Yip on Levende Lounge

Levende Lounge * 1710 Mission St @ Duboce * San Francisco, CA 94103 * (415) 864-5585
Cuisine: Small Plates, Eclectic
Neighborhood: Mission

I've been here a few times. Once to have a large party for a 30th bday party. They were kind of a pain in the ass to work with to organize the event (they setup a pre-determined menu for our party of 15 - lots of back forth about menu and price), but the actual event went off without a hitch, the service was fantastic, and it ended up being quite affordable, considering what they put together for us.

The Scene

Just on the edge of the Mission - so it's sort of Non-Mission, Mission. And I mean by that, it's under the freeway off ramp, and off the beaten path. Like you kind of have to be on the inside to know it's there because its not really near Mission foot traffic. That being said, you still have your local colorful panhandlers outside asking for cigarettes and other types of smokeable substances. Now don't you worry: your friends visiting from Kansas can't come to the Mission and miss that!

This place is pretty hip on the inside, making it both a good singles scene and a nice place to take a date. And they also have printed match books (READ: free bonus points!). It used to be the old "Butterfly" and has beautiful exposed brick and a great bar. I think if I were to open a bar or restaurant of my own, I would take many of the things they have here and improve upon them. But they have set an excellent foundation. They also have had super fun live music (performers and DJs) every time I have been here.

The Menu

Small plates. A lot of variety. Several vegetarian options. Several carnivorous options. Something to please everyone.

The Food

Aside from the bday party, I went here with a friend of mine and ordered a slew up small plates to fill out appetites. We had oysters on the half shell, beet salad w. pecan crusted goat cheese, mac and cheese, cheese fondue (gruyere & cognac and NY cheddar & sierra nevada) and for dessert the double mocha tart.

To start with the oysters: I don't have the most refined oyster palette, but I'm trying. And I try to educate myself with every slimy sucker I take down. So I ask the food runner (note, not our waitress), which oysters are which and where they are from. He says "These three are from Cape Cod, and these three are from Washington D.C." What little I may know tells me, *giggle*, he clearly must have meant Washington State. I causally inquire with the waitress and also then find out he also mixed up which was which. To me, it was amusing, yet nonetheless, unacceptable. To the waitress, it was appauling. I hope that poor guy didn't get fired. If we fired everyone for a D.C. slip up, there would be no one left to afford living in the states of Virginia and Maryland.

As for the rest of the meal, I didn't care for the pecan crusted goat cheese (it was molded into a little ball together), thought the beets were delicious. The mac and cheese was par for the course, but not to die for. I always expect fondue to be lux and creamy and deliciously sinful, but these tasted like bar food. And, the dessert, well this may be no fault of their own, but what I really wanted was molten chocolate cake and they didn't serve that. So we settled for the chocolate tart, which just wasn't the same.

The Service

No complaints, aside from the oyster mix up. Wait staff seems to be very well educated on the menu and the wine pairings. Attentive service at the bar, too, if you need to wait for your table to be setup. They also make a mean martini and delish bloody mary for brunch, if you are subscribe to those choice beverages.

The Bathroom

I don't know why I have this strange recollection of naked women art in the bathroom, or maybe just outside the bathroom. It was a bit horrifying wherever it was. Clearly I have blocked out the details. One thing I did notice was they had the live music on speakers in the bathroom, and without the usual restaurant noise, the volume was quite loud. It's nice to not miss a beat while you are taking care of business and humming along while reapplying your lipstick, but I could do it successfully down a few decibels.

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In a spoonful, I really like the decor here. And I like the idea of small plates. Feels hip in the bar area and with the live music. I think their menu is good, but the actual execution of many of the tastes needs some refining.

Yip gives it 3 spoons.

Yip on Home

Home * 2100 Market St @ Church * San Francisco, CA 94114 * (415)503-0333
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Neighborhood: Castro

There is also a second location on Union St in Cow Hollow, that shares some similarities, but there are some menu differences so be prepared for that. I keep trying to get here for their fried chicken, but its a special and I never seem to get there on the right day. I think it's Thursday but you are set on that, call ahead to make sure.

The Scene

Gays and Straights alike flock here for nightly specials and delicious brunch. I've only ever sat on the patio, which is more like a roofed in porch. It is also heated, and quite comfortable. It's pretty loud both in and outside though, so don't plan to come here for a deep and serious conversation.

The Menu

Mac n' cheese, sloppy joes, and nightly specials from the fried chicken (which I hear is to die for) to chicken fried steak, meatloaf and pot roast. They have burgers and other traditional fare, but the comfort food is their specialty and the main focus of their menu.

The Food

I love to come here for weekend brunch and partake in their famous bloody mary bar. Its the best - and only $3 a piece. A girl could afford to use this regularly as her weekend hangover remedy. I am, however, always a little disappointed that they don't have eggs benedict. I tend to order the quiche when I come here for a morning meal. Their breakfast breads are delish! I switch it up for dinner: meatloaf, pot roast or turkey "thanksgiving" dinner. I also love to share the macaroni and cheese. This place is comfort-food central. Don't insult them (or your own taste buds) by ordering a salad as a main course.

The Service

It's really hit or miss. Sometimes they are great, lively and attentive. Other times, I've had waiters that were really cranky and couldn't deal with how busy this place can actually get.

The Bathrooms

I adore the sink in the bathroom here. It is a beautiful stone, possibly poured cement, and runs the expanse of the stall. It's kind of like a little waterfall running sideways.

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In a spoonful, this is SF's original comfort food chain. I like it. It's consistent. They could work on some insulation to pad the noise and maybe give their staff a happy pill. All that being said, a bloody mary or two can go a long way to overlooking their flaws.

Yip gives it 3.5 spoons.

Yip on Bacco

Bacco * 737 Diamond St @ 24th * San Francisco, CA 94114 * (415) 282-4969
Cuisine: Italian
Neighborhood: Noe Valley

I can't get enough and keep going back for the same thing. Read on to find out what.

The Scene

Under the Tuscan sun - the comforting yellow walls and beautiful painted murals make me love the warmth and comfort of this place. I love that this is just off the main drag in Noe Valley and really feels like a family, neighborhood Italian place.

The Menu

They have a fair selection of wines by the glass, several salads, and a boat-load of pasta selections to choose from. I have noticed quite a few patrons ordering and cooing over their desserts, even though I never have room.

The Food

And now for the best keep not-so secret, since its the first pasta choice on their menu. I dare to say I have only ever ordered one thing, and I have been here about 5 or 6 times. I absolutely love the homemade pappardelle with bolognese sauce and fresh ricotta. My mouth is watering just thinking about it now. It's enough food to share, though I never offer because I love to have the leftovers for the next day. I've also shared a delicious salad with roasted beets. I've had a bite here and there of what others have ordered for their main selections, and I haven't tasted a thing I didn't like. I also haven't had a thing that strikes my fancy more than the pappardelle.

The Service

I love feeling like I am in a little Italian restaurant in Tuscany, sharing the in house creations with the family. This place is small, superb, and warm, and the service makes you feel right at home.

The Bathroom

Smallish, off to the side, nothing to write home about. There is a funny little awkward picture on the wall, but the quirkiness gives me a giggle every time.

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In a spoonful, I can't say enough for the warm feeling and the one dish I love. I have been here many times with others who seems to order different things and enjoy them everytime. I think I may have to force myself to try something else for the sake of the integrity of this blog. Maybe my dining companion will graciously order the pappardelle and offer me a bite ... and the leftovers.

Yip gives it 5 spoons.

Yip on Zuppa

Zuppa * 564 Fourth St * San Francisco, CA 94107 * (415) 777-5900
Cuisine: Modern Italian
Neighborhood: SoMa

You see the sign on 4th Street, but you have to enter the door on a little ally on Freelon, a side street between Brannan and Bryant. Parking in this neighborhood is pretty easy, so you can probably expect to get a spot pretty close. Do watch out and anticipate on game nights - it's pretty close.

The Scene

Very industrial and a bit cold (feeling and temperature - I kept my jacket on). One main room with a small half round bar and several long tables.

The Menu

Pizza, Pasta and Main courses. They have chicken, fish and meat. There is a good amount of variety, but one thing that really threw me off is that they only had one salad option. This seems very strange to me. Desserts were generic and "and after thought," as one of my dining companions put it. Main courses were around $30, which I thought seemed like a lot for what they were.

The Food

I was here with a very large party, so *lucky me,* I got lots of tastes. The salad had too much dressing, and the sausage app I tasted was over-dosed in fennel. I got to try a few different pasta choices and the salmon. I am not a salmon fan, but it was the best thing I had all night. The pizzas were not as described - crust was too much and very doughy. Pastas all seemed just a little too al dente to my liking as well. There was a pork ragu, which was pretty good, but could have used a scoop of sour cream on top to mix in to regulate the spices. I also had a taste of the roasted beets side dish (which if you have been following my restaraunt rants for a while, you know how I adore beets), which was utterly forgettable.

The Service

I asked for light on the cheese on pizza and there was tons. Also, when I went to the ladies room (there are two unisex single stall bathrooms), there were no paper towels. I mentioned this to the bartender, and he apologized. I'm not sure he understood - I didn't want an apology. I just wanted him to put paper towels in the bathroom. By end of the night: still no paper towels.

The Bathrooms

Generic, and could have used a good scrub, but weren't too gross. If they'd had paper towels, or even remedied the paper towel issue, it would have been acceptable.

*************

In a spoonful, I was there with a huge group (10 people) on a Tuesday night. About half the people had starters, we had 2 bottles of wine for the table and a few cocktails, no desserts - and they added on 20% gratuity for the service to a large party. It broke down to nearly $55 per person. It just wasn't worth it. Come here for a pizza and maybe their one salad and a glass of wine at the bar, and call it a day. Don't bother with a big, overpriced meal.

Yip gives it 2.5 spoons.

Yip on Sauce

Sauce * 131 Gough St @ Oak Street * San Francisco, CA 94102 * (415) 252-1369
Cuisine: American, Comfort
Neighborhood: Hayes Valley

The Scene

This place has a small bar and a few tall tables in the bar area for snacks and drinks, and a few more tables in the main dining room, but the place is pretty small for the most part. They have a private room in the back, which I believe also has it’s own bar. The interior is pretty generic, but it’s nice and comfortable.

The Menu

They have several salads and soups and other appetizing starters. They also have larger meals that are very “comfort inspired,” like mac’n cheese and meatloaf. They also have a pretty descent wine by the glass list, but they could use a better selection of champagne. I went here for a mini celebration recently after a friend’s concert (he was looking saucy in his tux), and could have used a descent glass of champagne to cheers with.

The Food

Well, to start, their house salad is beautiful. It is the standard by all which all house salads should be set. Perfect presentation (it almost looked like an Asian salad) and perfect salad dressing application. Lots of fresh veggies and yum cherry tomatoes. My friends both had main courses while I enjoyed a superb bowl of creamy tomato soup with mini grilled cheese bites. I had also had their mushroom bisque before which was also excellent. They also have mushroom fries, which was rich and delicious. For mains, my friend ordered the meat loaf, which he couldn’t stop raving about, and my other friend had the mac n’ cheese with asparagus, which was good but misrepresented. It was really more of a Fettuccine Alfredo. For desserts, I've tried both the PB&J and the cinnamon-sugar doughnuts with vanilla-bourbon dipping sauce. I don't think either are spectacular. Stick with the savories at this place.

The Service

It wasn’t that busy because it was kind of late on a Sunday night, but they were a little on top of each other. It’s like there were two people tag-teaming the table. One would ask for our drink order, and then the other would come ask for our drink order. One would ask how everything was, and a minute later before another bite in, another would ask. It was a little overkill and disorganized, not like special service.

The Bathroom

One of them was an olfactory nightmare, and both were so small it was hard to believe they were even up to code. I could barely even turn around inside there, but thankfully they provided a hook to hang my purse on, which I appreciate. Unfortunately, one of the mirrors was cracked, which I don’t appreciate. 7 years bad luck.

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In a spoonful, I’d say come here to sit at the bar or one of their side tables. Enjoy soup, salad, and a glass of wine. They are open late: food 'til midmight, drinks 'til 2am.

Yip gives it 3.5 spoons.

NOTE: I went to this restaurant about a year ago, and shared a delicious meal practically bite for bite with a friend. We later went to a cocktail party and partook in a few more snacks. Later that night I was deathly ill from something I ate, but my friend didn’t get sick at all. Since we shared everything I don’t have reason to believe it was something we had at the restaurant (or I had an unknown allergy to something we had), but I wanted to mention it regardless.

Yip on Magic Flute

Magic Flute * 3673 Sacramento St @ Spruce * San Francisco, CA 94118 * (415) 922-1225
Cuisine: California, Brunch
Neighborhood: Presidio Heights

I know this place serves dinner, but I went here for brunch. And I love brunch. It's also off the beaten path in Presidio Heights, so it's a hidden gem. Even the parking is pretty manageable in this mostly residential area.

The Scene

Instantly when we walked in, I knew this place was something special. The decor was so inviting and warm. It felt like being in a time honored family-owned restaurant in off-the-beaten path in Tuscany. To anyone getting married in San Francisco in the coming months, this place would be perfect for a smallish rehersal dinner. Or maybe bring that special lady in your life here for Mother's Day. They have a beautiful heated patio too, which was where we enjoyed our meal.

The Menu

There were many delicious sounding choices. Breakfast, brunch, lunch options. Omlets, Quiche, Paninis. They also have an extensive wine list and sparkling lemonade. And what Italian eatery doesn't have espresso drinks.

The Food

I had a cheese and leak quiche which came with a spring mix salad. Finally, someone who gets it when you order "light on the salad dressing." I don't want the salad dressing on the side because I want the salad tossed. Just learn to not be so heavy handed. My salad was perfect. My quiche was perfect. My glass of white wine to accompany my meal was perfect.

The Service

The wait staff and owner were completely charming. The owner greeted us at the door and even visited our leisure meal to make sure we were enjoying ourselves.

The Bathroom

Decorated cutely, clean, fresh flowers. A perfect end to our perfect meal.

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In a spoonful, my brunch was delicious. I had a lovely meal and a lovely time. I'd love to come back here for dinner to enjoy their specialized service and spectacular cuisine. This is the perfect place to celebrate your next special occasion.

Yip gives it 5 spoons.

Yip on Catch

Catch * 2362 Market St @ Castro * San Francisco, CA 94114 * (415) 431-5000
Cuisine: Seafood
Neighborhood: Castro

The Scene

Castro chic. Their heated outdoor patio is my favorite. There is even a little fire pit to sit by, and you don’t leave smelling like a BBQ. They have a nice bar too which would be a good place to have a glass of wine and some tuna tartar. There is also live music from a grand piano from a loft in the corner above the main dining room. They also have an exposed kitchen, which always makes me feel good when I can see how clean it is. I can’t get passed how they need to top off the décor with an oversized exotic saltwater fish tank. I’ve always loved those – MTv cribs style.

The Menu

You guessed it – fish. They have steak and a few other things to accommodate non-fish eaters, but why come to place called “Catch” if you don’t want fish. They also had a few salads to start and some yummy sounding fishy apps. They also have a nice wine list with a lot of reasonable priced selections, not to mention a full bar.

The Food

My date had a house salad and the salmon. I’m not a salmon eater myself, but he seemed impressed. I had a butter lettuce salad that was swimming in dressing, even though I asked for light on the dressing. When it came to the table, they definitely got an A for presentation. It was on the plate beautifully. I had halibut as my main course that was delicious and perfectly prepared. When you run a fish place, you better know how to prepare the fish so that its not over or under cooked. They have that down at Catch. No dessert, as the date wasn’t going so well, and I wanted to get the heck out of there. That, and the choices they had didn’t seem worth the calories.

The Service

We had to flag them down a couple of times to get drink refills, but they kind of hovered once the food was delivered. Also, wasn’t super loud in there, but it was hard to hear the waiter – like he was talking very soft, even though we had to have him speak up and repeat the specials a second time. He did make a little joke about the funny smell coming from the loft. I think they musicians needed a little inspiration or to mellow out before the second set.

The Bathroom

It was too well lit for the difference between the dining room. I was shocked blind when I walked in the ladies room with how bright it was. It was a single and they had two. I much prefer a single to a multiple stall ladies and gentlemen separate rooms. Nice, clean, and they had an advertisement on the back of the door for a charity restaurant event coming up there and at several other locations around the city.

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In a spoonful, I like this place. I like the patio, I like the menu (I’m a big fish eater), now if only they had a fish tank … I have yet to try their weekend brunch, but I bet I’d like it.

Yip gives it 4 spoons.

Yip on Tres Agaves

Tres Agaves * 130 Townsend @ 2nd Street * San Francisco, CA 94107 * (415) 227-0500
Cuisine: Mexican
Neighborhood: SoMa

This might be a nice, different choice for a pre- or post-SF Giants game snack and cocktail, in the sea of what was formerly only MoMo's and 21st Amendment. This place, even though its been around a while now (in terms of the SF restaurant lifeline), is a reservation must. Bar is crowded. Restaurant is crowded. And if you want to get seated before next year, make a resy. They're on OpenTable.com.

The Scene

Just like the rest of what is up and coming in SoMa, this place is a converted warehouse that may have otherwise been destined to be another trendy loft complex. The crowd is everything from 30-something professionals, to turistas hearing about a trendy hot spot from their hotel concierge, to local SoMa construction workers, to good ol' American baseball fans. They also have a nice private room I got a glimpse of that would be worth checking out for your next Tequila tasting party.

The Menu

Tequila. Tequila. And more Tequila. There is more tequila on this menu than food. They even have a tasting. Which my friend and I shared. And we had a pitcher of margaritas. It's amazing I could even taste the food when it came. We also started with a ceviche app which was good, but huge. Our waiter was not exactly on top of advising we ordered enough food for 6 people, even though there were only 2 of us. We also each had a main course from what might be a traditional Mexican menu, but isn't a traditional American-Mexican menu. No nachos, enchiladas, tacos or burritos. Basically they are all plates you build yourself: lettuce, cheese, beans, tortillas, and some kind of meat. We had steak (carne asada) and pork (carnitas).

The Food & The Service

The food – what I like to refer to as OK + (which means a little better than just ok). And huge portions. Which I just don’t need. Fine – charge me the same amount, but no need for all the waste. Salsa was really yum, even though the waiter didn't know how to describe the ingredients, but didn’t try to pretend it was some secret. I wanted to order the halibut main course, and the waiter really got me going on it. He even said, "If you don't like it, I'll buy you your dinner." Seemed like a good enough deal to me. And this wasn't even one of those times when my dining companion affectionately dropped "My friend is a restaurant critic." Suspiciously, and if you're keeping up with what I have written above, we didn't have the halibut. Conveniently, they were all out of the halibut by the time my order made it to the kitchen. I settled for the carnitas, which was pretty greasy. I mention again, the salsa was delish, but you can't base a successful meal on salsa. We didn't have dessert because we were so full ...ugh, my stomach still hurts just thinking about it.

The Bathroom

I'm going to be honest here. I know I went with the amount of tequila and margaritas and water trying to sober up a bit I consumed. But maybe I was a little tipsy and didn't remember? Must have been clean enough to not be so memorable.

*************

In a spoonful, the menu didn't have enough options. The portions were huge and not well described by the menu or the wait staff. If you are into tequila, this is your place. Get the chips, salsa, and drinks and call it a day. Oh, and get them at a bar table. Don't bother fighting the crowds for the reservation and to sit in the main dining room. I think the hype around this place is a little over-hyped.

Yip gives it 2.5 spoons.

Yip on Paxti's

Patxi's * 511 Hayes St @ Octavia *San Francisco, CA 94102 *
(415)558-9991
Cuisine: Chicago Style Pizza
Neighborhood: Hayes Valley

Can't make it to Zachery's - try Patxi's. Apparently, it is supposed to be pronounced "Pah - cheese", but like to call it Pax-ee's (rhymes with taxis!).

The Scene

This place has been open for nearly a year now, and finally they have some art on the walls. The interior is pretty basic - wooden tables, a lot of metal, and a wall of exposed brick. They also have a couple of flat screen plasma TVs for the boys to watch their sports. There is no real waiting area when they get busy for dinner on Friday and Saturday nights, and they also seem to run out of chairs sometimes. Bring a coat and plan to wait outside. There is a bar across the street, but they don’t let you leave a cell phone num and have them call you when your table is up.

The Menu

Pizza (deep dish and thin crust), a couple of salads, a small wine and beer list. They have a pretty good variety of toppings (but for some reason no sausage ?), and their to-go menu claims to have "half baked" just like Zach's. I've walked in there to order to- go a bunch of times, and even mentioned that I live upstairs, and no one has ever suggested this option to me.

The Food

I think their pizza is delish, but it seems to take a while to cook (Chicago style 30-40 minutes and thin crust 20-30 minutes). Salads are pretty good and made with lots of fresh ingredients. They don't have any low fat or non fat salad dressings, which I think is totally strange. You might see me there sometime with my own salad dressing on the table (which I bring it from upstairs).

The Service

This actually may be more of a menu issue than a service issue, but certainly worth mentioning. Where are the slices? I don't understand a pizza joint that doesn't offer slices (I don't think NB pizza has 'em either). Apparently, Patxi’s doesn’t want “to run a slices business" - brilliant plan. I'm sure Pizza Orgazmica, with their constant slices line out the door, would agree with your sound choice. But I found out later, in off hours, slices are available, and they hang a cute little laminated sign in their window that reads (what else) "SLICES." I have found this sign is usually up until about 4pm or so, but there is no real method to it. Sometimes up, sometimes not. I walked by the other day, starving, thinking a slice would be perfect. And it was only 3:15pm. Clearly not dinner or lunch time traffic, but no sign. "Can I get a slice?" And the guy (who appears to be the manager) says ... with a completely straight face ... wait for it ... this is great ... "We're all sold out of slices for today." WHAT!?!? Hello!??! I mean, I'm no chef. And no rocket scientist. But if I am not mistaken, you are a pizza creation establishment. To have more slices, you just make another pie. Annoying. Stupid. And clearly cutting into their overall rating.

The Bathroom

Never actually graced them myself (I don't use Hayes Valley public bathrooms when my own spotless and soon to be freshly painted abode is right upstairs). I hear its pretty generic, and I know they only have one, unisex and including employee use.

************

In a spoonful, the interior is generic (except for the TVs). The service is pretty good, but the slices inconsistency can't be ignored. The pizza is delish. And I would say (and I'm sure this will elicit some comments), their Chicago style pizza is the best this side of the Bay. Better than Little Star, but not better than Zachery's. Fix the salad dressing. Fix the slices. And we'll be in business.

Yip gives it 4 spoons