Michael "I have no nickname" M.'s Profile

I've had Sightglass Coffee, and I've had better.  To me, it was like Ritual, laced with vinegar.

Until I tried a latte from Drip.  It was one of the better latte's I've ever had.  Rich and strong at the same time.  The service is very friendly, not too crowded.  The surroundings have an industrial feel, but still comfortable.

I'm usually around Irving most days, but not usually this far in.  I might have to make it a regular stop when the cravings for coffee are calling.

Good location downtown, but the hordes of homeless don't merit even two stars.   I spent a bit of time here before an interview and there were more homeless than not.  What I liked about this place is the option to have your coffee brewed in a Clover.

Other than that, it's your ordinary Starbucks.

I have to admire anyone for going out and starting a business and putting up with adversity.  I went around the Holiday season and her truck was adorned with twinkling lights.  The chill in the air made it a perfect night to grab some cookies and coffee.

I've been here a few times and been very happy with everything I've tried.  The favorite is the Molasses Cookie.  Others are available and switch from time to time.  Gluten free as well.  Each cookie is hot and seem fresh out of the oven.  Her coffee is better than what I can get nearby and is made fresh by the cup.

I don't get out here often, but might have to make more of an effort.

I've never been to Chicago ... or New York for that matter.  But I have been to places like Odessa, KS, and Paducah, KY.  That doesn't mean much, but I have no idea what a true Chicago Deep Dish pizza should be.  I was skeptical since my favorite "Chicago Style" so far is Little Star.

There are four kinds of pizza available.  One is the Chicago Stuffed, and another is the Pan Pizza.  I've tried both of these at this location.  The regular and extra thin I tried at another location.  We tried the Spinach Pesto Deep Dish, and it was very good.  I liked the cornmeal crust, and the option for a low fat mozzerella.  The sauce on top was good but I always need to add a bit of heat with red pepper.  The Chicago Stuffed Special was a disappointment, as I was looking for the cornmeal crust.  This crust was more like Bisquick   I won't order this style again.

What I really liked at this location was the Bruschetta.  I liked the small amount of salt crystals on it, as it brought through the flavors of the tomato and basil.

The regular and extra thin I've tried at another location, but given the choice, I would choose the extra thin.  The regular had too much crust for me.  We tried the Spinach Pesto for some contrast to the Pan Pizza, but liked the Pan style better.  We also tried the Californian Extra Thin to mix it up.  I like the toppings to be the forefront, and the thin fit the bill.  It would be a toss up to choose between the Pan Pizza and the Extra Thin, and would depend on my mood and how hungry I am.  Maybe next, I will try the extra thin with pesto, garlic, onion, tomato, and add feta cheese.

Service was good, as was the wine.  I'm not in Noe Valley often, but will make my way here from time to time.

A good cocktail never goes out of style.  I've graduated from the fruit juice laced drinks and enjoy the more potent drink such as an Old Fashioned, Sidecar or a Manhattan.  This dive bar makes all of them very well.  I don't know much about whiskey but I know I like the drinks.  The menu changes with the seasons, but I don't think I'll stray from these three.  It's been a great place to meet before dinner, or for a nightcap.  

I didn't see any Happy Hour specials, or any food, but people have mentioned the 4505 Chicharron, but I will pass on those.  There are a lot of places to eat around here.  Can't tell much about the crowd, as I've only been in on off nights when it was quiet.

If this is hipster coffee, I'd rather be a normie.  I'll stick to Philz when in the area.

$9 for a skewer of pork and a pile of "garlic" noodles.  

I've been wanting to try this truck, since I haven't been able to try Thanh Long.  I was disappointed.  Both the pork and noodles were salty ... very salty.  The garlic noodles seemed to be missing the main ingredient.  

I'm not sure how good the noodles are at Crustacean or Thanh Long, but if I want garlic noodles, I'll make them at home for a fraction of the cost.  AND with lots of garlic!

I used to buy most of my CD's from Virgin Megastore, but we all know that's long gone.  I don't like buying music from iTunes.  I like to have an actual tangible copy of my music.  It makes it easier to read liner notes, etc.  I go here sometimes when I find out there's a new CD of a band I like.  The problem is the new and used CD's are all mixed together.  I don't find many copies of used CD's I don't already have.  Other than that, it's just an average place to get music.  Elevator service is nice, and you can smell Blondie's Pizza cooking, which isn't near as good as it was 20 years ago.  But that's another review in itself.

I've been here a few times, but haven't been able to stray from The Bachelor.  Steak, greens, warm potato, caramelized onions, blue cheese, tomato and a nice vinaigrette dressing.  A complete meal right there.   I don't think I've ever been able to finish one whole salad.  

You are able to customize a salad any way you like.  They serve a lot of the downtown lunch crowd, most people take their meal to-go.  There's not much of an atmosphere and it can get chilly at the outside tables.   At least you don't have to worry about your meal getting cold.

I just wish I was in the area more, but it can get expensive to eat here every day.  Some salads run to $12.  One of these days, I just might try the Cobb.

This spot has been vacant for some time, so I barely noticed a new wine bar / pizza place popped up, I was anxious to try it.  The atmosphere is nice, with a few tables, a bar, and stools against the side wall.  There's a few tables in the back.  

Several pizzas, sandwiches are available as well as a nice looking cheese plate.  A party next to me ordered it, and it does look very good.  The pizzas seem to be baked in an electronic pizza oven; something you might find in a 7-11.  That didn't matter.  I ordered the Salsiccia Pizza with sausage, onions, peppers and mushroom.  It was the best pizza I've had in my neighborhood so far.  It was sliced in an unusual way, with a perfect square right in the center; no crust to ruin it.  If I go here with somebody, there will be a fight for that square.

As for wine, everything is available at least by the glass.  I've been wanting to try a wine called Cesari Amarone.  The odd, black frosted bottle always intrigued me but I've never seen it by the glass.  It went well with the pizza.  They also have wine flights, but will do that next time.

I was sorry to see Socha Cafe close.  I liked the live music and good coffee.  I am glad something equally as good replaced it.  I plan on going back for more.  The only negative is it gets loud, and it wasn't very busy on a misty night.

I was offered half a bottle of white wine, by the party next to me who couldn't finish it.   I thanked them but resisted my Irish tendencies and declined.  I just had some red wine, and if I topped it off with white, I'd regret it.  From experience!