Laurels Restaurant
(415) 934-1575
205 Oak St
San Francisco,
CA
94102
37.7749
-122.4228
Neighborhoods: Central North, Hayes Valley
What People Are Saying About Laurels Restaurant
The Editor
Patrick Heig
Citysearch
Walk in to Laurel's and you'll be hit with Cuba all at once: heat from the kitchen, the smells of spices, plantains and roasting meat, salsa music blasting (seriously, blasting) on the stereo--and diners/waitstaff dancing to it. A mural of Cuba, a pre-Fidel vintage wooden stereo and copious tropical plant life set the stage--you are now in Havana--for pitchers of sangria or mojitos, and a plate of oxtail, calamari, or Ropa Vieja. The prices are high for the level of food and service (you almost feel like you're subsidizing the meal of the omnipresent salsa-ing group in the corner who seem to be related to the staff; Fidel would be proud), but included in that price is a ticket to another world: hot, loud, spicy, vibrant, Cuba.
User Reviews
always_grubbin
November 27, 2007
strongest mojito of my life...that's what i get for messing with the waiter and telling him that I wanted a GOOOOD one...whew, kicked my as$. my buddies and i had a great experience here. we are a fun crowd so the relaxed atmosphere fit us. i was taken aback by how small it was and the wierd green light they were using, but it's a homey atmosphere. i think abuelitas in the back, cookin the food, ya know what i mean?? anyhoo, i think it's a great cuban restaurant and if you're in the mood, this is a great place to go.
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jwest282
May 11, 2007
I can not put into words how much I love this restaurant. The food is delicious! I've had many items on the menu and eveyone has been good. You are given large portions so count on leftovers. The Sangria is the best I've ever had! The owner/server is wonderful, he's so nice and attentive. I have no complaints!
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ophelia242
July 21, 2006
My (now-ex)boyfriend took me here for my birthday last year. The waitstaff was terrific, serving us quickly. There was no rush for us to leave. When The Ex left to pick up the car and subsequently disappeared for two hours, the waitstaff allowed me to sit and brought the end of the evening's sangria to pass the time. The paella was terrific, and I have unsuccessfully tried to recreate it. Bottom line: excellent food, and even better service!
read full reviewThe Details on Laurels Restaurant
What to Drink:
They do sangria and mojitos right, and if you're lucky the owner will share some of his contraband Havana Club rum with you.
The Extras:
Given the raucous, anything-goes atmosphere is that this would make a great place for a birthday party--drunken dancing and yelling is totally acceptable here.
