2223 Restaurant and Bar

Sorry, but I have to be honest about my recent experience there. The atmosphere is unbearably noisy, the food is flat and barely palatable. Wines by the glass are ridiculously unappealing. The fact that I could get a table for four as a walk-in was a red flag.

Pros: NONE

Cons: NOISY

Posted 09/30/09

These are probably the best pancakes in town. Probably would ask for less syrup next time but can we really complain about too much syrup...very nice about giving us an extra dollop of whipped cream.

Pros: Great prices, yummy food

Cons: Coffee was only okay

Posted 12/28/08

While recently visiting SF, we found 2223 on citysearch and gave it a shot for our first night out for dinner. We were pleasantly surprised to find it quite the busy spot in the Castro District for drinks and dinner. We were promptly seated with our reservation without knowing the incredible treats to soon follow. For starters, the cocktails are STIFF and have fitting names like Twig and Berries, Mel's Manhandler, or the Mood Swinger. For dinner I ordered the Braised Colorado Lamb Shank with gorgonzola gnocchi and veggies. It was to die for! My date had the mushroom risotto which is also recommended. Dessert was even more tasty as we had the Apple Spice Cake and devoured every bite! The service/staff were exceptionally nice, the menu suits all taste buds, the wine/cocktails great, ambience is soothing and the prices are even better!

Posted 04/01/08

My boyfriend and I went here for sunday brunch. We were seated immediately. Serivice was an A++...our waiter was very friendly and the owner even came by our table and greeted us. I ordered the mushroom goat cheese bread pudding and my boyfriend ordered the chorizo and pepperjack scramble. We first started off with the pecan cinnamon roll---talk about de-LISH!! The ingredients used were perfectly portioned. Just enough sweetness, warm, soft goodness with a sprinkle of crunch from the perfectly roasted pecans. The bread pudding was a hit..I love anything with goat cheese =). Overall, food, ambiance, service met above and beyond our expectations--especially since it was our first dining experience there. Will definitely come back for more!!

Pros: service

Cons: parking

Posted 08/25/07

This place has the best comfort food in the castro. Friendly personable, easy on the eyes staff, nice atmosphere, revolving local art work, good sunday brunch.

Pros: Quality, consistant, cute friendly staff

Posted 07/25/07

Chef Randolph is one of the kindness and talented chef i ever met .her food is a delight .The service is very friendly and the drinks are just great

Pros: food and value

Cons: parking

Posted 06/11/07

I do not recommend this place. Went on Sunday for a late brunch, the place wasnt empty or packed, just right. We were seated immediately thanks to a reservation. However, it took a good 15 minutes before our waitress first appeared. It then took about 15 min for the first plate to appear, french toast, and then it took about 35 minutes for the remaining meals to come. We did not order anything over the top - eggs benedict, french toast and an omelete. The service was sub par. so much so that when I requested tobasco sauce, the water came back spewing attitude. And then when I inquired about the delays, I was told the high number of patrons put a squeeze on the kitchen. there were about 20-30 people at the restaurant, making that claim unbelievable. food was ok, the service was horrible. I would not recommend it.

Pros: easy parking on sunday

Cons: the restaurant

Posted 06/03/07

love the food ,this place is still rocking after so many years .Chef melinda Randolph is still doing amzing food.love the decor and the service very friendly

Posted 05/24/07

I ate here for the first time in years. It is still serving great food. I enjoyed the whole experience. It was delicious and served promptly. It was also hot. The server was always there when I wanted something. The manager told me "goodbye", when I left. I really enjoyed the decor and the mood. The service staff seemed busy, but not rushed. I would tell everyone to enjoy 2223. I also plan on trying their brunch.

Pros: Service, Food, Setting

Cons: Parking

Posted 04/30/07

The brunch itself was delicious. Even my friend, who is a picky eater, enjoyed his scramble. I kept on looking at the food being brought to other tables and wished that there was a larger group so that I could have sampled more items. The biscuits and gravy are declisious, not too creamy as is the case for some places. Although I enjoyed their food, I didn't care for the service. It wasn't horrible but it could have been better. Despite the fact that we came at the time of our reservation, we had to wait to be seated because the host wanted to seat another couple who came after us first. The waiter was a bit snippy, refusing to point out any particular dishes he liked. He also never bothered to check in on us after taking the order and simply handed us the check without asking if there was anything else we wanted.

Pros: brunch

Cons: parking, service

Posted 12/23/06

I thought 2223 was delicious and a very plesant dining experience. I wanted to go somewhere specifically for brunch and I was very satisfied. I tried the Goat Cheese/Mushroom bread pudding and WOW was it delicious! I had never tried anything like it. I felt the place deserved a strong review. My drink could have come faster though :) Definitely try it out.

Posted 11/25/06

I ate here a few days ago with some friends from out of town and was impressed by the food and service, but thought that the presentation lacked a bit. I got the butternut squash ravioli, which was delicious, but strangely sweet, it tasted like pumpkin pie, but the plate looked like they just slopped it on. I would recommend the food, great cocktail menu, romantic ambience, and good service.

Pros: Expensive, bad presentation of food

Cons: Delicious food, good cocktails, prompt service

Posted 11/12/06

Great place for a casual dinner with friends, or have drinks at the bar section. I can usually count on having a good meal here, so it's a frequent choice after work. I would describe the cuisine as multi-cultural comfort food that is nicely presented, and at affordable prices. The menu changes often, but a few good dishes are always in the menu like the roasted chicken, and the sweetbreads (available in appetizer and entree size). The herb roasted Fulton Valley chicken is delicious, with the tower of onion rings, it can be described as a mountain of food. But they also have dishes that are less voluminous if you don't have a huge appetite. This week they have a butternut squash ravioli entree that is great. They also usually make really good tasting soups, this week it's a hearty lentil soup. The best soup I've tried was a corn chowder, too bad it's not a regular menu item. Desserts are nothing special. To satisfy a sweet tooth I prefer to go to Sweet Inspiration pastry shop on the same block down the street. I wouldn't consider it a romantic place, because it can be very noisy at times. Also sometimes there can be delays in the kitchen. Service is usually very friendly and helpful.

Pros: Good food and service

Posted 11/10/06

I have been here numerous times over the last 6 years and keep coming back. It's hard to pass up the chicken with it's garlic mash potatoes and onion rings but it was out done this time by the double cut pork chop and chili relleno TO DIE FOR! Service is the tops ! and even the hostess is outstanding, friendly, fun and professional. Not too much noise like some and a beautiful setting for a date or anniversary. Celebrated there several times and always can't wait to go back. Prices aren't out of whack for what you get. Save room for dessert and your eyes will pop out! Great bar area too..beautiful place.

Pros: Food prep, service all is top notch

Cons: Can't say I can think of one, except I want to be there now!

Posted 07/24/06

this trendy little spot i stumbled on for dinner didn't disappoint. the wine was good and the menu selections were varied. my chicken was delicious - their signature dish - and came piled high with onion rings....the best i have truely ever tasted. some might complain about slowservice, but with the right company it wasn't that bad.

Posted 07/01/06

I went for brunch on my first visit and was very impressed with the food! Before eating my husband and I sat at the bar, the bartender was very friendly and made a mean bloody mary; it's served in a huge pilsner glass and it's very spicy which was excellent. I had the portabello bread pudding and it was out of this world. The server was good not great, but the food was so good that it really didn't bother me. Our bill for 2 entrees and drinks was about $45 including tip. I noticed they have a 3 course prix fixe menu on Sunday nights for $22.23 which seems like a steal. I'm excited to go back and try dinner there.

Pros: great bar, fresh ingredients

Cons: small space, need a reservation

Posted 06/17/06

We had a reservation for brunch but waited about 10 mins to acknowledge us at the door! Waited another 10 mins for table-OK. But then waited another 10 mins for someone to even talk to us! He then proceeded to tell us they were out of half of the menu (the items we went there for!) Hmm. Waited about 10 mins for a bottled water. We wanted to leave at this point. Food was luke warm. Side of potatoes were mostly little burnt crispy bits. Had to ask twice for a refill on coffee!
Understaffed maybe?? Need to employ someone to bus and refill coffee maybe??

Posted 04/23/06

We had brunch here and it was great. It was busy, but they managed to fit us in with little hassle. Great for people watching.

Pros: good food, variety

Cons: parking

Posted 02/28/06

First off..Great food! But was distracted by ALL the staff racing back and forth. White shirts and aprons moving at the speed of sound. I was bumped exactly 17 times! Spilled on once. (water) The atmosphere was sheer pandemonium. Some people might delight in the noise and chaos (and call it lively) but it took a lot away from what would have been a great saturday night with friends. The food is good enough to try again.. but i will opt for a more low key weekday and hope for the best.

Pros: Food

Cons: Loud, Parking, Staff

Posted 02/19/06

I have always enjoyed the food at 2223, but it seems that the service is getting worse everytime. Todya we where seated quickly, and our drink order was taken, but no drinks where ever brought and after waiting at least 15 minutes, we just got up and walked out. This was not the first time that the service was so bad that made the resturaunt food pale and made for a less than exciting dining adventure.

Posted 02/18/06

fresh, fresh, fresh. such imagination. pumpkin ravioli so spicy and sweet. calimari came with veggies and herbs which dramatically accented and balanced the flash fried morsels. I look forward to any opportunity to return to the city so as to (re) sample the fare. oh yes; the, by-the glass, wine list is quite good.

Pros: food, service, wine

Posted 01/13/06

It is a good thing the food at this restaurant was delicious, it made up for the service. The waitstaff seemed indifferent and unattentive. Our waiter did not acknowledge my presence at the table, directing all of the questions to my date.

Other than the loud atmosphere and the service, the food was wonderful and worth a trip back.

Pros: food, drinks

Cons: waitstaff, noisey

Posted 12/26/05

Food was inventive and delicious - what a combination of ingredients and flavors. But it worked, it worked out very well. My only complaint is that the space is too brown.

Posted 10/22/05

From the moment, I entered this beautiful place, it was filled with warmth from the sun setting and the smell of great food. Great drinks at the bar - I recommend the refreshing Raspberry Lemonade - very tart! My dinner companion and I shared the delectable lamb spring rolls and the out-of-this world corn fritters. You can just order this and dessert - and be perfectly HAPPY! We also shared the steak with perfectly cooked gratin potatoes and mussel/clam/shrimp dish. I have to say the potatoes as a side dish could stand alone. For dessert we had the delicate polenta cake with grilled peaches - a perfect ending to a wonderful meal. Great value and generous portions.

Pros: Great looking waiters, Jan, host=fabulous, Street Parking

Cons: Small tables, Little noisy, Banquettes sinking

Posted 08/01/05

We booked this place specifically for Sunday brunch. I expected some fabulous dishes and ambiance you would not find in too many places. My expectations were not met at all. The place looks like a cafeteria, food is OK. Brunch is NOT their specialty. Take your business and money elsewhere.

Posted 04/10/05

I took a dear friend to 2223 for his birthday and we enjoyed it immensely. The charming room was full of festive, handsome people enjoying themselves. The cocktails and food were excellent, and both were served in equally large portions. The service was cheerful and friendly. They remembered my friend's birthday, and it seems like this is the sort of place many people want to visit on their birthdays. I cant recommend it highly enough.

Pros: Service, Food , Cocktails

Cons: a bit loud

Posted 04/10/05

Friends and I dine-out quite frequently all over the city. Last night we went here and it was great. We all ordered something different, creating our own lil' tasting menu. Beef tenderloin, grilled salmon, goat cheese cakes, pancetta-wrapped monkfish, duck confit... the sweetbreads are terrific. The cesear salad is almost enough for 2, overflowing with whole leaf romaine, parmesan cheese and tart capers. The artichoke soup comes adorned with a bruschetta topped with goat cheese and savory proscuitto. Great selection of wines and desserts. If you like mojitos, absolutely try their vanilla version!

Pros: food, service, mojito

Posted 03/06/04

I made hassle-free reservations via OpenTable for my weekly date with hubby. We arrived 30 minutes early and hung out at the bar for a while before being seated slightly earlier than our reservation time.

The lamb was DELICIOUS. It sells out often. It's a tad on the salty side, so eat it with bread. Their portions are large so you can probably skip the appetizer (although their cream of cauliflower soup is very yummy). Hubby had the pork chops which was also tasty.

We'd definitely go back.

Pros: Food, Ambience, Portions

Cons: Parking

Posted 12/14/03

Great place for a nice little dinner out. Service was fantastic as we made reservations online and the waitstaff was friendly. The person who requested the reservation online also mentioned that it was my birthday and they surprised us with a nice little candlelit desert. The appetizers were small but the entrees were large portioned. Highly recommend for a nice date place.

Pros: Service, Ambiance, Quality of food

Cons: Price, Parking, Dimly lit

Posted 10/12/03

We took some friends to celebrate their anniversary but when the bill came, I was really angry. At $40 per person for what we received left me outraged.

The food was good but there are so many more interesting restaurants where you leave feeling taken care of, not ripped off.

Pros: comfortable, relaxed

Cons: expensive, poor value

Posted 10/10/03

The food was great, the service was wonderful, my only complaint is the noise level. This may have been because of the large party sitting next to us, but even on the walk to the immaculate bathroom, it was pretty loud.

Pros: great food!, great service!

Cons: noisey!!!

Posted 09/28/03

After not having been to 2223 for over a year we decided to have dinner there. We were warmly greeted by the Manager and proptly seated. The service was outstanding as was the food. Note to self, place 2223 back on the restaurant rotation list.

Pros: Inviting, Great service, Tasty eats

Posted 09/09/03

We just stumbled upon this place when looking for a place to have brunch one Sunday morning. And am I glad we did. It was quite possibly the best brunch I have ever had here in the city! I ordered some sort of mexican breakfast w/ egg, chirizo, corn tortillas, sour cream, etc., all piled high tostada style. It was EXCELLENT! I would definately recommend this place if you are looking for great food and good atmosphere! Enjoy...

Pros: FOOD!!, Good Ice Tea!, Great brunch

Cons: parking

Posted 03/27/03

I have numerous world class restaurants to choose from, however I feel like a local here. What was once just a place to eat in our favorite city has become a destination point itself. It's hard to stray from my favorites, (flat breads, romaine salad, roasted chicken, and the remarkable warm bread pudding). While favoring local wines, I find there is always something new and interesting on the wine list. At my recommendation, several friends and family members have eaten here, always calling to say thanks for the new "find". A recent Friday night, we arrived without reservations, only to find the place packed. After some finagling, the hostess squeezed us in and we enjoyed yet another great meal. The staff is always warm, friendly, and inviting. This is a great place to eat, drink, people watch, and to anticipate our next meal. I highly recommend this great dining "destination".

Pros: Food quality, Service, Value

Cons: Loud

Posted 03/03/03

One would think that being a vegatarian and living in San Francisco go hand in hand. This is not always the case. However, at 2223 this is a different story. I have enjoyed some of the best vegetarian meals in the city at 2223! Not only are the vegetarian dishes on the menu sublime, but on multiple occasions, after a hard day, when making a decision seems impossible, the chef has actually created my own vegetarian dish to order. Without fail each dish is heavenly - broccoli, rissotto, tofu, shittake mushrooms and more! I sit at the bar, have a great glass (or two) of wine and have a perfect evening. The service is always great and the energy in the restaurant makes you want to come back for more and more. Simply put, 2223 is one of my favorite restarants in the city - it's hard to go wrong.

Posted 02/25/03

Word of mouth prompted me to try 2223 and I was horribly disappointed. After we were seated and ordered, we waited nearly an hour for our entrees, and they arrived cold. When we sent them back to be heated, they were returned in about 5 minutes - still cold! The waiter seemed indifferent to the whole situation. Maybe we just got unlucky - other patrons seemed to be enjoying their meals. But they've lost me as a potential customer - we left aggravated, and still hungry!

Pros: Energetic Atmosphere, Nice Bar, Good Location

Cons: Indifferent Waitstaff

Posted 02/23/03

With unadorned hard walls that make the stark dining room loud and boisterous, 2223 Restaurant has plenty of energy for a neighborhood bistro. While limited in scope, its menu features appetizers like Pine Nut Crusted Goat Cheese Salad and Lobster bisque, entrees such as Herb Roasted Free Range Chicken and Double Cut Pork Chop with Roasted Artichoke, and desserts including Molten Chocolate Cake and Granny Smith Apple Torte. Despite the sometimes thunderous din and the kitchens languid pace, the friendly, attentive servers make diners feel at home. A well-rounded wine list with representative choices from California, Oregon, France, Spain, and Australia boasts many fairly priced selections, enticing diners to experiment with interesting alternatives. While not deserving of a special trip from out of town, if you are in the neighborhood, in todays climate of overpriced wanna-bes, 2223 Restaurant offers good food and good value. (Dinner for 2 with wine $130.)

Pros: Organic produce, Good value

Cons: Lacks parking, Loud

Posted 02/15/03

There is a reason why this restaurant is consistantly full of customers...GREAT FOOD! The space is cozy...the bar is fun and the wait is worth it...This is probably one of (if not the best) restaurant in the Castro...of course with all the terrible places to eat in the Castro it doesn't say much but trust the large crowd...it's GREAT!

Posted 01/23/03

The first time I dined at 2223 the food was incredible. A pork chop that was juicy and flavorful, perfect sweet potatoe puree, and of all things, fantstic brussel sprouts infused with smoke from the grill/fire. The seconf time I dined the food wasn't spectacular, but was still solid. What really set 2223 apart that night was the service. I had made the reservation for the wrong day, and even though they were totally slammed, they worked me in. Very professional. The scene here is loud and fun, come expecting that and you will have a great time!

Pros: Food, Employees, Strong drinks

Cons: Not 100% consistent

Posted 01/14/03

My boyfriend and I recently dined here on a Tuesday evening. Our server was exceptionally friendly and did a wonderful job pacing our meal. The food was delicious from the pumpkin and mushroom lasagne to the juicy pork loin with sweet potatoes. We will definitely go back.

Posted 12/07/02

If you're not after meatloaf and mashed potatoes, this is the only place to go in the Castro. Brunch never fails to disappoint, and I've tried nearly everything on the menu. Service is trusty, and the dinner menu is always creatively constructed and excellently prepared. This is a top-notch SF dining experience, notable for it's location (the Castro - comfort-food only zone) and it's delightful atmosphere that manages not to feel like "the scene."

Pros: Creative menu, Trusty service, in the Castro

Posted 11/26/02

My time at 2223 started off on the right note with a friendly host who seated us right away. And, the food was a steal. If you can get yourself there by 7:00 Sun-Wed., there is a 3-course fixed price menu for only $19.95 (valid until 12/1/03). You get several choices for each course and they are good choices, right off the regular menu. I had a butternut squash soup, wild mushroom lasagna, and bread pudding. But the show stopper was the mango sorbet with tapioca. A light, refreshing dessert that I'm still dreaming about. Go with friends, family, or a date! It's a great place for all occasions.

Posted 11/19/02

All the buzz that a new place up the street was going to close down 2223. Not a chance, if you are talking about Catch, (I'll give them 6 months). Walk past Catch and proceed directly to 2223. Sometimes you get a bit of that old SF waiter attitude but usually it's someone fun. Sunday Bruch is by far the best in the Castro. Everything from Pumpkin Pancakes to the Southern Fired Chicken salad and suprisingly cheap for this upscale establishment. Dinner has a great rotating menu with old favorites such as the roast chicken and the classic steak. Great coctails, great crowd.

Pros: Chanpagne selection

Cons: Sometime slow service

Posted 11/17/02

Killer brunch at this castro restaurant. I tried the house made fennel sausge and herb scone with poached eggs and pan gravy..sort of like my mom's biscuits and gravy but a whole lot better! Amazing bloody mary..housemade gazpacho vodka that packed a punch with a spicy tomato sauce and these delicious pickled green beans...reminded me of a salad in a glass.

Pros: great food, great value, great location

Cons: noisy, too crowded

Posted 08/10/02

Started at the bar, waiting for the rest of my party; the bartender was courteous and fast. Our server was prompt, efficient, and gracious. The best news, however, was the food, which was excellent from appetizers to main dishes. I am quite pleased with the experience. The only caveat is the music: the ubiquitous thumping dance crap that permeates nearly every store in the world regardless of its mission--but that is easy to overlook with food like this.

Pros: good value, really great food, excellent service

Cons: lousy, abrasive music

Posted 08/08/02

The food and energy here is fabulous. Interesting brunch items. I threw a shower here and the service, food and private room were perfect. Make reservations and take a cab.

Posted 05/21/02