Shorty Goldstein’s - A Much-Needed Addition To The Financial District

San Francisco’s Financial District can be a boon or bust when looking for a spot to eat during lunchtime.  Fighting the urge to grab a sandwich, soup or salad from the dearth of quick service chains, a newcomer in 2013 brought a welcome option, to eat in or grab something to go.

Shorty Goldstein’s is the brainchild of Chef Michael Siegel, a project he’s been looking forward to for years.  “This is the food I grew up with,” he told me shortly after opening.  The Jewish deli is a throwback, as Siegel and his team smoke and cure all the meats served in house, from the pastrami to the corned beef and the smoked turkey.  The menu brings Siegel “back to his roots,” with items from his childhood growing up, such as chopped liver, toasted rye and pickles, a pot roasted brisket, latkes served with creme fraiche and apple sauce and Shorty’s potato knish.

“My great grandmother, Shorty, would make knish only on special occasions. So it has a special place in my heart,” Chef Siegel said.  His family history is seen throughout the restaurant, not just in the menu, but also in the design of the space.  There is a wall set up near the kitchen with a family tree, while pictures of his family, many black-and-white, adorn the other walls.  When talking to Chef Siegel, you get a sense that he understands his family, his culinary history, and although the recipes may not be exactly the same, he has given them a fresh update, while still keeping many of the essentials of each dish. 

Chef Siegel is a regular at local farmer’s markets, helping round out his menu with the freshest produce that comes in each week.  There is a daily special at Shorty Goldstein’s and several offerings change with the season.  There is a true comfy, down-home goodness to the food, without losing any quality or integrity.  It is truly a great alternative for the soup, sandwich and salad crowd, who want their lunch done right.

One thing to be appreciated at Shorty Goldstein’s - going in, Siegel knew what his target audience was going to be and he hasn’t strayed from that vision.  To feed business people in the Financial District in a timely fashion, but also not skimping on the facets that make great restaurants work - the food, service and providing an enjoyable experience.  All of which makes Shorty Goldstein’s one of my best restaurants of 2013.  Shorty Goldstein’s is located at 126 Sutter Street in San Francisco and is open Monday-Friday from 8:00am - 4:30pm.