2 weeks Ago By Eileen Vargas
SF comedy fans got a delightful surprise this week when Golden Globe-winning comedians Ali Wong and Bill Hader were spotted dining together at the freshly reopened Turtle Tower in the Financial District. The San Francisco Chronicle reported that the comedic duo, an official item since 2023, enjoyed a meal during their visit to Wong's hometown.The beloved Vietnamese restaurant, which closed its doors two years ago, has returned with a soft reopening, serving its signature dishes.
However, current operations are limited to lunch hours with a reduced menu. Wong, known for her deep appreciation of the city's culinary scene, particularly praising Turtle Tower's chicken pho as one of the best noodle soups, has long championed the local eatery. She even spotlighted it during a segment on the show Hot Ones.
Her visit to the restaurant, now located at 220 California St., was a touching moment for the staff and fans, who have supported the establishment since her Golden Globe speech in January and her recent sets at the Punch Line Comedy Club.Adding to the restaurant's moment in the spotlight, Turtle Tower's Instagram account shared a snapshot of the couple with founder Steven Pham, captioning it with heartfelt thanks: "Great food and even better company! We’re thrilled to be back in San Francisco and so grateful for all the love and support," and specifically acknowledging Wong and Hader for showing love to the small business, with the accompanying photo showing the pair posing beside Pham at a table featuring remnants of their meal.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Turtle Tower Restaurant (@turtletower.sf).
