If you want a tourist trap go to the Stinking Rose, but if you want some local color come on down to Melt! Melt! is the real deal, much needed in North Beach. It's a place where locals and tourists... More

If you want a tourist trap go to the Stinking Rose, but if you want some local color come on down to Melt! Melt! is the real deal, much needed in North Beach. It's a place where locals and tourists mix it up and everybody feels welcome. The owners are a sister and brother team from Jersey (not New Jersey, an island off England they tell me). The fondue is excellent and the wine and beer selection keeps me satisfied. There's an open mic every Monday and Friday night that is frequented by an eclectic mix of musicians, comedians, and poets. You never know what will happen. Give it a try?you won't be disappointed. Pros: great atmosphere
Less

This restaurant should have gotten NO stars. This was the worst birthday dinner, (or dinner in general) I have ever eaten. Decor: 5 or so tables & a bar. We walked in & my husband says, "are... More

This restaurant should have gotten NO stars. This was the worst birthday dinner, (or dinner in general) I have ever eaten. Decor: 5 or so tables & a bar. We walked in & my husband says, "are you sure you want to eat here? "Oh yes", I say, "I read great reviews online." Service: We stood at the door, 15 ft from the bartender (who was the only person working) & he ignored us. There were 3 people at the bar, so he wasnt busy. We sat ourselves, &a few minutes later he comes for our order. Ordering: We ask about beer selection, & he names a few domestics & corona, then says, "Our beer delivery day is tomorrow". This is a Saturday night! We never saw a menu, but knew we wanted chedder fondue, so that was easy. About 20 mins after ordering, he puts bread and fruit on our table and tells us we will need to pay cash, as his machine is broken. Further, he says our meal is FORTY TWO dollars for the cheese, beer & a diet coke. This is more expensive than the MeltingPot ($16 for 2 person fondue) or the Stinking Rose ($8) They are charging fine dining prices! Food: I saw the bartender make food at the bar where there was a toaster oven & microwave. II'm not sure if there was a kitchen. The cheese has an eerily smooth, shiny texture, & was an odd yellowy brown. When we dipped the bread, it came out evenly coated, and waxy looking. I take a big, hungry bite (it is cheddar cheese, how bad can it be?) Holy Moses! If earwax came in a fonduepot, I'd have been worried we'd been given the wrong dish. It was so bitter, I got goose pimples! I took a second bite to be sure. My husband, tougher than I, had maybe 5. I ate plain bread & fruit, while wating for the server/bartender to return. Service Part II: The bartender never returned. After using the shocking toilets, we left a $50 on the table with our full fondue dish, & went up the road to another restaurant. We should have refused to pay for the "cheese". Save yourself the trip & expense. Pros: Seriously? None Cons: Food, Price, Atmosphere, Service
Less

I started going to this cafe for the amazing lattes, but then I tried the breakfast croissant and then the grilled panini sandwich-WOW! I am a S.F. native that frequents coffee houses and I am... More

I started going to this cafe for the amazing lattes, but then I tried the breakfast croissant and then the grilled panini sandwich-WOW! I am a S.F. native that frequents coffee houses and I am impressed. You must try this place. P.S. It is very clean. Pros: Clean, Inexpensive
Less