Restaurants Near Alcatraz: 10 Spots to Eat Near Pier 33

Are you looking for some great restaurants near Alcatraz? I love grabbing a bite to eat before or after I visit since food isn't available for sale on the island.

My list of 10 great finds offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner options that I think you will enjoy before or after visiting San Francisco's infamous prison.

I've included tasty options at all price ranges, so you'll find everything from a quick, casual bite to eat to a nice, upscale sit-down meal.

You will also find information on how far away each spot is from the pier so you can get to and from your Alcatraz Island tour on time.

Disclaimer: I receive a small commission from some of the links on this page.

1. Queen's Louisiana Po-Boy Cafe

If you are looking for some fantastic Cajun food and fresh seafood in San Francisco, this will be your first stop. Just a few feet from Pier 33, you can get a lunch or late afternoon meal before or after you go to Alcatraz.

The fantastic Southern menu includes items such as seafood gumbo, clam chowder, shrimp po-boy, and more. There are also local favorites like shrimp tacos.

Their drink list has inventive and fun choices if you are thirsty. They are usually open 11 am to 4 pm Tuesday through Saturday. They are closed on both Sunday and Monday.

Distance Away: Less than 400 feet (about a 1-minute walk)

Address: Pier 33, The Embarcadero at Suite 100

>> More tips to prepare for your visit to Alcatraz

2. Pier 23 Cafe Restaurant and Bar

Pier 23 is another restaurant close to Alcatraz and perfect for lunch or an afternoon bite. It offers an amazing view of the San Francisco Bay, great drinks, and delicious food.

I love their oysters on the half-shell as an appetizer, and their shrimp melt sandwich is a go-to when I bring friends here. If you want something lighter, try the salads. Their desserts are also fantastic.

They are open from Wednesday to Monday at 11:30 am. Their kitchen closes at 6 pm.

Distance Away: 0.3 miles or 0.5 kilometers (about a 5-minute walk)

Address: Pier 23, The Embarcadero

>> More great places to eat on Pier 39

3. Boudin Bakery

Probably one of the most visited restaurants near Pier 33, Boudin Bakery is famous not only for its delicious food but also for the artistry with which they make their bread. Their beloved sourdough loaves come in the shape of turtles, teddy bears, crabs, and other fun characters.

The meals here include melts and tuna salad sandwiches, pizzas, soups, salads, desserts, and more.

They are best known for their clam chowder in a bread bowl, which is what I typically order when I'm here.

They are open from morning until night, seven days a week. Come here for the quintessential San Francisco ambiance and a great view of the water no matter where you sit.

Distance Away: 0.5 miles or 0.8 kilometers (about a 10-minute walk)

Address: Pier 39 at Beach Street Space 5-Q

>> More about eating at Boudin Bakery

>> More great places to eat around Fisherman's Wharf

4. Hillstone

I usually don't like chain restaurants (there are about 10 Hillstones across the country), but this one is so excellent that I've included it. The chilled jumbo shrimp, pan-seared ahi tuna, and crispy chicken sandwich are all amazing.

My personal favorite is the ruby red trout, which is unlike anything you'll find anywhere else. They are open seven days a week for lunch and dinner.

Distance Away: 0.2 miles or 0.3 kilometers (about a 5-minute walk)

Address: 1800 Montgomery Street

5. Fog City

I love Fog City because it has such a fun atmosphere, including a wrap-around bar in the middle where you can meet other travelers and have fun conversations.

My favorite dishes here include the deviled egg, three fish tacos, and fennel sausage pizza. They have indoor and outdoor seating. They are open Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner.

Note: If you are a film buff, you'll love that "So I Married an Axe Murderer" with Mike Myers and Nancy Travis was filmed here.

Distance Away: 0.3 miles or 0.5 kilometers (about a 5-minute walk)

Address: 1300 Battery Street

6. XICA

Their motto is, "Mexican American Kitchen: Not from here, not from there." I love this place. The food is tasty, and every meal is 100% gluten-free.

I love their specialties, which are unlike any other meal in the city. These include the "pollo frito & waffles," chilaquiles, and more.

Located on Battery Street and just a block off the Embarcadero, XICA is open Monday through Saturday for lunch and Tuesday through Saturday for dinner (closed from 2:30 to 5 pm every day).

Distance Away: 0.3 miles or 0.5 kilometers (about a 5-minute walk)

Address: 1265 Battery Street, in front of the fountains

>> More top Mexican restaurants around SF

7. Eagle Cafe

Another restaurant with great food as well as a great view of the San Francisco Bay, Eagle Cafe is open for breakfast and lunch seven days a week. I honestly think their banana pecan french toast is one-of-a-kind and a must-try when you are here.

I am a fan of eggs benedict, and here, they have many different options, including crab, ham and cheese, and vegetarian.

For lunch, you might try a San Francisco favorite of garlic fries, the guacamole bacon burger, or their delicious blackened fish wrap. They also have a variety of fun drinks to go with your meal.

Distance Away: 0.4 miles or 0.6 kilometers (about an 8-minute walk)

Address: Pier 39, Space A-201

8. Fog Harbor Fish House

Always ranked among the Top 5 Restaurants in SF according to Yelp, the Fog Harbor Fish House on Pier 39 is my next recommendation. I think you are going to love dining here.

Fog Harbor is known for incredible fresh seafood choices, such as its seared scallop & crab risotto, swordfish with roasted peppers, and garlic-roasted whole Dungeness crab. If those don't entice you enough, you can always try their clam chowder, which was voted Best in San Francisco.

They also feature fun mixed drinks and a great list of beers and wine. You have the choice of sitting indoors or outdoors with amazing views. Fog Harbor is open for lunch and dinner seven days a week.

Distance Away: 0.3 miles or 0.5 kilometers (about a 5-minute walk)

Address: Pier 39

9. Freddie's Sandwiches

A few blocks from the Embarcadero, Freddie's is an underrated and lesser-known restaurant that I love and bring visitors to when they want a quick bite.

They usually offer about 30 different sandwiches every day, and some of my favorites include the buffalo roasted chicken breast, vegetarian falafel, and prosciutto.

The sizes of the sandwiches range from 6 inches up to a massive 2 feet! Since they don't have tables inside and only a few outside, it is better to do a grab-and-go, take your food back to Pier 33, and eat there.

They are open from Monday to Saturday for breakfast into the afternoon.

Distance Away: 0.4 miles or 0.6 kilometers (about an 8-minute walk)

Location: 300 Francisco Street

10. Off the Grid: Food Trucks in Levi's Plaza

Also, just a block or two from the Embarcadero, Off The Grid in Levi's Plaza usually has about 4 to 6 trucks offering different selections. These range from Mexican to Asian cuisine, classic American, and pretty much anything you can imagine, depending on the day.

As this is also a grab-and-go type location, I usually order my food and then go down to Pier 33 to chill out and enjoy the gorgeous view of the bay from there.

I really enjoy that I can get something different whenever I come here while supporting local and smaller businesses that don't have full restaurants.

They are usually here Monday - Thursday from 11 am to 2 pm, but make sure to check their schedule to confirm they will be around before you head over for lunch.

Distance Away: 0.4 miles or 0.6 kilometers (about an 8-minute walk)

Address: 1105 Battery Street

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