Cathedral Hill · Hofbrau, since 1947

Tommy's Joynt

Carving-station hofbrau and buffalo stew since 1947

Local legend · Good for midday, evening and late

It opened in 1947 as the Almond Blossom, at Van Ness and Geary, and became Tommy's Joynt in 1951, after Tommy Harris, a radio singer and the owner's cousin. Harris pitched it as carving-station theater: the hofbrau, brought uptown. The buffalo stew arrived after a chat with a diner who ran a bison ranch in Wyoming.

OrderThe buffalo stew.

• Cafeteria-style carving line
• Hours: Daily from noon; until midnight Thu-Sat

Last checked 2026-10. Hours change, so check before you go.