Hogan's Cafe - American, South San Francisco

125 Terminal Ct, Suite 44, S. San Francisco, CA 94080
(650) 583-2293
Parking: in parking lot
http://www.hoganscafe.com/

Last Visited: December 21, 2011

Food: 3 to 4 stars
Service: 3 to 4 stars
Atmosphere: 3 to 4 stars
Price: $ to $$

Tiannah told me about Hogan's when we were talking about hole in the wall type places.  She spoke highly of their French Dip, so of course, I had to get it. 

Hogan's is located just off Produce Avenue on Terminal Court.  The street is aptly named because there are a number of produce warehouses here, and if you didn't see the huge sign for Hogan's just before the produce kiosk that checks in the big trucks, you might wonder if you're in the right place.  Just drive to the end of the terminal and Hogan's will be on your left side.  It's definitely one of those places where you only know about it if a local tells you where it is. 

Amidst the giant produce trucks and pallets of goods, you'll find this diner is open for breakfast and lunch.  I arrived a little before noon and the place was pretty full - it looked like a lot of local senior citizens, business folks, and truck drivers, some in large groups of six or more.  The menu offers lots of salads and sandwiches, and typical diner and dinner fare - plates of steak, burgers, and the like.

When we arrived, we saw lots of sports memorabilia and the place had a dive bar type of atmosphere.  The waitress called us 'hun' and showed us the specials.  Yes, she showed us an index card with hand-written specials. 

- French Dip - The french dip is filled with tender roast beef and the bun is soft on the inside and slightly hard on the outside.  Everything tasted really fresh, and I especially appreciated how the meat didn't have any tendons are gristle which I so often find when I order a french dip.  The sandwich is cut a little wide because when you get to the bottom of the dipping bowl near the end of the meal, it's hard to dip.  A wider bowl would have been better.  The fries were crispy on the outside, but I prefer them to be cooked until they're a little more golden. Overall, the sandwich was quite good.  I would definitely get it again.  $8.50

My dining companion ordered a salad instead of fries with her french dip.  The salad looked pretty fresh and it was nice that she had the option to order it. 

If you like dive bar type atmospheres, or just want to surprise your friends, Hogan's has a wide selection and a seemingly steady clientele - otherwise it would be easy to miss if they were depending on those passing by.