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Universal Cafe (American cuisine)  $$$$

 9
JaT Rating

2814 19th St, San Francisco, 94110  (Directions)


415.821.4608


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Neighborhood gem, unpretentious atmosphere and delicate style for food


Reviewer: Jason
Total Reviews: 992
Reviewed: 11/12/2005
Rating: 9
My photo gallery 		We stopped at Universal Cafe before the concert at Bottom of the Hill. I found out about this place through a friends recommendation. I was told it was modern american cuisine without the attitude and price.

This place is pretty small and located in a neighborhood away from the busy restaurant district off Mission or Valencia. Parking is a plus as we immediately found parking along Bryant. Our reservations were for 8:30 and the place was hopping. Restaurant noise is a bit loud and table situations might be cramp for some people. If you're dining alone, no worries, they have some stools at the counter. I like the atmosphere and wine drinkers might especially enjoy the wine and cheese selection.

With ambient lighting, I had to make use of the candles on the table to illuminate the food.

Pic #5 - french bread with a rosemary oil. good bread, served at room temperature, oil was decent.

Pic #6 - frites with herbs and aioli, this appetizer is dangerous. Dont eat too much of these excellent tasting fries or you wont have room for the main course. Warning, the serving is uber-sized and can be shared for the entire table and your neighbors. With garlic mayo and fresh cut fries, I will endorse this as an evil combo of the week.

Pic #7 - pork tenderlion, I was able to try a bite or two from this and from what I had, it melted in my mouth. Cooked very rare but portion size might be too small for the large eaters. I would recommend this dish for the light eaters.

Pic #8 - roasted hoffman farm chicken, carmelized onions. I havent a clue how they get their chicken to taste like it does. Its like all the herbs and spices just soaked into the chicken meat. A definte re-order.

Pic #9 - bittersweet chocolate torte, creme caramel gelato, caramel sauce. I should have never ordered this, I was already full at the end of the meal but couldnt leave without trying their desserts. If you think the picture looks good, its tastes much better. Think of a highend airy brownie with cocoa dust, ice cream and caramel sauce. DAMMM GOOD.

Pic #10 - Ive never had cheese for dessert until tonight. I dont know much about cheese as I stick to the common ones. Im useless when it comes to describing the cheeses I had tonight. It was one of the strongest cheeses Ive ever had, it was like I had swashed alcohol in my mouth and the flavor evaporated. Interesting experience, I need to experiement a bit more.

Service was great, food was excellent, prices were reasonable, atmosphere was attractive, parking was easy, Universal Cafe was on target tonight. I only have positive thoughts when I think of Univeral Cafe. I hear their brunch is something to try but get there early to beat the rush. Its a breeze for me to say, Unversal Cafe is an excellent place to dine at and have no qualms about.
 
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