Paragon Restaurant & Bar San Francisco

If you want the true San Francisco foodie experience without spending your child's college fund this is the place to go. On any given night you wil mingle with Giants fans, post work techies from SOMA, and people who want simple food prepared right. Last night we snuck in for killer potroast and martinis and had our usual paragon epiphany involving the words simple and good. Yum.

Posted 06/03/08

Went with a date on a Friday. I've been to the Berkeley location a few times and really liked it so I thought I'd check it out on my way to a Giants game. It's quite a different vibe from the Berkeley spot, which is more of a contemporary styled-lounge type of feel. Seriously, given the fact that it's a block from the ball park, there was a lot less of a sports bar atmosphere than I expected. The wine list is solid. I'm not a wine geek, but I do know my way around a wine list and like that they don't just load up on the obvious Napa/Sonoma choices. Cocktails were fantastic. If you order a mojito, the bartender actually cracks the ice before pouring a generous amount of rum into a slightly cheezy mason jar. I don't know why, but the mason jar is actually pretty cool. Dinner was great. I had the requisite Calamari which also blew me away. I'm not really a calamari guy, but my guest insisted and the server told us it is a very popular item. I expected rubber but got very tender, crispy calamari as well onion and green beans-another pleasant surprise. My hanger steak was cooked spot-on and my guests halibut looked like something out of a food magazine and was also cooked perfectly. Our server was quietly awesome! We weren't in the mood to socialize and she did not intrude or get all in your face and tricky about it, she just brought us what we needed. I wish there was more parking, hence the 4 stars instead of 5. I found metered parking about a block away, by recommendation of whoever answered the phone when I called (he also mentioned a parking garage just down the street) so make sure you bring your quarters! I guess that's just SF though.

Pros: Despite crowd of baseball game goers- surprisingly good energy in the place

Cons: Baseball traffic-plan ahead and make reservations- we got lucky on the same day

Posted 09/27/07

Just got back from a work lunch - that took nearly 2 hours. We could tell that service was going to be slow when she took orders from 3 tables that sat down behind us. Just because we're a party of 7 doesn't mean we don't want to complete our meal in a timely manner too. We finally flagged the server down to take our order and insisted that we wanted to be done with lunch by about 1:15 (not unreasonable if we sat down at noon). This is the second time that we were seemingly dismissed because we were sitting in a larger table. Just because there's more of us, doesn't mean we want to entertain ourselves for 40 minutes before we get our food - we want to eat! And on top of that, the server's attitude was dismissive - how unprofessional.

I'm sure I will continue to eat here because the food is pretty solid, but I hope the management reads this post and makes some changes to the way the food service is run.

Pros: consistent food

Cons: service service service

Posted 04/03/07

It was a lovely Thursday Afternoon when a few friends and I sat down at Paragon for drinks and lunch. Unfortunately our monosyllabic waiter was barely able to communicate and kept us waiting over an hour for our food. Our Mojito's were the worst I have ever tasted, and for the first time in my life, we had to send our Mojito's back.

I've always enjoyed the food here, but today really made me realize how terrible service can ruin a meal.

Pros: Great Chipwich Deserts, Grill Cheese..

Cons: Slow Motion and Poor Communication from Staff.

Posted 03/23/07

A sunny day on the patio almost makes you forget about the middling service and so-so food, almost. If you go, stick with drinks and appetizers.

Posted 11/19/06

This place has some of the best mac-n-cheese and potroast in the city. The burger and fries are delicious and taste great with one of their STRONG margaritas. The outdoor patio is lovely and is great for a late-night romantic meal once the after work/ballgame crowd has thinned out.

Pros: Mac-n-cheese, margaritas

Posted 10/27/06

the calamari is amazing. if you go you must try it! its soft and not chewy. the veggies in it add such a nice touch. i had the special of the day, some kind of white fish. it was pretty good as well, not the most amazing fish i've ever had, but very good. the service was great. the chocolatini for desert is also very delicious!

Pros: good location, ambience, service

Cons: bar a bit loud if you're looking for a romantic dinner

Posted 07/25/06

I am compelled to write about what a gem Paragon is in the South Beach neighborhood. While some might be put-off by the proximity to the ball park, be assured that this restaurant is not just for Giants fans. Their menu is seasonal so I get the chance to try new and updated fare, the mahi mahi with horseradish and red wine sauce is to die for. Just the other day I was completely wowed by the beet salad with goat cheese. Can I also mention that they have some of the most reasonable drink prices in the neighborhood, the Peach Pepper Martini is a personal fave. I would also like to stress how fantastic the wait staff is, friendly and knowledgeable without giving off the slightest bit of arrogance. All I know is that when I have guests in town, Paragon is the first place I take them to.

Pros: Quality of Food, Friendliness of Staff, Reasonable Prices

Cons: Reservations Needed

Posted 04/11/06

I was really impressed with the services. The staff was really friendly and by the end they acted like we were old friends. I go out to eat often and am amazed soemtimes how people act like you are not welcome there.... their NEW nieghbors down the street for one. Our server was so nice and helpful with the menu and drinks! I thought the host was a host until they delivered the food and when I said she should get a raise I found out it was a manager. Very impressed with the baretenders too. Great experience! Try the Tuna Tartar and the bread pudding!!!

Posted 04/02/06

Never been disappointed in 5 visits. First visit was after the runaround at other places for a group on short notice. Paragon gave me the best and most courteous answers. Booked lunch for 10, and were pleased at the welcome. All were impressed by the choices on the menu, and the quality of the food. Everyone left, praising our Restauant choice. My boss liked it so much he has returned often on game days and with his family.

The wait staff and management are always very pleasant, and welcoming. They are helpful in making recomendations, and we've been always been pleased with the food . They offer a varied choice from "comfort food" with an updated feel to some more exotic items. Don't miss the pot roast! It's the best ....only wish it was available for lunch! The Bread Pudding is another must try. Great Place!

Pros: Good Food, Varied Choices, Comfortable

Cons: Parking at times

Posted 03/13/06

I've been to Paragon six times and have yet to be disappointed by an order. The salads and appetizers are solid, and the main courses are stellar, especially the chicken with mac and cheese. (I haven't tried the desserts yet.) There's nothing pretentious about their cooking style -- you won't find unusual sauces or fancy spices here. Just excellent ingredients, cooked perfectly and served hot. And often that's just what you want from a place. As an added bonus, Paragon has the most patient and least pushy wait staff I've seen anywhere in the city.

Pros: excellent food, great service

Posted 02/13/06

I went to dinner here expecting bar food, but was pleasantly surprised by the menu. The calamari was really tasty as it was mixed with assorted veggies and peppers.

The entrees were very good. I tried the jumbalia and the roasted chicken. I would recommend both. The place gets a large after work drinking crowd and fills up for dinner a little later. Overall, nice ambiance and a worthwhile dining experience.

Posted 12/08/03

Can't go wrong at Paragon. Summertime they have a great little patio. The staff are very nice people. Great Sea Bass, and of course you can't go wrong with the Pot Roast. More of a weeknight place than a weekend place. If you're there on a Giants game day, be prepared for a big crowd.

Pros: Excellent service, Unique american food

Cons: It's out of the way

Posted 05/23/03

Driving by the outside on our way to Slanted Door, we were enticed by the big windows and warm-looking insides, and found ourselves there the next weekend. Maybe it's just not the place to go after endulging in the delicacies of the Slanted Door, or maybe it's just because its just 'American' cuisine, but it seemed Paragon is just missing SOMETHING. The atmosphere is ok, the food is ok, the service was ok... The only thing I was truly impressed with was the humungous pile of calamari appetizer with chipotle sauce. Very tasty, and so big I could barely see my friend across the table! The dinners were decent and I guess it seems appropriate to have a shnazzy American brasserie next door to PacBell Park, but my friend and I both agree, its just missing SOMETHING...

Pros: calamari app

Posted 11/22/02

Simply wonderful and innovative American fare unmatched by any other restaurant in SOMA. Chef Spencer personally greets diners as he prepares great food beating over-rated Momo's hands down. Many dishes are served over a ragout of fresh vegetables. The menu changes with every season. Paragon is known for its fantasic desserts, including an absolutely scrumptous banana tart. The bar features the largest selection of vodka in California (over 60 brands). The outdoor patio is a favorite among locals in the summertime. The staff is the friendliest in San Francisco. Signature dishes include pan-seared halibut, rotisserie chicken and pot roast. The best appetizers are the steamed mussels and calimari, which is fried with a wide variety of vegetables. The best ribs in SOMA are hidden on a bar menu that most diners never see. I've eaten at Paragon 20 times -- it is my favorite restaurant in San Francisco BY FAR.

Pros: Friendly Service, Amazing Desserts, The Pot Roast

Cons: Parking

Posted 06/22/02