Look, we're a city surrounded by water on three sides. If we can't nail fried squid, we should honestly just hand the keys back to the sea lions. The good news? We absolutely can, and the local picks are worth your hard-earned dollars — especially in an era when a mediocre appetizer can run you $22 before tip.

So where should you go? The recommendations from SF food lovers paint a delicious picture. The old-school Italian joints are dominating the conversation: Gold Mirror on Taraval, Trattoria Da Vittorio in the Mission, and Little Joe's all got enthusiastic nods for classic preparations. One SF resident broke it down with impressive specificity: "Gold Mirror, Trattoria Da Vittorio for the old school style with larger cuts, and Elena's or Little Joe's" — and then threw in the wildcard suggestion of San Tung for an Asian-style preparation with peppers. That's range.

For the upscale crowd, Kokkari's grilled calamari earned a mention — because of course Kokkari finds a way onto every best-of list in this city. And Original Joe's fritto misto got a shoutout for those who want their squid with friends (the fried kind).

The sleeper pick? Barbara's Fish Trap down in Half Moon Bay. Technically not SF, but as one local put it, grab some freshly fried calamari to go and "just sit on the beach and have the best meal like ever." Hard to argue with that cost-per-happiness ratio.

Here's what we love about these debates: not a single chain restaurant in sight. Every recommendation is a small, independent spot — real people cooking real food. That's the San Francisco economy working the way it should. No subsidies required, just good squid and free market competition.

Now somebody start the chowder thread.