Every new restaurant that opens in San Francisco seems to get hyped as the next big thing, the next go-to place among foodies. This is especially prevalent when a celebrity chef like Tyler Florence opens a place in the Financial District. And it seems like everyone is now heading to Wayfare Tavern, which is trying to live up to the hype it has received.
The restaurant, as of this writing, has only been only for about six weeks, so they are still working out the kinks. Service-wise, I think they could improve things as a whole. I have heard they might be having some issues with reservations and overbooking. The hostesses that I have encountered are not as friendly as I would expect, considering the newness of the restaurant. At times, it even seems like they are overwhelmed. But I think all of the issues will be worked out in the near future. The only thing a new restaurant can do is work with customers and get feedback on what needs to be improved and what is working well.
I sat at the upstairs bar and found the service to be excellent. I think it takes a lot to provide really excellent service. I always prefer honest opinions, especially at a new restaurant. I tend to ask what is good on the menu based on what I am looking for. I also take the suggestions to heart and base a lot of my opinions on the quality of that dish. The menu is really filled with classic American fare and I think the aim was to provide a comfortable, modern atmosphere with a diverse menu.
The best description of the food is good, old-fashioned comfort food. Salads, oysters, sardines fill the starters. But the menu is diverse enough to include foie gras, caviar and deviled eggs, which also make an appearance. They also feature a raw bar that you can choose from.
The entrees are also a nice mix. Again, a lot of dishes are what I would consider comfort food, stuff your mom would make for you: Fried chicken, New York strip, leg of lamb and pork chop. Florence also includes a pair of fishes on the menu along with other items, such as steak and eggs, the hometown fry and an $18 Wayfare burger. Sides include creamed corn, potatoes and baked mac and cheese. I decided on the steak and eggs and mac and cheese. The entree was perfect. Two pieces of a medium rare filet mignon, each topped with a soft egg, asparagus, toasted crab and a bernaise sauce. It was the true definition of comfort food, something I could eat for breakfast, lunch or dinner. The mac and cheese was good, not great. The fact that it was baked made the top more like a crust, where I am used to a soft, creamy mac and cheese. But the flavor was good. Each day, there is also an added special that is served as an entree as well. I liked the presentation with each plate having the restaurant’s logo on it, as it gave it an extra touch of class.
The wine menu is quite extensive, they also have a nice selection of beers and can make up the cocktail of your choice as well.
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| Steak and Eggs |
Overall, I like the restaurant. It is one of those places that I think you have to go back to multiple times to get a feel for it, see how they are improving and just to try different things on the menu. I have a feeling that some of the items will come and go based on popularity and feedback. A very nice dining experience and hopefully, a long stay in San Francisco for Wayfare Tavern.
Wayfare Tavern is located at 558 Sacramento Street. They are open Monday-Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. and for dinner on Saturday and Sunday from 5:00-11:00 p.m.
Phone number: (415) 772-9060
