56 Places
-
Jessica’s 4-star review: I've seen my friends' bands play a number of times at Amensia now and each time that I come here I appreciate it that much more. It's got charm. It's got stamina (I'm always impressed by music venues that continue to do their thing and continue to stay open in SF). And it's got great music, I was just re-reading my 2007 review for this place and it made me so glad that I've had the opportunity to experience this place - many times over - since that initial whiny - bad pun filled - review. I'm thankful that I've learned to give places a second, third, and forth chance. Amnesia deserves it. Amnesia's small stage has hosted some epic San Francisco acts, their free water dispenser is always well filled, and their basement "backstage" has always been low-key and full of quality conversation. When I'm looking for live music during the week - Amnesia is one of the spots I look to. They host quality local and visiting live music consistently. Trust. -
Jessica’s 3-star review: Go for the margaritas - but don't expect too much from the food (or at least the vegetarian fare) I ordered the Super Vegetarian Burrito here - and it was just a bloated tortilla filled with cheese, refried beans, and weak guacamole (the fresh guacamole that my lunch partner had - looked and tasted better), and a sprinkling of rice. The wierd thing was that it didn't even necessarily taste bad. It just didn't taste. I left most of it on my plate. It was hard parting with my money - for what I felt was a very disappointing meal. Come on now Puerto Alegre! I shouldn't have to drink a tasty margarita, to begin to taste my food (it's amazing how alcohol can open up the taste buds). Eh. -
Jessica’s 5-star review: This heavenly place stays open till 3:00 am on most nights and 4:00 on others. El Farolito's food is always amazing. But to have food this incredible - at this divine of an hour - is just pure San Francisco magic. That's what it is. This place is so what's up - that it's just permanently up (I was trying to think of something a little wittier to say - to surpass What's UP - but at 11:43pm - my mind is begging for rest) Outside of the long lines - which are admittedly a hassle and a half - you'd be doing yourself a big favor - by coming here to satisfy your late night cravings. And though the lines can be pure torture, when your stomach is wincing for food, they are also a great place to make new friends - and meet fellow fans of the masterpiece - that is the El Farolito late night burrito. Trust. -
Jessica’s 4-star review: I prefer SOM over Pink. Pink was just always...off. The lighting was always off. The decor always seemed off. The vibe was off. The crowd was off. SOM - seems alot more put together. Refined. Chic. Hip. Modern. Cohesive. From the prominent statuesque wooden bar, to the abundance of padded pleather/leather seating lining the club, to the high tech screen/lighting juxtaposed in the center of the space - - SOM seems more SOMA than Mission. But that's not a bad thing. SOM adds a unique dynamic to the hood. When I stopped in here this past weekend for the Honey Sound System event - I wasn't exactly wowed by the whole scene, but I liked how open the space was, the smiling faces busting dance moves throughout the place, and the general vibe. If you're in the neighborhood and looking for a new hip happy hour spot - or dance spot - SOM's a good call. -
Jessica’s 4-star review: Walgreens. I don't say it enough, but I really do love you. CVS makes me weak in the knees. But, in CVS's absence, you have been nothing, but reliable and sweet. You shower me at minimal cost - with cheap makeup, cleaning supplies, Ferrero Rocher chocolates, and Tylenol Cold and Sinus flu stuff. I love that you're often open early. And close late. I love that your prices are consistent. Except for your pleasant sales - on ridiculously sized candy bags. I love that I know your aisles, and things are usually categorized right. And today at the check-out, your lovely employee, while ringing up my purchases, even went into detail about the best, most green-friendly way to unclog a shower and sink drain. It doesn't get much better than that. -
Jessica’s 5-star review: This coming Sunday is British Mother's Day. My mom has sent my brother, my sister and I about 3 e-mails - just this week - reminding us of this : "I want you all, you have plenty of notice, to write some lines to me. I want you to write what I mean to you as a mother, now and growing up." My siblings and I have taken this to heart (the third E-mail kinda drilled it right in) and have each been reminding each other - when we can - of the quickly approaching momentous momma-centric March 14th. As I start to ponder just what my mom means to me - I can't help - but let my mind wander - and percolate on all of the places that I know she'd love to join me at - if she was back in San Francisco. Foreign Cinema (along with Mission Beach Cafe) would be one among many brunch spots - scribbled down on my list of places to take her. My mom loves brunch. The idea of sunny porches. Fresh fruit. Thickly cut french toast, and piping hot oatmeal. A gentle warm introduction to the budding day. Foreign Cinema does brunch right. I've been twice now and have been wowed on both occasions. From their homemade pop tarts with fresh fruit filling and light pastry crust, to their sensational baguette French toast: with raspberries, blackberry sauce, mascarpone and real maple syrup. Foreign Cinema sets an extremely delicious and high bar for breakfast spots in the city. The real draw of Foreign Cinema isn't just their food though. It's the ambiance. Situated in the Mission - Foreign Cinema - transports you somewhere else. With their high ceilings, picturesque outdoor patio, and rustic touches - it's the ideal date and special occasion spot. Coupled with their unique movie scheduled movie showings - which play - while - you feast upon decadent, fresh, rich - and often organic food - it's a true dining dream destination. I can just picture my mom and - I arriving here. She'd make sure to sit somewhere where she could survey the whole scene. In between conversations about life, my brother and sister, and her "action man" - she'd insert polite - "ummmms and aaahhhhhs," all while people- watching out of the corner of her eye. She'd order something small - and I'd probably opt for the french toast. And once it arrived - she'd ask for a small bite. Which would turn into 4. Into 6. And before we both know it - we'd both be hurriedly trying to cut and shovel a stunning plate of French Toast into our mouth before the other. Then we'd argue for like a minute. And the following minute she'd be gushing about how lovely brunch was, how lovely the day was. And how lovely life is. We'd both smile. Both argue about who got to watch each other's bags and stuff - while the other used the restroom quickly and then we'd both head on into the beaming San Francisco day. Perfection. And Foreign Cinema would be the backdrop. My mom: - shaped me into the fast talking (though she denies that she has anything to do with my crazy fast speech patterns), fast eating (she denies this as well), and always moving - person that I am today. My mom - truly a literal whirl-wind force of gusto and life. Inspirational. And then some. -
Jessica’s 4-star review: I'd worn the wrong socks. My Saturday walking adventure was being threatened to come to a sharp end due to problematic, thin socks. With each sashayed strut - my toes cried out for more padding - more nurturing. They ached for a dry pair of epic manifested socks. And so - with the help of my incredible sock hunting accomplice we began hunting down some in the mission. Density was the first store that we walked to. A wave of nostalgia flowed over me. I haven't been back in this store for about five years! But everything was just as alluring as I remember. And the prices were still just as decent as well. They didn't have socks - but I did spy a fluffy cream colored shawl wrap that I couldn't stop touching. I couldn't put it down. My friend smiled as I draped it around me. It had to be mine. Since the price was so reasonable - I bought it. I lovingly pressed it toward my face. Sometimes in life we have to manifest our own soft things. Our own comforts. My friend picked up a stunning pair of turqouise earrings that hung from her ears with chic grace. We both strutted out (me a little uncomfortably so - due to my not what's up sock) of Density with our well manifested finds. Trust. -
Jessica’s 5-star review: Bi-Rite is an ice-cream power-house. Bi Rite is worth a block and a half line and could even be worth three. Their stuff is insane. Never had I had such rich, sharp, and distinct flavor in such perfectly made ice-cream. The salted caramel IS - buttery, creamy salted caramel. The honey lavender IS -sweet lightly fragranced cream. The banana ice-cream IS -rich-creamy fresh bananas. The ginger is lovely and cuts your tongue with precise flavor. None of that half-assed..."eh it tastes like a little like strawberries....yeah like strawberry flavored milk....kinda" stuff. Bi-Rite brings it. Leaving nothing but a trail of pure tongue lolling bliss. .... Oh and...I'm still not done yet.. YES there is more. Their sundaes have fresh whipped cream. Yes fresh. They make homemade popsicles, and homemade toppings. And their servers, even with the line quickly growing behind you, will walk you through their flavors and reassure you that you've chosen well. Jann's in Elementary School never tasted this good Haagen Daags (sp) in Middle school...ehhhhhh not quite. Gelato in Italy in high school might dance kinda close up on Bi-Rite. But international area codes don't apply to this competition. And even the thick Baskin and Robbins shakes from College didn't and don't match this stuff. They bow down at Bi-Rite's beautiful organic sugar cone. Cause Bi-Rite keeps the good stuff coming. They keep their flavors exciting. Their sundaes creative... Bi-Rite is genius and everything good. Vote Bi-Rite and you'll be lickingsugardrizzledfingers for days. -
Jessica’s 4-star review: I've been trying to eat here for forever now, only to find it completely packed or not open (only open for dinner). So this weekend, it was a huge treat to finally try this place. We arrived relatively early on a Saturday and they sat us, a table of six - right away - leading us to an outside area, away from Bissap Baobob's famed energy- filled dining room. I was hoping to experience more of the inside charm of the place, but it was nice to have no wait and the heat lamps outside were very pleasant. We began the meal with a pitcher of a tamarind drink, which was a little too strong for my taste, but I'm generally not a fan of any powerful drinks. We ordered two appetizers: finger food - fried mashed potato things (wish I could remember the name - I don't do them justice with my term :) ) and some plantains. The plantains were great, flavorful with a good dipping sauce and the potato dish was equally as tasty with a green garlic-y pringle tasting dipping sauce. My main entree - grilled tilapia with a rich coconut sauce over cous-cous was wonderful and I devoured it quickly - the first to finish at our table. The coconut sauce was perfect - and matched the fish well. I was tempted to try the desserts, but having chowed down on donuts, and banana cream pie all day - I figured I'd save my blood sugar levels from early doom - and opted out. I'm so glad to finally have dined here, and definitely plan on returning and checking out the main dining area. I'm lookig forward to trying the other dishes on the menu and then going around the corner to Little Baobob to dance the night away with hibiscus cocktails and booty-shaking beats. -
Jessica’s 4-star review: So this is what it feels like to go out and get down. (I mean they even have poles on the top floor....) I've been kinda missing the hot and sweaty bars, with decent sized and priced drinks, bedonkshakable music, and a mixed crowd...where you actually get wafts of cologne. (I NEVER smell cologne in SF, unless I'm in the HEART of the financial district...and even then I suspect it's just an overdose of Axe or Old Spice aftershave) ,,,Not that I'm a cologne fiend or anything (despite dousing myself in perfume every day)...but it's familiar, and sometimes nice to smell. Going to Bruno's this weekend was easily one of the highlights of my weekend. It even made me miss.....for a second....half second...milli-second....Boston. Bleugh...Boston is not my favorite place...but there are moments when I miss Boston's bars/clubs. I miss the places that when you walk in, you never know quite what is going to happen. I love San Francisco, but sometimes its bars/clubs are just a little (at least the places that I go to) too mellow. Bruno's brings that sliver of excitement. A hint of drama. It's the kind of place where you'll get the occasional sleaze, that will not only dance up behind you, but woo you by singing the cheesy lyrics of a song you never wanted to know the words to. Ever! But it's also the kind of place that you can come with a big group of slightly buzzed girls and have a great time, singing along to old school Prince on the top of your lungs. "I just want your EXXXXXXXXTRA TIME and Your.....KISSSSSSSSSSSSSSS". Booty shake. Blowing drunken imaginary kisses to EVERYONE. Despite a hefty chunk of cheddar factor - Bruno's manages to be a little of everything. If you're looking to dance, you can find the right room. If you just want to hang out, the main area, though loud, is great for people watching. If you want a taste of pseudo VIP action and if you're fast and smooth, you may be able to squeeze your way into the "private party" section, where there is usually free food or at least something free (not that I do that or anything). Bruno's does get hot and sticky...but that just adds to it's hot and sticky charm. I guess. If anything...it's an excuse to go outside (on the way out, be sure to take a look up at Bruno's INTERESTING mural-like art) and witness what obnoxious door guys are like. Siiiiigh. Some things I definitely don't miss about the east coast. I wish I could have known the Old Bruno's that reviewers talk about, but either way I'm glad to know that there's a place to go, if I'm looking for fun next day stories. And yes - there was a five dollar cover. But with all the dancing that went on this Saturday...I'll just consider that my gym workout....uh...which is worth five dollars? Eh...I was trying to make the end of this review catchy....but you get the idea... -
Jessica’s 2-star review: The taco stand is a regular favorite of friends, but I'm a burrito girl. One night, I decided to switch it up a little from El Metate and try something new. Something drew me to Taqueria Vallarta and I ordered a super shrimp burrito. Carrying it proudly back to friends, we all raved about it - marvelling at the juicy and well cooked Shrimp - I was excited about giving it an easy 4 stars...... ...it's just as well that that review was put on hold..... one late night, starving, and stressed about some personal issues I decided that Taqueria Vallarta was the answer. I ordered a Shrimp burrito and sat patiently to wait. A good 20 minutes had gone by, and I noticed that people behind me, were getting their food before me. I asked the woman at the counter about my burrito. She just nodded, so I sat back down. It was getting late and I wanted to get home to avoid walking around too late at night, so after about 30 minutes of waiting for a simple burrito - I asked them again. I felt stupid just waiting for nearly a good half hour for a burrito. This would never have happened at El-Metate. I mean I can eat a whole burrito in 5 minutes! One of the cooks chuckled in the background, and I knew they'd forgotten my order. They didn't even apologize, but just hurriedly said it was coming. So I finally got my burrito 40 minutes later after I had ordered it. No apology - no nothing, and I'd even tipped pretty well beforehand. It was a horrible night altogether: so stressed, tired and hungry - I took my burrito home - only to take one big bite of my burrito and spit it out. It was shrimp (fishy tasting at that) mixed with beef, and other random things that had been on the grill, when they were cooking my food. I threw it away quickly. Yes, Vallarta is open late, yes their taco truck may be something else....but I know I won't be stopping by their inside eating area anytime soon. -
Jessica’s 4-star review: You can always count on a fresh vegetarian burrito here. The avocado is creamy and green. The cheese is melted just right. The rice isn't too salty. And the salsa always tastes fresh. Palaote is my one true love, but when it comes to burritos, Taqueria Cancun has some sweet burrito rice filled curves. (review edited due to some rather graphic burrito porn :) ) -
Jessica’s 5-star review: A hot doughy spinach, bean and cheese pupusa with dribbled on (or most likely piled upon) fresh crispy slaw and hot sauce is one of the best things you could treat yourself to on a long cold Saturday Mission bar hopping night. Even more exciting is you'll probably savor and enjoy Panchita's tasty menu more -sober. While Panchita's is not exactly a secret in the area, people sometimes forget about it, so if you go right before the bars get out at 2:00am, you'll have no line, a seat, and a fresh cooked meal in no time. Next time you're craving a bacon-hotdog after you stumble out down Mission street - try Panchita's instead. Their burritos are also pretty good. -
Jessica’s 4-star review: Latin Mexican cuisine, Luscious margaritas, Low-key, Lively crowd 'Oh my' portions, Original favors, Outstanding vibes, Outright yummy Very fresh, Vegetarian available, Varied menu, Vast selection Easy for groups, Energetic service, Excellent value, Eating here again? Hecka yes! -
Jessica’s 5-star review: Thinking like a rockstar is key on a vacation- where you want to go big. Big hair, big boots, big lashes, big tan, big attitude...yaddi yah yah. Part of being a rockstar involves some poolside action. You gotta take your raybans, orange hue, and french tip pedicure to the water and sun soaked lounge chairs of the Vegas "see and be seen" pools. And taking one's fabulous self to the pool - requires one stressful and not so fabulous step. Bikini shopping. Eugh. Bathing suit shopping is practically a synonym for nightmare. But being a rockstar, means you gotta handle your business. I knew I wanted something quality, unique, and sophisticated - so I did my Yelp research and came across Zoe bikini. I skimmed the reviews quickly and immediately knew I'd find something great. At first I was confused by the location. Capp and 18th??? A bikini store?!! But just a couple of blocks down from 16th Bart is ray of bikini sunshine amidst the craziness of the Mission. Zoe's is a tiny space, and Zoe herself was the only person working when I walked in. Right away she was friendly and personable. She gave me plenty of time and space to browse her colorful, wonderful crafted designs, and helped me find the correct sizing and fit for the designs I liked. I've had many a nightmare experience, trying on too small, cheap fabric-ed, tummy enlarging, boob smushing, butt pinching bathing suits in cramped over-heated neon lit mall changing rooms - so the single dressing room and warm comforting opinions and advice from Zoe as I posed in each of her self designed pieces was refreshing. I ended up buying a fabulous brown and white hued bikini with a flirty bandeau top. Not only did the bikini hug all of my curves perfectly, but it stayed up throughout all of my Vegas escapades. I also ended up picking up a cute black bathing suit cover-up dress, which was so cute and comfortable, that I ended up wearing it out clubbing. Zoe is not cheap - but it's worth it. For those who are interested in a unique bathing suit, and a unique bathing suit shopping experience, born from the mind of a creative unique individual - come here. The holla's that will follow your rockstar bathing suit strut will be worth it. Trust. -
Jessica’s 4-star review: I am a horrible person. I walked into Cafe Gratitude with a leather coat on. (it was a hand me down from a second hand store...if that makes it any better.....sigh) Eugh. I know. Horrible. I realized it when it was too late. I got two wierd looks. And I'm not saying they're unwarranted. Anyways.......I've been here a number of times now, but have yet to review it. I've been reluctant. It's the kind of place that if you don't order the right thing - it could ruin your experience. And I HAVE ordered the wrong thing before. Like the time my boyfriend and I came in here and ordered two thick pasty, "eugh....um you can have the rest of mine...." " Uh.....no that's OK....you can finish it." (as we both pour them down the sink drain) smoothie/shakes. Or the time we were starving and ended up eating eight dollars worth of ....crackers. (An hour later we were stirring up a whole box of kraft mac and cheese.) Or the time (last night) they ran out of nearly EVERYTHING we wanted. We asked for the lasagna. "Sorry we're out of that." We asked for their taco salad " Sorry we're out of the taco stuff." We asked for the chocolate mousse. "Sorry we're out of that." Uh....ok...well then we'll take...whatever you do have... And without fail, everytime I've been here, I've always been left wanting more. Even the Olson twins would ask for seconds. Don't be deceived by the enticing and "filling" names. Pad-thai = coleslaw. Enchilada = .......uh where's my enchilada? (though both very good) BUT.... I did give this place four stars for a reason. Because....if you order the right things at Cafe Gratitude, it's actually pretty wonderful and your body will be that much healthier. Say for instance the I am Grace. It is honestly the most unbelievable drink I have ever tried. Aphrodisiac even? Made from fresh young coconut milk and some other delightful ingredients. Every sip was divine. mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm GRACE. The coconut pie is GLORIOUS. Rich, creamy, coconutty bliss. And the chocolate mousse (when they have it) is a big creamy bowl of vegan heaven. Cafe Gratitude do have some kinks that may NEVER be worked out, but it's still an exceptional place for vegan desserts (though pricey) and warm energy. Plus it's a very difficult place to over-eat. (unless you're trying.) Just be sure to leave your leather coat at home. -
Jessica’s 2-star review: We be sushi? More like...we won't be doing sushi here, Any longer. I've given this place too many chances. BOOOoooooooooo. The sushi is bland and unremarkable. It was actually my bf's idea to stop in here for his first experience with sushi. What a mistake! What a horrible introduction to sushi. It's been hard to convince him how incredible quality fresh sushi really is, After sampling We Be Sushi's attempts. We Be Sushi may be a decent option for a quick bite, if you have low expectations, But there are just too many amazing sushi places in San Francisco to settle. We Be over We Be Sushi. -
Jessica’s 5-star review: The menu here will own you. If you're vegan and or vegetarian - prepare for your mind to be blown. The portions here are outstanding and the quality of the food is as well. The side of chutneys and dipping sauces - further complement all of the dosas and dipping breads. Their curry selection is also drool worthy. The best aspect of Udupi is the price though. It's the perfect place to go if you have a big appetite, are with a group, and are looking for an affordable spot to chow down. You will leave wonderfully full, beaming, and will still have money left-over for some ice-cream (perhaps vegan chocolate coconut at Bi-Rite) nearby. Trust. -
Jessica’s 4-star review: Update - their Sesame Tofu is even better! Apparently fighting over the remote can quickly build up an appetite. And.... quality programming needs quality delivery. Reluctant to wait out Jasmine Tea House's snail service, I decided to try Wild Pepper. They were patient and clear on the phone and told me the wait would be 40 minutes. I waited for over an hour, so not the speediest service, but it was worth it for the price. Around 14 dollars for slightly fried Kung-Pao Tofu , General Tsao's chicken, brown rice, white rice, and three complimentary spring rolls. Cheap, mostly white meat, Americanized Chinese food - that sat on our plates for literally 10 minutes, just as America's Next Top...I mean C-Span...no wait America's Next Top Model - cut to commercials. Grrrrrrr. -
Jessica’s 2-star review: I passed on Jasmine Tea House for Cha Ya. I'd read so many rave reviews about the healthy, unique, vegan inspired menu here, that I figured that after a long day in Dolores Park - Cha Ya would probably be a better way finish the night than a delivery box filled with deep-fried meatless chicken. I was wrong. We were were seated pretty quickly, and missed the later night rush, but the rest of our experience with both the food and the service, seemed to spiral downwards from there. Our waitress kept on passing by our table, despite our attempts to catch her attention. We noticed a number of other tables doing the same. We had to ask for a number of things twice. She forgot our food, the dessert menu, our check, and our change. My bf was so frustrated with the service that he advised we skip dessert, knowing it would add a good 15-20 minutes onto our meal. He also offered to pay me back the difference since our waitress was taking so long with our change. But I just couldn't leave a 6 dollar tip for such poor service. I just couldn't. Not only was the service slow, but it wasn't very friendly, and neither of us were very impressed with the food. The tempura yam rolls were tasty, but the gyozas, spring rolls, and the stuffed eggplant dish were nothing extraordinary. The gyozas and spring rolls were lacking flavor, and the stuffed eggplant was bitter and well - not good. I'm glad I decided to order dessert, since it was a unique item, but even a mochi and sweetened black bean sauce dessert couldn't round out our dinner experience on a more positive note. I kept on scanning the restaurant seeing what others had ordered and did see a variety of delicious looking meals, but at a quality restaurant you should be able to trust and enjoy the standard basic items like spring rolls and gyozas. I love and appreciate the concept of Cha Ya, and hope to maybe return on a slower night or day and try some of the recommendations that I've come across in their reviews, but as of now, I'd recommend not waiting for a table here. There are too many other satisfying restaurants in the area worth trying. -
Jessica’s 4-star review: Rainbow Grocery has every single organic natural beauty product or supplement you may need or never need. They carry some unique vegan desserts. They have some awesome bulk items. But ultimately if you want core basics with a friendly smile - I'd recommend somewhere else. I've often found that many of the core items that I'm looking for at Rainbow- are usually out. Normal basic stuff - that I'm much more apt to find well stocked at Whole Foods or an alternative health food store. Their staff are also not exceptionally helpful when I've had questions in regards to where to find different products in the store. This past weekend - I bought three pricey dessert items from Rainbow. As soon as I got home - I opened one up and took a bite. It tasted off - sour. I looked at the sell-by date and saw that each one was dated to eat by 11/11. I had purchased them on 11/16. I called Rainbow to alert them that I'd be bringing them back and also to give them a heads up that the other similar items still on the shelf - were most likely expired as well. The whole time I was talking to the clerk at Rainbow on the phone - I was thinking - I wish I'd just gone to Whole Foods. If it had happened at Whole Foods - the staff person would mostly likely have apologized and it would have been no problem returning them at many of their various locations. And so... Another Rainbow Grocery trip is in my future: a lack-luster visit - to return said expired food items. I'm a little relieved to be honest. I always end up spending too much money whenever I come to Rainbow Grocery - and it's never been a convenient location for me to get to. My return visit will be a reminder of why I patronize my favorite local grocery stores like Haight Street Market and Bi-Rite: their personable and helpful staff. Trust. -
Jessica’s 2-star review: Eugh - Chili Lemon Garlic had to ruin my "I'm always right" streak this weekend. Damn them! When it comes to food choices - I'm it. I always seem to get the best main dish, the best dessert, and can usually work a little magic when it comes to restaurant picking....but apparently not this weekend. This is how it all went down......After a long day of shopping, as my bf and I argued over food - I saw CLGC and I figured why not? I'd been a couple of times before and it was ok. My bf shook his head, but I persisted "Come on - I want something kinda healthy (I have a warped conception of what I think is healthy).... I'm always right about food, right?" And so CLGC it was. We walked through the doors. No one came out to seat us and there was only one other occupied table in the place... So....we sat ourselves down. About five minutes later, our waitress came over to take our order. We ordered pineapple fried rice, pumpkin curry (shrimp and chicken), and some spring rolls. The spring rolls took forever to come out, although were actually pretty good. We figured our main courses would quickly follow... ....and so we just sat there waiting and waiting and waiting for the main portions to come out. How hard could it be to whip up rice and curry, when you only have two tables of customers in your place? After about a good 40 minutes - they bring out my pineapple fried rice. I have to admit that I'm dissapointed. It tasted as though they've just whipped up some rice and egg - carefully placed two pineapple chunks on it - sprinkled two cashew nuts on and maybe been a tad more genrous with the rasins. And then for that je ne sais quoi - doused it in curry powder. Quoi? But I was hungry so dug in....Half-way through my rice, in a hunger induced trance, I realize that my bf hasn't had his dish yet - and it's already been about 15 minutes. I am about 3/4 through my meal when they bring out a small portion of curry. I sit and watch him try to eat his, since mine is now done. Nice - I get to watch him eat now.... And ah...the check! Our meal or lack of - comes to 30 dollars! For what? Augh....this does not bear well for my restaurant picking track record.... My bf looked at me hard...."Well...it looks like you were wrong on this one....um...I'm totally picking next time" And so....CLGC marks the end of my magic food touch. Now I have to think of some amazing restaurant with phenomal prices to redeem myself. We're so done CLGC. SO DONE! -
Jessica’s 4-star review: I think I'll always rate a library at least three stars. Just for existing they earn an automatic three yellow/orange stars. I've grown up with them. When I was young, my mom would take us to the library regularly. My brother, sister and I would scurry to each one of OUR aisles and get lost for half the day. Books are apparently a great baby-sitting technique...at least they were -for us. Sometimes I've struggled with the older, more complex models, but I've always found something work 'checking out' at every library I've ever entered. I especially love the kind of ones, where they don't mind you sitting slightly sprawled out (just enough to be slightly annoying) in the quieter aisles, while you read about how to empower yourself, and how to better appreciate the 'art of language'. Unfortunately, you can't really sprawl out at this location, but you can learn how to empower and appreciate. And that is the beautiful essence of a library - they're useful by their very nature. This library is a really great local and community resource. There's free Internet if you're willing to wait (sometimes a painful one) and are OK mis-spelling every frantic E-mail typed in a crucial 15 minute span (I haven't been back for awhile, so this could have changed since), good browsing magazines, a decent video and CD selection, and of course an impressive variety of great literature. The librarians at this location are also easy-going, helpful and patient. ALWAYS worth stopping by....ESPECIALLY if you have the time. -
Jessica’s 5-star review: Besides Great Overland Book Store - the Community Thrift Store is soon to be a regular spot for me - since giving up my cable. They have some of the most affordable books ever. Most of them running about a dollar fifty a book. Not only that, but it's impressive how well organized their library is as well. I literally walked out with 12 books here before the holidays - and spent about 15 dollars at most. Yes - a whole new Jessica T is in town. Bam! -
Jessica’s 5-star review: I was born in San Francisco. At the age of five I was obsessed with that "California Girls" Beach Boys song.....belting out the refrain, while I swung my sideways ponytail back and forth and slid around the kitchen floor in my socks .... "I wish they all could be California Girls." (though I doubt Brian Wilson saw too many french bikinis in SF) Otis Redding's "Sitting by the Dock of the Bay..." - that one line "heading for the frisco bay" always got me. It still gets me. I have always loved California and can't help but beam when people ask me where I was born. So when I finally came back to SFa little while back, and was scouring craigslist for free stuff, jobs, and everything else, it was the parks of San Francisco that planted San Francisco firmly in my uprooted soul.. My first true love will always be Golden Gate Park, but I can still remember having just moved to this city and coming to Dolores Park for the first time since a kid. It was a beautiful day, peaking - close to sunset, and I climbed up the grass and just sat. I looked out and sighed. ........... (cause really now the sight which you'll see while sitting on top of Dolores Park, as the sun hits it's full glow and then slowly sets behind the svelte silhouettes of the palm trees, and all you see is nothing but a never-ending pastel rainbow of San Francisco houses... manages to perfectly fit within a simple lovely sigh) "Heading for the frisco bay...cause I wish they all could be California Girls...." -
Jessica’s 5-star review: It's been awhile El Metate, but you are still a bright beacon on Bryant street. I love that feeling of returning to a place that holds a special place in your heart and being relieved to see that nothing has really changed. It's still full of warmth. The food's still on point. Their menu looks the same. And it just feels right. I popped in here to grab some food for some others before an event and for six tacos (a mixture of chicken and steak) and a big serving of guacamole the total came out to about sixteen dollars. Not bad, not bad at all. El Metate - keeping it real in the Mission. Trust. -
Jessica’s 4-star review: Sadly the Elbo Room's reggae night is no longer the bumpin' get down fest that it once was. It's still around - but lacks the edge and crowd that it used to cultivate. That being said - the Elbo Room is still a decent place to see an intimate live music show. I came out last night to see some bands play and had a great time. The space is laid out, so that even if there's not a ton of people in the space, it still looks moderately full. Also - the sound is quite loud so unlike music venues such as Cafe Du Nord - talking in the space - doesn't disturb the musicians on stage. And being that I'm a not a big drinker - the convenient water dispenser made for easy hydration throughout the evening. Also - I heard The Mumlers' Coffin Factory as I entered through the downstairs bar area. Any spot that plays The Mumlers - obviously knows what's up. Trust. -
Jessica’s 5-star review: I moved around alot growing up. It sucked cause my birthday was always around the first day of school. And there was no way at the age of 11, I was going to introduce myself to everyone in my new school, in my new class and say. "Hey my name is Jessica - and today's my birthday." Nope. And so I celebrated very few birthdays. Had very few parties. And generally never got too excited about my birthday. It blew. But after coming to the RocketDog Rescue event that Laura B organized awhile back- my whole view on birthdays has changed. I was so inspired by the outdoor area. The grilling area. The shuffle-board, the pool table, the cheap quality drinks, the friendly bartenders and the fact that you can bring dogs - that I am going to go all out this year. I'm going to have old school Cher, Whitney, and Mariah Carey songs playing in the beginning. Some Keith Sweat, Next, and some quality 70's songs playing a little bit later. And reggae mixed in with pop for the rest of the night. (A little bit of Britney goes a long way.) I'm going to have grilled angel food cake. Pitchers. Dogs. A shirt making area. A poker playing area.....and _______, __________, ___________ (please send over suggestions) And a bucket full of F-U-N! It's going to be a Jessica Blow-out Birthday Extravaganza at El Rio. Keep an eye out for an invite - say in a couple of months time. Cause... "My name is Jessica...and my birthday is coming up!" -
Jessica’s 4-star review: OK Make-Out Room - I see your charm now. I get it. If you catch the right band here on the right night - the Make-Out Room is quite endearing. My friend's two bands played here last week -and unlike past visits they filled up the space with epic sound. There wasn't a slew of people in the space - and I was away from the narrow entrance - so I was able to slide around on the dance floor without bothersome bar chatter. There was no line for the bathroom and there was a plethora of chairs to camp out on. The Make-Out room would never be a destination spot for me personally - but if I knew there would be some great music - and that the space wouldn't be too crowded - I would definitely cruise on over again - with my dance moves in tow. Trust. -
Jessica’s 5-star review: I can't figure out what it is about Philz. I don't drink coffee. I don't live in the Mission. And Philz is never REALLY on my way to where I want to go; but there is something about Philz that always beckons me in. The much loved "Phil" and his family seem to have created such a loving and warm environment in this coffee gem of a place, that it's easy to see why people love to wander into Philz and hang around. Quickly becoming regulars - and taking their coffee regular - with a sprinkle of organic sugar. The outside of Philz is adorned with plants and benches, and almost stands out as an oasis - among the other shops near it. And they really do mean it - with their 'simple - understood , yet understated' mantra of welcoming everyone and anyone inside their place - a tough act to achieve in the Mission. And the coffee----- I swear I don't drink coffee - - but when I've decided that I need a quick caffeine pick-me up - Philz rocks.. Each cup brewed fresh and with a refreshing bout of great conversation. And it really is perfect. Fresh, sweet, and strong. The way coffee was meant to be drunk. The waking up cheesy 'Folgers' kind of coffee. The - ''if it was a perfect world' and those Folgers' coffee drinking, overly dramatic love-birds stopped playing games and really ended up together' kind.
About
Discover
Languages
Countries
Copyright © 2004–2024 Yelp Inc. Yelp, 
, 
and related marks are registered trademarks of Yelp.