03/20/09

Very Disappointed

by DAC

My friend and I sat down at the counter for lunch. We were there at 11:30 a.m. and there were only two other people at that time. We placed our order and this very rude person (manager?) came over and told us to move down one seat. Before we could say yes or no our placemat and eating utensils were moved. The place started to fill up and we noticed that everyone who came after us was being served. We both ordered salads and when I inquired why we had not received our food, I was told it was because my order had noodles. When the salads finally arrived, the salad had cold noodles. I found their answer unexceptable! We also noticed that they had three wine glasses on the serving counter and that they were using these to measure how much wine they should put in the glass. Very tacky. I had eaten at this restaurant several times but it was two years since my last visit. I would never return to this one again. The food was mediocre and with so many wonderful restaurants in San Francisco, there is no need to be subjected to this type of treatment. We work in San Francisco and eat out frequently. With this type of treatment, they will only have toursists to feed because locals will not put up with it.

• Pros: View
• Cons: Service and Food

03/05/08

Start with the warmth of the heart of San Francisco - Ferry Plaza Seafood Restaurant

by rhondaroo

A couple girlfriends and I were staying in SFO for the night. We started our overnight by bopping over to the Ferry Building as I was the only one to visit before and wanted to share crab louies and other delicious delectables at (one of may favorites) the Ferry Plaza Seafood Restaurant. It was a little chilly, but a beautiful day. We decided we would try to sit outside. The waitress immediately started up the heaters and the owner brought out some of her own coats for those that were still a little chilly! The food was (as always) scrumptious and it was a beautiful way for us to begin our outing with the warmth of the heart of San Francisco!

09/05/06

i agree with the other 2

by dallas_foodie

i am in my late 30's but i was ignored also while waiting for a table outside. maybe i look young? regardless, the main reason to go here is for the view, because the service and food quality were both lacking. both of our soups (one manhattan chowder, one new england) were served tepid, but there was no one to inform. finally when our sandwiches came out the waitress asked whether i liked the soup or not and i told her it was 'kind of lukewarm'. i guess i should have actually complained because she just threw it away & charged me full price without offering to reheat it or replace it. on the plus side they have bread from the Acme Bread Co. (also in the building), even if you have to dunk it in cold pottage ;)

• Pros: view, bread
• Cons: service, cold chowder

08/25/06

Terrible Service

by eyounggwu

The food was good but I had the worst service of my life. We arrived at the beginning of lunch time and watched as older customers were offered refills on their drinks and asked about their food, yet were completely ignored - how this is possible sitting at a counter is beyond me!! After we finally got our order, we were never asked if our food was good, or if we needed refills - and I made eye contact with all four servers and the manager as I sat with a completely empty glass of tea (my companion's was empty as well). We didn't get a so much as a "how are you doing?" the whole time. However, as soon as I got some attention and asked for the check, it was given to me right away. Granted, I look fairly young but an eating establishment should serve all equally. Indeed, I believe that part of the cost of a meal is atmosphere and pleasant service. I will NEVER return to this place. If you look under 30, I suggest you not go, either.

05/04/06

Okay food, nice atmosphere

by mushci

I had the shrimp cocktail, which I must say was fresh and tasty but nothing special. The best thing about this place is definitely the atmosphere. Its nice to sit with a glass of wine and some seafood looking out on the bay. Also, the casual seating and serving makes it great for a quick bite.

• Pros: nice view, great atmosphere
• Cons: average food

06/15/04

Simply prepared seafood, front-row views of the bay and affordable prices are the hallmarks of this informal eatery.

by Contributor

The Scene
Nestled in a long, narrow space in the Ferry Building, this gourmet destination caters to commuters, tourists and foodies. A sparkling-clean glass display case holds fresh seafood for the home cook. Diners can grab a seat at the long marble counter fronted by a dozen 1950s-style chrome bar stools or outside at an umbrella-covered table.

The Food
Classic seafood cocktails, chowders and light bites comprise the no-fuss menu. Plump prawns are perfectly poached, then accented by herb-flecked cocktail sauce. Buttery smoked salmon served with rye bread is nicely counterbalanced by sweet dill mustard and zesty horseradish sauce. Velvety New England chowder brims with moist clams and impressively diced veggies, with no signs of heavy, gloppy roux. Unfortunately, the watery Manhattan version lacks the complexity of rich tomato clam broth. Though served on Acme bread, thinly spread and under-seasoned crab sandwich disappoints the palate as well as the hungry appetite.