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Those who have experienced the cavernous Le Cheval in Oakland will be surprised by Berkeley's Le Petite Cheval. Located on Bancroft right across from campus, Le Petite Cheval is like an auxilliary dinning hall for students. The building itself is rickety and warped--sitting outside in the sun means dinning on slopes and angles. It's modified table service--so go inside to order. If you want a great deal (cheap eats!) get three items from the steam table for under six bucks. And with the volume of customers, no food is sitting on the steam for long. Otherwise, grab a menu and bypass the line--go straight to the cashier and order up. You'll get a tabletop number and pretty soon dishes will start arriving. Service is...interesting. Our dishes arrived over a ten minute period, but they all made it. I had the orange peel beef--just as good as at the big Cheval. The bun looked delicious (and was under six bucks). And the shrimp rolls were perfect, as usual.
Be forwarned: Le Petite Cheva
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Le Petit Cheval
Cuisine: French Vietnamese
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Berkeley |
9/23/2007
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8-person party on a Monday night, and half our group was 30 minutes late. They held the table for us and were super nice. Service was on the slow side sometimes, but we couldn't complain since we were slow too. (from sitting to leaving it was about 3 hours, no dessert) Comments from the group: "This is the best caesar salad I've ever had!" "This salmon is divine!" I had a creamed corn soup which was nice, and a lamb dish which was also very good. However, I was surprised at how little food came on the lamb dish ($25.50) compared to say, the salmon, short ribs, or chicken. It was *delicious* lamb, but very, very tiny bits of it.
Rivoli is not stuffy--you can dress down and they'll still be nice to you, or you can go out for your 40th wedding anniversary and you won't feel out of place.
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Rivoli
Cuisine: Californian Mediterranean
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Berkeley |
6/22/2007
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I've only just visited "Le Tasty" today, but I'll be going back. It's a little place in a divy area of downtown Oakland, with a sign that looks like it's about 30 years old. I thought Le Tasty would be a cracked-linoleum bug-infested greasy spoon, and was surprised when I peeked in to see white table clothes and a really decent menu. How many dives have "Le Tasty Lamb" photographed next to their lunch menu? I was pleased to see more than 20 options on their lunch menu, including a few clay pot items. I tried my basic curry chicken ($5.50 gets you a nice little pickled salad, some fried won tons, a little cup of soup, and a big honking plate of food). It was good and flavorful. Lots of veggies, the chicken was dark meat and tender, and there was a ton of it. Nothing to do back flips over, but I spent $7.50 before tip and was satisfied and happy. Next time I'll try the garlic noodles instead of white rice. I'll be going back. Yey cheap eats good finds!
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Le Tasty Restaurant
Cuisine: Chinese Asian
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Oakland |
6/11/2007
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Don't go into the House of Chicken 'n Waffles expecting gourmet foie gras. You're not going to get it. But if you want really good fried chicken next to a light and crispy waffle drenched with syrup, you're going to be happy. And if you're looking for sides, boy have they got sides for you. Homemade potato salad, grits, mac and cheese (yum!), corn bread, biscuits, greens, black-eyed peas...it's all there. You can get chicken noodle soup, veggie burgers, and salads too, but I don't know why you'd go to Chicken 'N Waffles to order a veggie burger and salad. The decor is funky diner--bright purples and greens, with a long counter to hang out at. This place gets packed at certain times, and sometimes service can get bogged down, but just order a glass of wine or beer or a strawberry lemonade and kick back. And if everyone's ordering waffles at the same time, be patient. They make them to order.
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House of Chicken N Waffles
Cuisine: American Southern
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Oakland |
6/11/2007
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This is based on a Friday afternoon visit, when I was the only person in the restaurant. It was 2:45 and they were happy to serve me. Service wasn't over-the-top friendly, but it wasn't like they were throwing the plates at me either. I didn't have to wait long. I ordered Bulgogi, having never been to a *real* Korean restaurant. They brought sizzling hot meat and about 9 side dishes. I was a happy camper experimenting, tasting, munching. With tax, tip and a can of soda, I spent $10.65 and came away very, very full.
I look forward to trying the grill-it-yourself dinner menu!
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Koryo Wooden Charcoal BBQ
Cuisine: Korean Barbecue bbq
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Oakland |
6/9/2007
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This place shouldn't be called Chinese Gourmet. It's a mock-restaurant, fronting for Chinese American fast-food. The slick, commercial menu at the door speaks for itself. Choices are limited: think the "lunch specials" portion of a regular restaurant's menu. The food looks right but is bland and flavorless. I had hot & sour soup ($1.95) which was fine. The egg rolls were really tiny veggie spring rolls that had some crispness but nothing else. The curry chicken looked good but had no aroma and the curry sauce was both bland and strangely sweet. I walked away $12 poorer and completely unsatisfied. One the decor: this is the old Sabuy Sabuy (R.I.P!) that I loved so. They've tarted it up in deeply hued reds and yellows, with Asian screens hiding the kitchen. An odd scent fills the air--like they'd dropped lavendar scented water around. And the muzak (Whitney Houston, Willie Nelson, Celine Dion, etc.) nearly killed me. The worst? I'm totally full and completely unsatisfied.
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Emperor Chinese Gourmet
Cuisine: Chinese
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Oakland |
5/3/2007
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We were looking for someplace to get decent food at a great price. Cheap eats...but in a setting where we could sit and gab for a long time over lunch. We got what we were looking for with Lotus Thai. The waitstaff let us sit, kept refilling our water, and were pleasant but not anxious. The menu was odd-there was nothing that jumped out at us as something we wanted to try. A Curry Peanut Sauce seemed prevalent in most dishes. The grilled pork in my noodle dish was on the bland & dry side--but they were happy to substitute fat noodles for vermicelli. I probably won't go back before I try a few other places in the neighborhood.
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Lotus Thai Cuisine
Cuisine: Thai
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Oakland |
5/3/2007
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There's something about climbing up the steps, through the trees, to eat out on a little rickety overhang that makes this feel like you're up in a tree house. I visit Cha Am for late lunches so I miss the rush. Service is inattentive, but they'll let you sit all day if you wish.
The Tom Ga Gai is great--not too viscous, not too salty. Most of their dishes hit the mark for flavorful and spicy. It might not be the most adventurous of menus, but the price is always right. Grab a good book and enjoy!
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Cha Am Thai
Cuisine: Thai
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Berkeley |
4/16/2007
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Located up near Auto Row in an old dealership, Z Cafe is a nice addition to the town. Open for B, L & Dinner. I hear it's hot for breakfast and the bar, but I've only been for lunch. The house salad is lovely, but a bit expensive as a side for $5.50--happily most of the sandwiches come with a choice of salad or fries. The one pasta dish is a bit bland, but looks great with shrimp and tomatoes. At $15.50 I'll skip it next time and get the chicken club instead, which came with whole breasts of seared chicken and thick-cut bacon. A chili-rubbed steak and potato gratin looked awesome (and was only $11). The hamburgers sound good, but the patties look dry--like they're made with very lean chuck. They are made to order, so likely aren't frozen. However, extra toppings are a buck a piece, so plan to spend some dough if you want a customized burger. A good spot for Oakland, hope it stays. Great staff.
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Z Cafe & Bar
Cuisine: American
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Oakland |
12/10/2006
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At 2:30pm the lunchtime crowds are gone. I usually go for cheese and pick up a sandwich too. Ratto's has a gargantuan amount of choices when it comes to sandwiches. When you enter, pick up a sandwich slip at the front table, mark off your choices, and hand it to the nice lady behind the counter.
The first time I went I was overwhelmed by the choices and selected the Jenny: fresh mozzarella, fresh pesto spread, ripe tomatoes, thinly sliced onion, crisp romaine on a perfect, fresh baguette. It was delicious.
My favorite sandwich, by, far is my own creation, which is a baguette with pesto, prosciutto, onion and havarti.
I have read that people bring children here, thinking they'll be able to keep their little fingers out of things. If that's you, bravo. There are not a lot of "sides" at this market--don't look for mixed fruit and potato salad. Grab a bag of chips, some dried apple slices (in the cold section in front of the deli counter), and some water.
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Ratto's International Market and Deli
Cuisine: Deli
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Oakland |
11/19/2006
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Food: Good. Most of us ordered the gouda omelet $7, which was called a "souffle" but there was nothing souffled about it. The omelet itself was greasy and I was glad to have bright strips of fuji apple (can you call julliened apple tossed with an herb a "salad"?) to cleanse my palate.
The home fries are made to order and crispy at the edges, thick and dense in the center. I'm a crispy girl myself and thought the denseness was soggy. Everything was just slightly bland, as though the chef had held back on the salt during cooking.
The best item on the plate? One perfect bursting-with-flavor strawberry. 900 Grayson strives towards all-organic ingredients, and if that strawberry wasn't organic, I'd be surprised. My recommendation--cut the butter when cooking.
Read the full review here: http://fleagirlsfleas.blogspot.com/2006/10/900-grayson-in-berkeley.html
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900 Grayson
Cuisine: American
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Berkeley |
10/27/2006
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A great little cafe hidden in a nook of City Center, in Downtown Oakland. Can't find it? It's near the mid-street crosswalk on 14th btw City Hall and City Center. This place is crazy cheap for all the variety. Croissant Deli Sandwich--$3.95. Sandwich with your choice of seven breads, inc. dutch crunch and foccacia, with salad--$5.50. Mediterranean plate (Falafel, tabouleh, hummus, pita, dolmas, cucumber salad and regular salad) $5. Today I saw devilled eggs, baklava, giant cookies, zuchinni bread, great-smelling mongolian beef over rice, and the NICEST staff. (Everyone is called "sweeheart"). Nice place, good, cheap food=My kind of lunch spot! (Look for their daily and weekly specials!). Did I mention calzones? Homemade spanikopita? Giant pieces of quiche? The gorgeous fruit bowls? Hidden find for worker-bees!
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California Sensations II
Cuisine: Mediterranean American
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Oakland |
9/25/2006
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Aji's Cafe is in the back of the State office building (1515 Clay Street) and is a great little to-go spot for worker-bees. Quick and pleasant, Aji's owner and staff make your teriyaki, miso soup, and California rolls behind a half-curtain in the small kitchen. I don't eat sushi, but have ordered big trays for work functions, and it always gets gobbled up. At $5.50 the teriyaki dishes are good, cheap eats. Chicken, beef, veggie or fish, with rice, salad (with miso dressing) and a melon slice. Or, for a little more you can get a combo, which is a choice between all the teriyaki offerings, tempura, sushi, etc. They gyoza are nothing to write home about, nor are the little wrapped shrimp, but the potato croquettes are nice on a cold, stormy Oakland day. There are two tables (seating for four at each) and some window stools. Credit card accepted. (as of 12/06, Aji's is no more. They moved back to Asia.)
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Aji's Cafe
Cuisine: Japanese
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Oakland |
9/24/2006
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Saigon is one of the many downtown Oakland Vietnamese joints. What's different about it? Outdoor seating. On a nice day Frank Ogawa Plaza (aka City Hall Square) is jumping. Snag a seat at Saigon--especially nice because the Plaza is pedestrian-only and as it's big, passerby aren't crowding you as you eat. The food is average in flavor and price--Orange Beef is neither hot nor does it have enough fresh orange to suit me; Bun (a vermicelli noodle salad with pork and egg roll) doesn't come with enough dressing; and the curry noodles seem to be made with a cheap, industrial curry--and too much of it. That said, this is a really fast lunch that's going to run you well under $20 for two with tax and tip. It comes hot and fast. Yes, service ranges from friendly to surly, and it's rare to have the same person come to your table twice in a row. But it works. Your goal is not fine dining--your goal is a decent, cheap meal in the sunshine. You get it at Saigon.
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Saigon Restaurant
Cuisine: Vietnamese
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Oakland |
9/23/2006
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Downtown Oakland doesn't have a ton of places to go for lunch, so a new taqueria was a welcome sight. This taco bar has plusses: fast service, good chips, garlicky guac, well-stocked salsa bar. It has some minuses: confusing ordering system, wierd non-Mexican "wraps", brown rice offered but not available, no carnitas, no enchildas (I'm the enchilada queen). Some big minuses: cash only, cold ingrediants that should be hot, $7.50 for a chicken burrito with chips. For a day-to-day burrito I'll stick with Happy Burrito. For going to sit in the sun with a friend, I'll go to Palapas. Or, if I'm looking for a good salad. Hey Palapas: if you're going to charge so much for a grilled chicken burrito (no sour cream, no cheese, etc.), make sure it's nice and hot!
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Palapas Taco Bar
Cuisine: Mexican
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Oakland |
9/20/2006
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If there's one thing you can say about downtown Oakland restaurants--it's that it has a lot of Vietnamese dives. Phuong Nam is a small joint just a block from City Hall/the State Building, etc., and a good choice for a cheap, fast meal. Since it's small and has mirrored walls, it can be really noisy at lunchtime. So I prefer to get it to go. They are more Americanized than Hyuhn a few blocks away, and tend to more American Chinese stylings--like their chow mein. Their shrimp rolls are good and fresh and their staff is sweet, which is a biggie for me. Also, they are open for dinner, which is rare in downtown Oakland. You're not going here for high cuisine, but good cheap eats.
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Phuong Nam Restaurant
Cuisine: Vietnamese
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Oakland |
9/14/2006
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First off, you must know I'm the queen of cheap eats. If someone else is paying I can appreciate a Gary Danko or Alice Waters, but honestly, I don't want to spend $300 on something that will end up being flushed away. That said, I've been drawn to Battambang's exterior for a while. It's squished next to the awful Jade Villa in Oakland on Broadway. It has old fashioned gold lettering on the window "Authentic Cambodian Cuisine". I've never had Cambodian and was curious. I wasn't curious enough to have the frogs legs (offered in 3 different versions), and will try one of the many curries next time. For $7.95 at lunch I had a nice plate of grilled pork and a shrimp & veggie shishkabab. The decor was sweet--bright orange walls with pleasant oil paintings of Cambodia. The women in the kitchen chattered happily. The pork was a bit fatty at times, but tasty. I'd like to try one of the many fried banana dishes. I'll be more adventurous next time!
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Battambang
Cuisine: Cambodian
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Oakland |
8/24/2006
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Went for lunch, walking so no parking hassle. At 1pm there were plenty of tables, but we were still elbow-to-elbow with folks. Clean, simple design with sweet touches like the house-shaped punch in the paper placemat. The shrimp and chive dumplings (6 for $8.50) were delicate and flavorfull. Both of us got the curry noodles with shrimp. The curry was quite good, not spicy though. The noodles were good--homemade maybe. I'd recommend marinating the shrimp which were small and strangely bland for a place known for its asian flavorings. Our dishes arrived without garnish, but we saw cilantro and lovely bits on a neighboring dish. Sadly, the waiter never returned to top off drinks, only to offer dessert. He was aloof and hurried, though the place was not packed. Some special attention in the WC would be nice--it was dirty and no seat cover provided. I'd go back with a local friend, but not kids, casual husband, or power-meetings. The steak looked good. Sadly I don't like bass
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The HOUSE
Cuisine: Pan-Asian Pacific Rim
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North Beach |
8/17/2006
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Down the street from Au Coquolet, Cafe Tibet is a small, snug, interesting find. No-frills here, the spot is small, the kitchen smaller. But it's clean and the folks are kind and speedy. And how often are you going to say, "I'm bored with Tibetan food?" I tried three appetizers: breaded, ground beef patties with onions and spices--very good; curried potatoes--served warm and could have used more seasonings, but nice as leftovers in a salad or burrito; and spinach soup. The soup was an amazing, brilliant green, absolutely lovely with a tiny dollop of yogurt and bits of tofu. Unfortunately, it was quite bland. I think it might have been made with water and not broth. With a $3.50 glass of Sutter Home Chardonnay, this was under $15 with tip. I will go back to try the entrees! Try to sit towards the front, as sometimes the Tibetan bells and chanting gets loud.
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Cafe Tibet
Cuisine: Tibetan
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Berkeley |
7/19/2006
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My in-laws think this place is the best place to go. Maybe it was back in the 1980s, but when I lived in the TenderNob I'd never go to Lefty's. I was dragged to it last year as part of a "hen party" and I thought, why are we going here if we're trying to give this woman a great SF night on the city? It's a sports bar, the booze is bad and not cheap, and the food is under red heat lamps. I was spared the crappy instant-mix meal at the last minute because their credit card line went down and they insisted I leave my card with them for the 20 minutes it would take to go back up. When I declined, and showed them where I'd be sitting, they INSISTED I pay right then. I told them I had no cash and I refused to leave my credit card with them, and the cashier snatched the tray from my hands and threw the contents of my meal in the garbage. Where it belonged.
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Lefty O'Douls
Cuisine: American (Traditional) Hofbrau
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Downtown |
7/16/2006
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Go to the ABC early during the week and you'll see a small town bakery in action. The space is small, but well designed and comfortable without being shabby. Most tables are two-tops, and the regulars (Napanites) talk to one another across the space. One large table seats about ten, but don't count on getting it unless you show up when the ABC opens at 6:30am. Folks come and go at that table, so it never really turns over. Coffees are good, strong, and made to order. The pastries are also good, and have that California mix of sounding healthy when they aren't. ABC also has hot breakfasts--the oatmeal is a favorite of many. The breakfast sandwich is yummy, inexspensive and filling. There aren't a lot of frills here, so don't look for kiwi flowers adorning your scrambled eggs. You get the eggs, a plate and a fork. Cash only.
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Alexis Baking Company
Cuisine: American (New) Bakery
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Napa |
7/14/2006
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I was thrilled to win a dinner from SFSurvey to Saluna, and have just returned from it. My husb., son & I went early, before the crowds, and really enjoyed it. We took advantage of the $32 prix fixe option, and I love that we could pick anything off the menu. The NY steak was "melt in your mouth" delicious, but my husband was surprixed it wasn't a whole steak. Son's duck confit was perfect--he blissed out on it. I loved the fuji apple salad that accompanied it. My pork tenderloin was good, not amazing, but the smoky/sweet bacon apple hash served with it WAS amazing. A chocolate cake with homemade caramel sauce was great. Only two chardonneys by the glass, but the $10 one was quite good. Overall, a lovely dinner, nice space, A+ service. We're sorry we missed the jazz combo. For our small wallets this was a treat--we normally would not have a $150+ dinner for three.
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Soluna Cafe and Lounge
Cuisine: Californian
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Civic Center |
6/24/2006
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Another convention lunch. I wanted a burger in a quiet corner somewhere, with table service. You're not getting that at the convention center, not for under $25 for lunch. Here it's fast food. A small steak sandwich is about $5, no fries, nothing served with it. The carmelized onions are really just sauted. Everything about this place is hectic, chop shop, crazy. Family oriented? Yes, they do have kid-sized portions. But this isn't a place to go relax. The whole Metreon experience still confuses and eludes me. I wouldn't go to Buckhorn Grills elsewhere.
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Buckhorn
Cuisine: American Grill
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Downtown |
6/22/2006
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Yey for Tamarindo! They opened last year in Old Oakland, and it looks like they're going to stay. This Mexican spot is *not* a taqueria, but a pricier tapas-style restaurant. Architecturally, the space and design is great.
One of the brown-haired waitresses recommended that I, as a solitary diner (they didn't seem to know how to handle that I was alone), order two to three plates. As it was lunch, I skipped the Spanish/Argentinian-heavy wine list for Mexican Cola-light ($2).
The three empanaditas with a thimble of tomatillo sauce was good. 2 shrimp, one spicy cheese. I'd get them again. I was confused about the whole charred jalepenos, habaneros, and spring onion served with a sole cheese-stuffed poblano ($3). Garnish? Three small, handmade tortillas ($2) were yummy with the blended black beans ($3).
While not BIG food, it's good. Totalling $18 for one, this is too exp. for a casual lunch, but I'll bring clients. Tip: some sort of hostess station or sign that you'll be seated.
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Tamarindo Antojeria Mexicana
Cuisine: Mexican Nuevo Latino
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Oakland |
6/15/2006
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Powderface is a great little cafe right at the steps of the Fruitvale BART Station. Yes, it serves all the espresso delights you could wish for, and there's a nice variety of standard sandwiches. But what you really have to go for are the fresh beignets. The staff makes them hot and piping to your order...so if you've only got 3 minutes till your train comes, you'll be waiting for the next one. But oh, man, are these little french doughnuts worth it! Light, square, and piled with powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar, one bite of these lovies and you'll think you're on the banks of the Mississippi, drinking cafe au lait and enjoying a beignet from Cafe du Monde. (Okay, that's me, remembering my honeymoon in New Orleans, but you can close your eyes and pretend with me.) The beignets are best warm, and certainly within 24 hours. At $2.90 for three, this is the best deal in town!
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Powderface
Cuisine: Coffee Shop
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Oakland |
5/16/2006
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This friendly little Puerto Rican spot is just two blocks from the Fruitvale BART Station. While it's a small place, the staff was able to immediatly accomodate our lunchtime group of 12. For just $7.95 you get your choice of three different meats, such as Pernil (roasted pork, which was delicious); Bistec Encebollado (onion & garlic steak); or Carne Guisada (stewed beef). The choices change daily. With that you get a choice of white rice and red organic beans or red rice with pigeon peas. Plus, you also choose between two different types of fried plantains or two different salads. While it's not a fancy place, the service is friendly, quick, and the food is quite good. The owners, Ari and Ray, are brothers, and are fast to check that all is right. I will *definitely* return to this gem. It's simple, good food.
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Sofrito
Cuisine: Puerto Rican
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Oakland |
5/13/2006
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Downtown Oakland doesn't have many decent restaurants for meeting clients, etc. Caffe Verbena is about it. This is an italian restaurant, with an airy atrium and more intimate, darker seating inside the space. The menu includes a nice range of salads, sandwiches, pastas and meats. I had spaghetti with rock shrimp and garlic. It was lightly spiced with red pepper, and was served with two slices of garlic toast, very nice. ($14.95). My lunch guest had lasagna, which was served in rondelles (so it was three round circles of lasgana). It had a lot of sauce, and did not have bread, but she seemed to enjoy it. Sodas and lemonades were lots of ice, small glasses, and the waitstaff was nice but rushed and not around often. This is not a spot for a cheap lunch, but I'll take it over Max's for business lunches anytime.
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Caffé Verbena
Cuisine: Californian Italian
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Oakland |
4/28/2006
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Stopped in for a late-night (9pm) cheap dinner, knew that it might be awful since I had to go down an alley. The staff was polite and friendly, decor is no-frills. They have Bass Ale & RedHook on tap. I ordered: potstickers (6 for $4.50) and curry chicken (big honkin plate with gigantic bowl o rice for $8.50) and a pint of Bass. Potstickers were steamed--no crispy bottom--but had the right proportion of meat to wrapper to garlic and ginger. Yum--lots of ginger! Served in a bowl of spicy, sesame oiled sauce w/scallions. I'd go back for these. The curry chicken was small cubes of meat with very little onion or green pepper. It was very spicy but I'd been warned. Even so, the flavoring was a little too one-note for me. It was fine though. I've had much, MUCH worse. I brought it home and will make a gigantic dish of curry veggies and chicken tonight. Would I go back? Maybe for potstickers after having drinks at Maxwell's at the Palace....
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Henry's Hunan Restaurant
Cuisine: Chinese
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Chinatown |
4/7/2006
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Had such hopes for a new Italian restaurant right around the corner from my office. This place, La Cucina Italiana, will not be around for long. While the space is new and clean, and the prices are fair for a sit-down place, the food is just dreadful. One look at the menu and you'll know what to expect. Tinned minnestrone, frozen garlic bread. A lot of pasta dishes with Green Beans--not peas, mind you, but green beans. I can't imagine that any of these meals are made from anything that isn't pre-packaged, frozen, or tinned. Run away, run away! Alas, another hope for downtown Oakland is shot.
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La Cucina Italiana
Cuisine: Italian American
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Oakland |
4/3/2006
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I knew Happy Burrito was the divy neighborhood taqueria to try when the firemen repeatedly double parked their engine outside the place. Happy Burrito is on 14th Street and also at 1616 Webster, owned and managed by the same folks. Great grilled chicken and really good enchilada gravy--like the kind Haight Street's Chabela's used to make. These are fast, hot, big, cheap burritos, tacos and enchiladas. Order chips, they're extra but yummy. Don't look for fancy--you won't get it here. And we're talking basic. They 14th street place doesn't have carnitas. Don't look for shrimp or fish.
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Happy Burrito 2
Cuisine: Mexican
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Oakland |
3/28/2006
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Au Coquelet is good during the day for a sandwich or salad--but don't expect fine dining. What it's best for is a drink after a show at the Berkeley Community Theatre, a few blocks away. Au Coq. is open until 1am on weeknights and serves dinner until closing. They have a variety of coffees, Italian sodas, and pastries. The cakes and tortes and tartes looked pretty good, and good prices. A bottle of beer (no tap) is going to run about $3.75; Sierra Nevada, Newcastle, Red Hook, Guinness ($5). I wouldn't order the quiche lorraine again. At 11pm the crust was mushy and the quiche was laden with burnt cheese and waaaay too much meat. At $7.95 you have a choice of side salad or fries.
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Au Coquelet Cafe Restaurant
Cuisine: Coffee Shops/Diners
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Berkeley |
3/28/2006
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“The worst dim sum experience ever (and you can tell by reading my reviews I've had a few)! It's *not good* to seat customers an hour before closing but not tell them the kitchen is closed. This is one of those places where they disappear for an hour with your table card to tally the bill, and then when you find out they've added a $4 tea tax and included a tip for themselves (on a warm soda and cold potstickers), they disappear for 20 more minutes to fix it. And then they don't. Oh--and they disappear to the back again with your card for another 20 minutes, and ring up the original check with the extra $6 added into it. Yes, a diet coke and three cold potstickers cost me over $14. Did I mention they were cold potstickers? ”
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Restaurant Peony
Cuisine: Dim Sum
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Oakland |
3/28/2006
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Jade Villa has average dim sum. Service is quick and plentiful, but the food tends towards heavy and greasy. You get what you pay for--and they are one of the cheaper dim sum places around.
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Jade Villa
Cuisine: Dim Sum
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Oakland |
3/28/2006
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Le Cheval. So popular, strangely. This location is a big barn of a place, with servers who are just darned annoyed that you've come into their restaurant. Dishes are slapped down by wait staff who disappear immediately. But it's good. I like the shredded carrot soup and love their shrimp rolls. The orange peel beef has big, sweet hunks of orange peel that are really tasty. Don't bother asking for substitutions or special orders. They'll take the order but give you what they want to give you. Go at off times, as I've heard the lines are inexplicably long.
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Le Cheval
Cuisine: French Vietnamese
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Oakland |
3/28/2006
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I love that they really invested in the design/decor of their restaurant. Hyuhn is a good vietnamese joint, esp. at lunch time when it can be quieter than other area VN places. All their standard "Americanized" dishes are quite good. A word of warning for the uninitiated: if you order noodles with cartilage, you will get some freaky-looking lunch that is scary (but I've been told is yummy).
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Huynh Vietnamese Cuisine
Cuisine: Vietnamese
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Oakland |
3/28/2006
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The only reason to go to Max's in Oakland is if you work here and have to have a fast, sit-down lunch. It's noisy, sometimes dirty, and there's certain wait staff that I'm certain will spit in your food if you look at them funny. I do love the shrimp and sausage pasta, but at $14 a pop it's too much for a personal lunch. A good place to go with a bunch of co-workers who aren't fussy about service, want to be loud, and all have different dietary needs.
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Max's
Cuisine: Deli Sandwiches
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Oakland |
3/28/2006
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Scott's is right on the water, a gorgeous location in Oakland. It's all dark woods and masculinity, with a private room that's great for (expensive) private lunches. Salads and sandwiches are great here--hot entrees at lunchtime can be fantastic or bland and drab. Good place to take a client for a serious meeting. Sit outside when it's sunny!
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Scott's Seafood
Cuisine: American (Traditional) Seafood
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Oakland |
3/28/2006
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I've brought a group of ~8 here twice in as many years. Both times everyone loved this second-floor restaurant. The service is brisk, and if you've got a large group you'll have problems with seating. Both times our group was in the center of the restaurant, which is awkward. A beet salad was absolutely sublime. The main courses were odd both nights for us as well, though everyone seemed pleased with their selection. I ordered a lamb dish that was nearly raw and I had to send back--surprising when I love rare meat. I found it to be expensive and would not go back on my own. Foodies who love Alice Waters talk all the time about this place.
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Oliveto Cafe & Restaurant
Cuisine: Italian
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Oakland |
3/28/2006
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My husband tries to eat veggie as much as possible, so we have tried Herbivore a number of times. It is definitely a vegan restaurant, and the choices for the menu can sometimes be odd. Don't offer lasagna when you won't use cheese (soy cheese doesn't cut it). There is a good assortment of wraps, sandwiches, hot entrees, and pasta dishes. I do really enjoy the Vietnamese spring rolls. However, I find the peanut sauce served with them and the tomato based sauce used for the pastas are used frequently as the main flavorings. The staff is not very friendly (maybe I'm not hip enough), and certainly was not kid friendly. My son is well behaved and I often take him places to have an appetizer and fresh juice while I have a glass of wine. This restaurant seemed surprised we were there. I'd go back with my husband and some vegan friends, but I wouldn't bring non-veggies to Herbivore. I don't think they'd thank me for it.
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Herbivore
Cuisine: Vegetarian
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Western Addition |
3/27/2006
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I've only had nice staff--even the toothless guy at the door smiles nicely at me. Lamb gyros here are the way they should always be--heaping full of meat! Good tsatzyki. Somehow they're always out of diet soda when I go here, so I've learned to bring my own. If you don't like small spaces don't do this place.
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Gyro King
Cuisine: Mediterranean
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Civic Center |
1/5/2006
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For those who seek out good Mediterranean joints, this is a decent take-out. The food is made to order...so if you're ordering a lot go get a beer next door. There are plenty of veggie options, and the flavors are strong and good. I was pleased they don't singe the meat (sometimes the Blue Front does), but would like to see some pressed lamb on the menu.
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Ali Baba's Cave
Cuisine: Mediterranean Middle Eastern
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Lower Haight |
1/5/2006
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It's a greasy spoon...er, grill. Don't go expecting organic, gluten-free miso-dressed spring salads. You load up on burgers, fries and milkshakes. Tony's isn't a place I'd go out of my way for, but I know my husband was sure happy it was across from Kaiser when I was in labor for 87 hours and the nurse wouldn't let him eat any of my jello!
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Tony's Cable Car Restaurant
Cuisine: Hamburgers
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Inner Richmond |
1/3/2006
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Bambino's is a great little local Italian place. Really nicely maintained (had a redesign in the last 5 years) and has been in this location for at least 12 years. They do pastas quite well and pizzas are good. The wine list is pricey, and not enough selection by the glass the last time I went. Also, few "plain" dishes for picky kids, which is important as a neighborhood place that's a little more expensive than the Olive Garden (but soooo worth it!). But overall a fantastic, from-scratch restaurant. Dinner for three with wine was ~$100.
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Bambino's Ristorante
Cuisine: Italian Pizza
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Haight-Ashbury/Cole Valley |
12/22/2005
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SFMiss dined alfresco on a rare SF day. The staff has realized the open-court, non-covered patio doesn't work for most of the year and brought in a sweaty plastic tent. The wait was closer to 30 minutes for us; architecturally the cafe was poorly planned. Five of us dined together: the crab cakes took way too long to arrive (some were done with sandwiches by then). Crab cakes got good reviews, but very small portions. I had a roast beef sandwich (10.50) with boursin cheese, lettuce and a small amount of horseradish mayo on side. The bread was much too hard to bite politely, a softer crust would help. The reuben has sweet red cabbage instead of sauerkraut--neutral reactions. The dishes and utensils are artsy and cool. $7 Hot dogs, $5 grilled cheese, and $4 french fries are extra (for those with kids, this is a long wait for a $$$ lunch). Salads looked good. Lots of brussel sprouts on yesterday's menu. (??!!) Staff needs to work faster.
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de Young Cafe
Cuisine: American Bistro
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Inner Richmond |
12/22/2005
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Great bread, good beer. The fare is definitely pub grub, but honestly, this place is a bar...would you expect five-star dining? Nice place to go on a Saturday afternoon to bend your elbow a few times and want to get a late lunch or early dinner. It can get too crowded and hectic for my taste (the staff is pleasant but don't do crowds well).
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O'Reilly's Irish Pub & Restaurant
Cuisine: Irish Pub Food
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North Beach |
12/19/2005
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A great place for lunch, though a bit expensive. Good for a *business* lunch or lunch with your mother. I've been here five times and most of the times it has been good. Sometimes the waitstaff is rushed, or rushes you. Sometimes they are attentive and friendly. They have a nice variety of salads on the menu and a special salad sampler, for those who can't make up their minds. Yesterday I had the roasted beet salad, the white & black bean salad, a tomato caprese, and a sesame beef. The beets were tender, pink and delicious with a sprinkling of blue cheese. The beans were perfectly cooked for me though some might like them a bit more tender. The beef was a lovely shaved bit, with delicious sesame dressing. The tomatos...well, winter's not the season for them, is it? That salad needs to be retired until summertime. Other people's sandwiches smelled delish. I've had a calzone before: big, warm, but all in all not their best effort. Their soups are lovely.
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Cafe Metropol
Cuisine: Californian
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Downtown |
11/30/2005
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This was a neighborhood place for us for coffee and a pastry or muffin, but the seating is just so gosh-darn uncomfortable that we never went out of our way to order food after the first try. The breakfast offerings were terribly bland, and the jostling it took to get them wasn't worth it. Go on the off-hours if you must have food or sit for long periods of time.
But we don't want it replaced with some horrid chain--so please support it as we did!
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People's Cafe
Cuisine: Coffee Shop
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Haight-Ashbury/Cole Valley |
10/30/2005
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When I used to live nearby I was looking for a good place for a great glass of wine. I wanted an alternative to the bars...but didn't find one. There's a "bar" to sit at for drinks and appetizers, but the staff seems uncomfortable when you actually sit here. Additionally, the wine selection is truly disappointing--and using the fact that some wines are organic isn't an excuse for cheap-tasting wine. Lastly, I *am* a wine snob. If I'm paying $14 for a glass of wine, give it to me in a proper wine glass. No cheap fifty-cents at the flea market glasses. The glass I got for free at my high-school prom was better quality, with a smaller lip. Not being excited by the wine at this wine bar, I didn't bother with the food.
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Eos Restaurant & Wine Bar
Cuisine: Californian Asian Fusion
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Haight-Ashbury/Cole Valley |
10/30/2005
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My son and I wandered in--we'd gone for a walk looking for good Chinese in the Richmond, but settled on Burmese b/c we'd never had it. It was a weekend afternoon, about 1pm, and there was no wait, and just the nicest waitress. Maybe it helps to have a cute little kid? We had Samusas--yum--, semsame chicken (nothing to write home about), and a noodle dish--See jyet kaukswer. My son chose to have the noodles with duck meat, which was shredded on top. The meat was tender and moist, so kudos to the chef, and the noodles were garlicky. All in all, we'd definitely go back, and I'd like to bring my husband. However, the tales of the long wait scare me off, as we're not a family that waits. The decor is sweet and interesting. Pricing was fair.
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Burma Superstar
Cuisine: Burmese
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Inner Richmond |
10/13/2005
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The guys behind the counter are working hard, but they still take the time to make sure your order is right. Good East-coast style sandwiches--diets be damned! Don't eat here if you're trying to impress someone with your great manners, because you'll be stuffing your face, licking your fingers and smacking your lips. All you pregnant ladies out there: this is in walking distance of the Kaiser Permanente OB/GYN offices on Geary. (I spent many a happy post-appointment afternoons treating myself to cheese steaks.)
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Cheese Steak Shop
Cuisine: Cheesesteak American
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Western Addition |
10/10/2005
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If I'm going to the Metreon for some crazy reason, or I'm at the great kid's playground at Yerba Buena Gardens, I *might* come here. However, their potstickers are disappointing, and for all the spark and sizzle of the kitchen, everything falls short of great. Decent, but not exciting. Realistically, this is a food court, and for mall food, it could be a heck of a lot worse. Panda Express, any one? 6/2006: At a conv. @ Moscone and went here as lines were shorter. The boiled wontons are decent, with red ginger and chile oil. The Marco Polo is like spaghetti and meat sauce with added cucumber. Too much ground meat. Again, I won't go here for a fun place to go, but for a convention lunch, it's better than Moscone food.
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Long Life Noodle Company and Jook Joint
Cuisine: Asian Noodle
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SoMa |
10/10/2005
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Joining the gang of positive reviews, The Tonga is the place to go for atmosphere and a jovial time. Not business, not for a romantic dinner...but not a bad ice breaker for a first date with someone who has a sense of humor. Don't expect fantastic service, or fantastic drinks, or fantastic food. You get fantastic from the fake thunder, lightnight, and fake Don Ho(or who ever plays that night). The happy hour buffet is fake polynesian/chinese...down to maraschino cherries with potstickers. It's greasy galore, but after a couple of Scorpion Bowls, you probably won't notice!
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Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar
Cuisine: Pacific Rim
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Nob Hill |
9/29/2005
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Fuwah is a Haight Street staple. It's where the street folks and tourists go for cheap Chinese food to go, where chinese mailmen and construction workers go for lunch. When you walk in there's a bunch of steam tables. This is where I'd stop. The dining room is dark, dingy and flesh colored, and everything is sticky. While the staff is really nice, it grosses me out to eat here. So--we get it to go. Their curry chicken is good, and anything spicy is SPICY. The chow fun, when it's fresh is some of my favority greasy noodles in town. But what I travel back there for is the POTSTICKERS. At eight for $4.65, you can't beat it. They are homemade, with thin, perfect wrappers and a balanced combination of fresh ginger to pork. If you have to wait for fresh ones to be made...do! It's well worth it, and there are chairs for you to watch the characters as they come in and out. Cash only in the front.
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Fuwah Restaurant
Cuisine: Chinese
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Haight-Ashbury/Cole Valley |
9/27/2005
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Great place to go for a business lunch. Good food, good service, nothing is going to jump out as an embarassment. I'd also bring prospective in-laws here.
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Waterfront Restaurant & Cafe
Cuisine: Californian Mediterranean
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Embarcadero |
9/27/2005
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Decent for take-out meat--if you want BBQ but you're in a downtown apartment, Hahn's is an okay place to go. It's pretty much fast food MEAT MEAT MEAT. Not fancy, not expensive. Certainly falls under the "Cheap Eats" category. That said, I haven't been to this location in over 7 years.
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Hahn's Hibachi
Cuisine: Korean Barbecue bbq
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Polk St./Van Ness |
9/23/2005
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Definitely not a restaurant, but as close to a pub as you could get in the area. Dingy, dirty, and small--great punk-packed jukebox, pinball and pool. You wouldn't want your mom using the bathrooms. In fact, you probably wouldn't want your mom coming here at all. The back patio is the place to be--but be forewarned, there are *gasp* smokers back here! When the grill is up delicious smells abound, a la burgers and other grill fare. The Tamale Lady may or may not show up when you're here--and while I'm not big on her fare I've never turned it down after a night of beer swilling. The signature drinks are $7 Blue Elvises (or is it Dead Elvises? I never remember.) A vile concoction, to be sure, but well-loved. Wonderful, wonderful bar, for those that like this kind of place.
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Zeitgeist
Cuisine: Hamburgers Barbecue
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Mission |
9/23/2005
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Came for dim sum with my out-of-town parents who were craving Chinatown dim sum. I tried to steer them to some place nicer, like Yank Sing, but it was a no-go. The dining room is HUGE (they have a center dance floor and dancing during the week at night) and it was packed. The staff does *not* speak much English and we were visited by the same two "American" carts the whole time. It was fine. Too greasy and some of it was cold...but that's almost a given for dim sum. I wouldn't recommend it or go back, but I won't argue if someone else is dying to go there.
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New Asia Restaurant
Cuisine: Chinese
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Chinatown |
9/8/2005
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Lovely views, nice staff. We went for cocktails and dessert. Martinis are ~$11, but good and an appropriate size. The wine by the glass can be expensive for what it is ($12 for Pine Ridge Merlot) but at least they serve it in real wine glasses. Desserts were, for the most part, yummy. I got the creme brulee trio. I would have preferred more of the creme brule and would have happily skipped the three cookies (lace, shortbread, and a nasty dense p**p-tasting chocolate thing). Others in the party loved the warm chocolate cake with ice cream and also the trio of profiterole, macaroon, and eclair. Decent and fine, but expensive.
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Cityscape
Cuisine: American (Traditional)
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Downtown |
9/7/2005
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I used to go here right when it opened as The Bank of Ireland, back when boys could honestly tell their mums they were putting their hard-earned money into the Bank of Ireland. The staff was always gloriously nice and if you went regularly they remembered. Good place to bring an older crowd or to hang out post-work with the yupsters. If they still have curry chips get them get them get them! The cook gave me the recipe...it's deliciously simple.
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Irish Bank, The
Cuisine: pub food Irish
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Downtown |
9/1/2005
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Good breakfast place if you don't want to wait in line across the street at the "Porkenstein." It seems to harken to hippier days--and it feels the way a Haight Street restaurant should. Old, communal, and somehow over the top. Pancakes come with a bounty of fruit on top (not inside). Spinach in the omelets is chopped stems and all. The home fries, in my opinion, are flavorless and could do with more crisping, onions, and peppers. But there's a lot of them, for them that care. The sour cream is an odd addition and I'm curious to the history--but truly it makes the home fries edible. I could have the omelet and toast and ask them to leave off the rest. Hot chocolate is powdered, but it comes fast. cocktails are made with han. The fruit cup is sweet, the fruit plate has granola and what might be homemade yogurt. Bathrooms are up steep, narrow stairs, but are surprisingly large and clean.
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All You Knead
Cuisine: American Bistro
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Haight-Ashbury/Cole Valley |
8/29/2005
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Dark, on the water, small and very "Old East Coast." Scomas has seen better days (some spots seemed sticky) but the food was pretty good. Definite SF prices, and for them, I've had better. The waitress was overly friendly; I expected her to start feeding my father (I think she found him attractive). Like most of the reviewers, we found the food to be good, but not amazing. Certainly a good place to bring people from the midwest who are looking for an upscale Red Lobster. I won't go into detail that a "bug" was crawling on my father's blazer. Let's just assume that was a one-time deal, or it came from the hotel.
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Scoma's
Cuisine: Italian Seafood
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Fishermans Wharf |
8/26/2005
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You know you've got a problem when 90% of the reviews say it's a good place to go because it's open at 2am. This SoMa Mel's is okay. It's *not* a step back in time. Really. It's not. No amount of pretending will make it so. But that's okay. And for East Coast people who *know* diners, this isn't a diner either. It's the SF version of a Hollywood-version of a '50s diner. The staff doesn't want to be there. And at 2am, they don't want *you* there, either. The food is fine if you've tied one on, but really, the hamburgers are crummy. The salads are crummy. The fries and rings are...not crummy, but not something I'd go out of my way for. It's a good place to bring a kid to for a sundae. They turn over enough ice cream at this location with the shakes that the ice cream doesn't have freezer burn, the restaruant's saving grace. PS. don't put your money in the jukes--they don't really play your choices.
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Mel's Drive-In
Cuisine: Coffee Shops/Diners
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SoMa |
8/24/2005
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Tended toward expensive and attempting to be the "True SF Pizzaria"...is there one?! A small space, don't bring a group. Usually filled with tourists, which isn't a terrible thing. The fiery hot pizza is pretty good (don't remember the name) and their pesto sauce is garlicky.
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Uncle Vito's Pizzeria
Cuisine: Italian Pizza
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Nob Hill |
8/19/2005
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I like the variety of the menu (I loved the lamb burritos when I used to go here). However, I was never excited by the flavors or the quality and didn't go out of my way for a 360 burrito--unlike driving into the Haight for Chabelas.
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360 Degrees Gourmet Burritos
Cuisine: Mexican
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Downtown |
8/5/2005
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I'm not a Lori's fan but my husband likes it. They fry fish in the same oil as fries, they are often out of diet coke. If I'm dragged here I'll get a sundae rather than sulk, but I try to head off any discussion of going here. The Mason Street location is less crowded than the Powell Street, but I think it's also more depressing.
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Lori's Diner
Cuisine: American (Traditional) Coffee Shops/Diners
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Downtown |
8/5/2005
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I'm a sucker for this place. I used to work in the neighborhood and knew the "lunch secret": sit above the dinning area in the less-fancy tables and get a VIP/Neighbor pass. No tableclothes on the tables, and you might get a rushed service, but you got a special lower-priced menu and the billion-dollar view. Plus, you could look down at what all the other people were paying big bucks for! I loved (and still crave) the fantastic clam pizza. It had the right mix of bacon and garlic and creamy sauce. Mmmmm. There was a great spicy shrimp dish that I enjoyed too. I had just about everything on the menu, and was never, ever disappointed. The pizza ovens at the bar are great. Oh, and the 15% my VIP pass got me helped a lot too.
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McCormick & Kuleto's
Cuisine: Seafood
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Fishermans Wharf |
8/5/2005
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Lovely little pub. I always enjoy when they have a band tucked into a corner. The bloody mary's are so spicy they make my eyelids sweat...which is good for me, but maybe not for you. My husband used to love their full Irish Breakfast, though I don't know if they serve it still.
This *is* a pub in the most touristy neighborhood of the city. You can get some real drunkards, and if you stop in on a Sunday the floors will likely still reek of Friday's spilled beer.
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Fiddler's Green
Cuisine: Irish
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Fishermans Wharf |
8/5/2005
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Went here many, many times for lunch. My co-workers loved it. I could take it or leave it. At the time there were not many chinese restaurants in FW, this one was fast, would take a group of 12 and serve us quickly. The food tended towards greasy, and was certainly "Americanized," but for $6.50 for a full lunch you could do a heck of a lot worse.
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China House
Cuisine: Chinese
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Fishermans Wharf |
8/5/2005
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If you've been here and enjoyed it you've probably enjoyed the Hard Rock and the other movie star place that finally closed in Union Sq. It's for tourists. Period.
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Bubba Gump's
Cuisine: Seafood Fish & Chips
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Fishermans Wharf |
8/5/2005
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Great place to take young kids, people from the mid-West, and friends for quick, decent noodles. Mifune was a staple for us when we had a babe-in-arms. Go early (5ish) and it's just other parents with young kids. Well behaved kids, usually. I digress. The noodles and udon here are better than at the chain shops (like Long Life) and I found the staff to be much nicer and attentive as well. The presentation is always pleasing. Don't expect red carpet treatment or Fleur de Lys plating...and you should be satisfied.
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Mifune
Cuisine: Japanese Noodle Shops
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Japantown |
8/5/2005
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Nice decor, never overly crowded, quick service. Reasonable prices. The Coconut Milk Soup (Tom Kai Gee?) is very, very good. Not too thick, sweet and salty at the same time. The chicken in it tends towards slightly over-cooked, but that's okay. The barbequed pork is delicious. We all reeally enjoy the spicy curried potato puffs (can't remember the name) and the thai rolls (crisp fried) are delicate and yummy. Have eaten in and taken out, never to be disappointed.
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Thai Place Two
Cuisine: Thai
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Lower Haight |
8/3/2005
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This is not a review of this location--but of the menu/food overall. I recommend the shrimp & sausage pasta. It's *spicy* and fairly good. I've been disappointed with how thick the pastrami is in their reubens. The salads are big, but always seem lacking in flavor, like the veggies are grown by machines. There is a brie sandwich that is good and I would order again. Honestly, I go here because it's one of the few sit-down restaurants near my office.
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Max's Opera Cafe
Cuisine: Deli Dessert
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Civic Center |
7/27/2005
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Only ever had lunches here--both for business and pleasure--and I've never been disappointed. I enjoy a restaurant that is playful with its decor. I'll never design my home like this, but I'm thrilled to see restauranteurs taking aquatic design plunges.
As a non-fish eater, I thought I'd be in trouble at Farallon. Au contraire, mon frere. The pastas are cooked to perfection, meats are delicious. A pork chop was deliciously tender on the inside, carmelized crispy outside. Nice selection of wines, plenty of appetizers and starters for those with a small appetite (or wallet).
They are accomodating to large parties (though I recommend not booking the "Upstairs Library" as it's Farallon's service but the hotel's decor) *and* to families with babes-in-arms. The back room/grotto is my favorite.
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Farallon
Cuisine: Seafood
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Downtown |
7/27/2005
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Jumping on the "this is SF" bandwagon that I just pooh-poohed in my last review...this is SF! Why go to an italian chain that's truly a step or two above Olive Garden & Bucca di Beppo when you can go to great places in North Beach? Okay, so it's reasonable. But the staff can be surly, the seating uncomfortable (ever wonder if they order the furniture so your butt falls asleep if you've sat for more than 35 minutes?), and I'm suspicious that sometimes the pasta is steamed to be heated (meaning it was cooked 45 minutes ago and has been sitting in a gluey clump in the kitchen).
That said, I would and do go here for lunch with friends and co-workers. It's fast, reasonable, and you know what you're getting. I wouldn't come here for a special dinner, nor would I bring someone here that I want to impress. They get an extra star for catering & putting recipies on their website.
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Pasta Pomodoro
Cuisine: Italian
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Noe Valley |
7/14/2005
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The Chevy's experience truly depends on the location of the restaurant and the purpose for going. Many of the locations along waterfront are great for work-group parties, and the ones in suburban hell are fine to take the kids to during Christmas shopping sprees. I concur the chips & salsa are a great reason to go, as is super-fast service in most of the locations. I've had *much worse* Mexican food in Mission taquerias...including ones that charge for Costco chips! In a city where all the great taquerias seem to be closing, or have impossible parking, the snobbery seems off-base. Besides, the corn side is delicioso!
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Chevy's Fresh Mex
Cuisine: Tex-mex Mexican
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Embarcadero |
7/13/2005
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Very small and grubby. Depending on the waiters you'll either get a big huge goblet of wine or a teeny tiny dixie cup. Either way, it's swill. Most of us got the blue-plate special which was meatloaf. The texture was mealy and the gravy was extremely, over-the-top salty. The special was served with an unmemorable pea soup that was the best thing about the meal. One of our group ordered a cheese sandwich, which was piled high with cheese, but no mayo, mustard, etc. There was no upside to this grotty, expensive little place.
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David's Delicatessen
Cuisine: Deli Jewish
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Tenderloin |
6/30/2005
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As a burger-lover, I was disappointed after reading high marks for Burgermeister in local papers. My burger was dry--and I like medium rare to medium burgers. The fries were limp as was the lettuce. I much prefer Burger Joint on Haight for both ambiance and the burgers. Maybe I just miss the old creperie and Hari Krishnas that used to be in this corner of Cole Valley.
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Burgermeister
Cuisine: Hamburgers Niman Ranch Beef
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Haight-Ashbury/Cole Valley |
6/28/2005
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On a mission to find a better taqueria, I discovered Casa Mexicana on 24th Street. We tried: super carne asada burrito w/refrieds & mild sauce (good but bland), an azteca (mojado) carnitas burrito w/black beans (giant and tasty), grilled pollo nachos (lots of toppings, guac is saucy instead of chunky), and a shrimp quesadilla. Points off for the shrimp quesadilla, which was made with bay shrimp and not grilled prawns. It was very fishy smelling and our shrimp lover decided it wasn't good. The meats had good flavor and the chips were fresh and light. The salsa is either very mild (chunked tomatoes) or HOT. We will go again to try all the vegetarian options. Reasonably priced (four entrees $21) and large amounts. They take care in wrapping to-go!
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Casa Mexicana
Cuisine: Mexican
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Noe Valley |
6/28/2005
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As a Haight resident, I assert there are no good taquerias left now that Chabelas is gone. El Balzao is average and so we go out of our way to find something better. Burritos *are* big, stuffed sometimes till near bursting as though the sheer size would stun us into thinking it was delicious. The standard meats are pollo or carne asada, and the staff seems annoyed if you request carnitas from their crock-pot, or mole, etc. Sour cream goes on heavy. Vegetarian options are more than average, including a cactus burrito and a chile relleno buritto. However, no grilled veggie burrito. Mole sauce is thin, overly spiced with nutmeg, and not sweet. Enchilada sauce is equally thin and has a strong metallic taste. If you arrive after five or during a busy lunch hour, expect tables to be dirty and the salsa bar to be empty and unappetizing. Though we miss and crave good Mexican food, El Balzao is not good enough for us. We'll keep looking.
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El Balazo
Cuisine: Mexican
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Haight-Ashbury/Cole Valley |
6/28/2005
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Great Middle Eastern dishes--especially for vegetarians. The variety is great and if one person in your party is in the mood for gyros and another for omlettes, this is the place to go. The garlic mayo is killer! A very casual atmosphere, and at times crowded. Best for two people and/or take-out. Their fruit is almost always fresh and tasty; the beef & lamb gyro meat can sometimes be a little overcooked (I ask them not to grill it a second time for me). Delicious hummus and dolmas.
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Blue Front
Cuisine: Middle Eastern Bistro
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Haight-Ashbury/Cole Valley |
6/20/2005
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Supposedly voted best take-out by the Bay Guardian (when?) and best kung-pao chicken by Asian Weekly. We had delivery, which was fast and well packaged. Potstickers were disappointing--hard, thick skin and a mushy, flavorless filling. Kung Pao Chicken was spicy and good, vegetables had flavor. However, it was served in a small box wrapped in a larger box, only enough for two people. Same with Andy's Special Sesame Beef which was a big hit. Half the box was cabbage and sauce. Curry chicken had great flavor, but was really curry onions with a little chicken and carrots. Vegetable chow mein had a good assortment of veggies and wasn't greasy. And deluxe mixed vegetables also had good flavor and variety. The total was $35 plus tip and included a coupon for free chow mein. I don't know if we'll order here again--since nothing was incredibly fantastic and it seemed skimpy on the main ingredients.
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Andy's Restaurant
Cuisine: Chinese
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Inner Sunset |
6/10/2005
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Delightful neighborhood bakery. Attention has been made to give it a very Parisian feel. The staff is quick and efficient, pleasant and very happy to offer suggestions. The croisants are light and flaky, and anything with fresh fruit is worth it. Coffee and chocolate (hot) are more French than American, which may be why some prefer the chain stores elsewhere. This is a place to bring a book, your writing, or someone for a slow, quiet morning conversation. We plan to return to try some of the brunch items, such as the croque monsieur and quiches. The vanilla flan looked very inviting. Oh--and I keep forgetting to get some bread to take home.
One table was having espresso and toast. Looked simple and delicious!
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Boulange de Cole
Cuisine: French Bakeries Dessert
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Haight-Ashbury/Cole Valley |
6/9/2005
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Small place, pleasant staff, great open windows for true people watching. My son and I stopped in so he could get "meat on a stick". You choose a meat/veggie combination (chicken with thai sauce, salmon, marinated tofu, etc.) and that entree is shiskabobbed with veggies. Then you order a starch (garlic mashed potatoes were very good, rice looked white and fluffy, the grilled polenta looked DELICIOUS) or a salad. The staff hollers your name and brings it over. They will accomodate the odd sub (put this sauce on that skewer?) and were very nice when my kid spilled his entire "Very Berry Float." They have a small but decent selection of wines and beers. And I can't wait to try their salads. The grilled pear looked good and I think the beet salad will be great.
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Asqew Grill
Cuisine: Californian
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Haight-Ashbury/Cole Valley |
6/6/2005
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The backyard garden is lovely, esp. in the early evening. I've been twice, once for wine and bruschetta, once with a large group. Both times before the dinner crowd. The first time was relaxed and perfect. The second, with a group of six, the service was spotty. cocktails came moments before the entree, with one cocktail wrong. The waiter never returned to take a second drink order, and didn't bring the glass of red wine that had been ordered when the entrees arrived. We would have been happy to order another round of drinks, coffee and desert, but the waiters were no where to be found.
In terms of the food: large portions. The raviolis were a hit, and not frozen. The linguini and clam sauce had real clams with shells and was perfect in its garlicky seasoning. The pastas do better than the chicken and veal dishes, but those are still fairly good.
I will go again, this time with just my family, and give it another shot. The prices are fair for North Beach and the setting is good
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Bocce Cafe
Cuisine: Italian
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North Beach |
6/2/2005
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(Sorry, this review was for the Divisidero location of Herbivore, not the Mission location. Based on my experiences at Divis I sure wouldn't travel for Herbivore. And now that I'm out of the city and expect something *great* when I come in, I'll not be going to Herbivore again.)
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Herbivore
Cuisine: Vegetarian
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Mission |
6/2/2005
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An amazing selection is offered by this fast, fresh and friendly spot. You can eat in the windows or take out. The bratwurst bursts at the bite and is quite flavorful. The wild boar is delicious, as are the lamb sausages. Anything that says it's spicy is. Depending on the type of meat you choose, the links will either be big and fat, or long and thin. If you get the thin ones, you will be served two links in one fresh bun.
Take advantage of the toppings--they're delicious. Also, the giant pickles are a great side--and only a dollar!
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Rosamunde Sausage Grill
Cuisine: Hot Dogs
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Lower Haight |
6/2/2005
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I don't know if they still have bagpipers on Fridays, but if they do, go then! Ten years ago they had two guys who alternated, one was terrific and played at my wedding, one is full of personality and is featured in "So I Married an Axe Murderer" (as is the Edinburgh). This is a wonderful old bar that harkens back many, many years. The staff is friendly, the pints are clean, and the atmosphere is right. Try the fried oysters--they are the best! Crispy and hot on the outside, soft, tender and slightly salty on the inside. If you don't want to go to the pub, just go the the fish shop on Larkin where the wait staff grabs your order from.
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Edinburgh Castle Pub
Cuisine: pub food
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Tenderloin |
6/2/2005
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The remodel ruined the Top of the Mark. This used to be a great, old-school SF bar. Big drinks, old waiters, nice jazz, and a view to boot. With the fancy "cool" remodel a number of years ago the Top lost its heritage. Now the waiters look down their noses at you if you aren't clad in Prada. My husband and I went for drinks on a Sunday afternoon and would have liked seconds, but the waiter couldn't stop looking at himself in the mirror long enough to bring a second round. Yes, I like a couple of cocktails, and I like them brought to me quickly. In a place that's mainly a *cocktail lounge* what's wrong with that?
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Top of the Mark
Cuisine: Californian Brunch
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Downtown |
5/27/2005
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After reading all the tremendous reviews I decided to pick up a pie from Little Star on my way home. Had my 8-year old with me and figured it wouldn't be a long wait since it was a weeknight. Parked illegally, found the place, and walked in to the darkest, smallest, most crowded restaurant ever. The only lighting seemed to be little candles on the table. I wrestled my way up to the bar to get a menu and order and waited 10 minutes for the 'tender to even meet my eye. When I asked how long it would take for a pie to go (I thought I'd order, drop my kid at home, then return), I was told, "I don't know. It depends." A guest laughed and told me I could plan on an hour. After that I decided to forgo the small, expensive pizzas and went home to sandwiches.
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Little Star Pizza
Cuisine: Pizza
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Western Addition |
5/27/2005
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Thin pizzas can be great when they are cooked just right and delivered hot. Unfortunately, if they are a little overcooked and are allowed to cool, the crusts get tough and the toppings crusty/crunchy. You shouldn't have to re-heat your pizza in a microwave to soften it up. I do like the range and creativity of their specialties, but I wouldn't recommend getting Extreme via delivery. One thing to watch for: they have a BBQ Chicken pizza *and* a BBQ Pork, and on two occaisions have swapped the two meats. If I had a reason not to eat pork I might have been very upset by this!
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Extreme Pizza
Cuisine: pizza
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Cow Hollow |
5/27/2005
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*The* cafe to go to in NB for coffee and pastries. It's a great, old-family owned bakery with delicious pastries. We love the one with raspberries and cream. The espresso is strong & hot. The staff are young, sweet, and kind to the neighborhood guys who come around to jaw at them. I wouldn't bring a slew of people here since it's a tiny shop with limited seating, but they're more than happy to box up your pastries for you.
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Stella Pastry
Cuisine: Italian Pastry Coffee
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North Beach |
5/16/2005
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Very sub-average food here--but the service is very nice. Lots of canned and frozen food. Not a bad place to take the kids if you're going to the Balboa theater and don't want to spend a lot or go someplace trendy or fancy.
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Little Henry Italian Food
Cuisine: Italian
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Outer Richmond |
5/16/2005
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A third-choice taqueria for Haight. Started going here after Chabelas closed. I find the food to be rather tasteless. When a burrito is good just beause it's HUGE, that's a problem. I'd rather have tasty, plump beans, delicious rice, and grilled meats. The enchilada sauce seemed like it was out of a can, and I doubt if the tortillas or chips were homemade. There's another taqueria across the street that is better and a more pleasant dining experience. I think it's called "Something something Balzac."
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Zona Rosa
Cuisine: Mexican Burritos
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Haight-Ashbury/Cole Valley |
5/16/2005
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We visited on an appetizer tour of Lower Haight. This was our first stop. My son & I were the second table to be seated at 5pm. He was thrilled by the decor and pretty waitresses. I had a beer, he had fresh lemonade. We ordered two appetizers (Crispy noodles--bright pink, EXTREMELY sweet; and prawn rolls--good, nice presentation). The waiter seemed annoyed that "that's all?" even though I'd told him we were just having drinks and appetizers. The bill came to $27, before tip. The tables are very close and a couple was seated next to us even though there were many free tables all around. The other couple was distracting and obnoxious and we couldn't skedaddle out of there fast enough. Don't ask for chopsticks like my kid did: "We don't have those here *sniff*"
I rather enjoy my Thai Place II on Divisidero better.
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Thep Phanom Thai Cuisine
Cuisine: Thai
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Lower Haight |
5/13/2005
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Hate to tell the world how great MM's is. I love BBQ places that don't slap gunk all over their meat. The brisket is delicious and tender; the sweet-smoked pork is moaningly good. My son, the cornbread king, always eats at least two of the muffins. The coleslaw is GREAT--not mayonaissey and flavorless but fresh and tart. Great selection of non-alcholic beverages. The portions are huge and the prices are fair. I would forgo the brunch, it's fine and good for MM fans. I think the french toast has booze in it, but I'm not certain. The staff are friendly and good at their jobs.
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Memphis Minnie's BBQ Joint
Cuisine: Barbecue
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Lower Haight |
5/13/2005
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My son and I love Yank Sing. I would only go here for a special occasion--this was another $125 lunch that just stunned me when I got the check. The duck is delicious and if you time it right (ie., early before the shirts arrive) there is a great selection. Don't go if you think this is cheap eats: it ain't!
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Yank Sing
Cuisine: Chinese Dim Sum
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Embarcadero |
5/13/2005
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Went here to kill time before an Alcatraz tour. We ordered chicken sandwiches--a bit on the dry side--but the killer was the fact that it took over 30 minutes for the food to be served. We had to ask for the check when the food came. And it was only 11:30am; it wasn't crowded. Beautiful views, but there are much better places to enjoy them.
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Alioto's
Cuisine: Seafood Italian
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Fishermans Wharf |
5/13/2005
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The WORST. Proves that just because it's been around a long time doesn't mean it's good. I like to drink wine with my dinner--they didn't seem to want to serve it more than once. Luckily, the wine was swill anyway so I didn't miss it too badly. The ravioli was dreadful. Frozen stuff with bottled sauce. Expensive and crummy.
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Gold Spike Restaurant & Bar
Cuisine: Italian
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North Beach |
5/12/2005
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Very nice to you even if you're not dressed up and brought your 8-year old. I like to have martinis while my son has a fancy ice cream dessert and ogles the pretty cocktail hostesses. Go early before the band just to watch the view. Children are asked to leave at 8pm.
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Starlight Room Harry Denton's
Cuisine: American light fair
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Downtown |
5/12/2005
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Consistently good soup. Wonderful that they worry about vegetarian, dairy, low fat, etc., and always have a great variety. From the cold gazpacho to the spicy tortilla--YUM YUM. The brown bread is good and chewy, too.
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San Francisco Soup Company
Cuisine: Soups
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Downtown |
5/12/2005
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My husband and I came for lunch and also for dinner. Lunch was average fare--hamburgers, etc. For dinner we had steak and fish. Both dishes were poor to fair. I would have liked for the waiter to offer me a second cocktail as we waited for our dinner, but he never came to check on us. When we paid our bill, it took *40 Minutes* for our card to be run due to problems with their credit card machine. They could have just run an imprint of it, the old fashioned way, but didn't. They also could have offered us a cup of coffee, or a free dessert as we waited. We were very disappointed and will not return. Please note: this was a $125 dinner for two people.
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John's Grill
Cuisine: Steakhouse
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Downtown |
5/12/2005
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I went with my mother, a classic "lady who lunches." A c***roach ran from the bench onto her shoulder right before the waiter spilled a full glass of red wine on my mother. The food neither killed us nor thrilled us.
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Le Central Bistro
Cuisine: French (Bistro)
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Downtown |
5/12/2005
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Best pizza for delivery. They are fast, the pizza arrives hot, and the Stanyan Street location does not burn the pizza (which is always a good thing). We like the doughy crust. In fact, some people in my family have been known to put it in their pocket and save it for later. Okay. He's 8, but still....
The bacon garlic chicken with creamy garlic sauce is delicious. Also a heartattack pizza, but yummy all the same. Their pesto pizzas are great too--and the artichokes are always flavorful. They don't back the taste out of the pineapple for the Hawaians, nor do they put *gack* mushrooms on the Hawaian.
I'd skip the Caesar salad, truly disappointing. The Greek is a little better. the spaghetti with meat sauce is outstanding. I do think everything is over priced--pizzas should not cost $22 unless they have gold leaf toppings.
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North Beach Pizza
Cuisine: Pizza
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Haight-Ashbury/Cole Valley |
5/12/2005
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I'm more happy to go to All You Knead across the street or Magnolia for brunch. Sometimes the Pork Store (called the Porkenstein in our family) is out of really mundane things, like diet soda, or tomatos. Watch your silverware and glassware: I've gotten lipsticked many times. I usually go with my son before school when it's fairly slow. The wait staff is usually cranky this early. There's a low-carb special with spinach that I like. Every now and then I ask if I can have the hash browns with it, and they snap back, "Then it's not low-carb, is it?!" Call it the fat-man's plate, I don't care! Do NOT get the biscuits and gravy. I don't know what they do, but the gravy tastes like it has a bucket of salt in it!
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Pork Store Cafe
Cuisine: Coffee Shops/Diners
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Haight-Ashbury/Cole Valley |
5/12/2005
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The restaurant is claustrophobically small, with no space between you and your neighbors. Nothing is private here. Food: I have not found anything to write home about other than a terrific blueberry creme brule (don't get the wierd mint brulee. YECH!). The Steak Frites is average, with the steak being on the tough side, ringed with gristle. A short rib dish was tender and delicious, but was just a bowl of meat. No vegetables to speak of. The selection of wines by the glass is uninspired and limited. The eggs benedict has day-glo hollandaise sauce. I ordered an omelette from the specials board; the ingrediants listed on the board didn't include mushrooms, but the omelette did. When I sent it back, none of the garnish (puff potatoes, salad) was on the plate and the cheese in the omelette hadn't melted. And the service: very French. Slow and Rude. Don't expect a quick brunch, and don't complain or the women will blame you for sitting in the garden.
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Metro Cafe
Cuisine: French (Bistro)
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Western Addition |
5/12/2005
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Haight Street location: total tourist trap. Wouldn't take my worst enemy here. It's like the Hard Rock of Haight. I think you must be young and have lots of cash to throw around, not like to eat, and want to go places to be seen to enjoy this place.
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Cha Cha Cha
Cuisine: Caribbean Tapas
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Haight-Ashbury/Cole Valley |
5/11/2005
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When they are good, they are very very good and when they are bad they are horrid. Sometimes the burgers are so rare they're raw (and I love RARE beef) and sometimes the burgers are so overdone they're tough and tasteless. But on the days when they get it right...ooooohhhh. Couldn't be better. The chicken sandwiches are nothing exciting. My husband approves of the veggie burger. My son likes the hot dogs, which they dress up very nicely, and I believe are Hebrew National. Friendly staff.
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Burger Joint
Cuisine: Hamburgers
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Lower Haight |
5/11/2005
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Good beer, good food. I really enjoy the lamb dishes here. The warm spinach salad with flank steak is a very nice salad to share with another person if you're having sandwiches. The brunch on the weekends is pleasant as well. I would stay away from their organic fruit. It tends to be out of season and bland. Simple dishes like sandwiches and pizzas are quite good.
It's a good neighborhood spot. Go on the off hours since it's small and seating/service can be spotty. Look for the sign on the wall that tells you if you can seat yourself (when it's slow) or if there's a waitlist at the bar.
I have never had any of the waitstaff be less than helpful and kind to me and my family. I often go there with my 8-year old son and they are very amenable to all sorts of odd requests.
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Magnolia Pub & Brewery
Cuisine: Organic Pub Food
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Haight-Ashbury/Cole Valley |
5/11/2005
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