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This is a favorite Chinese take-out in the neighborhood. I think of it as a guilty pleasure (kind of like fast food) as the food is really tasty but partially because they crank up the oil and spice factor. Not a healthy everyday choice but a real treat. Try the hot and spicy lamb and the hunan eggplant.
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Tai Chi Restaurant
Cuisine: Chinese
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Polk St./Van Ness |
9/22/2006
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On a recent Friday night this place was very busy - with tables on top of each other it felt cramped and noisy. Not much to say about the decor or ambiance, it is quite bland. The menu was interesting and diverse. The food (I had a stuffed chicken breast) was fresh and well presented. Our server was good however she seemed overwhelmed and unable to keep up. It was pleasant enough but nothing here to entice me to come back again.
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Sauce
Cuisine: Comfort Food
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Hayes Valley |
9/22/2006
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Checked out this place a few weeks ago with some friends. The menu had a diverse selection. The service was very good. It was quite slow for a Friday night so it makes me wonder about how well the place is doing. The location seems to have high turnover of different establishments. I found my dinner to be appetizing and well prepared. It was good but lacked any 'wow' factor. I would encourage giving this place a try, especially when you get tired of the same old Castro eateries.
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Ararat
Cuisine: Mediterranean Lebanese
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Castro |
9/12/2006
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Very nice spot near Union Square. I was hesitant because they do small plates (that is soooo last year) but I have to say the portions were decent size. Menu was diverse and the service was top rate. It is an attractive restaraunt and overall a pleasant dining experience.
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Cortez
Cuisine: Tapas Mediterranean
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Downtown |
9/12/2006
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My friends and I stopped by this place recently and I was not impressed. It was around 1pm on a Sunday and I felt as if we were in an elementary school cafeteria after the lunch hour. The place was a mess, apparently people like to bring their kids here even though they have not been trained yet not to throw food around and spill drinks. The food was overpriced and bland. My chicken salad was tasteless. AVIOD!
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Lettus Cafe Organic
Cuisine: Organic Vegetarian
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Marina |
9/12/2006
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My first trip to Ideale earlier this year left me with a very positive impression of the restaraunt. It seemed relaxed, cozy and off-the-beaten-path. The food was very good and the service cordial and efficient. I went back to Ideale last week and felt I had walked into a different place. It was loud, noisy and chaotic. Even though we had a reservation, we had to wait 15 minutes which isn't a big deal except there was no place to wait and we felt as if we were standing in the way of the staff. The service was very poor. The wait staff seemeed to be very attentive to the tables near us with attractive flirtatious women but couldn't be bothered with a table of 2 men. We felt very rushed and the atmosphere was not pleasant. I will say that the food, I had the lamb, was quite good. Otherwise the review would be scored as a negative.
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Ristorante Ideale
Cuisine: Italian
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North Beach |
9/3/2006
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I've looked forward to dining here for quite some time and my only disappointment was that I had waited so long. Service was friendly and efficient. Dining room was cozy and relaxing and not too loud. But the best part is the food - best lamb dish I've had in SF outside of Aziza. Nice wine list and my friend appreciated the ability to choose from several vegetarian options. Will be back!
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Saha
Cuisine: Middle Eastern Mediterranean Moroccan Fusion
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Downtown |
6/2/2006
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Amazing food - I had a wonderful halibut dish and to-die-for hazelnut dessert. Efficient service, cozy atmosphere, unpretentious. Very good wine list. Pricey but worth it.
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Fringale Restaurant
Cuisine: French Basque
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SoMa |
5/2/2006
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Went with a few friends on a Friday night. The restaurant was not busy at all, only 2 tables upstairs occupied. This made the experience very low energy and suprisingly slow. The food was very good but overpriced. I felt I was in a place that had seen better days.
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Azie
Cuisine: French Asian
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SoMa |
5/2/2006
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I stop in here often for lunch in the Haight. It seems to be always very busy on the weekends. Good selection of Middle Eastern wraps, omlettes and other plates. Food prep can be slow especially if it is crowded. Great tahini and I love the chicken wrap.
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Blue Front
Cuisine: Middle Eastern Bistro
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Haight-Ashbury/Cole Valley |
12/5/2005
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Nice relaxing cafe in the Haight for coffee and/or a casual meal. I enjoy the Ceasar salad here quite often and find the coffee consistantly good. Menu is basic fare. Sit by the window and enjoy the sidewalk traffic.
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People's Cafe
Cuisine: Coffee Shop
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Haight-Ashbury/Cole Valley |
12/5/2005
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This is like a burrito place where the flavors have been toned down for the palates of middle America. If this McDonalds owned chain hasn't invaded the red states it looks like they will soon. People, this city has a zillion authentic Mexican restaurants, you can find a decent burrito on almost every corner. I guess if you like Starbucks for your coffee you will like Chipotle for your 'burrito'.
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Chipotle Mexican Grill
Cuisine: Mexican
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SoMa |
12/5/2005
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Glad to have this Thai restaurant in the neighborhood. Food is consistantly good - well presented and tasty. Service is average and the prices very reasonable. Can get noisy but the decor is a big improvement over the old place.
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Thai Spice
Cuisine: Thai
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Polk St./Van Ness |
12/5/2005
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After several visits over the last 5 years, Greens is still on my list of favorites. It is especially a nice place to take out of town guests. At the latest visit the service was exceptional and the food delicious. Only disappointment was not having room for dessert. I guarantee even non-vegetarians will find something they love on this menu!
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Greens
Cuisine: Vegetarian
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Marina |
12/5/2005
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Overall a good experience - definitely a step up from your everyday Thai with some dishes you won't find everywhere - we had a yummy catfish dish wrapped in banana leaf. Prices are high and the place can be crowded so call ahead. Service is so-so and should be stepped up a notch to match the prices. Nice wine list.
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Thep Phanom Thai Cuisine
Cuisine: Thai
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Lower Haight |
12/5/2005
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My friend and I enjoyed sharing a diverse collection of small plates - most were quite good - the au natural spicy prawns were a disappointment (I hate when food takes too much work to eat) - but overall it was a nice dining experience. Kinda touristy due to the location and somewhat pricey but a place worth checking out for a nice pre-theater meal.
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E&O Trading Co.
Cuisine: Asian Southeast Asian
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Downtown |
9/11/2005
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I recently returned here for dinner and was even more impressed than on previous visits. The food and service are top notch. The summer corn soup was one of the most amazing things I've ever had. It is a friendly and lively place (and yes a bit noisy). I would love if they added more vegetarian entrees to the menu.
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2223 Restaurant
Cuisine: American (New)
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Castro |
9/11/2005
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One of my favorite places in North Beach. The specialty (as you might guess from the name) is roast chicken and it is amazing. Also have really good pork. Menu is small and simple as is the space. Grab a table by the window and watch the people go by and enjoy simple yet mouth-watering food.
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IL Pollaio
Cuisine: Italian
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North Beach |
7/9/2005
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What a nice surprise this was! I read about it here and decided to try it out. Yeah the neighborhood isn't the best but you forget about it once inside. An extensive all vegetarian menu - it was hard to choose. Very reasonable prices also. The portions were large and the service was pretty quick. Had wonderful eggplant curry and jalapeno tofu. Highly recommend!
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Golden Era
Cuisine: Asian Vegetarian
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Tenderloin |
7/9/2005
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Highly recommended! The service was prompt and attentive without feeling rushed. The menu is diverse and innovative. Try the apricot baklava for dessert - it is amazing! Nice bar with lounge area. The restaurant is very spacious which was refreshing with so many places in the area being cramped and tight. Be aware when you order that these are small plates. Truly the finest mid-eastern place I've been to in SF!
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Medjool
Cuisine: Mediterranean Tapas Small Plates
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Mission |
6/9/2005
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I found both the food and service to be excellent - fresh well prepared dishes with beautiful presentation and exciting layers of flavor. On the downside it is very busy, loud and somewhat cramped. Perhaps on my next visit I will go at a less busy time.
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Limon
Cuisine: Peruvian
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Mission |
6/9/2005
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I had a chicken burrito. It was one of the most bland burritos I've ever had. Even the salsa was bland. And the burrito contents were too wet and the whole thing fell apart. Head a few blocks down Polk Street to Panchos for really good Mexican.
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Nick's Crispy Tacos
Cuisine: Mexican
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Russian Hill |
5/21/2005
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One of my favorite spots in the Mission, the margaritas are incredible and the food is also quite good. Be prepared for a long wait if you go for dinner especially on the weekends. It's loud and a bit dive-y but I always have a good time here with friends.
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Puerto Alegre
Cuisine: Mexican
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Mission |
3/17/2005
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The teas and snacks at this cozy and attractive tea house are delicious. Unfortunately the prices make this a bit too 'upscale-oriented' and not a casual relaxing place to hang out and sample teas. If they would loosen up and make the prices more reasonable this would be a fine place to meet up with friends or spend time with a book.
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Samovar Tea Lounge
Cuisine: Tearoom Fusion Tapas
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Castro |
3/17/2005
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I've been here many times for lunch. It is usually quite busy. The menu is diverse and should have something for everyone. Service can be slow at peak times.
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Zebulon
Cuisine: American Californian
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SoMa |
3/10/2005
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Had a most disappointing lunch here. Service was very slow - the staff seemed confused and overwhelmed. Food was very bland. I'm not sure what a "Jook Joint" is but I don't think it has anything to do with good Asian food.
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Long Life Noodle Company and Jook Joint
Cuisine: Asian Noodle
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SoMa |
1/26/2005
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Nice place for a satisfying meal in the Castro. Small, basic menu but the food is tasty and fresh. Intimate space. Small tables outside in the nice weather.
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Blue
Cuisine: Comfort food American
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Castro |
1/26/2005
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I have to agree with the others on the ridiculous prices for mediocre cookies. Unfortuately there are no good bakeries in the Castro so this is the only option if you have a sugar craving.
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Hot Cookie
Cuisine: Bakeries Hot Cookies
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Castro |
1/26/2005
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Love the outdoor porch especially in warm weather - great people watching. I thought the cocktails were great - the food was good but not memorable and the menu could be more innovative and extensive.
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Catch
Cuisine: Mediterranean Seafood Brunch
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Castro |
1/26/2005
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Very good dinner here - bring your appetite! The salad was fresh and delicious and the deep-dish vegetarian pizza was amazing - the crust was perfect and the pizza was loaded with a flavorful chunky tomato sauce and vegetables. The atmosphere is simple and inviting. I'd like to see a larger cocktail selection - and wow if they had take out slices, I'd be here all the time. Prices were very reasonable.
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Little Star Pizza
Cuisine: Pizza
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Western Addition |
1/17/2005
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Pretty basic fare here, nothing special, but I do love those old motorcycles - very cool. Also has outdoor seating when the weather is nice. Good for groups and happy hour.
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Eddie Rickenbacker's
Cuisine: American Pub Fare
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Downtown |
1/10/2005
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Take out soups really are delicious, especially popular during these cold rainy months. Flavours are innovative. A bit pricey (medium size 16oz about $5) for the quantity that you get - so I would bypass this place if you are looking for a hearty and filling lunch, or else go for the soup/sandwich combo.
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San Francisco Soup Company
Cuisine: Soups
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Downtown |
1/10/2005
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One of the best Italian places in the city. The food is very well prepared and resonably priced. Go on a nice sunny day for lunch and sit outside. Can be difficult to find - just a short walk south from the SFMOMA.
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Pazzia Caffe Pizzeria Rosticceria
Cuisine: Italian Pizza
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SoMa |
1/5/2005
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This is a fun place to go, very lively. I've taken several tourists here and they seem to love it. Not an authentic asian eatery however. Food was delicious yet pricey. If it were in a different location I would probably visit more frequently.
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Betelnut Pejiu Wu
Cuisine: Pan-Asian
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Cow Hollow |
1/5/2005
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This is my favorite Thai place in the Castro (and there are MANY). Servers are friendly, food is fresh and well prepared. Fun to sit by the window and look out over Castro street. Cozy atmosphere. Note - it is easy to walk by this place because it is on the 2nd floor above 'Daddys' bar. Steep flight of stairs, not handicap accessible.
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Thailand Restaurant
Cuisine: Thai
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Castro |
1/5/2005
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I have been here many times for lunch take-out. The menu is small but the food is fantastic. The burritos are a nice change from the usual with some different ingredients and flavors - and nice hot fresh chips!
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Maya Restaurant
Cuisine: Mexican
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SoMa |
1/5/2005
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Decent and consistant thai food on Fillmore street. Generic decor. I wouldn't go out of my way to go here but if I'm in the area and crave thai then I will stop in.
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Thai Stick
Cuisine: Thai
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Pacific Heights |
1/5/2005
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Excellent food in an attractive atmosphere with fine service. Wonderful fresh seafood prepared in innovative ways with nice presentation. Expensive.
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AQUA
Cuisine: Californian French Basque Seafood
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Downtown |
12/29/2004
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I've been here several times and they always seem to be short staffed. Looks like an American chain restaurant taken over by Asian kitchen. Food is OK, not great.
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International Noodle House
Cuisine: Asian Noodles
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Polk St./Van Ness |
12/29/2004
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This place is a dive but it is cheap and fairly quick. Food was greasy and spicy enough to be enjoyable but there are plenty of other better options (try Sultan near Taylor and OFarrell or Darbar on Polk).
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Naan n' Curry
Cuisine: Pakistani Indian
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Tenderloin |
12/29/2004
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Good for group when you want to be loud and don't care too much about service or the quality of the food.
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Gordon Biersch
Cuisine: Pub Food
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Pacific Bell Park/South Beach |
12/29/2004
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I used to like this place until a much better indian/pakastani resturant opened across the street (Darbar) where you get excellent table service, a larger menu, fresh preparation with similar low prices. The nan at Shalimar is a bit better but the rest of the food there is very oily and meat is not high quality.
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Shalimar
Cuisine: Indian
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Polk St./Van Ness |
12/17/2004
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This place is a gem! I loved the cozy atmosphere, the food was fresh, innovative and delicious.
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Destino
Cuisine: Nuevo Latino Tapas
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Castro |
12/17/2004
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I was disappointed with this restaurant at dinner. The interior was too bright and noisy. The food was uninspired and overpriced.
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Cafe do Brasil
Cuisine: Brazilian
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Tenderloin |
12/13/2004
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I have returned to this place several times just hoping it will get better. I really want to like this place. But I continue to be disappointed with both the food and the service. The food can be unexciting and not always freshly prepared. I didn't sense much concern over providing good service or food presentation.
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Herbivore
Cuisine: Vegetarian
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Western Addition |
12/13/2004
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There are SO many better places for 'mexican' food in this city that there is really no excuse to go to Chevy's. The food quality is average at best. The menu and portions are targeted to the 'more is better' market. And frankly anybody drinking one of those oversized margaritas just looks, well, silly. The suburbs have invaded - run for cover!
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Chevy's Fresh Mex
Cuisine: Tex-mex Mexican
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Embarcadero |
12/13/2004
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An excellent Hayes Valley eatery. Nice cozy interior, above average service and and interesting menu that is hard to distinctly label - its roots are diverse (Middle Eastern, Armenian, Mediterranean) with innovative twists and near perfect execution.
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paul k
Cuisine: Mediterranean
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Hayes Valley |
12/13/2004
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One of the very few chain restaurants worth going to in the city. As you would expect from a chain, the food is consistant and there is enough diversity on the menu to please almost anyone. There are not a lot of great dining choices in this neighborhood in the evening so it can often be a practical choice for a quick bite before or after a movie or show. If you go, be bold and try one of the many different 'pizzas'.
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California Pizza Kitchen
Cuisine: Californian Pizza
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Civic Center |
12/13/2004
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The food here is average but I like to go here for the outdoor seating and people watching. I really appreciate their seating system where they find you a table once you pay for your food. I wish more places (that are similarly busy) would offer this service. You have seen this exact same crepe menu all over town and it is predictable, but this is one of the few places in the Castro with a nice sidewalk scene.
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Squat and Gobble
Cuisine: Coffee Shops/Diners American (Traditional)
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Castro |
12/10/2004
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One of my favorite middle-eastern restaraunts in the city. Relaxed and comforable setting inside, nice outdoor deck. The food is very fresh and well prepared. Portions are generous - but be sure to save room for dessert!
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Fattoush Restaurant
Cuisine: Middle Eastern Mediterranean
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Noe Valley |
12/6/2004
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We ate hear shortly after they opened. The atmosphere is great, it is more of a bar/lounge with food than a typical restaraunt. Interesting menu where you typically order 3 small plates - great for tasting and sharing. Food was well prepared and fresh. The cocktail menu has some interesting choices, we sampled a few with mixed results. The place is hip and cool and I recommend checking it out.
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Maroc
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
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Haight-Ashbury/Cole Valley |
12/6/2004
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Nice atmosphere with great outdoor seating in front of the Ferry Building. Prompt and attentive service although the day we went for lunch it was very busy and the orders took forever to come up. Hopefully this was an exception and not a rule. Portions are modest and prices a bit high. The food however was quite good - fresh and well prepared. Nice for business lunch.
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MarketBar
Cuisine: American (Traditional) Seafood Italian
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Embarcadero |
11/27/2004
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Food is OK, a little pricy as you might expect for a cafe attached to the MOMA. If you go, try to sit outside - one of the few nice downtown SOMA cafes with good outdoor seating and people watching.
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Caffe Museo: SF Museum of Modern Art
Cuisine: Mediterranean
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SoMa |
11/24/2004
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Nice place to go late on a weekend. Fun for kids. Kind of loud and hectic at times. Food is basic standard fare.
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Mel's Drive-In
Cuisine: Coffee Diners
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Civic Center |
11/24/2004
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One of the best restaraunts in SF. The space is inviting and fun. The food is original and extremely well prepared. Service is efficient yet still friendly.
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Zuni Cafe
Cuisine: Mediterranean
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Hayes Valley |
11/23/2004
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Not great, not bad. Just more mediocre Chinese food.
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Brandy Ho's
Cuisine: Chinese
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Chinatown |
11/23/2004
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I have no idea why people flock to this joint. It is dirty, crowded and the staff very rude. Perhaps people enjoy the novelty of being bossed around as if they are reliving an old episode of Sienfeld and the Soup Nazi.
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House of Nanking
Cuisine: Chinese
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Chinatown |
11/23/2004
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This is a great place to see and be seen. It is really the social center of the Castro. The expanded outdoor seating provides one of the nicest places in the city to hang out and feel part of the 'scene'. The food is nothing special but the staff is friendly and it is great for hanging out alone or with friends.
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Cafe Flore
Cuisine: American (Traditional)
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Castro |
11/23/2004
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The desserts here are impressive but I find them a bit too over-the-top (and pricey). The coffee is mediocre at best and unless you get one of the tables in the front window, the seating can be crowded and awkward. Lots of internet dates going on in here which can be fun to observe :)
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Sweet Inspirations
Cuisine: Bakery
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Castro |
11/23/2004
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I prefer this location to Fillmore because it is larger and there is more outdoor seating. The pomegranate chicken and combo plates are excellent. Friendly service. Excellent choice for brunch also.
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La Mediterranee
Cuisine: Mediterranean Middle Eastern
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Castro |
11/23/2004
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I found the food to be quite good, especially the pides and desserts. The service can be slow so I don't recommend it if you are in a hurry. Good prices.
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A La Turca
Cuisine: Turkish
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Polk St./Van Ness |
11/23/2004
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I've eaten at Maharani several times and always found the service to be acceptable. However, the prices are very high for the small size portions. The food quality was OK, nothing special.
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Maharani
Cuisine: Indian
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Polk St./Van Ness |
11/23/2004
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Very good food and excellent service. Much better than most of the other similar low-end Indian/Pakistani places such as Shalimar. One of the highlights of the middle-Polk area!
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Darbar
Cuisine: Indian Pakistani
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Polk St./Van Ness |
11/23/2004
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