Hard Knox cafe, one of the oldest “meat and three” restaurants on San Francisco’s Clement street serves up comforting southern classics to the community. On this particularly rainy day, a warm comforting meal was necessary. Inside the cafe, the walls are lined with many road signs and antiques.

I came with one goal, to order a Shrimp po’boy. When I opened the menu, I was barraged with a large selection of sides to choose from: stewed cabbage, collard greens, mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, fries, the list goes on. After much pondering and contemplation, I ended up choosing the mac and cheese to accompany the Po’Boy.

As I opened the box, I saw the bread shining as the light hit it. Slightly toasted on the inside and smothered with their house made spicy remoulade sauce. Inside the bun it contained assorted greens, tomato, and the main event, tiger prawns. Dredged in a cornmeal mixture, the prawns were light yet crispy without that oily aftertaste you would get with fried food. Accompanied by the fresh veggies, sweet and spicy sauce, and the fluffy nutty bread, the entire dish came together in harmony. The contrast between soft and crunchy created a unique texture which got me reaching for more.

On the side, a beautiful golden mac and cheese. Thick, creamy, satisfying. The cheese coated my tongue making my tastebuds dance from the extra cajun seasonings added in the cheese. Not your average mac and cheese. A great pairing with the po’boy.

Overall, the food was great and well seasoned which I rate a 4/5. I would definitely recommend and will be going back to Hard Knox Cafe.