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An amazing combination of excellent service, wonderful food and great value. I am a sucker for the comfort of French onion soup and this version did not disappoint. I was very grateful for the faithful rendition of this classic. My dining partner reported his stuffed crab starter (only $8) delicious. My main course of flat iron steak with pearl onion beignets (best thing ever!), salt roasted potatoes and greens was completely hearty and satisfying (only $21). My partners roast chicken with chicken liver spaetlze was succulent and anything but the usually boring preparation. We shared the apple fritters for desert which are an absolute must order. Served with a bowl of cointreau/chestnut milk shake for dipping, this was one of the best deserts I have ever had. Coffee wasn't great, but then that does make it rather authentic French! Our server was very efficient, friendly and down to earth. We really enjoyed his conversation and service. I so wish this place was in my 'hood!
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Bistro 1689
Cuisine: California French
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Noe Valley |
12/23/2006
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Oh man, I don't like seeming ungrateful or hurting nice people's feelings, but I can't give Viva a full on positive rating. I will however say this is a very enthusiastic neutral. Dinner was on the house, which was very nice and the servers were friendly. The calamari appetizer was quite good and the shared cesar salad was as well. Our pasta dishes were very adequate. A nice simple red sauce with spaghetti was really warming on a cold night. If this place were in my neighborhood, it would definitely be on the take out list or a place to go on those nights when I didn't want to wander too far, but not good enough to go across town for. Beats Pasta Pomodoro in my book, which is a good thing.
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Viva Restaurant
Cuisine: Pizza Italian Seafood
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North Beach |
12/22/2006
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Outstanding Mexican food in SF, what a concept. Don 't look for steamed burrittos and enchiladas here. Very nicely prepared traditional Mexican dishes. Although they still don't touch Dona Tomas, the carnitas are not to be missed. The freshly prepared guacamole served with delicious petite fresh corn tortillas is some of the best I have had anywhere. They do a nice job with chicken and fish as well. All the sauces I have tried are excellent. Full flavored, but nicely subtle. The theatre crowd is lucky to have this near by. I can't wait to try the brunch.
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Colibri Mexican Bistro
Cuisine: Mexican Small Plates
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Downtown |
11/17/2006
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Well I had been wondering why I was not enjoying Indian Oven as much lately. Aslam's food is amazing. I had an amazing meal here. All the dishes we tried were fantastic. They have a really nice Chenin Blanc from India that really complements the food. Very warm, friendly service and a lovely atmosphere. Definitely my new favorite.
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Aslam's Rasoi
Cuisine: Pakistani Indian
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Mission |
10/28/2006
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When we lived near by, we ate here until we were sick of the place. The food is good. Nothing is spectacular, just solid. The atmosphere is really relaxed and fun. Lot's of families and people just having a good time. Even the grumpies in the crowd have to grin when everyone in the place sings happy birthday (the real one, not some chain restaurant we are afraid to get sued version) to someone and the Zza's sign lights up. This is especially true after a few decent house wines from a water glass.
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Zza's Trattoria
Cuisine: Italian
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Oakland |
10/3/2006
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An interesting theme here with the complaints about the menu not sounding appetizing. I have to agree. But I also agree that once I make a decision, I have always loved everything I have ordered. It is rather expensive and it is not possible to go cheap and just order small items. Even the entrees are rather petite. I do look forward to going here when I can though. It is slightly off the radar, but as good as any of the benchmark restaurants in the bay area.
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Oliveto Cafe & Restaurant
Cuisine: Italian
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Oakland |
10/3/2006
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I find the food to be very mediocre. The place smells a little funny. The train is really fun though.
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Claremont Diner
Cuisine: American (Traditional)
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Oakland |
10/3/2006
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The fried chicken sandwich is so good, it freaks me out! I have been known to not eat all day so I can have one of these and still stick to my diet. Perfectly fried chicken breast topped with a simple oil and vinegar cole slaw with red onion, jalapeno slices, salt and pepper on a nice soft, but substantial role. Perfection! They have baked goods?.......ok, I have tried the chocolate cupcakes, the brownies and the lemon bars. They are all good, but the chicken sandwich is the reason to go.
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Bakesale Betty's
Cuisine: Bakeries
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Oakland |
10/3/2006
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Named after the inexplicably legal in California practice of motorcycles sharing the same space in a single lane with cars, Lane Splitter hits the spot. This place made it hard to leave Oakland. It became our place to relax, hangout and have great thin crust pizza and a good beer selection. The crowd is a pleasant mix of alterna twenty somethings (the east bay variety don't have as much attitude as the SF kids), family types and regular joe's from the neighborhood. Their lunch specials are and amazing value. I miss you!
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Lanesplitter Pizza & Pub
Cuisine: Pizza Italian
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Berkeley |
10/3/2006
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This is a really nice little neighborhood spot in Oakland. Friendly service and serviceable pizza.
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Spettro
Cuisine: Italian Eclectic
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Oakland |
10/3/2006
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The atmosphere at dinner had me all ready for a neutral or negative. The room felt Denny's like and the huge flat panel TV silently glowing above the whole place was off putting (why is this so popular in restaurants these days?). The menu was ok for a quick dinner. When the food arrived, it all changed. My partner had one of the great couscous dishes and I had a sort of philly style/pannini hybrid thingy with fries. Everything was super great. The service was efficient and polite. I would go again for something easy and low key. I might ask them to turn off that damn TV though.
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Cafe Grillades
Cuisine: Mediterranean
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Hayes Valley |
10/3/2006
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Nice looking little diner in the super cute Noe Valley area. The lighting is a bit intense at night. It's really bright! But the place is clean, the ingredients are all high quality and assembled with care, so even if the menu isn't very exciting, it is dependable. The cheesecake we had for desert was from a bakery in the neighborhood. It was one of the best I have had anywhere. It was also served out of one of those glass refrigerated cases right by the front door that took me back to my days in late night diners in Chicago. Luckily, the food was a lot better and I wasn't plastered.
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Toast
Cuisine: American
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Noe Valley |
10/3/2006
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The Front Porch ooozes charm. My dining companion and I had great dishes including a simple green salad with a delicious sugarcane mustard dressing, scrumptious fried chicken with great sides and a decent burger. In theory I like what they are doing with the wine list. Contrary to popular belief, some box and jug wines are quite drinkable, but the Three Thieves stuff does not fit that category in my opinion. In another little nod to kitsch, one of the desert choices is a chocolate frosted yellow cake. I am such a sucker. Even with Mitchell's within eyesight, I had to have it. It was not a disappointment. They even put a scoop on Mitchell's vanilla on the side to quash any final qualms. I agree with others that the servers seem to really be enjoying themselves. The service is a grea combination of frienldy, casual and effecient that is so rare in our somewhat snooty city. I quite like this place.
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The Front Porch
Cuisine: Soul Food Caribbean
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Mission |
10/3/2006
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ummm, it could go either way really. I remember liking Ella's several years ago before the expansion. I have been twice recently and had a very disappointing lunch (veggie burger) and an ok breakfast. The baked goods are nice and my partner enjoyed his chicken hash. My bacon and eggs were a step up from adequate. I guess I would be more enthusiastic if it was in my neighborhood, but I don't feel the need to make a special trip.
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Ella's Restaurant
Cuisine: American (Traditional)
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Presidio Heights |
10/3/2006
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I am probably being completely unfair. I loved Tallula, the imaginative and exciting home of Indian cuisine formerly at this location. The food was great and so was the atmosphere. When I saw a the menu at Bullshead, I thought, ok, it looks like yet another comfort food place in the Castro, but I love burgers and steaks so I will give it a chance. I like that they offer organic and buffalo meats. The burger I had was good, but nothing special. The bun was pretty embarrassing for the price. It could have been purchased off the shelf from Cala across the street. An unappetizing green tomato slice rested on the burger. That was down right insulting in August in California. The decor and atmosphere have been efficiently stripped of any warmth and interest. I am giving it a neutral because the service was friendly and I recognize my sadness over losing Tallula could be affecting my feelings, but I actually think I am being generous.
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Bullshead
Cuisine: Hamburgers
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Castro |
9/8/2006
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In some ways I was sad to see B and J's move out of the neighborhood and the crabby vibe of the staff remains, but the gelato here is great. Way too many amazing choices of interesting flavors. Don't miss the sorbets as well.
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Naia
Cuisine: Dessert Gelato
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Castro |
9/2/2006
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A group of 13 enjoyed a festive and tasty birthday celebration. The salad is indeed delicious and all the fondues we sampled were great. The side of sausage to dip in the cheese was quite good. The broth meat fondues were a big hit. They are nice way to avoid the overwhelming oil smell at your table. They had a swiss wine that was simple but very nice. Service was friendly but the timing wasn't so great.
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Matterhorn Swiss Restaurant
Cuisine: Swiss Fondue
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Polk St./Van Ness |
9/2/2006
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I had decent huevos rancheros here. The rice was a little bland, but the refried beans were very nice. It will do when I need my mexican breakfast fix and don't want to slog to the east bay to go to Picante
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La Tortilla Restaurant
Cuisine: Mexican
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Castro |
9/2/2006
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Oh how I heart Quince! My partner and I went for our anniversary and had perhaps the best of the 12 anniversary dinners so far. The service was impeccable and very friendly. Every dish we ordered was exquisite. Order at least one kind of pasta and any lamb dish they have. They have a nice wine list and great deserts. Quince is a really nice place for a special meal.
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Quince
Cuisine: Italian
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Pacific Heights |
8/29/2006
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I love the food. They hate the baby. My friends have a baby and this sort of place is perfect because it's loud enough that an occasional baby hoot isn't going to bother anyone, it in fact goes unnoticed. Even with that, my friends are the types of parents that you love that take the baby outside if the loud noises last for more than five seconds. They still hate the baby. Because the baby is with us, we often come earlyish. 6p or so. Every time we have gotten the same story from the hostess. You have to be done by (arbitrary time), we have a large group coming in. Our group is the mom and three largish men and the baby. We order a lot of food. We tip very well. They still hate the baby. My partner and I have gone on our own a couple of times and have never seen all those large tables full and we never run into that big party that is waiting for our table. So, why do we return, well the food is really good. The atmosphere works for us and we love the baby.
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Solstice Restaurant & Lounge
Cuisine: American (New) Eclectic
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Pacific Heights |
8/29/2006
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If you are going to eat at a chain place, you could do a lot worse. The lettuce cups are dilish and the vegetables are all fresh and great. Good dumplings and crispy honey chicken is a guilty pleasure. Sometimes, the wait to get in does not justify the experience though.
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PF Chang's
Cuisine: Chinese Asian
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Emeryville |
8/11/2006
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It gets a positive for me soley based on the availability of a chocolate cream pie! The burgers are maybe slightly better than average fast food. But like I said, chocolate cream pie!
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Nation's Giant Hamburgers
Cuisine: Hamburgers
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Pinole |
8/11/2006
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They have a great Croque Madame. I think this place would cut it in France. Along with some of the best bistro food, I have also had some of the worst in Paris. I did not sense any of the short cut methods mentioned in other reviews. I give it a thumbs up for location, atmosphere and very decent food.
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Cafe De La Presse
Cuisine: French (Bistro)
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Downtown |
8/11/2006
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This was a favorite when I lived in the East Bay. The home fries with salsa, guacamole, sour cream and cheese make me smile (and do an extra day at the gym). Nothing here is spectacular or particularly imaginative. Just very consistent standard breakfast. Lot's of really nice wait staff too.
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The Homemade Cafe
Cuisine: American (Traditional)
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Berkeley |
8/11/2006
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Love it. The atmosphere is great. Sitting at the communal table in the middle is the most fun. Seemed plenty comfortable to me and I am a big boy. All the items we got were fresh and delicious (I have had plenty of tapas in Spain). The Bocadillios (little sanwiches) are the highlight in my opinion. The serrano ham is the bomb. Our group of three left stuffed for a reasonable amount of money. Highly recommended.
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Bocadillos
Cuisine: Tapas
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North Beach |
8/11/2006
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Hmmm, totally different experience for me. My initial reaction was, "just what we need, another place offering comfort food in the Castro". But of course I could not resist trying. I found the atmosphere to be lively and fun (even with the awful high energy dance music) if a little cozy. All of the half dozen or so small plates we had were great. The martinis were passable. I felt the food was a little better than Lime actually (and I quite like Lime). At first I wasn't too keen on these types ultra trendy looking bar/restaurant hybrids, but both Lime and Crave are a sort of fun San Francisco twist on the old "gastro pub". Great fun for dinner with friends that have short attention spans and smaller appetites than you.
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Crave
Cuisine: Small Plates
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Castro |
8/10/2006
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Meat coma, indeed. This place offers a very fun dining experience. The perfect spot for those that have a hard time chosing from a menu. You don't have to miss out on anything here. The parade of meat is extensive and tasty. I am not convinced any of it is the best you will ever have, but it's all good and the variety is a kick. Ok, the salad bar is not four star, but then you really aren't coming here for salad are you?....are you? Anyway, have a very light breakfast, skip lunch and go for dinner. Prepare to exercise vigorously the following day and you will be fine.
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Espetus Churrascaria
Cuisine: Brazilian
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Civic Center |
8/10/2006
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Pork Tenderloin! You have to try it. A16 is on my list of current favorites. It's fun to get menu items family style. Make sure to order a pizza for the table. Beautifully thin crust and just a touch of fresh rich sauce. Nice Italian wines, good service and reasonably priced. What more could you want?
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A16
Cuisine: Italian Wine Bar
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Marina |
8/10/2006
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I love NOPA. For me, it gets everything right. The atmosphere is great. Very lively and fun. The food is fantastic. May be "been there, done that" for some, but I think there are some really nice takes on what is quickly becoming an over done, often poorly executed food genre; comfort food. The burger rivals one of my fancy burger favorite's, Zuni. Order it medium rare though, that grass fed meat can be dry. The Gigante bean (can't remember exactly what is was called) app. was super good. They have a nice wine list and the service on my five visits has been super friendly, a seeming rarity in the city it seems sometimes. Oh yeah, the hot chocolate is the bomb.
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NOPA
Cuisine: Mediterranean Greek
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Western Addition |
8/10/2006
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Very few places so completely take me back to the French bistros in Paris as does Bistro Jeanty. Every dish is a hit. Don't miss the daube de'boeuf and the coq au vin. The tomato soup en croute is heaven in a bowl. A ridiculous number of amazing deserts await the end of your meal. Only one disappointment. Over the years more and more of the French wines on the list have been displaced by Napa Valley selections. OK, you are in Napa, so you should have some local choices. But it's a shame to eat such wonderful French food with typical over extracted, over oaked, Robert Parker porn wines. It's fine that the Napa Valley has developed it's own style of Americanized, loud over bearing wines that Mr. Parker loves to promote, but I would much rather have an elegant French original with my lovely French meal. Send me hate mail and tell me I am a wine wimp if you must.
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Bistro Jeanty
Cuisine: French (Bistro)
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Napa |
8/10/2006
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Wow, I have only been here for breakfast on the weekends, so I don't have as much rhapsodic praise as others. I can report that the breakfast is quite nice. The Chupecabra is my favorite. The atmosphere is nice and laid back. The music can be too loud. In the four times I have been, I have never encountered "warm" or even very friendly service, but it has been efficiently neutral. It's the perfect backup for when I can't stand in that line at Dottie's. It also comes highly recommended for dinner by close friends.
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Canteen
Cuisine: Californian
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Tenderloin |
8/10/2006
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I won the seventy five dollar dinner for two and was really glad we weren't using our own money in total. The sixty dollars for drinks, tax and tip was more than I was happy spending on what we got. It started ok with the truffle parmesan fries. My cesar salad was utterly inedible. Super fishy and way to salty for human consumption (and I really like salt). Our entrees were ok, but not terribly memorable. Dessert was an embarrassment. Both of our dishes had ice cream and it was freezer burned and full of ice crystals. The wine list is boring and predictable. We were one of three tables in the whole place at 8pm. Obviously I must have been there on a terribly off night given the high number of positive ratings, but I just can't give it a second chance.
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Soluna Cafe and Lounge
Cuisine: Californian
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Civic Center |
7/30/2006
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I am not sure I understand the hype. The pizza is just ok. It was my first visit so I started with a basic margherita. It was very bland. I don't like the crust. The thin part is rubbery and the edges are thick and flavorless. Now the sides are a different story. The pasta fagioli soup was super and the cannoli was tops. Next problem is the how fast it all adds up. You can really break the bank on a fairly simple meal. I am not real hyped to try it again.
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Pizzeria Delfina
Cuisine: Pizza
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Mission |
4/16/2006
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For some reason the sign outside this place always made me wary. I am very glad I got over it. This is one of the best French Bistros in the bay area. All the bistro favorites are great. Service is friendly and the open kitchen is fun to watch. Liaison gives any place in The City a run for it's money.
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Bistro Liaison
Cuisine: French (Bistro)
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Berkeley |
4/9/2006
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The crust on their pizza is a bit more robust than I like, but they still make a good thin crust. The BBQ chicken pizza is a nice change up when you want something different from your pizza. They do a decent roast chicken and good salads as well.
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Pizza Rustica
Cuisine: Italian Pizza
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Oakland |
4/9/2006
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Zax has got a great fancy burger and fries. The soups are always on and the beef short ribs are as good as you are going to find anywhere. Deserts are quite good also. Don't miss the warm pressed sanwiches for a lighter meal as well. The decor is warm, intimate and lively. I don't go to Zax as often as I should.
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Zax Tavern
Cuisine: Californian Mediterranean
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Berkeley |
4/9/2006
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The decor inside is quite interesting. The food however is very lackluster. The samosas had a strange bleach like taste to them as well. Service was curt and slow.
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Maharaja Indian Restaurant
Cuisine: Indian
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Mission |
4/7/2006
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They have a great brunch! Great place to go if you are looking for some more unusual choices. All the standards are good, but they also have some unique things like Indian brunch and you can get s**take and oyster mushrooms in your omelet rather than plain ol white or crimini. The Nantucket flap jacks are heartier than your average buttermilk. They are also doing right by including as many organic ingredients as well. I went for dinner once and was not quite as impressed, but maybe I was just having a grumpy night because the brunch is super!
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Venus
Cuisine: Californian
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Berkeley |
4/7/2006
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Homey without being hokey. Well prepared traditional dishes without a lot of fussiness. It's like going to someone's house for a family meal where the cook is really good. The large communal table in the small dining area adds to this vibe. Service can be hit or miss, but it's always pleasant and trying hard at least. Breakfast and Brunch items are not to be missed and the dinner specials are often quite good. Beware, they are somewhat afraid of salt, so that makes what could be a really great pot pie pretty bland. That's the only real complaint though.
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Rick & Ann's
Cuisine: American (Traditional)
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Berkeley |
4/7/2006
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More than meets the eye at this traditional looking 50's shtick diner. They make lots of diner favorites, but use as much organic and local products as possible! What a combo. Everything I have had here is great. The burgers, chili dogs and grown up stuff too is all great. They pride themselves on great service rather than the rude diner thing, which I never find funny. Try it out, it's worth the drive.
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Bubba's Diner
Cuisine: Coffee Shops/Diners
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San Anselmo |
4/7/2006
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When Cactus moved to their new location, they created perhaps the strangest combination of modern design and decor with taqueria food. They also left the old sign for the corner store that had been there before which is quirky fun. The burritos are good and the ingredients seem to be of fairly high quality. Some will complain that the burritos are smaller in size and more expensive than most taquerias. I am ok with that since the quality seems high and I don't always need a burrito that is larger than my head.
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Cactus Taqueria
Cuisine: Mexican
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Oakland |
4/7/2006
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Really great breakfast food. Nice decor. Another place where you will wait an unreasonable amount of time for a table on the weekends, but if you are up for it, it will be worth it.
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Blackberry Bistro
Cuisine: American (Traditional)
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Oakland |
4/7/2006
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Nice little place right by the park. A good place to go when the line is out the door at Tartine if all you want is some coffee. The coffee is good. The pastry selection is small and merely adequate. They have a fairly wide range of sandwiches and hearty breakfast items. Very friendly service.
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Dolores Park Cafe
Cuisine: Coffee Shops
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Mission |
4/7/2006
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I was first attracted to Juan's because it's look and to some extent, it's food reminded me of the hole in the wall family owned joints my family used to frequent when I was a kid in Texas. The cheese enchilada's definitely took me back to that time. Unfortunately, without fail, they also lead to severe intestinal cramps! That's as much detail as I am going to go into on that subject. As a result I finally gave up going there, so I still miss the cheese enchiladas, the Latino family atmosphere, bright colors and festive music from my childhood.
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Juan's Place
Cuisine: Mexican
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Berkeley |
4/6/2006
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Funny the review below sounds pretty positive, but only a neutral rating. That actually sums up how I feel as well. It all should add up to a positive, but just doesn't for some reason. The food will pass for a weekend brunch, but it's nothing to get overly excited about. No menu item will get you all dreamy wanting to come back. The atmosphere leaves a bit to be desired as well. It always seems to smell of old frying oil and the lighting is sort of b-movie quality.
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Jimmy Bean's
Cuisine: Californian Coffeeshop / Diner
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Berkeley |
4/6/2006
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Quite the hidden little gem. Sort of Chez Panisse junior. That is a huge complement. Great ingredients made in to comfortable, not overwrought dishes. Good atmosphere and service. The location feels almost residential which is sort of interesting. A great place to go when tables are available and Chez Panisse is booked or you need a change (like that is ever going to happen!).
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Lalime's
Cuisine: Californian Mediterranean
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Berkeley |
4/6/2006
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Kind of an "indy" Denny's and that's not such a bad thing. Decent burgers and pasta. Pretty good mac and cheese . All the pasta based dishes need a little salt. The deserts bump it up from a neutral to positive. They operate a bakery next door and the sweets are great. Very nice stuff.
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FatApple's
Cuisine: Coffeeshop / Diner
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Berkeley |
4/6/2006
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I t think this is a fine little neighborhood spot. Good appetizers. I enjoyed my very non traditional chicken tortilla roll up thingies. My partner had a noodle and chicken dish that he enjoyed. The service was friendly and the back patio was fun. We split a very tasty slice of chocolate cake for a sweet. This isn't fine dining, but it's nice enough.
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Nirvana
Cuisine: Pan-Asain
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Castro |
4/3/2006
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Cover your ears and eyes, likers of "authentic" Asian cuisine! I quite like the Zao's chain. I was disappointed when the location in the Castro near my house closed. This location is near my work, so I still get to go fairly often. I really enjoy the veggie spring roles and the Bangkok Chicken Satay salad. My friend that I usually have lunch with is a big fan of Asian cuisine of all kinds and like Zao's so perhaps it will work for the purists.
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Zao Noodle Bar
Cuisine: Noodle Shop Pan-Asian
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Emeryville |
3/27/2006
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The question that is on my mind the whole time I am here is "where is the hotel? " The food is so much like hotel food. Standard seafood and steak stuff complete with rice pilaf. It's not horrible, but I can't think of a good reason to go here other than on accident.
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Skates on the Bay
Cuisine: Seafood American California
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Berkeley |
3/27/2006
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I love weekend brunch and I am thoroughly obessessed with the huevos rancheros here. Every weekday I slog the commute to the east bay from the city for work. I find myself coming right back most Sundays and sometimes Saturdays too. I keep searching for an equivalent in the city and after a year have had no success. When I can force myself to order something different I get the enfrijoladas. They have delicious Mexican hot chocolate. The flan is tops. The burritos are pretty good and the manchamanteles tacos are great. The tortas are not the best you have ever had. There are some down sides. Occasionally there are consistency problems. Mind you the dishes are never bad, just sometimes not "on". The larger dining area is a little cave like and don't get me wrong, I like kids but this place is super kid friendly so be prepared for a romper room type atmosphere when it's busy. No matter, this is my favorite brunch in the whole world!
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Picante Cocina Mexicana
Cuisine: Mexican
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Berkeley |
3/27/2006
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I am really looking forward to turning this to a positive review. We stumbled in by accident on a trial run day. They were trying really hard to please. The service was a bit uneven and slow, but they were begging for feedback and seemed like they had a strong desire to improve. The food was ok. We had some very good nachos as an appetizer. The table had chicken enchiladas, a veggie quesidilla and a sampler of tacos. Nothing was super great, but it was all passable. I too have faith that when a place actually cares, they have a chance to improve and I believe they can do it. here.
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Tortilla Heights
Cuisine: Mexican
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Pacific Heights |
3/25/2006
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Great place to get your sausage and hot dog fix. All the meats taste great. The owners definitely have some strange political agenda that I can't quite figure out. Looks like some Libertarian propaganda to go with your meats on a bun. Anyhow, it is all delicious.
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Top Dog
Cuisine: Hot Dogs
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Berkeley |
3/25/2006
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Ok, I will split the difference. I do agree that you shouldn't be looking for a gourmet meal here and yep, my mom visiting from Texas was just fine with the place. The food could be better though and you have to admit the decor inside is really dark and devoid of natural sunlight. I did enjoy my captains platter the last time I was here and you can get some awesome sandwiches at the counter next door to the main restaurant. It is a big improvement over, say Bubba Gumps. At least you don't have to look at a lot of stupid movie memorabilia. But, with the sky high prices not translating into high quality ingredients, I can't go full on green.
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Spenger's Fresh Fish Grotto
Cuisine: Seafood
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Berkeley |
3/25/2006
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Every town has to have it's breakfast place that people are hysterical enough about to wait ridiculous lengths of time to get into and put up with service that quit caring a long time ago.. I had quit waiting in the massive line for quite a while before I moved back to the city. I found the food worth it on weekdays at odd hours, but never on the weekend. In the early days it was different, before I had gotten my fill of delicious breakfast favorites. The standards are the best here. Mama's is one of the few places that gets home fries right and they serve them with a nice dollop of sour cream. The house made salsa that is brought the the table tastes so good, it's part of the special taste you get for the place. Add to that the superlative quality bacon and some of the best espresso drinks around and you will probably find yourself spending inordinate portions of your weekend waiting in line to get in until you can get the monkey off your back.
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Mama's Royal Cafe
Cuisine: American (Traditional)
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Oakland |
3/25/2006
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Every dish I have every had here was very good. The breakfast and brunch items are all very good. Diner type stuff is excellent as well. They have a really good chilli dog. Their fancier grown up food is good as well. The wait is pretty terrible, but if you work in teams, some can go shop while others keep your place in line.
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Bette's Oceanview Diner
Cuisine: Coffee Shops/Diners
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Berkeley |
3/25/2006
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It seems mean not to love an Ice Cream shop. We did really miss Fenton's when it was closed after a fire for a while. When it reopened it was more spacious and it was an even cuter old fashined ice cream parlor than before. Here's the problem. The ice cream is only mediocre. For a place making it on site it could be so much better. The food is quintisential excuse food. Just below mediocre. It's still fun to go on a warm night and enjoy the communal ice cream fun vibe. However when I lived in Oakland I must confess that on more than one occasion I drove all the way into the city to go to Mitchell's. So I have to say that I only like Fenton's I can't love it.
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Fenton's Creamery
Cuisine: Dessert
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Oakland |
3/24/2006
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Good selection of wine and spirits and delicious Spanish inspired tapas. This is a great place to have appetizers and drinks while you wait for your table at Chez Panisse.
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César
Cuisine: Spanish Tapas
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Berkeley |
3/24/2006
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I think places that hate their customers are weird. The vibe here with the rudely worded signs, rigid rules and minimal service is off putting. They don't serve their pressed grilled sandwiches until noon, ok. The lady in front of me reached the register after having stood in line for a good ten minutes and upon reaching the register at 1150 was told they would not even take her order. She (and I) had to go to the back of the line and wait. We got back in line at 1155. When we reached the order taker at 1159, there was an actual discussion between a counter person and a manager type about whether or not it was ok to let us order! That discussion took about a minute and so we were allowed to order. I was boiling, but hungry. So will I ever return? This is the most amazing bakery I have ever experienced in all my travels. It makes me understand the whole SM relationship thing now. The sandwich, latte and eclair I had will absolutely have me begging master for more.
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Tartine Bakery
Cuisine: Bakeries
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Mission |
3/23/2006
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Where to start. This is the birthplace of California Cuisine. This is the place that is always in the back of my mind wherever, whenever I am eating. No place has ever compared. If you are looking for hyper technique, foams, air, highly manipulated food, towering presentations, you will very disappointed. The best way I can sum it up is that every single dish down to each single ingredient will be the very best version you have ever had. Some people might find a single peach served in a bowl for dessert pretentious or a let down, but it will be the best peach you have ever had. It will be from a grower very near by and that the restaurant has a relationship with. Eating local, in season and organic shouldn't be a foreign idea, but it is unfortunately for most. There is no place in world I would rather eat than here. It's not about presentation or food science. It is a celebration of food.
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Chez Panisse Café
Cuisine: Californian Mediterranean
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Berkeley |
3/23/2006
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I lived in Chicago for three years in between moving from Texas and the Bay Area. Chicago style pizza was one of my favorite things about one of my favorite cities. I have seen more than one review of Zachary's refer to the pizza as Chicago style deep dish. It's not. It is stuffed pizza. Deep dish refers to a medium thick crust pizza with toppings directly on the crust, cheese, then sauce above that (see Patxi's in the city). Stuffed pizza has a slightly thinner crust cheese and fillings another thin layer of crust, then sauce. Zachary's is right up there with the best stuffed pizza I ever had in Chicago. A bonus is that they also make very good (not up to NY standards) thin crust pizza. I wish they were a little more customer friendly. The cash only thing is ridiculous and the service almost always makes you feel like you are a nuisance to them. They seem to know the great pizza will make you come back for more abuse and they are, for better or for worse, right.
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Zachary's Chicago Pizza
Cuisine: Pizza
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Oakland |
3/23/2006
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Nice and intimate little spot. Very good country Italian food and a very nice wine list. The thin crust pizza's are a must. Service is nice.
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Dopo
Cuisine: Italian
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Oakland |
3/23/2006
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I don't think this one is worth crossing the bay for (east coast west is better), but Saul's would be great to have in your neighborhood. All the deli favorites are here. I found the Pastrami Reuben to be OK. The meat was a little too fatty and the sandwich overall was not terribly substantial for $10 in my opinion. All six of us had sweets and everyone was happy. The Bobka in particular was a favorite. Egg Creams, Phosphates, it was all good. The service was really nice. We had a very charming and efficient server. A positive experience.
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Saul's Restaurant & Delicatessen
Cuisine: Deli Jewish
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Berkeley |
3/22/2006
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Going to this place makes me feel like I am back in my college days. Right near campus, it's jam packed with students coming in for the mass quantities of comforting food. The sandwiches are all on fantastic fresh baked sandwich bread. The chicken salad is my favorite. A half a sandwich is usually plenty for lunch for me. The salads are huge and delicious. A great value. The staff ranges from friendly and helpful to way too cool for school. Great place to go when you are hungry after hours of shopping at Amoeba Records.
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Cafe Intermezzo
Cuisine: American (Traditional) Coffeehouse
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Berkeley |
3/22/2006
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Tacubaya's biggest challenge is that it is owned by the folks that brought us Dona Tomas and has to live up to that promise. Well it does pretty well at that. A simpler more casual menu than DT. Almost taqueria like without the burritos. Again some complain that it is expensive, but the ingredients are top quality. The Torta Al Pastor is tops. Fresh grilled sweet corn sprinkled with cayenne and lime in the summertime with a Mexican coke, you can't beat it. Best of all you can get the Churros that are only occasional on the DT menu everyday at Tacubaya!
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Tacubaya
Cuisine: Mexican
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Berkeley |
3/21/2006
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Oh how I wish we had Gregoire in the City! It's primarily a take out place. There are only a few seats at a small bar and some outside seating. The food is all top quality bistro favorites; steak frites etc. just as good as you would find in the best full service places. Such a reliable fall back when you don't feel like cooking and don't feel like going out.
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Gregoire
Cuisine: French
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Berkeley |
3/21/2006
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This place is chaos, but what fun! Delicious Indian snack food. The only eating utensils are plastic sforks and the paper plates are thin and flimsy. The line goes out the door, your food comes out at random times and everyones name sounds the same coming out of the cheap mike and speakers. Once that all gets sorted out and you find a seat, all is good. The food here is street food, festival food. Great flavors that never disappoint. The samosas with chick peas are the best!
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Vik's Chaat Corner
Cuisine: Indian
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Berkeley |
3/21/2006
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This is another place that I want to be great, but falls a bit short. The decor is modern slick and very attractive. A nice change from the usual kitschy BBQ decor. The first visit shortly after opening was great. Very good ribs and solid if not revelatory brisket. Sides were to die for. A potato salad that wasn't an afterthought and great BBQ beans. We had fantastic onion rings as an appetizer with spicy ketchup. Return visits have disappointed. The ribs are still great, but the onion rings have disappeared, the potato salad went bland and forgettable and the prices no longer seem justifiable with the lack of attention to detail. It seems like maybe the owners here learned how to make some great ribs, but don't have a real passion for BBQ. I will probably keep checking back in from time to time to see if things improve.
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T Rex Barbecue
Cuisine: Barbecue
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Berkeley |
3/21/2006
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My absolute favorite Indian food in the bay area. The menu changes frequently and there are usually only about 6-8 dishes on offer. Everything I have ever had has been exquisite. They use high quality ingredients, free range meats and such. This is not buffet food plated and brought to your table. Every dish is meticulously prepared. They tend to be more adventurous with their offerings. Funny enough the only dish that I have ever been disappointed in is their take on the Chicken Tikka Masala you find in almost every Indian restaurant. Other than that one, you can't go wrong. They are also one of the few places you can get Navarro wines outside of the winery. The riesling goes so well with the spicy food.
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Breads of India & Gourmet Curries
Cuisine: Indian
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Berkeley |
3/21/2006
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I was really happy when this large attractive version of Everett and Jones opened near Jack London Square. It is nice to have a nice dining atmosphere available to the BBQ crowd. This chain is an institution in the East Bay. I want the food to be a lot better. They seem to rush things and with BBQ that is bad. The last time I ordered ribs they were underdone and tough. Pork ribs should fall off the bone. The sauces are little too sweet for my taste. The neutral rating may be a tad tough, but I like my BBQ and I wish E and J would pay more attention to the details and show a little more love.
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Everett & Jones Barbeque
Cuisine: Southern Barbecue
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Oakland |
3/21/2006
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This place is what Cafe Marimba should have been, the new Mamacita's aspires to be, what Maya only dreams of achieving and Tres Agaves so far has miserably failed to approach. Running with the ideas put forth by California cuisine birth mother Alice Waters (local, organic, fresh, simple, seasonal) and applying it to non-taqueria style Mexican food, Dona Tomas hits a home run on every dish. They know their Mexican food here and have actually found their inspiration in Mexico rather than the Mission (not that there is anything wrong with Mexican food in the Mission). Deep, complex flavors in every sauce. You won't find burritos here. You will find the best Carnitas ever, delicious seafood dishes and other wonderful traditional dishes from Mexico. Sure it's pricey, but it's worth a splurge.
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Dona Tomas
Cuisine: Mexican
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Oakland |
3/20/2006
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I really think the Max's in the city are just ok, but this location is not good at all. Everything is really greasy and not so fresh tasting. The atmosphere is rather dank as well.
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Max's
Cuisine: Deli Sandwiches
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Redwood City |
3/20/2006
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Super fun, homey favorites Some might go because they find it kitschy, I go because I genuinely like it. Definitely an older crowd and the atmosphere that goes with that. The place feels like it's in a time warp, but in a good way. The fried chicken is great as well as the chicken parmesan. I love going here when I am feeling worn down by the hip factor of The City. I will be sad if the Von Dutch trucker cap crowd ever finds this place.
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Casa Orinda
Cuisine: American (Traditional)
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Orinda |
3/20/2006
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Really good German food here. The jaeger schnitzel is particularly nice. I am not so crazy about the communal seating tables, but if you get lucky you will get an individual table.
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Speisekammer
Cuisine: German
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Alameda |
3/20/2006
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The last time I was at Joe's the food was only ok and the service was friendly, but terrible. I wouldn't go out of my way to go here.
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Joe's Taco Lounge & Salsaria
Cuisine: Mexican
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Mill Valley |
3/20/2006
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Pretty reliable Marin County spot. Good burgers and steaks. Friends have reported their fish dishes to be good. I like the sort of lodge type feeling in the main dining room with the big fireplace. The bar is a nice place to have a quick lunch as well.
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Buckeye Roadhouse
Cuisine: Steakhouse
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Mill Valley |
3/20/2006
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Dinner here was good. Sort of comfort/california in style. I am not crazy about the lunch menu. It seems really expensive for what you get.
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Townhouse Bar & Grill
Cuisine: Californian
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Emeryville |
3/20/2006
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This place is right next door to my office. The food isn't bad, but I would never make a special trip to dine here. Simple Italian dishes. The pasta is often over cooked and the sauces watery. Maybe the dinner menu is different and/or better. The fellow that serves up pastries and makes coffee drinks in the morning is very friendly and makes the start of the work day pleasant.
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Bucci's
Cuisine: Californian Mediterranean
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Emeryville |
3/20/2006
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Today was the first day for their brunch menu and it was fantastic. The food took a little too long to come out, but this was the only negative. Our server was very friendly and apologized for the wait. The food was great. I had the huevos rancheros and my partner had a Latin take on eggs benedict (a hollandaise like sauce with a hint of chipotle and delicious biscuits instead of english muffins). Both dishes were right on. The menu was full of choices that I can't wait to try next time! Update: Mamacita's goes from a potential weekly obsession to a maybe every month or two diversion. Now they don't open until 11am, the actual brunch menu choices have been reduced to four and this last visit the food was still taking way to long to come out of the kitchen. It's all still very tasty, but I have a bad feeling I am going to get bored and fed up.
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Mamacita
Cuisine: Mexican Nuevo Latino
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Marina |
2/25/2006
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We sort of fell into this place one night and had a nice meal. They have a nice menu with more than just bar food. I had a great pulled pork sandwhich and others in our party had everything from pasta to salmon and everyone enjoyed their meal. Service is not the best, but not too annoying.
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Kezar Bar and Restaurant
Cuisine: American
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Haight-Ashbury/Cole Valley |
2/6/2006
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My experience here was perfect. The food was certainly better than any of the other German places I have been in the city. Fantastic Jaeger schnitzel! They let us taste all the wines before deciding and they were all great. And to top it all off the place has a really great atmosphere and efficient friendly service.
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Walzwerk
Cuisine: German
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Mission |
2/6/2006
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The $20 neighborhood deal pushes it to positive. My partner and I agreed that if we would have paid full price we would not have been terribly happy. The beef imperial roll appetizer was a winner. The food was on the lukewarm side and the service was friendly, but a little distracted and slow. The atmosphere is nice and I didn't find it to be overly noisy.
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SUMI
Cuisine: Fusion
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Castro |
1/24/2006
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Perhaps it's better for dinner. My lunch of potato leek soup and a grilled chicken salad sandwich was so so. The soup had a strange acidic taste that didn't really seem to complement the flavors. I know it was chicken salad, but the sandwich had way too much mayonnaise. It was also oddly sweet. This was probably because of the ligonberry which turned the chicken salad kind of pink and just added sweetness rather than any flavor. Service was friendly, but a bit to casual. Rather slow when you are on lunch break. The nicest touch was a chocolate chip cookie at the end. One of the staff noticed that my lunch companion and I had only kind of picked at our food and asked if everything was ok, which was nice. It wasn't bad, it just didn't wow me at all.
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Triptych
Cuisine: Fusion
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SoMa |
1/20/2006
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I am not sure what it says about a laundromat that I would go back for the food, but never to do laundry. I am on my own for dinner again and laundry needs to be done, so this could be a perfect evening. This is a food website, so this place gets a positive for the tasty cheese burger and good onion rings. I just have to throw in that the laundromat part is a nightmare. Dirty leaking machines, excruciatingly loud, bad goth music, the usual south of market characters there not doing laundry, and general feeling of a space once really nice falling into decay made the laundry part almost unbearable.
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BrainWash Cafe and Laundromat
Cuisine: Coffee Shop American Bistro
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SoMa |
1/19/2006
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I never really feel like lack of cleanliness and poor food quality is necessary for an "authentic" diner experience. The food is not so good, the service is numb. There are lots of other places that offer a better overall diner experience. Bob's works if you are in the neighborhood, but I would never make a special trip.
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Bob's Broiler
Cuisine: Diners
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Polk St./Van Ness |
1/17/2006
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Oh Bob's! Don't even consider driving all the way to a Krispy Kreme. Bob's has the best Donuts around. I get'em to go because the atmosphere inside in something out of a serial killer movie, but hey, if that's your thing, you might love it!
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Bob's Donut & Pastry Shop
Cuisine: Bakeries
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Nob Hill |
1/17/2006
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Very nice burger here. Nieman Ranch beef that looks beautifully fresh before cooking and tastes great. Sure the beef isn't as thick (although still juicy and tasty) as at Burgermeister, but the burger is about half the price and besides, sometimes I don't want to feel like I have eaten a whole side of beef when I have a burger. It's thrilling that they have tater tots and crinkle fries as well. It's on my great burger list now.
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Metro Caffe
Cuisine: American (Traditional) Cheese Steaks
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Lower Haight |
1/10/2006
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I found this place by accident, thinking was going to a burger joint a friend had mentioned. I realized I was in the wrong neighborhood, but it was brunch time and a French Bistro in front of me, so why not sample the Croque Madame? It was served with a little green salad on the side and was quite tasty. Bless their hearts, the wait staff was trying really hard, but with just two of them for the whole place, they were losing the battle. They were pleasant enough however. I don't know if I would make a special trip out of my hood to go here again, but it is a good place for those that live near.
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Metro Cafe
Cuisine: French (Bistro)
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Western Addition |
1/7/2006
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They must have gotten new wine glasses, because our wine was served in glasses that were above average for a restaurant even of this caliber. In my opinion the wine list is outstanding. It's not so heavy on the California wines which is a nice change of pace. Our party of five had a great meal. Oysters were fresh, the squash soup was reported to be delicious. Madras Chicken was very solid. Hangar steak was really good. The sauce that it and the fingerling potatoes rested on was zesty and spicy. Long beans are a must order. The deserts were fantastic. I atypically ordered a crisp with apples and out of season berries. They some how managed to find good berries in January (even though I am usually against that sort of thing). The gelato on top was house made and perfect. Others ordered the spice cake and reported to be delicious. To top it all off, the bill was fairly painless and the service was friendly and effecient. This place will become a regular choice.
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Eos Restaurant & Wine Bar
Cuisine: Californian Asian Fusion
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Haight-Ashbury/Cole Valley |
1/7/2006
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I have not had any food here. It's always very crowded and every one seems to be having a good time and you can usually hear yourself talking to your friends, so as a bar it's ok.
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Harvey's
Cuisine: American (Traditional) Hamburgers
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Castro |
1/7/2006
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It is charming and the service is nice, but with other similar places offering free range/high quality beef, I am not going to make a special trip here. It's an easy switch to make, wish they would do it.
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Tony's Cable Car Restaurant
Cuisine: Hamburgers
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Inner Richmond |
1/3/2006
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Nice little place for a pre-movie dinner. SImple but delicious food, friendly atmosphere and good service. It's a winner.
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Spiazzo Caffe
Cuisine: Italian
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West Portal |
1/3/2006
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Yes, I did have a nice dinner here quite some time ago. Very fun atmosphere. The food is very solid Italian American, nothing fancy or "inventive", but tasty all the same.
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Trattoria Contadina
Cuisine: Italian
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North Beach |
12/30/2005
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This was a nice surprise on a late nite after some drinks at a party. Stumbled in (some of us literally) and had some nice food to hedge the hangover. Great oysters and a nice burger. There was also a nice foie gras dish. Beware the ceasar salad. It's anchovy city. I know it's gotta have some, but if you are sensitive to the little fishes, this one is not for you. They were very nice to my friend who did not find it to her liking and took it off the bill. Good service. Overall a nice late nite spot when Sparky's won't quite do.
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Oola
Cuisine: California American (New)
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SoMa |
12/18/2005
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They say it's pronounced "pah-cheese". I am so happy to have a good Chicago style pizza place in the city now. The ceasar salad was super good with a half dozen whole anchovy fillets (they will omit these or put them on the side for you). This is Chicago deep dish, not stuffed pizza, so it's not a direct comparison to Zachary's in Oakland. The sauce is great, not as chunky as Zachary's but still plenty of texture and just the right balance of sweet and herby. The space is very nice. I could do without the TV's, but the big brick wall reminds me of my days in Chicago. Overall, a real winner!
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Patxi's Chicago Pizza
Cuisine: Pizza
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Hayes Valley |
12/8/2005
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Tasty sandwhiches and the fries seem great to me. Love the jalapeno ketchup. Good atmosphere. The staff could at least act a little less inconvenienced by your presence, but luckily you don't have to deal with them too much.
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Frjtz Fries
Cuisine: Belgian
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Hayes Valley |
12/5/2005
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Good pizza in a charming atmosphere. A little mission 'tude, but not too bad. They have a lot of organic and home grown items for the pizza's, which is really nice.
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Pauline's Pizza
Cuisine: Pizza
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Mission |
12/3/2005
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I guess the only real complaint I have about this place is that it makes me feel really old. The after club scene is really out in full force here. I don't have a lot of occasions to eat after midnite, but every once in a while, it happens. Very respectable diner fair. Nothing that's going to change your life, but some decent choices at ok prices. It's also fun to see what the twenty something crowd is up to these days.
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Sparky's Diner
Cuisine: Diner
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Upper Market/Church Street |
12/1/2005
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This is the first time I have fully rewritten a review. Things seem to be going downhill fast here. After an initial, very positive visit, several return visits have been very disappointing. Friendly but slow service, very inconsistent food preparation and a general feeling of the kitchen being pretty lost right now. For some weird reason they can't figure out how to make the Mexican hot chocolate that is on their menu, a must for brunch in my opinion. They seem to be having a problem with the details. Things went badly enough on the last visit that our brunch was comped. That was a very nice gesture, but I hope they can get it together. There is a lot of potential here.
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Tres Agaves
Cuisine: Mexican
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Pacific Bell Park/South Beach |
11/13/2005
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Sauce is great! The mac and cheese is really noodles with alfredo sauce and roast chicken in disguise, but still really good. The tomato soup appetizer with white truffle grilled cheese was familiar and satisfying. The cinnamon and sugar doughnuts for dessert were a slam dunk. Service was good. The only downside was they seated us in the back room with one other table and we were right next to each other. The back room isn't nearly as nice as the front. The lighting is bad and it's a little dank. Other than that, a great time.
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Sauce
Cuisine: Comfort Food
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Hayes Valley |
11/13/2005
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I think the Chez Mama/Papa group is great. I am very happy to have this version slightly closer to home and with a bit more elbow room. Great crepes, tasty bistro favorites and great service. It's not the same fun as the location on Potrero Hill, but good all in it's own.
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Chez Maman
Cuisine: French (Bistro)
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Bernal Heights |
11/13/2005
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It was nice to get a table right away on a Friday night, but overall not a great experience. Started with a really nice onion soup and a decent ceasar salad. I got the roast chicken. The thigh meat was bloody and the breast meat was dry and it was way over herbed. The mashed potatoes were not hot and the spinach was blah. The apple tart with caramel sauce was tasty enough. Service was pleasant, but there is nothing here that makes me want to come back.
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MoMo's
Cuisine: American (Traditional)
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Pacific Bell Park/South Beach |
11/4/2005
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I have had good luck with the wings here. Great place for a quick snack!
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New Yorker's Buffalo Wings
Cuisine: Hamburgers American (Traditional)
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Marina |
10/30/2005
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I wanted to love it. The onion soup was mediocre and my steak was ok, but at $34 dollars, seemed a bit overpriced even for nieman ranch. My partner reported his Coq au Vin to be so so. The pot de creme was very good, nice tea selection. We both left feeling that Petite Robert has much better food for a much better price. Pretty disappointing.
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Absinthe
Cuisine: French Brasseries
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Hayes Valley |
10/26/2005
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I hadn't been to cafe flore in over a decade. The sceney weekend brunch thing was not to my liking when on a visit to SF and frankly the place hadn't interested me since moving to the neighborhood six months ago. I was on my own for dinner tonite, it was cold and I didn't want to wander too far. The place wasn't very busy. I had a tasty if not terribly exciting roast chicken with mashed potatoes. The bar staff was very friendly, they have free wireless and what do you know I had my laptop with me so I lingered for some really delicious hot chocolate and web surfing. I am still not interested in battling for brunch here, but tonite was really cozy and pleasant.
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Cafe Flore
Cuisine: American (Traditional)
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Castro |
10/25/2005
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Granted it's been a while since I have been here, but the service is always rather spotty. You never know if it is going to go ok or if you will have to wait forever. Nothing I have ever had there has been spectacular or memorable. I would rather brave a slightly longer wait and go to Miss Millies.
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Savor
Cuisine: Mediterranean
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Noe Valley |
10/23/2005
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Not worth the usual wait in my opinion. The food seems average to good to me but to wait all that time and the have surly service isn't the best. Everythings seems greasy.
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Pork Store Cafe
Cuisine: Coffee Shops/Diners
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Haight-Ashbury/Cole Valley |
10/23/2005
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Yep, this place is owned by McDonalds. You would never know it from the quality of the food. First, they don't steam the burrito tortillas into gummy submission like the majority of the area taquerias do, they grill them. All the ingredients seem of high quality. The meat is not like anything you find at the clown's place and in many cases not as scary as a lot of the local favorites. All the salsas are great (beware the hot is really quite hot). I don't agree with the reviewer above that the flavors are "toned down" here. Doesn't sound like that reviewer has ever been here or would be willing to try, oh well. Overall, much better than any of the chain Mexican places like it and gives a lot of the local fast mexican/taquerias a run for their money.
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Chipotle Mexican Grill
Cuisine: Mexican
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SoMa |
10/23/2005
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airport food. I say that because there is also a location in the Oakland airport that ends up being my breakfast on business trips fairly often. These aren't the best burritos in the world, but they don't completely suck either.
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360 Degrees Gourmet Burritos
Cuisine: Mexican
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Downtown |
10/22/2005
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Our group had a very nice meal here. We all had different dishes and enjoyed them. The service was friendly and informal and the desserts were excellent. A very solid place.
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paul k
Cuisine: Mediterranean
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Hayes Valley |
10/12/2005
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I love, love, love this place. This is the kind of restaurant that is rare here. Tasty food, high quality and great prices all in one place. The atmosphere is homey without being hokey and hip without being snooty. I love it that anybody can find something great here. Bring your vegetarian friends, your dieters and your just ready to have some good comfort fooders. The free range burger and fries were great. The Mac and Cheese was over the top covered in a layer of Tater Tots, but very tasty. We had a great calamari appetizer and the apple crisp for dessert, while not terribly crisp, was very tasty. Service was nothing special, but adequate. The wine list is extensive and varied. My friend and I got there just before 7pm and waited about ten minutes. By the time we left it looked as if the wait was more like an hour. Plan accordingly, but with a nice bar to hang out at, it shouldn't be too bad any way. We need more places like this!
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Q Restaurant
Cuisine: American (New)
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Inner Richmond |
10/12/2005
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Decent burgers and the fries are really good. I would visit more often if Burgermeister with their Free Range Nieman Ranch beef wasn't in the 'hood.
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Sliders Diner
Cuisine: Hamburgers Diner
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Castro |
10/11/2005
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Good value here. If you come here looking for atmosphere, you will indeed be disappointed. The food is very flavorful and of reasonable quality.
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Shalimar
Cuisine: Indian
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Polk St./Van Ness |
10/10/2005
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I am so glad I finally went here! First of all, the gentleman that is the host is super friendly (without being annoying). After a warm greeting we were taken upstairs to a table that over looked the whole very glamorous looking room. I agree with the others, I am not a fan of the TV, but it isn't too bad. We started with two fun cocktails It was 645 so we got the Prixe Fixe. I started with he corn soup (delicious) and had the mini burgers (awesome! One of the best burgers in town!). My friend had the grilled romaine salad and the pork chop and reported them excellent as well. We were both thoroughly stuffed, but of course had dessert. I had the sorbet trio in waffle cones (great!) and my friend had the brownie sundae and expressed the desire to lick the serving dish it was so good. As we left the kind host chatted with us and made us feel even better about the fantastic evening we had here. I highly recommend this place.
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RNM
Cuisine: American (New)
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Lower Haight |
10/1/2005
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The Yountville Bistro Jeanty has long been one of my favorites. I have no idea why it has taken so long to get to Jeanty at Jack's. The meal did not disappoint. We had some great oysters on the half shell. It was a given that i would start with the dreamy tomato soup covered in puff pastry. Tomato soup should always be prepared this way! Being a creature of habit, I went with the steak frites. It was a great high quality Nieman Ranch Rib Eye cooked and seasoned just right. The frites were fantastic. Other big hits of the night were the Kobe Beef short ribs and escarole salad with soft boiled egg. Our table of six had a wide selection of desserts and all were pronounced delicious. The wine list and cheese selection were great and they serve Mighty Leaf tea. Service was good, but not over the top. Now that I have broken the duck, it will definitely become a more frequently visited spot.
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Jeanty At Jacks
Cuisine: French Brasseries
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Downtown |
9/18/2005
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Two things make me extremely happy about The Cove. First, the service is just so friendly, great staff. Second, they serve proper hash browns. Shredded potatoes fried up all crispy. Seems everywhere you go these days you get home fries, which don't get me wrong, can be delicious, but nine times out of ten are flavorless and undercooked. The promise of nice, crispy hash browns will have me returning to The Cove.
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The Cove on Castro
Cuisine: American
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Castro |
9/14/2005
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I have had a few very late, very drunken meals here. Being a Texas boy, the chicken fried steak is usually what put's a smile on my bleary eyed face (although covering it with sausage(!) gravy borders on takings things a bit too far). Fun atmosphere, but, in all fairness, I don't know how it would all add up if you weren't drunk.
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Orphan Andy's
Cuisine: Coffee Shops/Diners
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Castro |
8/31/2005
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I have had a couple of very lovely meals here. The roasted chicken comes close to Zuni's (but no cigar). The atmoshpere gets a little frenetic feeling when it gets packed, but if you are in the right mood, it adds to the fun.
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2223 Restaurant
Cuisine: American (New)
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Castro |
8/27/2005
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The cookies could be better. But then, it's just nice to have cookies around, so I won't complain too much.
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Hot Cookie
Cuisine: Bakeries Hot Cookies
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Castro |
8/27/2005
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I will give it a neurtral because my partner loves it and it's a pleasant enough place to spend some time. The salads are good. I however do not love it. It's probably not fair, because I just don't care for the whole savory crepe thing. Give it a shot if that's what you are into.
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Ti Couz
Cuisine: French Dessert
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Mission |
8/27/2005
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It seems I remember that the food used to not be so bad. That was in the mid 90's though. I don't know which changed more, me or HRC, but the food seems icky now. Don't get me wrong, I am not above some fried comfort food now and then but the last time I was here it seemed really low quality and way to expensive for what you get.
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Hard Rock Cafe
Cuisine: American (Traditional) Hamburgers
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Fishermans Wharf |
8/27/2005
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Nice cuban food. Pretty casually paced service, but all the food was worth the wait. Would definitley recommend.
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Laurel's Cuban Restaurant
Cuisine: Cuban
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Hayes Valley |
8/13/2005
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Seems I've been on a french bistro kick lately. This one is definitely one of the tops on the list. Great atmosphere, friendly service and my favorite Croque Madame in the city so far. The french onion soup is top notch. The pastries are super good. I was here for brunch today and can't wait to try dinner.
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Chou Chou
Cuisine: French (Bistro)
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West Portal |
8/13/2005
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Not so bad. Serviceable Pizza if you are getting out of the movies and feeling peckish.
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Village Pizzeria
Cuisine: Pizza Italian
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Polk St./Van Ness |
8/11/2005
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I don't really care for Vietnamese food, especially what many people want to call "authentic". This place is a horror show to look at and in probably one of the three most unpleasant areas in the city. But oh my god, the imperial rolls! Heaven. Find a friend that will go pick it up for you and don't worry about it.
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Tu Lan
Cuisine: Vietnamese
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SoMa |
8/11/2005
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Another location in Bay Bread family I believe. Nice expanded selection of boulangerie favorites. Perfect for a weekend afternoon snack and good people watching.
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Boulange de Cole
Cuisine: French Bakeries Dessert
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Haight-Ashbury/Cole Valley |
8/11/2005
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This place is really great. So nice to duck in for a quick snack on the street. Everything I have ever had has been great. The sweets are particularly good.
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Boulangerie Bay Bread
Cuisine: Bakeries
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Pacific Heights |
8/11/2005
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Very average. Nothing to get upset about, nothing to love. A fairly reliable, but un exciting place to fall back to when you don't feel like making an effort. Biggest complaint; overcooked pasta!
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Ristorante Capri
Cuisine: Italian Pizza
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Castro |
8/11/2005
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blech. greasy and not in a tasty, guilty pleasure sort of way. adding the fact that I find the movie to be just a bunch of right wing conservative propaganda (yeah? watch it again), i don't find the atmospere and decoration charming either.
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Bubba Gump's
Cuisine: Seafood Fish & Chips
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Fishermans Wharf |
8/5/2005
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Super fun atmosphere. I find this place to be a great value. Delicious steak frites, fantastic coq au vin, dreamy onion soup, nice wine selection and a really yummy chocolate crepe for dessert. The even have île flottante (floating island) on the dessert list. The service was very nice. Highly recommended.
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Cafe Bastille
Cuisine: French (Bistro)
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Downtown |
7/26/2005
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This new spot in the mission is destined to become a favorite. The concept is regional American cuisine and the wine to match. The concept doesn't seem to pan out too well, but no matter, the food and wine are excellent. We started with the sparkling rose from Michigan! Really good stuff. It went with my partners beet salad and my delicious creamy tomato soup very well. My partner had the steak frites and I balsamic glazed grilled quail. The steak frite was reported excellent and although the quail required a little salt, once added it was excellent. Dessert was really fun. I know Maverick is not the first place to do it, but the homey favorites were great. I had an assortment of cookies and chocolate brownies with a glass of milk and my partner a root beer float. Both were delightful. The decor is modern and tasteful. The service was engaging and effective. All this was very impressive for a place open for just about week. I can't wait to see how this place grows up.
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Maverick
Cuisine: American (New)
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Mission |
7/20/2005
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I completley dig this place. I love seeing the steaks dry aging in the window. They are melt in your mouth good. Good atmosphere and the service was nice as well.
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Harris' Restaurant
Cuisine: Steakhouses
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Polk St./Van Ness |
7/19/2005
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Great burger and the flat iron steak at luch is a great deal. Nice atomospere. Good stuff here.
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Slow Club
Cuisine: American (New)
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Potrero Hill |
7/19/2005
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I would normally defend this chain and say it's not so bad for a chain. It's done me right in suburbia when there was no where else to go. This particular location however is horrible. Even the normally adequate food is terrible here. Greasy, not fresh tasting. Yucky, blech.
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Chevy's Fresh Mex
Cuisine: Tex-mex Mexican
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Embarcadero |
7/19/2005
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Ah, Victor's. Totally satisfying Pizza. Many a late night inventory crew fed with delicious pies. The pasta and other items are solid as well.
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Victor's Pizzeria
Cuisine: Italian Pizza
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Polk St./Van Ness |
7/18/2005
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Wow, they are a fast delivery. So far, the best delivery option I have tried in our area. The crust holds up resonably well and its not over sauced. The simple cheese pizza is the best. Beware, my partner complains that they put way too much dressing on the salads.
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Hay Stack Pizza
Cuisine: Pizza Italian
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Noe Valley |
7/17/2005
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Hmmmm, I must be missing something. There is the smell of mildew in the air. They only offer scrambled eggs (although the are done quite well). The baked goods are just average. The bacon is not good?!?! Paper thin and only tastes like fat. Ho hum tea. The service is friendly. It seems to me that the food is not terribly loved here. Just get'em in, get'em fed and get'em out. I suppose this would be a good enough spot if you lived within a block or two. I'd rather get in the car and drive to Liberty Cafe up in Bernal Hts. Two pet peeves. "sorry" we don't take credit cards (it's 2005, raise your menu prices the 2% if you must and get with the program) and "sorry", no substitutions. As my momma says "if you were sorry, you wouldn't have done it" or in the words of George Costanza, "you can put your sorrys in a sack" As you can see, I look forward to my weekend brunches and don't like them messed with. I am rambling now......
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Chloe's Cafe
Cuisine: American (Traditional)
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Noe Valley |
7/17/2005
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I quite enjoyed my meal here. We went with the vegetable samosas. Crisp and no greasiness, very flavorful. We chose the chicken tikka. Nice flavor. The channa masala was very good. Very deeply flavored. Nice breads and very delicious Kheer for dessert. Give it a try.
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Roti Indian Bistro
Cuisine: Indian
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West Portal |
7/15/2005
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Super yum! Uncomplicated french style cafe. Really fun atmosphere. Tiny! The middle area of the counter directly across from the grill is really hot, so dress in layers. Watching the staff prepare the delicious food is great fun to watch. Great Croque Madam and a super good burger with frites. Get the burger with a fried egg. You won't regret it. Lovely crepes for dessert. The service is slowish (don't plan on ducking in and out real fast) but very friendly. This kind of place is why we live in The City.
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Chez Maman
Cuisine: French
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Potrero Hill |
7/14/2005
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Okay as stated before, I am not terribly crazy about Chinese food. Went to Alice's with a couple of friends and by the end of the meal was already thinking about a neutral rating. Nothing I had was memorable or terrible. The service had been very competent. But as the bill was being placed down the nicest lady came by and asked us if we enjoyed everything and if we lived in the neighborhood and was so sweet and attentive. That, coupled with the fact that my dining companions truly enjoyed their dishes pushed it to a positive for me.
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Alice's
Cuisine: Chinese
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Noe Valley |
7/14/2005
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Very nice little neighborhood spot. Had a wonderful brunch. Nothing fancy, but the home baked breads were delicious. Nice tea, and great service. Definitely worth the drive.
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Liberty Cafe & Bakery
Cuisine: American (Traditional) Bakeries
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Bernal Heights |
7/10/2005
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Yummy Chinese for my not so crazy about Asian food palate. Ingredients seem to be of higher quality than most other Chinese food places I have eaten. Doesn't have that weird Chinese restaurant smell. Probably my favorite egg rolls ever! Sure, the wait staff doesn't chat you up or anything, but they are polite and efficient. Works for me.
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Eliza's
Cuisine: Chinese
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Potrero Hill |
7/6/2005
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Ordered delivery from their cool website. Very convenient and easy to use. The food arrived in less than 45 minutes. The chicken tikka kabob was great and the channa masala was really good. The naan bread was hot and yummy. This is my new permenant choice for indian delivery. UPDATE:So I got totally burned by their website twice. The first time, I forgot to call and confirm and when I called 90 minutes later they said they never got the order. The second time, I placed my order and called to confirm. The lady said they weren't using the website ordering anymore because it was too expensive. I told her they should take the site down, she just kept repeating that it was too expensive. I ordered from Star India, which is now using the the same kind of website ordering system. I had no problems.
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Raja Cuisine of India
Cuisine: Indian Pizza
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Lower Haight |
6/28/2005
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I think this place is really fun. Braving the neighborhood isn't that fun, but once inside, it's a time warp. It's a place that is firmily planted in a time. Not sure which one, but firmly planted. The food is very solid, nothing that's going to change your life, but tasty and of acceptable quality. Definitely a winner if your in the area for a show.
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Original Joe's
Cuisine: Italian American (Traditional)
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Tenderloin |
6/26/2005
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You generally can't go wrong with the Ruth's Chris chain. The steaks are always top quality if not superior. I have always experienced great service and good atmosphere. The side dishes are adequate, but then that's not really why you go to a top quality steak house, is it?
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Ruth's Chris Steak House
Cuisine: Steakhouses
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Polk St./Van Ness |
6/26/2005
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Not a bad little Taqueria. They do have a very nice variety of salsas. My only complaint is that everything needs just a pich more salt.
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Pancho's Salsa Bar & Grill
Cuisine: Mexican
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Polk St./Van Ness |
6/26/2005
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Lulu just doesn't quite make it over the hurdle for me. All of the grilled meat dishes are tasty, but there is just nothing here that makes coocoo to want to come back.
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Restaurant LuLu
Cuisine: Mediterranean French
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SoMa |
6/26/2005
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I have to be the odd one out on this one. Sure the cable car thing is fun and this is really only drunk food. The quality of the ingredients just seems very sketchy. Even when I am drunk I want a place to look and smell clean and for the meat to not be scary.
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Grub Stake
Cuisine: American Portugese
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Polk St./Van Ness |
6/26/2005
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Seems like a good place. I ordered a three way combo plate. The cheese enchilada was not very tasty. The beef tostada was quite nice as was the chicken taco. The cup of soup that came with the entree was delicious! very simple (and salty). The margaritas were very nice and the guacalmole fresh and flavorful. Still not the place that is going to make me forget the Mexican food from back home and I still think Puerto Allegre is better, but worth repeat visits.
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El Toreador Fonda Restaurant
Cuisine: Mexican
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West Portal |
6/25/2005
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This is definitely only "on the road food". If you are in a strange smallish town, an olive garden can be a friendly beacon where you know you are going to get something that is edible. In SF, there really is no reason to go here. Too many other good choices. Besides the Salad and Breadsticks being a good deal for those on a budget, everything else is way out of whack on the price/quality ratio.
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Olive Garden
Cuisine: Italian
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Outer Sunset |
6/23/2005
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One of the better chain restaurants. The Denny's like atmosphere is the weakest link. The pizzas are good when your in the mood for something different. I like the tostada pizza. This place almost never makes the short list when trying to decide where to go, but if you have less than adventerous guests looking for something comfortable, this place will do nicely.
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California Pizza Kitchen
Cuisine: Californian Pizza
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Civic Center |
6/23/2005
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I couldn't bring myself to order the grilled hearts of romaine. I had a nice morel mushroom soup that was very intense. For my main course I had the meatloaf. Very tasty. My two dining companions also enjoyed their dishes very much. I had a very yummy blue colored vanilla cream soda. The sweets looked good, but with mitchell's right around the corner, we bolted. Overall great place!
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Blue Plate, The
Cuisine: American (Traditional) Californian
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Bernal Heights |
6/22/2005
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Hooray!!!! They don't steam the burritos into pastie submission here! This taqueria is quite good. Fresh and tasty ingredients for your burrito and some really good nachos for a weekend snack. This place is a winner.
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Cactus Fresh Mexican Grill
Cuisine: Mexican
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Castro |
6/22/2005
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Nothing to complain about here. Very solid thin crust pizza. Works well for take out if you are in the hood.
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Marcello's
Cuisine: pizza
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Castro |
6/22/2005
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A new place that I want to see make good. Tonite didn't seem "on". The bread was a little stale and there couldn't have been more than 3 oz. of meat on the twelve inch that I ordered. For 8.50, I expect a bit more meat and cheese. Maybe it was just opened jitters though. I agree that bread is the right kind. The established Jay's Cheese Steak tries to get too fancy with the crusty style roll that cuts up the roof of your mouth. On the flip side I wish Jake's was using Nieman Ranch Beef (and more of it) like Jay's does. That would be the perfect combo! The mozzarella sticks were good and the service friendly. I will definitely give it a second shot.
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Jake's Steaks
Cuisine: Cheese Steaks
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Marina |
6/21/2005
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Excellent place in a sort of strange location. The atmospere is very nice and the food is fantastic. This is one not to miss!
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Mochica
Cuisine: Peruvian
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SoMa |
6/18/2005
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I felt like this place was just really average. Nothing to be too mad about, but nothing to make me want to come back.
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Home Plate
Cuisine: Coffee Shops/Diners Breakfast
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Marina |
6/18/2005
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Pretty ok. It is true, they do use way too much sauce and the sports bar atmosphere can be a drag. You can get a lot better at Memphis Minnies, but this place will do if you have people with you looking for something familiar.
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Tony Roma's
Cuisine: American (Traditional) Barbecue
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Embarcadero |
6/18/2005
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Definitley a step above Mel's. When you gotta have retro cute diner food, this place isn't so bad.
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Lori's Diner
Cuisine: American (Traditional) Coffee Shops/Diners
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Downtown |
6/18/2005
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Very average mexican food. Decent drinks. Nothing special to prompt multiple visits.
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La Barca
Cuisine: Mexican
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Marina |
6/18/2005
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Do yourself a favor. When you are in the mood for Mexican that's a little more high end, pass up Maya, get on the bay bridge right around the corner take it to 24 exit at 51st street and go to Dona Tomas on Telegraph. Maya just doesn't quite get it right and with one of the best higher end Mexican restaraunts less than 20 minutes away, you owe it to yourself.
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Maya Restaurant
Cuisine: Mexican
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SoMa |
6/18/2005
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Whoa, some axes to grind in the reviews above! I have never encountered anything other than good, friendly service here. The deserts are great. If Just Deserts is your yardstick for great sweets, this place is definitely not for you. I have had the pleasure of having two dinners here recently and they were both excellent. I had a great smoked, roasted duck breast with two little El Builli like exploding thingies. The Sous-Vide chicken is really great. They have a nice wine list and of course those amazing deserts.
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Citizen Cake
Cuisine: Californian Bakeries
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Hayes Valley |
6/18/2005
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Hmmm, I don't know. A lot of good reviews here and I have a lot friends who say they love this place. My experience was very average food and not so average prices. I haven't tried the Paella yet, so I am going to give it another try.
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B44 Catalan Bistro
Cuisine: Spanish
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Downtown |
6/18/2005
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Pretty darn yummy. Very inexpensive and heavy on the meat. Great sauces and a laid back atmoshpere.
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Lindo Yucatan
Cuisine: Mexican
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Mission |
6/18/2005
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We had this pizza delivered and it didn't translate very well. Perhaps it's better when eaten in. The crust was rubbery rather than light and crisp. The garlic bread sticks were pretty good. I would give it another shot, but not for delivery.
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Amici's East Coast Pizzeria
Cuisine: Pizza Italian
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Pacific Bell Park/South Beach |
6/18/2005
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Reasonably tasty meats on sticks. My only complaint is the sides really. The mash potatoes and the jasmine rice are really pretty boring. But not bad when you need something tasty and cheap.
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Asqew Grill
Cuisine: Californian
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Haight-Ashbury/Cole Valley |
6/18/2005
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Good sandwhiches. The place is stupid expensive though!
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A. G. Ferrari Foods
Cuisine: Italian Deli
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SoMa |
6/12/2005
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Well, they don't quite have their act together yet, but it seems promising. Nice little french bakery. Greet pastries and a nice light breakfast selection. Friendly staff is trying hard.
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Cafe Du Soleil
Cuisine: French (Bistro) Coffee Shop
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Lower Haight |
6/10/2005
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I never understood what all the fuss was about this place. Very mediocre (like most mexican food in the bay area). Not worth the drive out there, unless that's where you live.
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Mom is Cooking
Cuisine: Mexican
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Excelsior |
6/9/2005
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great steak! The porterhouse was fantastic! Good wine list, delicious appetizers. Will definitely visit more often.
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Acme Chop House
Cuisine: Steakhouses Organic
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Pacific Bell Park/South Beach |
6/9/2005
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This is my new favorite spanish tapas spot in the city! Having recently gotten back from Spain, I found myself craving real Spanish Tapas. This place rocks! We were a party of five and got at least 12 different plates. All were fantastic. Service was friendly. The wait can take a while, but if you can just walk into a restaraunt and get a table in less than 15 minutes at dinner in this city, chances are it's not going to be that great. This place replaces Ramblas as my favorite Spanish Tapas.
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Esperpento Restaurant
Cuisine: Spanish Tapas
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Mission |
6/7/2005
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This place is great! The drinks are good and the food is excellent. I disagree with earlier reviews, I would come here strictly for the food. The Tandoori Chicken Skewers were awesome and the grilled asparagus with a smokey spanish type sauce were delicious. We had at least half a dozen of the small plates and none disappointed. One of the few places where such high style actually has some substance.
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Lime
Cuisine: Californian American (Traditional)
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Upper Market/Church Street |
6/7/2005
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This place is ok for a snack to break up all the shoe shopping on Haight St. I don't think I would ever go here as a destination. The food is mediocre. The Sangria is pretty good. The brick painted black gives the place sort of a dank nite club feel. Not one of my favorites.
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Cha Cha Cha
Cuisine: Caribbean Tapas
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Haight-Ashbury/Cole Valley |
5/30/2005
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My partner and I parlayed the recently won gift certificate into a belated anniversary dinner. Having just returned from Paris, I was pretty excited to see if this place was going to be the one to help us when we were feeling dreamy about French Food. Dinner was excellent. I started with the French onion soup, my partner the Duck and Pistachio Terrine. Both were delicious. For main course I had the Steak and Frites. This is one of the best under $20 steaks I have ever had! My partner reported his Cassoulet was great, he was particularly pleased with the huge chunk of slab bacon. They have a great French Burgundy that was reasonably priced. I had to go with the Profiteroles for dessert. They were better than any I had while in France! Something else they had that I have never had in France was great Tea! Woohoo! The service was very friendly and professional. All in all it was a great dinner. We will definitely be returning.
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Le Petit Robert
Cuisine: French (Bistro)
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Russian Hill |
5/27/2005
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I suppose this place is wonderful if you are hanging out at the bar it is attached to and you suddenly feel hungry. As a destination, it' not so hot. The tapas seem fine, but nothing that is really exciting or matches the best I have had at any number of other places in the city. Even though I live about 50 yds from the place, I would rather go to Esperpento off Valencia.
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Tapeo Restaurant
Cuisine: Spanish
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Castro |
5/4/2005
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If all you want on a cold, foggy day is some really good garlic bread and a heaping plate of spaghetti, this place is great. Very friendly staff and tasty food. Be sure to ask them to not over cook the pasta though.
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The Sausage Factory
Cuisine: Italian
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Castro |
5/4/2005
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Nothing really outstanding at this spot. It's fairly passable. Good if you are in the neighborhood and don't feel like trying too hard.
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Bombay Indian Restaurant
Cuisine: Indian
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Castro |
5/4/2005
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Really the only fast food burger that doesn't make me feel dirty after I have eaten it. I think the fries are terrible (you can make good fresh cut fries if you do them the traditional belgian way with is to fry once at low heat to cook through then a second time at super high heat to crisp them up. No processing and sugar needed. They don't do this here as a result the fries are yucky in my opinion) and the milkshakes are standard soft serve gunk (may be real ice cream but it isn't very good real ice cream), so just order two burgers, you won't be disappoited.
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In-n-out
Cuisine: Hamburgers
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Fishermans Wharf |
5/4/2005
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I quite liked this place. It has a very nice, low key atmosphere. I had good fried chicken and my partner had a catfish he found tasty. Dessert was quite nice. A homemade ice cream sandwich. I should like to return.
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Blue Jay Cafe
Cuisine: Soul Food
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Western Addition |
5/4/2005
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Better than average fast food. I don't understand the signs that say "our beans are never refried". If you know mexican cooking, you know that there is no negative conotation to refried beans. Anyway, this place will do in a pinch.
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Rubio's Baja Grill
Cuisine: Mexican
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Downtown |
5/3/2005
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I hade a very lovely meal here. They have great burgers and the Monday night pork chili special was really good. You have to have the lettuce wedge with yummy garlicky ranch and bacon. The banana bread pudding make me feel bad for those that skipped dessert. It was super good.
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Home
Cuisine: American (Traditional)
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Castro |
5/3/2005
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Forget the whole vegan aspect of this restaurant. The food is amazing. I once had a dessert there that almost made me cry. I am not kidding. It was lemon and lavender sorbet and it tasted like summer. Perfect.
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Millennium
Cuisine: Vegetarian
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Downtown |
5/1/2005
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Sure it's got that old school charm, but ugh the food is low quality crud.
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Whiz Burgers Drive-In
Cuisine: Hamburgers
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Mission |
5/1/2005
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very average. In my opinion El Toro is better.
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Pancho Villa Taqueria
Cuisine: Mexican
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Mission |
5/1/2005
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Sometimes I don't want to be inspired or have challenging food. Sometimes, I just want stuff that tastes good. When I am not feeling Frenchy or ethnicy or fusiony, dinner here is great. I really love the stuffed pork cutlet. The drinks are fun. Service has always been very friendly and efficient. The menu is fun and a good value. All in all a lively fun place. I have never experienced the bad service detailed in some of the other reviews (sure they are not fast food fast, but then, I do enjoy a more European paced meal anyway) and as far as it being "sceney and trendy", I am about as un hip as it gets and I have never felt out of place or gotten any attitude vibe here. Perhaps if you go in with a chip on your shoulder you get back what you put out? May not be the case, but who can say?
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Luna Park
Cuisine: Hamburgers American (Traditional)
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Mission |
5/1/2005
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If you are with friends that insist on doing the steamed burrito thing, this place is above average. The "enchilada style" burrito with sauce on it is good and bypasses the steamer. It's pretty tasty. Great lime agua fresca.
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El Toro Taqueria
Cuisine: Mexican
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Mission |
5/1/2005
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You could do worse. If you look at it as fast food, it's pretty darn good. That being said, the quality seems on the low side and not matter what you order you get the same weird unpleasant burps later in the day.
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Buckhorn
Cuisine: American Grill
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Downtown |
5/1/2005
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This place was better under the previous ownership. Not many good delis in the bay area. This one will do in a pinch.
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East Coast West Delicatessen
Cuisine: Deli
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Nob Hill |
5/1/2005
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Very tasty burgers here. I can't say the same about the yerba buena locations though.
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Mo's
Cuisine: Hamburgers Coffee Shops/Diners
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North Beach |
5/1/2005
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very serviceable burgers here. They do fries right too.
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Slider's Diner
Cuisine: American Diner Coffee Shop
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Polk St./Van Ness |
5/1/2005
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Pretty average pizza, you can do better, you can do worse. They have a nice variety of pizzas and everthing is just pretty good.
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Extreme Pizza
Cuisine: pizza
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Cow Hollow |
5/1/2005
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While I don't quite understand the hysteria around this place and the resulting wait to get in, I have to say that the food is pretty good. I find the spaghetii and meatballs to be quite good. The atmosphere is quite funky. Reminds me of some of the places I used to frequent in my hometown of Austin in my younger years. Friendly service. When I feel like a completley atypical San Francisco restaurant, this is where I go.
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Emmy's Spaghetti Shack
Cuisine: Italian
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Bernal Heights |
5/1/2005
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I have only been here for brunch. A good brunch it was. I had a delicious Croque Madame (which they called something else and I asked for the egg to go from monsieur to madame). The shoestring potatoes that came with it were limp and nasty, but the nice mixed green salad made up for this. My brunch partner enjoyed his selection as well. Alas the tea was cruddy, but overall it was a nice, reasonably priced brunch.
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Tangerine
Cuisine: Pacific Rim
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Castro |
4/30/2005
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Ok pub food I suppose, but really pretty pricey for what it is and the beer is terrible! Microbrew should be much better than this.
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Gordon Biersch
Cuisine: Pub Food
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Pacific Bell Park/South Beach |
4/26/2005
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Tasty french food. Nice afternoon snack or light lunch. The service attitude is a little too big for it's britches.
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Le Zinc
Cuisine: French (Bistro) Tapas
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Noe Valley |
4/26/2005
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If you are looking for a quintessential dining experience, save your pennies and go here. Amazing food and simply the best service I have ever experienced anywhere. Somehow they manage to seem friendly and casual while at the same time remaining absolutely perfect and pampering. I was lucky enough to have dinner with a group in the private dining room and it was amazing to witness the precision of the service. Every dining room manager from all the aspiring fine dining restaurants in the city should have dinner here and take notes. Oh yeah, did I mention the food was amazing too?
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Ritz-Carlton Dining Room
Cuisine: French (New)
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Nob Hill |
4/26/2005
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Really charming place. I had a hard time when prices took a steep upturn after the second dining area was added, but I still count this as one of my favorite places in the city. Very solid Cal Cuisine. True the seating is crowded, but for me it adds to the charm.
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Woodward's Garden
Cuisine: American (New)
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Mission |
4/25/2005
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Truly one of the finest dining experiences I have ever had. Both occasions were for work functions and our table was for 16 people. The service was admirable considering and the food was magical. Cold asparagus soup sipped through a tiny straw from an egg shell, yum. To top it off Hubert and Chantal came to our table both times and were so gracious and friendly. This is a must if you love fine dining.
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Fleur De Lys
Cuisine: French (New)
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Nob Hill |
4/25/2005
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No, this is not one of the great italian places in the city. Yes it is a chain. The fact is it is over dramatic to say the food is terrible (c'mon, have you really had Ragu jarred sauce lately? I have unfortunately and this place is no where near that bad). The food is fine here. The portions are large because everything is family style. This is not the place to go for a dinner for two (or four or six for that matter). It is just a perfect place for work functions or birthday celebrations where you don't want to leave anyone off the list and want some reasonably servicable food.
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Buca di Beppo
Cuisine: Italian
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SoMa |
4/25/2005
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In regards to earlier reviews, I don't really know how you can not eat at a place and then review it and don't know why you wouldn't want to have (good) mexican food at the ferry plaza. Even with that, this isn't going to be a defense of the mediocrity of this place. I had brunch here and it was a fairly big disappointment. Bland and unexciting heuvos rancheros (when oh when will I find a place that will keep me from having to go to picante in the east bay?!). Still, I do have to applaud what they are trying to do here as mentioned in an earlier review. This place proves that having a star chef doesn't always mean a place is going to be good and that having latinos in the kitchen doesn't mean the mexican food will be authentic or good (much like many places in the mission).
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Mijita
Cuisine: Mexican Gourmet Taqueria
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Embarcadero |
4/24/2005
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I had a great bacon cheeseburger here. The onion rings are quite good too. My dining partner had trout that was good and was served with really delicious scalloped potatoes. Only two complaints. Why does anyone, even in the Castro, think that high energy dance music is good dining music and the waffle fries served with the burger were run of the mill sysco food service fare that didn't really fit in with the other food served. Can't wait to try a steak here.
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Red Grill
Cuisine: Steakhouses Seafood American (Traditional)
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Castro |
4/24/2005
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Some dishes work, some don't. The spaghetti and meatballs are pretty bland. More adventurous dishes like the firecraker pork work better. overall, not so hot.
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Fuzio
Cuisine: Eclectic International Noodle Shop
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Castro |
4/19/2005
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decent enough quality ingredients. good sanwhiches and pizza.
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Firewood Cafe
Cuisine: Californian Italian Pizza
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Castro |
4/19/2005
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serviceable pasta. never bad, never really great either.
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Pasta Pomodoro
Cuisine: Italian
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Noe Valley |
4/19/2005
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Ordered delivery from this place. Orange chicken was ok, fried rice was a little scary. The spicy dry fried pork ribs were super good! Standard issue egg rolls. There was a nice little bonus of some pork buns that we didn't order that were good and some sesame cookie thingies. Overall, pretty good for delivery.
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Red Jade
Cuisine: Chinese
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Castro |
4/19/2005
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Extra yummy burgers of nieman ranch beef and nieman ranch bacon if you like. Pretty good shakes and excellent onion rings. And yes, the burgers do come with fries. The availability of onion rings and bacon put this place a notch above the Burger Joint twins in my book.
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Burgermeister
Cuisine: Hamburgers Niman Ranch beef
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Castro |
4/19/2005
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Man, when the carved turkey sanwhich is on, it is really great. Good comfort food served here. After all these years, though, they still seem disorganized and the line can be painfully slow. But man! when that turkey sandwhich is on.....
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Pluto's Fresh Food for a Hungry Universe
Cuisine: American salads
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Inner Sunset |
4/18/2005
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My biggest "beef" with Barneys are the buns. They just seem gummy and unpleasant. I also finally stopped ordering anything with bacon because they are the only known people in the universe that know how to make bacon taste bad! Something about their cooking method makes it hard and chewy. Lately I have been finding myself ordering the veggie burgers. Really though, it's an ok burger. You can do worse.
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Barney's Gourmet Hamburger
Cuisine: Hamburgers
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Marina |
4/18/2005
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This omnivore prefers the seitan cheesteaks sandwhiches to the meat version at jay's. good fries too.
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Jay's Cheese Steak
Cuisine: Cheese Steaks
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Mission |
4/18/2005
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solid burgers, love the quality of niman ranch meat. good shakes, only complaint is no onion rings.
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Burger Joint
Cuisine: Hamburgers
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Mission |
4/18/2005
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This is one of my favorite places when I am in the mood for diner food breakfast. Not too much grease, good solid stuff.
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Cafe For All Seasons
Cuisine: American (Traditional)
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West Portal |
4/17/2005
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I must agree with most, the food is just ok, nothing special, but tasty enough. The patio and extremely friendly service are what will have me coming back.
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Luna
Cuisine: Californian American (Traditional) Brunch
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Castro |
4/17/2005
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Surprisingly tasty/good quality for a chain place. Had a great burger. Partner had the french dip. He enjoyed his quite a bit. We went all out and had the five nut brownie for dessert and it was good as well.
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Houston's Restaurant
Cuisine: American
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Embarcadero |
4/17/2005
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Man, when the carved turkey sanwhich is on, it is really great. Good comfort food served here. After all these years, though, they still seem disorganized and the line can be painfully slow. But man! when that turkey sandwhich is on.....
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Pluto's
Cuisine: Salads
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Marina |
4/16/2005
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The food here is excuse food for the amazing tequila selection. Passable, but not the reason to go here.
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Tommy's Mexican Restaurant
Cuisine: mexican
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Outer Richmond |
4/16/2005
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I am really pulling for this place to be good in the long term. I had cheese enchiladas on my first vist. Definitely better than the lame taqueria versions you get in the mission, but not quite up to the level of puerta allegre. Going to try brunch soon and will update on the huevos rancheros. UPDATE: The huevos rancheros are pretty good. I wish I could say they were great.
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Los Flamingos
Cuisine: Cuban Mexican
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Castro |
4/16/2005
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I have a problem with places that smell dirty. All the Mel's location's smell like rancid oil. I have also not had very good luck with service either.
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Mel's Drive-In
Cuisine: Coffee Shops/Diners
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Inner Richmond |
4/16/2005
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It was a while ago that I went to this place. I found the wafer thin crust delicious and the ingredients fresh. Has a great neighborhood atmoshpere. I was fortunate enough not to experience any rude service either.
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Pizzetta 211
Cuisine: Pizza
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Outer Richmond |
4/16/2005
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Ok, I actually feel sort of nervous reviewing this seemingly universally loved place. Just had a take out pizza tonite and have to say......it's pretty good. I don't really get the comparisons to Zachary's in the east bay. Zachary's does stuffed pizza, Little Star is deep dish. They are totally different things. But that's ok, because the pizza here was tasty and our order of spicy wings and the salad were good as well. It also seems to be a fairly good value. I definitely plan to make this place a regular choice when pizza is on the menu. UPDATE: I am so sick of the cooler than thou twenty somethng hipster attitude here. I am a very friendly, patient customer. I even tip when I am picking up to go pizza for christ sakes and all I get is a sneer and a grunt from the staff here. The review stays positive because the food is good, but the tips are gonna stop! If your are too cool for your job, quit and get one that suits you!
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Little Star Pizza
Cuisine: Pizza
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Western Addition |
4/16/2005
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I have different cravings for different bugers. Something about Johnny Rockets hits me about once every couple of months and I just have to have one. I do think there is such a thing as a great burger. This isn't it, but it is pretty good. The fries are above average in my opinion as well.
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Johnny Rockets
Cuisine: Hamburgers Coffee Shops/Diners
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Upper Fillmore |
4/16/2005
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I really like this place. Our party of four ordered four small plates and a large plate. All dishes were excellent. Firecracker Shrimp was a big favorite. Sure it's not "authentic" chinese, but why should it have to be to be good?
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Betelnut Pejiu Wu
Cuisine: Pan-Asian
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Cow Hollow |
4/15/2005
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This place hit's on all cylinders for me. Just the right amount of hip and homey, big city and neighborhood joint. The food isn't easily categorized. Inventive, imaginative, yet familiar.
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Firefly
Cuisine: Eclectic
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Noe Valley |
4/13/2005
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It goes against my grain to give a good review to a place with lousy service, but I love the flanched farney garney so much! Yes, the servers are too cool for school, but someday they won't be hip twenty somethings anymore and will realize how annoying they used to be. Then they will become the lovely people they alway intended to be.
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Kate's Kitchen
Cuisine: Coffee Shops/Diners
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Lower Haight |
4/13/2005
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Ohhh, I feel so out of line on this one. I don't know what it is, but I can never find anything that I really want on the menu. I gernerally leave feeling somewhat unsatisfied. The last time I was there I got the spaghetti and meatballs. The meatballs were so bland, they made me sad. I have been here many times with many friends that love it. I can't deny that the price is right. I wish I could love it too, but I just don't. UPDATE: I do love it now. I finally had a great meal here. The flank steak fritte is a great deal and the chocolate cream pie was the one have looking for forever!
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Chow
Cuisine: American (Traditional)
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Upper Market/Church Street |
4/13/2005
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ME: "Could I have the hash browns intead of (your undercooked) home fries with my breakfast? I am more than happy to pay extra"
WAITRESS: "No"
That was the beginning of the crappy, could care less service. The home fries were indeed undercooked. The tea selection was cruddy and the wrong kind was served. The service was so indifferent and food so unloved, I couldn't even bring myself to care. I won't give it a second chance.
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Bagdad Cafe
Cuisine: American (Traditional) Diner
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Castro |
4/13/2005
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Super good indian food. Good service, lively atmoshere. The only dish that has disappointed me latley is unfortunately the channa masala, which happens to be my favorite indian dish. But overall, it's the best inidan place I've eaten in SF.
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Indian Oven
Cuisine: Indian
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Lower Haight |
4/12/2005
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The giant portion thing kinda grosses me out. The food is acceptable and the service is ok. The prices are pretty out there for the the level of quality. Love the brew it at your table iced tea. This is the late night place to go when I don't feel like making an effort.
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Max's Opera Cafe
Cuisine: Deli Dessert
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Civic Center |
4/12/2005
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This omnivore prefers the seitan cheesteaks sandwhiches to the meat version at jay's. good fries too.
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Jay's Cheese Steak
Cuisine: Cheese Steaks
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Western Addition |
4/12/2005
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solid burgers, love the quality of niman ranch meat. good shakes, only complaint is no onion rings.
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Burger Joint
Cuisine: Hamburgers
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Lower Haight |
4/12/2005
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Not being a huge fan of chinese food, I was not too excited when my partner chose this place for his birthday dinner. We were a party of 7 It turned out to be one of the most memorable dining experience I have ever had. They serve dinner in seatings, usually a couple an evening. You chose your meal based on how much you want to spend. We went the middle route, $45 a person. Then they start bringing the food. Course after course of carefully prepared dishes. All very fresh and cooked with obvious care There were at least 10 courses. The atmosphere was festive and the food enjoyed by all. At the end of the meal the table next to us shared their birthday cake and the chef came to take a bow for the entire dining room and have some cake too. This is not your typical chinatown tourist trap. It is a magical little spot.
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Jai Yun
Cuisine: Chinese
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Chinatown |
4/12/2005
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Stupid expensive for what you get. I like the whole diner thing, but this place is a little disingenious. It's not cheap enough to be a good value and the food isn't good enough to justify the prices.
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Fog City Diner
Cuisine: American (New)
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Embarcadero |
4/12/2005
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Parking is heinous! Every small plate I have had has been great. Unlike the others, I can't say the same for the paella. Maybe it was an off night. Something about their jamon serrano is a cut above others I have had in the city. The atmosphere is fun. Take a cab. It's great!
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Zarzuela
Cuisine: Spanish Tapas
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Russian Hill |
4/12/2005
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Really good spanish tapas here! Unfortunately, I had one of the worst service experiences here ever. Really slow and got ignored. Maybe they were just having a bad night. The first time I had gone the service was just ok. With Ramblas right around the corner, I have not been back.
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Picaro
Cuisine: Spanish Tapas
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Mission |
4/12/2005
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The prixe fix is an amazing deal! I went with a party of six where we ended up ordering just about all the entrees. Everyone was very happy with their choices. Good wine. Dessert was excellent. The service was very nice. But, wait for it.....crappy tea selection! Oh well, that does make it all the more authentic french!
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Cote Sud
Cuisine: French (Bistro)
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Castro |
4/12/2005
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First, in all fairness and warning to those who like what they call "authentic" vietnamese, you should know I do not. That being said, this place is one of my favorites. I always order the the shaking beef and any plain vegatables they are serving. The imperial rolls are fantastic. Everything tastes so fresh and simple. The ingredients seem of top notch quality. I love this place because I can go with my friends that like vietnamese and enjoy my meal. Their wine list is also really great. One of the few places you can get Navarro wines other than the winery and lots of good European choices.
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Slanted Door, The
Cuisine: Vietnamese
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Embarcadero |
4/12/2005
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Swanky "supper club" atmosphere. The steak tartare is tasty. The last time I was there, the food was less tasty than usual but not bad. The decor and atmoshpere are very elegant and fun. No one thing about this place is tops but it all adds up well.
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BIX
Cuisine: American (Traditional)
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Downtown |
4/12/2005
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one of my favorites. I have always had great food and service here. I love the space upstairs and the overall decor is very nice. I think this is a very romantic spot. I try to avoid symphony nights. It tends to be a little quieter and more laid back when the "arts" crowd isnt' there.
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Jardiniere Restaurant
Cuisine: Californian
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Hayes Valley |
4/12/2005
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Pretty ok for a chain. The entrees I have had are reasonably tasty. The cheesecake is very good. It bears repeating that there are so many better choices in this city. Another complaint; the portions are grotesque. It's just nasty to see so much food on your plate (and I am a big boy with a big appetite)! It makes worse the guilty feeling for supporting the middle-america- corporate-over consumption thing. Really the only reason to go is with out of town family/guests that need some comfort level or with a big group of work associates. For that, it's a great choice that won't ever disappoint. Everybody can find something palatable.
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Cheesecake Factory, The
Cuisine: American (Traditional) Dessert
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Downtown |
4/12/2005
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My biggest "beef" with Barneys are the buns. They just seem gummy and unpleasant. I also finally stopped ordering anything with bacon because they are the only known people in the universe that know how to make bacon taste bad! Something about their cooking method makes it hard and chewy. Lately I have been finding myself ordering the veggie burgers. Really though, it's an ok burger and sitting out on the patio on a sunny day is nice. You can do worse.
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Barney's Gourmet Hamburger
Cuisine: Hamburgers
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Noe Valley |
4/12/2005
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I don't think the meat here is the absolute best out there, but you come here for the whole experience. This place is just so comfortable. Feels old-san francisco-elegant. The salad is so sweet, it's yummy in a very guilty pleasure sort of way. I love to request the end piece of the prime rib. Definitely the most flavorful part. Overall a fun place to take the family from out of town or any time you need to get your meat on and don't want to be too compicated about it.
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House of Prime Rib
Cuisine: Steakhouses
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Polk St./Van Ness |
4/12/2005
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The biggest problem is that the mexican chocolate is so good, I never can get myself to try something else. I have tasted the avocado and it is great. The wait is only really bad on weekends and hot days. Plan accordingly and you won't be disappointed.
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Mitchells Ice Cream
Cuisine: Ice Cream Dessert
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Mission |
4/12/2005
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Great place for mexican food when you're tired of damp taqueria burritos. The cheese enchiladas are tasty, the prices are good, the line up and parking are not fun, but get there early and you won't suffer too much.
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Puerto Alegre
Cuisine: Mexican
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Mission |
4/11/2005
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You can actually do a lot with breakfast and Dottie's does it. Yes, I only end up going here two are three times a year, but I do drive by at least twice a month hoping the line won't be too long. When I do brave the line, I remember why. The food is cooked with love and you can taste it. The eggs are done just right, great sausage, but it's the pancakes that come with the "open road" that make my mouth water as I write this. All the baked goods are top notch. Also love the servers there. Only food related complaint since I stopped drinking coffee? Crappy tea selection. Overall, the best breakfast in the city.
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Dottie's True Blue Cafe
Cuisine: Coffee Shops/Diners Breakfast
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Tenderloin |
4/10/2005
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I have always had great meals and wonderful experiences here. Good service amazing food. The dessert menu always seems to have something fun. I once had a tiny chocolate milk shake! Yeah!
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BOULEVARD
Cuisine: American (New)
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Embarcadero |
4/10/2005
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I don't understand why anyone likes this place. The food is vile. If you want the old school vibe make the trip over to original joes, where the food is actually good.
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Tommy's Joynt
Cuisine: American (Traditional)
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Downtown |
4/10/2005
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The sauce is used too liberally and is yucky. I do like the sliced white bread factor. The meat seems a little sketchy on the quality side and is overly fatty. Will do in a pinch. Wouldn't survive in real bbq country though.
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Big Nate's BBQ
Cuisine: Barbecue BBQ
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SoMa |
4/10/2005
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This place isn't perfect, but it's the closest thing to great barbeque I have found in my nine years in the bay area. I grew up in Texas, so I miss the real thing They get it all mostly right. The sauces are all right on and the brisket good. The sides can be hit and miss. My biggest complaint is that they serve the sanwhiches on a hollowed out crusty roll. Ugh. You make brisket sandwhiches on a burger bun, soft sub roll or sliced bread. Lastly, why oh why can't california bbq joints get it right; you serve bbq with sliced white onions and dill pickles slices on the side!
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Memphis Minnie's BBQ Joint
Cuisine: Barbecue
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Lower Haight |
4/10/2005
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Ok food, mediocre service, the atomosphere is feeling a little tired.
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Blue
Cuisine: Comfort food American
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Castro |
4/9/2005
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What a horrible name! yummy chicken salad sandwhich and decent breakfast. I love the fact that they serve Mighty Leaf Tea!
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Squat and Gobble
Cuisine: Coffee Shops/Diners American (Traditional)
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Castro |
4/9/2005
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Weird thing about Zuni is that it has this legendary reputation for snooty service. I have been there around a dozen times and have not experienced anything terrible or great on the service side. The food however, is great. Simple food made with the highest quality ingredients. The burger is great. Get yourself a chicken partner and get down there!
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Zuni Cafe
Cuisine: Mediterranean
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Hayes Valley |
4/9/2005
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some dishes are not very traditional and the paella is really bland, but most of the menu selections are really great.
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Ramblas
Cuisine: Spanish Tapas
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Mission |
4/9/2005
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I have had delivery from Star India. The chicken tikka was some of the best I have had anywhere. The channa masala, however was bland and disappointing. Great naan. Overall, good delivery food.
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Star India
Cuisine: Indian buffet
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Inner Richmond |
4/9/2005
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Just had a taylors today. I really like the quality and the shakes are great. Onion rings are a little greasy but very yummy. The burgers are some of the best around. It is true, that for whatever reason, the original location is better. Pricey, yes, but worth it!
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Taylor's Automatic Refresher
Cuisine: American (Traditional) Hamburgers
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Embarcadero |
4/9/2005
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