Top 17 cole slaw in San Francisco
In the vibrant city of San Francisco, cole slaw is a popular culinary staple, frequently featured in various menus across the city. This classic American side dish, made from shredded cabbage and a tangy dressing, is a refreshing addition to the diverse food scene in San Francisco. Whether it's served in a traditional diner or a trendy eatery, cole slaw in San Francisco continues to be a beloved dish among locals and visitors alike.
- 1. Brenda's Meat & Three
- 2. Brenda's French Soul Food
- 3. 4505 Burgers & BBQ
- 4. Baby Blues BBQ
- 5. Buckhorn Grill
- 6. Deli Board
- 7. Hard Knox Cafe
- 8. Hot Sauce and Panko To Go
- 9. Tommy's Joynt
- 10. Sandy's
- 11. PoBoys Kitchen
- 12. Wise Sons Jewish Deli
- 13. Wise Sons Jewish Deli
- 14. Ted’s Market
- 15. Hardwood Bar & Smokery
- 16. Wexler's
- 17. Papa Y Ala
1. Brenda's Meat & Three
Family-owned Southern comfort food with vegetarian options

Brenda's Fried Chicken is a delicious meal that features crispy fried chicken accompanied by a range of side dishes. These sides include classic fries, creamy coleslaw, and a warm, buttery biscuit. To add a touch of heat, the dish also comes with hot pepper jelly.
When it comes to sandwiches at this establishment, there is a variety of options to choose from, each with its own set of side dishes. Similar to the fried chicken, these sides include fries, coleslaw, and green salad. Customers can choose the side that best complements their sandwich, making for a personalized and satisfying meal.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Social Gatherings
Relate link
2. Brenda's French Soul Food
This soul food restaurant in San Francisco is known for its long lines and cozy atmosphere.

The cole slaw served at Brenda's is a delightful side dish that should not be overlooked. Its tangy and fresh flavor provides a perfect contrast to the rich and crispy fried chicken. The cole slaw has a nice balance, not being too creamy while still having a satisfyingly sweet and acidic taste.
If you're looking for a standout side dish, the cole slaw at Brenda's is a top choice. It has just the right amount of sweetness and acidity, making it a refreshing and tangy accompaniment to any meal. The cole slaw is not overly creamy, which allows the fresh and tangy flavors to shine through, making it a must-try dish.
TOPICS
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Italian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Vegan Options
Relate link
3. 4505 Burgers & BBQ
Local sourcing, Dry-rubbed and slow-smoked meats

The barbecue experience was disappointing due to several issues with the food. The ribs were overly dry, making them difficult to chew and enjoy. Similarly, the pulled pork lacked the desired texture and was mushy, which affected its overall taste and quality. Another disappointment was the cole slaw, which lacked depth in flavor and was predominantly peppery, lacking other complementary tastes. On the positive side, adding salt to the cole slaw improved its taste to some extent. Despite these issues, there is still a possibility of revisiting the establishment when back in the area.
There are areas that need improvement in order to enhance the overall dining experience. The ribs and pulled pork had texture issues, which impacted their taste. Further, the cole slaw was not flavorful enough, lacking the right balance of spices. However, the decision to try the cole slaw again after adding salt showed some potential for improvement. Although the experience was not entirely satisfying, it does not necessarily mean that the establishment should be ruled out entirely. There is still a possibility of giving it another chance in the future.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Mid-Range
Relate link
4. Baby Blues BBQ
Features live music on weekends, a relaxed atmosphere, and a wide selection of craft beers.

The cole slaw was fresh and tangy, offering a refreshing contrast to the smoky, rich ribs. Its creamy dressing was nicely balanced by the crunch of the cabbage and other vegetables, making it a delightful side dish to the meal.
The creaminess of the cole slaw's dressing was complemented by the crunch of the fresh vegetables, providing a satisfying contrast in texture. The tangy flavor of the slaw helped to cut through the richness of the ribs, making each bite a delicious combination of flavors. Overall, the cole slaw was a standout component of the meal.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Affordable Nightlife
Relate link
5. Buckhorn Grill
Features a cozy atmosphere with a full bar, outdoor seating, and catering services.

The cole slaw's vinegar content was a point of contrasting opinions among the group. While some, including myself, found it to be too sour, others thoroughly enjoyed its tangy taste.
On the other hand, I personally appreciated the texture and creaminess of the cole slaw. It was crisp and refreshing, without being overly heavy or rich. The balance of ingredients was just right, making it a satisfying side dish.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
Relate link
6. Deli Board
Known for artisanal sandwiches and locally sourced ingredients

The cole slaw at Deli Board is a standout side dish. Its freshness and tangy flavor make it an excellent accompaniment to the sandwiches. However, the creaminess of the cole slaw might be a bit overpowering for some. Despite this, the portion size is generous, and it pairs particularly well with the pastrami sandwich.
In summary, the cole slaw at Deli Board is a tangy and fresh side dish that customers seem to enjoy. While its creaminess might not suit every palate, its generous portion size and pairing with the pastrami sandwich make it a popular choice.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Lunch
Relate link
7. Hard Knox Cafe
Southern-style cooking in a cozy, down-home setting

I decided to order coleslaw as my side dish, but I was left feeling disappointed and unsatisfied. The coleslaw appeared to be made from pre-packaged shredded cabbage, and there was barely any dressing on it. It was as if the dressing had been skimped on, or perhaps it had just been sloppily applied to the top of the cabbage. This lack of flavor and moisture made for a dull and unappetizing experience.
The quality of the coleslaw was a letdown, and I wouldn't consider ordering it again in the future. The shredded cabbage seemed to be the only ingredient, with no additional components or seasonings to enhance the taste. Furthermore, the absence of dressing made for a dry and unpalatable side dish. Overall, the coleslaw did not meet my expectations and left me wishing I had chosen a different side.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
Relate link
8. Hot Sauce and Panko To Go
Family-owned business with a focus on high-quality ingredients and flavorful dishes.

The sandwich in question was a delicious culinary experience, with one minor exception being the chicken. Accompanying this less-than-stellar chicken were several other tasty ingredients, including bacon, cheese, and a standout cole slaw.
This cole slaw was an exceptional combination of creamy and tangy flavors, elevating the sandwich with its delightful crunch. It was a perfect balance, adding a welcome texture and taste to the overall dish.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
Relate link
9. Tommy's Joynt
Cash only, self-service buffet style, no table service

The cole slaw served was fresh and crunchy, making it a great accompaniment to the flavorful meats. The restaurant offers an impressive selection of craft beer, providing many options for beer enthusiasts. The brisket platter was a delicious choice, and the cole slaw and potato salad were reliable sides.
However, the bread roll served with the meal is best avoided. Its size and weight suggest that it could cause harm if thrown with force, making it an unlikely complement to the rest of the meal.
TOPICS
- Celebrations
- American Cuisine
- Dinner
- Late Night
10. Sandy's
Family-owned diner serving Southern comfort food since 1968

Sandy's restaurant is known for its delicious muffuletta sandwiches, available in both meat and mushroom options. These generously sized sandwiches feature high-quality ingredients and are even more flavorful when toasted. The restaurant also offers comfortable hoodies for customers and prides itself on friendly service. In addition to the muffulettas, their coleslaw is a must-try side dish, and diners rave about their chocolate chip cookies.
Sandy's muffulettas are a standout menu item, packed with flavor and served in a generous size. Toasting the sandwich brings out even more taste, making it a popular choice among customers. The restaurant's hoodies are a cozy and enjoyable bonus for patrons, and the staff is known for being welcoming and helpful. The coleslaw is a crisp and tangy side that complements the sandwiches well, and the chocolate chip cookies are a delightful dessert option that should not be overlooked.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
Relate link
11. PoBoys Kitchen
Family-owned, Cajun-Creole cuisine, large portions

The cole slaw served with the meals was a standout. It was crisp and fresh, adding a satisfying crunch to each bite. The seasoning was expertly done, enhancing the flavor of the cabbage and carrots without overpowering them.
The BBQ Pork Ribs and Po'Boy sandwich were both delicious, but the cole slaw that accompanied them stole the show. With its tangy flavor and fresh ingredients, it provided a refreshing contrast to the rich and savory meats. The fried beans were also a tasty addition to the plate, offering a satisfying crunch to each bite.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Gluten-Free
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
Relate link
12. Wise Sons Jewish Deli
Deli using traditional recipes and locally sourced ingredients.

The first part of the experience involved savoring a delicious lunch, featuring rye bread, pastrami, coleslaw, and pickles, all topped off with mustard. The highlight of the meal was the Bobka, which was nothing short of perfect. After a satisfying lunch, the day improved even further with the opportunity to catch the Leonard Cohen exhibit.
The afternoon was thoroughly enjoyable, starting with a spectacular lunch and culminating in a visit to the Leonard Cohen exhibit. The meal featured rye bread, pastrami, coleslaw, a pickle, and mustard, with the Bobka being a particular standout. The exhibit proved to be an excellent follow-up activity to the meal, making for a great afternoon overall.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Social Gatherings
Relate link
13. Wise Sons Jewish Deli
Using traditional recipes with high-quality ingredients, a popular spot among locals and tourists alike

The cole slaw served as a side dish was fresh and had a tangy flavor that stood out. Its taste provided a nice contrast to the pastrami sandwich it accompanied.
Despite the cole slaw having an overly vinegary taste, it was still a satisfactory side dish. The freshness of the ingredients used was still apparent, but the tanginess was a bit overpowering for some people's preferences.
TOPICS
- Celebrations
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Downtown Spots
Relate link
14. Ted’s Market
Family-owned business since 1980, using high-quality ingredients and recipes passed down through generations.

Ted's Market is known for its delicious cole slaw, a fact that I can attest to. I always order it as my go-to side dish, particularly with my sandwich. The cole slaw is a standout item on the menu and is widely regarded as the best in town.
The combination of crisp, fresh vegetables and creamy dressing makes Ted's Market's cole slaw a must-try. The sandwich and cole slaw pairing is a popular choice among customers, and for good reason. The tangy, refreshing taste of the cole slaw complements the savory flavors of the sandwich perfectly. Whether you're a local or just passing through, Ted's Market's cole slaw is not to be missed.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
Relate link
15. Hardwood Bar & Smokery
Cozy atmosphere with a variety of craft beers on tap

The coleslaw was fresh and a great accompaniment to the smoky ribs. Its crisp texture and tangy flavor provided a refreshing contrast to the rich and savory meat. This combination is a must-try for any BBQ enthusiast.
In San Francisco, one of the best places to have brisket is undoubtedly here. The meat was expertly cooked, tender, and full of smoky flavor. Adding a side of coleslaw was an excellent choice as it helped balance out the heavy and indulgent meat and beer meal. The coleslaw's cooling effect complemented the brisket's robust flavors, resulting in a satisfying and delicious meal.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Social Gatherings
- Dinner
Relate link
16. Wexler's
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
- Social Gatherings
Relate link
17. Papa Y Ala

TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
Relate link