The shelves of hot sauces inside the new Hot Sauce and Panko
The new food store / eatery Hot Sauce and Panko has been open at 1545 Clement Street near 17th Avenue for a few weeks now. Last week, SFWeekly paid a visit to try out some of the unusual fare this new eatery has to offer.
It’s hard to tell when you’re driving or even walking by that hot stuff lies inside this quiet storefront.
When you peek inside the window, the first thing you’ll notice is several shelves full of hot sauce bottles – 92 brands to be exact:
The store stocks popular names like Pickapeppa, Cholula (a favorite of local taquerias), and Dave’s Insanity Sauce. Like Dave’s, many brands are enhanced with pure capsaicin extract, which is several million Scoville units hotter than scotch bonnet or habanero peppers. When you read names like Pure Death, Fire Ant Juice, Scorpion, Afterburner, and Hellfire, you should be sure to take a cautious approach. (SFWeekly)
Owner Terence Luk offers samples of many of the hot sauces – a good way to see what you’re mouth is in for before you purchase.
In addition to specializing in hot sauces, the shop offers a small menu that includes several varieties of chicken wings, Belgian waffles, sandwiches, a few sides, and drinks.
Despite using Panko in the name, nothing on the menu actually incorporates bread crumbs. Turns out it’s just an indicator of the owner’s affection for the word and funny sense of humor which SFWeekly says is on display with funny decor in the shop.
It’s also evident on the store’s website which has some colorful and quirky postings.
Hot Sauce and Panko is located at 1545 Clement Street and is open Monday through Saturday from 11am until 7pm (note: closed Tuesdays), and Sundays from 11am until 4pm.
Stop in to welcome Hot Sauce and Panko to the neighborhood!
Sarah B.
I tried their Korean Fried Chicken wings last week. So mouth-watering amazing. I’ve been thinking about them ever since.
Went there last week, love the place! Terence is the nicest guy, & he’s enthusiastically geeky about the sauces. We discovered some great bottles to take home.
If they don’t have Clancy’s Fancy out of Ann Arbor, then, really, what’s the point?
Had no idea this place was here. Will definitely check it out. I am a pepper-head. So hopefully I can try a sauce with a Jolokia pepper in it, because we can’t get those out here.
I bet they would take requests Rob! http://www.clancysfancy.com/
Sarah B.
It is unbelivable a place like this exists, I wonder if they have a rare sauce I had on a vacation in india because this would definently be the place.
hi-haven’t had time to check it out yet. to clarify the original post: is it open on saturdays? If so, times?
I had the Korean Fried Chicken and waffle this past weekend, and strangely, it worked.
@renee – Yes, sorry they are open on Saturdays. I updated the post. Thanks,
Sarah B.
have to check this out. been looking for a good green hot sauce in town like Cajun Chef, perfect for greens, maybe they have it or similar. those “insanity” sauces are useless though, extra heat without the flavor, might as well buy a can of pepper spray.
Lovvvvvvvve this place. I rode past it last week and decided to drop by on Labor day. The wings and sauces are amazing and I know these guys will be a success. I also had the fried chicken sandwich with avocado and bacon which was not only delicious but also a tremendous value. Check them out
I eat here at least once week now. Dangerous. Yes – they have a number of Jolokia sauces. But I’m with Orion – I want to be able to taste the food. After a certain point, some hot sauces are so hot you can’t taste the food at all….