$, American, The Castro
Fodor's Review:
Wildly popular and consciously unpretentious, Chow is a greaseless greasy spoon where soporific standards like hamburgers and spaghetti and meatballs somehow manage to be exquisite. A magnet for penny pinchers, the restaurant's reputation is built on honest fare made with fresh local ingredients. Because reservations are restricted to large parties, folks hoping to snag seats usually surround the doorway. Come early (before 6:30) or late (after 10) to reduce the wait and don't even think about leaving without trying the ginger cake with caramel sauce.
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