Side A Brings High-Fidelity Dining To SF’s Mission District
In San Francisco's ever-evolving culinary landscape, Side A is orchestrating something extraordinary. This modern American bistro, which opened May 1st in the beloved former Universal Cafe space, marries exceptional sound with authentic dining. Husband-wife team Parker and Caroline Brown — passionate audiophiles inspired by Japanese listening bars — have created a multi-sensory experience where music and food harmonize perfectly.
Interior shot of Side A’s bar top and open kitchen. Photo courtesy of Edible SF.
My reservation-less arrival meant a brief wait, but Caroline's graceful movements between DJing, kitchen runs, and guest interactions made it fly by. Even more impressive: her impeccable music selection that transformed waiting into pleasure. I sheepishly used my Shazam app to source the tracks she was spinning, but realized it was unnecessary — she deftly places the album cover on display for guests waiting at the entry, just because she knows people will ask.
Our party was seated by a server with an uncanny resemblance to Richie from The Bear. When my partner mentioned this, he laughed, "Oh yeah, my background is also in fine dining. The irony, right?"
We ordered ambitiously, and despite our server's gentle warning about "heavy-handed plates," not a single word was lost in Erykah Badu's sonic landscape. No repetition needed, no clarification sought — the restaurant's meticulous audio engineering allows conversation to flourish with ease. It became evidently clear that this restaurant was meticulously curated for unparalleled music quality.
This isn't background music; it's the definition of a listening space where culinary art holds equal standing.
Image of Caroline Brown, owner of Side A at the DJ booth. Photo courtesy of Edible SF.
Parker's menu draws from his Michelin-starred Aphotic experience, creating comfortable elegance with Midwestern charm. His culinary roots —another The Bear parallel — grew in Chicago, where the Browns first tested their listening room concept "Revelry" with remarkable success.
Standouts included the Parisian Gnocchi with tender short rib and giardiniera, and a bone marrow burger elevated by sweet red onion jam. The fried squid provided perfect comfort-food balance. The surprise star was Chef Parker's hand-delivered dessert: Coffee Movement's coffee-flavored soft-serve (Caroline’s favorite flavor), made by steeping beans in milk before processing, creating pillowy creaminess without sacrificing flavor.
"We bought this tiny machine thinking soft-serve wouldn't be a hit," Parker admitted with a smile. "Three days later, we're already upgrading to industrial size."
What Side A achieves is both revelatory and essential — a space where music and cuisine exist in perfect harmony rather than competition. The Browns have crafted something rare in San Francisco: a restaurant with soul, where every element feels deliberate yet effortless. Come for Parker's refined comfort food or Caroline's impeccable vinyl selections, but prepare to be captivated by both. Just don't forget reservations — this is already the hottest table in the Mission, and for good reason.
sideasf.com
2814 19th Street
