Hunter B.'s Profile

I've been here a few times now, and I'll be a regular for the foreseeable future with Chanell. Every experience has been a positive one. She does an excellent job, cuts my 'do just the way I've requested, plus the price is right and the salon itself is comfortable and inviting.

As a guy, there's not much more that I look for when I need a cut, so I'm all set here. I'd gladly recommend Chanell and this place to anyone.

The Belgian Cafe used to be my favorite Fairmount bar. Even had such a good dinner there one New Year's Eve that we went back to close the place. Other visits over the years, usually eating at the bar, were always four-star-worthy.

Last couple times, not so much. The beer selection is still exceptional. But the Bruegel burger I had a few weeks ago was nothing special and the frites came out scarred and charred. I send back a food item maybe once every two years, and I never thought I'd send back fries, until these  inedible dregs hit the table.

Our server was busy doing something somewhere else not related to serving, since it wasn't that crowded. From seating to leaving was about an hour and 45 minutes. Fortunately, the opening bands at North Star weren't very good, so we didn't miss much. But I can't stand watching the tables around you get pretty good service, while you're stuck with the weakest link. A burger and a beer should not take close to two hours.

On another recent stop-off for a beer in the bar, there was a little bit of bartender 'tude. Nothing outlandish, not a deal-breaker, but no real reason for it either. So now we're down to two stars, with the food and service being the primary suspects. Damn shame.

The overwhelming praise for Union Transfer is well deserved. This is an amazing addition to the local live music scene, perfect for its niche, and an instant favorite.

Spacious interior with excellent sound and aesthetics. Good sightlines from almost any vantage point, especially in the wide balcony areas where the sound is just as good. Very reasonable bar prices and even more reasonable ticket prices, usually $15-18 with no Ticketmaster gouging, plus a fine email newsletter to keep fans in the know (the R5 emails also help).

The recent We Were Promised Jetpacks show was my first (overdue) taste of UT, but definitely not the last.

Is it fair to review a place based on Hurricane Irene night? Probably made little difference, except that Devil's Alley was a lot less crowded than it would have been on a normal Saturday night.

Upstairs bar area is nice. Sadly, they were out of ginger beer so the Dark and Stormy was not an option. No worries, because they actually do a nice mojito. At least the first one ... the second ones went back because they were too sweet (bartender switch), but that was corrected. They've got a solid beer selection, too.  

The fare was pretty good. Sam's BBQ ribs were better than the dry rub, the mac n cheese was a highlight, and cornbread muffins weren't bad. I wouldn't rush back here for the ribs; they just seemed to fit the bill.

Service was fine overall, and our server was friendly and helpful. The owner also owns Sam's Grill in Wynnewood (which explained why the ribs tasted familiar) and Smokin' Bettys in town.

Not quite a four, but a strong three. I'll try it again, maybe go with a beer and burger next time. And no hurricane.

If you like street art and graffiti, bring your camera and plenty of memory card space. Watch your step. Deal with the odor. Leave happy with 30-50 photos of great pieces. Upload the good pics for others to enjoy.

For review #1821, I wanted to do something special, like cut to the chase: Go, get in line, order the best burrito in the city, get the salsa verde, eat, lapse into food coma, slouch away, thank heaven that El Farolito is still going strong and plot your next visit. That's all you need to know. Except that it's still cash only. So bring cash. And jukebox money.

I love a good dive. Haunted many in SF years ago (RIP Odeon, long live The Attic). But a watery coke & jack for $8 is a travesty. One and done here, never to return. Skip this dump and visit Lush Lounge if you're into, like, real drinks. FAIL.

1AM is my favorite gallery in SF. Despite its modest size, the artwork and opening parties don't disappoint if you're a fan of street art and graffiti -- and emerging artists who are influenced by those genres.

On my first visit a couple years ago, the group exhibit opening festivities included 5-7 truly talented artists, a charity fundraiser and toy design for attendees. During my most recent visit, I missed the party but was glad to catch new works by John Felix Arnold III, Justin Tolentino and Casey Cripe that I wish I were able to acquire.

Add in the books, shirts, graff supplies and related swag, and the friendly staff (they'll even listen to oldheads wax about graff back in the 80s-90s), and 1AM has entrenched itself as a must-visit stop whenever I'm back in the Bay Area. Highly recommended.

Sya gave me the best massage I've had in a long time. Her unique mix of modalities, combined with her very tangible positive energy and friendly demeanor, created a perfect experience.

With only a few hours to spare before a red eye flight, I found Urban Oasis on my Yelp app while in the Mission. Sya picked up the call right away and thank goodness, she had an opening that I quickly snapped up. Sadly, the session was only for 60 minutes, because I definitely didn't want her to stop, but the rest of her Saturday afternoon was booked -- rightfully so.

Sya had tea and water waiting on my arrival and we had a short yet engaging conversation afterward. I never felt rushed. And that the hour flew by so fast was a testament to her skills. I was also happy to see she accepted credit cards, as I hadn't hit the ATM first.

I'm a big bodywork fan and have had many massages over the years. It's not too difficult to find good technique in reputable places. However, it is very rare to find the perfect mix of technique, energy and a personality as welcoming as Sya's -- plus she offers Yelp check-in deals! If you're in the Mission area, looking for massage, you can't go wrong with Urban Oasis.

You'll find so many options here -- walking, running, hiking, photography, biking, history, etc. -- that every visit can be a totally different experience, especially throughout the changing seasons.

After coming to Valley Forge for years, I still find new things to do, from black and white photography in the woods in the winter, to jogging the Joseph Plumb Martin trail and a light hike up to the observatory on Mt. Joy in spring, to picking up new history tidbits from the very knowledgeable national park staffers working at the George Washington house.

Best bets? For history buffs, the cabins, cannons, landmarks and statues are all close to the main roads and easy to spot. For running, walking or biking, the paved trails that run alongside and weave through those same roads, make a fine choice. Parking in the lot by the Von Stueben statue is a fine starting point for a 6-mile loop on the Plumb Martin trail.

For moderate hiking, the Mt. Joy and Mt. Misery trails aren't too long or challenging, so they're good for families, and the stone ruins on the Mt. Misery trail along the creek that feeds Valley Creek are a cool pitstop. There are parking areas at the foot of each, by the trailheads, both near the covered bridge.

And before or after a visit, there are countless options nearby for refueling: Kabab Cafe, Five Guys, Mesa Grill in Gateway Center; Iron Hill Brewery in Phoenixville; and plenty of spots in King of Prussia.