B Star Bar
San Francisco, CA 94118
Phone: (415) 933-9900
- Price:
- $$
- Cross Street:
- Third Avenue
- Hours:
- Tue-Thu 11am-3:30pm, 5pm-9:30pm, Fri-Sat 11am-3:30pm, 5pm-10pm, Sun 11am-3:30pm, 5pm-9:30pm
Editorial Review for B Star Bar – by Michael Peck
The Rundown
Those expecting a mere overflow spot for the always-packed Burma Superstar (a short distance up Clement) will be pleasantly surprised to find that this next-generation spot distinguishes itself with a separate, and equally tasty, menu of food and cocktails, a brighter atmosphere and a back patio. But they'll be dismayed to discover the large fan base who have already figured that out--and are in line ahead of them.
Our Take
Some may take a dim view of the more intense lighting. We ourselves prefer dining in more flattering shadows. But the owners have obviously put thought into the space--a two-section, pale-yellow-with-chocolate-highlights room dominated by a hammered-copper star and guarded by two small chinthe (lion-dragon hybrid) statues. When we visited, the Burmese-garden-themed patio wasn't quite finished, but it looked like promising outdoor dining for a neighborhood which needs more of that.
The drinks menu offers an array of decaf and high-test teas, plus soju cocktails such as the "I know kung fu," a refreshing choice which hides its delayed-impact kick to the forehead behind a ginger infusion and a little bit of sweetness. The deviled tea eggs starter puts the emphasis on "devil" with a surprising but managable amount of hellfire in its sauce. Pair it with the skewered chilis (served with dried bonito flakes) to get things going with an eye-opening, but perfectly managable, level of heat. (The three-kinds-of-fried-mushrooms assortment is better for those who'd rather leave the adventures in spiciness to others.)
Basil chicken with chilis and fresh, flat and light noodles is a safe, pleasing bet for an entree, while the short ribs with pineapple-fried rice and a sunny-side-up egg are a recommended combo--the fruit flavor subtle when it easily could have been cloyingly sugary. When it's time for real sugar, though, the lychee gelato is a better pick than the ginger ice cream served atop chocolate cake, which is, unfortunately, overwhelmed by the flavor of too-plentiful ginger chunks.
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Insider Tips
When to GoB Star's short-wait brunch includes exotic takes on standbys like spicy duck hash and a soft-shell crab po'boy.
What to DrinkThe mango mojito is a great hot-weather refresher, but since the Inner Richmond doesn't get a whole lot of that, it's a good thing it's wonderful enough for any temperature.
Where to SitOpting for an indoor spot at peak time? Ask for a table behind the chinthe-topped divider; otherwise you may find yourself surrounded by wait-listed throngs.
User Reviews for B Star Bar
01/16/2008 Posted by adorkable25
My boyfriend and I have started to become regulars here. The service is always stellar, even when they are busy. The food is spectacular!
Pros: grest service, wonderful food, convenient hours
Cons: hard to find parking, can get crowded
09/07/2007 Posted by raisaacs
I stumbled on Star B while looking for a new place for lunch. That was more than a month ago, and since I only get free a couple times a week, I haven't yet eaten my way through ALL their menu, but I am diligent and am at least part way to that goal. It is slow progress, since I find it hard to resist their Kau Soi, a spicy yellow curry noodle dish with chicken, chopped pickles, sliced egg and sprouts that hands down beats any other Burmese curry I have tasted. I've wasted the opportunity to explore new items several lunches on that delicious same old same old. Michael remembered my favorite draft by the second time I visited. Joyce, the owner, was gracious when I shared that I thought the spicy pad thai was too sweet for my taste. It seems that I was in her camp in the creative struggle by which she and her husband Desmond are experimenting and designing the menu. Each of the lunch dishes I have ordered comes quickly, and with evident focus on the presentation. Nothing has been careless, either in preparation or delivery. And there continue to appear astonishing new things on the menu as the identity evolves. I have an especially critical love of green curries, and did not expect to have my favorite (Bangkok 900) rivaled by a Burmese house, but the Star B green curry under a puff pastry lid was perfect - rich, with well balanced flavors, and a proper assortment of contents in the sauce. Aside from the pad thai, there is nothing I wouldn't highly recommend and nothing I won't happily order again, putting off - perhaps indefinitely - my quest to try everything at least once. I hope they prosper.
Pros: The menu, the food and the service
Cons: It might be crowded in the evening, perfect for a quiet lunch
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful
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