawberry
- Non-vegan flavor: Straus Vanilla
- Free toppings: almonds, coconut flakes, sprinkles, etc.
- Free samples
My Pick: Straus Vanilla + Vegan Strawberry Swirl w/ almonds (one size-$5) // 4 stars: https://tinyurl.com/4cec7e7y
The creaminess of straus vanilla soft serve offset the slight iciness of the strawberry one. Not too sweet. It's a huge serving, enough for two.
Friendly and fast service (no line).
Total: $6.92
* 2nd floor: Curry Up Now (SF based, one of OG food trucks) - Punjabi Street Food
- Other locations: several brick & mortars + food trucks roaming around the Bay
- Didn't try this time but I've tried their other locations.
- Rec: Deconstructed Samosas (samosa chaat)
* 2nd floor: MOMO Noodle (SF based) - Bàn Miàn, Taiwanese-Sichuan "dry" noodles
- Other location: Food truck at Spark Social
- Didn't try this time but I've been a big fan from when they first started in 2019. They're consistently solid!
- Rec: Momo Spicy Noodle (ground pork) or Popo's Noodle (pork belly)
* 2nd floor: Kayma (SF based) - Algerian food
- Other locations: Food truck at Tunnel Tops and Valencia St. (temporary closed)
- Didn't try this time but I've tried their Coca, an Algerian puff pastry. Delicious! I prefer the mushrooms over the beef.
* 2nd floor: Casa Borinqueña (new to SF) - Vegan Puerto Rican food
- Started as a pop-up in the East Bay.
- Rec by Saluhall/business: Mofongo Cups
My Pick: Mofongo Cups: Deep fried green plantain, mashed into a cup, filled w/ chopped vegan chicken or impossible beef, drizzled w/ mama sauce ($13) // 3 stars: https://tinyurl.com/yu6cvztf
A good value, the mondongo cups were like thick, starchy tostones, generously filled with impossible beef. While it tasted like legit beef, it needed more spices (mama sauce low key reminded me 1000 island). A side of pique (hot sauce) would have been great for flavor and to cut through the heaviness.
Friendly service, order ready in 8 minutes (no line).
Total: $17.42
* 2nd floor: La Venganza (new to SF) - 100% Plant-Based Taqueria Fare
- Other location: Brick & mortar in Oakland
- Rec by Saluhall/business: Carnitas Taco
My Picks: Al Pastor + Carnitas Taco: https://tinyurl.com/yfe2nryt
Tacos are served on griddled, double La Finca tortillas (good chewy, pliable texture) w/ choice of vegan protein, diced onions, cilantro, and mild + tangy salsa verde.
* Al Pastor Taco: Sweet Chile Marinated Mushroom "Al Pastor" ($5) // 3.5 Stars
Better of the two - the pineapples gave a nice, sweet contrast to the earthy mushrooms.
* Carnitas Taco: Smokey Sweet Marinated Mushroom "Pork Confit" ($5) // 3 Stars
The "pork confit" had a stringy texture and a very strong earthy flavor. I missed the real deal.
Friendly service, order ready in 3 minutes (no line).
Total: $13.63
// Grand Total w/ tax, 5% SF mandate, 18%-22% tip: $54.06
B A R S
Three bars: Lagom, Punsch, and Sauna. Craft cocktails: $12-$18.
$5 HH Beer on Monday - Friday, 4 pm - 6 pm
S T A F F
Hats off to staff keeping the food hall immaculately clean.
A M B I A N C E
Huge, two-level modern space with a focus on minimalism and functionality with clean lines and tons of natural lighting. Free Wi-Fi and plenty of outlets. There's even photobooths.
On a Tuesday, it was quiet with mainly "working" solo diners and techbros who lunch. Top 80s playlist w/ MJ, Whitey Houston, Lionel Richie, etc.
Restroom requires a code from security.
P A R K I N G
Take public transit or Uber/Lyft. Nearest garage: 440 Stevenson.
Overall, awesome space and vibe to remote work. If you're here to grub and not a vegan, I recommend sticking with MOMO Noodle or Kayma.