Elena's in West Portal is definitely worth checking out! The decor strikes a great balance between…read moreauthentic and elevated, with a beautiful Día de los Muertos touch that adds so much character and makes the space feel special. Service was really good, too -- the staff was attentive throughout and made sure we were well taken care of. The complimentary chips and salsa were a great start. I especially enjoyed the chips, which were on the thinner, crispier side. For food, we ordered the Elena's Chopped, which we really enjoyed, and split the crab enchiladas and chile relleno entrees. Everything was good overall, but my one major ding was the saltiness. The rice, beans, and enchilada sauce were all noticeably salty. Not sure if that's the norm or if we just caught a particularly salty batch, but it was a bit much. That said, we still had a great experience overall and would definitely come back! I'd love to give it another try and see if the saltiness was just an off day.

Hubby wanted to dine at Elena's again so we came with BFFs. I do like the food here. Firstly, our…read moreserver, Laurel E was absolutely the best. She was clearly an experienced waitstaff and very nice and friendly to her customers and always with a smile. The kind of person you'd want to take home to meet mom. We ordered a pitcher of margarita, $85. It was huge. The men ordered fajitas, chicken abd beef + shrimp. It's their go-to dish here. BFF got the tacos and I ordered the combo beef enchilada + pork tamale. My dish was well seasoned and tasty if a tad salty but the beef was rather dry and the sauce a bit too spicy for my taste. The tamale was perfect. We ate a lot of the crispy thin tortilla chips which seemed bottomless. Hubby ordered the chocolate flan and BFF got the churros with chocolate sauce. The churros are delicious. For weeknights, the restaurant was fully booked, so reservations is a must. Multiple birthday celebrations were being held as they lit the sparkling light on the dessert they ordered.

Came here for date night with my husband and we were both blown away by the quality and…read moredeliciousness of the meal we had here at Ofena. We started off with the beet salad and warm focaccia with olive oil, garlic, and balsamic vinegar. The combination of hot bread with sweet, cool beets was a perfect contrast. The beets were perfectly cooked and came with crunchy, candied pecans over a light bed of whipped ricotta. I could not get enough, especially of the candied pecans. The focaccia was perfectly cooked and super light and fluffy. You can tell that the olive oil and balsamic vinegar are of the highest quality and the dip paired so well with the bread. For our mains, my husband got the rigatoni while I got the gnocchi carbonara (at the waiter's suggestion). Both of us were extremely happy with our choices. I'm used to getting gnocchi dishes that are super dense and doughy but in this dish, it was melting in your mouth. The infusion of the duck flavors really came through in the sauce and you had crispy meat sprinkled on top as well to give a contrasting texture to the rest of the dish. The rigatoni came with a couple of meatballs and sausages that you can tell are freshly made in house as they were tender and flavorful. The marinara sauce had a hint of sweetness with the tartness of the tomato sauce to balance it out. The pasta might have been a hair undercooked but it didn't make the dish any less delicious. For dessert, we ended with a chocolate tiramisu - a bed of moist, chocolate cake with a layer of coffee cream and cream on top, it was a delicious twist on the classic dish. We both agreed that we can't wait for our next visit back to Ofena!

When Cherylynn calls this place a "unicorn of the city" I knew we had to try it out immediately!…read more Ofena is located on a quiet but cute short walkable area of Lakeside Village where parking was surprisingly plentiful. (There's a outdoor pirate themed play area across the street which my kids enjoyed before dinner). The inside is modern but sparse, with three cozy dining dining rooms with a lovely full bar in the center room. Service was wonderful and the manager warmly greeted us with champagne for having happened to be there on their 2 year anniversary. It's not often these days that I find everything on the menu intriguing but we definitely had trouble deciding on what to pick from. What I ended up loving the most were the "sides" which were main dishes in and of themselves in terms of how much flavor was packed into them! For example, the Gigante Beans were so delicious that we tried to replicate them at home the following week. I loved how colorful and tasty the Squash Cabonata side was. Also loved the Pea and Asparagus salad which was beautifully plated, well-textured dish-- I liked that they were small bite sized cuts of crispy asparagus, and sprinkled with some pea shoots. The Gnocchi Carbonara, Saffron Risotto dish, and the polenta side were all very tasty, but I think it was an error to order all three since they were all a bit creamy/heavy. Overall a wonderful spot for dinner!

Stopped in for an evening snack and a drink. The new owners/theme is nice. Very clean and friendly…read more We sat at the bar and got attention right away. I had wings and my wife got the house-made black bean veggie burger with salad. We both liked what we got. I had a draft IPA and she had a house cocktail. Both good. All in all a good experience and we'd come back. They are having an Octoberfedt thing going on right now. I didn't see the sign till after I ordered. But I would come back just to explore that 'special' menu.

Ambiance - nice, neighborhood gem. Since we came on a Sunday, there was plenty of parking in front…read moreof the restaurant Service - we were immediately greeted and seated upon arrival. Our server was very good. Food - there were four of us that came here for brunch. We ordered eggs Benedict with ham (this was a huge serving and the hollandaise sauce was generously smothered over the eggs), omelet, smoked salmon sando (served with green salad) and vege burger with fries. Everyone seemed satisfied with their orders. I liked my Benedict but the hollandaise was a bit strong in flavor. Later in the day, I had pork chop for dinner. I am not sure if it was that or the hollandaise that made me sick afterwards. I ended up throwing up everything I ate this day. Needless to say, it was not the best feeling.

It's a nice and clean environment. The service is good. Frankly, it really is the best hidden place…read morefor breakfast sandwiches. I had their BBQ Signature Breakfast sandwich. SO GOOD!!! Croissant bun with gooey dripping of sauce and egg and roasted chicken with pickles to add the acidity. I have to say it is memorable. So come to West Portal for their breakfast sandwiches and coffee. Absolutely best kept secret ... well, for now. I wish I took a picture of it, but I ate too d@mn fast.

I'm shocked I haven't written this review yet. If I could give Proposition Chicken 10 stars I…read morewould. I have been to this location multiple times in the last calendar year. For this sort of fast-casual establishment, the ambience is fantastic, especially the outdoor patio. You have a great view of the hustle and bustle of West Portal with MUNI constantly going by. Service is good and the food is great! Whether you get the sandwich, salad, or the plate, the fried chicken is juicy and crunchy. The variety of sauces adds another dimension to already good food. I go for the habanero every time. Suffice it to say, you should eat here...again and again!

My brother-in-law was visiting and wanted steak for dinner. I found the Bullshead Restaurant was…read morenot far from my son's apartment in San Francisco. We arrived, and right away I saw the steaks and burgers in the front refrigerated case and knew we were in for a treat. We started with beer - I was glad to try the Font Point Pilsner - right from Crissy Field in San Francisco. We all ordered steak and chose the salad bar as our side (2 of us had fries, and 2 opted for the rice pilaf). The salad bar is one of those with some 20+ choices, and I was delighted. I hadn't had one of these in a long time (and the flavors did not disappoint). I thoroughly enjoyed my 8oz Filet Mignon, ordered Medium. My wife ordered Medium Rare, and it was more cooked than it should have been. The other two in our party opted for the New York Steak and said they really enjoyed theirs as well. I read other reviews who said they also loved their burgers - whether beef or their unique Buffalo burgers (and Buffalo steaks as well). Service was attentive and polite. If you're seeking a reasonably priced steak in a no-frills atmosphere - this is a good place for a meal.

My wife and I - fans of the almighty hamburger as we are - ventured into Bullshead restaurant one…read morerecent Sunday afternoon. They are located in the West Portal district of San Francisco. Well-known for their steaks and hamburgers, our hope was to find that go-to place for a serious burger. Located adjacent to the MUNI station, the restaurant appears on the surface to have seen better days. The darkish atmosphere lacks modern conveniences like bright lights and new carpet. It was obvious though from the amount of patrons we encountered, that people don't come here for the decor but the more importantly, the food. Bullshead has an impressive selection of burgers. They have chuck steak hand formed patties, turkey, buffalo, garden, fish, chicken, and a whole host of toppings to customize your meal. Burgers are cooked over an open flame, come served with lettuce, tomato and onion and include your choice of fresh cut fries, potato salad, coleslaw or soup. Onion rings can be had for $1.00 extra. My wife ordered the Bacon & Cheese Chuckburger medium-rare, while I chose the Challenger Chuckburger, their largest offering, cooked the same way. It's always good to hear the wait staff ask how you'd like your burger cooked. Tends to give one affirmation that they're serious about their burgers. It took a bit of time for our order to be prepared but we didn't seem to mind too much. It's Sunday and we were there to take it all in. Our burgers finally arrived on a steel skillet that resembled something you used to see at a Sizzler's. Definitely old-school. Now the important stuff....breaking down the meal: French fries - a bit on the soggy side and tasted a bit like fries you get at In-N-Out. In my opinion they would have tasted better if they had stayed a bit longer in the fryer. Good news though is that the potatoes tasted fresh with nary a hint of being of the frozen ilk. Buns - I was frankly worried at first glance that there was too much bread going on here. Fortunately my fears were unfounded as the bread was airy and fluffy. Topped with sesame seeds and lightly toasted, it was very enjoyable and stayed together right to the final bite. Toppings - red onions, tomatoes, American cheese, and green leaf lettuce. All items tasted fresh. My wife was a little disappointed with the cheese, as she felt it should have been better melted over the grill. My burger came with liberal amounts of avocado, bacon, cheddar and jack cheeses, mushroom & onions. Meat - chuck steak, crumbly, cooked a perfectly medium-rare, smelled like steak, tasted like steak, a little apparent char taste. 1/2 lb patty and nice amount of beef in every bite. The meat was lean and lacked the grease you would see at lower-grade burger place. Ideally, I think additional seasoning and a bit more char on the sear would have helped take things to an even higher level. All in all though, I would say that this was as good a hamburger as I have had in quite some time. The burgers were on the large size, and with a drink and tip, we were about $70 poorer. Service was on the slow side and atmosphere was no-thrills type of place. Their burgers though are the real deal and we wouldn't hesitate making a return visit. We've heard good things about the Buffalo burgers they offer, but that's for another visit. Highly recommended!

I heard Ocean Ale House had a great fish sandwich and my brother and I decided to check it out…read more We really enjoyed them. For $18 we get red snapper fish as opposed to cod on specialty bread from Pacifica that is buttered and seared with a nice crisp. The tartar sauce could very well be housemade. The half order of thick cut fries for $5 was just the right amount. We went on a Thursday and they have trivia night at 6PM. Clearly, this event brings out a lot of folks. Looking forward to returning to try the $30 fish and chips:)

This place truly is phenomenal! The kale salad was the perfect balance of crunchy leaves, parm…read morecheese, dressing and we got to get cod on top! The patty melt was marvelous with the sautéed onions Service was great! The elderflower old fashion was amazing and strong!

Would like to express my sincere appreciation to the restaurant Manager Pedro. It was a mistake…read moreduring packaging the online order, and Pedro solved the problem on the phone promptly and professionally. Moreover, he delivered the item himself! That's the proof of customer service satisfaction and thinking about good business practices and management! Thank you again!

Not a bad thing on the menu. Not that I've ordered everything but everything I've had has been…read moreamazing! Raviolis, prime rib do, salads, meatballs... We typically sit in the bar dining area and the service is always awesome! Everyone is friendly and you feel welcomed. If you enjoy a nice cocktail, I highly recommend the Espresso Martini. You won't be disappointed. Enjoy!!

This is what a neighborhood burger joint should be…read more Delicious burger with a perfectly medium-cooked patty. They didn't even ask for the temperature, but somehow nailed it. The bun was very good, and I really liked that they use fresh, regular lettuce rather than shredded lettuce. Raw yellow onions, cheddar cheese, tomato, and the sauce all tasted fresh and well balanced. The service was sweet, friendly, and welcoming. And those tallow fries! Amazing. Proper neighborhood burger-joint fries: crispy, flavorful, and satisfying without trying to be fancy. Everything is straightforward, affordable, and great value for what you get. No gimmicks, no unnecessary fuss, just a really good burger, great fries, and friendly service. An honest neighborhood burger joint. Exactly what West Portal needs.

I was pretty sad after reading all the raving reviews of this place. I ordered through DoorDash and…read moredid a pick up, but maybe that's why the burger was just okay? Might have gotten soggy during transportation. The burger itself tastes like a burger I'd make at home. Maybe it's healthy?? Haha What saved my experience was probably the shoestring fries. They gave you a very generous amount of fries for cheap! Maybe I'll come back to try to dine in. But for now, I'll pass on this spot.

Memento has an interesting and unique menu. It's a fusion of many different cuisines with Asian…read moreand Spanish influences. For example, the menu includes dishes like Moquecca Fish Stew to Crispy Curry Chicken, and Squid Ink Paella. We ordered the Lamb Wellington Special and Shrimp and Paella Calamari as well as a few cocktail drinks. They offer some unique cocktail drinks as well. The main dishes were well prepared and nicely seasoned. The interior is intimate and kind of dark (wish it was a little brighter but that's just me). The place is definitely worth checking out.

I went there with my friend on a quiet weekday evening andwe were both super impressed…read more Cocktails were tasty (though they don't have a full bar), ingredients were super fresh, and appetizers and entrees had just the right level of fusion - a good balance of tastiness and edginess. We particularly liked the millionaire taco and squid ink paella. What impressed us the most was the friendliness of the owners. They were funny, humble, and definitely very proud of their establishment. Will definitely be going back there again.

Six of us were doing the SF Roundabout walk and The Halfway Club was the halfway point in the third…read moresection - so we had to come here. Plus they are open Sunday when so many places are not. We dropped in and were seated immediately in the back section. Great layout with a front area with tables, a separate back area with larger tables and then an outside area - take your pick. The staff was great, there was a lot to choose from and they are gracious in accommodating sharing. The three fish taco was outstanding, very crunchy, cooked to perfection, with a tangy sauce. Pro Tip - order a pitcher of beer if you are not alone - it is a good deal.

Really wanted to love this place! I'll start off with the good. The Smash-burger was phenomenal…read more Flavorful and juicy and cooked perfectly. My mom's old-fashioned was good and strong. We went on a Friday night, where they had a very loud band playing in the middle of the restaurant. It seemed the only people enjoying the music were the band members themselves. I mean that with no disrespect, there were the people located next to the band that were covering their ears, outwardly! There were people sitting outside, and as they came inside to leave, I jokingly said they must be from up north, as the outside temperature was 55 degrees with a light drizzle. They stated the only reason they ate outside was because they couldn't hear anything due to the band. It's an extremely loud band and a closed space so the music really echo. Unfortunately there is minimal weight staff. I believe that they spent the money on more servers rather than a band, it would be the best business move. Our server came to get our drink and food order, and then didn't come back until it was time to drop off the check. We had a runner come deliver our food, and they forgot the side salad. But by the time our waitress came, we were ready to leave, so we just asked them to take it off the bill. My mom's patty melt was OK, the meat was very thin compared to the slice of bread. My Long Island with also not great. It tasted like a well drink. I would've given 5 stars if the waitress was able to check in on us after we got our food, if the patty melt had better proportions, and my cocktail tasted a little more flavorful.,