|
Absolutely great ambience. Pricey old school.
|
Buckeye Roadhouse
Cuisine: Steakhouse
|
Mill Valley |
9/4/2006
|
|
I have been there when I wasn't drunk - but I was hung over and the food hit the spot. Don't know what it would be like if I wasn't hung over. Probably good for someone from the mid-West.
|
Orphan Andy's
Cuisine: Coffee Shops/Diners
|
Castro |
9/2/2005
|
|
This is a good restaurant with professional staff. Sure there are tourists, but the bar brings its share of people who work downtown. It's a comfortable, unpretentious, mixed scene. Go if you're nearby.
|
Kuleto's
Cuisine: Italian
|
Downtown |
8/3/2005
|
|
I have only gone for the oysters and wine (Sancerre of course) and have not been disappointed. I´ve been lucky to not encounter the waits that I have seen.
Staff are now a little apathetic.
|
Hog Island Oyster Company
Cuisine: Oysters Seafood American (Traditional)
|
Embarcadero |
8/3/2005
|
|
Animal Style! The only way to go!
|
In-n-out
Cuisine: Hamburgers
|
Fishermans Wharf |
8/3/2005
|
|
Friendly staff and reasonable prices. Good if you want to go out to eat rather than the dining experience. Can be a lengthy wait, though.
|
Chow
Cuisine: American (Traditional)
|
Upper Market/Church Street |
8/3/2005
|
|
Not a destination for the food or service, that's for sure. The prices and food are just ok and the waitstaff is acceptable, but no awards. Go for the view and the murals downstairs. However, the new addition in the back is worth a visit for a fireside drink.
|
Beach Chalet Brewery
Cuisine: American (Traditional)
|
Outer Richmond |
8/3/2005
|
|
Food is good here and the price is right, but the staff doesn't speak much English. The space is like a 1970's cruise ship. Gotta check out Kung Pao Kosher Comedy on December 25th, cuz nothing spells Christmas like a room full of Jews in Chinese restaurant. Dinner is worth it that night for sure.
|
New Asia Restaurant
Cuisine: Chinese
|
Chinatown |
7/19/2005
|
|
Food is really good! New management in 2005 has made the bar even livelier. And parking parking parking parking.
|
Yet Wah Chinese Restaurant
Cuisine: Chinese
|
Noe Valley |
7/19/2005
|
|
Good food, good prices, not so good service. Most often filled with Chinese families - I take that as a good sign.
|
Lucky River Restaurant
Cuisine: Chinese
|
Glen Park |
7/19/2005
|
|
I'd eat there if I were in the neighborhood and there wasn't a line. Those two things don't match up very often. Not a destination.
|
Eric's
Cuisine: Chinese
|
Noe Valley |
7/19/2005
|
|
Disagree here. Not good, not imaginative and apathetic service. No wonder the place is empty. Go to the Lucky River across the street. The service is crude, but the food is great!
|
China Wok
Cuisine: Chinese
|
Glen Park |
7/19/2005
|
|
Pricey and a little hit and miss. When it hits its great, but when it misses it still ain't bad. Very comfortable and quiet, attentive service.
|
Jardiniere Restaurant
Cuisine: Californian
|
Hayes Valley |
7/19/2005
|
|
Nope. Early bird is ok for the price, but the scene is a bit much and service is often apathetic.
Oh, and they don't seem to know how to remove you from their mailing list.
|
Home
Cuisine: American (Traditional)
|
Castro |
7/19/2005
|
|
People eat here?
|
Harvey's
Cuisine: American (Traditional) Hamburgers
|
Castro |
3/2/2005
|
|
Was too noisy (flamenco night), service was slow and with an attitude when cocktails were ordered. Food wasn't memorable, but the bill was!
|
Destino
Cuisine: Nuevo Latino Tapas
|
Castro |
3/2/2005
|
|
Cheap enough and the chicken, pizzas and pastas are good. The salads are a bit weak and the prepared antipasti usually have one pronounced flavor - not subtle. It's worth going back to.
|
Firewood Cafe
Cuisine: Californian Italian Pizza
|
Castro |
3/2/2005
|
|
Nothing great here, but it's good for the price. The Firecracker Pork was something new and different (and HOT) for me. Nice that they have a full bar. It's one of those places that you sit closer to the person at the table next to you than you do to the person across your table. Don't go when it's busy, too loud.
|
Fuzio
Cuisine: Eclectic International Noodle Shop
|
Castro |
3/1/2005
|
|
Go to Marcellos. Not as salty, and less like cardboard.
|
Escape From NY Pizza
Cuisine: Pizza
|
Castro |
3/1/2005
|
|
Real diner food, better than Mel's and with human service. Won't break the bank eating here. If crinkle cut fries is whatcha need with a pickle on the side, its whatcha got.
|
Bagdad Cafe
Cuisine: American (Traditional) Diner
|
Castro |
3/1/2005
|
|
This is great, but a little spendy. The clean dinner atmosphere is nice. Staff have always been friendly. The food never fails. I have suffered the parking nightmare when on a search for a Crab Louie. Hot meals have always been cooked just right. Chowder is not my bag, though.
|
Anchor Oyster Bar & Seafood Market
Cuisine: Seafood American (Traditional)
|
Castro |
3/1/2005
|
|
I agree, a good dependable place without attitude. Parking sucks.
|
Town's End Restaurant & Bakery
Cuisine: American (New) Bakeries
|
Embarcadero |
3/1/2005
|
|
Cheap, clean, but salty. Not a place to hang out. Get it and go.
|
Taqueria San Jose
Cuisine: Mexican
|
Mission |
3/1/2005
|
|
WHAT? PARDON? I CAN'T HEAR YOU! YES I LIKE MY DRINK! IT'S NOT THIS NOISY INT THE DAYTIME. WHAT?! OH, THE FOOD'S OK! I SAID FOOD'S OK! REALLY LIKE THE BARSTAFF AND DRINKS! WHAT? I SAID...
|
Tommy's Mexican Restaurant
Cuisine: mexican
|
Outer Richmond |
2/27/2005
|
|
Cheap and has a full bar. Wouldn't wait in line though.
|
Puerto Alegre
Cuisine: Mexican
|
Mission |
2/27/2005
|
|
Expensive, but worth it. I don't think we should expect Mexican food to be cheap unless we're in Mexico. The ingredients are great and well prepared. Bar prices are what higher restaurants charge. Very gracious staff.
|
Maya Restaurant
Cuisine: Mexican
|
SoMa |
2/27/2005
|
|
Not much better than La Rondalla, but the margaritas are worse and the atmosphere is as interesting. I'd pass by it on my own, but if I was right out front, thirsty and someone suggested it, well...
|
Leticia's
Cuisine: Mexican Tapas
|
Upper Fillmore |
2/27/2005
|
|
Not horrible, but not really good either. Food doesn't make much of a difference given the atmosphere. Good for late night eats and drinks.
|
La Rondalla
Cuisine: Mexican
|
Mission |
2/27/2005
|
|
No, no, no. K1ki is right, too salty. Too loud, no atmosphere. If you live around the corner go to Taqueria San Jose, or go further to sit down at La Rondalla for bad food, but quirky service and decorating.
|
El Farolito
Cuisine: Mexican
|
Mission |
2/27/2005
|
|
Not a destination, but not awful. I wouldn't go out of my way to go, but wouldn't complain if someone wanted to go. I agree, they seem to have it together enough for large groups, but nothing special here.
|
Don Ramon's
Cuisine: Mexican
|
SoMa |
2/27/2005
|
|
It's good bistro food and a nice atmosphere - it won't break your bank either. The service is a bit aloof (why is it they roll their eyes at ME when they give me 7-up when I order lemonade? Lemonade maybe 7-up in Europe, but who cares?) I still go back because I like the simple but fussy food.
|
Le Zinc
Cuisine: French (Bistro) Tapas
|
Noe Valley |
2/9/2005
|
|
Only been here for lunch since it's in the neighborhood. It's good value, tasty enough and fast. Not sure that I'd make the trip to the Tenderloin for a dinner at this restaurant though...
|
Lalita's Distinctive Thai
Cuisine: Thai
|
Civic Center |
2/9/2005
|
|
Yes overpriced and not worth the hype. This is Crustacean, but without the nice bar, graciousness and attentive service.
|
Thanh Long
Cuisine: Vietnamese Seafood
|
Outer Sunset |
2/9/2005
|
|
Good, but expensive. Attentive and intelligent service. Nice bar too. A little out of place in the neighborhood.
|
Crustacean Restaurant
Cuisine: Vietnamese
|
Polk St./Van Ness |
2/9/2005
|
|
Yes, everyone has to go here. It is not about the food or staff now that Mahmoud is gone. It is about people-watching (and eaves-dropping and doggie-droppings) but I've noticed that it is just plain friendly too. One of the few places in the Castro where patrons seem genuine and not on guard. I have gone there for the last 20 years and that's never changed. What's up with the Absolut bottle!!!!
|
Cafe Flore
Cuisine: American (Traditional)
|
Castro |
1/28/2005
|
|
Have been several times this year with no complaints.
Well prepared traditional menus, great prix-fix and friendly French staff (if you can believe it.) I agree with Lina, I should eat there more often. And of course they know their wine.
|
Cote Sud
Cuisine: French (Bistro)
|
Castro |
1/28/2005
|
|
The food is stick to the ribs American and good (if little steeper $ than diners) but I just can't hang with the attitude of staff. And not a comfortable spot for comfort food.
|
Blue
Cuisine: Comfort food American
|
Castro |
1/28/2005
|
|
Absolutely, Indian pizza. This so works. The other Indian food is just ok; haven't had other pizza there since it was a Greek pizza joint.
|
Zante Indian Cuisine & Pizza
Cuisine: Indian Pizza
|
Bernal Heights |
1/28/2005
|
|
Good food for a great price. SF needs more delicatessen food.
|
Max's Opera Cafe
Cuisine: Deli Dessert
|
Civic Center |
1/27/2005
|
|
How can you not go to a place that looks like it's in Tahoe?
|
It's Tops Coffee Shop
Cuisine: Coffee Shops/Diners
|
Upper Market/Church Street |
1/27/2005
|
|
Sorry, the staff wasn't interested in working, the food tasted good, but I couldn't see it. My gut feeling is that the lights are low because the place is just plain dirty. Wouldn't wait to get in if I ever bothered to go back.
|
Emmy's Spaghetti Shack
Cuisine: Italian
|
Bernal Heights |
1/27/2005
|
|
The bloom is off this rose.
This used the only place to go for upscale vegetarian, but those days are gone. Other restaurants have made it easy to find high-quality vegetarian cuisine in their menu, or will prepare to order. It's good, but it doesn't stand out and is pricey compared to other places.
Go for the view.
|
Greens
Cuisine: Vegetarian
|
Marina |
1/27/2005
|
|
I miss the old "Just for You" (as curmudgeonly as the staff always was) I really like this addition to the City. It is good food, good value, unpretentious and NOT NOISY like Chez Papa.
|
Chez Maman
Cuisine: French
|
Potrero Hill |
1/26/2005
|
|
I've only been for dinner, but several times over the years at both locations. This is absolutely Hitchcock old school! Staff is too old-timey to be stuffy. If you want a dinner out of the 1950s in an atmosphere your grandparents thought was elegant this is it! Caesar made at your table, 64 ounce Porterhouse (the 2nd one is free) and red red red decor.
Have a seat at the bar and talk with Rocky, the bartender. Ask about the scotch in the basement.
|
Alfred's Steak House
Cuisine: Steakhouse
|
Downtown |
1/26/2005
|
|
The full bar is usually stocked with a bartender who knows his stuff, but the selection is diminishing. Food is too pricey for the quality. My pet peeve is to see the same accompaniments on two entrees or listed in the appetizers. The menu could show some more experience.
|
Catch
Cuisine: Mediterranean Seafood Brunch
|
Castro |
1/26/2005
|
|
I've been several times and never had to wait - must've been lucky. The food is good, a little overpriced. Fine if you're in the neighborhood.
|
Ton Kiang
Cuisine: Dim Sum Chinese
|
Outer Richmond |
1/26/2005
|
|
The food is fine and the place is impressive and elegant, not intimate. I like it, but it's not a destination.
|
Grand Cafe (Formal Dining Room)
Cuisine: French Californian
|
Downtown |
1/26/2005
|
|
Way too expensive! The food is ok, but not like anything I've had in Greece - but the service was just as comical (in a good way)
|
Kokkari Estiatorio
Cuisine: Greek Mediterranean
|
Downtown |
1/24/2005
|
|
Fun for kids who don't know any better. Food is ok, but the scene is what people go for.
|
Cha Cha Cha
Cuisine: Caribbean Tapas
|
Mission |
1/24/2005
|
|
Good full bar and good food. I've never had to wait and I've paid more elsewhere for worse. Staff can be a little flakey...they must have other more artistic jobs. I usually get out before the clubbing starts. Lunch works
|
Soluna Cafe and Lounge
Cuisine: Californian
|
Civic Center |
1/24/2005
|
|
These are ok burrito parlors, but don't have the kick of the ones in the Mission. Fine if you're in the neighborhood, but Sushi Boom is better bang for the buck if you're just looking for cheap and fast.
|
Gordo Taqueria
Cuisine: Mexican
|
Outer Richmond |
1/24/2005
|
|
I have to disagree with the 2 reviewers with negatives. (Ivy's had a great staff, but food was nothing great. What are you doing ordering a "Pear Martini"?) The food here is wonderful, traditionally prepared huate cuisine. The house-made charcuterie is not to be missed when available. Tongue with gribiche, lamb rilletes with cucumber/mint sorbet, fresh soppressata. Inexperienced diners who want "choco-tinis" or whatever other low-brow trend thing is going around like a virus should stay away.
|
Absinthe
Cuisine: French Brasseries
|
Hayes Valley |
11/21/2004
|
|
If you like theme parks, Las Vegas or the Madonna Inn, this is the place for you. It's good that you can be dazzled by the atmosphere and not pay attention to the food. It's not awful, just OK and OK for the price. Go with a group of people who think how "neat" it is to share plates - pull-ease!
|
Buca di Beppo
Cuisine: Italian
|
SoMa |
11/21/2004
|
|
The dinner is as good as any of its competitors, Zuni, Jardeniere, Hayes Street Grill -but it is Citizen CAKE after all so they really wow-ed me with those. Yes it's expensive, but if you're an experienced "foodie" then you'll understand why. The staff all knew more about the food and wine than I was going to ask and were excited to talk about it.
|
Citizen Cake
Cuisine: Californian Bakeries
|
Hayes Valley |
11/21/2004
|
|
Unpretentious and delicious. And they'll get you at the Wild Side (my favorite bar) when your table is ready.
|
Liberty Cafe & Bakery
Cuisine: American (Traditional) Bakeries
|
Bernal Heights |
11/21/2004
|
|
Staff and clientele are friendly. Food is good and the prices are OK. I wish they could do something about the noise on busy nights - who wants to yell over dinner?
|
2223 Restaurant
Cuisine: American (New)
|
Castro |
11/21/2004
|
|
This place is a trip! A boat that looks like an island complete with palm trees and lighthouse. You eat down in the hull in a warm, old timey room which overlooks a sunken fireplace. You're picked up by the Tiki Boat Shuttle (which you pay $3 for) to get to it. It's just too bad you have to eat there because the food is so wrong. And so expensive! I think that Forbes should figure out that he can make more money if he just made it a bar.
|
Forbes Island
Cuisine: French Californian
|
Fishermans Wharf |
11/21/2004
|
|
Beautiful room, quiet eating space and knowledgeable unobtrusive staff. 4 years ago, I had a scallop & foie gras appetizer there I will remember the rest of my life. Today it is still just as wonderful. It doesn't have a "personality", the staff are not schmoozy, I've never seen a chef come out to say hello to anyone and there isn't a bar scene to meet people. But if you want to enjoy an impeccable meal, and you want to be able to enjoy your guests as well, go to Aqua.
|
AQUA
Cuisine: Californian French Basque Seafood
|
Downtown |
11/21/2004
|
|
It's like Beach Blanket Babylon: go once a year with your mom.
|
House of Prime Rib
Cuisine: Steakhouses
|
Polk St./Van Ness |
11/21/2004
|
|
What a disappointment! The staff was inexperienced and not really knowledgeable. I guess you have to figure out who would wear those ridiculous and oppressive Chinese clown costumes as uniforms. It was so dark I thought they were trying to hide something. And it stinks like paint and chemicals. The service was slow, the drinks were mediocre and the food was just terrible, appetizers through the main course. Everything fried and greasy. Stay away.
|
Trader Vic's
Cuisine: Polynesian
|
Civic Center |
11/21/2004
|
|
The atmosphere is wonderful, the smell of the wood-burning oven and grill, the architecture and quirky staff. It is pricey, but you're paying for a lot of in-house ingredients that take time and knowledge to prepare. You'll also get things you can't find many other places. A beginner should ask the waitstaff what the signature dishes are and start there: house-cured anchovies, Caesar salad, shoestring fries, pizza margherita, and the delicious chicken.
|
Zuni Cafe
Cuisine: Mediterranean
|
Hayes Valley |
11/21/2004
|
|
I like this restaurant for an old-school experience; lots of blue-hairs, portrait sketches on the wall and the prix-fixe is reasonable.
They are better at keeping up with show curtains now.
|
La Scene Cafe & Bar
Cuisine: Californian Mediterranean
|
Downtown |
11/21/2004
|