gene "yes that's really my middle initial" x.'s Profile

Warning: this is pretty much a burger-only review as Serpentine was voted #7 in 7x7 Magazine's Best Burger Roundup and of course we're going down the list and doing our own reviews.

Now I'll say that the meat here is fantastic, the bun is well made and the garnishes are all solid, but it ended up feeling like this was the kind of burger that if you went out and got all the best ingredients and knew a little about cooking, you could come up with this.  I don't know much else about Serpentine and many restaurants offer burgers as the 'easy-out' option for those who are not so adventurous.  Well, this burger is solid, and definitely a tasty option, but I just didn't get any of that wow factor from it.

I'd give Serpentine an overall four star rating but since I'm basing this solely on the burger I'm going to stick with a three star "A-OK" rating.  I think Pearl's does a great job and could hold it's own to Serpentine's burgers so if you like Pearls (and I love them) then you will know what to expect.

However, for a more fine dining type establishment and being in 7x7 Magazine's top ten, it left me wanting more.

The space is pretty nice and modern, the service was ok too, and the calamari appetizer we ordered was pretty good - as were the cocktails.

Just went here for the first time since the dot com era (the original one!) and it's really good in this incarnation.  I can't remember if it was a different business name back when Organic was across the street and Dave Eggers was writing about South Park for "A Heartbreaking work..."  Anyhow, I had the spicy pork kimchee burrito and it was delish!   Service was very friendly and I guess I got there at the right time b/c by the time I left there was a huge line outside.  Can't wait to try their breakfast burrito!

So I've been to Gestalt and seen it evolve over time.  I was a bit sad when the bike racks were removed, but thanks to the San Francisco Bike Coalition, there's a good amount of bike parking in the city.  Anyhow, I never really ate here until I got a Scoutmob for them and tried the 16th Street sandwich.  It was really good - toasted up just right, and the bacon is great and crunchy.  The bun is also tops.  I think I recall seeing that it's fresh baked each day on the sign out front.  

Plus they have lots of pretty good beers on tap and you can even get them in liters.  I think I'll try more sammies now and then post another review but definitely enjoy Gestalt - and they have free WiFi!