Check out the new Return Visits section in Jeff's Reviews. Located on the bottom of the review, it will show my thoughts on follow up visits to a location.
1411 Polk St
San Francisco, CA 94109
(415) 885-1660
Map It
Review This Restaurant
I went to see Tool last night in San Francisco, so I wanted to get some
food and drinks before the show. I looked around and saw some good
things about Victors Pizza in the Mission, which was close to where the
show was. When we walked in I noticed the place was pretty small, broken
down to two sections. One with tables, the other side with booths. We
ordered a large 1/2 and 1/2 3 item pizza ($19.70). The pizza was very
good. Plenty of tasty toppings, nice crust. I did think it could have
used a bit more sauce however. For $19.70 you cant go wrong. Same pizza
at Round Table or something would have been $25+. Also got a pitcher of
beer (Budweiser was all they had) for like $10.50. Don't expect anything
fancy, but if you are looking for some good pizza at reasonable prices
then go check out Victors Pizza next time you are in the Mission.
Quality of food = 7
Service = 6
Value = 7
Cleanliness = 6
Avg cost per person - $15 with tip
242 King St
San Francisco,
CA 94199
(415) 371-1600
Review This Restaurant
I went to the A's vs. Giants game in San Francisco yesterday and decided
to walk around the stadium to see where we wanted to eat. Almost ate at
a taqueria I came across, but found out they didn't have beer which
probably explained why the place was so empty. Continued walking on and
came across The Burger Joint. I saw beer specials, and good beers on tap
so it was perfect. I Ordered the the cheeseburger and fries ($9.25) and
a Fat Tire ($3.00). I asked the guy at the counter if their cheddar or
their pepper jack was better, he said to go with the pepper jack. After a
few minutes they brought out the burger. The first thing I noticed was
all the nice fresh produce. Really nice looking pieces of tomato, red
onion, pickles and lettuce. I did notice they didn't have any A-1 so I
put ketchup on my burger for the 1st time in a while. I realized as I
was sitting there that I had forgotten to ask for the burger to be
cooked medium rare, and then thought to myself that this probably wasn't
the kind of place where I would be able to get it that way anyway. Much
to my surprise on my 1st bite I realized it was cooked perfectly. Nice
and medium rare, and a nice juicy burger. I was really surprised how
good this burger was. Their fries were also really good. Steak fries
cooked just really well with the perfect amount of crunch. My friend I
went with ordered a veggie burger which he really liked as well. I
noticed a small menu with what had what they called some new items,
including a turkey burger and Philly Cheese Steak which I'm betting all
of which are good. If you are ever near AT&T Park in San Francisco
looking for a good deal on beers, and some quick cheap food then I would
definitely recommend checking out The Burger Joint.
Quality of food = 7
Service = 7
Value = 8
Cleanliness = 8
Avg cost per person - $13 no tip
Pier 39
San Francisco, CA 94133
(415) 989-7437
www.piermarket.comMap ItMenuReview This RestaurantI took the family to Pier 39 in San Francisco the other day. We got there around noon, so it wasn't long before we were all pretty hungry. There we were in the middle of Pier 39, so we didn't have many non touristy options. I looked around a little and decided on Pier Market. They had a pretty decent selection of kids meals for $5, and their other prices considering the location actually weren't that bad. We had the option of either waiting a little while for a table, or being seated next to a table with a little baby. We decided to be seated right away and wasn't long before I regretted it. The kid was constantly screaming, and kept grabbing things off our table which got really old. After a few minutes the waitress came by to take our orders and drop off what I think was the best thing I had while we were there, some sourdough bread. Both the girls wanted the popcorn shrimp ($4.95). I was torn between the grilled swordfish ($17.95) or the crab cakes ($16.95). I went with the crab cakes. My wife ordered the Fisherman's Platter ($17.95) which was fried calamari, fish and chips and I think shrimp. She wasn't too thrilled with her order at all. Honestly, not sure what she was expecting she was going to get... My crab cakes were pretty decent, although when they first came out they weren't cold, but not hot either. After sending them back they did come back nice and hot. The cole slaw they were served with was OK, but nothing special. In all, not a horrible meal, but nothing to write home about. I will say after walking to the bathroom and seeing the open fired mesquite grill on the way I was wishing I had gone with that grilled swordfish.
Quality of food = 7
Service = 7
Value = 7
Cleanliness = 8
Avg cost per person - $25 with tip
2288 Mission Street
San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 252-9560
Map ItReview This RestaurantA friend of mine heard about a place called Taqueria Cancun in the Mission that was supposed to be pretty good, so we went and checked it out. The place was pretty cool with lots of colorful decorations covering pretty much the entire place and had a very authentic feel to it. I ordered a Pollo Asado Mojado burrito ($5.99) and a Negra Modelo ($3.75) to drink. After a few minutes my number was called (In both English and Spanish) and I picked up this huge burrito covered in enchilada sauce, guac, sour cream, pico de gallo and melted cheese. It was both temperature hot, as well as a little spicy so the first few bites didn't have a lot of flavor, but once it both cooled down and my taste buds got accustomed to the spice I began to realize this was a pretty tasty burrito. Everything tasted very fresh from the minced onions, to a lot of fresh cilantro. The quality of the chicken was also very good. One friend got the carnitas which looked pretty good, and he seemed to like. If you are in the Mission, looking for a good cheap meal I would recommend stopping by Taqueria Cancun.
Quality of food = 8
Service = 7
Value = 9
Cleanliness = 7
Avg cost per person - $8 no tip
478 Ofarrell St
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 775-1349
www.naanncurry.comMap ItMenuReview This RestaurantI went to Naan and Curry for lunch today ($9.95 for buffet) in San Francisco. I was in the mood for an Indian buffet, and had to stop by about 4 places until I finally found one that had one. When I walked in I noticed the place was pretty big. Almost too big. Another thing I noticed was the sign on the door saying they were open 24 hrs. Thought that was pretty cool. I really had to go to the bathroom, so I asked the guy where that was and he handed me a key on a stick. I then made my way to the back, and down a long dingy hallway to what ended up being a surprisingly clean bathroom for the hallway I just walked through. The whole key on a stick thing kinda creeped me out a bit being that I knew I was going to be eating with my hands shortly. I dropped the key off, and made my way over to the buffet line. This is where things picked up. It was a really good selection, with about 8 vegetarian, and 8 meat dishes respectively. I as usualy tried a little of everything and went and sat down. I have to say, everything was excellent. With everything just bursting full of flavor, and a little bit of a kick to some dishes. All of the quality of the meats were also very good. If ever in SF and looking for some good Indian, any time of the day or night then definitely go check out Naan and Curry.
Quality of food = 7
Service = 7
Value = 8
Cleanliness = 6
Avg cost per person - $15 with tip
3324 Steiner St
San Francisco, CA 94123
415-567-9588
www.isarestaurant.comMap ItMenuReview This RestaurantIt was my birthday the other night so we went to Isa in the Marina district. We had planned on going to Masas but after reading some reviews on Yelp (Yes. I Yelp) we decided it sounded a little too stuffy for our taste, not to mention damn expensive. At Isa for 7 courses, 2 desserts and 4 drinks plus tip we got out for $200. They describe the way the food is served as family style, meaning they bring out a plate and everyone shares. The portions were small, a lot like tapas. I started off with the lobster broth ($7.50) which wasn't bad after it finally cooled off (Served DAMN hot) but was pretty bland and wasn't something I would order again. Then came the spicy tuna tartare ($12.50) which was the wifes favorite, and probably my 2nd fav. Served on crushed avacado, crostini and toasted pine nuts with nice sized chunks of ahi it was excellent. Next was the baked laura chenel goat cheese ($9.75) which my wife really liked. I thought it was pretty good but it showed up around the time that the foie gras ($18.50) came out (My favorite dish of the evening) so I was all about eating that. Next out was the potato wrapped halibut which honestly was a bit of a dissapointment. The fish was cooked very well, and the flavors were good, but I saw a picture of it on Check Please Bay Area and the fish was wrapped in potato skin (Thus the name?) but ours wasn't and again probably not something I would get again. Next out was the roasted lamb tenderloin ($19.50) which was a nice sized portion of perfectly cooked lamb medallions with artichokes, red peppers and fava beans. Very good. The last dish to come out was the rocky jr. range chicken which was really tasty. The skin cooked nice and crispy with herbs cooked under the skin. I do have to say though that the side of mashed potatoes that came with it tasted like they were fresh out of the box. For dessert we had the flourless chocolate cake with vanilla bean gelato ($7.00) as well as the creme brulee ($6.00) and two coffees ($2.50 each). Im not too big on cake typically but this was really good with a nice orange flavor. The creme brulee was also very good. I wasn't going to mention it, but when giving a cleanliness rating I have to give it a 7, so I need to explain why. They are very good at rmeoving your old dishware after each dish, but the first time they did they replaced my fork with a dirty one that I ended up scraping the gunk off it. Yuck. But even with that if you are looking for a good deal on relatively inexpensive French food with a twist then definitely go check out Isa.
Quality of food = 9
Service = 9
Value = 8
Cleanliness = 7
Avg cost per person - $75 with tip
500 E Cotati Ave
Cotati, CA 94931
(707) 795-9652
Map ItReview This RestaurantWent to The Porter Street BBQ in Cotati the other night on my way back from the Boonville Beer Festival. Had a great, huge tri tip sandwich ($8.49). The meat was very good quality, and cooked very well. There is an area that has horseradish, as well as all the produce you could ask for and bbq (and spicy bbq) sauce to load whatever you want on your sandwich. They have a big open flame grill outside but it wasnt going at the time I was there. The funny thing is that while I was eating there it reminded me of a place in Arcata I used to eat at all the time. I didn't make note of Porter Streets name until the next day when I pulled out their menu to do this review. After seeing it, it made sense because my favorite tri tip sandwich place was the Porter Street BBQ in Arcata. I didn't realize there was more than one. The decor is nothing to write home about. Definitely not a place to impress a first date. That being said, if you are in the area and looking for a tasty, filling tri tip (Their other items looked good, too) then check out The Porter Street BBQ.
Quality of food = 7
Service = 7
Value = 8
Cleanliness = 8
Avg cost per person - $11 no tip
500 Colombus Ave
San Francisco, Ca 94133
(415) 393-4515
http://www.caffedelucchi.comMap ItMenuReview This Restaurant
Went to Caffe Delucchi in San Francisco today. Had planned on going to Mama's, but was too hungry to wait in the 2hr line up the block. I ordered the Italian omelette ($9.75), my wife ordered the smoked salmon omelette ($12.00). I had planned on getting either the smoked salmon, or crab cake benedict but noticed on some others plated that were coming out that they kind of skimped on the hollandaise sauce, so I decided to go with the omelette. It came with italian sausage, house cured pancetta, diced roma tomatoes, fontina cheese, red and green bell peppers and fresh basil inside. It also came with a side of really good home fries and sourdough toast. The smoked salmon omelete had smoked salmon, mascarpone cheese, capers, and onions along with the same sides. We were both very happy with our plates. The size of the omelettes were nice, good size portion of the potatoes as well. We also ordered a couple of mimosas ($7.50 each) which hit the spot. We saw they had chicken apple sausage which is one of our favorites so we ordered a side of that and were glad we did. The atmosphere was nice, very open (They opened up the huge sliding door/window next to our table so we were practically sitting outside) with people close by, but yet not loud or obtrusive. Im not typically a fan of sitting close to people in restaurants but here I didn't mind. Next time I go back I do need to try one of those crab cake benedicts though, and just have them add some extra hollandaise...
Quality of food = 7
Service = 7
Value = 7
Cleanliness = 8
Avg cost per person - $16 with tip
210 San Mateo Rd
Half Moon Bay, Ca 94019
650-726-3167
Map ItReview This RestaurantSams Coffee Shop is located just off Hwy 92 in Half Moon Bay. Took the family out there for the day to go to the beach, and started as Im sure most tourists do by driving up and down Main Street looking for somewhere to get a good breakfast. Stopped at a couple places and didn't see anything that looked too appealing so we decided to keep driving, and boy are we glad we did. Sams was the best breakfast I've had since moving from Sacramento. I ordered the scramble with spinach, ground beef, onions, mushrooms and cheddar cheese. I can't tell you how long Ive been looking for a place that serves a scramble any more. As a side I ordered the home fries which were red potatoes grilled with onions and perfect. Home fries is another thing Ive been having a hard time finding since moving from Sac. For the kids we split the bear pancake which was a big pancake in the shape of a teddy bears head with two cherries as the eyes and two scrambled eggs. My wife also ordered an order of two pancakes, eggs and a side of the home fries. Everyone enjoyed their meals (and coffees minus the kids) and we plan on making it a place to stop each time we go in to HMB. Very friendly waitstaff too.
Quality of food = 8
Service = 8
Value = 7
Cleanliness = 6
Avg cost per person - $13
325 Columbus Ave
San Francisco, Ca 94133
415-781-7673
www.thestinkingrose.comMap ItMenuReview This RestaurantIf you are a garlic lover like myself, you have to try The Stinking Rose in San Francisco. From the 40 Clove Garlic Chicken, to the Garlic Flavored Ice Cream, this is a garlic lovers paradise. In addition to all the food being excellent, its a really fun place with a really cool interior, such as the room with all the wine bottles hanging from the ceiling. If you are planning on going anywhere after be sure and bring lots of gum and breath mints. You are going to need it.
Quality of food = 9
Service = 8
Value = 7
Cleanliness = 8
Avg cost per person - $40 with tip
240 Front Street
San Francisco, Ca 94111
415-421-4778
www.schroederssf.comMap ItReview This Restaurant
Schroeders in San Francisco is the oldest, largest German restaurant on the west coast. If you like huge, German beer this is the place for you. Served in authentic German glassware in sizes ranging from the .5 litre glass up to the whopping 2 litre boots. I was drinking litres of the Warsteiner Dunkel, that is until we moved on to glasses of, and eventually shots of scotch (Yes, that is the wrong order to do things which I of course regretted the next day). Unfortunately I didn't get a real chance to try out much of the food, other than the garlic fries which were really good, and had me stinking for a good 2 days after. Looking around the food did look really good so I want to go back and eat something other than just the alcohol.
Quality of food = 7
Service = 7
Value = 5
Cleanliness = 7
Avg cost per person - $30 with tip
1801 Haight St
San Francisco, Ca 94117
415-386-7670
www.cha3.comMap ItReview This RestaurantCha Cha Cha's in San Francisco is definitely a restaurant worth trying. Its a Caribbean style restaurant with Tapas as well as entrees with a really cool fun atmosphere. And ohya, the food is AWESOME. My wife and I split the Jamaican Jerk Chicken, BBQ Chicken Quesadilla, Cajun Shrimp, and I had the Lechon Asado which is a roast leg of pork served with rice, beans and fried sweet plantain. Everything we had was so good as well as reasonably priced (Everything but the Lechon under $10). If we didn't have to BART it home we would have had plenty of leftovers as well. Being that we did, we had plenty overstuffed bellies instead. Also be sure and get at least a half pitcher of their homemade Sangria. Yum!
Quality of food = 9
Service = 9
Value = 9
Cleanliness = 9
Avg cost per person - $25 with tip
