Follow the scent of bubbling chowder to Rusty Ladle when a drinkable meal is in order. The Outer Sunset counter sticks to just two things: soups and sandwiches (but mostly soup), and it nails them both. Scooch into a bar stool, discuss the latest fog patterns with the friendly staff, and snuggle up with a liquid lunch. 

The menu always has Bodega-style clam chowder and a comforting, slightly sweet tomato soup, plus a few rotating specials like lentil spinach curry or chicken noodle soup with a zippy squeeze of lemon. For dipping, there are thick, olive-smeared mortadella sandwiches (they also have toasted schiacciata slices with butter). But the cheese-obsessed should opt for the Shmelty, an inside-out grilled cheese with crisp, lacy edges.

photo credit: Carly Hackbarth

photo credit: Carly Hackbarth

Food Rundown

photo credit: Carly Hackbarth

Bodega Bay Style Clam Chowder

This is lighter than other versions in the city, and we’re here for it. The soup still has a rich, silky texture and is packed with clams, potatoes, and leeks. Go to town with crackers and bacon bits, and slurp away.

photo credit: Carly Hackbarth

Tomato

A simple (and vegan) soup done right. It’s slightly sweet, not too smooth and not too chunky, and brightened up with a drizzle of basil cream.

photo credit: Carly Hackbarth

La Magnifica

Piled high with mortadella, olive salad, and provolone, this hefty sandwich is a filling lunch on its own. At $9 apiece, it’s also a great deal.

photo credit: Carly Hackbarth

Schmelty

If you don’t run screaming at the sight of lactose, get this. Slices of bread are piled with a handful of cheese on each side, griddled until crispy, and, if you’d like, stuffed with kimchi and more cheese in the middle.