A get together of friends over dinner was in order, and I was once again, on the lookout for a restaurant that had three elements: 1) reasonable parking, 2) reasonable prices, 3) the ability to accomodate a table of 10-12 people without paying for a private room. These three criteria can be difficult to fill in San Francisco.
So a friend suggested the Presidio Social Club in San Francisco. Because of the location, there was going to be ample parking, the pricepoint was right (entrees $17-$32), and they could accomodate a large table like ours without charging an additional room fee. And the food was good!
We ordered multiple dishes between us and all were solidly tasty (Cabbage Soup, Chopped Salad w/Avocado), but the highlight of the appetizers seemed to be the Frisee and Endive Salad with Bacon and Fried Egg. Both rich and fresh.
For entrees, we ordered several Flat Iron Steak main courses w/Fries (perfectly cooked meat and fabulous fries!!!), White Cheddar Mac & Cheese (not nearly as good as Home Restaurant in SF, but acceptable), and the Oxtail Stroganoff (wonderfully executed with its homey egg noodles). But the standout was the Kobe Beef Sloppy Joe! The meat was fabulously juicy and tender, and that sauce had a great vinegary kick. Just excellent. And those fries again…YUM!
Desserts we ordered included the seasonal Cranberry Sorbet (fresh, sweet, and light) but it was the Chocolate Cupcakes with Chocolate Parfait that made us all swoon. The cakes were full of chocolatey flavor that was deep and rich. And that creamy parfait was the best thing of the night!
Being the dorks that we are, we weren’t interested in the wine list the waiter offered. We were MUCH more excited about the selection of sodas! They have Bubble Up, Mexican Coca Cola, Stewart’s Root Beer and Creme Soda, and a few more that we didn’t get to. Frankly, I think they should advertise this more on the menu since sodas like these are hard to get in the Bay Area. Some of us want to go back just for a soda and that cupcake dessert!
The setting is classically fun and so is the menu, and the waiter was extremely accomodating and friendly. Though we had to wait longer than we wanted for our reserved table, we were apologized to repeatedly and the food, service, and selection more than made up for it. It’s a great place for a comforting American meal, a group dinner, or even some dessert and a retro soda at the bar.
Presidio Social Club – Bldg. 563 Ruger St. – The Presidio in San Francisco – 415.885.1888
Virgo in Wonderland 