Wise Sons’ Co-Owner On His Fave Off-The-Clock Eats

There's a special place in our collective heart for Wise Sons Jewish Delicatessen. Their matzoh-ball soup is the perfect thing for a soggy, foggy day. Oh, and that pastrami? Oy! Dos iz gut!

But, what happens when the guys behind the counter at Wise Sons have a hankering their own fare can't sate or want to hit the bar for a drink or two? Well, since we definitely trust his culinary instincts and because he was one of the stars of our 30 Under 30 roundup of the rising talents in the Bay Area, we tapped Mr. Leo Beckerman, a Wise Sons co-founder, for where else to go in his Mission neighborhood and beyond. Click on for a trio of picks straight from a very wise son.

"You know, I've been in the Mission about 3 years now. It's got so much going on: restaurants, lots of foot traffic, tons of little markets, and of course, burritos. It's also the flattest, sunniest neighborhood in town. Actually, it can be difficult to find a reason to leave since everything you need is almost literally around the corner. I can walk or ride my bike to all the places I want to go. For instance, my favorite place over here to eat is Mr. Pollo. It's a tiny, tiny restaurant — only 12 seats — with tons of personality. It has a daily tasting menu, which is whatever fresh ingredients the chef feels like serving that day. Why would I need to wander?"

"That's not to say I never leave The Mission. For instance, I love Nopa — specifically the one on Divisadero near Alamo Square. That whole area is really coming into its own with a great mix of residential with awesome food and drink. The restaurant itself has fantastic food — of course — great drinks, and one of the best burgers around. Then again, you can't go wrong with the pork chop. It's open late, which makes it one of my top late-night dinner spots."

"Finally, when it comes to drinks, I often start (or end) my night at Rock Bar. Good drinks and friendly people are to be found in this neighborhood spot. Oh, and when I'm up early (or out late enough), I love walking to the top of nearby Bernal Hill to see the sun rise."