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Magnolia Pub & Brewery

3.5 star rating
based on 676 reviews

Categories: Pubs, Breweries, Breakfast & Brunch

Neighborhood: Haight-Ashbury
1398 Haight St
(between Central Ave & Masonic Ave)
San Francisco, CA 94117
(415) 864-7468
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Hours:

Mon-Thu. 12:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m.

Fri. 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m.

Sat. 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 a.m.

Sun. 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.

Good for Groups:
No
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Street
Attire:
Casual
Price Range:
$$
Good for Kids:
No
Takes Reservations:
No
Delivery:
No
Take-out:
Yes
Waiter Service:
Yes
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes
Outdoor Seating:
No
Good for:
Dinner
Music:
Juke Box
Best Nights:
Tue, Thu, Sun
Happy Hour:
Yes
Alcohol:
Beer & Wine Only
Smoking:
No
Coat Check:
No

676 reviews for Magnolia Pub & Brewery

Review Highlights   

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"Apparently, right now it is "Strong Beer Month" in San Francisco." (in 27 reviews)
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"Proving Ground IPA - 5 stars (I'd give it 6 if I could." (in 16 reviews)
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"If you like cask ales (which I don't) they've got those too." (in 39 reviews)
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One of the Business' Favorite Reviews What's This?

Photo of Sally M.

Elite '09

88

218

Sally M.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
11/23/2009

We originally trekked to the Haight for hookah and for a night full of mischief, when we happened upon Magnolia. I'd been curious about it, given I'd passed by its packed interior a couple times recently. Unsure about which brew to try, I mentioned my love of Duvel, and our server suggested I try the Tweezer Tripel. OMFG. It was heaven, HEAVEN. Tastiest beer I've had in a while. Yum yum beer-gasmic.

Then we indulged our temptations with the "Devils on Horseback": goat-cheese stuffed dates, wrapped in bacon - does it get any better? Bliss.

The decor was beautifully minimalist. Our servers were warm, friendly and approachable. The vibe was cool. I was pleased.

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Photo of Jay M.

 

3

53

Jay M.

Frankfort, KY

4 star rating
12/5/2009

I stopped in a little bit after lunch for a cold pint. Their hoppy beers don't disappoint. The Proving Ground IPA was out of the park.

Bartender was really attentive, and let me sample as many as I wanted. I really wish they'd had some cask ales while I was there.

I'd come back if I was in the area, and try some food next time.

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Photo of Ashley C.

 

53

6

Ashley C.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
12/2/2009

This is a great place to grab a tasty brew and enjoy pub-style food with an extra ingredient of love.  The food is not your typical bar & grill fair in the fact that the menu offers some extra goodies that you will be pleasantly surprised by.  This place is definitely for the foodie who is looking for a quick (and delicious) bite.

I had the lamb sausage and lentils and oh man.....that was a good choice. The lentils were so sweet and the sausage was perfectly cooked with a tiny hint of spice. It's a great meal for a windy SF night.

Beer selection is vast, with about a dozen different kinds brewed on site. My favorites would have to be the Big Cypress Brown and Cole Porter.

And pretty cheap? YES, and we all know I am all about that!

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Photo of Mike J.

 

20

174

Mike J.

New York, NY

5 star rating
12/4/2009

Yeah yeah yeah, the food is is organic'ish and tasty but that's not what I come here for.  I come here for the BEER!!!

Amazingly delicious freshly brewed beer - usually about 10 choices when you combine in the cask selections.

Go either during happy hour and ALL DAY on Tuesday for $3 imperial pints!

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0

3

Hanna P.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
12/4/2009

Breakfast here is the best! I love it when my dates bring me here!
I always try to get a breakfast with eggs and bacon and a big coffee before I dump my one night stand.

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0

49

christian C.

Philadelphia, PA

3 star rating
12/6/2009

This place has been spruced up since my last visit, which is a welcome improvement as it was dirty and worn before.  The bathroom area, while somewhat cleaned up, was still kinda nasty.  And, I don't get the bowl with the dish towels on the table either.  

The IPA was mellow, and not at all like a traditional IPA, more of a mellow pale ale.  The porter was very good, almost as good as Bell's, which I think is the good standard for porter.

The two butternut squash fritters with garlic aioli drew mixed reactions.  The sausage in the sausage sandwich was excellent.  They said they made it there themselves and it changes frequently.  I hope they will reconsider that, and keep this one on the menu.  mmmmm.

The service was was erratic, at best.

I surprised by all the kids (was there between 4:30 - 5:30), although I did enjoy watching the mom give her baby beer, which she seemed to enjoy.

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4

20

Nan R.

San Francisco, CA

3 star rating
11/29/2009

A great place to go on a cold winter night. Parking is hard..there is actually a check cashing place across the street..(in the Haight,mind you..I digress.) Loved the warm wood decor,friendly staff...sort of a Euro feel to the place.There is this cool old long sink you wash your hands with at the bathroom,with white washcloths to dry your hands.That was very cool.
Beers were wonderful,ordered scotch eggs as an appetizer and they were the bomb. My main meal was sort of a plough mans's lunch-greens,sausage and fries. Sausage was a "hot" sausage but it wasn't-just the sauce on it was.Main meal didn't work for me,and I think 14$ is steep. The menus are really hard to read-cute,but too light of print.Any place that plays the Stones "Can't you hear me knocking" and serves divine beer is worth a try.

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Photo of ruggy j.

Elite '09

4998

704

ruggy j.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
11/15/2009

With so many different bars and restaurants in the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood, it seems to me that there are only really a handful that I'd ever consider droppin' loot on. Maybe I've had bad luck, but it seems like an overwhelming majority of these joints are trying to make a quick tourist buck. Instead of listing every restaurant that I currently approve of in the area, I'll just let you know that I think Magnolia is doing things right.

Owned by the same crew that runs the Alembic, they've been able to capture a similar neighborhood following as their brethren about three blocks to the west. Albeit completely different styles, they've obviously got their hands on the secret sauce for captivating a community.

Magnolia is a great neighborhood pub serving up comfort food and good beer. Some of those hoppy creations are brewed on-site, while others derive from a variety of different Bay Area microbreweries. On the food tip, the do most of the bar bites you'd come to expect, and they do a pretty great brunch. Nothing is bottomless, but they do have chicken and waffles! The best part about their chicken is that it's boneless. You can almost pick up your waffles to create a fried chicken sandwich without having to compete with those pesky bones.

They have a pretty cool patio area outside also, so on a nice day like the ones we've experienced recently during our late summer, it's a beautiful way to spend a lazy Sunday.

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0

6

Alex E.

Oakland, CA

4 star rating
12/5/2009

Magnolia offers a great dining and drinking experience. High ceilings and enormous windows, lovely lighting, artistic menu design, and elegant bathrooms with common washroom basin and a bin of cloth towels outside. Food was very good (we tried a beet salad (w/frisee, pistacios, goat cheese), pork nuggets, and the burger) as was the cask conditioned IPA they had at $6/20oz. Though I'd stop short of calling this a bargain, the value for the ensemble was very nice. We showed up a Friday night at 7:30 and didn't have a wait, though the place was pleasantly full.

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4

Daley T.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
10/27/2009

Yelp cherry? Popped.

This is my first review, so I figured I'd start with the first place I ever went to in SF. Magnolia Pub & Brewery (referred to as Magnolia from here on out) always has solid brews and good eats, but there's two things especially that the world should know about.

1) Three Dollar Tuesdays (formerly Two Dollars Tuesdays). Get a pint of delicious brew for $3? I'm in. Try the Cole Porter, it's the best porter in the city. Better than Anchor.

2) Fried chicken. Once a week this place has fried chicken. Usually on Thursdays. Ask ahead. What makes it better than other places? They de-bone/de-joint the chicken quarters (leaving on the delectable skin) before frying. It's fried chicken quarters that you can easily cut through with a knife, or pick up and tear through with your hands if you're feeling like a caveman. Served on a bed of any number of beans (usually black eyed peas, but they use whatever they got) and with some cohnbread. MmmMMmMmmMmmMMmMmm.

The only downside is that since this was my first SF restaurant (years before I moved to the city), everywhere else I go is a step down. Five big. Bright. Stars.

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1

8

Q J.

Beverly Hills, CA

3 star rating
12/1/2009

The beer is amazing especially when you get the cheese they suggest you pair it with.  However what is not amazing is when the waitress makes a comment like "wow, you really did a number on that cheese". Sorry I'm not sorry it was delicious and I was unaware of that you're not supposed to finish your meal.

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2

42

Jay D.

Baton Rouge, LA

4 star rating
11/12/2009

This review is a excerpt from my full blog post with pictures on http://www.biteandbooz....  You can follow Bite and Booze on Twitter @biteandbooze.  

On the way out of the tasting pavilion I happened upon another brewery that was giving out samples.  Magnolia Gastropub and Brewery had a little section set aside to let people try some of their small batch brews.  My first thought was what is a San Francisco brewery doing calling itself "Magnolia".  It turns out that the brewery has some New Orleans ties in its ownership and brewing lineage and the name, as well as their food, is a tribute to that!  I tried the Prescription Pale and the Gris-Gris.  Both were fantastic brews that I would love to go back and drink more of.

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Photo of Greta M.

 

0

2

Greta M.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
11/29/2009

Gastropubs are always high on my list of favorites. Magnolia has good vibes. I've never had a bad brew at this pub and the pecan pie is out of this world!!!! Definitely not a disappointing stop if you're in the neighborhood

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Photo of Carly P.

 

12

16

Carly P.

San Francisco, CA

3 star rating
10/19/2009

I've been here twice now and have two different experiences.  The first time I was totally impressed and had delish food and apps but after having gone recently, I am a little disappointed.  I got the hamburger because as I had remembered from the first time, it was one of the best but now, the burger was dry and small (the bun devoured it).  It was a really busy Saturday night and I know the cooks were slammed but if they're gong to charge the same price for the burger then it should be the same quality too.  

I do have to say that the apps are very good and the devil's on horseback app is awesome!  The beer is good as expected at a microbrewery but not the best microbrews I've ever had.

This is super busy on Friday and Saturday nights so be prepared to wait and don't bring too many friends because then you won't be seated forever!

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Photo of Deann M.

Elite '09

78

204

Deann M.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
Updated - 10/2/2009

Our corner go to spot for some card-playing, beer drinking or a simple yet satisfying dinner date.

Good, home brewed beers.

4 star food at sort-pricey prices. Love the fried chicken special.

Cool, casual, comfy vibe.

Feels "SF" without too many skinny jeans aka hipsters, Northface zipups aka Russian Hill preps or Burberry headbands aka I wish I was still in college Marina girls.

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1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 4 star rating
    1/30/2009

    Magnolia reminds me of the kid in HS who no one really noticed - and then returned from college as… Read more »

Photo of Sean K.

 

3

22

Sean K.

San Francisco, CA

2 star rating
10/26/2009

Small portions that just don't quite fit the bill -- Taking a walk down Haight this weekend in search of Halloween costumes, we decided to give Magnolia a try for brunch. Turned out not to be a meal really worth repeating.

I ordered the Home-Made Sausage Sandwich, which had good constituent elements. The sausage was tasty, the peppers and sauerkraut were flavorful... but the bun was a disaster. It had already fallen apart before it got to the table. I ended up having to eat the soggy thing with a knife and fork, which ruined the experience for me. Making matters worse, the stout I ordered was not what I considered a good stout. My beer adjectives are not what they should be to write a proper review... but in the words of Diner T "it's missing all the things I appreciate about a stout."

My fellow diners went off the brunch menu -- as the lunch menu offered only one vegetarian friendly option -- going with the donut holes and the crabcakes. The donut holes were good, but tiny. It was not a meal, and really ought not have been advertised as one. Diner T would end up ordering pizza an hour later. The crabcakes were more substantial, but a side of pancakes order at the same time didn't show up until the meal was almost over.

Between bad prep, small portions, and lackluster beer, I just can't recommend this place at this time... but I will probably give it another shot just to make sure it wasn't an off day.

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Photo of donal c.

 

0

41

donal c.

San Francisco, CA

3 star rating
10/27/2009

I haven't been here in a couple of years and (as a few reviewers have noted) the Magnolia Pub is much changed! The decor is different - there is a new, slightly (to my mind) more efficient, professional feel to the place. (Different to the former, more casual Haight St. hippie/slack quality.) Nevertheless, the service was very friendly - we wandered in late-ish on a Saturday night and the hostess was quick to notice us and get us a table (even though the place was busy and very active.)

The place is vibrant and noisy. The addition of the new "Nopa-like" communal shared table had increased the din in the place. The crazy hippy murals are gone, replaced with a stylish, slightly more subtle motif. The menu is also much changed. The Magnolia beers are still there (fortunately) -- we got a couple of excellent California Kolches -- served in a slightly strange, slim test-tube like glass -- made me feel a bit self-conscious - everyone else had these hardy stouts and ales in big pint glasses! As as been noted, the menu has moved to be much more Southern-oriented. There are still some staples -- we got some very tasty fish & chips. However, the excellent Magnolia chili is no longer on the menu. I substituted with a chorizo sausage with black-eyed peas & fries -- very acceptable!    

We stayed a while, got some more kolches & had a rather odd baked alaska dessert (nothing like you'd imagine.) All-in-all, a quite enjoyable evening in an old haunt that has become new again.

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Photo of Ryan N.

 

4

26

Ryan N.

San Francisco, CA

1 star rating
10/6/2009

Dear God,

I have tried and tried to like this gastro-pub-thing-place.  Even before they changed I tried to like it.  I tried Lord, I tried.  But alas, soggy fish and chips, basic beer, small portions, expensive prices and a picture of Jerry Garcia watching me eat has proved to me one thing... that if there is a God he or she would have smote this place and it's clientele long ago.

I don't understand, either God doesn't exist or he punishes us mortals with places like Magnolia.

Faithfully,
Ryan

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Photo of beth m.

Elite '09

65

167

beth m.

San Francisco, CA

2 star rating
Updated - 10/7/2009

well, I guess that's it. The menu has changed so dramatically- they just can't keep my interest. It went from slightly more sophisticated to cold and impersonal. I'm over it.

I may pop in for the nettle beer around February, but I doubt I'll go besides that.

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2 Previous Reviews: Show all »

  • 4 star rating
    1/14/2009

    Back and better than ever?

    Looks like Magnolia has undergone some changes. Worth checking out,… Read more »

Photo of Amanda R.

 

4

55

Amanda R.

San Francisco, CA

3 star rating
10/12/2009

Corned beef hash is usually my go-to brunch food but I've had a really hard time finding it since moving to San Francisco. So of course, when I heard that Magnolia had a great corned beef hash I was beyond excited to try it. Unfortunately, it just didn't live up to expectations. Now I know corned beef hash isn't even remotely healthy so I shouldn't be complaining about a little fat but I had entire pieces of meat that were all fat. Yuck. You'd think with all that fat the dish would be flavorful but it just wasn't. Sigh. I hate getting your hopes up and then being dissapointed...especially when it involves corned beef hash!

I did like the vibe of the place. The mimosa was yummy (even if it was a really unnaturally bright orange color...) and the service was very attentive and friendly. I've heard that the corned beef hash is no longer on the menu so I guess I'll have to return to try something else and update!

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Photo of Jen M.

 

12

125

Jen M.

Berkeley, CA

3 star rating
10/8/2009

Here is proof that Jen the Cranky Lowbrow Slob doesn't hate everything upscale. Yes, I liked Magnolia better when it had more of a dirty hippie vibe (though, no, I don't like The Dead) but I still like it now that it's a Gastropub(tm).

Mainly, I've got to like anyplace that takes its beer this seriously. Lots of beer on cask, and they do things like bring in weird gravity kegs from Germany. That's dedication. And the beers are all tasty, tasty, tasty.

However, at $6 a pint (am I crazy, or did they used to have happy hour back in the dirty hippie days?), I'm not gonna stay long, no matter how much I like it. Not gonna pay for their food, either -- it looks tasty enough to be an exception to my "Don't eat at brewpubs unless you have to" rule, but it's way out of my price range. Maybe a few raises from now...

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Photo of Susanna B.

 

12

55

Susanna B.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
10/4/2009

This is a place that i always take visitors when they're in town to wow them with the likes of Magnolia. Homemade beer, mustard and sausages!!!
I finally got the try the bacon wrapped dates stuffed with goat cheese. oh. my. god. THE BEST!!!

Got the blonde beer and it was decent, i usually like a wheat-esk beer but they were out of it today. My friend got the homemade root beer, also very tasty.

Also switched it up and had the BLT with basil aoili, very good as well.

On a random note as well, i really like the set up of the bathroom. They just have little rooms for the actual bathroom and a big communal sink.

This place is also fun at night and they change menus and make it romantic and fancy!!

Always look forward to the next time i eat at Magnolia...

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11

15

Mark G.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
10/13/2009

It's been a while, so I don't know when they revamped the menu, but I like it.  We started with butternut squash fritters- crunchy, but a little bland without a ton of butter. I had the fish & chips, the wife had the burger.  Both were good, but I was still a little hungry after the fish & chips- for $15, the portion wasn't big enough.

To drink, Wife had the mead, I had Cole Porter.  A fantastic beer; I homebrew myself, and I love my beer- this was one of the better porters I've ever had.  If they can give you a little more value for your buck, I'd give 'em 5 stars.

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Photo of Mel S.

Elite '09

10

53

Mel S.

Chicago, IL

3 star rating
11/27/2009

After eleven years of having gone our separate ways (she to SF, me to Chicago), I had the distinct pleasure of reuniting with a dear friend outside of Amoeba records.  After the requisite hugging and screaming, we walked up and down the street looking for a place to dine and catch up.  We settled on Magnolia, and started with some drinks.  It was hopping for a weeknight and had a nice atmosphere. The wine list was pretty good, and the available IPAs were extensive and amazing.  She had the potato gnocchi, and I had the pork chop.  Though I can't comment on hers, I have to say that the meat was way overcooked and difficult to eat.  I only had a few bites.  The sides were good, however - baked potato and some green vegetable which currently escapes my memory.  I'll probably try this place again next time I'm in town, but I wasn't pleased with the meal given the price.  I think it might have been a fluke, because most of the reviews on this place are very good.  The waitstaff was also very courteous, which in my book kind of negates a so-so meal.

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Photo of Amanda R.

Elite '09

34

118

Amanda R.

Vista, CA

5 star rating
9/27/2009

If you're in the mood for good food without the snobbery. It's Magnolia's all the way. I think it's my fave Restaurant in the city (without getting all fancy).Located right at Masonic and Haight.

This spot is really good for late night eats. They say open until 1am on the weekends. They also do an amazing breakfast. The food & beer here is really really good. If they still have the Brew Sampler hit that up. It gives you 5 beers from the lighest they have to the blackest! It's hands down the best Microbrewery that I have ever been to. This place is pretty well known in the city. So there is always a full house but everyone puts off a really friendly energy.

Sometime last year Magnolia rehauled their interior and their concept. I haven't been back since this overhaul but I hear they haven't lost their edge. From what I've seen of the menu it looks like they raised the prices a tad and edited the menu so it includes more Beer friendly pairing items (charcuterie, sausages, etc.) and is heavily Southern influenced. I think they might have a new chef now because in the last 2 years the menu has become increasingly Southern versus just good New American eats before. Which isn't necessarily a bad thing just something to be aware of if you don't like cornmeal crusted okra or fried chicken sandwiches.

You can take any of the bus lines (6,7 etc.) or the N-Judah Muni to get to Magnolia's. If you are driving it is doable. You just need to find parking in on of the off streets off of Haigth. Also sign up for their e-newsletter if you live anywhere in the city. They have fun themed nights from time to time. A lot of the events focus on Southern Influences (Cajun Crawfish Fry) and Beer Pairing Meals.

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Photo of C. B.

 

2

13

C. B.

Los Angeles, CA

4 star rating
11/17/2009

We were visiting SF from LA and walked by Magnolia. It looked good, so we decided to try it. The food was really good. I had the Butternut Squash & Mushroom foccacia sandwich. It was yummy and came with a side of fries and a pickle. My boyfriend had the grilled chicken sandwich and said it was good. We will check out the beer next time we are in town.

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Photo of Will C.

 

0

9

Will C.

Arlington, VA

3 star rating
10/14/2009

Great cask conditioned porter and good ambience, with wood booths and great bar. Hamburger was okay, good bun, good quality meat, but a touch overcooked for medium rare and served with flaccid French fries. But the beer was excellent.

Definitely stop by for the beer, but don't expect too much from the burger.

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Photo of Sarah N.

 

10

7

Sarah N.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
11/29/2009

Magnolia is one of my favorite neighborhood restaurants. They have fresh and tasty gastropub fare. The fried okra with buttermilk dipping sauce stands out in my memory. I also love to order the charcuterie spread. The beers are outstanding - especially the cask ales. This is a solid, reasonably priced neighborhood spot.

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8

19

Sarah M.

San Francisco, CA

3 star rating
10/2/2009

Is it me, or did Magnolia get rewritten by Dave Eggers too? This place has had a serious "cool" makeover.  Stopped in on a Monday night and was pleasantly surprised to find a new (at least to me) dinner menu. I'm not sure why more places don't offer beef jerky as a starter, but Magnolia sure does and it went perfectly with my beer.

Also shared the watermelon salad (fresh, crisp, sweet cubes of melon + salty goat cheese and spicy greens = win!), tomato soup (just meh, tasted like a bowl of hot pasta sauce and it wasn't run through the food mill enough so every mouthful provided a whole different texture experience. weird.) and the pork nuggets. It could be that the name "nugget" conjure's up too much McD's guilty pleasure excitement, because the product we were served was fantastic at first bite but ended up a soggy, grease laden square of pressed together and fried piggy meat after it sat out for a few. I will say that I do think it's a great idea and I'd probably give the crispy cube another shot.

I don't know much about beer other than every now and then a super cold one sounds pretty delicious. The blue bell bitter I ordered perfectly quenched my once in a blue moon thirst for the stuff. And all the other beer drinkers looked pleased with their offerings, so I feel comfortable recommending Magnolia on this merit alone. If you like beer, and you haven't stopped by, go ahead and give it a shot. Chances are you'll find something on the menu that's pretty good too.

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Photo of Steven M.

 

10

14

Steven M.

San Francisco, CA

3 star rating
9/21/2009

3 Stars

To keep it simple...

Products:
Incredible Beer (Cole Porter and Proving Ground IPA how I love the)
Incredible Food (baby back ribs slide off the bone like buttah')

Services:
Bartenders - Snooty and Mean
Servers - Impatient, but with a smile (fake hustle)

Price - Overpriced (yuppy central)

Will I be back?  Of course I will, damnitt the beer is delicious.

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13

162

Sushi S.

Palo Alto, CA

2 star rating
10/30/2009

Need free beers to justify $13 burger...

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Photo of Cara Y.

Elite '09

178

249

Cara Y.

Oakland, CA

4 star rating
7/21/2009

I'm not a beer drinker, but I'm still a fan.

If you can deal with being peddled acid and psychedelic mushrooms every 10 steps, and being verbally assaulted by some of the most aggressive, feculent-smelling panhandlers in San Francisco, Magnolia will assuage your spirit with their delicious burgers and sandwiches, really fabulous salads, and some of the best french fries I've ever had.

B says their beer is pretty great too.

a bit of trivia:
The scariest cab ride I ever took in.  my.  life.  was from Union Square to the upper Haight to get to Magnolia.  Literally.  I almost cried.  And it was still worth it.

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Photo of Amit S.

Elite '09

169

190

Amit S.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
Updated - 7/23/2009

Magnolia continue to satisfies me everytime I come here.

Have gone here mostly for brunch but tried it for dinner the other day and was really satisfied with all that was served and devoured!

For brunch, I recommend:
- Magnolia Mimosa.... so good that 5 glasses just go like that
- Blue Bottle Coffee 2 Cup Press Pot... great to wake up to a foggy AM
- Buttermilk Pancakes... just M.E.L.T. in your mouth
- Shrimp and Grits... are good if you're craving some "meaty" things
- Crab Cake Benedict... they do really well too and great sauce
- Pork Belly... I ain't got the balls (very funny!), so tell me if you've had it
- Chicken and Waffles... enuf said, folks!

For dinner, I recommend:
- All the Artisan Cheeses are great for a starter and ask your server if you want to pair your cheese with beer! It actually works.
- Duck Wings are tasty to the last bite
- Pork Nuggerts are highly recommended
- Watermelon Salad is different and in a good way
- Scotch Quail Eggs are the bomb in flavor and texture
- Devils on Horseback are also a great dinner

Final notes:
- Staff are friendly, quick and uber approachable
- Great seating, though if you have a tendency to slouch, stay out of the booths
- Good energy, good crowd
- Beer selection on tap is really commendable so definitely give that a try
- Great place to watch the street crowd and the antics
- The servings are not "Denny's" size. It's small so don't expect a feast fit for a giant
- Good for small groups
- Has a good neighborhood feel with a slight edginess I love

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1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 4 star rating
    9/7/2008

    Finished my workout and my workout buddy took me there for Saturday brunch and it was different and… Read more »

Photo of Pouria Y.

Elite '09

17

153

Pouria Y.

Oakland, CA

4 star rating
9/6/2009

This'll be a strange brewpub review as I didn't have a beer here...I did eat and enjoyed it.

During happy hour this place is packed with fleece pull-over wearing, Subaru outback driving, black is my favorite color, and I aspire to be the captain of my own yacht peoples.  

The food here is great. Oysters and pickles are delicious and the service was pretty good.  I'll come back wearing a popped-collar fleece though.

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Photo of Meagan H.

 

19

75

Meagan H.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
8/6/2009

I met about 10 friends here for drinks last night after work (Wednesday night) and really enjoyed the place. They have this great community table right when you walk in (Nopa-esque) that we were able to use for our large group. The beer was good and not too heavy (had the Wheat beer). Our waitress was attentive and helpful, especially given what a pain in the butt a party of 10, each paying separately, can be. She helped us round up stools and take over empty portions of the table as they became available.

As I have mentioned in other reviews, I have an obsession with fried okra, and this place does a reeeaaaal good job. Two thumbs up. The rest of the menu was a little pricey for pub food, but better than your average choices of garlic fries and nachos.

Also loved the ambiance. I will go back.

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Photo of Missy S.

 

2

24

Missy S.

Keizer, OR

3 star rating
11/3/2009

Stop by here as we were walking through on the 4th of July... Super busy, tiny place. Really warm inside too. didn't have any food, just stopped for a beer. I had an IPA, can't remember which one. It was good, but nothing over the top that I'd go back for.

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Photo of Kylie S.

 

18

36

Kylie S.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
10/12/2009

Just had dinner and drinks at Magnolia for the first time in over 2 years and this time, I will be coming back. Read a few of the recent reviews and I can understand the disgruntled regulars and how they must feel to find that Mag has done a 180...BUT, I for one am thrilled with the changes and love the new vibe! To experience a lively atmosphere (on a Monday night), great service, and really yummy and inspired food, all in upper Haight is truly a novelty. I'm loving the change and happy to have a new lover on the street. Upgrade****

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Photo of Shannon C.

Elite '09

44

174

Shannon C.

Santa Rosa, CA

4 star rating
10/18/2009

I am very impressed with the place overall. great location and ambiance. The food is spectacular. all I have to say is devils on horseback is so good! The beers are pretty tasty as well. I want to go visit magnolia again soon.

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Photo of albion r.

Elite '09

27

257

albion r.

Oakland, CA

1 star rating
8/25/2009

Boring.
I should have known better.
I can't stand the Dead.
I can't stand upper Haight for more than a wasted laugh.

And we can get amazing beer at almost any corner store in this City.

Boo.

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Photo of Janna M.

 

12

52

Janna M.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
7/19/2009

If you had played word association with me a week ago, it would have gone like this: "You say MAGNOLIA, I say BEER!" Today it's more like "You say MAGNOLIA, I say REALLY GOOD SALAD, CHEESE AND COFFEE!"

I had been meaning to go to Magnolia for about three years, but never made it because it wasn't that high on my list.  This was compounded by the fact that at some point the big Makeover happened and I heard mixed reviews about the result.  I guess it sucks that a neighborhood landmark went from a down to earth comfort food joint to something more trendy, but hey - at least it's still there.  It's not like it's an Olive Garden now or something.  

On to the food. First: beer. Yes, beer is still front and center. I'm not really a beer junkie, but I do enjoy it and even go out of my way to procure said beverage once in a while.  I had the Blue Bell Bitter, and I have nothing to say except that I liked it.  I wish I could analyze it on a more subtle level, but like I said, I'm not that beer-informed.  It's better to be vague than to be a poser.

Next up: salad.  Watermelon salad! To die for, really.  I'll confess that I'm the kind of person who eats salad out of a martyred sense of obligation. This, though, was so good I may have even consumed half of the plate my friend and I shared. Watermelon, goat cheese, some sort of tasty vinaigrette with a flavor we couldn't pin down.  And mint!  Perfect.

Then: cheese. Mmmmm, cheese.  We were quite happy with our selections: the Stilton, Mt. Tam, and Old Kentucky Tomme. The Stilton was, well, Stilton - deliciously stinky cheese. The Mt. Tam was lovely and buttery, and the Old Kentucky Tomme is a nice, mild goat cheese.  

Post-food, we contemplated a caffeine boost and were delighted to find that they serve Blue Bottle coffee from a french press.  A great end to an excellent meal.

It may have taken me three years to walk in the door, but I can guarantee it won't be long before I return. Nicely done, Magnolia.

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