April 10, 2015

San Francisco: Bobo’s Lounge + Bobo's Steakhouse; restaurant review

San Francisco

(Note:  These restaurants have changed quite a bit.  This old review remains until I revisit and provide a new description.)

Bobo's Lounge 

(now Bobo’s Burger Bar)  1434 Lombard St./Van Ness Ave., in the Marina, San Francisco, (415) 683-7007. 

Bobo's Lounge in San Francisco
Bobo's Lounge in San Francisco


After a spectacular afternoon spent at the nearby Marina Green, Wave Organ, and Palace of Fine Arts, we headed to Bobo's Lounge for refreshment.  Judging from the outside of this bar, I wasn’t expecting such accomplished cuisine.  Turns out charming chef-owner Andrea Froncillo has a past filled with experience that includes previously owning and chefing at Bobo’s Steakhouse (see below), and so the kitchen turns out delicious items and capably matches them with wonderful libations.  Extensive appetizers and small plates include mild Shishito Peppers (I enjoyed this with a beautiful and tasty orange Italian Spritzer made with Prosecco and Aperol liqueur, recipe), perfect Poached Shrimp & Seaweed (these are really gigantic prawns and the seaweed greatly enhances the dish), Asian fusion Italian Potstickers (stuffed with sausage and flavored with mint and black sesame seeds),  and a meaty crab chowder paired deliciously with a light, peachy Vioginier.  For the “Main Event” plates, we delighted in a more serious whole-fried Branzino Chinese (striped sea bass) and a plate of supremely tasty American Kobe steak (wagyu) sliced in bite-size pieces and served with creamy smashed potatoes that had been flattened with a skillet and then fried to perfection.  The paired Angeline Pinot Noir was perfecto.  And all the while Frank, Dean, Louie, and the gang keep things melodically mellow.  The bar’s interior is a step into the 50s past, with a crimson-and-gold harlequin decor featuring colorful Venetian theatrical and Cirque du Soleil masks, red-glass chandeliers, and banquette-lined walls.  Our feast coincidentally, and magically, ended with Tony Bennett singing “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” as we shared an apple crisp and a ginger-infused creme brulee paired with a grappa and port.  I’ve also heard raves about the mac and cheese, cupcake lasagna, crab enchilada, baby lobster tails, lamb lollipops, baby octopus, baby back ribs, and a dessert of bombolini (mini Italian donuts) with warm chocolate ancho chili sauce, but the menu changes regularly and items come and go.



Italian Spritzer at Bobo's Lounge in San Francisco
Italian Spritzer at Bobo's Lounge in San Francisco


Shishito Peppers at Bobo's Lounge in San Francisco
Shishito Peppers at Bobo's Lounge in San Francisco

Poached Shrimp & Seaweed at Bobo's Lounge in San Francisco
Poached Shrimp & Seaweed at Bobo's Lounge in San Francisco
 

crab chowder at Bobo's Lounge in San Francisco
crab chowder at Bobo's Lounge in San Francisco


Italian Potstickers at Bobo's Lounge in San Francisco
Italian Potstickers at Bobo's Lounge in San Francisco


Branzino Chinese striped sea bass at Bobo's Lounge in San Francisco
Branzino Chinese striped sea bass at Bobo's Lounge in San Francisco


American Kobe steak (wagyu) at Bobo's Lounge in San Francisco
American Kobe steak (wagyu) at Bobo's Lounge in San Francisco
ginger-infused creme brulee at Bobo's Lounge in San Francisco
ginger-infused creme brulee at Bobo's Lounge in San Francisco






apple crisp at Bobo's Lounge in San Francisco
apple crisp at Bobo's Lounge in San Francisco


Bobo's Steakhouse  

1450 Lombard St./Van Ness Ave., next door, (415) 441-8880.  Reservations advised.  D daily. 

A few doors down, the posh though smallish three-floor Bobo's Steakhouse restaurant features red-and-black-striped accents and offers cozy seating in an assortment of intimate rooms.  Diners come for the a la carte dry-aged steaks (the bone-in filet is reputedly the best) and whole Dungeness crabs.  Sides include twice-baked potatoes and macaroni and cheese.  Mussels, shrimp, and even burrata (a fresh cheese from southern Italy) round out the menu.   

15 comments:

  1. Wow. Such mouthwatering photos and great to get tips on an authentic restaurant in the Lombard district. Just love San Francisco.

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  2. Ooh, delectable. I've got to try that orange Prosecco spritzer. Maybe with cava since we're still technically in Spain. Terrific post.

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    Replies
    1. Yes, I am going to try making that Prosecco spritzer tomorrow night for guests.

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  3. Wow, looks delicious! I know where we're going next time we're in San Francisco.

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  4. Talk about fusion food! Potstickers with sausage, mint and black sesame? Gotta love San Francisco!

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  5. I love making a dinner out of tasting just the appetizers which, in this case, sound amazing especially the poached shrimp and seaweed bites and crab chowder. Looks like the whole meal was rave worthy!

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  6. Mouth watering photos, and the Kobe steak looked like it would be perfect for a gluten free dinner.

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  7. All the food looks delicious. How perfect to end listening to "I left my heart in San Francisco".

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  8. Replies
    1. I just made the Aperol spritzer last night and it was delicious! I will post the recipe soon.

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  9. We drank so many Aperol Spritzes all through Italy, definitely the drink of choice for aperitivo.
    All the food looks amazing!

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  10. Wow, this looks fantastic. We get to SF every other year or so, and this is now definitely on our list of places to try. I do have to admit though I was a little confused. When I read the headline, I thought it said "Boobs" Lounge, which could describe a whole lot of places in San Francisco. But I think this place will be more palatable for Kris.

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  11. That all looks a lot more imaginative than your average steakhouse!

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  12. Wow great photos Carole! We travel to SF every couple of months and I have never heard of Bobos- we will check it out!

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  13. The food looks divine! You did well in your choice of dining destination!

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