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I've always like Hawthorne Lane even though I haven't frequented it in years. I think the reason is that even though Hawthorne Lane was excellent, I'm also looking for new restaurants and HL always was solid so it always slipped off my radar. When I read recently that HL was being replaced by "Two" I was intrigued. It looks like David Gringrass has simplified the menu into smaller and less expensive plates(kinda like Bizou turning into Coco500). This is both good and bad. The good is that it brings in a newer, younger crowd with better bar action and for more grazing instead of destination dining...and the dining was good. The spicy onion soup had a heat that snuck up on you but didn't have much flavor overall. The poached egg was a nice touch. The fried calamari was decent, but the chicken liver dumplings were not...The duck liver pate, braised lamb cheeks on polenta, braised brussel sprouts with bacon and the star, the roasted marrow bones were solid. Decent wine list.
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Two San Francisco
Cuisine: Californian
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SoMa |
2/1/2007
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Market is a so so spot that traps the tourists walking downtown through Napa. The food is decent enough, I had a chance to go for lunch but the quality of the food was just a little more than upscale diner. The fish and chips were decent as was the fried chicken...but if I'm out in Napa, I'm looking for something better than mediocre. A burger @ Taylor's Refresher is much better and cheaper than the rendition @ Market. I won't be back.
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Market Restaurant
Cuisine: American
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Napa |
1/19/2007
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Driving down from Potrero Hill, I noticed what I thought was a new restaurant hiding on a lonely stretch of 3rd street...decided to investigate and pulled a U turn to find out it was a wine bar. We'll wine it is. Yield is a cute new wine bar specializing in organic wineries and their wines. It was Sunday and on Sundays, they have wine flight tastings that change weekly. A small selection but decently selected by the partners. We enjoyed the company of Chris, one of the owners who advised that they have apps during the weekdays, but this sunday we enjoyed their cheese plate. A cute spot that's a welcome addition to the area. Service was excellent. Check it out.
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Yield Wine Bar
Cuisine: Small Plates
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Potrero Hill |
1/19/2007
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Chilidogs and some breakfast at this little shack by the Ball Park. I rather be @ Red's Java House for their burgers and dogs, but if you're stuck closer to the ball park and want to down a couple quick ones before the Giants take the field, Java House is worth a pit stop.
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Java House
Cuisine: American Greek
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Pacific Bell Park/South Beach |
1/19/2007
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Ahhh...Benihana, the infamous king of the Japanese counter chef restaurants. Let's face it, there's nothing really authentic or good about Benihana except when we were little and found the show entertaining. I actually was actually stuck with Mapleleafgirl in Burlingame and decided to hit Benihana just for fun awhile back...they happened to be having a special overpriced event dinner celebrating the owner Rocky visting from Japan showcasing his new sake book, "Water from Heaven". It was epic because we signed on to have mediocre food and drink with Rocky as he got pretty f$#ked up in front of everyone. It was one of those Twilight Zone dining experiences, but in reality we should leave Benihana's to the tourists coming in from Indianapolis...and if you are from Indy, even you should know NOT to order the sushi, stick with the steak and lobster being flipped onto your plate.
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Benihana
Cuisine: Japanese
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Burlingame |
1/19/2007
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I know there are alot of solid Chinese restaurants in the Peninsula, the majority of them being in Millbrae with Hong Kong Flower Lounge, Fook Yuen, etc...but Joy Luck is a pleasant suprise in San Mateo. The quality of the dim sum was very good with us going into various shrimp dumpling overload. Hargow, sui mai, multiple shrimp dishes, shrimp won ton soup and outstanding steamed chinese broccoli. Typical dim sum service...efficient without being friendly. Definitely on my short list if I'm out in San Mateo on a Sunday morning, I would definitely recommend.
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Joy Luck Place
Cuisine: Dim Sum Seafood
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San Mateo |
1/19/2007
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I really wanted to love Paul K, but I'll have to just like it. I was expecting BIG flavors to hit my pallete from all the reviews, but all I got were a couple soft slaps. Started with the mezza sampler to get a good assortment of the usual standard fare Mediterranean apps-olives, humus, peppers, etc. The seabass entree was decent as was the recommended chicken dish, but all of the dishes need a little wake up call of even a dash of salt. Our waiter was silly and bananas which kept us entertained, the wine list was small, but the cocktails were decent. A cute neighborhood spot that could be a strong winner with a little tweaking.
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paul k
Cuisine: Mediterranean
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Hayes Valley |
1/19/2007
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I love French and I love French bistros...but Cafe Claude just didn't hit the spot. Came here for dinner on a Friday night and the place was pretty dead...not a good sign. I have a feeling that Cafe Claude might be a better lunch bet than dinner. The beet salad was decent, the balsamic salad was weak and the escargot was pathetic. They were soooo overcooked and soooo tough that I could have bounced them around like a little rubber ball. The coq a vin was decent and i'm glad we ended it there. There was a limited staff for the slow night that did a good job handling the floor. I would like to give it another try, but all the dishes were so uninspiring and there are too many good French bistros to go to.
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Cafe Claude
Cuisine: French (Bistro)
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Downtown |
1/19/2007
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Almost gave Greystone a neutral based on my last visit which was uneven, but several solid dining experiences can't bring this Napa "tourist destination" down. The Wine Spectator Greystone has several good things going for it, the main being the home base for the Culinary Academy. It's an inviting space that gets busy with the students furiously showcasing their lessons in the open kitchen. I usually like to sit at the bar and enjoy the action. The menu changes quite often, but the entrees are consistently solid but the appetizers are better. They usually have a tasting menu of a couple items for their apps that is worth trying, sometimes I'll pass on an entree and just enjoy the apps. Maybe not the ideal spot for a meal, but not bad for a quick "hit and run" for a snack attack before moving on to the next winery. The chef in the kitchen may not be Thomas Keller, but he could be the next Thomas Keller...you never know.
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Wine Spectator Greystone (CIA)
Cuisine: Californian
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Napa |
1/19/2007
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Thomas Keller on the cheap...it can be done at Bouchon! This is no French Laundry BUT French Laundry is no Bouchon. Had a splendid dinner at Bouchon with a hungry group of friends and we grazed through the majority of the menu. Steak frites were excellent, as was the leg of lamb and the liver and onions. Two dishes are still haunting my pallete...the wonderful chilled foie gras. I usually prefer my foie gras seared and carmelized ever so lightly, but @ Bouchon it comes chilled whipped into a spreadable heaven presented in a mason jar and an army of toasted baguette slices...pure guilty pleasure. The Croque Madame was another excellent winner that will have me going back even for just this simple dish. There's a Bouchon @ the Venetian in Vegas which closely adapts the Napa original, but the service and atmosphere in Yountville is perfect for this jewel of a bistro. Enjoy!
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Bouchon
Cuisine: French (Bistro)
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Napa |
1/19/2007
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What a pleasant surprise, just enjoyed a solid dining experience @ Cafe Majestic. From the moment we entered, I knew we were in for a pleasant surprise...a undiscovered little gem. Executive Shawn Paul dished out a strong array of offerings: Seared foie gras(I know, foie gras is foie gras) but this was no puny carmelized slice of heaven, enought to share for 2. Crab and corn chowder had nice balance. The baby Fall salad was simple but that's what made it wonderful. The seared Sea of Cortez scallops were nicely seared and would have been perfect except for a small amount of grit. There were several enticing mains, but the bone marrow paired w/the American "Kobe" sealed the deal for me. I don't see bone marrow often enough(loved them at the now gone 42 Degrees and La Suite) The interior is very inviting(think a more casual Campton Place). Our server Jacob was fantastic and food & beverage director Kyle was perfect. The only weak area was the wine list which is being revamped. Enjoy!
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Cafe Majestic
Cuisine: American (New)
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Pacific Heights |
11/11/2006
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HUGE burgers that you'll have difficulty wrapping your hands and mouths around, Nations is a solid bet. Bacon cheeseburgers with grilled onions, the grilled chicken sandwich, and several pies make it a late nite option. the chocolate cream pie is nice, but I actually like the banana cream pie more.
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Nation's Giant Hamburgers
Cuisine: Hamburgers
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Pinole |
8/16/2006
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It's a dive diner, but don't we all love our dive diners? I've had many a drunken breakfast here with all the standards...eggs, omlettes, pancakes, and yummy grits. It's the only soul food restaurant I know owned by an really friendly asian family. Worth checking out if you're in da hood.
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Eddie's Cafe
Cuisine: Coffee Shops/Diners Breakfast
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Western Addition |
8/16/2006
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Ton Kiang is one of my faves, with Yank Sing, Fook Yuen, and Hong Kong Flower Lounge winding out the rest of my Top 5. The lines truly do suck, and I'm often tempted to sprint over to Tommy's and grab an El Tesoro Anejo margarita on the rocks and come back to make by wait bearable...but the lines unfortunately do not lie...the dim sum is good. One of the few dim sum restaurants that don't look at you funny when you ask for a bottle of wine, the dim sum procession will continue on and on. All the standards are there, hargow, shu mai, bao, but there are many other offerings. I'm usually ready for shrimp anything overload...and it's always been excellent. If they started serving decent bloody marys, valet parking, I'd be there every other Sunday.
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Ton Kiang
Cuisine: Dim Sum Chinese
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Outer Richmond |
8/8/2006
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Papalote is amazing because it's excellent and it's different than every other taqueria in the Mission. Light and healthy, I've only tried their shrimp burritos and they've been tasty. Not huge like our beloved Pancho Villas, but just enough to make you happy. Another plus is their tasty, roasted fiery salsa and chips...I didn't know you can grab a jar to go, but I'll grab one this week.
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Papalote
Cuisine: Mexican
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Mission |
8/8/2006
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Not the best restaurant in Napa by any means, but a nice spot to grab some c***tails and a lazy dinner. The heirloom tomato salad, seafood cigars, lobster salad, and ahi tuna are nice but not memorable. The entrees are nice as well, but not up to blowing you away especially if you're in Napa. Decent seared dayboat scallops, and undercooked softshell crab, decent steaks and lamb. The restaurant is beautiful and inviting and the staff is excellent...one night, our server offered to drive us back to the Marriott instead of calling a cab(we took the cab)...she must have liked her tip. They also have a nice patio where you can fire up a Montecristo #2 and enjoy a nice evening overlooking a vineyard while sipping on a c***tail. Overall a nice dining experience without it being a "serious" dining experience. I was actually there for their opening back in the 90's and it's pretty much the same...solid.
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Brix Restaurant
Cuisine: Californian
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Napa |
8/8/2006
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Phillipe Jeanty's Bistro Jeanty in Napa is probably the best French bistro next to Bouchon. Everything from the apps down are outstanding. A charming, cute restaurant bringing tasty treasures of buttery/garlicky escargots, perfect foie gras, an outstanding French onion soup, tomato bisque baked in in puff pastry and escarole w/bacon and an unctious soft boiled egg...that was to start! The steak frite w/perfect fries and the braised kobe short ribs falling off the bone completed an amazing dinner. The sauteed sole and ridiculously rich pork belly with foie gras on top are other winners. Outstanding attentive service, you won't be disappointed. Phillipe honed his skills as the executive chef @ Domaine Chandon, then opened his winner, Bistro Jeanty in Napa...but when I need hearty French, I'll cheat and hit Jeanty's @ Jacks in SF.
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Bistro Jeanty
Cuisine: French (Bistro)
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Napa |
8/8/2006
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Uno what, these are tasty little bastards. I'm not sure if I'll pick Beard Papa over Tartine anyday, but their custard cream puffs are pretty damn tasty. I know the cream puff purists will cry foul that these are not cream puffs...more like custard puffs, but tasty nonetheless. My GF was kind enough to scoop them up for me, so I didn't have to deal with the lines...ALL GOOD. The chocolate was nice, so was the eclair but the vanilla custard was shining star. I wish she grabbed 2 of them...I'll be back, even with that damn line!
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Beard Papa
Cuisine: Japanese Bakeries
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Downtown |
8/8/2006
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This is an improvement over the one in SF, but still mediocre. At least no health violations here, but nothing to get excited over. If you're severely hungry and need to put on the feedbag and have mediocre grub on the cheap, this might be a pick. I got conned into coming here for lunch, but my real lunch was a double double @ In N Out in Daly City after we parted company :)
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Moonstar Buffet
Cuisine: Pan-Asian
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Daly City |
8/8/2006
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Yikes, had lunch here once and I've been trying to forget ever since. There's alot of chinese food with poor attempts at what might resemble sushi, but it's all marginal. Who doesn't like a good buffet, but this isn't one of them. I always try to squeeze one vegas, but there are too many damn good restaurants there too so I usually miss out in LV...I guess there's always the Palace Hotel's Garden Court buffet on Sundays on a splurge...
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Moonstar
Cuisine: Sushi BBQ Seafood
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Civic Center |
8/8/2006
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Figaro bills itself as a House of Gnocchi...so, you have order the gnocchi which was a little doughy and chewier than I would have liked, althought the mushroom cream sauce was very mushroomy. The accompanying pizza that we ordered was a sad rendition, soggy undercooked crust, and mediocre toppings. Why is it so hard to find a decent Italian restaurant in North Beach?
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Figaro
Cuisine: Italian
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North Beach |
5/21/2006
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Been wanting to try Iluna Basque for awhile since I love Basque cuisine and I love tapas...but the tapas fell short on pretty much everything we ordered. The place was busy and the staff was friendly, but $147 for a disappointing tapas fest will not have me coming back. The Basque cheese plate and crab croquettes were decent, but the French onion soup was weak...no beefy stock, tasted just like an "onion" soup. The mache salad was bland, the shrimp brouchettes and spanish tortilla were mediocre. The only highlight was the foie gras, but hey...it was foie gras. I was really looking forward to some great tapas after all the reviews, but I doubt i'll give it another chance since it was so off. Too bad, cute place.
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Iluna Basque
Cuisine: French Spanish
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North Beach |
5/21/2006
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Not in Oakland often, but I was extinguising a lawsuit with my attorney in a nearby building and we both headed over for lunch. Typical Max's and I ordered my usual: pastrami and corned beef on rye with thousand island on the side...a pickle and cole slaw and I'm good to go. Consistant from location to location.
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Max's
Cuisine: Deli Sandwiches
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Oakland |
5/14/2006
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I've been passing Annabelle's for years and finally had a chance to give it a try after catching a movie @ the Metreon. Nice lively bar filled mostly with tourists(it is right across from the Marriott), and our c***tails were nice. Since it was late, many of the entrees were not available so we grazed through what was: French onion soup had nice beefy flavor but was served in a cereal bowl, the prosciutto and pear pizza was nice(a little more charring would have made a huge improvement), but the duck confit was an absolute puzzle. I always order duck confit when it's on a menu, but this was more like a duck scraps shaped into a cylinder resembling a brown tuna tartare. This was not good...had an unpleasant all-spice, star anise overwhelming flavor which had no business being there. No crispy leg or thigh, just a sad looking and sadder tasting brown mound. Waitress was kind enough to take it off the bill. A nice spot to grab a drink and a snack...but AVOID the duck conf@%!
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Annabelle's
Cuisine: Californian French (Bistro) Organic
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Downtown |
5/14/2006
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Good prices but the sushi fell short. The nigiri sushi was nice(maguro, hamachi), but the 3 rolls we tried just weren't put together well and were falling apart. The Godzilla Roll, the Tinky Winky, and the Lazy Monkey(had to try it for amusement purposes, a roll with banana, cream cheese, etc) DISAPPOINTED. I would give it another go since so many people like this place and it was a Sunday nite.
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Godzila Sushi
Cuisine: Japanese Sushi
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Pacific Heights |
5/14/2006
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Decent spot to grab a quick fish fry. Fish(halibut) and chips, fried prawns and chunky fries for under $10 right off El Camino. Worth checking out when you're in the mood and in Menlo Park.
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Cook's Seafood Restaurant
Cuisine: Seafood
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Menlo Park |
5/10/2006
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Next to Darby Dan's and Molinari, this is my other Go To sandwich spot. WARNING: Huge sandwiches ahead...Little Lucca sandwiches will feed a couple of skinny girls, you really need a gameplan to attack one of these monsters. First go with the dutch crunch, then go with their spicy hot garlic spread, then grab a timecard and punch in because it's time to go to work...and work is good because you'll be digging into one of the best sandwiches you've ever had. I usually eat half for lunch, and have a late lunch/early dinner left over. Everything is solid from the roast beef, turkey, coppa, chicken salad...they have a number of combos to choose from as well. The line will be long and i'm still amazed that they crank out these monsters from their small little deli. I still remember the first time I got dragged out there...I was thinking "where the hell are we going???"...now I'm the one dragging people. You'll love the sandwiches and make many treks out to South City for this.
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Little Lucca Sandwich Shop
Cuisine: Deli
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South San Francisco |
5/10/2006
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Darby Dan's makes AMAZING sandwiches. The location in South San Franciso is random, but the full parking lot gives you an idea that this place is busy...and they are. I use the delivery(Fedex, UPS, Truck Driver) and construction guys for advice where to grab a good sandwich...and I was told to head here over a decade ago. Glad I did because otherwise I probably would have never known about this gem. First of all, the sandwiches are HUGE...so unless I'm motivated, I'll split one with a buddy. The signature bread is their dutch crunch, and Darby Dan's dutch crunch has a nice crunch without being to hard and soft velvetty inside. All the standard lunch combos are here, I usually do the turkey club w/avocado and provolone, but their specialties like the SLEEPER(Ham, Turkey, Bacon, Cheese) are winners. They use their in-house garlic mayo with jalepeno relish. Their tasty burgers and philly cheeses are solid as well, but I would give the nod to the sandwiches. Check it out.
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Darby Dan's Sandwich Co
Cuisine: Deli
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South San Francisco |
5/10/2006
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Hong Kong East Ocean was recommended by a CAL friend of mine as his FAVORITE dim sum spot, so I had to check it out...well, the problem is my friend is from Kansas... The dim sum was okay, decent hargow and shu mai, but no Ton Kiang or Yank Sing. It's on the other side of the City so if you catch yourself on the other side of the Bay, it's worth checking out.
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Hong Kong East Ocean Restaurant
Cuisine: Chinese Dim Sum Seafood
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Emeryville |
5/10/2006
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Enjoyed a super carnitas quesadilla when I was in the area. It was good, cheap and I was on the road which hit the spot. Not up to the standards of our Mission taquerias, but a pleasant suprise when in the Rich.
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Gordo Taqueria
Cuisine: Mexican
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Outer Richmond |
5/9/2006
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Sushi Sam's...where do I start. Since Ebisu is my favorite sushi restaurant, I get very picky and ANY sushi restaurant named Sushi Sam's has to be doomed from the beginning...but Sam(yes, there is a Sam and he's behind the bar everyday) has been putting out solid sushi and sashimi in San Mateo for over a decade. The interior is bare bones and the restaurant is small, but there is a reason why there is ALWAYS a line out the door rain or shine to get in...and that is the sushi. The basics are here, maguro, hamachi, toro and the ultra basics as well like CA rolls and Dragon rolls...but if you're feeling adventurous, tell Sam and the boys to take care of you and he'll suprise you with what's freshest. The board has the day's freshest fish to choose from. In San Mateo there are dozens of sushi restaurants, but Sushi Sam's is the one that's always the busiest...is it hype? Sunset magazine didn't think so. Check it out and tell Sam that he needs to expand and change the name.
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Sushi Sam's Edomata
Cuisine: Sushi
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San Mateo |
5/7/2006
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Max's menu is ridiculously long...but what I crave when I hit a Max's are their tasty huge sandwiches...whether it's a corned beef, pastrami, or a corned beef and pastrami on rye with cole slaw and a pickle, it's all good. Usually too stuffed to entertain the idea of dessert, but I have partaken in a couple of their insane cakes...not bad. As their slogan says, this is not a good place for a diet.
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Max's
Cuisine: Deli Sandwiches
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Palo Alto |
5/7/2006
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Another Il Fornaio to add to their army of restaurants putting out solid Italian mainstays such as tasty pastas, steaks, lamb shanks...and baked goods....the baked goods are good enough to grab some to go. Not a huge fan of any chains, but Il Fornaio has a good formula bringing in better than average cuisine on a consistant basis.
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Il Fornaio
Cuisine: Bakery Italian
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Palo Alto |
5/7/2006
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MacArthur Park, just like the one in the City serves up American comfort food. If you're in the mood for a burger with fries, a steak, or some decent baby back ribs, MacArthur Park can scratch that itch. Alot of families eating there...just a warning about baby/kid noise levels.
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MacArthur Park
Cuisine: American (Traditional)
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Palo Alto |
5/7/2006
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Decent taqueria on B Street restaurant row...near the end...but nothing special by any means. You'll be much better off walking one block down B. Street toward Draegers where you'll find Pancho Villa on the left side.
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La Cumbre Taqueria
Cuisine: Mexican
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San Mateo |
5/7/2006
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Tamarine is a welcome surprise in Palo Alto. The lovely interior is studded with vietnamese furniture and art which makes you forget that you're in suburban Palo Alto...but it's the food that will take you away. The cocktail list is solid with some solid house drinks...enjoyed a tasty Tamarine mojito followed by several solid apps and entrees. The place was packed and the vibe was solid...very good wine list using Riedel wine glasses...nice touch for a Vietnamese restaurant. Definitely worth stopping on University Ave for. We did not have reservations, but the two hostesses were able to squeeze us in. Check it out.
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Tamarine
Cuisine: Vietnamese Small Plates
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Palo Alto |
5/7/2006
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This is the first Zao Noodle Bar that I've been to...and all of them are fairly consistant at putting our "fast food" noodles that aren't close to being authentic but isn't bad for a quick cheap bite on the run.
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Zao Noodle Bar
Cuisine: Noodle Shop Pan-Asian
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Palo Alto |
5/7/2006
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I know we're lucky to have a couple Amicis around the Bay now...but this is the first one I started going to in teh 80s. Alot of specialty pizzas, my fave is the pancetta pie w/lots of nice charring on the crust. If they're busy, I usually walk next door to the sports bar where we can grab a drink waiting for a table to open up.
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Amici's East Coast Pizzeria
Cuisine: Pizza
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San Mateo |
5/7/2006
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Good pizzas are turned out by North Beach...delivery is an option but I find NB Pizza tastes MUCH better when you eat it right out of the oven before the crust gets soggy. The dining room is small and usually busy for dinner.
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North Beach Pizza
Cuisine: Pizza
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San Mateo |
5/7/2006
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I've eaten at Capellini's many, many times...not too many solid Italian spots along the Peninsula. From steaks to pastas, Capellini's puts out solid entrees in their casual and intimate dining room. Wine list needs help, but the bar might be a better option. Valet parking right out front along restaurant row on B Street.
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Ristorante Capellini
Cuisine: Italian Northern
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San Mateo |
5/7/2006
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Been here a couple of times, not sure if they're affiliated with the Scott's Seafood in San Francisco but a similar menu. Steaks and...seafood...well prepared halibut, seabass, swordfish, salmon...if it has fins, they'll grill, saute, poach it. Straight forward seafood, no fancy Farallon or Aqua here, but solid.
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Scott's of Palo Alto
Cuisine: American (Traditional) Seafood
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Palo Alto |
5/7/2006
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Decent sushi in a decent sushi restaurant. When in Palo Alto, definitely worth checking out. Alot of Stanford students/alumni whooping it up last time I was there creating a festive environment...even though I'm a USC fan :)
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Fuki Sushi
Cuisine: Sushi
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Palo Alto |
5/7/2006
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Viognier is an outstanding restaurant located above the upscale grocer, Draegers in San Mateo. Enjoyed an excellent prix fix meal paired with wines. Service was excellent in the comfortable dining room. They have a nice wine list, but if you find a bottle you love @ Draegers downstairs, you can always bring it up and pay the corkage. Not a ton of press on Viognier, but definitely one of the finer dining destinations in the Peninsula.
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Viognier
Cuisine: Californian
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San Mateo |
5/7/2006
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Koi Palace is a hidden palace in Daly City...but when you find it, it's like finding Nirvana. This is a LARGE restaurant, but on weekend, the crowds are larger creating...long waits. And wait you must, because the seafood and dim sum is solid. From the basics like har gow, shu mai, to their shrimp and crab dumplings, you will not be disappointed. One of the better Cantonese restaurants in the Yay Area.
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Koi Palace
Cuisine: Dim Sum Seafood
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Daly City |
5/7/2006
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The Goose is another Menlo Park/Palo Alto institution to grab a couple beers and some damn tasty burgers. Everyone who lives in Menlo Park has eaten their fair share of burgers...and why not, just like the Oasis, they're fresh, greasy and tasty. Save some room for their yummy deviled eggs. I have a constant inner battle when I'm in the neighborhood...Dutch Goose or Oasis...
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The Dutch Goose
Cuisine: Burgers
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Menlo Park |
5/7/2006
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I've been going to the O since Jr High in the 80s, and still make it a point to stop by whenever I'm in Menlo Park. Laid back sports bar and part Stanford hangout, the Oasis serves up damn tasty burgers and fries just the way you want it...greasy, fresh, and tasty. Their pizzas are good too, but it's the burgers that have been the draw here forever. Barrels of roasted peanuts are available for peeling while waiting for your meal to be called. This place is Menlo Park/Palo Alto institution with many drunken engravings carved into the chairs, tables, stools and walls. Good times.
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The Oasis Beer Garden
Cuisine: American
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Menlo Park |
5/7/2006
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I've reviewed Osha in the Mission and even though this location is larger, the location in the Mission gets the green light. The modern interior creates a fun environment, and the food is decent but the kitchen's execution seems better in the Mission. The usual coconut chicken soup, curries and pad thai are here and run a little more on the sweet than savory side. It's funny, the 2nd street location is busier at lunch and the Mission location is busier at dinner. Pricing is fair for what you get.
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Osha
Cuisine: Thai
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SoMa |
5/7/2006
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Specialties is a mini-chain that has many consistant locations offering solid lunch options. They have a number of sandwich specilties with special spreads like their turkey w/curry, or their multi-meat combos. The sandwiches are tasty because they bake all their bread fresh at each location including all their baked goods...their cookies are tasty. Home made soups won't dazzle you, but put it all together and you have a decent take out lunch spot. Lines can get long, but they're long for a reason.
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Specialty's Cafe & Bakery
Cuisine: Bakeries Deli
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Downtown |
5/7/2006
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A couple friends used to promote parties @ Sake Lab and the drinks are definitely better than the sushi...I don't know what the fascination with clubs that have sushi restaurants in them, but this formula does't work here either. A better option is to go grab sushi somewhere good, then get your groove on.
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Sake Lab
Cuisine: Japanese Sushi
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North Beach |
5/7/2006
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Even though Pancho Villa and La Taqueria usually get the nod, Taqueria Cancun does dish up tasty burritos, tortas and quesadillas. Carne asada, chicken, carnitas, and chorizo..it's all good. One nice touch is I usually pay EXTRA for avocado @ Pancho but they are automatically part of the program here. Cheaper pricing and less atmosphere, but you're here to eat...and the eatings good. I'm not a veggie guy, but I've even enjoyed a veggie burrito here. Claiming which taqueria is the best is a touchy subject in SF because we all have our faves...and this is a good option.
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Taqueria Cancun
Cuisine: Mexican
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Mission |
5/7/2006
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Celias is a more casual family style chain that serves up consistant if not greasy mexican cuisine. Definitely not a destination restaurant, but they are spread around the Bay randomly offering standard fare...a mission taqueria would be better...but sometimes you're just not in the mission. Another consistant constant is their poor decorating style which is in all of their restaurants I've been to.
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Celia's Mexican Restaurant
Cuisine: Mexican
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Outer Sunset |
5/7/2006
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Benihana might have been an entertaining night out for some Americanized Japanese food in the 80s, but it just seems a little too ridiculous nowadays. I remember liking Benihana as a kid because I liked the entertainment value of the chefs...er, cooks flipping shrimps, beef, and lobster, etc...but I also didn't appreciate good hamachi and toro back then. The sushi is mediocre so the combo cooked dinners are a better option if Benihana is a dining option.
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Benihana
Cuisine: Japanese Sushi
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Japantown |
5/7/2006
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Decent quick take out Japanese where the bentos are better than the sushi. Cheap and quick and very popular with the lunch crowd in the Financial District.
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Kamakura Restaurant
Cuisine: Japanese
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Downtown |
5/7/2006
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Zachary's Chicago Pizza is probably the tastiest deep dish pizza in the Bay. Solid fresh ingredients with a perfect crust makes for long lines of loyal customers....and yes, it's worth the wait.
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Zachary's Chicago Pizza
Cuisine: Pizza
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Berkeley |
5/7/2006
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Good beers, decent chili and sandwiches. Haven't been here in years, but they also have these scary pickled eggs in a large glass jar. I'll wait for someone to review that one. Definitely worth grabbing a couple of their brewed beers on site.
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Triple Rock Brewery
Cuisine: Pub Food American (Traditional)
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Berkeley |
5/7/2006
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Nothing amazing here except for cheap fuel on the go. Close to CAL, but a 5 minute drive will get you to tasty a** Cheese Board Pizza.
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Blondie's Pizza
Cuisine: Pizza
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Berkeley |
5/6/2006
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This is probably my favorite of Everett and Jones locations. Started chowing down here when going to CAL, and even though I've graduated to the other locations, this is still my favorite. The ribs, links, and brisket just taste better here...only downside is you only get one side...no choices here, just potato salad with a choice of wheat or white bread. Go for the 2 way combos, 3 if you're starving. Ample parking in the back. Wet naps upon request.
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Everett & Jones Barbecue #2
Cuisine: Soul Food Barbecue
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Berkeley |
5/6/2006
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If you're craving Lulus in the City but you're in the South Bay, Zibibbo will fill in just fine. Many similar dishes in a slightly more serene and intimate setting with a darker dining room with candlelight. Good bar action and many familiar hits such as a solid raw bar where you can get a platter of kumomoto oysters, followed by the sizzling mussels in the iron skillet, nice thin crust pizzas and tasty roasted meats from their wood fired oven and rotisserie. Good wine list to boot with attentive service.
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Zibibbo
Cuisine: Mediterranean Small Plates
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Palo Alto |
5/6/2006
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Pancho Villa on 16th is my fave taqueria for burritos in the CIty, and their location in San Mateo is just as solid. Super carne asada and prawns burrito is pure heaven. Living in SOMA, I'm very exited to have another good quick bite option but the EMB location is not running on all cylinders yet. Same great fresh ingredients, but a little unorganized and they've even gotten some orders incorrect. Parking also is a challenge as the only lot option is the Ferry Buiilding and Pancho Villa is not part of their validated parking, so I paid $6.00 to park and grab my $10 burrito. Better option is to grab your food and then pick up something in the Ferry Buiilding and have them validate your ticket. They've only been open in this location for a short time so I'm sure they'll get it together...In the meantime, I'll be @ 16th and Mission.
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Pancho Villa Taqueria
Cuisine: Mexican
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Embarcadero |
5/6/2006
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Heard a radio ad that a Louisiana Fried Chicken was opening up in SF. Never been, decided that I needed to try it. It's located @ Market @ 6th in a gritty area and is a little hole in the wall, but I can see this spot being popular regardless. The chicken is spicy and non greasy, the biscuits were okay, and the coleslaw had too much mayo. Good and should be popular with the urban "baller" crowd, as that was primarily the clientel.
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Louisiana Fried Chicken
Cuisine: Soul Food
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SoMa |
5/6/2006
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Nob Hill Cafe is a CUTE little neighborhood Italian restaurant. Parking can be tough, but it's worth a visit. Nice solid pastas and daily specials have done the deed for moi. Nothing fancy, this is not Delfina but a very comfy and popular neighborhood spot. No reservations but you can grab a glass of vino or do a quick stroll down the block. Unpretentious and very reasonable prices. If you're lucky, you'll see SF's Marian and Vivian Brown...the 2 sweet twin ladies dressed in the same snappy outfits at their favorite windowside table. I know's it's silly as hell, but I like these two SF icons...
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Nob Hill Cafe
Cuisine: Italian
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Nob Hill |
5/6/2006
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Tadich is definitely an institution, but the last time I was there I was suprised how overcooked our fish entrees came out. I mean bone dry. I used to grab a quick lunch with some of my college buddies that work in the Financial District and have had solid meals from the steaks to the seafood, but my last visit really suprised me. Waits can be long...I love old school restaurants from the ambiance to the old schoot waiters and Tadich is a fave, but I find myself giving Tadich more props for what it is than the food. I think if I was looking for kick a** seafood, I would walk over to Aqua instead...if I wanted the old SF experience, Tadich will fit the bill.
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Tadich Grill
Cuisine: Seafood American (Traditional)
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Downtown |
5/6/2006
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Hong Kong Flower Lounge offers solid dim sum offerings a block away from Fook Yuen. Located right off the 101 exit on Millbrae Ave @ El Camino, you can't miss the multi story green pagoda that houses HKFL. Solid offering of dumplings, buns, noodles, and seafood dishes. A little more pricey but worth it if you're in the area. They have their own parking lot which is a plus with valet, but Ton Kiang and Yank Sing in the City are better.
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Hong Kong Flower Lounge
Cuisine: Dim Sum
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Millbrae |
5/2/2006
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Very solid dim sum is served up @ Fook Yuen. Parking can be tough when they're busy even though they have their own lot. The shu mai, hargow, multiple shrimp dumpings and buns are all solid. Things get very busy both on weekdays and weekends. When they get busy, they start shuffling diners to their second story...try to stay on the first for more consistant offerings by the dim sum fairies roving the floor.
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Fook Yuen Seafood
Cuisine: Dim Sum Seafood
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Millbrae |
5/2/2006
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The Basque Cultural Center is a unique dining experience. A friend of mine, Frenchy Le Freak took me here as a random lunch suprise and I was wondering where in the hell are we going to in South San Francisco. It is a cultural center and they service many banquets, but they also have a restaurant in the front dining room which is a pleasant surprise. French comfort Basque cuisine in a very casual environment with low prices to boot. I used to grab lunch here once a week when my company was located in S. SF. The duck confit has always been consistant, but the daily/weekly specials are solid such as the lamb shank, roasted rack of lamb, NY steaks, etc. All lunches run $14 or less including soup or salad, and their dinners are also extremely well priced. I've caught many a French restaurant owner such as Fringale dining there since this is a gathering area for the Basque. Plenty of parking since they own their own property with an extensive parking lot. Unique for sure.
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Basque Cultural Center
Cuisine: Spanish
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South San Francisco |
5/2/2006
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Before I moved my company back to SF, I used to grab lunches @ Kuletos. Solid Italian fare from tasty pastas to grilled meats have always been executed well. Good wine list and solid bar have left me debating whether we should head back to the office after a leisurely lunch. Good service and comfortable dining room. I actually think the Burlingame location is better than the San Francisco location on Powell Street in Union Square.
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Kuleto's
Cuisine: Italian Northern
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Burlingame |
5/2/2006
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Stacks is a great bet for breakfast in Burlingame. I've never had lunch, but had many a lazy Sunday brunch...their eggs, omlettes, blueberry pancakes always put me back in the mood to get motivated after a night of drinking. The lines can be long, so I usually get my name on the list, grab a cup of coffee and hit the shops on Burlingame Avenue to kill time.
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Stacks Restaurant
Cuisine: American (Traditional)
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Burlingame |
5/2/2006
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I know it's a chain, but it's a decent chain. I'll even grab a couple baked breads or pastries to go. Solid pastas to boot...I usually can't give chains a positive, but Il Fornaio delivers.
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Il Fornaio
Cuisine: Bakery Italian
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Burlingame |
5/1/2006
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Not fine cuisine, but good eats. I usually come in for a corned beef or pastrami sandwich with a slice of their ridiculously large cakes. Now that Max's diner on Third St has shut down, I get my sandwich fixes here from time to time.
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Max's
Cuisine: Deli Sandwiches
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Burlingame |
5/1/2006
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Domaine Chandon is a great stop for some solid sparkling wine, but their dining room is spectacular as well. You can always indulge in some cheese and pate in the tasting room, but the real magic begins in the formal dining room. Last time I was there, we went crazy and made our own tasting menu strating with oysters, foie gras, seared scallops, a fish and meat entree perfectly paired with flutes of their bubbly. Save room for their cheese cart. Outstanding professional service all around. Remember, this is where Chef Jeanty headed the kitchen before he opened Bistro Jeanty in Napa and Jeanty @ Jacks in SF. Expensive and worth the price of admission.
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Domaine Chandon
Cuisine: California
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Napa |
5/1/2006
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Another outpost for one of our Fave taquerias. Almost as good as our beloved spot on 16th Street in the Mission with the usual fresh ingredients that have us coming back for more. Love the platters, tacos, quesadillas and the agua frscas, but I usually lean toward the super carne asada and prawn burritos. A welcome addition to San Mateo restaurant row on B Street.
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Pancho Villa Taqueria
Cuisine: Mexican
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San Mateo |
5/1/2006
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Everett and Jones is an EB institution for BBQ. What's funny is I actually like the bare bones location on San Pablo in Berkeley better. Maybe it's because I don't have to wait FOREVER to get a waitress or our food...the Jack London locaiton always seems packed, and the food is decent, but never blow your mind BBQ. The nice thing about the Jack London locaiton is real tables to sit down at and more sides besides just the potato salad I would get in Berkeley. The BBQ can be hit or miss, sometimes great ribs, chicken, sausage and brisket...sometimes not so good. I usually do the 2 way combos to hedge my bets. Still probably one of the better BBQ spots in the EB.
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Everett & Jones Barbeque
Cuisine: Southern Barbecue
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Oakland |
5/1/2006
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Decent "fast food" noodles that aren't very authentic but can be tasty if you navigate well. Cheap and quick...end of story.
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Zao Noodle Bar
Cuisine: Noodle Shop Pan-Asian
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Emeryville |
5/1/2006
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Oliveto is a GREAT restaurant using fresh seasonal ingredients. You can grab a more casual breakfast or lunch downstairs(mmmm, soft poached eggs on country toast and prosciutto) or an elegant dinner upstairs. Chef Paul Bertolli honed his skills @ Chez Panisse and now makes some of the best Italian cuisine @ his restaurant Oliveto. Excellent service, solid wine list, definitely one of the go to spots in the East Bay.
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Oliveto Cafe & Restaurant
Cuisine: Italian
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Oakland |
5/1/2006
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Decent Taiwanese food, especially for lunch at affordable prices. I used to pop in for a quick lunch during my brief tenure at Cal and it was always filled with Cal students. They also have a restaurant in SF on Broadway offering similar offerings.
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Taiwan
Cuisine: Chinese Taiwanese
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Berkeley |
5/1/2006
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Yikes, just as bad as the one in SF. I know the appeal of a quick and cheap slice to go, but even blondies is a better bet. Better yet, Zacharys or Cheese Board should be your destination of choice.
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Fat Slice Pizza
Cuisine: Pizza
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Berkeley |
5/1/2006
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Yoshis is a GREAT place to grab jazz and also enjoy a meal. Grabbing a meal before a show gets you priority seating for the shows in their outstanding theater. Typical Japanese fair with many bento options(typical bowl of rice, salad, sushi, tempura, tonkatsu, and terriyaki options) and decent sushi. A full bar to compliment an oustanding evening of Jazz makes Yoshis a true destination spot.
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Yoshi's at Jack London Square
Cuisine: Sushi
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Oakland |
5/1/2006
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Good solid burgers with fries...I ate at this location before I started eating @ their other location. Worth grabbing a burger and fries when the craving hits.
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Barney's Gourmet Hamburgers
Cuisine: Hamburgers
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Berkeley |
5/1/2006
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Everyone's giving Sushi House a positive, but I have to give it a negative. The sushi is fresh enough, it just doesn't have that "sublime" quality that I look for in sushi spots. There are ridiculous lines but easy parking because of the large lot and long waits...they crowds come in for the giant sized rolls which will leave you stuffed due to the volume of food(lotsa rice in those rolls) and the low price. This is not a place to get your nigiri sushi or sashimi. If I want that much rice with my yellow tail or tuna, you can order a couple bowls of rice and order the sashimi instead because that's what it will amount to.
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Sushi House Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar
Cuisine: Sushi Japanese
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Alameda |
5/1/2006
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Good sandwiches and even better salads...the salads are HUGE. Always busy with Cal students and Berkeley locals, definitely worth hitting especially if you luck out with parking. Great value and good eats equals long lines that are worth it.
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Cafe Intermezzo
Cuisine: American (Traditional) Coffeehouse
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Berkeley |
5/1/2006
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Sam's Anchor Cafe suffers the same fate that many restaurants have with outstanding views...they let the views carry the restaurant with the food being an afterthought. I've tried their app and a couple of their entrees and they are mediocre at best. The saving grace is the view. I've only been there when "sightseeing" with out of towners...kinda like hitting Fisherman's Wharft when guests come into town...you eat there for your guests.
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Sam's Anchor Cafe
Cuisine: American Seafood
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Tiburon |
5/1/2006
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I haven't been here in awhile, but I would bow down to Samarati's review, especially since he lives in Marin. I never thought the food was very good, but always enjoyed the views sipping on many cocktails and beers. A revisit may be due for this old institution overlooking the water.
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Guaymas
Cuisine: Mexican Seafood
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Tiburon |
5/1/2006
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Zachary's is the Bay Area institution for deep dish pizza. Super fresh ingredients, excellent deep dish crust, tasty as hell. I know they have a thin crust, but why bother? I'm definitely a thin crust guy, but the pies @ Zachary's are spectacular and you will become hooked. It's worth the long wait. The EB has 2 great destination pizza spots...Zachary's and the Cheeseboard where you can get both a deep dish and a thin crust. Can we get a Zachary's in the City??
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Zachary's Chicago Pizza
Cuisine: Pizza
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Oakland |
5/1/2006
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The Fly Trap offers decent offerings but didn't wow my on my last visit. The interior is very nice and cozy with nice live jazz playing. The host and bartender were very attentive, but the foods disappointed slightly. The lobster bisque was sad, but the French onion soup was solid. The seafood dishes were okay. A nice spot worth revisiting.
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Fly Trap Restaurant
Cuisine: Italian
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SoMa |
5/1/2006
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I like Greek food, and Gyro Kebab serves up some decent renditions. They have a large selection of kebabs, and I go with the combo to have a mix of items. The greek salad, pita, rice, and their combination appetizer plate are perfect for sharing. They are open up late and inexpensive. Give it a try...they're also right next to Turtle Tower if you're in the mood for some AMAZING pho. TL neighborhood provides instant street entertainment.
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Gyro Kebab
Cuisine: Mediterranean Greek Italian
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Tenderloin |
5/1/2006
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I'm down to try high end and hole in the wall dim sum spots, especially after my last trip to HK and China...but Meriwa definitely disappoints. Large crowd in a large room that was understaffed. The shu mai and hargow were soggy and mushy, and the shrimp rolls were mealy.
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Meriwa Restaurant
Cuisine: Chinese Dim Sum
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Chinatown |
5/1/2006
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I've had friends RAVE about Yum Yum sushi, and had a chance to hit it when I was in the area randomly. Basically it's a sushi restaurant inside of a fish store. The sushi was nice and very INEXPENSIVE, but wasn't the nirvana some of my friends said it was. They do quite a bit of take out biz that I noticed while dining there. We paid about half of what we normally would have paid at Ebisu. I would try it again.
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Yum Yum Fish
Cuisine: Sushi Japanese
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Outer Sunset |
5/1/2006
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Chouquet's is a cute little French bistro that didn't feel too French. I was there on a Sunday so indulged in a brunch and enjoyed an omlette and a glass of chard. Cute little place, but the food was decent at best.
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Chouquet's Restaurant
Cuisine: French (Bistro) Californian
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Upper Fillmore |
5/1/2006
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I've been grabbing donuts at Bobs for years, usually when I'm a block away waiting for a seat @ Swan's Oyster Depot. They're all decent and will kick the butts off your standard donut shop offering. Real glazed donuts, not those whimpy Krispy Kremes(which I like too).
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Bob's Donut & Pastry Shop
Cuisine: Bakeries
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Nob Hill |
5/1/2006
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Decent selection if you want an inexpensive Tofu soup. We ordered the bibimpap and the spicy pork which was too sweet. Service was mediocre but the food was decent and the price was inexpensive. There are some much better Korean restaurants offering spicy tofu soups in the South Bay, maybe some more will work themselves into the City.
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My Tofu House
Cuisine: Korean
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Inner Richmond |
5/1/2006
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Another great option for a quick bakery snack when walking through North Beach. No endearing qualities to stay, so grab an espresso and one of their custard filled treats and walk down Columbus Street. It's right across from Stellas if you don't find what you like.
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Mara's Italian Pastry
Cuisine: Bakery
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North Beach |
5/1/2006
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This is a fun little Italian bakery with excellent bakery options. You will be dazzled with many baked treats, cakes, and a dizzying selection of Italian cookies....don't worry about making one choice, because you can't. Grab a bunch of different ones they're small. An espresso or latte and you have a wonderful little escape. Check it out.
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Emporio Rulli Gran Caffe
Cuisine: Italian Pastry Coffee
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Marina |
5/1/2006
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Took a large lunch crowd out there for lunch one time and everyone had a good time. Perhaps it was their selection of house infused vodkas, but we had an outstanding time. We ordered casual lunch grub: burgers, pastas, and a couple house specials. Nothing outstanding, but did I mention their tasty infused vodkas? Try the pineapple...I think we all had around 5 before lunch arrived.
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Townhouse Bar & Grill
Cuisine: Californian
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Emeryville |
5/1/2006
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A country lodge in Marin dishing out spectacular dishes...? You bet, and they're just as busy now as when they first opened up. Great bar, great service and staff dishing up outstanding comfort food from their mac and cheese, ribs, wings to their salads and steaks, you can't go wrong. It's one of those places I forget about until I'm back on the other side of the Golden Gate coming back to the City...it's definitely worth the trek. I've lost myself many times at that bar enjoying drinks and snacks with friends...too bad I gotta cross the orange monster to get there, but it's worth it.
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Buckeye Roadhouse
Cuisine: Steakhouse
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Mill Valley |
4/30/2006
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I LOVE MUSTARDS. Mustards has been a go to spot for me for over a decade when I first started going to Napa, and it's still running strong. Great local ingredients with flawless execution in a casual setting with attentive service=Winner. From the calamari, to the mongolian pork chop to the pulled pork sandwich or their steaks, you can't go wrong. Often times we'll just crash in and wait for a table at the bar where Dave holds court. Hands down the Best Bloody Mary you will encounter with a shot of amber ale will keep you happy. A must visit when you're in Napa.
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Mustards Grill
Cuisine: American (New)
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Napa |
4/30/2006
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I love Don Giovanni and make a stop there on the way back from Napa on the 29. They have a Great wood fired oven turning our tasty caramelized roasted treats and tasty thin pizzas. Solid pastas and a good wine list to boot with other specialties like the succulent lamb shanks. Attentive service in the dining room as well as on their patio.
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Bistro Don Giovanni
Cuisine: Italian
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Napa |
4/30/2006
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Cute Tuscan restaurant in Sonoma with a nice outdoor patio in the back. Ordered a mixed platter from their rotisaerie, a spring salad, and the fritto misto which were all solid. Decent wine list and relaxing atmosphere. There's a cute little cheese shop right next door and an outstanding bistro right across the street(can't remember the name, the concierge directed us there the night before).
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Della Santina's
Cuisine: Italian Tuscan
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Sonoma |
4/30/2006
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Original Joes in San Jose is a solid bet for steaks and chops downtown. A little more "glam" than Joes of Westlake or Original Joes in SF, but the usual Joes old school staffing with old school waiters. You come to Joes to get your red meat fix. Tasty rib eyes, porterhouses, tenderloins or a hamburger steak pefectly charcoal grilled with a side of raviolis. The veal scallopine is another solid bet. Do not come here for a salad.
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Original Joe's
Cuisine: American (Traditional) Italian
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San Jose |
4/30/2006
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The Girl and the Fig is a rock solid choice in downtown Sonoma. They have kick a** bloody marys with a excellent serving staff in a comfortable setting. Many great little apps, salads, and entrees. They have a solid wine list to pair with your snacks before resuming your winery adventures. Definitely worth checking out.
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the girl & the fig
Cuisine: French (Bistro)
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Sonoma |
4/30/2006
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Ahhhh, another Michael Mina hit at the Marriott in San Jose. I was there when it was just opening, and the kitchen was already on point. Decided to do casual dining at the bar sipping through their wine list. Enjoyed Mina's take on snacks like the lobster corn dog, the black truffle popcorn, a simple salad and tasty bisque. Definitely deserves a re-visit to go through the menu further. The interior was done well and the service was steller, go check it out.
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Arcadia
Cuisine: American (New)
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San Jose |
4/30/2006
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Napa is my usual choice for weekend wine country stomping ground, but decided it was time to start exploring Sonoma. Had a fabulous time, and a dinner which was as fab as the pinots we were enjoying. I remember reading the Farmhouse review by good old Mikey Bauer(which I don't often agree with) and decided to give it a try. A very cute restaurant @ the Farmhouse Inn. The meal was sublime from the intimate setting to the professional skilled service. To the good stuff: the generous foie gras app still has my mouth watering and the perfectly seared scallop was leisurely lounging on an unctuous bed of risotto. The seared halibut and the meltingly tender lamb shank were excellent. Finished with a fab cheese plate and a refreshing fennel panna cotta before heading back to our spa retreat. The service was impreccable and I'll be back to finish grazing through their whole menu.
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Farmhouse Inn
Cuisine: California
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Sonoma |
4/30/2006
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Sauce is a cute little restaurant in Hayes Valley with decent offerings and a good value which won't WOW you, but could be good witha couple small improvement. One thing to remember before ordering is that Sauce had Large portions, we would have passed on one of the apps as all the food was very plentiful. The sausage stuffed calamari was flavorless, I mean flavorless even though the calamari was cooked perfectly...nice and tender, but the sausage need ANYTHING to help, even salt in the tomato soup tasting sauce. The crab wontons were a surprise overflowing with fresh crab, but could also used more seasoning...an interesting take on jumbo crab rangoons. The hanger steak with poached eggs was decent, but also lacked flavor and the fish and chips were overcooked and oily, like the oil in the fryer wasn't hot enough. We were ready to pass on dessert, but the waiter pushed their hot donuts on us. These are not the same perfect hot little donuts an Andalu, but decent.
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Sauce
Cuisine: Comfort Food
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Hayes Valley |
4/30/2006
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I have to agree with Mapleleafgirl, Bistro Clement was pretty horrible. Wanted to hit Clementine but they were closed and I remembered reading somewhere that the Bistro across the street was their casual restaurant. I really should have waited for Clementine to open because Bistro Clement was pretty damn bad. The bistro is cute, but empty...that should have been a sign to walk. Ordered the beet salad with goat cheese croquettes...what I got was beets that tasted out of a can with rancid blue cheese tasting sticks. Not good. I love cassoulet and what I got was a mish mash of mush with a very sad looking duck confit leg that had zero flavor and was just plain sad. I hate giving bad reviews, but I haven't had a dish this poorly executed in some time. I needed something comforting to save my sunday, and Pizzette 211 came to the rescue. At least my Chimay ale was tasty.
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Bistro Clement
Cuisine: French (Bistro)
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Inner Richmond |
4/30/2006
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Sometimes walking around the City, I feel adventurous and pop into random spots for a quick bite...it's like gambling, sometimes you win sometimes you lose. This time I broke even...the interior looks like a bare bones place which was packed, so I just grabbed an order of shu mai, hargow and shrimp and chive dumplings. Shu mai was average, the hargow was below, and the shrimp/chive dumplings were decent. I wouldn't go back, too many decent spots, but if you don't try, you'll never find that new jewel in the rough.
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Lee Hou Restaurant
Cuisine: Chinese Dim Sum
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Inner Richmond |
4/30/2006
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Okay, I've been passing by this place for years...usually when I end up parking to go to Tommys. I think I just found my new fave pizza spot in San Francisco. The crusts are amazing and the ingredients are oh so fresh. Thoroughly enjoyed my spinich and brown butter pizza as well as the egg and pancetta pizza. They have a limited wine list, but the two glasses were well chosen. Small place but cute and cozy...and even though people have been commenting on the "tude" of the staff, they were cool beans with moi. I would definitely go back WEEKLY if they were closer to SOMA. Kicked Delifinas pizzas hands down.
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Pizzetta 211
Cuisine: Pizza
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Outer Richmond |
4/30/2006
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The Cheeseboard makes a ridiculously delicious pizza with operating hours that are way too short. I try and convince myself whenever I'm in the 510 to make that trek up University Avenue to grab some pizza and some of their yummy cheese rolls at the bakery. A decent selection of cheese, but you can do much better at Cowgirl in the Ferry Building. The crust on their one pizza style of the day is perfectly crunchy and chewy with a fantastic balance of cheese and toppings. You always get a bonus slice with a half or full pie. Wish we had a spot like this in the City... I'm a USC fan and i'll make that trek into enemy Cal territory...the pizza really is that good.
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Cheese Board
Cuisine: Pizza
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Berkeley |
4/7/2006
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Had good meals as well as so so meals. The draw for me is the breakfast, DINER breakfast. The long lines are there for their oversized omlettes, pancakes, etc. I'm not often in the East Bay, but Bette's is a solid bet. Had crappy service last time I was there, but the food is worth going to and there are enough distractions in the area to kill time.
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Bette's Oceanview Diner
Cuisine: Coffee Shops/Diners
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Berkeley |
4/7/2006
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Quick, fast take out is my experience here...and it's decent. I had the BBQ chicken as well as the BBQ pork. Prices are cheap, but there are better options for Thai, and many other choices on the 18th Street restaurant row in Potrero Hill.
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San Francisco Bar-B-Que
Cuisine: Thai Barbecue
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Potrero Hill |
2/7/2006
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Hard Knox Cafe offers decent soul food, but not the amazing soul food I've had in the South and LA. Every soul food restaurant has to be able to do the basics right, and the fried chicken is decent, as are the pork chops, but the gravy used to smother the pork chops disappointed. It tasted of uninspiring grey matter. The same gravy appears in the rice and gravy, Two decent corn muffins are presented to each diner, and you do get a choice of 2 side. The collard greens were okay, and the yams needed some more "soul". I want melt in your mouth, heart seizing up, damn with the calories because you can't eat like this every day...I think Hard Knox is afraid to use butter and salt, because that's what I wanted to add. The short ribs were fork tender as were the oxtails, but a little salt would have brought out the flavors. The staff is VERY friendly and I would try their breakfast next time I'm out there...when I want a change of pace from The Just for You Cafe around the corner.
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Hard Knox Cafe
Cuisine: Southern Soul Food
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Potrero Hill |
2/7/2006
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I Love dim sum, and spend many weekends seeking the next hidden gem...Y Ben has me asking "why dave" did you go into this scary restaurant. I'm pretty adventurous and was very open to new things during my last trip to Hong Kong and China, but Y Ben has to be on the low totem pole in regards to cleanliness. Hostess brought us to our table early...which was a mistake because I got to see the messy table they "attempted" to clean up so that we could be seated. Spit out chicken and pork bones all over the table were poorly swept onto a used plate with all the grease, etc. just spread out over the table. Requested to have the table wiped down a little more and was given a look like I was insane...and I was because we still braved the food. Shortest 2 dish dim sum dining experience for me...shrimp hargow with vegetables(nice) but gummy inedible shu mai. Packed, but I won't go back. One HUGE tip...do not go upstairs to the bathroom...scary, and too close to the kitchen if you ask me.
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Y Ben House Restaurant
Cuisine: Chinese Dim Sum
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Chinatown |
1/1/2006
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Colibri is a pleasant surprise in Union Square. Upscale Mexican serving tasty cocktails: very good sangria and capriahana, a tasty Brazilian lime muddled cocktail. Only had time for drinks and apps, but everything was very solid across the board. Tasty handmade corn tortillas and a Mexican fondue w/chorizo. Had to run, but will definitely come back. There were 2 bartenders on duty...one was solid, the other was clueless...the good bartender saved the day.
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Colibri Mexican Bistro
Cuisine: Mexican Small Plates
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Downtown |
12/28/2005
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I get flooded with take out menus and still haven't found a GoTo take out Chinese spot...decided to give Bamboo a shot, and I guess I'll keep looking. Ordered the hot and sour soup which was decent, but nothing special. The lure of take out menus are the "special free" items when you order $30...so we over ordered as usual. Bamboo house special chow mein wasn't that special, pork fried rice was very plain, the general chao's chicken was decent as was the shirmp kung pao, but the mongolian beef...well, i'm trying to forget that episode. The plus side is the food was not greasy at all, but the dishes lacked any real flavor. Cheap and quick though.
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Bamboo Restaurant
Cuisine: Chinese
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Nob Hill |
12/16/2005
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Another great bakery which I wish was closer to the South Beach area. Friendly staff and tasty a** savory quiche w/gruyere and ham. I would have grabbed some more of their baked treats, but just enjoyed brunch down the block @ Le Zinc. Cute neighborhood bakery.
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Noe Valley Bakery & Bread Co
Cuisine: Bakeries
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Noe Valley |
12/15/2005
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Amazing sourdough, but that's a given...what's a pleasant surprise are the decent sandwiches and other baked pastries. It's crab season, so if your popping buttery bottle of chardonay with a couple crabs, it would be a crime not to have proper, tangy sourdough.
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Boudin Sourdough Bakery & Cafe
Cuisine: Bakeries
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Downtown |
12/15/2005
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Went on a mission several months ago to try as many random dim sum spots on a Sunday...Wing Lee was one of our random encounters. This is a cheap take out spot which is afraid of using any flavor, including salt. The har gow and siu mai were bland and tasteless, with the cilantro filled dumplings the only decent one. Still on the hunt for a decent dim sum spot on Clement with all the numerous Chinese restaurants there.
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Wing Lee Bakery
Cuisine: Dim sum Chinese
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Inner Richmond |
12/15/2005
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Sometimes you don't want Yank Sing, and you want to pretend you're bouncing around Hong Kong looking for cheap dim sum...save your airline tix and enjoy some cheap and tasty dim sum in an "authentic" feeling hole in the wall dumpling house. Service is quick and efficient, no carts here, tell the staff what you want off the limited menu. What you'll get is tasty dumpings filled with shirmp, pork, beef, chives, etc. No wine list here, enjoy the tea and your miniscule bill walking back out into Chinatown.
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Dol Ho
Cuisine: Chinese Dim Sum
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Chinatown |
12/15/2005
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I've tried their burgers from several locations...the castro, the TL, to Daly City...and they have decent burgers and fries. For a quick hit and run lunch, it's worthwhile with a decently sized condiment bar. The charcoaling grilling is nice and worth checking out. Sometimes you want a double double from In & Out, or a juicy burger at Postrios...this is when you don't want either.
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Sliders Diner
Cuisine: Hamburgers Diner
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Castro |
12/15/2005
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Maybe I'm spoiled by my tacos con todos at La Taqueria or my super steak and prawn burritos @ Pancho Villas and El Toro, but this place was just bland. I know it's part of the Mickey Dees chain, and I like the golden arches from time to time, but my burrito was utterly boring. I've tried another location in the peninsula and had similar results. I would put it on par with La Salsa, but I wouldn't go there craving Mexican.
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Chipotle Mexican Grill
Cuisine: Mexican
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SoMa |
12/15/2005
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Had a chance to finally check our Maverick, the restaurant that took over the old Limon spot. The interior is warm and well done for the small space and you get a feeling of coziness which is nice. The wine list ia a fun and interesting selection from around the US. They offer wine flights and wines by the half glass so trying many different wines is fun...Gruet chard from New Mexico, Valhalla meritage from Virginia, interesting and eclectic selections. The crab fluffs were tasty, crispy, hot balls of meaty crab while the Cincy baby ribs were soft and tender, but the BBQ sauce was a little too acidic. The special of the night was the short ribs which were meltingly tender on a bed of rich polenta and roasted root vegitables. The stuffed chicken breast didn't work with the mushroom stuffing though. The Mac and cheese side was solid, definitely better than the creamed spinich which could learn a lesson from the House of Prime Rib's version. Overall solid w/good service.
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Maverick
Cuisine: American (New)
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Mission |
12/4/2005
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This place makes me shake my head...because I still don't understand it. Bouncing around Clement street, wanted to try something "different". Saw a packed semi-hole in the wall spot packed with Chinese diners so I figured I was in great company for Chinese. Wrong...this is Chinese-American Diner fusion. Ordered the short ribs and I'm thinking succurlent roasted short ribs...these were boiled gray rubbery imposters drowned in a canned brown gravy. The other entree was the pork chops which were almost decent, but the side of spaghetti swimming in spaghetti/bbq sauce concoction was scary. I don't think we ate 10% of our meal. Listen to Mapleleafgirl...PASS.
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D & A Cafe
Cuisine: Chinese
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Inner Richmond |
12/4/2005
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Damn, I love Roys in Pebble Beach but didn't love it in SF. I've been to couple Roys i.e. Seattle and the Inn @ Spanish Bay, and Seattle kinda sucked where Pebble Beach kicks ass. The one in SF fits somewhere in the middle. Roy Yamaguchi has always been a chef I've liked, and his Hawaiin/Asian fusion is a good thing. The space is great and the service is excellent. I was surprised walking into Roys thinking why haven't I ever been here...it's kinda off the radar since we have so many amazing restaurants that we don't pay mind to the minichains. The hamachi appetizer was fresh, but the accompanying sauce didn't work...soy sauce w/wasabi would have better. The butterfish was succulent, and even though the tasty macadamia nut crusted mahi mahi was cooked perfectly, the fish was little tough. The risotto was decent, but definitely stick with the seafood dishes. The saving grace is that the service and our server was excellent.
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Roy's
Cuisine: Hawaiian Seafood
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SoMa |
12/4/2005
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I LOVE chicken wings, and with a name like New Yorker's Buffalo Wings, you better bring your A game. Went for a round of hot wings, and they were HOT, but the wings didn't love up to their namesake. They could have used a little more time in the fryer to be less gummy and more crispy. Their fries were okay, but NYBW actually makes their own potato chips which were perfectly crispy. Maybe not as good as the chips you can get @ Lulus in the Ferry Building, but a pleasant surprise. Because the service was friendly, wanted to try a couple more things...should have cut my losses. The fish in the fish in chips were store bought, and the buffalo mushrooms that I thought would be battered and deep friend were lightly sauted and splashed with hot sauce.
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New Yorker's Buffalo Wings
Cuisine: Hamburgers American (Traditional)
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Marina |
12/4/2005
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Had to try Range after all the Hype...and it was good but didn't live up to the hype. Maybe it was an off night, but all the elements didn't come together. The space is nice, and I loved the fact that we they reserve a couple tables near the bar only for walk ins...because, I like to pop into spots randomly. The food was solid, I went for the coffee rubbed pork shoulder and pasta. The quail appetizer was tasty as well. The wine list was adequate but the cocktails were uninspiring but the service was excellent. Finished with the souffle, a play of sweet and salty which is always a good thing. I'd like to give a positive, but just can't...might be worth a revisit, but it just didn't do it for moi.
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Range
Cuisine: American (New)
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Mission |
12/4/2005
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I liked Coco500, but I'll always LOVE Bizou. I've always liked Loretta Keller's lusty preparations like the succulent beef cheeks and her signature tempura battered blue lake green beans...they're still here. But the intimacy of the old Bizou is gone for a more sleek and chic and LOUD setting. The bar is much larger than the old one which might have seated 6, and the interior is brighter. Enjoyed the mushroom pizza, the green beans, the cocomole tacos and the cod sandwich. The staff is efficient and attentive, but has a more of a rushed and crowded feel to the whole experience...a new spot for a fun, boisterous night out instead of a leisurely 3 hour dinner.
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Coco 500
Cuisine: Californian Mediterranean
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Pacific Bell Park/South Beach |
11/13/2005
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A cute and cozy little french bistro in Noe Valley. Had an good brunch on Sunday...they have a $19 prix fixe brunch which was a good deal: fresh squeezed OJ, cafe americano, muesli with fresh fruit, baguette with fresh strawberry jam, and decent eggs bennie. The outdoor patio is nice on sunny day. I'll have to give it a whirl for dinner. For such a cute place, I was surprised they weren't packed for Sunday brunch...parking is a b!tch.
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Le Zinc
Cuisine: French (Bistro) Tapas
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Noe Valley |
11/13/2005
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Fresh cream filled flaky pastries with a rich hot cup of coffee while walking down Columbus is an excellent way to spend a lazy Sunday morning. Stella....STELLA!
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Stella Pastry
Cuisine: Italian Pastry Coffee
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North Beach |
11/13/2005
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Tasty old school Italian pastry shop in North Beach that bakes up tasty a** treats. From cookies to the flaky napoleans and eclairs, yoiu can't go wrong. Check it out.
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Victoria Pastry Co
Cuisine: Bakeries
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North Beach |
11/13/2005
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I've been excited about Delfina Pizzeria since it opened, and finally had a chance to try it out. Unfortunately, I had it to go so I'll have to park my butt inside at some point. The 4 cheese pizza was solid and would have been even tastier straight out of the oven. Even out of the box, it had the makings of a solid pizza. The meatball calzone was excellent filled with tasty yumminess and still piping hot. Pizzas are priced well and Delfina Pizzeria might be my new pizza standby besides my pies @ Lulus and Postrios.
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Pizzeria Delfina
Cuisine: Pizza
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Mission |
11/13/2005
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Boogaloos is worth going to even with the long lines. The breakfasts are solid with alot of vegetarian options for your healthy friends. I for one still go for their tasty scrambles, or breakfast combos with eggs, bacon and pancakes. They definitely get busy on the weekends, but rolling through on a weekday is a piece of cake. Not up to par with the Just for You Cafe breakfasts, but a good option for a Sunday breakfast with friends if you decide that you've eaten at the Pork Store on Sunday too often.
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Boogaloos
Cuisine: Californian
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Mission |
10/26/2005
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I was out in the EMB one day, and saw What's Up Dog? How can you not want to hit a spot with a name like that. The dogs are all tasty and meaty, with a large condiment bar that you can load your dog up with. Service is efficient and fast when you need to grab something to eat and run. Sometimes you just want a dog and it ain't baseball season.
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What's Up Dog?
Cuisine: Hot Dogs
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Downtown |
10/26/2005
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Schubert's makes several BEAUTIFUL cakes, but they lack flavor. I felt guilty biting into these works of art, but attacked it more trying find where the tastiness was hiding. Definitely pricey for small little desserts, but slightly disappointing. If I want dessert, I need to enjoy the flavor...so you'll find me @ Tartine instead.
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Schubert's Bakery
Cuisine: Desserts Bakery
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Inner Richmond |
10/26/2005
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Plouf is one of those hidden gems that reminds me how special and unique San Francisco is. Hidden in Belden Alley, you feel like you've been transported away to Paris while enjoying several glasses of wine with a steaming bowl of mussels and frites in your face. It goes get loud, so trying to have an intimate conversation with your dining partner won't happen, but the lively atmosphere will have you up for anything. We grazed and shared several seafood dishes and all were solid. Check it out.
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Plouf
Cuisine: French Seafood
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Downtown |
10/26/2005
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I read somewhere that this place was a good back-up when you don't want to wait FOREVER for a table @ Ton Kiang...so gave it a try last Sunday. Not bad, but I think I'll wait in line next time. The prices are cheap, but the quality of the dim sum was uneven. The har gow was good, but several items were overcooked and soggy like the chive dumplings, potstickers, etc. At Golden River, they employ the order on the sheet with a pencil modus operandi which is nice because you quickly get only what you want. But if I'm hauling my a** out of bed on a lazy Sunday with a craving for some serious dim sum, I'll wait next time @ Ton Kiang or head over to Yank Sing. If only there was a solid Bloody Mary spot nearby to make the wait @ Ton Kiang more bearable...
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Golden River
Cuisine: Dim Sum Chinese
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Outer Richmond |
10/26/2005
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Alright, I've eaten here 3 times since my first review, we don't have many exciting options in the South Beach area and this place just kicks ass. Anyone that's been to Tommy's know how amazing the margaritas are, and to me they're even tastier here because I don't have to drive out all the way to the outer Richmond. Julio has Tres Agave humming along at the beautiful and roomy bar. The bartenders Ryan. Reynaldo, and cocktail Mixoligist Jacque are always spinning out tasty rocks no salt blue agave cocktails. The hosts, Eric and Tom, are amazing and chef Joseph(Globe/Zuppa) is always wading through the floor to ensure everyone was enjoying their meals. He shouldn't worry...Tasty riblets, guac,The carne asada was seared perfectly medium rare, the carnitas was caramelized and tasty as hell, and the rotiserie chicken was succulent and citrusy, and the grouper was great. Meals are served family style with great sides and tasty hand made tortillas. I just found a great new kick it spot.
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Tres Agaves
Cuisine: Mexican
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Pacific Bell Park/South Beach |
10/26/2005
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Cheap hit and run dim sum spot which didn't impress. Tried a couple of of items that were lukewarm like the chive dumplings and potstickers. Definitely not a Sunday destination spot, more of a pop in when you want a snack ONLY if you happen to be right there.
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Good Luck Dim Sum
Cuisine: Dim Sum Chinese
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Inner Richmond |
10/23/2005
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Anchor Oyster Bar is No Swans Oyster Depot. It sucks because coming across Anchor Oyster Bar, you think you've hit a hidden jackpot. I'll do a side by side, blow by blow comparison: Anchor, bland chowder, Swans amazing chowder: winner Swans. Oyster shooter at Anchor are a draw. Seafood combination salad: Anchor's had 1 paltry prawn, alot of bay shrimp, and a small lump of crab...Swans is overflowing with all the above including chunks of lobster when they're feeling generous. Didn't try anything else @ Anchor Oyster Bar because frankly...$20 for a seafood combo salid which won't come even close to Swans combo salad @ $16 had me thinking I need to catch a cab to get my a** over to Swans. The service was pretty poor as well. I hate giving bad reviews, but I don't know who eats here beside the clueless? Swans wins with a TKO hand down.
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Anchor Oyster Bar & Seafood Market
Cuisine: Seafood American (Traditional)
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Castro |
7/24/2005
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WOW, my 300th review...I'm retiring my platinum fork after this review...This is a LOUD spot with potential to being a great spot. Their wine list is limited, with an emphasis on Italian wines which was hit or miss. The service was great...our waiter was always magically there when we even thought of something, and the pacing of the dishes was good. The steak tartare was tasty, as was the fava bean and artichoke salad. The salt cod was a little disappointing due to being overly oily, but the coca cola braised pork shoulder, mac and cheese(decent, not creamy enough), and the side of english peas were solid. Topped off dinner with their ice cream sundae with macadamia nuts, and I was a happy camper. Valet parking is a couple blocks away on Polk St, and the deal is the same as with all the restaurants on restaurant row out there. The valet will drop you off at the restaurant, and then retrieve your car to the restaurant of choice when you're done. Check it out.
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Luella
Cuisine: Mediterranean
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Russian Hill |
7/24/2005
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I've passed by Andalu so many times and I'm glad I finally made it in there. Started with the pinot noir wine flight and then let the procession of tasty tapas send us to a food coma. The arugula beet salad w/candied walnuts was solid, the grilled eggplant stuffed with ricotta and roasted peppers was superb, beef carpaccio was nice, and the duck confit was crispty and salty like I like it(just slightly overcooked and dry), but the fried mac and cheese squares disappointed. Overall, the food was good and the astmosphere was fun. Finshed the night with the hot cocoa and hot donut holes, which unlike that pesky xcientist, i was willing to share with my date. I'll be back to finish sampling the rest of their tapas. Attentive staff and fun vibe.
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Andalu
Cuisine: Eclectic Small Plates
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Mission |
7/24/2005
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Tried hitting A16 on a lazy Sunday afternoon and they weren't open yet for dinner...and I had pizza on my mind....so I ran into Pizza my Heart at the end of Chestnut Street and decided to grab 2 slices. The greek combo and a standard pepperoni. They claim thin crust NY style, but the crust was definitely not thin and a little too chewy. The toppings weren't great, but it was by the slice and the staff was friendly. Your standard grab a slice and go spot...I wouldn't think about grabbing a whole pie though.
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Pizza My Heart
Cuisine: Pizza
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Marina |
7/12/2005
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The Elite Cafe dishes up Cajun adequately...Had the gumbo, oyster shooters, and the BBQ shrimp. The gumbo was nice but could have used a little more spice, the oyster shooters needed help, but the BBQ shrimp was very tasty if messy. I didn't get a chance to get to the main entrees because the bartender/waitress was doing such a POOR job that I didn't want to suffer through any more subpar service. I've never encountered a waitstaff that obviously didn't like her job, or was any good at it. She was so listless and oblivious to everyone waiting for drinks at the bar let alone eating at the bar. Prior to getting stuck with her, the waiter we had was great...in fact after we got our bill, we made sure that our tip went to him(Dave) even though he was off. Review would have generated a Neutral, I hate to bash a restaurant...but when you get service this poor, it affects the overall review.
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Elite Cafe
Cuisine: Creole Cajun
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Upper Fillmore |
7/10/2005
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Joseph from Globe has another late night dining winner with Zuppa. The staff and service were great from the host who greeted us and retrieved us from the bar, to the bartender, and our waiter was superb. Not a large restaurant, it felt like a COMFY Lulus. Their coldcut appetizer of cured meats was nice(prosciutto, salami, and coppa), mushroom pizza needed a little more charring(I like em thin and crispy), wasn't a huge fan of the crab pasta(the sweet crab meat got lost in the sweet tomato sauce), but the grilled double pork chop was excellent(cooked perfectly with excellent caramelized crust). The menu is a la carte so you'll need to order all your sides. The menu and wine list are in Italian with only a brief description in English, but the waitstaff will walk you through it. Overall a nice addition to the SOMA/South Beach area. Joseph is in the kitchen everynight since this is his new baby so things should only get better. Check it out.
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Zuppa
Cuisine: Italian
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SoMa |
7/9/2005
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Poor quality Chinese food in a city full of Chinese restaurants. Henry's Hunan had some acclaim once upon a time...a LONG time ago. Here's the running breakdown: Hot and Sour soup: hot temp, no flavor, left a sour look on my face...shockingly DISTASTEFUL chow mein(I've had much better and less greasy @ the mall for Pete's, er Henry's sake), greasy fried rice, bland onion cake...and the nightmare goes on. There are magazine clippings along the wall during I guess Henry's Hunan's illustrious days, but I have a feeling that was over a decade ago. The host was extremely nice and helpful so I have to give him a plus, but the food was so bad that I have to give it a negative.
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Henry's Hunan Restaurant
Cuisine: Chinese
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Chinatown |
7/6/2005
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I used to pass this spot all the time grabbing java @ my favotite spot in the City, Farleys on 18th St in Potrero Hill. I don't know what coffee blend they use, but I risk double parking whenever I get a chance...but I digress. Hazels is 2 doors down, so a great spot to grab a toasted bagel with cream cheese and tomato, or one of their healthy organic sandwiches. They always have a homemade soup or 2, and several salads like the greek, pesto, lo mein, and fruit salad to choose from. Worth checking out...did I mention Farleys coffee kicks ass??
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Hazel's Kitchen
Cuisine: Deli
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Potrero Hill |
7/6/2005
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Tried hitting Yank Sing on a late afternoon and missed their cut off...walking dejectly backed to my soon to be illegally parked car, I spied Fatt Dog. Grabbed a hot link and a just regular dawg which were solid, good flavor. Nothing amazing, but good grab and go grub. They have a full condiment bar so you can doctor up your dogs anyway you want while watching a Jackie Chan movie on their flatscreen. I like the toothsome skin our their dog...reminded me of a dog @ Pinks in LA.
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Fatt Dog
Cuisine: Hot Dogs
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Embarcadero |
7/6/2005
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I missed my chance to dine @ the Cosmopolitan Grill before they shut down and switched over to just The Cosmopolitan. Interior is nice, different from the old 90s spot, ERICS, which used to serve up tasty martinis. Had a so so glass of pinot, lukewarm and flat Fat Tire Ale, and a good Mojito. The drinks were better than the food. The chicken wings just tasted...wrong...almost fishy. The fried olives would have tasted better hot, the crab enchilada was so so, and the sashimi ahi tuna tasted old and flavorless. It's in a great spot in the Rincon Center...but history at this location has shown that if the kitchen can't dish it up, they probably won't last.
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The Cosmopolitan Cafe
Cuisine: American (New)
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Embarcadero |
7/6/2005
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I was trying to like this place...I like the interior and the vibe, but the food disappoints. The Filmore burger with grilled mushrooms, swiss, and bacon was absolutely void of any flavor but cooked perfectly. I kept staring at the burger bite after bite wondering what the hell was going on? As Skrella advised, Johnny Rockets is just down the block and would have been a better bet. Nice place though, but I can't recommend the grub. As Mapleleafgirl noted...they are open and serving until 2:00 AM which is a plus and the menu is inexpensive in nice surroundings.
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Harry's Bar
Cuisine: Eclectic Tapas Hamburgers
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Upper Fillmore |
7/6/2005
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Cute little place that didn't live up to my expectations. Since Vivande bills itself as a wine bar as well as a restaurant, I was hoping the wine list would be solid...it was, mediocre. The Sangiovese and the Chianti were disappointing ordered 2 apps which were following the mediocre trend...wasn't going to waste time on an entree. Nice staff and could have potential, but I won't be back.
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Vivande Porta Via
Cuisine: Italian
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Upper Fillmore |
7/6/2005
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Choppers has been around forever and has been making great sandwiches for the SOMA crowd when there were no restaurants over there. I used to grab the turkey sandwiches which is made with their daily roasted turkey and a side of fries. Give them a try next time when you're near SBC instead of Quiznos.
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Chopper's
Cuisine: Deli
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Pacific Bell Park/South Beach |
6/30/2005
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Cute sushi restaurant in Japantown which serves up good sushi and sashimi. I was a little skeptical when I went, but I remember enjoying the hamachi, maguro, and toro. Check it out when you can't decide where you want to go next time you're in Japantown.
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Fuku Sushi Restaurant
Cuisine: Sushi Japanese
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Japantown |
6/30/2005
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Everyone raves about Burma Superstar, and the crowds that line out the door attest to it's popularity. The food was good, couldn't decide what to get so we had to graze through as much as possible. The lettuce cups with cured pork was okay(avoid the overly sweet sauce on the side, not needed), the rainbow salad which was nice, the pumpkin pork stew, the beef kabat, the coconut chicken curry noodles were all decent as well, but not AMAZING. I haven't had Burmese food a long time, but I remember it being much more spicier...the negative is that previous reviewers were right. The restaurant is small and tight and packed...and you will get pressured to dine and dash out of there.
What kills me is that they take your order while you're standing in line for your table to show up...in line. Food was good, not amazing...or maybe it deserves another try.
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Burma Superstar
Cuisine: Burmese
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Inner Richmond |
6/29/2005
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Cheap, yes...Good, NO. Finally made it over to Burma Superstar and encountered the infamous long wait. Decided to kill some time waiting for our table, so we grabbed a cocktail at a bar around the street, then stopped by Fune Ya for what I thought would be a great idea for a quick snack. Bad mistake...a crowd of people that were leaving inticed me to come in. Place looks clean and bright which is a plus, but once we sat down and saw the sad procession of sushi that was probably circling for an hour without any takers I knew we were in trouble. Tried a unagi roll and a seaweed salad roll which promptly landed into my napkin after a brief stint in my mouth. Prices are cheap, but you get what you pay for. Being adventurous with food is always a good thing, but gambling with sushi is not. Pass...and get thee to Ebisu.
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Fune Ya
Cuisine: Japanese Sushi
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Outer Richmond |
6/29/2005
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We used to go to Lefty's when USC would come up to SF for our annual game against Cal or Stanford. The food is basic cafeteria style offerings which isn't great but is inexpensive in the heart of Union Square. Live music, cold beers, okay cocktails.
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Lefty O'Douls
Cuisine: American (Traditional) Hofbrau
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Downtown |
6/19/2005
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Coming back from the NB festival, decided to bounce around NB for awhile. The funny thing about North Beach is this is one neighborhood where I don't really have a favorite restaurant. I may have found one that will fill in for awhile. My fave Italian isn't in NB, and Mangarosa is ITALIAN/BRAZILIAN. THey have patio seating outside which is nice to check out the street action, but the real action is in the bar and restaurant. I loved the mango/butter lettuce salad with goat cheese and candied walnuts, the "Brazilian" bread which were these chewy cheesy and tasty biscuits, the luscious crawfish bisque, the fried yuca potatoes, creamed spinich, and the seared chicken w/12 year old balsamic. The wine list was small but well matched(the NZ sauvignon blanc, Chilean cab, and Aussie Shiraz) and their tasty rendition of a Mojito was one of the better ones I've had. The staff was great, the service was great, it was fun...loved it. I'll be back this week.
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Mangarosa Restaurant
Cuisine: Italian Brazilian
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North Beach |
6/19/2005
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David's Deli is no Carnegie Deli...but there are some positives that make David's worth checking out. They have Dr. Browns Black Cherry Soda, a huge array of decent enough pastries ranging from cream puffs, napoleans, cakes, and decent sandwiches, knishes, and blintzes. Think Jewish deli and stick with the basics. Corned beef and pastrami sandwiches or bagels with cream cheese and lox. God I wish we had a SOLID Jewish Deli in the City...
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David's Delicatessen
Cuisine: Deli Jewish
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Tenderloin |
6/18/2005
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Molinari=ITALIAN. An institution in North Beach, Molinari's is amazing, an emporium of yummy Italian food. Anything you need from their huge selection of olive oils, pastas, speciaty canned foods to their amazing deli, you can't go wrong. Sometimes I'll run in and grab a sandwich to go or enjoy it on Columbus Street outside. I always get caught up in the moment and before i know it, i'm ordering 3 different salamis, mortadella, coppa, proscuitto, pancetta, provolone, pepper salad, olives...then I feel like kicking back and watching Sopranos on DVD w/a huge spread before me. Molinari's is the best Italian Deli in the City hands down. The staff is great and very helpful. Tip...I always see newbies coming in and standing around without grabbing a ticket first...grab a ticket and Check it out!
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Molinari Delicatessen
Cuisine: Italian Deli
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North Beach |
6/16/2005
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This is where the California Culinary Academy showcases the creative food renditions from their students, and the offerings are extensive. Tons of appetizers and mains and desserts...and I was defintiely expecting amazing...this is the CCA, but the flavors and dishes didn't blow me away. Some great chefs come out of here, but they weren't in kitchen that night...but, if you're looking for a buffet in SF with tons of offerings, try the Careme Room....for $25 more, I rather pass on the dinner here and hit the Sunday brunch @ the Garden Court.
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Careme Room
Cuisine: Eclectic
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Tenderloin |
6/16/2005
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I used to hit the location in Union Square while shopping...the pizzas are quick and cheap. They have your usual combos, but the best is their potato pesto. Strictly a grab and go spot.
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Escape From NY Pizza
Cuisine: Pizza
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Downtown |
6/15/2005
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Alfred's is an old school steak house that needs some updating. The interior is old school and the steaks are okay...but you'll get a better steak and overall meal @ House of Prime Rib, Mortons, Ruths Chris and Harris.
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Alfred's Steak House
Cuisine: Steakhouse
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Downtown |
6/15/2005
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For what it is, Pasta Promodoro is a solid bet. Generous portions and decent pasta...you won't be going here for some lamb shank or braised oxtail...but their pastas are tasty. Quick, inexpensive, and consistant from location to location...for what it is, Pasta Promodoro is a winner.
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Pasta Pomodoro
Cuisine: Italian
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Japantown |
6/15/2005
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Anju has caught my eye several times...usually when I'm circling the block looking for parking to grab something to eat at the bar @ Postrios. Tried going in on a Sunday and they were closed, but I promised myself that I would try it out next time I was in the hood. Bad mistake. Anju sounds asian/Japanese,/Korean but their cuisine is an interesting mix of Spanish seafood tapas. Their wine list was lacking, but the food was the true disappointment. Tried several apps including the seafood stuffed pepper in what tasted like Campbells tomato soup sauce as well as the main shortcoming...the paella. i love paella and since Anju listed it as their specialty, I planned on enjoying a carb loaded coma with tasty seafood...what I got was a dried out, crunchy(yes, crunchy) rendition of paella without much seafood(where's the beef?, er seafood). Good thing...the seafood wasn't good. They were running a film on some drapes ala Foreign Cinema, but this is no Foreign Cinema.
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Anju
Cuisine: Spanish Seafood Tapas
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Tenderloin |
6/15/2005
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There aren't enough spots in the City that you can listen to jazz, let alone listen to jazz while having dinner. Jazz Nouveau offers both decently. The cost of cover is waived if you're having dinner and the cuisine is southern, The fried chicken was decent as were the appetizers. The venue is beautiful and if the kitchen can keep up, this could be a good spot to hit. It's been awhile and I love jazz...so it might be time for another look...er, taste.
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Jazz Nouveau
Cuisine: Southern Barbecue
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Fishermans Wharf |
6/15/2005
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Amici's offers solid East Coast style pizza. I too have had the chilled broccoli drizzled with lemon, but people go to Amici's for the pizza. I've pretty much tried most of their pies and they're a solid bet if you live in South Beach since this location just opened by the ballpark. Amici's are all over the place, I used to go to the one in San Mateo in HS in the 80s. I'll still take a thin crust pizza @ Lulus and Postrios or a deep dish pizza @ Little Star and Zachery's over Amicis...but Amicis is good. Definitely better than North Beach Pizza.
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Amici's East Coast Pizzeria
Cuisine: Pizza Italian
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Pacific Bell Park/South Beach |
6/15/2005
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Wow, here's a little hidden gem in North Beach. A fantastic truffle purveyor peddling amazing little truffles. Xox has some unique truffles that are unique like the green tea truffle and countless other renditions. If you like chocolate...you'll like Xox. Not sure if this is accurate, but someone @ the Hidden Vine Wine Tasting Room advised that the owner used to be a chef until he became ill and deccided that running a restaurant was too stressful...so why not make truffles and take it easy. Check it out.
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xox Truffles
Cuisine: Dessert
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North Beach |
6/15/2005
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I actually like Tony Romas...there's no culinary ground being broken here, but if you want a full slab of baby back ribs with an onion loaf, Tony Romas can fit the bill. Of course they drown anything they make from ribs, chicken, etc in their bbq sauce, but the ribs are solid. There are other bbq options in the bay, Everett and Jones probably being my fave, Tony Romas can be a back-up worth hitting for not that much money.
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Tony Roma's
Cuisine: American (Traditional) Barbecue
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Embarcadero |
6/15/2005
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Boudin's is one of those places that does one thing amazing...and that is outstanding, tangy sourdough. I've done the claw chowder in a sourdough bowl playing "tourist" as well as had their sandwiches. Nothing amazing, but the sourdough elevates whatever you're having.
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Boudin Sourdough Bakery
Cuisine: Bakeries American Bistro
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Fishermans Wharf |
6/15/2005
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Betelnut has always been a crowd pleaser since they've opened. An outstanding combination of different asian flavors from Chinese, Korean, Indonesian, Singaporian that equals tasty. Maybe not true asian, but solid. Great calamari, pork ribs, mu shu pork, lettuce cups, firecracker shrimp, etc. The bar action is great, typical Marina action...but the drinks are good and flow freely and the fun is contagious. Betelnut is part of the Real Restaurant group which also includes the Buckeye Roadhouse in Marin, Mustards in Napa, etc...and they have another hit with Betelnut.
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Betelnut Pejiu Wu
Cuisine: Pan-Asian
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Cow Hollow |
6/12/2005
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Plutos offers great salads and numerous home-style mains in a relaxed casual atmosphere. The ordering process is like in a cafeteria, but the food is much better. The salads are custom made with their abundent options, and I've always opted for their fresh carved turkey dinner with all the trimmings when I needed that Thanksgiving itch scratched anytime of the year. Pricing is very inexpensive and you will not leave hungry. I think they also have a location in the Marina I've been to as well.
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Pluto's Fresh Food for a Hungry Universe
Cuisine: American salads
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Inner Sunset |
6/12/2005
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I love fresh bread, and Acme is always a must stop @ the Ferry Building. Great rolls, baguettes, epi, country style loaves, a tangy sourdough and pastries...they have a damn tasty ham and cheese criossants. Not quite a high end bakery as Tartine, but a must visit when you're grabbing cheese @ Cow Girl Creamery and some cold cuts @ Mistrelli's before grabbing a glass of pinot @ the wine bar.
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Acme Bread Co.
Cuisine: Bakeries
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Embarcadero |
6/12/2005
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I LOVE ITALIAN Delis...I'm such a sucker for Molinari's in North Beach. Here's another great option when you're in the EMB and you need some pancetta, prosciutto, mortadella, or provolone. They have a ton of things to stock your pantry with and alot of sandwich options. I believe that one of the family members for Molinari opened this branch up in the Ferry Building. I saw a ton of people ordering their frozen ravioli, but I had my mind on all my tasty cold cuts and watching Sopranos so I'll have to give that a whirl next time.
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Mastrelli's Delicatessen
Cuisine: Italian Deli
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Embarcadero |
6/12/2005
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I liked Lime because the interior and atsmosphere was fun, and the drinks were great. I'm not a huge mojito fan, and I was loving it as well as their signature lemon drop. The food was...okay. Their concept of finger foods and small plates is great, but the execution isn't quite there. The caesar salad cups had waaaay too much parm and dressing, the seabass didn't have much flavor, and the deviled eggs were waay too salty...the grilled cheese with the tomato soup was the best bet...but Lime is fun and you can get your drink on in a unique spot in the Castro...you won't mind snacking while drinking tasty cocktails, but I wouldn't make Lime your dining instituion.
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Lime
Cuisine: Californian American (Traditional)
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Upper Market/Church Street |
6/12/2005
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I love comfort food and I was excited about dining @ BLUE. The restaurant is tiny and was packed, so I had high hopes for the food. The menu didn't have as many options as I would have liked, but I chose the mac and cheese and meatloaf. The mac and cheese was solid but the meatloaf off the recommendation of the friendly waiter disappointed. The meatloaf was DRY, but also had a horrible "marinara" topping and the mashed potatoes tasted like they were out of the box. I should have had the osso bucco. Place was busy the whole time and the wait staff were extremely friendly...but, I would say Home is a better option for some comfort food for about the same price.
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Blue
Cuisine: Comfort food American
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Castro |
6/12/2005
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The pastry and cake display will inspire you to order something sweet. The bakery is nice, but my experieince has been to grab a couple of cookies and hit the road. Nothing overly fantastic, but solid...this is no Tartine. They're open late...I think the last time I left Lime around 11:45 pm so if you need a sweet treat and it's late, Sweet Inspirations can be the one.
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Sweet Inspirations
Cuisine: Bakery
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Castro |
6/12/2005
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This is the best noodle house...NOT. I came here on a rainy night when the thought of comforting warm noodle soup and a couple of appetizers sounds like heaven...we showed up and encountered noodle hell. I tried the "pho" which isn't even close to pho. The broth sucked, the meat was very tough, and the noodles were overcooked...an insult to all the other fine pho houses nearby in the TL. My dining partner in crime who became another dining victim had the spicy thai noodle soup...spicy, but nothing thai about this either. The fried spring rolls we had were overly greasy, and our beef entree was left basically untouched since the beef was so tough and flavorless. With a name like International Noodle House, you would think this would be a winner...@ INH, the diners are the losers. I hate giving negative reviews...but I actually felt good writing this one.
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International Noodle House
Cuisine: Asian Noodles
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Polk St./Van Ness |
6/8/2005
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I've been to Sinbad's only once...for a friend's B-Day party in the evening where they rented out Sinbad's...I remember thinking to myself why would the restaurant rent out itself out on a Friday night for albeit a large birthday party, the kitchen was closed and the venue was only used for bringing in some DJs and the bar. The reason is the food for lack of a better word sucks, as does the whole environment. I go to the Ferry Building often as I live nearby, and I don't recall ever seeing anyone going there. I've always thought that if Sinbad's went out of biz, might be a good opportunity for someone to take advantage of that great location and bring some good food.
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Sinbad's
Cuisine: Seafood American (Traditional) Brunch
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Embarcadero |
6/8/2005
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Pier 23 isn't the Ramp, but they share some similarities. They both have a full bar with casual bar food with a view of the water and outdoor patio seating...and I've probably been to the Ramp 20 times more than Pier 23...but Pier 23 is actually better in terms of food and drinks. The food at Pier 23 is better...better burgers, sandwiches, calamari. The bloody mary @ Pier 23 is also better than the Ramp's, but the seating at the Ramp is larger and they both offer live music. Check it out when you're looking for another option on a sunny day.
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Pier 23 Cafe
Cuisine: Seafood
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Embarcadero |
6/8/2005
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Kyoto Sushi started out in San Mateo off of B Street which is a cute little restaurant. Not the greatest sushi by any means, but in San Mateo, you have a small handful of choices like Sushi Sams on Third. When they opened up the SF location on Van Ness, I tried it and was disappointed with the sushi...but of course I tried it a couple more times and had the same result. Even their bento boxes are so so. I usually drink a tall Sapporo, but Mapleleafgirl just enlightened me on the Kirin $0.99 deal...
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Kyoto Sushi
Cuisine: Japanese Sushi
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Polk St./Van Ness |
6/8/2005
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I don't eat Indian cuisine enough and here is one reason to make it a regular habit. There are so many Indian restaurant choices, and this should be at the top of one's list. I ate here for the first time about 8 years ago, and it is still good today. The chicken korma in creamy yogart was excellent as well as the naan. The mixed tandori plate is a little disappointing with the beef, chicken, and lamb overcooked, but everything else was great. Also, don't be afraid to try the Indian...YES, Indian sauvignon blanc...I first tried this @ Michael Mina's Arcadia...and it's tasty.
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Indian Oven
Cuisine: Indian
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Lower Haight |
6/6/2005
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Hopping around Union Square, decided to check out the menu @ Michael Mina's. I used to hang out quite a bit at the bar @ the St Francis, and they did a nice job with the new digs. I had a couple glasses of wine and was pleasantly surprised that I could also order off the menu for the Onyx Bar which serves alot of Michael's signature dishes...they had a bunch of the same offerings as Arcadia in San Jose(Mina's restaurant in the Marriott there): the black truffle popcorn, lobster corndogs, foie gras, etc. The ceviche was a bargain @ under $10 and so were the dungeness crab ravioli. I'm looking forward to getting into Michael Mina's at some point, but it's a good way to get a preview of the magic happening in the kitchen.
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The Onyx Lobby Lounge
Cuisine: American (New)
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Downtown |
6/6/2005
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PJs is a fun spot to grab some canjun seafood. Back in the 90s, they were always picked as the best seafood restaurant by the SF Weekly and Guardian for a couple of years...I wouldn't say the best by any means, but tasty. I've tried pretty much everything on their menu there...tasty oysters and oyster shooters, the alligator eggs(stuffed pasta with shrimp, crawfish smothered in a spicy cajun sauce), their pastas, fish dishes, their lamb chops. Things can get loud in there but the drinks flow freely. Sometimes when they're busy, we usually go across the street to Yancy's bar...let the hostess know that you're there and she'll come and grab you when a table becomes free.
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PJ's Oyster Bed
Cuisine: Creole Seafood
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Inner Sunset |
6/6/2005
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Here's an interesting surprise of a steak house in the Marina. Forget the fact that it's right next to a motel on Lombard Street, and that the interior looks cheesy(the owner also owns the stinking rose which I'm not a fan of), but the steaks are tasty. Prime cuts, I've always tried the bone in rib eye and it has been solid. The mushroom side was okay, the asparagus was better. There was a great bartender named Jason who made excellent cocktails. Check it out when you're tired of Mortons, Ruths Chris, and Izzys...a pleasant surprise.
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Boboquivari's
Cuisine: Steakhouse Crab Seafood
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Marina |
6/5/2005
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I've eaten at Mom is Cooking when it was a darling of SF Weekly and the Guardian back in the early 90s. I haven't been back in years, but it was a surprising little hole in the wall that supposedly made Mexican the way Mom would make...and it was okay. The margaritas sucked(this is no Tommys), but the Dos XX, Pacifico, and Coronas were always cold. I also did sense that alot of the offerings felt like they did short cuts(out of a can), but this was one of the few places I've encountered where they offered nopales, a Mexican specialty of cactus. I went a couple times because it was a hole in the wall surprise, but far from being a must have to scratch that Mexican food itch.
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Mom is Cooking
Cuisine: Mexican
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Excelsior |
6/5/2005
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The ramp has been a favorite for many for their outdoor seating. I don't know how long the Ramp's been around, but I've been going since the 80's. The food isn't spectacular consisting of burgers, sandwiches, salads, and decent breakfast offerings(get the scramble with corizo), but when you're looking out on the bay on a lazy Saturday or Sunday afternoon, the food starts to taste better. The drinks are okay, I wish they made a better Bloody Mary, but the beers are cold and you'll always run into someone you know(usually someone who's done partying and grabbing something to eat on Sunday morning). On Sundays, they have live music and they do get packed. Parking is crappy, but HEY...you want to enjoy the sun outside, so hit it.
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The Ramp
Cuisine: American (Traditional) Hamburgers
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Potrero Hill |
6/5/2005
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Alright, SF survey got me to go to this palce due to the strong reviews...and unfortunately, I was disappointed. I wanted sushi, didn't want to drive out to Ebisu, considered Sushi Groove and Blowfish, but wanted to try something new. Here are the positives: they're sushi chef was "on", and they are open LATE 2:00 am (so this could be the spot when you must have that late night sushi craving). The bad is the sushi was so so. Tried several rolls (Tahoe, 49er), the maguro, hamachi, unagi, the special blue red tuna, and they were all just okay...didn't think the quality of fish was great...maybe it was an off night which is why I kept trying another offering Pricing was okay, maybe a little high for the quality. The DJ set-up was a little weak, a couple turntables on top of a piano dishing up house way too loud. It was a cool spot, but a less "finished" Blowfish or Sushi Groove. I would check it out since it's different, but it's not on my repeat list.
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Ryoko's
Cuisine: Japanese Sushi
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Downtown |
6/5/2005
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Ghiradilli is known for chocolate...and we're lucky to have them here in SF. I've tried both the Ghiradelli hot chocolate as well as their chocolate shake...and, even though I'm not a chocoholic, I was in love.
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Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop
Cuisine: Ice Cream
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Fishermans Wharf |
5/30/2005
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I was kinda excited about the Blue Mermaid when it first opened because they supposedly specialized in chowder...and who doesn't like a good chowder? It might be time for them to specialize in something else. I tried the chowder sampler(I think it was 3 chowders) and they were all bland. A little salt woke everything up, but this is not the holy grail of chowder. It's nice to have other dining options when stuck inthe tourist trap Fisherman's Wharf, but I'm not sure if this is the one. Go grab a bowl @ Swans instead.
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Blue Mermaid Chowder House and Bar
Cuisine: Chowder Seafood
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Fishermans Wharf |
5/30/2005
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I'm always disappointed with Italian restaurants because...usually when I'm dining, I'm thinking I could have done SO MUCH BETTER. Fino was a surprise that didn't disappoint. The food was great...started with the beef carpacio, then the roasted salmon with pasta. The wine list was unexpected having alot of different Italian wines I wasn't familiar, and we settled on a very good chianti which is also a challenge. The restaurant is not large, but was comfortably full during out dining. I will be back.
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Fino
Cuisine: Italian
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Downtown |
5/30/2005
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I've been dying to try Liberty Cafe for years, but I'm rarely in this neighborhood. Heard about their wondeful pot pies, their amazing banana cream pies so we decided to hit it for brunch on a Sunday. No pot pies, no banana cream pies...but we did share eggs bennedict and the corned beef hash. The eggs benny were okay, the corned beef has was better. The problem was the service...it took them almost 40 minutes for us to get our breakfasts...I was almost tempted to jump behind the counter and whip up my own brunch. I didn't get a chance to try their signature pot pies, so I may give them another go before making up my mind...but come on, 40 minutes to whip up some eggs??
They do have the bakery in the back which turns into a wine bar on evenings(wine tastings not available when we were there), and I had an uninspired ham and cheese croissant. Headed over to Tartine afterwards to right the wrong.
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Liberty Cafe & Bakery
Cuisine: American (Traditional) Bakeries
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Bernal Heights |
5/30/2005
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I've been to the Grand Cafe for quick cocktails, but finally had a chance to grab a snack. The staff were extremely helpful, and I too had the foie gras. The bar was packed and the environment was fun. Recommended as a spot to hit before catching a show downtown, or afterwards.
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Grand Cafe (Petit Cafe)
Cuisine: French (New)
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Downtown |
5/30/2005
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I think we all love garlic...but you won't like the garlic over here. This is a TOURIST TRAP and they capture many victims...unfortuntately, I was one of them. Went there with a party of 4, and we tried almost everything from pasta to the entrees and several apps...and they all were poorly made and executed. There were people having a great time, but I was thinking that even the food @ Bucca di Beppo is bettern than this...yikes!
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Stinking Rose
Cuisine: Italian Californian
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North Beach |
5/22/2005
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The Steps of Rome is one of those spots in North Beach that everyone likes to lounge out in...too bad teh food isn't too great. The calamari was rubbery, but the proscuitto appetizer was decent. The wines that they had on their list were lacking, one was corked, and the other 3 that we tried didn't fare much better. But, it is a fun enviroment, and the outdoor seating on Columbus is a plus.
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Steps of Rome
Cuisine: Italian
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North Beach |
5/22/2005
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What a cute little find...stumbled on this little gem by accident and the menu drew us in. The tuna app, oysters, and tempura were nice...and they have a small wine list. A very small restaurant that gets busy and full easily. Definitely worth checking out when you want to try a different Pan Asian fusion restaurant.
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The HOUSE
Cuisine: Pan-Asian Pacific Rim
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North Beach |
5/21/2005
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I like Ed Moose's restaurant Moose's. I started coming here in the early 90s for lunch with my buddies working in the Financial District, and have several great meals there. The burgers have always been solid, the lamb shank, steaks. Prices are high and the staff can have a little "tude", but I've had many a great afternoon throwing back great cocktails and snacking away with good friends.
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Moose's
Cuisine: American (Traditional)
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North Beach |
5/21/2005
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The rotisserie chicken is a good rendition when you want something different in North Beach. I've eaten here a half dozen times, and the chicken has always been juicy except for once. The sides are okay, and takeout is always a good option here as well. Very cute little old school spot.
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Gira Polli
Cuisine: Italian
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North Beach |
5/21/2005
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Good pizza late at night after bar hopping in North Beach. You might be thinking crappy pizza since it's a square, but it's decently tasty...especially @ 1:00 am stumbling into a cab.
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Golden Boy Pizza
Cuisine: Pizza
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North Beach |
5/21/2005
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When it's late and your stumbling out from the clubs/bars in NB, don't want Chinese or a lousy slice of pizza, try Busters. The cheesesteak sandwiches were decent, as were the fries...and they are open late. Always a plus.
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Buster's
Cuisine: Cheese Steak
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North Beach |
5/21/2005
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Not a bad restaurant for Mexican food, but the margaritas were no match for what was available a couple blocks away @ Tommys. A neighborhood spot, but Tommy's rules in this "hood" for food and tequila.
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Tia Margarita
Cuisine: Mexican
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Outer Richmond |
5/21/2005
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Tommys is HANDS DOWN the best place to grab a margarita in SF, if not the US. Julio has an amazing collection of hundreds of blue agave tequila which he likes to tempt all that enter. The food is good, but the margaritas are better. The place is always packed and the environment is fun...a winner. It is out there in the Richmond, but worth the trek. If you want to get intimate with tequila, then this is where you'll start your love affair. Everyone knows Herradura, El Tesoro, Patron, Chinaco, etc...but you'll find new tequila gems you would have never found anywhere else @ Tommys. Look out for Tres Agave, Julio's new Tequila Lounge/Restaurant opening along the EMB by the Ball Park this year.
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Tommy's Mexican Restaurant
Cuisine: mexican
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Outer Richmond |
5/21/2005
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Great, amazing view...wish the food could compete with the view of the ocean. The beers are so so, the cocktails are weak(awful bloody marys), and the food is average. I've tried their breakfasts a couple of times, and the food is average at best, with the food also coming out of the kitchen cold. The tuna tartare was flavorless, the pancakes soggy and bland, the sandwiches dry. The mushroom pizza was like no mushroom pizza i've ever had...bleah. I guess the Beach Chalet is just counting on the view to carry the restaurant...and they are always busy on the weekends, but why not step it up and become a brunch destination by improving the food?
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Beach Chalet Brewery
Cuisine: American (Traditional)
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Outer Richmond |
5/21/2005
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Mixed reviews for Thanh Long, but my experiences have always been good. The numerous crab renditions are tasty as hell, and yes...the garlic noodles can be oily, but something about their "secret recipe" still makes this a winner. If you're a crab lover, this is a must try. I've definitely been going to Crustacean more only because of convenience...Thanh Long is basically on the other side of the City in the Sunset.
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Thanh Long
Cuisine: Vietnamese Seafood
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Outer Sunset |
5/21/2005
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Fun spot in a great setting, but can feel a little touristy. The breakfasts were okay, but I've had my food delivered lukewarm. Concentrate on a couple drinks with your company instead of focusing on the food.
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Park Chalet Garden Restaurant
Cuisine: American (New)
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Outer Sunset |
5/21/2005
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This like all the other King of Thai locations is consistant. Decent, cheap, friendly service...and they're open very late. The consistancy for all their restaurants is always there.
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King of Thai
Cuisine: Thai
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Outer Sunset |
5/21/2005
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A good spot to grab a beer and wings if you're catching a game @ SBC Park...but why else would you come here. I've tried the burger and wings with several beers, and it was okay...potential is there, I guess we'll see if they step it up this year.
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The Park
Cuisine: Pub Food
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Pacific Bell Park/South Beach |
5/21/2005
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Been coming here for years since the 90's when restaurant choices in the area were sparce. The jerk chicken is okay as well as the other dishes and apps...nothing amazing. They have a cool outside deck/patio, but the sangria on my last visit was very disappointing. The food is plentiful and inexpensive, but there is no carribean culinary ground being broken here.
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Primo Patio Cafe
Cuisine: Caribbean
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Pacific Bell Park/South Beach |
5/21/2005
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I've only been there for apps...oysters with champagne sitting outside in the patio, calamari with a beer, etc. The burger and garlic fries are tasty, and I even liked the side of braised brussel sprouts with bacon. Staff can be shortstaffed during ball game days, but they aim to please. Decent cocktails and right across the street from SBC Park.
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Paragon
Cuisine: Californian
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Pacific Bell Park/South Beach |
5/21/2005
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GREAT location, everything else is so so. The owners used to own the Washington Bar and Grill which I like, but the food here has been mediocre. The drinks are okay, I think sticking with the beers on draft is a better and cheaper option(grab the Fat Tire amber ale). I've tried their steaks, calamari, their brunch items, and everything has been so so. I think Momos lives off it's location right across from SBC Park. I know I paid $45 to park here during the playoffs which was a turnoff, but it's right across from where the Giants play ball. Worth grabbing a drink before the game or after the game...destination restaurant, I don't think so.
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MoMo's
Cuisine: American (Traditional)
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Pacific Bell Park/South Beach |
5/21/2005
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Not too many options here in South Beach so it's always nice to see new offerings. The burgers are okay, the grilled calamari is a different twist instead of the usual fried calamari, the chicken quesadillas are standard fare, but the watermelon beer is tasty. Better to get a couple beers than grab a couple of apps or entrees.
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21st Amendment
Cuisine: American (traditional) Pub Food
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Pacific Bell Park/South Beach |
5/21/2005
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The Grove is a spot we used to hook up with friends for Sunday breakfast. The food won't blow you away by any means, but the breakfasts are okay and you can wait for your friends to show while sipping on a beer. Defititely busy on the weekends, but a short wait will get you a table.
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The Grove
Cuisine: American Bistro Coffee Shops
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Pacific Heights |
5/21/2005
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Swensens is one of those old school spots that still has appeal. It's a SF institution which offers great ice cream and shakes. Mitchel's is Mitchel's, but Swensens has some wonderful offerings.
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Swensen's Ice Cream
Cuisine: Ice Cream
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Pacific Heights |
5/21/2005
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Yes it's Americanized Chinese food, but it's still tasty. I've been going to the Potrero Hill location since the 90s, and this location gives out decent food. I'm always drawn to the spicy eggplant, the sesame chicken, the house special prawns, and spicy chicken w/basil. The apps are good, get the combo starter which includes the chicken wings of heaven, crab rangoon, and the eggrolls. The onion cake is nice as well as the hot and sour soup.
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Eliza's
Cuisine: Chinese
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Pacific Heights |
5/21/2005
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Nice Italian fare in a cute setting. Parking is difficult, but the pasta dishes and the rest of the menu is nice. Defintiely worth checking out at reasonable prices.
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Antica Trattoria
Cuisine: Italian
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Polk St./Van Ness |
5/21/2005
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Solid food, I usually get the lamb dishes. It definitely feels like a neighborhood spot, but the seating and environment is no tthe most cozy since it gets packed and loud. The staff is friendly and the prices are reasonable.
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Garibaldis
Cuisine: Mediterranean Californian
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Presidio Heights |
5/21/2005
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I haven't been here in years, but a good UCLA college buddy used to live a couple blocks away from here so we hit I Fratelli a couple of times. The food was good, the staff friendly, and the prices reasonable. I remember the pasta dishes being solid. Very friendly staff that obviously has the neighborhood on lock down.
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I Fratelli
Cuisine: Italian
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Russian Hill |
5/21/2005
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I must concur, maybe my shortest review...the food is not good or remotely asian. Enough said.
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Long Life Noodle Company and Jook Joint
Cuisine: Asian Noodle
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SoMa |
5/21/2005
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The Metreon is only good for Movies and screwing around in the arcade. Stopped by here for cocktails and a couple apps which weren't memorable. It was pretty deserted except for a group of salsa or dance group that was practicing. I have the feeling that the place was fairly new so things might have improved since my visit.
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LJ's Martini Club and Grille
Cuisine: American (New)
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SoMa |
5/21/2005
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Here's a cool little pub nestled in the TL...if you happen to be in the TL, stop by, grab newcastle of black and tan and order...what else, the fish and chips. Surprisingly good and I believe the fish and chips come from a restaurant around the corner(Chelseas??). Anyways the fish was good, the chips were hot, and the beer was cool...actually enjoyed everything while losing at a couple of games of pool
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Edinburgh Castle Pub
Cuisine: pub food
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Tenderloin |
5/21/2005
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Naan and Curry is a place I used to drive by all the time, and I've heard great things from other people so I finally hit this with the GF and was disappointed. I was disappointed with the lamb curry and the Chicken Tandoori which was not flavorful or inspired. The naan was nice and after looking around, I noticed that diners had brought in beer...so of course, I had to run next door and grab a six pack of ale. On the plus side, the onion naan was nice and the price was cheap...I think we got out of there for less than $25 for two...but definitely not the best Indian by any means. I'd rather be enjoying my chicken korma @ Indian Oven.
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Naan n' Curry
Cuisine: Pakistani Indian
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Tenderloin |
5/21/2005
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Original Joes is like one of those OLD SCHOOL spots that have been around forever. Sometimes I gauge how good a spot is by who frequent the restaurant...great lunch spots are always packed by UPS drivers, construction workers, etc...I started coming here because I always saw SF's finest cops coming here for takeout. I'm a regular @ Joes of Westlake, but I like Original Joes as well. I find their pasta dishes week, but I always grab the raviolis as my side with a steak(rib eye, filet) or the hamburger steak. Parking right next door for a quick $5.00. I prefer my House of Prime Rib and Mortons meat fixes, but this can hit the spot for not that much $.
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Original Joe's
Cuisine: Italian American (Traditional)
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Tenderloin |
5/21/2005
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Okay, this is probably the BEST pho broth I've encountered during my PHO missions. There are many viet restaurants in the TL, but Turtle Tower hands down has the richest, fresh broth I've encountered. This is Northern style pho as reviewed previously, which means no bean sprouts, lime slices, or basil...and you know what, you won't miss them because the PHO is divine. I saw one of the staff members SERIOUSLY enjoying his beef stew with a baguette...I might have to try this next time. If you want the purity of outstanding rich beef broth pho, hit this spot again and again. The noodles are also the flat noodles and not the usual vermecilli, but it's the broth that will make you a convert. Their beef strew with baguette is also tasty. Two chopsticks UP!
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Turtle Tower
Cuisine: Vietnamese
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Tenderloin |
5/21/2005
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Bodega Bistro is a restaurant I hit after reading great things about it by Michael Bauer. The restaurant has a more "hip" decor than the typical TL Viet restaurant. The shaking beef was okay(I had the shaking beef from Slanted Door a couple days before which skewed my oppinion) and the fried imperial rolls were okay. I wanted to try the Pho, but time did not permit. I would check it out again.
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Bodega Bistro
Cuisine: Vietnamese
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Tenderloin |
5/21/2005
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I like Johnny Rockets, but you have to be in the mood for Johnny Rockets. I first tried Johnny Rockets in LA when I was a freshman @ USC in 1988, and although I don't frequent them, they can have decent burgers. It's hit or miss as I've had good burgers, but I've also had lousy burgers...I guess quality control from burger to burger isn't always there. I'm not a fan of the overdone theme, but you can get a diner quality burger here. Nothing special, but why not.
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Johnny Rockets
Cuisine: Hamburgers Coffee Shops/Diners
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Upper Fillmore |
5/21/2005
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Nothing new here...A GREAT 24 hour spot with classic diner food. Definitely a good option 3:00 am in the morning. I've had their burgers and their greasy breakfasts and they all hit the spot. I think we all love the spots that are open when we need them most, and this is one of them.
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Sparky's Diner
Cuisine: Diner
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Upper Market/Church Street |
5/21/2005
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Good and cheap Korean food is always a good option. The dishes that I like are the BBQed short ribs(kalbi) as well as the Bulgogi. This Hahn's is similar to the other Hahn's throughout the city. Not the most authentic, but a solid and inexpensive option when you want a quick bite. Definitely not a destination restaurant, but a good standby when you need to have that Korean fix.
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Hahn's Hibachi
Cuisine: Korean Barbecue bbq
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West Portal |
5/21/2005
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This is a GREAT option for Thai, especially late at night since I've eaten and ordered take out late(midnight??). Everything is solid from the pad thai, the multiple curries, the tasty and watch out spicy coconut chicken soup. It's in the TL, but when the hunger pains strike, grab the keys, hop in the ride, and check out Thai House Express. The prices are cheap and a good sign is that they are packed day and night.
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Thai House Express
Cuisine: Thai
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Tenderloin |
5/21/2005
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I've always liked Eliza's, especially for lunch in Potrero Hill. Let's be honest, this is not real Chinese food, but Eliza's renditions are tasty. I always start with the combination appetizer plate(crab rangoon, chicken drums of heaven, egg rolls) and their entrees are solid. The sesame chicken, eggplant, spicy chicken in basil, the house special prawns are all tasty. Definitely Americanized Chinese food, but a good option when in Potrero Hill. The great thing is it's on restaurant row in Potrero Hill(Chez Papa Bistrot, Baraka, Chez Maman, Goat HIll Pizza, Aperto, Thanya & Salee so you have other options. I've had the take out, had dinner there, but the best value is the lunch which does get crowded. Check it out.
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Eliza's
Cuisine: Chinese
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Potrero Hill |
5/21/2005
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Mitchell's is truely amazing...hands down the best Ice Cream in SF. There's a reason why there are always lines even on rainy days...and that reason is mango, avocado, strawberry, and a host of other flavors. Excellent, creamy, fresh...grab a scoop or two, better yet, grab some to go...they won't last in the freezer for long. Since there are so many flavors, feel free to ask for a taste...they're there to get you hooked for free. Parking is tough since their lot is always full.
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Mitchells Ice Cream
Cuisine: Ice Cream Dessert
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Mission |
5/9/2005
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Their food is hot and spicy, and I've eaten from there several times...but the food is average and worst of all...I found a baby roach in a takeout bag. Haven't been back since.
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Brandy Ho's
Cuisine: Chinese
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Chinatown |
5/9/2005
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Another winner at the Ferry Buidling, the Golden Gate Meat Co has some excellent take home options. they have a great roasted chicken, and have a large assortment of sides including mashed potatoes and mac and cheese. They have a great meat section where the prices are high, but the quality is exceptional. One of my best steaks has been a $40 bone in rib eye that I threw on the grill at home from them.
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Golden Gate Meat Co
Cuisine: American (Traditional)
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Embarcadero |
5/9/2005
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The Hi Dive is a cute little bar/restaurant that has potential along the EMB near Red's Java House. Looks small outside, but it's surprisingly larger inside and the interior is done nicely. The cocktails are good and the food is pretty good...tried the burger with fries, and an app. The EMB is lonely for new options, so the Hi Dive is a welcome addition. Check it out next time you're in the EMB on the way to a Giants game.
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HiDive
Cuisine: Pub Food
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SoMa |
5/8/2005
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San Wong is a great chinese restaurant in Japantown. The seafood is great and the portions are large. the grease factor is much less than most chinese restaurants, but one of the draws of San Wong is the hand pulled noodles. Order the hand pulled noodles with black bean sauce or in their seafood soup...great...and affordable.
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San Wong
Cuisine: Chinese
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Japantown |
5/8/2005
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I like Moshi Moshi since I've been going there since the 80s. Things haven't changed much...decent japanese food in a restaurant wasteland...which is why Moshi Moshi is a welcome anchor. The sushi is okay, definitely not Ebisu here, but the environment is fun, and the Sake and beers flow freely. The owner is funny as hell and will probably be the first one drunk at the bar...Love it.
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Moshi Moshi
Cuisine: Japanese Sushi
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Potrero Hill |
5/8/2005
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I've loved Zuni since 1989 when my summer internship boss took me there for a "quick" bite. That quick bite has led to many long dinners. Zuni is excellent all around. The raw and seafood bar is great(love the kumamotos), all the apps, salads, entrees over the years have been great from the excellent steaks to the $40 roast chicken with bread salad. Breakfasts w/poached eggs with proscuitto and their excellent burger at lunch are less expensive options as well. The bar action is always packed, and Zuni packs an excellent wine list. If you're a fan of Zuni, pick up one of Judy Rodgers cookbooks. Let's not forget, that Rodgers won the James Beard Outstanding Chef Award, making her the top chef in the country.
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Zuni Cafe
Cuisine: Mediterranean
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Hayes Valley |
5/8/2005
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I enjoyed their food in the past, but I think it's been slipping as of late. I used to always indulge in their fare at the Farmers Market as well, but their food has definitely gone downhill. I had the worst soft shell crab sandwich in the history of crustacean eating...more than once. Good bye, thanks for playing.
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Hayes Street Grill
Cuisine: Seafood
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Hayes Valley |
5/8/2005
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Great French dished up by Traci, Jardinere is a winner. Close to the Opera and Symphony on Groove, it's a popular spot for people going out for the night. The food is spectacular in execution and presentation. The grilled bone in rib eye was fantastic, and the appetizers of scallops and crab were amazing as well as the salads. The foie gras was great and the wine list and cocktails are solid. Prices are high, but not for the caliber of food and service you'll get.
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Jardiniere Restaurant
Cuisine: Californian
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Hayes Valley |
5/8/2005
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Decent diner food at a place that's been around forever and is open LATE. Grab a burger and fries and then crash out after a night on the town.
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Mel's Drive-In
Cuisine: Coffee Shops/Diners
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Inner Richmond |
5/8/2005
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It feels like Arabian Nights here at Pasha every night. They have belly dancers and musicians to set the tone. THe food is not bad, but not great either...you pay for the ambiance and entertainment. It's fun and great to bring someone special, but not something you'll do more than once. I haven't been back.
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Pasha's
Cuisine: Moroccan Middle Eastern Mediterranean
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Polk St./Van Ness |
5/8/2005
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Ruth's Chris is a chain, but one of the few chains that I like. Prime steaks that are consistant from location to location. Everything is a la carte like Mortons, but the difference here is Ruth's Chris serves all their steak sizzling in melted butter. You'll be happy, your arteries will not...but how often are you going to have a Ruth's Chris steak? Go for it. If Ruth's Chris isn't your cup of tea, you have Harris and the House of Prime Rib only blocks away on Van Ness as well.
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Ruth's Chris Steak House
Cuisine: Steakhouses
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Polk St./Van Ness |
5/8/2005
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I like Sliders as there are a couple of them. They are all consistant and I love the charring from the grill. The great fries and the toppings bar will let you set up your hamburger the right way...the way you like it.
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Slider's Diner
Cuisine: American Diner Coffee Shop
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Polk St./Van Ness |
5/8/2005
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The House of Prime Rib is my favorite spot to satify my red meat cravings. Gotta go at least once a month. The King Henry cut is the only way to go, and the creamed spinich and yorkshire pudding is a hit. Even the spinning salad is a winner. I've opened up some of my most memorable bottles from 1990 Caymus Special Selection cabs, 1986 Lynch Bordeax, and 1989 and 1990 Ch. Lafite...but their wine list is extremely fair compared to Mortons. I think they have Opus One for $150, a splurge but VERY reasonable. If, after eating yourself to a food coma you just happen to be slightly hungry, you can ask your server for another serving...and they will set up a another small plate of prime rib, creamed spinich, and mashed potatoes for you for free. I've seen many a 49er or Raider Lineman hunkering down for a meal so you know you're in good company.
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House of Prime Rib
Cuisine: Steakhouses
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Polk St./Van Ness |
5/8/2005
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Harris is a good steak house option within the Steak Triangle on Van Ness. You have the House of Prime Rib, and Ruths Chris just blocks away. The aged prime beef is tasty, as well as the vodka martinis that are on the APPETIZER menu...gotta love that. The prices are fair as high end steak houses go as you also get your potato and side with your steak, as opposed to a la carte @ Ruths. Funny thing about Harris, they don't get their beef from Harris Ranch due to a family squabble, at least that's what I remember hearing while drunk @ the Harris Ranch on I-5. A mandatory stop anytime anyone is driving between SF and LA.
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Harris' Restaurant
Cuisine: Steakhouses
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Polk St./Van Ness |
5/8/2005
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I've always had great meals here and at Thanh Long, but it's been awhile since I've been there. The recent reviews sounds like it's a downward spiral, so I'll have to hit Crustacean again. The crab has always been delicious and the garlic noodles are also a hit...they can be greasy, but why not indulge yourself. You may be happy when done, but your heart probably won't...but that doesn't stop me from digging in. Butter is never a bad thing.
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Crustacean Restaurant
Cuisine: Vietnamese
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Polk St./Van Ness |
5/8/2005
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I actually liked this spot for a quick lunch, and I followed up a week later and wasn't disappointed. Not a fancy interior by any means or much ambiance, but decent Turkish food at great prices. I parked right outside so I could watch for DPT while chowing down...cheap meal and no ticket, I was a happy man.
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A La Turca
Cuisine: Turkish
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Polk St./Van Ness |
5/8/2005
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I've been here because a friend lives nearby and I've done the Grab and Go here a couple of times. Not bad, but it's not even near the caliber of some of the Taquerias in the Mission. The carne asada was okay...but a tasty taco con todos @ La Taqueria or a burrito @ Pancho Villa isn't too far away.
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El Castillito
Cuisine: Mexican
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Upper Market/Church Street |
5/8/2005
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This is a GREAT breakfast spot. The lines can be ridiculous, but when it's Sunday morning, you're slightly hung over, you have a Sunday paper in hand, and you smell that bacon sizzling away, you'll be patient. And patience is rewarded with huge portions of diner style food. I used to always go to their old location on 5th street many years ago where eggs with pork chops were the highlight...and still is.
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Pork Store Cafe
Cuisine: Coffee Shops/Diners
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Haight-Ashbury/Cole Valley |
5/8/2005
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I found the slice greasy and uninspired. I had heard great things so I went for 2 slices...the potato pesto which was better than the the combo. But, for a couple of bucks while shopping on Haight, no complaints. Grabbing a slice is one thing, buying a whole pie is another...and I don't see anyone buying whole pies here.
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Escape From NY Pizza
Cuisine: Pizza
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Haight-Ashbury/Cole Valley |
5/8/2005
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I've never eaten there, but have had friends pick up a hot slice for me. I found the NY style pizza with a perfect crust and great toppings...they need to open one closer to downtown or SOMA since we don't have great pizza choices.
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Marcello's
Cuisine: pizza
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Castro |
5/8/2005
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Home has a great early bird special which I tried to hit one time, but missed by 10 minutes. We decided to try it and was not disappointed. Home offers good basic comfort food, and we were comforted by the pot roast and mac and cheese. Amazing home cooking...maybe not, but a decent value. Had several of the cocktails which weren't amazing...but they were cheap so we indulged in many. Worth checking out for a basic nite out.
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Home
Cuisine: American (Traditional)
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Castro |
5/8/2005
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Here is a cheap and good option to grab some decent pasta and thin crust pizza. Some people love the salads, but the pizza and pastas have done the deed for me. Parking is difficult, so sometimes I park in the Cala parking lot after grabbing some "groceries" and then grab a bite.
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Firewood Cafe
Cuisine: Californian Italian Pizza
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Castro |
5/8/2005
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Chow is an awesome value for dining. The menu has a wide selection to choose from. The salads are solid, all the sandwiches and noodle dishes are good, and the ginger cake with pumpkin ice cream is a winner. I've craved that cake enough to order it from Waiters on Wheels. Love their location near Golden Gate Park as well.
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Chow
Cuisine: American (Traditional)
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Upper Market/Church Street |
5/8/2005
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Everybody has their days when you just want a burger, fries and a beer...or a shake...and Barney's fits the bill. The burgers can satisfy and the fries are good too. On a weekend afternoon with the sun out, sitting on the patio digging into a tasty burger can be just what the carnivore asked for.
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Barney's Gourmet Hamburger
Cuisine: Hamburgers
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Noe Valley |
5/8/2005
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I LOVE southern style soul food, and Powell's is a decent option. I've had the fried chicken(tends to be a little dry), the ribs, hush puppies, corn bread(dry), with all the sides. The candied yams were good, but the greens were a little disappointing, especially for a soul food restaurant. If you've ever eaten at some of the soul food restaurants in LA like Harold and Bells, Aunt Kizzy's Back Porch, Stevies in Crenshaw, you'll be disappointed...but Powell's is in SF and worth a try. The last 2 times I went there to fix my fried chicken cravings, the chicken was just too dry.
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Powell's Place
Cuisine: Southern Soul Food
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Western Addition |
5/8/2005
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The Cheese Steak Shop has some tasty a** cheese steaks. Sometimes you just want a cheese steak and here's a great option. Love the melted cheese over the salty beef and those sweet peppers. I think we all have cravings on certain days, and if you want a cheese steak, hit this spot pronto style.
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Cheese Steak Shop
Cuisine: Cheesesteak American
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Western Addition |
5/8/2005
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Cute neighborhood restaurant specializing in seafood. The prices are great and the service is nice. The ordering process is fun, choose your fish, then choose the preparation. Not the greatest by any means, but a nice option when you're in the area.
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Alamo Square
Cuisine: French (Bistro) Seafood
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Western Addition |
5/8/2005
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Decided to try Tad's on a whim since I always see a crowd and the towering flames coming from the grill. Anyone should know that the quality of the steak is not going to be a nice rib-eye @ Morton's, but the steak was pretty tough w/gristle. I know it was cheap, but the steak was a no no. My friend grabbed a burger which was much better. I rather spend $7 more and grab a bone in rib-eye @ Joes of Westlake if I'm looking for a value steak meal.
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Tad's Steak House
Cuisine: American Steak House
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Downtown |
5/8/2005
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I love all Four Seasons for their consistency to excellence. Walking by the Four Seasons, you might actually pass it by on Market Street, but please stop by. The drinks are fabulous, and their cheese plate is fantastic. Their bar are is extemely comfortable and upscale without being pretentious. Go lounge about!
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Seasons Restaurant & Bar
Cuisine: Californian French
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Downtown |
5/8/2005
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The food is disappointing...been here several times with friends from out of town to try the Swedish Pancakes. The breakfasts have always been mediocre, along the lines of Lori's Diner whose owner now owns Sears...and it shows.
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Sears Fine Foods
Cuisine: American (Traditional)
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Downtown |
5/8/2005
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This is one of my fave little getaway spot when I'm downtown and need a little break. The Pied Piper Bar is a classy little surprise hidden away in the Palace Hotel. Upscale but comfortable, a good place to grab drinks with a friend or with business associates. They have tables where you can sit, but I like sitting and snacking @ the bar. The bartenders are outstanding and mix excellent cocktails, and the kitchen kicks out nice apps such as an outstanding tuna tartare and a nice grilled steak. Not sure if they share the same kitchen as the Garden Court, but the food is solid.
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Pied Piper Bar, Palace Hotel
Cuisine: American (New)
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Downtown |
5/8/2005
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A fun hidden gem in Union Square inside NM. The tables by the window give you an excellent view of the Union Square shopping frenzy, and the food is good. I've tried a bunch of their apps and snacks, and they are all on the small side, but a good stop in the heart of Union Square.
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Rotunda
Cuisine: American (New)
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Downtown |
5/8/2005
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Another Pan Asian fusion restaurant in a cool atmosphere trying too hard. They have a bartender spinning and the bar action is good. The food is nice, but nothing exceptional, almost overflavored not giving the ingredients a chance to shine...but the location near the theater district and the fun atmosphere gets a positive nod.
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Ponzu
Cuisine: Asian Fusion
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Downtown |
5/8/2005
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Prime cuts of beef, ,many oversized sides, overly strong martinis...I love Mortons. Mortons is consistant anywhere you go, and that's what makes Morton's a staple. I used to go to Mortons several times a week in the 90s when you could smoke cigars in the bar. They would hand out free filet mignon sandwiches during happy hour which would make the $12 scotches easier on the pocket on us recent college grads. Watch out for the wine list as the cabs will get you when the bill shows up.
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Morton's Steakhouse
Cuisine: Steakhouse
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Downtown |
5/8/2005
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Just another Loris, decent diner food, open late when you're drunk...and that's it's redeeming value. See you there @ 3:30 am.
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Lori's Diner
Cuisine: American (Traditional) Coffee Shops/Diners
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Downtown |
5/8/2005
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I've been going to Kuletos for years, whether for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Being located in Union Square makes it a tourist spot also, but the food is solid. The pastas are nice as well as the grilled meats. I think I like the good @ their Burlingame stand alone building location better, but it's worth checking out if you're in Union Square shopping. If you don't want a full meal, order a bunch of the small plates at the bar sipping on a couple chiantis.
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Kuleto's
Cuisine: Italian
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Downtown |
5/8/2005
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I gotta give the King of Thai a nod as well...not fantastic, but good, and cheap...and for me, open LATE. The staff is friendly, and the service is quick...did I mention that they're open LATE.
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King of Thai
Cuisine: Thai
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Downtown |
5/8/2005
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I actually like John's Grill. I used to belong to a barter exchange program and John's Grill was on the restaurant list. The steaks are good(not Morton's good), but the old decor(the restaurant is a landmark) is interesting and it's right downtown. I usually get the get feta cheese and olive appetizer, then dig into a steak with a couple of beers...their winelist is lacking. Alot of tourists come here because of the whole Maltese Falcon thing, but check it out next time you're shopping in Union Square.
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John's Grill
Cuisine: Steakhouse
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Downtown |
5/8/2005
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Another diversion at the Metreon. Sportsbar with many pool tables and beers on tap. A couple friends have thrown club parties there, but the food is always so so, but not bad. A fun atmosphere to spend with friends or to enjoy their club on the club event nights.
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Jillian's
Cuisine: American
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Downtown |
5/8/2005
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Everyone loves the Irish Bank, and I'm not exception. The bar is the draw, but the kitchen puts out solid pub fare. I've snacked on their curries and fish and chips, but I prefer the burger with fries as I'm downing my cold beers. Always a fun good time, I would go more if parking wasn't such a b&#ch.
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Irish Bank, The
Cuisine: pub food Irish
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Downtown |
5/8/2005
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Globe is great because they are open LATE. It's a fun, hip environment, and very welcome when you're slightly toasty with drinks but need some decent grub. The food is good and the drinks are good to keep the party going. It seems like a lot of chefs and waiters come here, which is always a good sign...the inside scoop. Chef Joseph has a winner.
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Globe
Cuisine: Californian
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Downtown |
5/8/2005
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I started to fall in love with the Garden Court when they just finished renovating the stained glass dome in 1993 adding a little more prestige to the Palace Hotel. I've loved dining there for breakfast, lunch, dinner, their outstanding but pricey brunch which is simply amazing. The assortment at brunch is mind boggling from the seafood bar(oysters, sashimi, prawns, salmon), carving stations including prime rib, omlette station, free flowing champagne and mimosas. They also offer an outstanding afternoon tea service whcih exemplifies class all the way. I feel like I need to go back this weekend.
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Garden Court
Cuisine: Californian Brunch Afternoon Tea
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Downtown |
5/8/2005
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Farallon was GREAT when they first opened, but I feel like they've been going downhill. The seafood is the draw, but so is Pat Kuletos interior from the whimsy chandeliers, to the the lighting and decor creating an underwater fantasy. The seafood, raw bar, etc is all still very good, but not dazzling as when they first opened up. Still a great restaurant that as a whole is still 5 star, but there are better offerings out there. The wine list is solid too if a little a pricey.
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Farallon
Cuisine: Seafood
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Downtown |
5/8/2005
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Fun place to have drinks in this ultra cool cosmo spot. I've heard of long waits, but we usually just slip into the bar. The drinks are good and pricey. Tasty martinis and a wicked mojito. A friend had a bachelor party at the Clift, but they wouldn't let our rowdy asses in so we bailed...but I would want us in there either :)
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Clift Hotel Redwood Room
Cuisine: American (Traditional)
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Downtown |
5/8/2005
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Amazing place for foodies...there's a reason why so many of our City's top chefs have all worked here at some point of their career(Bradley Ogden, Jan Birnbaum and Todd Humphries). With Daniel Humm at the helm, the kitchen is still on course. Amazing tasting menus, outstanding service from the staff, top notch wine list, fabulous cheese cart...love the understated but classic interior. Campton Place is one of my favorite breakfast spots to curl up into one of the comfy, plush booths, have a fabulous breakfast over many bloody marys.
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CAMPTON PLACE
Cuisine: Mediterranean
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Downtown |
5/8/2005
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Love the supper club atmosphere, and it seems like Bix has changed a little bit from when they first opened. Bix definitely started getting a little "tude" during the dot com days, but the food and bar have always been solid. The grilled offerings from steaks to the braised meats and apps have all been solid...you'll have a great time with friends or on a date.
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BIX
Cuisine: American (Traditional)
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Downtown |
5/8/2005
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Basic cafe fair that is conveniently located @ the SFMOMA. Go 2 blocks and enjoy several more dining options for just a little more $.
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Caffe Museo at SF MOMA
Cuisine: Californian
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Downtown |
5/8/2005
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Another diner which is decent enough, but quite welcome when it's LATE at night. Burgers, eggs, nothing great, but the food may seem like the holy grail @ 4:00 am. Service is spotty but who cares @ 4:00 am.
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Lori's Diner
Cuisine: American (Traditional) Coffee Shops/Diners
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Downtown |
5/8/2005
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I love this Thai restaurant because the food is excellent and they are open LATE. The pad thai is surprisingly good, the coconut soup is good, all their curries are good as well. Watch the spice as it can get very spicy if you ask for it. Check it out.
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Pad Thai Express
Cuisine: Thai
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Civic Center |
5/8/2005
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Open whenever you need it, a decent spot to get a sobering burger and fries or breakfast after a night of partying. A step below an independent diner, but the Mels are bright, clean and quick...destination spot, NEVER...welcome after drinking, ALWAYS.
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Mel's Drive-In
Cuisine: Coffee Diners
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Civic Center |
5/8/2005
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Some people like Max's, some don't. I like their sanwiches, namely their pastrami and corned beef concoctions. Large portions as with all of the Maxs, and a good standby lunch spot.
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Max's Opera Cafe
Cuisine: Deli Dessert
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Civic Center |
5/8/2005
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Sometimes you just want a Gyro, and I had my craving after watching a Seinfeld episode. Gyros are pretty standard fare, and the Gyro King was better than most. Large portions, flavorful lamb, a good spot to run in, grab a meal to chow down or take on the road. Not too many offerings for a quick bit in the Civic Center area so this is a good option.
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Gyro King
Cuisine: Mediterranean
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Civic Center |
5/8/2005
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All my friends that have gone to Brazil rave about the women and the Churrascaria...and you may still need to catch a United flight to hit the beaches, you can enjoy a meat food coma experience @ Espetus. There is a flat rate of $35 which is well worth the selection offered. A constant parade of skewers will attack you ranging from the filet mignon, lamb, pork, shrimp. They also have an extensive salad bar, but the attraction is the meat. Their wine list is small, but we did have a good Chilean Cabernet, but grabbing a good cab to bring out of your cellar may not be a bad idea. Pace yourself like a trained marathon runner and you can sample all their offerings, then concentrate on what you like. I've read that they are expanding the restaurant in size and food offerings. I still prefer to have my meat food comas @ the House of Prime Rib, but if you want a wide variety of offerings, Espetus is a great choice. A fun place to go with friends.
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Espetus Churrascaria
Cuisine: Brazilian
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Civic Center |
5/8/2005
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I have a special soft spot for the Tonga Room in the Fairmont. I remember after graduating from college(USC baby), me and my college buddies living in the city lived off happy hour specials since we were more interested in drinking than eating. We used to hit the Tonga Room to enjoy their ridiculous drinks in their ridiculous Tiki inspired Tonga Room with their ridiculous tropical rain shower every hour. Something about holding a fruity drink in a pineapple with an umbrella seems apropos here. They also have live music, and they have a dim sum buffett for around $5.00 which won't blow you away by any means, but is fine to snack on while throwing back another cold one. Everyone I've ever kidnapped and brought over here fall in love with this oldie but goodie.
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Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar
Cuisine: Pacific Rim
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Nob Hill |
5/8/2005
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I've eaten at this greasy corner Chinese restaurant on the North Beach/Chinatown border. The seafood is fresh, but many of the dishes are a little greasy. Not necessarily a bad thing if you're trying to sober up from partying on Broadway. It's open LATE which is always a good thing, and there is an old a** photo of a young Emeril Legasse standing next to the owner which always make me crack up which downing some seafood. Always busy but I've never had to wait.
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Yuet Lee
Cuisine: Chinese Seafood
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Chinatown |
5/8/2005
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This is a small hole in the wall restaurant which serves up some late night food. The pho is good as well as the pork chops over rice. I love my fine dining, but I also enjoy my little hole in the wall gems...and this is one. A plus is that they seem to be open past 2:00 am...and that's never a bad thing.
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Vietnam Restaurant
Cuisine: Vietnamese
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Chinatown |
5/8/2005
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You're in North Beach, it's late, you don't wan't crappy pizza by the slice...so, you opt for so so chinese food. We couldn't decide between a couple late night chinese restaurants, and gave this a try. Greasy but quick inexpensive. The chow fun was decent, the kung pao shrimp was aiight, and the chicken with snow peas was okay. The sizzling rice soup didn't have a sizzle, just a fizzle for rizzle. It was entertaining watching SF's finest pull over car after car after car...it was like eating takeout Chinese food watch cops live.
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New Sun Hong Kong Restaurant
Cuisine: Chinese Seafood
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Chinatown |
5/8/2005
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Yes, it's pricey, but the dim sum is solid with many other offerings besides classic dim sum fair. The seared sea bass is excellent, as well as the har gow, shui mai, and other seafood dumplings. Other better options would be Harbor Village and Ton Kiang.
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Yank Sing
Cuisine: Chinese Dim Sum
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SoMa |
5/8/2005
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Great restaurant earning all the accoldades. Took my GF there for her B-Day and had a great time. The service was excellent as was the cocktails and wine list. We grazed through many tasty apps, and mains. Town Hall is upscale while still being very comfy if a little noisy. Didn't get a chance to try the desserts, but I am told they are divine. If Town Hall is redefining American cuisine, I'm ready to study.
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Town Hall
Cuisine: American (New)
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SoMa |
5/8/2005
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Went to the Public after visiting friends on club row on 11th Street. Small fun little spot in a little brick building. We were still in drinking cocktail mode so we grazed through a number of apps while downing more cocktails...the drinks were better the food, but I'm happy to see another restaurant trying to hold down the little area around 11th street.
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The Public
Cuisine: Eclectic
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SoMa |
5/8/2005
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Shanghai 1930 is a very cool and fun place. After cascading down the stairs, you will be greeted with live jazz music. You can enjoy cocktails and listen to the jazz band, but you can also order food in the lounge area as well as the dining room. The apps were tasty, loved the peking duck, the whole deep fried bass, the dim sum was so so(this is not a dim sum house). The food is solid, maybe not amazing, but when you grab your accountant and add up great cocktails, wine, good food, atmosphere and live jazz...it adds up to a good time if a little pricey. Definitely check it out.
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Shanghai 1930 Restaurant
Cuisine: Chinese
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Embarcadero |
5/8/2005
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From the outside, I thought Roccos might be a hidden little gem of a restaurant. Sat down and was prepared to be surprised...I was, and it wasn't good. I can'e even remember what I had, but it was all mediocre. The SOMA area needs more restaurants, but not like Roccos.
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Rocco's Cafe
Cuisine: Italian
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SoMa |
5/8/2005
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You know the scenario, it's 11:10 pm...you haven't had dinner, what the hell are you going to do? This is a scenario I battle with quite often...and I have a standby list of good late night spots, we need more in our amazing city. We went to Oola on a recommendation since their kitchen is open til 1:00 am. OOla is another restaurant from Martel(think sushi groove), and he has the foundation of a hit. The bar staff were amazing and directed us well...you can also order the glasses by the half glass if you want to try many of their wines. The apps were solid overall: Seared scallops with fava beans were perfect, the lobster wontons disappointed since they overcooked and the coconut sauce was disappointing, the foie gras was nice, but not distinctive, but the bbq ribs were succulent and falling off the bone, if a little sweet. The grilled sirloin steak was fine, but the side fries we ordered with the parmesian and white truffle oil was great. A good late night hero.
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Oola
Cuisine: California American (New)
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SoMa |
5/8/2005
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A cute little spot next to 21st Amendment. Full bar, not great infused vodkas for a spot that used to specialize in infused vodkas. I've tried the burger which was dry, the fries were good though...and at the recommendation of someone at the bar, tried the "must have" mac and cheese. It was decent, but definitely not the mac and cheese I was expecting...it was more a fusilli pasta was a cream sauce...not mac and cheese. Portions were large and inexpensive, and the service was good from the bartender at the bar.
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Nova
Cuisine: American (Traditional)
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SoMa |
5/8/2005
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Mel's drive in is a spot that's a late night standby, not a dining destination. I've been going to the Geary location for years usually very late at night coming back from the bars. Burgers are okay, the food is a little below a good independent diner, but my dozens of run ins have always been after a late night of drinking. I'm giving it a neutral because it's a needed after drinking still open location which we need more of in SF.
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Mel's Drive-In
Cuisine: Coffee Shops/Diners
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SoMa |
5/8/2005
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Great authentic Thai restaurant owned by...Manora. Very sweet lady, I'm actually working on a project with her to help the kids in Thailand after the tsunami but I digress. This restaurant has been around for 15+ years so tells you something. I've tried several of their soups which have been good, their noodle dishes have been great, as well as their seafood preparations. It's kind of in a weird area, but defintiely worth checking out.
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Manora's Thai Cuisine
Cuisine: Thai
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SoMa |
5/8/2005
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Great Thai restaurant in the Soma/South Beach Area. Excellent service, and the food is on par with the food. The coconut soup was great, as well as the red curry and Pad Thai. The staff and interior is above average as well as the service. A very pleasant find worth checking out.
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Koh Samui and the Monkey
Cuisine: Thai
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SoMa |
5/8/2005
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Okay, Jack Falstaff was a restaurant I was secretly not trying to like before I went there. This is the location of the short lived B2B which lasted like a week after being developed for what feels like years. When the Plumpjack Group picked up the space, I knew the wine list would be good, but wasn't sure about the food. Jack Falstaff does not disappoint, definitely a winner. The interior is sleek and sexy, and the bar action is busy. They have a list of small bar/drink snacks called "Jack Snacks"...I tried almost all of them for $2.00. The fried sage leaves, dried serrano ham, the pumpkin seeds, olives, cashews were all worth double the asking price(not a big fan of the green tea walnuts). The Liberty duck flan was fantastic as was the braised oxtail...suprisingly, the diners next to us ordered the fried chicken which I'll be craving next time. The wine list is solid although they had just sold out the Williamette Valley Pinot and Syrah, but our waiter saved the day.
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Jack Falstaff
Cuisine: Eclectic
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SoMa |
5/8/2005
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I still can't believe people flock to this chain...the atmosphere is tacky as hell and gimickey, and the food is so subpar, that the food director of this chain should actually eat in one of their restaurants. I can't believe a chain this large can get away with serving food this bad. I've been roped into going to bucca for B-day parties in the past, and the portions are large, but the food from the pasta, veal, eggplant, etc...is all drowned in a poor ragu sauce. The plus side is if you get ripped with all your friends at the bar, you won't pay any attention to the food...and I think that this is their marketing/business plan.
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Buca di Beppo
Cuisine: Italian
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SoMa |
5/8/2005
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Cute little cafe with a full bar on Brannan. Went there for brunch, and was pleasantly surprised. My GF had the smoked salmon bennedict, and I had the pancakes and a house scramble. They used to only be open for breakfast and lunch, but I understand that they have updated their menu quite a bit and are now offering dinner. Brickhouse may be in need of an updated review.
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Brickhouse Cafe & Bar
Cuisine: American (New) Hamburgers
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SoMa |
5/8/2005
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I actually ate here one time just because I was curious what the hell Brainwash was all about. Had a surprisingly good burger with fries and fish and chips that my friend had. If I had to do laundry out of my building, I'd be doing it here. Definitely a cool, good concept.
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BrainWash Cafe and Laundromat
Cuisine: Coffee Shop American Bistro
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SoMa |
5/8/2005
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Basil Thai has one of the better interiors and atmospheres of Thai restaurants, and is a cute and cozy little restaurant. The portions are moderate and the food is good. The duck curry was nice, the coconut soup was nice, the pad thai was nice, the eggplant was nice...overall nice.
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Basil Thai Restaurant & Bar
Cuisine: Thai
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SoMa |
5/8/2005
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Probably the best wine by the glass location in the City. Great thought and attention has definitely been put into the wine list as I try over 10 tastes and enjoy almost all of them. The wine director Debbie Zachareas also is partner @ the Wine Merchant in the Ferry Building and she does a fantastic job covering many, many varietals. The food is excellent, the wine is fantastic...great combination for us foodie fans. The starters are great to start: cheese, nut, fruit plate, oysters(kumamotos), cheese plates(they usually have at least 7), crispy little fries...all good snacks to keep you going. They also have live jazz music which is great. They're also right around the corner from Bizou and Fringale, so a great spot to go before or after.
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Bacar Restaurant & Wine Salon
Cuisine: American (New)
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SoMa |
5/8/2005
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Triptych is a cute little place, but the food disappoints. The scallops were overcooked and rubbery, and the rotisserie lamb was very tough without any flavor, which also goes for the accompanying side of spinich and potatoes. The young staff definitely aims to please, but the food is not the draw. As we were leaving with our plates half full, we tried to eat next door @ Basil. It may have been an off night, but I haven't had a meal this "off" in a while. My only regret is I didn't get a chance to check out that fabulous DISCO bathroom.
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Triptych
Cuisine: Fusion
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SoMa |
5/8/2005
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I happened to be in the area and saw Schnitzelhaus and decided to try it with the GF. Poor decision. The wait for a table is outside as they don't have a bar, but the the most disappoiting aspect is the service and the food. The service was poor, but the food was poorer. I rarely give negative reviews, but I was so diappointed with the overall experience that I felt I needed to recap for our fellow foodies. The potato soup was seriously underflavored and uninspired, the brats and schnitzel that we ordered was so mediocre, that I was dreaming of the wonderful sausage and pretzels that I could have had @ Postrios for less..for LESS. The brats were bland, I've had better from Johnsonvilles. They also close early as a couple walked in from Walnut Creek @ 9:40 pm to dine, and they were advised that the kitchen was closed although the hours of operation clearly state 10:00 pm. They were offered the lousy potato soup and the option of the German chocolate cake..they got off easy.
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Schnitzelhaus
Cuisine: German Austrian
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SoMa |
5/3/2005
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Giving a positive review since the food was excellent across the board from apps to entrees, but I was very disappointed in the wine. Eos bills itself as a wine bar, but I was very disappointed with the wine offerings. We tried several flights and several glasses, and the wine did not do the food justice...luckily, the food and staff made it an excellent dining experience.
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Eos Restaurant & Wine Bar
Cuisine: Californian Asian Fusion
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Haight-Ashbury/Cole Valley |
5/3/2005
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If you're a fan of Italian delis, you'll like this...great assortment of Italian goodies, olives. Service is quick and friendly and the sandwiches are good. They have alot of take home prepared meals such as frozen lasagna, pasta, etc.
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A. G. Ferrari Foods
Cuisine: Italian Deli
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SoMa |
5/3/2005
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Decent Thai food on restaurant corner in Potrero Hill. I've come here when the line has been too busy next door @ Eliza's. The Pad Thai, coconut soup, spring rolls, and red and green curry were all nice, but nothing mind blowing. I guess that's why it's always been a backup to Eliza's for me. There's Baraka and Aperto across the street if you're looking for something else.
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Thanya & Salee
Cuisine: Thai
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Potrero Hill |
5/3/2005
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Old school spot which has been around forever. I've been in there randomly a couple of times to grab a cold Anchor Steam, and I've tried their seafood. Nothing amazing, but nothing bad. A nice touch is that the bartender will extend a little hospitality and give you a steaming cup of clam juice while you're at the bar.
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Old Clam House (The)
Cuisine: Seafood
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Potrero Hill |
5/3/2005
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One of my favorite breakfast spots in SF. I loved Just for You Cafe when they were on 18th street(currently the chez maman location) because I would grab a coffee @ Farleys and head over for some poached eggs wtih crab cakes. The new location is even better since it's so much larger with more offerings. The scrambles are all excellent, but this is one of the few spots I know where you can get fresh HOT beignets...mmm, soft pillows of heaven dusted with powdered sugar. Pass on the pancakes(which are good), and get the beignets. Excellent grits, Greg's scramble with chorizo, eggs bennie... The wait can be long on the weekends, but you know you're in for a treat.
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Mabel's Just for You Cafe
Cuisine: Coffee Shops/Diners Bakeries
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Potrero Hill |
5/3/2005
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I love neighborhood restaurants, and even though my neighborhood is in South Beach, I felt right at home @ Aperto. Friendly neighborhood staff directed me to a nice pasta dish. It's a small place so a small wine list, but the atmopshere and food were nice. I've also been there for breakfast/brunch and the offering was nice. Tip, grab your coffee @ Farleys 2 blocks down on 18th street.
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Aperto
Cuisine: Italian
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Potrero Hill |
5/3/2005
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Good food in a great setting with a wonderful view of the Bay along the EMB. I've only had the seafood, but isn't that the point? The service is nice and friendly and worthwhile a visit.
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Waterfront Restaurant & Cafe
Cuisine: Californian Mediterranean
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Embarcadero |
5/3/2005
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This pesky Mapleleafgirl must be following me everywhere :). Tsar Nicoulai is a welcome addition to the Ferry Building family. I've tried the caviar samplings and bringing them to the Wine Merchant is the best thing to enjoy them over a flute of champagne.
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Tsar Nicoulai Caviar Cafe
Cuisine: Caviar
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Embarcadero |
5/3/2005
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Yank Sing is in the top 3 of my Dim Sum restaurants in SF with Harbor Village and Ton Kiang. The food is excellent and there are other dim sum spots that are much cheaper, but I think Yank Sing is still one of the best for their offerings you won't find at other dim sum restaurants. Everything is fresh, but the interior and service can be bland...but I'm usually diving into a hargow and sipping on a glass of buttery chard to care.
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Yank Sing
Cuisine: Chinese Dim Sum
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Embarcadero |
5/3/2005
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Cute, casual local cafe which offers decent thin crust pizzas(order the four cheese and ask them to add prosciutto). They have a basic wine list, and a couple of entree dishes that aren't bad. Nice spot if you live in the EMB and want a quick bite when you don't want to cook. They also have a fondue night, but it's no La Fondue.
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South Beach Cafe
Cuisine: italian
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Pacific Bell Park/South Beach |
5/3/2005
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Cute, casual local cafe which offers decent thin crust pizzas(order the four cheese and ask them to add prosciutto). They have a basic wine list, and a couple of entree dishes that aren't bad. Nice spot if you live in the EMB and want a quick bite when you don't want to cook. They also have a fondue night, but it's no La Fondue.
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South Beach Cafe
Cuisine: italian
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Pacific Bell Park/South Beach |
5/3/2005
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Loved the Slanted Door when they were on Brannan since I live right next door, but the new location in the Ferry Building is amazing. Charles Phan is kicking some serious culinary ass...everyone raves about the shaking beef, blah blah blah...but it's true, the food is phenominal. I've never had a bad meal there, even their pho is excellent @ lunch. The bartenders are very knowledgeable, and the wine list reflects what goes well with Phan's cooking. Pop in for a drink, order the ginger lemonade and order a couple of apps if you don't want to do the whole reservations/dinner thing. You won't be disappointed.
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Slanted Door, The
Cuisine: Vietnamese
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Embarcadero |
5/3/2005
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I used to go here quite often in the 90s because they offered a full bar which Gordon Biersch did not. The bar is good, and the food offerings aren't bad. The salmon, pasta dishes, the vincenzo's crust with roasted garlic, and thin pizzas are good "snacks' while having a couple of drinks. Been to the one in Seattle and the food is pretty much the same...an upscale mini chain which isn't too bad.
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Palomino
Cuisine: Mediterranean Californian
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Embarcadero |
5/3/2005
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Been going to One Market since they've opened. Bradley Ogden's been on a roll, and even though I like his Lark Creek Inn in Marin better, the food at One Market is solid. The seafood, raw bar offerings, apps and entrees have been pretty consistant. One Market definitely caters to the power lunch or biz crowd, not the foodie crowd, but it's worthwhile hitting. Pricey, yes, so there are better options, but another good corner restaurant anchoring the Embarcadero a block away from Boulevard.
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One Market
Cuisine: American (New)
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Embarcadero |
5/3/2005
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I love the Ferry Building with all it's wonderful offerings(which has me going every weekend), and I was excited about the Marketbar, but the food is just merely...okay. I like the interior, the outdoor seating, the bar, but the small portions but more importantly small portions of uninteresting food disappointed. There are better options in the Ferry Building.
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MarketBar
Cuisine: American (Traditional) Seafood Italian
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Embarcadero |
5/3/2005
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Gotta love Hog Island...ultra fresh oysters(raw or bbqed) with a friendly staff in the Ferry Building. They always have a decent selection of oysters, and ususally have my fave, the damn tasty kumamoto. One secret is that you can also buy the oysters to shuck at home at a huge discount. I like to share a dozen with my girlfriend, then bring a dozen or 2 back. If you're adventurous one weekend, you can drive up to Hog Island and enjoy the oysters at their facility an hour away.
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Hog Island Oyster Company
Cuisine: Oysters Seafood American (Traditional)
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Embarcadero |
5/3/2005
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I've been going to Fog City Diner since the 80s and the food is still consistant. Not the greatest, but defintitely not standard diner fare. Overpriced, yes, but a fun stop to entertain some friends from out of town. Not a destination restaurant, but not a bad weekend afternoon snack stop...besides, I still remember that annoying Visa commercial from the 80s...do they still not take Amex?
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Fog City Diner
Cuisine: American (New)
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Embarcadero |
5/3/2005
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Yes, another offering at the Ferry Building, but the food didn't dazzle. They sell alot of seafood, but their menu was somewhat limited. I was hoping that mean't that their concentration on a couple of items would translate into outstanding seafood. Unfortunately, I found their chowder lackluster, as well as the entree I had...made me wish I was @ Swan's Oyster Depot. One good point is that the view is great overlooking the bay. Since I wasn't satisfied, the another good thing is that Hog Island Oyster Co is right across the way.
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Ferry Plaza Seafood
Cuisine: Seafood
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Embarcadero |
5/3/2005
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I was excited when they first opened up, as I love going to the Ferry Building with all the wonderful food treasures. The offerings look wonderful and some deliver. I liked the numerous croquettes, the ton katsu, sweet chili chicken balls, the numerous salads, but nothing wowed me despite how good the food looked. All the ingredients are FRESH, but the flavors didn't dazzle.
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DELICA rf-1
Cuisine: Japanese Deli
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Embarcadero |
5/3/2005
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I like the concept of Delancy Street...helping people rehab into the real job market, but it's the kitchen needs the help. I've been there way too many times due to the lure of their outdoor patio along the EMB, and it's location across from my place. The menu is extensive but poorly executed across the board. I've tried almost all the apps which have all been mediocre, but it's the mains that suffer the most(still having nightmares of that damn lamb shank). But, the prices are extremely reasonable, and I like what they are doing for society...plus, the valet parking is a ridiculous $2.00. I keep telling myself to give it another try since it's always fairly busy with diners, but I refuse to torture myself for a good cause anymore...my tastebuds prefer I just slip a couple $20s under their door and just keep moving.
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Delancey Street
Cuisine: American (Traditional)
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Embarcadero |
5/2/2005
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Very charming little cafe which serves up a small but solid array of offerings to keep you entertained. They have a bookstore inside, as well as a patio outside which is nice when the weather is sunny. Love the coffee drinks, they offer MANY MANY teas by the pot, tried a couple of their sandwiches(Avocado Bacon recommended), but they're supposed known for their sweet potato pie...and the pie don't lie, it's sweet.
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Crossroads Cafe
Cuisine: Coffee Shop Diner
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Embarcadero |
5/2/2005
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Simply AMAZING gelato now available in the Ferry Building. Been buying Ciao Bella at overpriced retail locations and now I can buy it from their retail spot. Wide range of flavors, I lean toward the fruity flavors of berries, melons, but be adventurous and try something different...like the cabernet gelato. I like Mitchell's better, but another great addition for gelato.
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Ciao Bella
Cuisine: Gelato
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Embarcadero |
5/2/2005
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Butterfly's new location along the water in the EMB is an improvement from their old location in the Mission. Tried several apps which were solid, the drinks were great, and the DJ created a fun environment. A good date spot with the sexy lighting and fun atmosphere, or a good spot to grab a bite before heading out for a night on the town.
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Butterfly
Cuisine: Californian Asian
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Embarcadero |
5/2/2005
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Alioto's is a tourist trap whose only redeeming quality is their view. Have I been, there...YES...playing helpless tourguide to friends out of town, but the service is mediocre and so is the seafood. So many better places to have a decent seafood meal from Farallon to Swans Oyster Depot...unless your visiting from Iowa, what are you doing here??
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Alioto's
Cuisine: Seafood Italian
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Fishermans Wharf |
5/2/2005
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Absolutely stunning...from the moment we had our first glasses of sangria, our Ceviche Limon which was sublime, our camarones limon, to the very well thought out wine list, Limon is a solid hit. A Peruvian masterpiece that definitely has me wanting more. Learned a new trick last time I was there...people started parking in the middle median of Valencia Street so parking wasn't a bitch as usual. All the flavors in the food we had were very well balanced...imrpessive, has me wanting more this instant.
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Limon
Cuisine: Peruvian
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Mission |
4/25/2005
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Chain restaurant with a ridiculous menu with many dishes tasting basically the same. Cheesecake is supposed to be a stunner, and is okay...but definitely not the holy grail of cheesecakes.
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Cheesecake Factory, The
Cuisine: American (Traditional) Dessert
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Downtown |
4/25/2005
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Another local CCA grad holding it down independently. Restaurant has been popular from the opening, and the pan asian fusion is well crafted, but was disappointed the last time I had the prix fix offering. Better to order off the menu. Beatiful presentation using fresh ingredients. The staff are professional and the chef will often be out circulating.
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Cafe Kati
Cuisine: Asian Californian Fusion
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Japantown |
4/25/2005
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I've eaten at their spot in St. Helena many times on napa trips, and I was very excited about having one in the Ferry Building...but, for whatever reason, the food tastes better in Napa. I'm not sure if it's because I'm paying $40 for 2 burgers, fries, an appetizer, and drinks and that seems more acceptable in wine country than in my own back yard...but, for the money...a double double animal style @ IN N OUT gets the nod.
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Taylor's Automatic Refresher
Cuisine: American (Traditional) Hamburgers
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Embarcadero |
4/25/2005
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I meet friends here sometimes in a pinch since it's a sportsbar, but the food service is lacking. Fries have been soggy, and the burgers are forgetable. I've had good wings here, but bad ones...but there are several beers on tap and many TVs.
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Zeke's Sports Bar & Grill
Cuisine: Pub Food
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Pacific Bell Park/South Beach |
4/25/2005
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Pub fare always go well with cold beers and this is no exception. No groundbreaking culinary feats here, but a solid burger with a cold ale and all is good on a Sunday afternoon.
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Liverpool Lil's
Cuisine: English Pub Food
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Marina |
4/25/2005
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Let's face facts...IN N OUT kicks serious burger ass. I tried my first double double animal style in 1988 when I was going to USC as a freshman and have never looked back. In N Out is the only fast food spot that I don't mind waiting for. As the regulars know, you can order your burgers special such as the "animal style" which comes with grilled onions, thousand island, and pickles, the "3x3" which is 3 patties if you can wrap your mouth around that bad boy, and even the "grilled cheese" for you non meat eaters which isn't on the menu. A classic that may be the best fast food chain out there...I'm sure many would agree.
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In-n-out
Cuisine: Hamburgers
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Fishermans Wharf |
4/25/2005
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I used to love the Hard Rocks in the 80s when I was in HS...and to be honest, their fare isn't bad if you're playing tourist somewhere because you know you'll get a decent burger, etc...but you won't be blown away by this or any other chain. Enjoy the rock memorbilia and throw back a couple of cold ones and all will be good...but you won't be craving a visit the next day.
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Hard Rock Cafe
Cuisine: American (Traditional) Hamburgers
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Fishermans Wharf |
4/25/2005
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Not a bad burger, but definitely not a great burger. A little overpriced for angus beef that doesn't taste any special...at the end of my burger, I was thinking that an double double @ In N Out would have been better. Sorry BJ.
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Burger Joint
Cuisine: Hamburgers
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Mission |
4/25/2005
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It's funny, some people swear by Barney's but I was NOT impressed with their burgers. Nothing special in regards to the hamburger or fries.
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Barney's Gourmet Hamburger
Cuisine: Hamburgers
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Marina |
4/25/2005
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Good food at lunch, never been for dinner, with a solid hamburger. Balboa used to be one of my fave drinking spots in the Marina in the late 80s and early 90s. A little pricey, and parking is a bitch as usual.
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Balboa Cafe
Cuisine: American (Traditional) Hamburgers Brunch
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Cow Hollow |
4/25/2005
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A pleasant surprise...a civic center location offering damn tasty cocktails and solid food fare. The interior is geared toward an interesting mix of cool restaurant which turns into a nightclub after 10:00 pm. Get the Liberty Duck and Sea Bass and enjoy the atmosphere. The wait staff was excellent.
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Soluna Cafe and Lounge
Cuisine: Californian
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Civic Center |
4/25/2005
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A tapas option in the Marina/Cow Hollow area can't be a bad thing. So So sangria and decent apps cane make for a fun evening with friends
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Zarzuela
Cuisine: Spanish Tapas
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Russian Hill |
4/25/2005
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Good spot to meet a large group for beers if you don't mind so so tapas. Food has gone downhill from when they opened up years ago.
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Thirsty Bear Brewing Co.
Cuisine: Spanish Tapas
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SoMa |
4/25/2005
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Decent sangria with okay spanish tapas. Tried the paella which was huge in portions but small in taste, in fact the shrimp was a little "stringy". Perhaps an off night and we did sneak in just before closing, but unimpressed.
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Picaro
Cuisine: Spanish Tapas
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Mission |
4/25/2005
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Nothing special either from the kitchen or the bar.
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Leticia's
Cuisine: Mexican Tapas
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Upper Fillmore |
4/25/2005
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Who's kidding who here...go to Glas Kat if you want to, but don't punish yourself with a bad meal to avoid paying cover. Club's with "restaurants" rarely work, and here's another example.
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Glas Kat
Cuisine: Fusion Tapas Pan Asian
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Embarcadero |
4/25/2005
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Great tapas, good wine list, tasty a** popcorn at the bar. The dishes are good, but small, and the bill can add up...but worthwhile visiting.
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Cortez
Cuisine: Tapas Mediterranean
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Downtown |
4/25/2005
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This Cha Cha Cha is definitely better than the one in the Mission. At least the Sangria is decent, but the food still is only okay...but location is always busy. If you were to order anything, stick with something basic like the jerk chicken.
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Cha Cha Cha
Cuisine: Caribbean Tapas
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Haight-Ashbury/Cole Valley |
4/25/2005
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This Cha Cha Chas is quite poor, and their tapas are extremely mediocre. Service was poor, but the sangria was extremely disappointing. You would figure that a spot like this would have a solid sangria to make their so so food more palatable.
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Cha Cha Cha
Cuisine: Caribbean Tapas
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Mission |
4/25/2005
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Alright, Bocadillos makes the Top 100 list so I finally have to try this spot since Michael Bauer's initial review...and it was disappointing. Small and cramped...that's okay...but the food needs to carry this place with all the positive reviews. Our waitress was great, but the food lineup disappointed:
Deviled Eggs aka huevos diablos w/prawns was surprisingly untasty, the scallops were rubbery, and the tai snapper ceviche taste only of harsh lemon. The sliced lomo and chorizo is recommended as well as the flan which was more creme brulee-ish than flan like, but tasty. Tried one the "bocadillos" and it uninspired. Sorry.
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Bocadillos
Cuisine: Tapas
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North Beach |
4/25/2005
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We need more cheese steak sandwich options since they are so damn good. The cheese steaks here are decent, but we need a killer spot in the City. Someone open one up please!
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Jay's Cheese Steak
Cuisine: Cheese Steaks
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Western Addition |
4/25/2005
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Great little Viet sandwich spot offering tasty sandwiches for almost no money. There can be a wait since there is only one person making the sandwiches, but a great value for a tasty snack.
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Saigon Sandwich Shop
Cuisine: Vietnamese Deli
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Tenderloin |
4/25/2005
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I live in South Beach so I've used Town's End as a neighborhood back-up. Decent mains, apps are a little weak...I would recommend Town's End as a better breakfast spot than dinner destination. Great prices in the South Beach/EMB area.
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Town's End Restaurant & Bakery
Cuisine: American (New) Bakeries
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Embarcadero |
4/25/2005
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Good tarts that I would grab after having lunch at PJs or at Ebisu. Definitely a UCSF hangout which isn't a bad thing.
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Tart to Tart
Cuisine: Bakeries dessert coffee
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Inner Sunset |
4/25/2005
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Not bad for a chain, but come on! We live in SF. Il Fornaio would be great if I was living in Indianapolis. There are WAY too many good restaurants options to go to.
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IL FORNAIO
Cuisine: Italian Bakeries
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Embarcadero |
4/25/2005
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Hot Cookie needs to review it's namesake since I've tried them twice and the cookies were never HOT. Too many other great bakery choices in SF. The cookies were never that great outside of being lukewarm.
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Hot Cookie
Cuisine: Bakeries Hot Cookies
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Castro |
4/25/2005
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Another crowd pleaser at the Ferry Building. Long lines might deter you, but biting into any of their damn tasty baked croissants, cookies, whatever will confirm you've made a wise decision to park your butt in line.
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Frog Hollow Farm
Cuisine: Bakeries
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Embarcadero |
4/25/2005
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I've always just run in to get some yummy baked goods to go, and I haven't been disappointed. It's worth risking a parking ticket...but Tartine definitely gets the nod as the best bakery in SF.
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Citizen Cake
Cuisine: Californian Bakeries
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Hayes Valley |
4/25/2005
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You will get confused and pleasantly surprised by the variety and pricing on their baked goods. Busy, but the line moves quickly.
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Eastern Bakery
Cuisine: Bakeries
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Chinatown |
4/25/2005
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Got sucked in their restaurant once while shopping along Clement street. Should have kept walking...food is abundent but the quality of the meat was subpar. They offer alot of options, the ingredients seem fresh, but not the highest quality.
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Coriya Hot Pot City
Cuisine: Chinese Barbecue
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Inner Richmond |
4/25/2005
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I used to hit MacArthur Park quite a bit when I used to intern in the EMB. It's been around for awhile offering standard burger, rib fare which is decent. Not a bad option when you're in the Embarcadero area for a snack, but not really a dinner destination.
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MacArthur Park
Cuisine: Barbecue American (Traditional)
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Downtown |
4/25/2005
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I used to LOVE Kate's Kitchen as one of my fave breakfast spots...how could you not with those damn tasty green onion scones, but moving to SOMA makes you seek out other options. Kate's is still a solid breakfast spot with omlettes, eggs, flapjacks filling you up for a lazy Sunday.
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Kate's Kitchen
Cuisine: Coffee Shops/Diners
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Lower Haight |
4/25/2005
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Heard good things about the restaurant, always looked packed as I drove by...so I took my boo there for a quick bite. Tried several dishes that proved disappointing. Papaya salad, poor, several of the noodle dishes were quite greasy which can be good sometimes...this was not one of them. The plus side is, it was inexpensive.
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Osha Thai Noodle Cafe
Cuisine: Thai Noodle Shops
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Tenderloin |
4/25/2005
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Been going to this noodle house in Japantown since the 1980s. Cheap, quick, and tasty...they way noodle houses are supposed to be. Always busy...there's a reason for that.
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Mifune
Cuisine: Japanese Noodle Shops
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Japantown |
4/25/2005
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I think it's a chain and it tastes like a chain. Had fusilli which was not memorable, ceasar salad was bland...can you say Pasta Promodoro's cousin? Wish I could write more, but it was obviously not memorable.
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Fuzio
Cuisine: Eclectic Noodle Shops
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Embarcadero |
4/25/2005
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Cheap noodle house with several inexpensive options. I've gone a couple of times to give it a chance, but I haven't been impressed enough. It is on Haight so a decent option if you're looking for a noodle fix, but I rather get a good udon in a good Japanese restaurant or a good pho. It's always busy so Citrus Club must be appealing to some.
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Citrus Club
Cuisine: Pan-Asian Noodle Shops
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Haight-Ashbury/Cole Valley |
4/25/2005
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Billed as one of the best French restaurants, it doesnt' disappoint. This was one of my first fine dining experiences over 20 years ago when I was a kid, but I remember even back then that I enjoyed the tasting menu. Writing this review makes me want to put a Masas on my to do list right now.
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Masa's
Cuisine: French (New)
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Downtown |
4/25/2005
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Tapas restaurants seem to popping up everywhere, and this is a decent option. Not the greatest tapas, but they get better with the more sangrias you throw back. Tried several dishes and all were fine.
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Esperpento Restaurant
Cuisine: Spanish Tapas
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Mission |
4/25/2005
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Cute and cozy spot when you have a craving for some Pan-Latin or tapas. Good solid food, checked it out when someone special was considering culinary school and was pleasantly surprised with the fare. Chef James went to culinary school in Vancouver, but his flavors are definitely south of the border. Check it out.
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Destino
Cuisine: Nuevo Latino Tapas
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Castro |
4/25/2005
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Good solid alternative to Cha Cha Cha which has always been disappointing. Good solid food, busy, but getting in didn't seem like a problem. Fair pricing for decent fare.
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Charanga
Cuisine: Pan-Latin
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Mission |
4/25/2005
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Good dim sum and reasonable prices. The setting reminds you of some 1970s Chinese Dry Cleaners, but the dim sum is solid. Stick with the steamed dumplings(har gow, sui mai, scallop dumplings) and the steamed greens were tasty. They serve well past the usual 2:30 pm cut off time, so if you're hung over on Sunday, missed your fave brunch spot, check it out...
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Canton Seafood and Dim Sum House
Cuisine: Dim Sum Chinese
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SoMa |
4/25/2005
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Cheap priced dim sum on the Chinatown outskirts. This was my third stop on a day of dim sum sampling with my girlfriend, so we only tried the har gow, sui mai, and the pork buns...all decent and really cheap. Worth checking out.
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Lichee Garden Restaurant
Cuisine: Cantonese Chinese Dim Sum
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North Beach |
4/25/2005
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Decent dim sum off of Commercial Street. Good hargow, standard fare...I was actually surprised by the house white which wasn't too bad...although I had been drinking mimosas all morning. Standard cart service, but if you're in a rush, make your requests for quicker service. Shrimp crepes, pork buns, shrimp stuffed peppers, etc. Prices are reasonable for good quality.
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City View Restaurant
Cuisine: Dim Sum Asian Chinese
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Downtown |
4/25/2005
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My favorite place to grab a taco "con todos". Can you say fresh. Tacos run $5.00 each but they are so worth it. Their burritos are solid as well...one thing I like about La Taqueria is that they are different than all the other taquerias in that there are no rice, lettuce, etc(which I do like @ El Toro and Pancho). The carnitas are amazing as well as the carne asade. You can taste the quality and the authenticity of the Mexican cuisine. I've taken dozens of friends to La Taqueria and they're always looking at me like "where the hell are you taking me, let's go to Foreign Cinema since were out here"...but you know what, every single one of them go back to La Taqueria.
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La Taqueria
Cuisine: Mexican
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Mission |
2/20/2005
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Fun place in the Marina...better for chasing girls than eating. The drinks are strong but they don't know how to make a good margarita like Tommys. The food is typical Mexican fare...large plate, lots of rice, beans, cheese, and mediocre Mexican Food. But, it is a fun atmosphere.
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La Barca
Cuisine: Mexican
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Marina |
2/20/2005
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This place gets a positive from me because they are open LATE. An important factor for late night drinking recovery. Not the cleanest or the best by any means(El Toro, Pancho Villa, La Taqueria kicks Faralito's a** for quality and taste), but Faralito serves an important function. Late night food. When's the last time you got a quesadilla suiza or torta @ 2:30 am?
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El Farolito
Cuisine: Mexican
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Mission |
2/20/2005
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Chevy's is one of those chains that you don't go to by choice. I don't understand how anyone living in SF can go to any chain restaurant when there are so many good restaurants, authentic restaurants. The only plus thing I can say about Chevy's is that their chips and salsa are good. This is americanized texmex.
You're much better off going to the Mission...so what are you still doing here?... GO!
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Chevy's Fresh Mex
Cuisine: Tex-mex Mexican
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Embarcadero |
2/20/2005
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Postrios may not be the trendy GO TO SPOT it was in the 90s...but Wolfgang Puck's outpost in SF is still kicking ass. I remember being dazzled as a recent college grad in the early 90s, but Postrios still pleases. Great service, still lovely dining room, great bar and excellent wine list...and if you don't want the whole dinner thing, you can do what I do. Eat at the bar: grab the tuna tartare, the sausage w/pretzels, and a wood fired pizza with a glass or two of wine...and you are good to go.
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Postrio
Cuisine: American (New) Pizza
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Downtown |
2/20/2005
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I loved this place when it first opened up...haven't been there in awhile, but if I recall, Reed Hearon's restaurant was great since it offered a different option on Columbus. Decent wine list, good seafood...sit outside to enjoy the North Beach aura...
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Rose Pistola
Cuisine: Italian Seafood Pizza
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North Beach |
2/20/2005
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I know some people LOVE NBP, but I've found their pizzas to be soggy on several occasions. I know they're everywhere, so I'm assuming people like soggy greasy pizza because they don't know better. I prefer a pizza like Zacharys or the new pizzeria joint Little Star. Or a little proscuitto pizza @ Postrios.
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North Beach Pizza
Cuisine: Pizza
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Embarcadero |
2/20/2005
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Small, cute pizza joint in Potrero Hill. I've mainly had take out, but I've heard that they have an all you can eat. Might be worth it, but not for moi.
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Goat Hill Pizza
Cuisine: Pizza
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Potrero Hill |
2/20/2005
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I've ordered pizzas from them and their pizzas are good. The staff is friendly. I think they have more than this location.
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Mozzarella di Bufala Pizzeria
Cuisine: Pizza Brazilian
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Western Addition |
2/20/2005
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It's a small place, and the bagels are not the oversized Noahs(which I like) bagels, but they are truely tasty. They had an assortment of smears, but I think I just went with the plain cream cheese on a garlic bagel...and it was good.
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Izzy's Brooklyn Bagels
Cuisine: coffee shop pizza
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Pacific Bell Park/South Beach |
2/20/2005
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I'm not a huge fan of their food outside of the signature garlic fries, but I do love their cold pints of Martzen. Surprisingly for a place that makes outstanding garlic fries, they have no clue on how to make a good burger. I've tried their burgers at least a dozen times hoping that things would improve this time, but to no avail...at least I always have decent fries. Medium or medium rare does not mean well done and cold. I've tried their apps and their other entrees and it's standard microbrewery fare.
Gordon Biersch gets a positive because it is a fun place to grab a few cold ones with friends...and they did give us our garlic fries.
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Gordon Biersch
Cuisine: Pub Food
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Pacific Bell Park/South Beach |
2/20/2005
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Ordered a pie from the SOMA location since I've been ordering from the Potrero Hill location for years. Unfortunately, the SOMA location pizza sucked...it was soggy and greasy and utterly disappointing. I hope the owners bring up the standards to the other location on the hill.
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Goat Hill Pizza
Cuisine: Pizza
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SoMa |
2/20/2005
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I concur, the pizza is weak and greasy as hell. This place makes mediocre pizza fabulous. Even my soda was flat. Enough said.
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Fat Slice Pizza
Cuisine: Pizza
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Haight-Ashbury/Cole Valley |
2/20/2005
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I've caught a pie in SF as well as at their South San Francisco location. Decent pizza but nothing to rave about. Short review because...there's really not much there.
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Cybelle's Pizza
Cuisine: Pizza
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Castro |
2/20/2005
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Calzones is a decent restaurant catching tourists like flys in North Beach. Not a bad restaurant because I have had a decent calzone, pizza, pasta dish...but you can get a much better Italian meal elsewhere. The good thing is if you want to people watch and sit outside, it might not be too bad.
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Calzone's Pizza Cucina
Cuisine: Italian
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North Beach |
2/20/2005
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Typical chain...used to like eating @ CPK when I was a Freshman @ USC in Los Angeles, but my palate just doesn't appreciate the whole BBQ sauce pizza. I see how some people love this place and it's a good chain...but why eat at a chain when SF has so many good choices?
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California Pizza Kitchen
Cuisine: Californian Pizza
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Civic Center |
2/20/2005
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I love popping in and grabbing a latte here...it just feels old school., Parking is a bitch so I've paid the price with tickets making my $2.75 latte a much more expensive latte with a ticket.
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Caffe Trieste
Cuisine: Coffee Pizza
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North Beach |
2/20/2005
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Found Little Star Pizza to be a pleasant surprise. The pizza was quite tasty, but the dim lighting was way too dark...felt like I was working in a dark room. A little more light and a friendlier staff and this is a go to spot...maybe they can open one near South Beach or SOMA.
The only other deep dish that I like is from Zachary's in the east bay.
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Little Star Pizza
Cuisine: Pizza
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Western Addition |
2/20/2005
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Bottom line is that you're not going to be winning any Best Pizza awards...but, if you want a cheap slice while you're shopping BEFORE grabbing a lunch...a slice will work.
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Blondie's Pizza
Cuisine: pizza
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Downtown |
2/20/2005
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Open late, good for when you're drunk off you a** and you need something to sober your a** up. Pizza is not that good, but at that time of the nite, who cares.
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Cable Car Pizza
Cuisine: Italian Pizza
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Mission |
2/20/2005
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I think I like the pizza at their location by the slice more than when they deliver. The staff is great and very friendly. It's a convenient spot to grab something to eat after partying SOMA, especially if you're on 11th street. I've had their pizzas delivered 3 times and they've all been okay except for 1 chicken w/cream sauce...so greasy.
Give them a try...
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Bowzer's Pizza
Cuisine: Pizza
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SoMa |
2/20/2005
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I've been eating @ Amici's since the late 80's when one opened up in San Mateo. I always thought the pizza was okay, and that's still the case. The pizza was greasy and the crust was too dry.
I think I prefer the small pizzas you get like @ Postrios or Lulus, etc. One plus is that it's near the ball park.
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Amici's East Coast Pizzeria
Cuisine: pizza
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Cow Hollow |
2/20/2005
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Korea House has been around forever. I think I've been going there sporadically for the alst 25 years since I was a kid. The short ribs are good, the sides that they flood your table with were okay, but surprisingly the kimchee kinda disappointed. We went for a package meal and it was expensive...I had a craving for some red meat that nite...should have gone to House of Prime Rib for the same money.
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The Korea House
Cuisine: Korean Barbecue bbq
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Japantown |
2/20/2005
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Tried Minnie's twice when the Food Network kept running those damn enticing BBQ series. Cornbread was dry, the ribs were okay, the brisket was okay as well. The beans were not too flavorful. Overall, a 6...one plus is it's right across the street from Future Primitive Sound store that I was shopping at while my order was being made, and there's a cool little bar next door.
Good BBQ in the city...still looking.
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Memphis Minnie's BBQ Joint
Cuisine: Barbecue
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Lower Haight |
2/20/2005
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Decent Korean fare which doesn't kill your wallet. I would go there more for lunch than dinner...it's upscale made to order fast food in a so so environment. The short ribs were good, but nothing to compete with the better Korean restaurants in the City.
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Hahn's Hibachi
Cuisine: Korean Barbecue bbq
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Noe Valley |
2/20/2005
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Big Nate was a great ball player and is now a good BBQ master. Links and ribs were better than the brisket. Still looking for a favorite BBQ spot...still like Everett and Jones in the East Bay. Sides were okay, nothing to write home about.
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Big Nate's BBQ
Cuisine: Barbecue BBQ
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SoMa |
2/20/2005
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Tartine is an ABSOLUTE GEM...you will not forget going there not only because of the taste sensations you'll remember, but the amazing aroma of butter and baking. I would go there everyday if I could find parking. I've tried almost everything there and I have not had one disappointment. Croissants, baked goods, bread pudding.
The only other bakery that I love this much is La Brea Baking Company in Los Angeles. A true decadent treat that everyone should indulge in.
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Tartine Bakery
Cuisine: Bakeries
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Mission |
2/19/2005
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Lulus was my favorite restaurant when they opened in the 90's(I just graduated from USC) and we used to go several times a month. The bar action was good, and the food was always solid(although my palate has changed from my college days). I stopped going as often a couple years ago, but recently started going back. Lulus is still a fun restaurant with good offerings.
Kumamoto oysters, roasted portobello mushrooms over polenta, great thin crust pizzas, oven roasted mussels on the iron skillet, rotisserie chicken, pork loin, grilled rib eye, etc. Great wine list and great drinks...It feels like I'm falling in love with an old girlfriend I haven't seen in awhile.
Lulus is still a solid bet.
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Restaurant LuLu
Cuisine: Mediterranean French
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SoMa |
2/19/2005
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They lured me in with the prix fix, but I was disappointed in the end. The food offerings were okay, but definitely not up to good bistro faire...in fact, I can't even remember what I had...and that's not common. The lighting inside made the restaurant cozy, but there are better offerings out there if you're will to spend $10.00 more.
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Le Charm French Bistro
Cuisine: French (Bistro)
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SoMa |
2/19/2005
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I'm a regular at the Ferry Building and Farmers Market since I live in South Beach/EMB area. They have many interesting offerings, but I was disappointed with the lamb sandwich as well as the lamb stew. The one plus and BARGAIN is to grab their home made potato chips. They're $1.50 and well worth it...they run out quick on Saturdays with the Farmers Market rush.
I definitely prefer Lulus on Folsom for their offerings, but it's an unfair comparison since the "kitchen-prep" area is essentially just a small corner area.
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Lulu Petite
Cuisine: French (Bistro)
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Embarcadero |
2/19/2005
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I have to agree with MapleLeafGirl who reviewed Jeanty's @ Jacks...as I was there on New Years as well. The restaurant was fantastic. Loved the foie gras w/cherries and the braised short ribs were one of the best ever. The service was solid and teh setting was still intimate, but not the same as Jeanty's in Napa.
If you've been to Jeanty's in Napa, you'll love this restaurant.
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Jeanty At Jacks
Cuisine: French Brasseries
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Downtown |
2/19/2005
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Chinese Food with a French accent is a good thing. This is not your typical chinese restaurant...and you don't want it to be. The surroundings are nice, and the food is good. Some may feel that the food is overpriced, but I found the service and overall experience solid. Definitely a must try when you've run out of other high end options besides the usual 5 Stars.
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Tommy Toy's Cuisine Chinoise
Cuisine: Chinese French (New)
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Downtown |
2/19/2005
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Cute small bistro offering standard French fare. Had a good time, but nothing to warrant a positive review. I remember parking was an issue and I can't remember what I ate...which is rare...so a neutral review.
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Hyde Street Bistro
Cuisine: French (Bistro)
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Russian Hill |
2/19/2005
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I've loved Fringale since it opened. Cozy little bistro with solid offerings. Love the duck confit and other french offerings. Not the finest in French, but a Great value in a relaxed setting when you want that French Basque cuisine.
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Fringale Restaurant
Cuisine: French Basque
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SoMa |
2/19/2005
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Beautiful, romantic setting, exceptional wine list, flawless service...had a great time, but the food didn't knock my socks off. The foie gras was nice as well as the duck offering, the filet offering was good, as well as the cheese plate. I think my expectations were built up a little too high prior to dining, but I feel there are better offerings out there.
Also note, I did not bring my girlfriend...this was a business meeting so that may have detracted from my full enjoyment of the romantic setting.
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Fleur De Lys
Cuisine: French (New)
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Nob Hill |
2/19/2005
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Fifth Floor, blah blah. Tons of "raves" but to me it was overpriced and disappointing. I have no problem spending $$$$, but I expect offerings to be up to par. Things started out fine in the bar/lounge area to enjoy a bottle of chardonay, but once seated, the mediocre food procession started. Expected fantastic expectations with the foie gras ravioli and the the sweetbreads with oxtails, but should have stuck with simpler offerings as I was not impressed. The service was flawless, but that can't save this review. Too many great restaurants for me to go back.
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Fifth Floor Restaurant
Cuisine: French (New)
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SoMa |
2/19/2005
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Heard all the hoopla about Chez Papa and it is true. Chez Papa is a true French Bistro with a well selected wine list. Tried several apps which were great, the standout being the foie gras, and the entrees were definitely solid.
If you like Chez Papa, check out their other sister restaurant in the Embarcadero, La Suite.
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Chez Papa Bistro
Cuisine: French (Bistro)
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Potrero Hill |
2/19/2005
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Fun sexy restaurant with French-Asian fusion. Prices are on the high side, dark but sexy....a good first date spot. Sashimi was good.
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Chaya Brasserie
Cuisine: French Asian
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Embarcadero |
2/19/2005
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Chapeau is a gem. It is a small and intimate restaurant with very strong offerings. They have a fantastic prix fix meal with "upgrades" which I recommend such as the foie gras offerings, the steak frites, etc. Chapeau offers a great early bird prix fix, but I'll never be able to make it. The owner, Phillipe?, was very charming and steered up to great wine recommendations. Had a great time.
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Chapeau!
Cuisine: French (Bistro)
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Inner Richmond |
2/19/2005
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One of my good friends Michel aka "Frenchie le Freak" took me here years ago. The food was good, but the atmosphere was fun. Sitting outside is a plus and the prices are reasonable. I almost gave this a positive since it's not really a negative, but trying to set a bar for the French cuisine.
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Cafe Bastille
Cuisine: French (Bistro)
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Downtown |
2/19/2005
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Cozy small French Bistro offering standard fare but at very reasonable prices. Definitely worth going to for a cheap nite out when you need to scratch that "French" itch.
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Baker Street Bistro
Cuisine: French (Bistro)
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Cow Hollow |
2/19/2005
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Azie has been a spot I've tried when waiting to get into Lulus next door. The bar is good, but I thought the food disappoints especially at the price point. Azie is a back-up bar for me while waiting to get into Lulus.
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Azie
Cuisine: French Asian
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SoMa |
2/19/2005
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Baraka has definitely improved from the first time I went there. The first time we ate there, we were rushed and I felt the food was adequate for the pricing. But, on my last visit I was impressed with the staff, environment, as well as the lusty food. The short ribs were fantastic, as well as the stuffed fig app, the ahi tuna...the only somewhat disappointing aspect was the wine list...the wines by the glass were so so...unfortunate since the sister restaurants La Suite and Chez Papa Bistrot have excellent selections by the bottle as well as the glass. You'll enjoy the intimate, sexy surroundings if you're with someone special.
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Baraka
Cuisine: French Mediterranean
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Potrero Hill |
2/19/2005
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If you want to kick it with a date or some good friends and enjoy great bubbly or drinks while eating okay sushi, definitely go. Great spot to take a date, but make sure you like this person because after several flutes and sushi...you'll want to expense account it. The sushi prices won't kill ya...the drinks will. Great selection of Bubbly...Dom to Cristal to Krug...for you bubbly conoisseurs out there.
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The Bubble Lounge Champagne Bar
Cuisine: Small Plates Dessert
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Downtown |
12/31/2004
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Not a fancy sushi spot, but a good value for sushi in the Mission. The sushi is priced low and the quality is decent. Not as festive as Tokyo Go Go.
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We Be Sushi
Cuisine: Japanese Sushi
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Mission |
12/31/2004
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A fun place to kick off bar hopping in the Mission. A good choice if you're in the Mission and want some sushi. The sashimi was okay, the rolls are better. The staff is festive and had the beers and sake flowing aplenty. This my friend Fearless' favorite sushi joint...
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Tokyo Go Go
Cuisine: Sushi Japanese
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Mission |
12/31/2004
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Decent sushi in the Mission. Recommended if you're in the Mission and don't want to eat a tasty taco or burrito. Sashimi was okay, stick with the rolls and the sake which are better options. Friendly staff.
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Yoyo Sushi
Cuisine: Sushi Japanese Tempura
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Mission |
12/31/2004
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Ebisu is my favorite sushi restaurant in San Francisco. I've been visiting Ebisu for many many years before it has become so damn popular. I know people bitch about the wait, but there is a reason why people flock to Ebisu...and that my friends, is the SUSHI and SASHIMI. Choose any fish and it will be pristine...my fave is the Toro. There are several specialty rolls that I actually enjoy("Swamp Roll"-spicy tuna with seaweed salad). Things like the Kobe Beef are sublime. Thanks Steve!
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Ebisu
Cuisine: Japanese Sushi
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Inner Sunset |
12/31/2004
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The "cooler" version of Sushi Groove. Nice atmosphere which I like better than Blowfish Sushi. The green mussels are good, as well as the sashimi(toro was my fave that night). The service is so so compared to Sushi Groove in Russian Hill which is much more attentive. Good place to kick off a night of partying.
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Sushi Groove
Cuisine: Japanese Sushi
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SoMa |
12/31/2004
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Martel's shows he knows sushi, not just the club biz. The sushi and sashimi is solid, and many of the cooked dishes surprise as well. This is the original more laid back version which is better for taking your parents or good friends for a good sushi meal. Go to Sushi Groove South when you want to party with your friends. There's also a cute little wine bar next door if you're waiting for a table.
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Sushi Groove
Cuisine: Sushi Japanese
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Russian Hill |
12/31/2004
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Very busy and packed sushi house. So so sushi...stick with the rolls as the sashimi is not their strong point. The rolls and portions are HUGE...you will be full and the bill will surprise you...LOW$. I've tried the bento meals as well as the udon which were okay. Kitaro is a sushi spot that I hit when I'm downing killer margaritas at Tommys and don't want to eat Mexican.
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Kitaro Restaurant
Cuisine: sushi japanese
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Outer Richmond |
12/31/2004
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Fabulous Sushi, pristine fish, and very well run. Service is very good even though it is family run. Everything I had was amazing. Parking is difficult, but worth venturing out.
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Kabuto Sushi
Cuisine: Sushi Japanese
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Outer Richmond |
12/31/2004
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Decent sushi with the usual rotating sushi boats. Definitely not expensive so order that Sapporo and grab that Hamachi.
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Isobune
Cuisine: sushi japanese
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Japantown |
12/31/2004
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Cool environment with the techno music and the anime videos running. The food is okay, I would rate the sushi a 7/10...but they have some fun specialty rolls. Fairly expensive for the amount of food you get...this is one of the restaurants you take a date or a couple friends from out of town to "experience", but not as one of your fave sushi spots. I've been there many times...and I don't know why I've gone back...because after dropping $$$, we always grab another meal a little bit later.
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Blowfish, Sushi To Die For
Cuisine: Californian Japanese Sushi
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Mission |
12/31/2004
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Decent sushi, but nothing spectacular. The sushi rolls were okay, but the sashimi is not to be recommended. Used to go during my younger Marina days, but if you want sushi...go to Ebisu.
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Ace Wasabi's
Cuisine: Japanese Sushi
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Marina |
12/31/2004
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