Chez Papa

12/24/2007 Posted by waters96

I was scanning the reviews of Potrero Hill restaurants when I came across this place. I have lived in the neighborhood ever since this place opened and I have been there three times over the years. My experience has been consistent all three times. In each case, I made a reservation. When I got there, the reservation was not honored. My waits ranged from 1-2 hours. I was not offered a drink or anything else other than a snotty attitude while I waited patiently for my table. The service in each case ranged from indifferent to rude. The last time I was there, I was in a party of three. After waiting the normal 1 1/2 hours for my table, I was taken directly to a table for two people with a third chair shoe-horned in. Directly next to it, was a table that could take four. I asked for that table instead. I was informed quite rudely by the host that a party of three could not have that table. So I reluctantly sat at the table for two. Within a couple of minutes, a party a three was seated at that table. When I immediately asked to speak to the manager and informed him of that fact, I was treated as if I had just shot his puppy. At that point, I would have left, but an out-of-town friend was hosting us, so I endured an unendurable meal there. The service was terrible - slow, inattentive. I had to ask for everything - more bread, a refill on the water glass, etc. The food was average at best. I think there is absolutely no reason to go to this place unless you enjoy being abused. I have been to hundreds of restaurants over the course of my life, and I've never been to one I have enjoyed less. I'm amazed that a place like this can stay in business.

Pros: Well, I didn't get food poisioning..

Cons: They don't honor their reservations, they are rude - atmosphere loud and uncomfortable

12/12/2007 Posted by lyss61

The appetizers and desserts were the best parts of our meal! The figs were perfectly cooked and the pepper stuffed with crab meat was wonderful - not too much crab but still meaty. For dessert we had the vanilla creme brulee - wow! I would consider skipping the entree next time! Average pasta but the lamb chops were savory and well-cooked. Good (and well-priced) wines and attentive service. Nice clean bathroom (very important!). I loved the interior - charming but not cheesy. Very french but not pretentious. I'm definitely returning.

Pros: Great service, delicious food, wonderful ambience, fairly easy parking

Cons: crowded on the weekends

07/19/2007 Posted by kevinlynn

This place is the best!!! The staff has great service and they are all friendly and jovial! I had a lot of fun every time I am there. The food is really to rave for and they are fresh and prepared very well. Definitely a great chef who cooks wonderful yummy French food! Highly recommend this place and I will always go back again without doubt!

Pros: Friendly staff, high quality food

Cons: NONE; parking

12/03/2006 Posted by pickygirlsf

Have been there few times in the last year. Everytime, it's more impressive. Love the management and service. Food is amazing. The price is very good for the quality of food.

Pros: service, food, ambience

Cons: hard to get reservations

11/19/2006 Posted by mikeseville

and the owner was hitting on my girlfriend during dinner. How lame is that? So it's a authentic French restaurant.

11/16/2006 Posted by elpibe

Went there yesterday and had a great dinner. The roasted figs filled with gorgonzola where amazing. I had the filet mignon and my girlfriend the halibut and both were full of flavor. The wine list was very complete, with prices for everyone. The only bad thing is that it is too noisy, but it is a bistrot after all. Would recommend to go about 1 hour before the kitchen closes.

Pros: food

Cons: noisy

10/28/2006 Posted by jeidab

Very friendly excellent food, extensive wine list. Give you a feeling you are part of a big family there. Thumps up

Pros: evrything from food to staff

Cons: none

10/21/2006 Posted by flunkylee

Dined here a couple of weeks ago for my 2nd time and I was wowed again. The service totally compliments the astounding food. The first time I was here they acted like I was part of their family and went out of their way to get us a table even though we had not reserved one. The waiter was prompt and eager but did not ever seem intrusive, which led us all wanting to come back. The second time we came in they were out of fois gras but it was really late on Friday night and it is exceptional. But they made up for it by bringing us two dishes that we never would have ordered but were pleasantly surprised by. The restaurant once again with it's food and thoughtful service wowed us.

Pros: beautiful food and pristine service

Cons: Everyone knows about this place.

07/25/2006 Posted by ukgrad04

I went to Chez Papa awhile back, loved it! Surprised I haven't made it back over there. I had a steak and it was prepared perfectly. The wine was good, service was great, and the prices are reasonable. This is a great place to go to to have French food without all the fluff.

Pros: French food without being so heavy on the pockets!

07/20/2006 Posted by diehardwarriorsfan

Had a reservation and was seated on time. Ordered 2 glasses of wine. All smooth so far, but then placed our order. A couple sat down next to my girlfriend and I about 10 minutes after we were seated. Before we knew it, they had been eating before us! Maybe they called in their order, but I doubt Chez Papa is that type of restaurant. Then our waitress comes over and tells us our order was "lost." What does that mean anyway.."lost"? We eventually got our food (which was the highlight of the night and the only reason I'd return - I think I'll call in my order for take-out next time). The lamb was great! Then we ordered 2 Sierra Nevada's. About 10-12 minutes went by before she returned and told us they ran out of Sierra Nevada! Then my girlfriend told me she just saw a waiter bring a Sierra Nev. out to another table! I've never worked in a restaurant before, but do you just run out of beer? If you do, offer me something else asap! So I was thinking to myself...Did we do something wrong to warrant this service? When I asked for the check, the hostess returned with 2 after dinner drinks and a chocolate cake that was delicious. So in the end, they somewhat redeemed themselves with the complimentary drink and dessert. The service was not the best, but you can't deny great food...and that's what Chez Papa offers.

Pros: Lamb, Chocolate Cake dessert

Cons: Service questionable, Sierra Nevada backstock