The Brazen Head — Restaurant in San Francisco

I live in the neighborhood and have had the Brazen Head on my list for a while now. Now I wish I didn't wait so long. It's a very unassuming place with no sign and a very old school SF feel. As a SF native, it makes me feel like I can still escape to the city I grew up in.

We ordered the lobster ravioli and an arugula salad with goat cheese and fruits for appetizers. Both were spot on. The lobster had a great cream sauce of some kind that was complimented by really good peas and carrots. Random, but very delicious. The salad was not too heavy with the dressing and the ingredients complimented each other perfectly.

For dinner we had the grilled salmon and prime rib. The prime rib was absolutely killer and cooked perfectly. Just enough fat and a really good chunk of meat sitting in the sauce and a really good horseradish to add a bit of spice. The grilled salmon was also perfectly cooked with a great simple flavor.

The service was excellent and extremely friendly. The lady who served us was very sweet and the gentleman running plates was very fast and attentive. The food came out on time and everything was tasty.

While all of this was happening there was a small bar with locals watching the Giants smash the Phillies on two mid-sized TVs.

Come for the food, stay for the old school SF feeling. Solid...

I didn't even know this place existed, but I'm happy I found it. There was a small wait to get in, luckily we found a couple seats at the bar to get cocktails. Most od the staff here are older - one of the bartenders was even slightly rude when I ordered my drink, but that was the only downside to my experience here.

The restaurant is small, but incredibly dark. They either paint the lightbulbs or buy a specific kind of amber colored bulb... either way, it makes it feel private and romantic even though your shoved in there like sardines.

We started with the Meatballs and Marinara and the Roasted Garlic and Camembert - both were quite good (I wouldn't say amazing, just good).

I had the New York Strip Pepper Steak while my partner had the Filet Mignon. Both were perfectly cooked to order, although my strip steak was much better than the filet. Each entrée comes with a side of vegetables and spinach which, although cooked well and tasty, reminded me of Gordon Food Service vegetable medley and cheapened the feel of the meal for me.

I would still...

Cozy little restaurant. Has the atmosphere of an English pub. Low ceiling. Red lights. Was there on a Saturday 5.30 pm with no problem as to seating. But by 6 pm the restaurant had filled up fast for the (think) abt 10 tables. When I left at 7 pm there were people standing at the bar, waiting for a table. Had the filet mignon. Came perfectly cooked to order. Very tender cut. Nice mashed potatoes, green beans, portobello mushroom and a creamy spinach completed the dish. Simple but very well prepared. The bearnaise sauce (served separately) was luke warm as should be and was of good taste. Asked and got a second portion. The super friendly waitress Shelley recommended a locally brewed beer "villager" and that was very tasty. Completed the meal with a vanilla bean icecream with sauce anglaise. Yummy! Really good meal in a nice atmosphere and at a moderate price with a super friendly service. What more can one want? Highly...