Eating: Emmy’s Spaghetti Shack
CRAVE: The Spaghetti. Obviously.
San Francisco definitely has its fair share of fancy Italian spots — Acquerllo, Delfina, Quince, Perbacco, SPQR, Flour + water — the list really goes on and on.
Yet, there’s something to be said for quality, no-frills pasta with hearty, familiar flavors — and that comes in copious quantities. None of that “4 pieces of ravioli as an entree” business.
Emmy’s Spaghetti Shack has to be one of my favorite Italian places in the city. It accomplishes the above, delivering a small mountain of pasta that easily turns into 2 or 3 meals, especially when paired with 3 of their delicious meatballs.
The first time I ever went to Emmy’s was in preparation for one of my first half marathons. One of my best friends and I had signed up for the race, training over several months and the big weekend finally came.
In order to really “prepare” we decided a carb-infused meal would be the best choice (along with a caesar salad, because, ya know, vegetables and stuff).
Coming to Emmy’s we instantly fell in love with the down-to-earth vibe: hand-written menus, quirky rainbow Christmas lights, and red-and-white checkered table cloths tucked into roomy wooden booths. And, of course, we fell in love with the food.
You always want the spaghetti here. Trust. But their orecchiette with pancetta and asparagus in an asiago cream sauce is also a fantastic choice. Ideally, go with a buddy and share two pastas, while enjoying some of their yummy garlic bread as well.
We ordered dessert too (of course), and had no idea what we were getting ourselves into. The OMG Pb Bar. Wow. A thick, peanut butter bar (seriously, just peanut butter in some other form — no cake or cookie resemblance here) with a layer of chocolate ganache, a vanilla ice cream scoop and chocolate sauce. The best combination of peanut butter and chocolate that has ever been made, hands down. Sorry Reese’s.
Since our first trip, Emmy’s has become our dinner tradition before any big athletic event, a spot we’ve brought new friends and family. A cozy, friendly spot with comfort food that gives you the best home meal away from home you could have.
Learn more about Emmy’s Spaghetti Shack on their website here.