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903
Categories: Restaurants Sandwiches Restaurants Asian Fusion Sandwiches, Asian Fusion
903 Cortland Ave(between Folsom St & Gates St)
San Francisco, CA 94110
Neighborhood: Bernal Heights
(415) 678-5759
- Hours:
Tue-Sun 9 am - 3 pm
Tue-Thu 5 pm - 8 pm
Fri-Sat 5 pm - 9 pm
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
28 reviews for 903
28 reviews in English
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Review from sandy c.
San Francisco, CA
4/22/2012
We've tried a few things from the brunch menu all of which were delicious. I think I might like the brisket sandwich best (brisket that melts in your mouth). Still, there are a good number of items that we still want to try so we're slowly becoming weekend regulars. Great coffee (Ritual), too.
Service has always been friendly and pretty quick. It's the sort of place where you order at the counter and seat yourself - which we often prefer for casual dining. -
Review from Mizz R.
Brisbane, CA
4/29/2012
It's a place one could go to, order some food, sit and eat, and then be off! Enjoy being in the neighborhood!
* Inside ambiance - good. Small place, so it appears like there's not enough room for a lot of people
* Food - good. Excellent/small portions, which I like. They do adjust ingredients if you prefer one thing over another.
* Choice of beverages - good. Not fresh orange juice, Odwalla :O(
* Price - Umm...depends on what you order.
* Cleanliness - seating area needs a lil work. Stained cushions, some food in the cracks of the table, and the spoon-fork smelt a bit like raw eggs :O( -
Review from Marie S.
San Francisco, CA
4/28/2012
I too really wanted to like this place....but I got food poisoning.
Okay so I had a scone in the morning and wanted to have a Saturday lunch with a friend and we found this sandwich shop and thought it would be delish!
Well it all looked good and the place was "cozy" . The service was very friendly and the food looked good...yet it was a bit pricy...
The food looked good and it was tasty. I had the deep fried oyster sandwich (which, I will never have again). My friend had the chicken sandwich and we shared the picked carrots and potato salad. Everything went down really great, so we tipped well and left with smiles. About 30 minutes later my stomach was feeling funny...and an hour later I had full blown symptoms of food poisoning...... I called my friend later and he reported feeling a little sick, but he has a stomach of steel. So I thought I should call them to say maybe the oysters were bad.
Sooooo I called the place to warn them that they had something spoiled in their food, so that no one else suffers. I asked for the manager...but the girl on the phone....I think she said her name was Jin Jin or something like that, said she was the manager. When I told her that I ate lunch there a few hours ago and got food poisoning, she was dismissive and full of attitude. She asked for my phone number and I gave her my home v/m number but she never asked for my name....Funny how a "manager" would take such a combative stance and not have an apology or compassion.
I would have liked to go back here but I feel that this place will be short lived. A disappointment because they had a cute idea...just bad food. -
Review from Lolia S.
San Francisco, CA
4/18/2012 6 photos
Sandbox Bakery's spinoff, 903 offers Asian influenced/fusion rice burgers, sandwiches, burgers, bento boxes and breakfasts. Breakfast is served all day. They also had side salads in the refrigerated case, drinks, wine and cake. The space is very small and charming, with two tables, mismatched chairs, wood walls. Portions are small.
* Poached eggs over rice ($6.50) http://www.yelp.com/bi...: it's a simple but comforting Japanese breakfast dish with warm short grain steamed white rice, 2 perfectly poached eggs, fried shallots, shredded nori, cilantro and a light dashi-shoyu broth on the side.
* Potato salad ($3.50): creamy with big chunks of potato, hard boiled eggs, a little red onion and cucumber for crunch, comfortingListed in: Dedicated to Tofu Oyako,…
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Review from Monica L.
San Francisco, CA
4/16/2012
Having spent a few weeks in Hong Kong, I'm a little bigger in my britches than I want to be. Usually, I right this by cooking and eating soup and veges.
However I am tested when I have to eat out with clients, etc. Finding 903 is saving my waistline. While my companion is getting the delicious smelling deep fried shrimp sandwich, I am chowing on the tofu bento box. I sub the potato salad for a tasty lower carb hijiki salad. The bento is flavorful and I don't feel like I've denied myself anything which is essential to my weight-loss process. However, on second pass the lige waffles do look amazing. And that green tea chiffon cake... diet be damned. -
Review from tal n.
3/16/2012
Fried chicken on rice sandwich =: I'll be moving to Bernal (better not rely on gasoline too much, right?)
It would be great if you had the same coffee drinks you have at sandbox, and the option to order sandbox pastries there (e.g., for dessert), then you could just save all the effort of ever having the leave the place.
why am i being so effusive with my compliments? (assuming you've guessed I won't actually be trying to move myself in to 903) because I've written good revs lately, about to write more, and want to distinguish between good and #(*$&#(*#@!!(*& like this place is. Please allow me to continue to fool myself into thinking that anybody reads the text accompanying the star rating...
Now go have a sandwich. -
Review from Amy D.
Fremont, CA
5/1/2012
The Fried Chicken Rice Burger (w/ Tomato, Mixed Greens, Sriracha and Soy Lemon Vinaigrette $8) was soooooooooooooooooooo good, although it can get a little messy to eat!! However, this is unlike anything that I've tried before in the past- the crispy rice "patties" work perfectly with the crispy but still tender fried chicken. The sriracha added the perfect amount of spice. I will definitely come back again for this burger!
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Review from Helen Y.
Pacific Heights, San Francisco, CA
i absolutely loved the Liege Belgian waffles with seasonal fruit. I could eat this all day -- for lunch, for breakfast and for dessert.
i also recommend the fried chicken (karaage) burger with rice buns.
i can't wait to come back! -
Review from ju C.
San Francisco, CA
Tried the fried oyster sandwich, a special on the menu, and it was soooo good. The oysters were perfectly fried and was served on a tasty challah bun with a plum sauce aoili and thin lemon slices. I would order this agai!!!
Listed in: Brunch
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/25/2012
The place is small and can seat maybe 20 people tops. We came here for lunch on a Sunday around… Read more »
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Review from Rose A.
Thanks to 7x7 Magazine's The Big Eat 2012 list, I've discovered another great place to eat. I tried a rice burger (which is the dish on the list) and chose the Japanese Kaarage fried chicken. Personally, I was not really crazy about the rice burger. I'm not too fond of crunchy, hard rice. I get it had to be prepared that way so the bun would hold up but I just didn't like the texture. The rice sticks to your teeth - not a great feeling. However, the other components of the burger were really tasty.
My daughter had the Belgian waffles, which were absolutely delicious. They were sweet enough that syrup wasn't needed. My husband loved the poached eggs over rice that he seriously was about to order a 2nd bowl.
The space is small and quaint and the staff is incredibly friendly. They made us feel very welcome from the moment we walked in. We already can't wait to go back. -
Review from Emille L.
San Francisco, CA
3/17/2012
Really glad this place came to the neighborhood. It's nice to have something "different" so close to home.
We split the fried chicken sandwich and the shrimp balls sandwich. The fried chicken was good. One thing I noticed was that it wasn't white meat chicken. But I was actually okay with that because white meat tends to be drier than the rest. I'm almost 100% positive that it was thigh meat, but that suited me just fine. The shrimp ball sandwich was even better. It looked like shrimp chopped up, molded into a ball (about the size of a golf ball), breaded and fried. It was glazed with a really tasty sweet chili sauce, cucumber, lettuce, and maybe a light mayo (couldn't quite make it out) on a challah hot dog bun.
We didn't get the belgian waffles that people are talking about. We must have overlooked them on the menu. Something to try next time! -
Review from Daniel M.
San Francisco, CA
2/22/2012
This eatery is a really nice addition to the neighborhood.
I have been here for lunch several times, and have sampled a good variety of their menu offerings. The sandwiches skew Asian (Thai), though there is also an American theme with several of the offerings, and other eclectic outliers that rotate in and out.
The penang fish sandwhich is by far my favorite - it's on the smaller side, but not too small, and one of the cheaper menu options. While it could perhaps use a little slaw or something for crunch, the fish is well-cooked, meaty, and a total flavor bomb.
The chicken Tsukune and Shrimp Ball sandwiches are larger, savory, and delicious. Today I tried a pulled chicken sandwich with peanut and pickles on toast. It was fantastic and filling.
The prices average around $8.50 for a sandwich. While that seems like a bit much, that's really in line with just about every other sandwich of this quality you'll get in the city, and is therefore competitive. Also, unlike competing sandwich places in the surrounding neighborhoods, 903 offers both nice tables, as well as a certain amount of table service. You also get a refreshing little side salad.
I would note that actual sides, while delicious, seem a bit pricey at $2.75 apiece...however, their storage space is limited, and it might well be that they are priced purposely high to lower demand to what their kitchen can comfortably stock.
The ambiance is relaxed, but with a bit of style - comfortable and massive wood tables, including 2 2-tops and one larger communal table.
I should note that 903 also offers several breakfast items, and has a dinner menu. I have not yet sampled either.
Overall, 903 represents what I have come to expect from Mutsumi and her team: Well executed, well edited, and well conceived dishes prepared with quality ingredients. 903 will be a regular stop for us. -
Review from Jason B.
2/25/2012
Short of royalty.
Liege waffles were indeed good. Small yet full of flavor. Each bite was one to savor knowing there wouldn't be too many more.
Which is the problem. Add a few bucks for fruit and whip cream on the side and you're paying almost ten dollars for what is more a breakfast snack than actual breakfast.
The friendly staff and well designed cozy space make the two star decision that much more difficult. Want to give more but my wallet just won't allow it. -
Review from Christopher F.
San Francisco, CA
4/20/2012 1 Check-in Here
Great. I had the "rice burger"! Mari had the Papaya Salad. Just plain good food. Japanese stylings that we have not seen in the states before. Hijiki Salad... (Jason C. LOVES IT). I guess they are doing meat. Pulled Pork and whatnot... However the vegetarian offerings were just great. The prices were reasonable.
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Review from Mike C.
1/23/2012 1 photo
Calling Sandbox Bakery to order a couple sandwiches, I was told to pick up my order at this location, their new dine-in spot just a half block away. They do not have a working telephone so they advised me to either leave my order with them (Sandbox) or try doing it on line.
The kitchen is by the entrance (left) with several tables in back and counter seating to the right of the walkway. There is also a small refrigeration unit with drinks and prepared food boxes for takeout. Hope to come back another time to try other menu items soon.
Update, 2/7/12 - After being closed for remodel, they reopened this week. Still no telephone available yet, but scheduled to be installed the week of 2/13/12. Will update. -
Review from Lev O.
San Francisco, CA
1/26/2012
903 takes the Japanese bakery concept of nearby Sandbox to the next level, offering a diverse list of Asian fusion sandwiches in a communal table-style space. If you like Sandbox's small offering of preciously composed savory comfort foods, you'll dig 903.
903 makes good use of the awkward space formerly occupied by the previous occupant, a thoroughly mediocre ice creamery. Freshly remodeled, the small timber-paneled room is dominated by several large woodblock tables and benches that invite separate parties to join up at a common table. The place was crowded and I sat at the counter, a good place for a quick nosh.
I came for lunch during the first week of operation, and the service workflow was still rough around the edges, with difficulties in communicating my order between the cashier and line cook leading to a delay. They'll iron this out, as their format lends itself to quick service and rapid customer turnaround.
My sandwich-- smoked brisket on a seedy, crumbly rye bread and a spicy spring green salad--- was rich and flavorful, though too heavy on the horseradish/mustard sauce. I got a fairly ordinary bento box to take home to the Mrs. Other attractive options include a burger-like sandwich with rice patties for buns (familiar from Sandbox) and a two-egg and vegetable bowl.
The business is cash only (a minor annoyance) and the enticing Sapporo beer tap proved a tease--- I imagine that the liquor license kicks in next month. Dinner service will be offered eventually.
903 is pricey ($7-$10 for most items) and the servings are small, but the unusual menu and stylish presentation make it a worthwhile lunch stop. -
Review from Lani N.
San Francisco, CA
2/11/2012 1 photo
Sandbox has opened a little restaurant!!!!! The the food is wonderful and delicious. It's a very cute little place with four tables and a counter with stools. We has the Liege style waffles with fruit and the shrimp ball sandwich, both were delish!!!! The waffles were cake-like wonders. The shrimp balls were dim-sum-esque with a sweet sauce and a hot sauce. So good.
We live in Bernal Heights, and were so excited when we learned that the owner of SB was opening a restaurant!!!!!!
Only one gripe: the soy dressing on the salad was way too salty. Well, maybe two: I miss the pork sandwich from sandbox, the little one with carrots (I think). So, the gripes weren't really gripes :) -
Review from steve a.
San Francisco, CA
1/21/2012
The thing that Sandbox has always been missing was indoor seating.
This is an extension of Sandbox bakery a few doors down with more of a savory focus.
At the opening day party they featured small servings of various finger foods ( mostly sandwiches ) and a spicy but amazingly tasty soup.
This should be a great neighborhood place for dinner and with only a few small community tables a good place to go mingle with the denizens of Bernal -
Review from Jen Y.
San Francisco, CA
2/28/2012
I love Sandbox so I had to give this new spot a shot. And I'm so glad I did. The shrimp ball challah was wonderfully delicious. Bread can be an afterthought with most sandwiches, but I knew this challah would be good given this was coming from the same folks at Sandbox. And I'm glad I guessed correctly. It was great. The shrimp balls were well dressed and the sandwich was again super tasty. The side salad also had a lovely light dressing, and I am no fan of dressing.
Other notes: The space is small, but the decor is beautiful. The menu changes daily, and there is no website. -
Review from Mark T.
San Francisco, CA
2/18/2012
I wanted to love this place given that Sandbox is a such a great breakfast place. But, at least right now, I can't recommend. The space is dark, the staff uninviting, and the food overpriced and not that good.
What's even more disappointing: the great pre-made sandwiches Sandbox used to sell are gone. Now, they direct you to this place where you have to wait 10 minutes to get your food, including a more limited sandwich selection. -
Review from Margaret I.
San Francisco, CA
1/26/2012 1 Check-in Here
Had some delish scrambled eggs, maple bacon, OJ and an english muffin. The bacon was great, not cripsy but still very good. Price was reasonable and the location is really nice.
My husband tried the brisket, he said it tasted like "meat juice" which is a weird statement. It looked pretty good, but he didn't seem overly impressed.
It's not very clear what you should do with your plates once you're finished eating.
We'll still be back to check it out again. -
Review from Eadweard M.
San Francisco, CA
3/18/2012
I went for brunch and had poached eggs with nori over rice, with dashi. It was totally amazing.
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Review from phil b.
San Francisco, CA
2/12/2012
So excited for this place, but so uninspired and overpriced. I am a regular at the Sandbox and love it. Yeah, its not cheap, yet the goodies are worth it.
As a long time bernal guy, new places to eat in the hood gets me excited. Couldn't wait for this place. Last night we picked up a roast chicken to go. $18 plus tax, came with chili that was too hot to eat, was moist and unseasoned. Really disappointed. This is not a Bernal place. Maybe Noe.
Cant get past a boring, overpriced bird. Bummer. -
Review from Pearl L.
San Francisco, CA
2/23/2012
I just had lunch at 903, and I cannot wait to go back. In fact, right after eating a chicken tsukune sandwich, I wanted another. I'm wondering if tomorrow is too soon. The chicken was so incredibly juicy and tender with a slightly sweet, soy flavor that I could not quite identify. The bun had the perfect amount of chew, was hefty enough to absorb the chicken juices, but not so thick that it overwhelmed the sandwich. My mother in law had the chicken karaage sandwich and loved it. The batter was crisp and delicious, maybe a bit too thick, but the chicken inside was again tender and juicy. Be prepared for a bit of spice as the karaage comes with sriracha. I can't wait to try the rest of the menu!
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Review from Lee H.
San Francisco, CA
2/9/2012
Exceeded my hopes & expectations. Last night I had Mike's brisket. It was fork tender, juicy, & delicious. Served with green beans cooked just right & finished in the saute pan with just the right amount of caramelization. Low priced, too.
Full disclosure: I live around the corner, & am a big fan of Sandbox. My neighbors & I have been jonesing for a place like this for a long time. I'll be back - expecting a line. -
Review from Charlene n.
San Francisco, CA
3/24/2012
Steaming bowl of noodle/veggy/chicken soup on a raining day. Wonderful.
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Review from jim j.
San Francisco, CA
3/4/2012
I rejoiced when the sister of Sandbox bakery opened. Sandbox is a treasure if you can manage the 5 deep line waiting 15 minutes for an individually brewed cup of joe.
The bakery goods are a cardiologist waiting room. Unbelievable. When the sticky buns are good- they are unbeatable and so are most of their offerings. Sometimes an offering of attitude is on the plate as well. So, when the 903 restaurant opened- the locals were excited. I waited a couple of weeks before trying it out and I must say-it will be a while before I return. The atmosphere is great. Well appointed and designed. Kind of a European family style . The menu was very interesting with an Asian influence. I ordered the poached eggs with prosciutto on an interesting piece of bread and a side salad. The salad was terrific -the dressing was citrus vinegar.
Everything else was ice cold. Cold poached eggs do not taste good. I think maybe it was because this place is so new and the cook probably thrown into a new job and kitchen prematurely- But I didn't complain then and I probably should have because sometimes places need to know the good and the bad. It's getting around with my local group of friends that this place is trying hard but they should have gotten the basics down before they turned off some patrons. Please get better- we need you here, want you here but you need to do better. I will give lunch a try. I do hear that the ribs are heavenly. -
Review from Toby K.
San Francisco, CA
2/26/2012
The ribs cooked last night were divine. We love the new place and many congrats!!! Toby and Joe
