06/04/08

Simple is Good

by potatos

If you want the true San Francisco foodie experience without spending your child's college fund this is the place to go. On any given night you wil mingle with Giants fans, post work techies from SOMA, and people who want simple food prepared right. Last night we snuck in for killer potroast and martinis and had our usual paragon epiphany involving the words simple and good. Yum.

09/28/07

quality cocktails- quality food- friendly staff

by eastbayfoodguy

Went with a date on a Friday. I've been to the Berkeley location a few times and really liked it so I thought I'd check it out on my way to a Giants game. It's quite a different vibe from the Berkeley spot, which is more of a contemporary styled-lounge type of feel. Seriously, given the fact that it's a block from the ball park, there was a lot less of a sports bar atmosphere than I expected. The wine list is solid. I'm not a wine geek, but I do know my way around a wine list and like that they don't just load up on the obvious Napa/Sonoma choices. Cocktails were fantastic. If you order a mojito, the bartender actually cracks the ice before pouring a generous amount of rum into a slightly cheezy mason jar. I don't know why, but the mason jar is actually pretty cool. Dinner was great. I had the requisite Calamari which also blew me away. I'm not really a calamari guy, but my guest insisted and the server told us it is a very popular item. I expected rubber but got very tender, crispy calamari as well onion and green beans-another pleasant surprise. My hanger steak was cooked spot-on and my guests halibut looked like something out of a food magazine and was also cooked perfectly. Our server was quietly awesome! We weren't in the mood to socialize and she did not intrude or get all in your face and tricky about it, she just brought us what we needed. I wish there was more parking, hence the 4 stars instead of 5. I found metered parking about a block away, by recommendation of whoever answered the phone when I called (he also mentioned a parking garage just down the street) so make sure you bring your quarters! I guess that's just SF though.

• Pros: Despite crowd of baseball game goers- surprisingly good energy in the place
• Cons: Baseball traffic-plan ahead and make reservations- we got lucky on the same day

04/04/07

WORST SERVICE - TWICE!!

by nillacookie

Just got back from a work lunch - that took nearly 2 hours. We could tell that service was going to be slow when she took orders from 3 tables that sat down behind us. Just because we're a party of 7 doesn't mean we don't want to complete our meal in a timely manner too. We finally flagged the server down to take our order and insisted that we wanted to be done with lunch by about 1:15 (not unreasonable if we sat down at noon). This is the second time that we were seemingly dismissed because we were sitting in a larger table. Just because there's more of us, doesn't mean we want to entertain ourselves for 40 minutes before we get our food - we want to eat! And on top of that, the server's attitude was dismissive - how unprofessional.

I'm sure I will continue to eat here because the food is pretty solid, but I hope the management reads this post and makes some changes to the way the food service is run.

• Pros: consistent food
• Cons: service service service

03/24/07

Worst Service I have experienced in a long time.

by kevlarskills

It was a lovely Thursday Afternoon when a few friends and I sat down at Paragon for drinks and lunch. Unfortunately our monosyllabic waiter was barely able to communicate and kept us waiting over an hour for our food. Our Mojito's were the worst I have ever tasted, and for the first time in my life, we had to send our Mojito's back.

I've always enjoyed the food here, but today really made me realize how terrible service can ruin a meal.

• Pros: Great Chipwich Deserts, Grill Cheese..
• Cons: Slow Motion and Poor Communication from Staff.

This upscale American brasserie near AT&T Park is a baseball-fan fave.

by Contributor

In Short
The atmosphere fluctuates wildly at this swank destination, depending on whether there's a baseball game across the street at AT&T Park. Before games, it's crowded with baseball fans, and other times it's quiet and sparsely populated. Menu starters include fried calamari, steamed mussels or tuna tartare. Entrees range from braised pot roast with garlic mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables, to burgers gussied up with caramelized shallots.

11/20/06

Average expense account food

by thejakethe

A sunny day on the patio almost makes you forget about the middling service and so-so food, almost. If you go, stick with drinks and appetizers.

10/28/06

Looking for updated comfort food?

by ejgsf

This place has some of the best mac-n-cheese and potroast in the city. The burger and fries are delicious and taste great with one of their STRONG margaritas. The outdoor patio is lovely and is great for a late-night romantic meal once the after work/ballgame crowd has thinned out.

• Pros: Mac-n-cheese, margaritas

07/26/06

the calamari is sooooo good

by iheartfood00

the calamari is amazing. if you go you must try it! its soft and not chewy. the veggies in it add such a nice touch. i had the special of the day, some kind of white fish. it was pretty good as well, not the most amazing fish i've ever had, but very good. the service was great. the chocolatini for desert is also very delicious!

• Pros: good location, ambience, service
• Cons: bar a bit loud if you're looking for a romantic dinner

04/12/06

A True Gem In The Neighborhood...

by lbaxter77

I am compelled to write about what a gem Paragon is in the South Beach neighborhood. While some might be put-off by the proximity to the ball park, be assured that this restaurant is not just for Giants fans. Their menu is seasonal so I get the chance to try new and updated fare, the mahi mahi with horseradish and red wine sauce is to die for. Just the other day I was completely wowed by the beet salad with goat cheese. Can I also mention that they have some of the most reasonable drink prices in the neighborhood, the Peach Pepper Martini is a personal fave. I would also like to stress how fantastic the wait staff is, friendly and knowledgeable without giving off the slightest bit of arrogance. All I know is that when I have guests in town, Paragon is the first place I take them to.

• Pros: Quality of Food, Friendliness of Staff, Reasonable Prices
• Cons: Reservations Needed

04/03/06

User review by usfolks

by usfolks

I was really impressed with the services. The staff was really friendly and by the end they acted like we were old friends. I go out to eat often and am amazed soemtimes how people act like you are not welcome there.... their NEW nieghbors down the street for one. Our server was so nice and helpful with the menu and drinks! I thought the host was a host until they delivered the food and when I said she should get a raise I found out it was a manager. Very impressed with the baretenders too. Great experience! Try the Tuna Tartar and the bread pudding!!!