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Piccino, with us
This is a great new spot in an overlooked neighborhood. very casual and friendly. We sat outside in the sun. The special pizza was thin and tasty. the sandwich was a perfect size with apple slices and ham on this awesome hearty thinly sliced grain bread. Nice combo. Both items had more grease than I've consumed since the early 80's. Great flavors, but I will remember the grease.
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Piccino
Cuisine: Pizza
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Potrero Hill |
3/22/2007
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Perry's, with us
Pleasantly surprised. First thought was that I had gone back in time to those pubs from college campuses with their dark green walls, marble tables and brass everywhere. The crowd was distinctly local and casual. Most impressive thing the entire evening was the professionalism of the entire staff. wow...in SF. The menu seemed basic enough...burgers, grilled fish, quesadillas, lasagna and other pasta dishes. Everything we had was very good though maybe a bit overpriced. I didn't have complaints about noise and that can be a pet peeve of mine. Maybe there were no screamers that night.
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Perry's
Cuisine: American (Traditional) Comfort Food
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Cow Hollow |
3/22/2007
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The space is post modern bohemian chic. Which is a good thing, in case that isn't clear. warm, cozy and expansive. The staff is very friendly and genuine.
The menu is limited but inviting. The curry carrot soup was thin in body and big on taste. Loved it. The salads were fresh fennel balanced with bacon wrapped dates. Nice touch. The entrees were less impressive. The grilled scallops were plump and meaty, but their bed of risotto was overcooked (a big risotto fan here). The paella was good. The seafood was all clean and fresh, but it seemed to lack spice or spirit...but that is merely my taste.
The most inconvenient event was the 80 minutes gone by without more than bread and wine at our table. They finally announce that our order never made it to the kitchen. We all laughed...a lot. The appropriate response after finishing a bottle of wine on an empty stomach.
The weird thing was the bill debacle. It arrived $100 to much. We politely inquire. laugh some more. Tried again.
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Triptych
Cuisine: Fusion
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SoMa |
3/21/2007
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I thought I would Miss "Two Sisters" but honestly the food is so much better here. And we still get one of the sisters.
I took my Mid East friend to his first authentic Korean restaurant. It was great to watch his face as they filled our table with kim chee dishes. And even more rewarding exploring them with him. Perfectly spiced and flavorful. Then when our Bi-Bim Bab arrived (one with chicken, one with seafood) we were both overwhelmed by the quantity of food...For Lunch!
The sister and new owner are still great and ultra friendly. As you know, this is very important to me. I always feel like I'm in their home.
So the next time you are standing in line at the Burma Star waiting for an hour and a half, walk around the corner to this Korean Gem and sit and be eating in ten minutes.
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Wang Daegam
Cuisine: Korean
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Inner Richmond |
11/22/2006
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Chow was a godsend when it arrived on Church Street. It is the ideal quality comfort california cuisine. Great fish sandwiches and burgers. Very good pastas and pizzas. Excellent staff and atmosphere. Perfectly priced. fast and clean. This should be the model for all bistros.
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Chow
Cuisine: American (Traditional)
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Upper Market/Church Street |
5/20/2006
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I like this place merely because it has become a Haight street landmark. The food is basic and mediocre which is all I ever expect from scrambled eggs and sausage with pancakes. The staff is surly. The place feels earthy (read: dirty). The crowd can be interesting in a campus sort of way. It is worth a visit to decide for yourself. It satisfies my cravings.
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Pork Store Cafe
Cuisine: Coffee Shops/Diners
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Haight-Ashbury/Cole Valley |
5/20/2006
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This place has been around since before the whole American Thai craze. They have delicious food and a warm and charming traditional thai decorated dining room. They are often busy so reserve a table or go early when it is quieter. The staff is very friendly considering how hard they are working.
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Thep Phanom Thai Cuisine
Cuisine: Thai
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Lower Haight |
5/20/2006
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First, the food quality is very high. Everything was extremely tasty, from the ricotta gnocchi ($12) to the blue chz burgers ($13). The Mac n Cheese ($8) was my favorite. The space is open, stark and mod...I love the warm tones of the brick wall. The staff is friendly and attentive, and though this was day 3 they already seem to have a following at the bar. However, I have to confess that after $70 my guest and I were pretty hungry. The portions are the tiniest I have ever seen anywhere...in the world. We thought the first dish brought to our table was merely a teeny dish of relish for a future main course. Wrong. It was an entire dish of gnocchi when we looked more closely. very closely. The burgers were two inches at most. The soup was a dab of asparagus over a scrap of crab. Everything had great flavor, but I don't think I should be hungry after $70 of comfort food.
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Brick Restaurant
Cuisine: American (New)
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Tenderloin |
5/20/2006
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I have enjoyed all my lunches and dinners here. the space is a little cool for my taste, but the food is always great and delicate in flavor. No menu surprises, a typical american thai fare.
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Basil Thai Restaurant & Bar
Cuisine: Thai
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SoMa |
4/2/2006
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I like the simplicity of this spot. Great inexpensive burgers (not the best) and chicken sandwiches. I like that the fries are separate. The staff is always friendly and effective and I like teh eclectic crowds it draws.
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Burger Joint
Cuisine: Hamburgers
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Mission |
4/2/2006
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Wow! I have walked by this spot for years; I hadn't walked in since it was a Paella place. I wanted to celebrate last night and ended up there. The staff is excellent! We had a very tasty and hearty asparagus soup and a lively house salad first ($6 each). A small and incredible gorgonzola pizza ($11) appetizer. I loved my pumpkin ravioli ($14) and I liked my partners Saltimbocca least. A great inexpensive bottle of wine ($24) and choco mousse and tiramisu ($6 each). Everything was perfect here. cozy family environment. It is a new neighborhood fav!
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Il Cantuccio
Cuisine: Italian
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Mission |
4/2/2006
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I have always wanted to love this place. Great interesting menu items. Delicious teas. Peacefully chic decor, if not a bit shabby after a few years of sun exposure. Downsides to this place are as follows: they have changed the format too many times and how one gets their order remains confusing. They say they have table service but 20 minutes can go by without seeing a server. Quality doesn't exactly match teh pricing. I loved my tiny slice of blue cheese with 5 crackers and grapes but probably not worth $11. I liked my black tea but not worth $8. I'm even willing to pay these prices if there was customer service. I'm glad they have brought energy & life to this corner of SF. I wish it matched what they were charging. Not a neighborhood vibe.
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Samovar Tea Lounge
Cuisine: Tearoom Fusion Tapas
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Castro |
4/2/2006
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I would agree this place could use some improvements, but I have faith they will. They have been open exactly one week and the place was packed at 7p on a Tuesday night. the neighborhood is starved for some casual drink and food hangouts. This will fit in nicely when they work out the kinks. Cozy and lively interior. Friendly (and busy) staff. Great citrus chicken quesadilla ($6), mild fresh salsa (free), and a hearty veggie but mediocre burrito ($6). I enjoyed the energy and space. I will return and look forward to a more streamlined service. I recommend a margarita($5) and a quesadilla and just chill with some friends.
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Tortilla Heights
Cuisine: Mexican
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Pacific Heights |
3/22/2006
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Nice addition to the 'hood. Hearty, tasty and inexpensive meals in a bright and clean space. Good for people watching, eating or meeting someone new. the owners are great!
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The Crepe House
Cuisine: Crepes French
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Hayes Valley |
3/15/2006
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The crepes are small but very tasty and interesting. I'm not into fries (belgium or otherwise). I love the small cozy space, excellent trippy club sounds, the small backyard and the excellent staff. Great spot to stop in the middle of the day or in the evening. It can have a weird smell at time due to the small and poorly ventilated space. Eat for under $10.
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Frjtz Fries
Cuisine: Belgian
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Hayes Valley |
3/15/2006
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Even if you're not in the mood for a burger which are good, they have hearty salads and a great chicken wrap. I love the friendly staff, so un San Francisco...it's like being in a small town. And a great outdoor patio well protected from the street.
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Flippers Gourmet Burgers
Cuisine: Hamburgers American (Traditional)
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Hayes Valley |
3/15/2006
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Go inside! Tiny front leads to a huge a** park in the park. Always great deli food, hot dishes and breakfast. An awesome pot pie. try anything, I've never been unhappy. A sanctuary in the middle of town. Great for even just hanging with an espresso. Spicy and efficient staff. Quality food. And remember sit in the back.
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Arlequin
Cuisine: American Bistro
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Hayes Valley |
3/15/2006
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One of the few spots that still serve grits. I come here for the genuine love. It is your no nonsense breakfast and lunch and dinner cafe. I love the chili omlett and pancakes when she's willing to make it.
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J's Pots of Soul
Cuisine: Soul Food
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Hayes Valley |
3/15/2006
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Sexy chicks and coffee. This is a great stop on Divisidero. Not far from Alamo Square. This is a rustic, deli cafe and news stand. Hearty sandwiches, veggie lasagne, a comfortable environment, friendly staff and a great mix of people make this a staple on my Divis Travels.
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Cafe Abir
Cuisine: Coffeeshop American Bistro
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Hayes Valley |
3/15/2006
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I never seem to get through the door for dinner, but I love the weekend brunches. Great tasty and interesting omletts, delicious salads and assorted poached egg dishes. Light and lemony hollandaise sauce. And outdoor tables. A great brunch for under $15.
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Tangerine
Cuisine: Pacific Rim
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Castro |
3/11/2006
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A great location for a slice on the go and a great BBQ chicken pizza for delivery. Not my favorite crust but ingredient are always fresh and tasty. I prefer ultra thin Roma crispy crust and lots of great interesting ingredients. Marcello's in medium dish and a little doughy.
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Marcello's
Cuisine: pizza
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Castro |
3/11/2006
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The most amazing eclair I've had in any bakery and in any country. Fresh and cremey. The staff is always friendly. And this si a great spot to hang out witha glass of wine on the sidewalk tables during a sultry summer evening....that is when we have one here in SF.
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Tartine Bakery
Cuisine: Bakeries
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Mission |
3/11/2006
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This is a must on all my Inner Richmond visits. I love the cozy interior, artful vibe and friendly staff. A great spot for a snack and an espresso on a sunny day to people watch after the mandatory stop at Little Tokyo.
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Blue Danube Coffee House
Cuisine: Coffee Shop American Bistro
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Inner Richmond |
3/11/2006
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I love this place. Very clean, interesting South East Asian dishes. My favorite are the samosas and the Chicken Chili with rice. There are many more reasons to go out to Clement and Super Star is definitely one of them. Great Staff and cozy dining room. I prefer lunch, because dinner is usually an hour wait. If you go for dinner and don't want to wait...go around the corner on 4th to Two Sisters Korean BBQ. Excellent food for great value. And the sisters cook and serve.
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Burma Superstar
Cuisine: Burmese
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Inner Richmond |
3/11/2006
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I love this place! I don't even love German food, but I crave their bratwurst and saurkraut. This is an oasis of underground culture in the mission. Great music, staff, menu, beer, art and vibe in town. I have never been disappointed. Warning: it can get loud on the weekends.
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Walzwerk
Cuisine: German
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Mission |
3/7/2006
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I've never quite got it. I continue to try this place every couple years to see if it improves at all. I have never had terrible food, but it has never impressed me either. Eating on 16th Street leaves a lot to be desired. Inside it is cozy, noisy and crowded. The staff is indifference at best. And I always pay too much for what I get. It typically takes me two to three years to forget all this.
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Ti Couz
Cuisine: French Dessert
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Mission |
3/7/2006
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I agree this should be a mandatory visit when in the mission. I am reticent to encourage more people to add to the line. But this is really a SF cultural landmark. Don't miss out. I love any of them with caramel.
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Mitchells Ice Cream
Cuisine: Ice Cream Dessert
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Mission |
3/7/2006
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I agree. This is a great spot in the Upper Market scene. Large, tasty and inexpensive breakfast. Great pancakes and omelets. I love the huervos racheros and the breakfast croissant sandwich. Also known for huge delicious salads. The best use of this space since the Viking Sub shop (I miss you). Friendly staff and comfortable sidewalk tables. The things one sees at that intersection....
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Squat and Gobble
Cuisine: Coffee Shops/Diners American (Traditional)
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Castro |
3/7/2006
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This is still a favorite in the center of town. It is basic diner food open 24 hours. They have a great cheap lunch menu with tons of great comfort food. Mac n chz, spicy chicken sandwiches and chili are some of my favorites. Friendly laidback staff. It's an experience going in after 2am. A totally different side to SF, worth the visit.
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Sparky's Diner
Cuisine: Diner
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Upper Market/Church Street |
3/7/2006
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I have to say the food in this tiny space is outstanding and interesting. I find that family style works best here. With a table of four we were able to try different dishes. Duck, Tuna, spring rolls, sole and a delicate chicken dish. Portions are human scale. Presentation is inspired. Service freindly. The seating is cramped.
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Cafe Kati
Cuisine: Asian Californian Fusion
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Japantown |
3/3/2006
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The space is boring and stuffy. The staff is stiff but effective. The food was fine but not memorable. I felt no love anywhere inside these doors. I went because taylor's had a huge a** line.
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MarketBar
Cuisine: American (Traditional) Seafood Italian
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Embarcadero |
3/3/2006
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This is a great downtown experience. You can have excellent California cuisine while overlooking the Bay. Cool. Mahi was perfectly meaty and tender, the soups rich and flavorful. The staff was professional and maybe a little stiff. The room is modern, conservative and business-like. $175 for 2. I would return for a special ocassion.
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BOULEVARD
Cuisine: American (New)
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Embarcadero |
3/3/2006
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Lime is such a breath of fresh air on Upper Market. A chic NY style lounge. The drinks are expensive and weak, but the finger food is awesome and worth the visit. Great mini burgers, chicken satay and my favorite, the fish tacos. The service is adequate. The music is great, fresh and trippy. The scene is casual chic and not selfconscious. Enjoy.
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Lime
Cuisine: Californian American (Traditional)
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Upper Market/Church Street |
3/3/2006
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A great sandwich spot on 18th off Missouri. Small closet size space with a dozen sandwiches with fresh ingredients, great soups and friendly leisurely paced staff. Grab a sandwich and have a seat at Farley's. This neighborhood is so laid back. enjoy.
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Hazel's Kitchen
Cuisine: Deli
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Potrero Hill |
3/3/2006
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The most amazing meal for the money in a very long time. This was my first trip to the new Ferry building location. It was an anniversary dinner so we tried everything. The first dish was the weakest though very tasty. The Shrimp dumplings, Great taste but that sticky dumpling texture. Everything got incredible from there. The dungenous crab appetizer, the beet salad, the light tofu salad replete with fine shreds of vegetables, and our entrees the perfectly flaky sea bass and the spicy squid with red peppers. The margaritas were a bit strong so be warned. Even the desserts impressed us, the dark chocolate pot de creme and the lemon pudding with huckleberry sorbet and citrus salad.
The service was casual and professional and extremely effective (rare combination). I love the open modern and softly bright space. It was a little on the loud side but not uncomfortable. I will return to the downtown location, but I am eager for the reopening on valencia...whenever.
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Slanted Door, The
Cuisine: Vietnamese
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Embarcadero |
3/3/2006
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What a great addition to the neighborhood, even though there was no shortage of Thai. But it is a great open and modern space with great inexpensive and tasty dishes. Best is they are open late on the weekends (after midnight, I think) which this town sorely needs. Great friendly staff and fast service (which this town also sorely needs).
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Thai House
Cuisine: Thai
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Castro |
2/20/2006
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Granted I don't eat as much as I used to with my low carb diet, but when I don't care about that I love their corn meal crust. And fast delivery.
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Mozzarella di Bufala Pizzeria
Cuisine: Pizza Brazilian
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Western Addition |
2/20/2006
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This is an old school "greasy" dinner with great food. I love it most for breakfast with pancakes at teh top of my order, but it's typically great for burgers, chx sandwiches and soups as well. very central and generally friendly staff (not always...it can be mad busy at times).
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It's Tops Coffee Shop
Cuisine: Coffee Shops/Diners
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Upper Market/Church Street |
2/20/2006
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Up until my most recent meal here, I have always had a great experience (simply the food was blah). I would never recommend going for dinner. Too many people and lousy parking. But it's worth a lunch or brunch visit. I like the fish tacos, meatloaf or the steak burrito. The staff has mostly been good. It stays on my sunset list.
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Q Restaurant
Cuisine: American (New)
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Inner Richmond |
2/19/2006
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I'm conflicted. I fell in love with this place nearly twenty years ago when it was truly an eclectic mix in the center of SF. It is a great space with indoor and outdoor tables and now sidewalk ones as well. I miss the brothers who opened it more than two decades ago and recently sold it. The menu is tasty, pricey (for what one gets) and limited. I would recommend the fritatas and the hamburger. They have good house coffee. The desserts have never been worth it with Sweet I across the street. I like the new crew, but the "new" crowd is dubious at best. Everything changes...
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Cafe Flore
Cuisine: American (Traditional)
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Castro |
2/19/2006
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I love this spot. It is a favorite for breakfast and lunch or a light early dinner. The oatmeal with fruit and brown sugar is one of my favorite in town. It is a great laidback environment for a coffee in the Fillmore. Maybe the only place remotely bohemian in the area. Great staff and music. I love to hang out on the sofa next to the rustic fireplace. I used to hang out with my Turkish tutor there. A truly inspired spot.
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The Grove
Cuisine: American Bistro Coffee Shops
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Pacific Heights |
2/19/2006
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First, the food is mediocre, but the atmosphere and staff are great and worth a visit if you are in West Portal. This is a busy suburban strip in the city. Easy access to the underground. A local theatre house and plenty of coffeehouses. There are lots of reasons to spend an afternoon here and El Toreador is one of them.
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El Toreador Fonda Restaurant
Cuisine: Mexican
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West Portal |
2/19/2006
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I like this place. Simple minimalist menu. Cozy and eclectic. Sexy staff. Great music. True, there is an inordinate of baby strollers at the Shack. True, the prices are a little higher than what you get, but all the food is satisfying and tasty.
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Emmy's Spaghetti Shack
Cuisine: Italian
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Bernal Heights |
2/15/2006
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I love this place...when I'm not in a hurry or hungry. I don't think I've ever gotten my food in under an hour. Excellent papusas. Friendly family owned.
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Panchita's Salvadoran and Mexican Cuisine
Cuisine: Mexican Salvadoran
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Mission |
2/15/2006
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Outstanding Pizza. Best in SF (besides my friend daniel's). Very small place, get there early if you want to sit right away (5:30). One logistical problem is they don't "wait" the tables so people sit way too long to order and to pay. They could turn their tables faster if they attended to the tables(6). Oh and brings lots of cash (minimum $30 per person), it's all they accept. Great hidden Richmond location. Great staff if not overwhelmed at times (could be considered rude). Great pizza. great, interesting and fresh ingredients.
My favorite reason to go to the Richmond
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Pizzetta 211
Cuisine: Pizza
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Outer Richmond |
2/15/2006
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Where to begin? In the first year they opened I ordered food to be delivered. It took nearly three hours. I literally lived across the street ( I was sick, give me a break). Aside from that experience, the staff is friendly, the decour cozy and warm. But there is too much great Indian in SF to bother with this spot. Walk to the mission if you don't want to drive to another neighborhood.
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Bombay Indian Restaurant
Cuisine: Indian
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Castro |
2/15/2006
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They had a rocky start when they opened first opened. But the sexy and friendly staff was enough to ignore the slow service and missing entrees. They finally pulled it together and then sold it (I think). Since the new management in summer 2005 I've never had a good meal. I've never turned away a curry chicken before. Last meal there I couldn't eat anything I ordered...and where did the sexy staff go?
I wont go back.
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Thai Chef
Cuisine: Thai Vegetarian
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Castro |
2/15/2006
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Best chicken soup in SF. I used to get up at 3am and sleep walk my way to their door. A funky throwback to the 70's Castro.
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Orphan Andy's
Cuisine: Coffee Shops/Diners
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Castro |
2/15/2006
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Still a great bright casual space with a simple tasty menu for a great price. Great soups. Grab a beer and sit in the big windows and wait for your pizza.
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Firewood Cafe
Cuisine: Californian Italian Pizza
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Castro |
2/15/2006
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The greatest burger in the Church/Market district. I go out of my way for this (add feta!). Great staff. Fresh, affordable and varied menu for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snack. Big cozy and clean space with a few outdoor tables on a crowded sidewalk.
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Crepevine
Cuisine: Crepes Californian Salads Dessert Eclectic
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Castro |
2/15/2006
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This is by far the freshest and tasiest mex food in the Castro. great staff. Great flavors and well priced. And they deliver...FAST!
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Cactus Fresh Mexican Grill
Cuisine: Mexican
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Castro |
2/15/2006
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This place started as a great addition to an overpriced 'hood. Now the horrible service (friendly but ineffective and overworked) and mediocre food is not work the $12 meal. Casual and cozy atmosphere.
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Asqew Grill
Cuisine: Californian
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Castro |
2/15/2006
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I love it the great flavors and dishes for a great price. I recommend the Tandori Chicken and the tikka Marsala. Not necessarily the best in town but a great addition to the neighborhood, if you don't feel like waiting in line at the Oven. The staff was friendly and engaging. The food ample and tasty. The space bright and warm. Grabs some beers at the corner store.
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Rotee
Cuisine: Indian Pakistani
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Lower Haight |
1/29/2006
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