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Broken Drum Brewery & Wood Grill
Categories: Food Breweries Restaurants American (New) Breweries, American (New) [Edit]
1132 4th StSan Rafael, CA 94901
(415) 456-4677
- Hours:
Mon-Wed, Sun 11:30 am - 10 pm
Thu-Sat 11:30 am - 12 am
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
151 reviews for Broken Drum Brewery & Wood Grill
Review Highlights
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"...that's a huge plus, and I agree about the garlic fries." In 21 reviews -
"Happy Hour is everyday from 3:30 - 6:30 p." In 12 reviews -
"Get the Black & Blue Burger with Garlic Fries or the Green..." In 5 reviews
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151 reviews in English
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Review from Matt J.
Hayward, CA
3/4/2012
Been comming here for years. Thought i'd write a review for this place since we just dropped in a few days ago.
Food - we always get the average good stuff like the nachos that are great. And of course the calimari.
Why , because we have the beers and need some snacks to go with their list of tasty beers.
I like it here in the summer when the farmers market is going on. The entire down town os closed off and if you get seated early enough, you get to people watch and enjoy the market as well.
Yea, over the years the food quality is dropping some.
Overall waitresses here is a hit and mis. I was actually impressed the last time we were here. Our waitress was on top of it . - while working the inside and patio where we were sitting. It was getting cold and the heaters were broke down, which was a bummer.
I almost put a 4 , but for the other server not serving us(our server was great) and the broke down heaters, and the $60 for two guys, well lets say i'll be back. This place can easily be a 4 again, hope they can figure it out by the next time we roll back through. -
Review from Erick J.
Larkspur, CA
4/27/2012 1 Check-in Here
Well I used to love this place because of the beer,food was bad & great location but I've never loved the service. Unfortunately It felt like i killed the waitress dog or something or that is how she always makes us feel. I definitely don't know her from around town so what is up with the evil eye that sends chills down my spine? Is it me? Is it everyone? Maybe you shouldn't work in a service job if you hate life, go to work at cheese factory or something Sorry to vent but this has happened more than a few times by the same girl and even my friends from out of town remember her scowl from a while ago (blond chic with tattoos & fat) That's embarrassing...
Be aware don't get this chic!!!!! -
Review from Nancy C.
Oakland, CA
2/27/2012
So I came here today from the East Bay to see a film at the Christopher B. Smith Rafael Film Center, they are conveniently next door.
I came here during lunch, I'm not a fan of burgers, so I ordered the Fish & Chips, and wow, I am amazed!! They gave me 3 large pieces of their beer-battered fish, it was crispy and juicy, the garlic fries were very good also!! It's a large portion so you can share with somebody. Too bad I didn't get to take a picture of it, I was very hungry.. :)
Service: It was GREAT!!! The waitress probably came to our table like 5 times!! Lol
Overall, if I'm in San Rafael again, I am coming here!!! -
Review from Lisa S.
Marin, CA
1/14/2012
Just went to this place last night and let me tell you this place is BAD! Granted it did not start out that way because we got seated pretty quickly but after that it went down hill. It took a little over a half hour after we placed our order to get our food. When I made a commment to our server Alex she just said "It's Comming". No apology or anything.
I run a meetup group and we do lot's of activities all over Marin. Let me just say we will NEVER be returning to this place unless they get wait staff. -
Review from Eric B.
9/25/2011
I stopped here for Lunch yesterday. I was attending an event at 3 PM just down the street and I was advised to show up on an empty stomach. I should have disregarded that advice as the hors d'oeuvres at Vin Antico were amazing.
It was a little warm on the inviting patio, but instead I decided to sit inside. The interior reminded me of walking into a barn, in that there seemed to be more space than needed and it was dark and lonely in places. I did enjoy watching the Texas A&M/Oklahoma State game (Gig Em!), but other than that, it was a little lonely in these booth parts.
The IPA was just OK, but with all the micro-brews available, I'm spoiled. I also ordered a just OK tuna melt that was strangely served "burger style" and without the requisite toasted bread. The garlic fries were better, but maybe their Black and Blue Burger would have completed my meal better. The service was also just OK and when you add them all up, I left Broken Drum with a forgettable experience that is easy to beat elsewhere. -
Review from Gary E.
Updated - 1/19/2012
Gotta say, the Drum have upped their game. Beer's gotten noticeably better, although the food's still meh (and overpriced). Still not up to the levels of Iron Springs or Marin Brewco, but... decent place for a pint!
Listed in: Chowing Locally, Getting a Round in the Bay…
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/17/2008
Alright, Lush was being a bit harsh. There are plenty of brown folk here. Granted, they were all… Read more »
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Review from Chris P.
San Diego, CA
10/12/2011 1 Check-in Here
This really is closer to a 2.5 star. The food here is actually quite good so opted to go to 3 instead of down to 2...
I've been here twice and both times the service was lacking. The most recent time I stopped by here I noticed they had some help wanted type of signs out front... no kidding! Now that I think of it, it might've said help "needed" and that would have been accurate. The place was, at most, 1/3 full yet it took about 5 minutes just to say hi to us. Took another 5+ to take our drink order (which was just water to start). It was at least another 10 minutes to get around to taking our meal orders.
The thing that bugged me the most probably was when one of the employees stopped by our table to apologize that they were understaffed and that he'd bring our waters ASAP. The bad part came when he proceeded to serve another table their drinks first before he served us... when the other party had come in considerably later than we had. Then a few minutes later he finally got to us with our drinks.
Not sure how long afterward we finally got our dinners (seemed like quite awhile).
Again, the food that I've had here is tasty. PLUS they take 10% off your check if you bring in a ticket stub from the Smith Rafael Film Center next door.
Really, though, I have no idea why they are severely understaffed... but I don't think customers should have to suffer for these folks coming up short in the service department. I'll probably give these folks a go again sometime down the road... but my expectations have been officially lowered. I'll update my rating (if it changes). Hopefully I can add a star or two. -
Review from Steve P.
San Rafael, CA
3/3/2012
Went here for lunch. Terrible food, terrible service, bug in my iced tea, just BAD BAD BAD.
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Review from Kate B.
Vallejo, CA
8/25/2011
The Broken Drum Brewery is....well....broken. My husband and I trecked over for dinner there last night and I woke up this morning still feeling disappointed. I'll first state that I'm a foodie and quite handy in the kitchen and yes so what if I spend early Saturday morning with a cup of joe in hand flipping back and forth between cooking channels.
However...their chef, if you could call him that, needs some serious help. I ordered the grilled Mahi Mahi tacos with mango salsa, having asked our waitress her personal favorite on the menu and what she sells a lot of. Her answer was the mahi tacos tacos, mahi tostada or mahi wrap. I went for the tacos.
The tacos arrived at the table looking simply goregous. Piled so high with black beans, purple slaw, fish and mango salsa on two corn torts I wondered how I'd even eat them. I ended up using a knife and fork.
Now, I'm a fan of blackened food and the great flavor carmelization provides, however, burnt is another story. The mahi was ruined, the black beans were obviously from a can with zero seasoning and worse not even rinsed for that matter, the slaw hadn't been drained and began pouring all over my plate (hence why I used the knife and fork to avoid ruining my white top), the salsa had zero heat/spice, basically canned pineapple and corn and some fresh mango tossed together, and the torts had not even been warmed or grilled at all. I salted it not once but twice, and peppered as well. Has this chef never heard of a jalapeno? some onion? cilantro? these tacos were begging for something to tie them together into their potential. They needed flavor besides burnt.
I have only sent an item back to the kitchen once, and it was a steak cooked well done when I asked for medium rare. I was tempted to send this back and order something else, but, I didn't want to end up with spit or worse in my food, which lets face it, happens all the time whether you want to admit it or not.
My husband did enjoy his fried fish and garlic fries, and the onion rings were alright though I'm certain they weren't made fresh. The BBQ chicken wings had been baked previously with cumin/mole and then micro reheated and brushed with an abundance of BBQ sauce. I didn't like them either.
Very disppointed Broken, very! -
Review from Erica S.
9/10/2011
Came here for some drinks after the oyster farm. Since there was 9 of us, we ended up sitting at a table vs the bar. I kinda felt bad that we were sitting a table although we only ordering drinks and appetizers.
Our server wasn't too friendly. She seemed a little inpatient with our group although we were there at a non-busy hour. Possibly it was because she wasn't make much money off of us.
For drinks, a few of us ladies had a white sangria, but it ended up tasting like orange juice with club soda. It was nothing like a sangria and I didn't really taste the alcohol either. I know it's a brewery, but still. If you're working at the bar, you should know how to make these things or not offer it on the menu at all. Disappointing, but I chugged it down anyways since I was thirsty. My husband and I had their Beer Battered Onion Rings, but they were terrible. It was sooo greasy and all I tasted was the batter, not the onions.
Based on the minimal food, drinks, and service we had, I don't think I'll be coming back. -
Review from Donald M.
San Rafael, CA
10/12/2011
Since we moved to San Rafael I've been wanting to try the nice outdoor setting and it looked like it had a lots of people.
Well if you like sitting with homeless people and smelling the stench of sewer this could be your place.
I had the french dip I would give it a 2 out of 10. I asked what fries were the best and she recommended the garlic fries they tasted like something you would get at a school cafeteria .
It sucked and I won't go back -
Review from David W.
Anthem, AZ
8/30/2011
Food was decent; service sub-par; but what really stood out for me is the beer. Started with their IPA which was excellent and then finished with what I believe is called a "Whamber."
Would be nice to go back some time and try the other varieties they have as well which include a Pale Ale, a Wheat and then another Wheat with orange and coriander (wife had that one). -
Review from Kai T.
Corte Madera, CA
4/1/2011
Well I used to love this place, food wasn't bad & great location but I've never loved the service. Unfortunately in a past life I must have run over our waitresses cat...or that is how she always makes us feel. I definitely don't know her from around town so what is up with the evil eye that sends chills down my spine? Is it me? Is it everyone? Maybe you shouldn't work in a service job if you hate life, or wait go work at Dick's in San Diego. Sorry to vent but this has happened more than a few times by the same girl and even my friends from out of town remember her scowl from a while ago. That's embarrassing...
Onto the rest of our night, our waitresses switched out without telling us so we weren't sure what was going on. My friend got his salad without his chicken and mine without a dressing. Flash forward 15 minutes and still no dressing or chicken. At least our second waitress was nicer but definitely must be new to service industry. She wandered around looking aimlessly at nothing, my friend had to stand up and wave his arms jumping up and down to even get her attention. Needless to say our food was not very good by the time we did get the key components to our plates. Even my margarita loving butt won't be coming back here again...too many good restaurants to deal with this. -
Review from Victor G.
3/6/2011
Broken Drum Brewery is one of many breweries/eateries in downtown san rafael. (there used to be at least 2 more, pizza omg notwithstanding) there's informal seating with booths and tables inside and tables outside.
music: reggae
flatscreens: sports
menu: pizza, burgers, salads, soups, quesadillas, burritos, in house brew...
lunch rating only: 6.99 lunch specials(9 choices: moles, quesadilla, cheesburger, salad, soup, etc, with choice of non-alco drink)
-Chicken quesadilla in four slices (like 9" personal pizza)
lots of breast meat and mozzarella. not much taste but lots of food.
-large lemonade, sweet & tart. got refill
-pint stout beer (whamper?5): very nice, full bodied brew.
food notes:
-regular menu appears pricey, entrees 8-10+
-lunch special good value, lots of food, not much taste.
-regular rating probably a 3
-service very good. speedy latina comes to mind but she's not latina. -
Review from Christine R.
San Francisco, CA
11/24/2011
Cool atmosphere with a live band on Saturday nights. Good happy hour, especially during certain baseball/football games. Wednesday evenings are Trivia nights, attended once...quite fun! Great kids' menu & during happy hour they eat for FREE! I'm not a beer drinker, but my friend had the $1 beer, and it tasted nasty; hence, the $1 deal HA! I asked for a mojito and surprisingly, the bartender went to the back, grabbed some mint & made us mojitos - "A" for effort. It was a bit watered down. The patrons were a bit weird, not too friendly.
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Review from hugh b.
5/17/2011
Been here a few times and the food is not bad, but not grand either....
The last we were here the service SUCKED !!! Our waitress was sooo bad we actually gave a few dollars to the busboy because HE was the one who refilled our waters after we asked waitress a few times. HE was the one who got us to go containers after we asked our waitress a few times. She did however bring the check very fast. Cant say we will be back. I think her name was Roxanne but not sure. -
Review from Dion J.
Fort Lauderdale, FL
12/21/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I came here this weekend wanting to kill some time and taste some beer. They have the usual run of the mill. IPA, Pale Ale, Blonde, and Wheat. I didn't try any food because I had just had some thing to eat. I tried a few samples that were free and fell in love with the Whamber. My wife loved the Oatmeal Stout and I thought it was pretty good too. I pretty much stayed with the Whamber. The guy that was pouring at the bar was very conversational and friendly. Update coming soon after I go back to try more beer and see what the food is about.
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Review from Alison M.
San Francisco, CA
6/17/2011 2 Check-ins Here
MEH
Food is OK - don't really eat here that much so i can't really give too much feedback on that. I haven't heard great things though.
I work nearby, so we generally come here after work to have a few drinks. I'm happy with their beer selection, but disappointed by their wine selection (that being basically red or white).
Service has generally been OK, but nothing to rave about. Kinda has a funky smell to me too, but i guess the do brew their own beer in house. To sum it up... Good for what we use it for... our happy hour after work spot. (Good happy hour specials)
I will always have a soft spot for this place though because it was where we watched the Giants win the World Series!!!!!!!!!!!! -
Review from Susan S.
12/4/2010
What is it I don't really like about this place? Is it the fact that the chicken in the chicken sandwich and Chinese chicken salad is unseasoned and fairly tasteless? Or that the last time I went to Broken Drum, as a party of four adults and two children we were given two sets of silverware? And weren't given any additional sets even when we asked? Or that we had to ask for water even when half of us didn't order other drinks?
On the plus side, the location is convenient and it's a good place for families. -
Review from Kelly G.
Mill Valley, CA
6/16/2011 2 Check-ins Here
If you are going here for food: BAD IDEA
if you are going here for beer: GREAT IDEA
I like going here for a beer and maybe a snack... I wouldn't call it fine dining. Their beer is great, love the selection. They also have pretty big TVs for games.
Last time I was there they had Trivia night, I wasn't participating but it looked fun! Just another reason to go back and grab a beer :) -
Review from John B.
San Rafael, CA
3/5/2012
There are better restaurants in downtown San Rafael
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Review from Gilbert R.
San Rafael, CA
2/7/2012
ok place for a burger and beer. it can be enjoyable to sit outside and people watch
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Review from J C.
San Rafael, CA
10/30/2011
The broken drum is... well....broken.
Food: ordered a couple burgers. they were dry and tasted like the patties had been frozen since the beginning of time. no amount of mayo could salvage it. I will say that the Onion Rings however were Awesome! None of the onion fell out, they were perfectly crispy and salty. I almost considered giving this place two stars just because of the rings, but in all honestly thats the only good thing I can say.
Beer: Skunky. There is nothing worse than skunky bear that tastes slightly like dishwater. That pretty much sums up their Wheat beer. I tried the Wit as well, its hard to believe there is something more watered down than Miller light but I found it. Awful. My hubby had some amber beers and they were lackluster as well.
Service: Beyond awful. Waitress never smiled, took 25 minutes for our beer to arrive, never came back to see if we needed anything to go with our meal ( we did). If this had been a particularly busy or crowded evening, I would have understood, but they were practically empty.
Ambiance: Its a crazy retro feel inside, partitions block views of TVs and the bar. Stinks like an old folks home. They said there was live music on Fridays...I guess not on that Friday.
Too bad this place is chewing up some fine real estate. Location is great and I cant wait for the day when someone else better moves in. -
Review from Erin S.
Santa Rosa, CA
10/10/2010
I was a little hesitant because of all the reviews. We visited on a Sunday evening. The place had some groups, but wasn't packed. Plenty of seating outside and inside. The place looks more like a diner than a brewery. I almost had to double check that we were in the right place.
We sat at the bar and ordered a sampler. They serve you eight samples, pretty sizable on a paddle.
We started with the Terrificio, a Mexican lager which was pretty refreshing. Defiantly an original concept for American breweries.
Whamber Amber Wheat Ale, really it tasted like a budweiser
Summer Wildflower Wheat: mix between slightly hoppy and wheat beer, somewhat malty, somewhat interesting.
IPA, my least favorite, which apparently is their best seller. It was just too malty, not hoppy at all. They also produce a double IPA, which I guess is even more malty.
Chocolate Oatmeal Stout: I really wasn't in the mood for a stout, but it wasn't over the top. Very chocolaty.
Oktoberfest Amber Lager: No really taste until it opens up, loved the finish though.
Bull Dog Red Ale: the most interesting beer they had. I really enjoyed this one. Good amounts of floral aromas, somewhat hoppy with the right about of maltiness.
Max was our bartender and he was very friendly. We had the lamb hummus pita. The hummus was the best part, wonderful spices. They even separated our shared salad into two bowls. Thanks!Listed in: IPA Journeys
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Review from Brendan W.
San Anselmo, CA
Updated - 7/1/2010 1 photo
Come here if you want to eat at the world's worst restaurant! No exaggeration!
The Broken Drum is just bad and there is really no other way to say it. The food is just gross and the service is inexplicably agonizing. I have sampled many items from their menu and they are all terrible. From the ribs, to the frozen chicken club sandwich, to the burgers that taste like dog food, the Broken Drum is incapable of producing edible food.
This place would be more bearable if they just had fine service, but that too is miserable. They always get my orders wrong, such as when I requested no BBQ sauce they slather it on or forgetting the bacon for my hamburger. That is bad enough but on a hot summer night it is nice to have access to water, as the busboy took my glass away before I was finished! I seriously can't stand that about restaurants! If I want you to take something away, I'll tell you! The one thing that should be taken away is YOU...from this crummy restaurant.Listed in: Avoid At All Costs
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/9/2010
Entering the Broken Drum, you are bashed with a loud, rowdy place incapable of producing a quality… Read more »
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Review from Jen L.
Novato, CA
9/8/2010
I don't know why the business info says this is not a good place to eat with kids. My review of this restaurant is based entirely around the fact that I think it is a great place to eat with kids. The staff is super friendly; the environment is casual and loud with TVs and a pool table in the back, and kids eat free with each adult meal. What more is there to ask? Oh, and the the mac and cheese is the best around. Real mac and cheese. I always steal some from my kids.
The rest of the food is just decent and the service can be hit or miss, depending on how busy they are. But they are always welcoming and friendly, and my husband and I actually get to sit down and enjoy ourselves, which makes this one of my favorite family restaurants. -
Review from LALA D.
Los Angeles, CA
2/21/2011
GREAT BEER! NOT SO GREAT FOOD!
Great place to watch games. I came here many a Saturdays with friends to watch NCAA football or Giants. they brew their own beer, so it's better than having a bud. I preferred their seasonal Wheat (Yummy!), and I heard no complaints from any my friends when it came to their beer,
their food however.....not so much
My friend ordered their steak sandwich on 2 occasions, and BOTH TIMES, the beef was boiled (ick, not so good) and placed between a hoagie with no seasonings or anything (then had they had the nerve to charge 11 dollars for it).
I ordered their nachos (you know those thin and crispy blue corn chips you can get at most grocery stores?) and I thought it was good, but not what I would normally pay. They do have a great taco special where you can order tacos for $2.50 each and you decide how many you want.
The wait staff are kids that probably do not have a lot of experience. I agree with the previous post where she had to ask for silverware and napkins. Remember when we were that young?
It just does not dawn on us that seating 4 people requires 4 forks unless you ask "could we get more silverware?" (then you get only one, and then have to ask "could we please get 3 more. there is 4 of us and you just brought one")
No joke! the same wait staff seated 6 people at the booth behind me, and yes! I heard them ask for silverware (like us, did not say specifically how many forks they needed, and had to ask again) -
Review from Meghan P.
8/6/2009
We had a lot of trouble finding a bar in San Rafael and were psyched when we discovered the Broken Drum Brewery and Wood Grill. We'd already eaten at Sol Food (so good!) but were ready for a beer.
I had the belgian wit which was yummy, Jeff had the Terifico (tasted a bit like Pacifico with a lime too), and Jeff's dad had the lager. All three of us were impressed with the beers and the bartender was nice too. The fourth star is for the fact that they are a conveniently located bar (one of a few!) on 4th.Listed in: Somewhere Over the Rainbox…
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Review from Amanda B.
San Francisco, CA
7/25/2011
Someone needs to hire a good Brew Master!
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Review from Wes T.
10/19/2009
For any other establishment, this would be a two star review. But because they brew beer here, and it isn't bad beer, you get a star, Broken Drum.
We came here on a really empty night, sat outside on the patio. The Marin Film Festival was queuing up outside, but there was very little activity inside or out at the Broken Drum.
Our server was quick, initially. It was a Saturday night, and she didn't try to hide the fact that she would have rather been elsewhere. Can't blame her, but when the service started to reflect this attitude, that sucks for me the consumer.
I had the black and blue burger, which was cooked well and tasted pretty good. I'd like to come back here and sample some of the other foods and pair them with the beers on tap. I'm thinking tacos and the Terrifico ... Beyond that, I'd like to see them expand their suds offerings. Moylan's has spoiled me! -
Review from Luis M.
Oakland, CA
11/13/2006
I've only been here one time about 3 or 4 years ago I think. I was working in the area that week and decided to stop by for a brew and some eats after work. I sat at the bar and ordered my food when apparently the town drunk came in and sat a few seats from me. From his conversation with the bartender he was a regular and it sounded like he even did some odd jobs around the place or was some type of maintenance worker.
Let me get the food and beer review out of the way. The only memory I have of it was that it wasn't that great.
So on to the real review...
I was choking down this bad booze and food when the village idiot starts talking. They always have something to say don't they? They can never come in to the bar and just drink themselves into oblivion in peace and quiet. So the village idiot starts running his mouth, sharing his opinion on whatever he felt was going to rile people up. Another great trait of village idiots, they can't help but try and see if they can stir someone up enough to beat the piss out of them. Believe me this village idiot was trying really hard to.
Of course he had to take a shot at me. The conversation turned into how Mexicans were ruining this country and how evil we all are screwing white women and such. I was also dressed pretty fancy since I work for a financial institution with a location nearby and at the time we still required full business dress. So of course he had to let it be known how evil *white collar scum* were. Great, two strikes against being the white collar scum mexican who is apparently screwing the white women that won't give this loser the time of day. He kept going on and on being as offensive as he could be, but oddly enough maybe not as offensive at the bad booze and food.
Anyway, apparently I couldn't hide my disgust for this moron very well because he asked me what my problem was. I responded by telling him my problems couldn't possibly ever be as bad as the problems that someone as pathetic as him could ever be.
The bartender asked ME to leave the establishment.
As I stated this was a few years ago. Maybe the village idiot has since had his liver fail and is no longer with us. Maybe they have hired staff that can actually try to create a pleasant environment that people with money to spend might actually want to be in. Maybe they have reworked the menu. Unfortunately due to this one incident I will never find out. -
Review from Michael C.
Northern, CA
9/2/2006
Well, I will put a little shine to the Broken Drum.
I was devastatingly exhausted from a bust vet check on the buckskin colt stallion I was in love with. My friend and I forgot to eat all day in excitement of the final phase of buying this beauty.
... then ... a resounding failure on the pre-purchase vetting. I was so sad - still am.
We arrived in San Rafael in desperate search of food as our empty-stomach fluids were boring holes in our tummies. We spied the Broken Drum!
Went inside, sat down, got our menus ... 22 seconds later I was out of my chair, seeking out our waitress so we could place our order.
She understood our plight and was extremely responsive to our needs. She got us our waters PRONTO! Our appetizers PRONTO! Our dinners? PRONTO!!!!! And, the owner and manager swung by our table to say 'hi' and tell me there would 'be another horse' soon.
That was so thoughtful.
Contrary to the opinion of the other Yelpers, the food is a notch better than standard pub fare.
We ordered the Southwest Fried Calamari and the Spinach and Artichoke dip on special; they were quite good.
I had Pueblo salad, pork chops topped with Brie and apples, spinach and garlic mashed potatoes and it was MOUTH WATERING. My friend had the Jerk Chicken Pesto Pita with garlic fries and said it rocked.
Thanks to the great people, the menu and the atmosphere of the Broken Drum I was relaxed and calmed by the time we left; the horse saga a much mellower heart ache.
I only give four stars because I think a 5 star needs to be of a higher level atmosphere, like La Folie, or some place like that. In any event, Broken Drum is a place that makes you feel good when you're there. -
Review from Danielle S.
San Francisco, CA
1/27/2009
I can't complain about my life when it consists of a good beer picked by my friend and rockstar bartender Marc and nachos slathered with gooey cheese with extra black beans. I mean what could be better in life. I sit at the bar (unless it's trivia night, which I can't deal with, sorry guys) and chat about crazy ass stories with the crew. Remember that one time where that lady thought the FBI was coming after her? Hmmmmmmm......maybe she had one too many beers that night, but hey, so had I, so I shouldn't be judging, but I am. One of my new years resolutions was not to hate so much, but I'm just REALLY good at it...........
The heated outside area is great. I can multi-task as only true addicts do: smoking and eating, while drinking. I can even have my dog out there with me and everyone knows Fillit Mignon is always up for a good scene in San Rafael.
Pool tables are across from the bar, but for some reason I've never really stopped and motivated myself enough to leave the bar and go play. I figured I was doing myself, and others, a favor. You see, I'm not that great at pool. But I do get better when I drink, but maybe that's just a figment of my imagination.
I put my evening in the bartenders hands, drinking whatever he serves up, and usually it's pretty hardcore as he knows I can drink like a true medal of honor lush. The food is simple, but for bar food it really isn't bad. Drop by and multi-task after a long day, and I guarantee you that you'll feel better pretty soon. I just can't guarantee how well you'll be doing in the morning. -
Review from Jeff M.
San Francisco, CA
7/21/2008
Came here for lunch on Saturday. Got the Western Burger, which was definitely one of the best burgers I ever had. The service was very good and very quick.
Stars taken off for the beer. As I had to drive to Santa Rosa soon after, I only tried a 10-oz IPA. Started off okay but ended up with a weird meaty mouthfeel and ended with the sourness of a warm Corona.
I'd definitely come back and try more of the beer, and even if none of it is any better, the food is good enough to get my business.Listed in: Breweries (US-wide)
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Review from Liz K.
7/20/2009
Checked out the trivia night here with good friends... fun times with the trivia... but not fun times with the food!
Greasy and run-of-the-mill. Gave me a tummy-ache later. Bleck.
For my future trivia needs I'll stick with the Mayflower. -
Review from Fräulein J.
San Leandro, CA
7/13/2009
Sat on the patio for the Twilight bike races - fish tacos were perfect and exactly what we were looking for.
The beer was 'good' but not fantastic. I only had the pale ale and my friends drank the pilsner. Refreshing, but we weren't picky. The calamari was perfectly cooked.
What can I say, we wanted cold beer on a hot day, a light late lunch and it was just what we asked for. -
Review from Shannon F.
San Francisco, CA
3/11/2008
Four stars for beer. Two stars for food.
The first (and last) time I at at Broken Drum, I was frantically trying to find a place to live anywhere in the San Francisco Bay Area. I found them, hijacked some free wifi, and figured, what the hey, I'm hungry. Food me! Well, that didn't go as planned. You see, everything was tasting excellent, fresh, well seasoned. Even the first couple of bites of chicken were some of the best I'd had in a restaurant -- moist, tender, flavorful. Then, I cut a little further into my chicken to discover that it was for the most part, still raw! Well, that ended my desire to eat food at Broken Drum. Something about being served raw meat (at a time when the place wasn't even busy, though that's no excuse) really turns me off to food service in general.
A few months later, I'm waiting for some food from down the street and decide to drop in for happy hour. I sampled a couple of beers and genuinely loved them both. The Oatmeal Stout stands out in my mind particularly. Good luck with the food, but I know you'll enjoy the beer! -
Review from Emily l.
Novato, CA
6/17/2007
Go here for the beer and live music on Friday and Sat nights.
Try the Whamber beer. Get a Growler and go home to eat.
The food is not so hot here, basic pub grub but it lacks in the flavor department. The last time I ate here I was full and unsatisfied. Which could have had something to do with the man who peed all over the bathroom walls and floor, but I digress.
The garlic fries are great, crispy and fresh along with the fish and some vinegar you will be happy. The other foods on the menu are lacking.
So I guess only order the Fish and Chips. Also avoid the bathrooms if the drunk fool in a silver shirt is there (you will know who he is) -
Review from Meg B.
San Quentin, CA
5/16/2010
I have been repeatedly disapointed in Broken Drum. I keep going there thinking it has GOT to get better or it will go out of business, but no.
The food was okay, nothing great, but the service is what really got my goat.
The waitresses act like they are bored and resentful that you've interrupted their socializing with their friends. You have to beg them to allow you to pay for your meal as you will be interrupting their flirting with the crowd of equally young and self absorbed patrons, all of whom know each other.
I have gone there alone and with friends and was ignored every time. -
Review from Paul M.
San Anselmo, CA
Updated - 7/8/2010
Enjoyed the Spain over Germany semis here yesterday. Go Spain!
The warm spinach salad with prawns was OK but I liked the warm goat cheese mixed salad better. Beers are still the best on the menu!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/15/2008
I''ve had the Drum burgers before and they do a good burger. I don't drink but I hear the home… Read more »
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