This interesting bit of Americana is known as the Doggie Diner head (a designated San Francisco landmark as of 2006; the head dates back from the early 70's from the original Doggie Diner located at 46th and Sloat; it is now on the median of 45th and Sloat across from the SF Zoo).
and you can't miss it!
A few steps up from the Doggie Diner head is this building with a gorilla on the sign.
Here is the view once you're inside. We met the owner (forgot his name but he was super friendly and talkative) who said that they need to cut off the tree branch across the street. He told us he saw many people (including children) climb it and then fall off. Ouch.
Here's a better view of that tree...See the parking spaces? Those are free and untimed. People who get parking there can walk to the nearby zoo or Ocean Beach and not have to worry about paying for parking. The amount of parking median spaces are limited though.
The store had a hodge podge of decor and memorabilia. They served coffee, smoothies and sandwiches, two of which we ordered after speaking to the owner at length. I don't know how the subject came about but I think after he found out we were Filipino American, told us that his best friend is Filipino and that he (not the best friend) loved Filipino food. His favorites were dinuguan and kare kare! I was impressed that he didn't say pancit and lumpia which are the "gateway" foods for non-Filipinos. He said he had another deli located near those famous Victorian homes ("Postcard Row" or the "Painted Ladies" as they are often called).
Snacks and candy from all over the world. I was surprised to see the Nagaraya nuts. He even had Kinder Eggs which was surprising because they are supposed to be illegal (since there is a non-food item inside, choking hazard, etc).
I totally dug this poster! I remember writing the logos of my favorite metal and rock bands when I was in junior high and high school.
Treasures back at our hotel - the plant and succulents were from the wedding the night before (including the glass jar and vintage pewter cup). TC kept them as a mementos. They were part of the collection of plants that were giveaways at each table. The sand dollars were collected happily by TC the other morning.
Our dinner - chips, assorted drinks and the two sandwiches, one of which was recommended by the guy at the deli.
What made the first sandwich unique from any sandwich from San Diego was the bread. The sandwich on the left was a turkey club with avocado; the bread was Dutch Crunch. I remember reading reviews that many San Franciscans grew up eating Dutch Crunch bread as kids. It's not a bread that's commonplace down here, although I've read that Rubicon Deli has Dutch Crunch as a bread choice. The other sandwich was Pastrami on Rye (Bert's choice).
Back to that Dutch Crunch is known as Tiger Bread in the Netherlands and Giraffe Bread in the UK, due to the unique crust. It is made with sesame oil and a pattern is baked into the top with a rice paste. It kind of reminds me of the sugar paste Mexican bakers put on conchas. The top is very crusty, hence the "crunch" but the inside is soft. I have to say that this bread was pretty good and I have yet to seek it out (even though I wanted to but kept forgetting to do so) at Rubicon.
We shared our sandwiches, a few bites here and there and finished them later that evening after going to the beach again.
Meaty!
I took out my pickles. Me no like. But great sandwiches these were!
It was cool going to a local neighborhood favorite. I'd rather support an independent shop like this than eat at Subway (ugh).
Reviews from yelp and tripadvisor
Articles/mentions about the history of the Doggie Diner Head:
"Former Doggie Diner set for demolition" Ocean Beach Bulletin, June 9, 2011
"Doggie Diner sign" ArtandArchitecture-SF.com
www.roadsideamerica.com
plus they have their own website!
doggiediner.com
This is a short video taken in 2001 but posted just this year. It shows the Doggie Diner head in its original location, near the now torn down Carousel restaurant (current site of the Sloat Garden Center). The dude talking sounds like he's trying to sound intelligent using "big words", then kind of sounds like he lost his train of thought.
and this really informative one on the history of the Doggie Diner:
You can see replicas up close here. Those dog heads are either whimsical or scary depending on how you perceive it, ha ha.
Such a great and colorful history! I live for this!
George's Zoo Liquor Deli
2560 Sloat Blvd.
San Francisco, CA 94116
(415) 664-3215
www.georgesliquordelisf.com
One last view of OB was in order...
No comments:
Post a Comment