08/12/09

Slow! Slow! Slow!

by nyuck3x

Had 8 pm reservations. Got seated about 8:15. Ordered dinner about 8:30. Got served food about 9:40. Server was pleasant but ignored us after we ordered while we waited. Expected maybe an explanation or apology for food coming out so slowly but nothing. Since no one working there seemed concerned about the slowness should I conclude that's business as usual? Too many other good restaurants around to waste my time going back there.

• Pros: Lots of parking nearby.
• Cons: Pricey and slow.

03/24/09

Would It K i l l Them?

by DanSperiod

Would it k i l l Salt House to have a decent vegetarian option during Dine About Town or any other time of year? Salt House ended up modifying their Spanish Tortilla with Yukon Gold Potatoes, Serrano Ham and Scallions entree by removing the ham so I ended up with a $25 omelette. Celery Root Soup with Apple and Pomegranate was fantastic albeit served lukewarm. Dessert was not memorable. Salt House has a fantastic carnivore menu with a great wine list but during these recession times service needs improvement. Matri'd was tart, surly and more preoccupied with talking with her fellow staff and eventually wolfing down her meal at the bar then tending to her customers.

• Pros: Soups
• Cons: Horrible Vegetarian Options / Surly, Tart Servers Managers

03/11/09

This is my favorite place to eat in SF!

by jamesallenfinch

This is my favorite eatery in SF! Dahlia at the door and Steven leading the pack guarantee a great evening. The kitchen churns out fantastic food with good portions, beautiful plating and a killer wine list. From oysters to lamb - these guys know what they are doing. When you work in publicity and dining out is part of the job, finding a jewel like this is rare. Great for clients or a little romantic dinner for two. Be sure to make a reservation - James

• Pros: Great Food, Beautiful Plating and Gracious Service
• Cons: Small Bar but this is an intimate space and it works

01/06/09

It's in the name...

by epicuriousinsf

Dined at Salt House last Saturday. Had a tasting of oysters to start with some bubbly, moved on to a very tasty squid stuffed with chorizo on a bed of mixed beans and veggies, then had a very refreshing and light smoked trout salad, finally ended with an extremely salty goat shank. Service was spotty, and when the waiter came by to check on the shank, I remarked on how salty it was and he simply said, I'll let the kitchen know. I'm a bit disappointed he didn't try to correct the problem, like offering to replace the salty shank (the reduction on the shank was the issue). I hate to say it, but that last dish and the waiter ruined my dinning experience, too many good restaurants in the city, will not be back any time soon.

09/29/08

Don't judge this book by it's cover...not worth the read

by CassieW

The exterior of Salt House screams fun, chic, and relaxing and is the very thing that draw me in. While the food lived up to expectations that is where the fun ended. The space that looks cozy from the outside ends up being crowded and uncomfortable. Noise seems to get trapped inside this space so any thought of conversing with dinner companion go quickly out the window. The deliciousness of the food might have forgiven all if we had not had to wait an hour between courses served by surly waitstaff.

• Pros: food
• Cons: noise, service, ambience

08/11/08

Absolutely Amazing.

by nsfgirl

I have nothing bad to say at all. We walked in and had a drink from Sunny the bartender, she is the best bartender I have ever dealt with. She gave us plenty of suggestions and even let us taste a drink before we got it. We then sat down to the most informative and honest server I have had. She gave us great wine suggestions that were not the most expensive on the menu! The food ranged from warm and cozy to light and refreshing, a contrast that makes you wanting more. I'm still licking my fingers, I will be back very soon with everyone I know.

• Pros: Food, ambience, Sunny (the bartender)
• Cons: Nothing!!

06/29/08

Great service, great food

by cktjhill

I went to salt house a few months ago, and then again last night. I have to say the service and food were just as fantastic as the first time.

I'm not a quick typer, so I won't go into the details. But inside this incredibly packed restaurant they find a way to make each customer feel welcomed. The waiters and host were excellent. We started with the scallops which were cooked perfectly and we both ordered the roast chicken, which was absolutely delicious. Add in a bottle of wine and I couldn't believe I walked out of there spending around 120. I've dropped far more cash at places that, well, sucked. I'm a big fan, and you probably will be too.

• Pros: Great food, service and ambiance
• Cons: None that I saw

05/31/08

Delicious dishes, attractive wait staff

by sarahlane15

My boyfriend and I went to dinner here for our anniversary in december of 07, (right before christmas) we were also on vacation from l.a. Very friendly host, (always a plus), expedited service for food as we were in a hurry to get to a show. My boyfriend and I both had an appetizer salad (small), the chicken, an exquisite dish full of flavor, and a great dessert overall fabulous for about $140 bucks including 25% gratuity. I would definitely come here again, make reservations.

• Pros: Expedited service, great ambience, good looking restaurant overall
• Cons: No steak on the menu ( at least when we went)

05/19/08

BAD COOKS!!!!

by msosbe

I went there for lunch with a few colleagues; I had no problem with our waiter. He was very good and was on top of things. The place was crowded but it seemed to be running smooth.

Now... my problem was the cooks!!!!

They looked like they haven't seen a shower for days; one wore a head band that made him look like he just finished running a 20 mile marathon.

When I asked for my dish, they were out?? For Lunch??? If they print their menu daily, wouldn't you think they would skip-it?

Food was under cooked, went back and ordered something else and it was awful. They spoke over our dishes (spit-spit) saying that what we were ordering was nasty as THEY WERE TASTING IT!!!! - I saw it

If it was nasty WHY Bother???

OVER RATED, PLEASE GO SOMEWHERE ELSE!!!

• Pros: set up and service
• Cons: parking

03/17/08

Amazing Food...Better Service!!!

by dspdevil

I'm not sure what some of the other reviewers are talking about. The service at The Salthouse was awesome. The hostess was great. In a packed house she was able to keep continuity to the reservation list. Initially I thought I would be put off by the fact that it was packed. But once I started sipping a great glass of wine I could've cared less that our table wasn't quite ready. There was such a great vibe in there. It had such a warm, cozy feel to it. Once we sat down our server was very attentive. We ordered the calamari appetizer which wasn't what most would expect. It wasn't your typical deep fried variety. Instead it was calamari stuffed with a chorizo mixture. It was amazing. The entree was out of this world. Our server, Gretchen, suggested we order the short rib. The plate consisted of a great hanger steak, scalloped style potatoes and a perfect little pearl onion. The short rib was crusted on top and it absolutely melted in my mouth. Gretchen was so nice. She found out that my fiance and I were driving to Napa and high lighted some great wineries to visit along the way.

I could not have asked for a better dining experience. We made the decision to bypass the concierge at our hotel and ask the locals where to go. Our bartender at happy hour immediately said The Salthouse. One word of travel advice, always ask the locals, especially the ones that are in the industry.

• Pros: Ambiance, food, service, wine list...
• Cons: Location