Blue Plate
Both down-home and sophisticated, this bastion of comfort food offers a Mission twist on California cuisine.
Message from Blue Plate
The Blue Plate opened in 1999 and was ennvisioned as a casual neighborhood spot where friends and neighbors could enjoy the best ingredients our seasons have to offer. The garden and dining rooms are each constructed from found objects, local materials and elbow grease. The comfortable interior frames the work of San Francisco artists and provides a casual venue for enjoying great food paired with great wine. At Blue Plate our kitchen always stays committed to using the highest quality local produce and meats in our New American and rustic Mediterranean dishes. We are only open for dinner and our menu changes daily as we work with local farmers to provide the freshest seasonal fare. We look forward to seeing you at Blue Plate for a glass of wine and some phenomenal food.
Editorial by Citysearch
The SceneThree small dining spaces, each styled with thrift-store curios and mismatched lamps, host well-dressed hipsters at tightly packed, wooden tables. The front room offers a clear view of the lively exhibition kitchen, but the premier real estate--tree-tucked tables overlooking a gurgling fountain--is in the highly sought-after backyard garden. Servers keep the frenzied pace going with efficient service.
The Food
Local, organic produce figures big in seasonal takes on American standards. Spicy Padron peppers are balanced by sweet goat cheese and almonds, and a salad of little gem lettuce is topped with Frog Hollow Farm peaches and Point Reyes blue cheese. Hearty, enthusiastic flavors keep entrees grounded, including a classic meatloaf served atop creamy mashed spuds, an expertly seared steak and gooey mac-n-cheese. Seasonal desserts can include a luscious peach and nectarine pie or a rich chocolate mini-cake, served warm and drizzled with cream-caramel sauce.
Key Points
- Local Organic Ingredients
- Impressive Wine List
- Casual Neighborhood Spot
The Inside Scoop
- What to Drink - A fine wine list of around 50 bottles spans Europe and America.
- The Extras - If you have a musical request, ask the bartenders. They double as DJs, spinning everything from Digable Planets to Don Ho.
- Parking - The Bank of America parking lot, two storefronts up Mission Street, offers evening parking for a flat $7 fee.
- Know Before You Go - Late diners beware: The kitchen tends to run out of dishes as the evening progresses.
Latest reviews from Citysearch.
Very average
by swimswim
I went in thinking this place is known as one of the best, if not THE best, restaraunts for comfort food, but I was disappointed. The pork chop I got was dry, and the food took incredibly long for what it was. I wouldn't go back.
Cons: Not a good value
Posted 01/03/03
a super comfy place with awesome food.
by calvinism
what makes th blu plate outstanding? they serve some truly great food, but without the stifling formality you find in 'fancy' restaurants. they are not trying to emulate gary dankos. i mention this because last night gary danko was seated next to me, confirming my belief that the quality of food, and overall experience, for a neigborhood restaurant is top-notch. dankos offers a great dining experience, and is worth visiting, but i wouldnt want to eat there all the time. the blue plate is such a comfortable place that i eat there often. the service is efficient, knowledgeable, fun and engaging. if you are looking for upscale dining in a stuffy setting, go elsewhere, for you may be unhappy. if you want amazing food in a uber-comfy setting, go to the blue plate. you will not be disappointed.
Pros: great, inventive food, fun, welcoming staff, no pretense at all
Posted 12/16/02
Attitude does not EQUAL Excellence
by FValentine
I attended a dinner party at Blue Plate and my overall impression of the place is less than a 5 out of 10. The food was served family style and there was not enough for everyone. For 18 people we had one waiter, thus we found ourselves passing each others' plates, requesting clean wine glasses more than once, no fresh ice water was served even after I asked for it twice, no coffee was served with dessert, our waiter drank with the group, and we were overbilled for drinks we did not order. The lamb may have been excellent, but I only got a bite. But if you like overpriced food, lots of attitude, and no service - then this is the place for you!
Cons: crowded, poor service, not for groups
Posted 12/10/02
Wow - a must for SF foodies!
by chasbatch
Blue Plate could survive in any SF neighborhood, but it belongs in the Mission and truly fits the feel of the neighborhood. The grilled romaine salad with bacon, tomatoes and parmesan was killer. The meatloaf is hands down, the best in the city and the Mac and cheese and brussell sprouts with pecans and sage were incredible. I'll certainly go back and eat through the rest of the menu. Beyond the food, the great wine selection, the atmosphere, friendly staff and the entire experience make this a must for any foodie trying to eat their way through the City. It will certainly become a regular stop on my list of favorites.
Pros: Food, experience, friendly staff
Posted 12/03/02
the blue crush
by jacob_mark
In the past 3yrs. I have heard the good and the bad about this place. Last night I finally decided to go for myself. As a foodie in SF for the last 2 decades, I was a little apprehensive. Well, the food was excellent! Our server was great, although I could see the floor was slammed. The garden was refreshing and warm under the heat lamps (at each table). The wine list is a good mix of regions and suggestedly paired perfectly with each course. The cost is affordable; anyone unwilling to factor in labor and rent in SF ought to stay home and eat their noodles.
Pros: great food, garden
Cons: difficulty parking, crowded
Posted 11/23/02
Still Fabulous
by scomon
I hadn't been to Blue Plate in months but decided to go after an unsatisfying try at a different comfort food restaurant. As I expected, Blue Plate was consistent and such a pleasure to dine at. The staff always accomodates my picky request to be seated in a specific section of the restaurant and is friendly and pleasant while doing so. The ambiance is relaxing and the patrons are a balance of yup and funk. The food is the best part. Wine too!! I love how they list dessert wines that compliment their original tasty treats. Blue Plate remains my favorite restaurant.
Pros: Food, Atmosphere, Value
Cons: n/a
Posted 11/21/02
Worth the visit
by whatsupsf
Yes, it is weird to find such a hip tasty place so far out in the mission. But it's well worth the trip. Summertime is the best time to go, when the back patio is open.
Pros: patio
Cons: bit chaotic at times
Posted 11/18/02
Mixed feelings
by ElizabethAtTheRaces
First - they need to remove alot of their tables, its way crowded and uncomfortable. Second, ditch the attitude! Hire some people who might actually LIKE other people.
Wine list - great. Food is good, but both of us had upset stomachs the next day! And we had very different things. Dessert was great.
Prices are high and I'm not one to complain about price usually. For less money go to The Liberty on Cortland.
Pros: great wine, great dessert
Cons: felt sick next day, expensive
Posted 11/16/02
O-V-E-R-R-A-T-E-D!!!
by HiwattMan
Overpriced food, cramped quarters and an unattentive staff. If I want to spend what I was charged for a salad, appetizer, and meatloaf plate I could have gone to Morton's for a real meal. The place was a joke right up until they "miscalculated" the bill for over $150 in their favor for the group I was with. I've eaten there twice...my first and last times.
Posted 11/03/02
Not that Great
by cashmoney169
Ok, am I missing something here...It's not that great. Good yes. I would recommend it for sure. But it's not one of the top places in the Bay...please!
Posted 10/19/02
It Rocks
by Persimmon89
These guys rock like no others in the Bay. Dedicated to great food and wine, and staff that are ready to party or pacify, make it all the more enjoyable. What ever happened to Penelope though?
Posted 09/26/02
Three words: BRING IT!
by cmgrubb
The Blue Plate kills it. By far the best comfort food in the city with an amazing & worldly wine list. The decor is selfishly hip with every detail just nailing it. Don't know where these foodies learned their culinary skills, but they certainly paid attention.
Pros: amazing flavors, comfortable atmospher, yummmmmy
Posted 09/09/02
blue plate is something special
by noefoodie
Really, really good food. They use a lot of organic ingredients. I got the roast chicken and it came with really good polenta crisps and grilled veggies. I usually find restaurant chicken to be dry but this was JUICY! The dessert was OK. I got a blueberry and nectarine pie. The crust had a good flavor but the pie itself wasn't warmed up and just ended up tasting regular. I recommend skipping and just walking a few blocks to Mitchell's Ice Cream. The service was friendly and efficient. And for most seats, you can see the open kitchen so you are entertained at the same time you eat.
Posted 09/05/02
Great food and good friends
by shobart
A small intimate place with a warm and friendly atmosphere. The food is tasty and very fresh. Foccacia bread is a speciality and delicious. Whenever I feel like relaxing, I visit the Blue Plate.
Posted 08/25/02
Loved it!
by KGS
Great, down-to-earth, quality restaurant. We need more restaurants like Blue Plate.
Posted 08/21/02
fantastic!!
by ebgrubb
Imagination, combined with great fresh food and presentation, made our first visit to Blue Plate well worth it. We have added this restaurant to our 'favorites' list!!!
Posted 08/20/02
Exciting Entrees!
by gemanuel
The Blue Plate has a wide variety of most delicious entrees. I particularly noticed that the entrees have accompaniments that compliment the entrees quite nicely.
There are basically three types of dining areas: a diner style area in the front, a more formal dining area in the middle and a delightful outdoor dining area in the rear.
Drop in for a great meal and fine wines. You'll be glad you did!
Pros: interesting menu, comfortable atmospher
Posted 08/20/02
a good value
by my_husband_is_korean
Service was prompt; the waitress seemed brusque initially, but warmed up as the evening went on. Food is surprisingly solid. I highly recommend the velvet steak, which lived up to its name.
Posted 08/19/02
great place!
by corndoggy
My wife and I loved the Blue Plate! The food was great, sevice excellent and atmosphgere was perfect. Our favorite restaurant on our vacation.
Pros: service, affordability, atmosphere
Posted 08/03/02
My favorite SF restaurant
by cyberdoggie
I love this reataurant! I've dined here three times. All times I've been welcomed like a returning family member. The off thing about the restaurant is that it seems more like three restaurants. The front room, the red room (redrum?) and the back patio. The food though is perfect. Everything is exquisite. Lamb that's savory. Quail that is to die for. Simple, attractive yet succulent food is this place's specialty. If I could cook at home any restaurant's offerings I'd be cooking the dishes from Blue Plate. Parking is a problem so be prepared to walk for blocks. Worth it though!
Posted 07/27/02
Fantastic
by jasonbholley
Good food, hot waitresses, cold beers, great prices. Go to the Blue Plate tonight.
Posted 07/25/02
Great For Groups!
by aberger
Great atmosphere, delicious entrees and affordable prices makes Blue Plate the only place all of my friends can agree on. Just as great for big groups as a romantic dinner for two!
Pros: Inexpensive, Great Service, Easy Parking
Posted 07/22/02
Meat Loaf
by RayMadrigal
Anyone and Everyone who enjoys a good meal would love this place. It is home cooking just like mom used to make.
Posted 07/21/02
delicious!
by dobie731
The appetizers and salads are my favorites, but so are many of the entrees. I loved having a glass of wine in the garden and being able to enjoy the sounds of the waterfall (in the City!). Try it--you won't be sorry!
Posted 07/21/02
Best little Blue Plate special in town.
by sandy_hobart
A wonderful, warm atmosphere with food as good as it looks, and a staff that are just like family. Food is consistently good, the pork the best and the focaccio bread is superb. A true community eating spot!
Posted 07/21/02
best looking waitstaff?
by jasmine77
maybe it was just that one night, but i thought they had the best looking and funkiest waitstaff in sf. i do agree with the latest post. the price needs to come down a bit but i think blue plate is doing some of the most inspiring "new american" cuisine. i personally recommend just ordering the appetizers since they have some many that are worth trying, especially the mac-n-cheese and the grilled romaine salad with the bacon dressing. okay, you'll gain 5 lbs overnight, but definitely worth it!
Pros: attractive servers, outdoor seating, retro feel
Posted 07/11/02
nice, but...
by danschaaf
Blue Plate is fun and hip (in a low brow way). The staff was funny, but lacking in serving etiquette. The prices need to come down $3-4 per entree. Oly in a can rules! I did feel like a true Mission gentrifier as I ate my beautiful sea bass. People next to us were annoying; but what can you do? All-in-all, this place has unlimited potential. Hope they make the most of it. I'll be back, eventually.
Pros: low brow cool, tastey, hip
Cons: over priced, novice staff
Posted 05/22/02