Bay Bite: Dive Into Tasty's Creole Kitchen

We find it hard to pass up a deal, so prompted by Scoutmob's 50% off coupon (check out their smart phone app to get one yourself) we ventured to the "other" side of Potrero to Tasty's Creole Kitchen, housed inside the unlikely looking Jack's Club. If this place was in the Mission proper instead of what real estate agents would list as "extended Mission" it would be hipster bar/hangout central. Instead when we ventured in for lunch on a weekday it felt like a neighborhood dive. We even had to ask for the cue ball from behind the bar after we searched for it in vain after inserting our quarters into the pool table. The pool table, by the way, was a big plus. They advertise vintage pinball machines, but don't expect familiar favorites- these are more in the proto-pinball family- you just pull to launch the ball- no other controls, bells or lights. The food was fantastic, and a great bargain- $5.50 for New Orleans rice and beans with sausage. The Oyster Po' Boys also merit chomping on. The iced tea, lemonade and sides felt like less of a good deal- small glasses for the iced tea and lemonade. We'll definitely go back for the food, though, and will try the drinks from the bar next time. (We heard they make a mean Bloody Mary.) Gather a group of your friends and invade on a day you all have leisurely time- the service was reasonably friendly, but not fast. Remember to step under the metallic paper and Christmas light wreath to the pool table while you wait for your food.