Fringe isn’t the only thing taking us back to the twenties; the new hot topic of dining experiences is traveling back in time too – underground dining. These “establishments” all vary in how they operate, who they let in, and what kind of dining experience is showcased, but they all have the similar style of prohibition era speakeasies. Whether it be being the first to reply to an email about the event, having a sponsor who is a current diner, or being a friend of the host, there is a protocol for each.

The locations, menus, and attendees change every event. With some of the underground dining groups, the chef changes from event to event as well.

In San Francisco, more underground dining groups exist than we can even be aware of. Ghetto Gourmet began in 2004 and has not only become one of the most well-known in the bay area but has also expanded worldwide. The site is now a forum for people interested in this kind of event to post dinner parties they have at their own homes, inviting other users on the site. Mamasan’s Bistro is a bit more secretive. The best way to get into one of these dining extravaganzas is knowing a previous diner. Mamasans is a family run “business” somewhere in the Mission. A signature pineapple, coconut, rum cocktail, buffet-style, and banana donuts featured at the end of every meal are trademarks of this unconventional establishment. GraffEats, Blind Pig, Joe’s Bustaurant, and Canvas Underground are also names thrown around the San Francisco underground dining scene.

A December article in the San Francisco Chronicle featured the rise of “nontraditional” dining in the city, listing Boulette’s Larder, Free Range Dining, Il Cane Rosso, Saison, and Ubuntu. So if you don’t feel like participating in the illegal scene of underground dining, but would love to live on the edge with an unconventional experience, these would be the choice for you.

Although these places are a little more hush hush than somewhere in the Zagat guide, it might take persistence to grab a spot because of the recent popularity!