Where time stands still: Visit these SF diners while you still can

Orphan Andy's cafe in San Francisco. I used to go here for their roast chicken dinner with mashed potatoes. They don’t serve either of those now. The place is open 24 hours and has been a mainstay in the Castro for years. Very East Coast diner feel inside. Address: 3991 17th St, San Francisco, CA 94114, Phone:(415) 864-9795 The exterior ofcafe in San Francisco. I used to go here for their roast chicken dinner with mashed potatoes. They don’t serve either of those now. The place is open 24 hours and has been a mainstay in the Castro for years. Very East Coast diner feel inside. Address: 3991 17th St, San Francisco, CA 94114, Phone:(415) 864-9795 less Orphan Andy's cafe in San Francisco. I used to go here for their roast chicken dinner with mashed potatoes. They don’t serve either of those now. The place is open 24 hours and has been a The exterior ofcafe in San Francisco. I used to go here for their roast chicken dinner with mashed potatoes. They don’t serve either of those now. The place is open 24 hours and has been a ... more Photo: Douglas Zimmerman, SF Gate / Douglas Zimmerman Photo: Douglas Zimmerman, SF Gate / Douglas Zimmerman Image 1 of / 40 Caption Close Where time stands still: Visit these SF diners while you still can 1 / 40 Back to Gallery

While growing up in a family with seven kids, fancy dining out was rarely on the table. Food from restaurants were usually Sunday carry out, either from Chinese or Italian restaurants, or the occasional fast food. Luckily, mom was an excellent cook, providing three squares a day. I wouldn't say it was fancy food, but it was consistently delicious. It fell into the category of what we call comfort food — meat, potatoes and vegetables.

When I got older, and had disposable income, I ventured in to some of the more upscale places. Often the food was acceptable. But it seemed as if the portions were often small, and the food rarely warranted the price. On occasion, the experience would rise to the cost, offering a great experience. I'm know there are many excellent restaurants out there. And, there's an incredibly diverse choice for dining in the Bay Area. But, I'm happiest dining in places that serve comfort food.

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Many of the establishments that I've frequented over the years have interiors that are like time capsules, representative of the Bay Area past. These places are slowly disappearing, victims of gentrification. Tastes change and rents go up. Whole neighborhoods where most of these restaurants exist have changed to reflect the new demographic. Stop by these places while you still have a chance.

Post-publication, a friend mentioned Sears Fine Food, a great old establishment, famous for its silver dollar pancakes. If you think we missed some other time capsule restaurants in San Francisco, leave your choices in the comments below.