Bistro Gambrinus

Positives: It's a pub with pub food and a pub environment. The bartender at 5 o'clock on a Saturday was a nice guy and it quickly filled up by 6. I had the pulled pork sandwich and a beer on tap. Negatives: Some of the menu items were out or I would have had a different beer; additionally the outdoors lamps are for show only until they get the proper permits. Still, the bartender came by these things so honestly. I think they'll have improved by next time.

Tasty onion rings, pesto veggie pizza was a bit too salty but a good crust, smoked hunter's sausage was excellent with tasty pesto potatoes and sauerkraut, and the BBQ burger was juicy and flavorful. Not impressed with the pulled pork mac-n-cheese - the pulled pork was food but the macaroni was overcooked and the cheese sauce was ho-hum. Server was personable and prompt.

It's been a while since I've been to Bistro Gambrinus (ever since moving out of state), but all I know is that if Neil is still running the place, it is an amazing place to eat and drink. I spent many hours in this place over the course of two years while I live a couple of blocks away. It's a very unassuming store front, but the food is incredible and the drinks always hit the spot. I've never before or since had a place where I felt so at home. A friend and I used to frequent this place after work or for a game over the weekends, and we'd always have great conversations with the staff and other patrons. When friends talk about visiting SF, I always recommend Bistro Gambrinus to them!