Cheap Pete’s Frame Factory Outlet Review (5 of 5 Stars)

(I posted this to Yelp on 11-17-06)

Cheap Pete’s Frame Factory Outlet
4249 Geary Blvd
San Francisco, CA 94118
(415) 221-4720
Picture Frame Store

I found the nonstandard-ish 10″x10″ frames I was looking for for $13. Cheaper than anywhere else. Of course they have a full frame shop in the store where I could have bought a fancy frame for $150. And they also have pre-made fancy frames for about $20 apiece (plus glass, etc..) which is a very good price. Solidly recommended. :-)

Big Nate’s Bar-B-Que Restaurant Review (3 of 5 Stars)

(I posted this to Yelp on 1-27-07)

Big Nate’s Bar-B-Que
1665 Folsom St
San Francisco, CA 94103
(415) 861-4242
BBQ

I received 3 ribs on my plate. 2 of them were fatty and yucky. 1 of them was -excellent-. My girlfriend’s barbecue chicken was very good.

The atmosphere of the place is -very- low key.

Zachary’s Chicago Pizza

(I posted this to Yelp on 2-22-07)

Zachary’s Chicago Pizza
5801 College Ave
Oakland, CA 94618
(510) 655-6385

This was recommended to me as “THE BEST PIZZA ANYWHERE!!”. Eh, it’s “pretty good”.

We ordered a Small Zachary’s Special. The chunky tomato sauce was nice if a little bland. The pie needed a smoother mouth feel – more fat of some sort would have worked.

Pizzaria Uno and others have a better Chicago Style pie.

Johnson’s Barbeque Restaurant Review (5 of 5 Stars)

(I posted this to Yelp on 2-22-07)

Johnson’s Barbeque
2646 San Bruno Ave
San Francisco, CA 94134
(415) 467-7655
BBQ

This is the real deal. Dinner was terrific. I’ll be back.
The neighborhood closes up a little early and the decor is -very- low key, but it’s clean and the food is what it’s ALL about. It was just a side benefit that we had (lip smacking) leftovers for 2 more meals, making the place a value too.

The Box Shop Review (5 of 5 Stars)

(I posted this to Yelp 2-28-07)

The Box Shop
951 Hudson Ave
San Francisco, CA 94124
(415) 642-7467

The Box Shop is an industrial arts space. It is the home of several art groups including the Flaming Lotus Girls (check em out http://flaminglotus.com). Containers are rented out to all manner of artists. In this shop has been built many crazy and beautiful projects.

PS. They never answer their phone.

PPS. The Yelp map is off by several blocks. Click on the “View Larger Map/Directions” icon under the map icon. The Google Map is correct.

Larkins Bros Tire Company Review (5 of 5 Stars)

(I posted this to Yelp on 3-21-07)

Larkins Bros Tire Company
370 S Van Ness Ave
San Francisco, CA 94103
(415) 863-5730

Larkin rocks. They’re fast, efficient, and friendly :-)

Update 4-17-09: they are “my mechanic”!.

Papalote Mexican Grill Restaurant Review (5 of 5 Stars)

(I posted this to Yelp on 5-16-07.)

3409 24th Street
San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 970-8815
Mexican

My favorite taqueria. Sure, it’s 50 steps from my door, but I’d go further for it. Excellent service, nice staff, nice decor (though it’s noisy when they’re full).

Their burritos have potato, carrots and other fried vegetables, giving them a very “fresh” taste. :-)

El Toro Taqueria Restaurant Review (5 of 5 Stars)

(I posted this to Yelp on 5-16-07)

El Toro Taqueria
598 Valencia St
San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 431-3351
Mexican

I call it the best taqueria in town. All their fillings are on display so you can point to what you want in your food. Everything is very fresh and they serve with a real smile. Their enchiladas kick butt.

Suppenküche Restaurant Review (4 of 5 Stars)

(I had posted this on Yelp on 5-16-07)

Suppenküche
525 Laguna St
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 252-9289
German

Excellent. Authentic. German. Familial. Loud. Bar. Food!

Valentina Ristorante Restaurant Review (5 of 5 Stars)

(I posted this on Yelp on 6-27-08 after going with Charlotte)

Valentina Ristorante
419 Cortland Ave
San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 285-6000
Italian

A terrific meal. The decor is excellent. Another commenter had said something about the walls being not well painted. They have recently redone the walls with a very impressive multi-tone paint job that even matches the art on the walls and, humorously, the nail polish of our server.