04/13/09

Great spot in a shady neighborhood

by Nighto

Get here early and bring no one. That is my advice to you. The place is tiny and closes at 3 (I think). The food is wonderful, but if you're planning on a leisurely weekend brunch with your posse, keep walking. Brenda's food is worth the wait, the french toast and sweet tea keeps me coming back, but she needs about 12 more seats to really fly.

• Pros: Beignets, Beignets, Beignets
• Cons: You will wait on the sidewalk

03/25/09

What gives?

by partaaaay

First time we went here, the food was fantabulous! The second time, still pretty good. Last time, not so much! And we even brought out of town guests over and sung such high praises that we looked like schmucks after the food turned-out just so-so. What's the deal? Was it an off day? Is she getting burned-out? She looks pretty grumpy all the time even though we always try to say hi and overtip the waitstaff. What gives?

02/08/09

Gone are the days

by diamondsrforever

Did I get there at yet another off day? Hmm, it's sad to see that they're still relatively new in the San Francisco dining soon and they're already burnt out.

The food is tasting a little lack luster. Gone are the days when I used to drag everybody I ever hang-out with to lunch or brunch at this place. The lady at the register is barking out at customers, louder than every before. Chef isn't even bothering to smile, even though we used to profusely thank her for the fab food.

Too spoiled? What is it? Let's get down to reality for one and you can only sh-- all over your clients until they say -- "know what? there are much better restaurants than yours!"

12/17/08

the best gumbo in town!!!

by openville

I can't begin to tell you how much I love Cajun/Creole food; especially shrimp & oyster po'boys. i am getting hungry, just writing this review. Brenda's has got it all, including the best gumbo I've tasted in my life. I also waited a while to write this review, since the word is already out on Brenda's. Hence, you will find a line and long wait when visiting on a weekend for brunch ... but, it is worth it. I'd recommend the beignet flight, po'boy (of course), gumbo,a nd getting there early. But, even if you have to wait 1 - 2 hours, you will not be dissapointed.

• Pros: eveythin ... it is all good
• Cons: the wait, but it is worth it

11/03/08

Best Creole/Cajun Breakfast outside of New Orleans

by SusanRS

Having run a Bed and Breakfast, my husband and I are hard to please when eating breakfast out, but Brenda's far exceeded our expectations. The place has a line, so deal. Once inside and shoe-horned into your seat, order some Community Coffee and one of the blackboard specials - we had the grits and grillades and the maple pork chops with sweet potato hash and eggs. We both took a chance and ordered the biscuits because they looked authentic - they were. Great jar of jam on the table is a nice touch. Worth the walk from Union Square - you'll appreciate walking off some of the calories you took in! Oh, almost forgot. If you need to go to the restroom, you'll get a complete view of the kitchen operations. Tiny, tiny well-oiled operation! Great service rounds out the experience.

• Pros: Really authentic food at very reasonable prices.
• Cons: The tiny space is not for the claustrophobic.

Creole-influenced breakfast heaven for lovers of the sophisticated biscuit and hangtown fry.

by Joanna Currier

In Short
This tiny, upscale breakfast, lunch and brunch spot features 18 seats and a clean decor in a not-so-clean end of town. Award-winning chef Brenda herself can be seen cooking up biscuits, fat omelets and shrimp and oyster po'boys in her miniscule exhibition kitchen. Classic beignets come dusted with powdered sugar, or choose them stuffed with melted Ghirardelli chocolate, fruit compotes or savory crawfish filling; try a flight for $8. Specialty drinks include cool watermelon sweet tea and warm cafe au lait.

Hits: Brenda's biscuits are some of the creamiest and plumpest in town.

Misses: Unfortunately, highly-sought menu items sell out quickly--particularly the biscuits.

10/23/07

Great Shrimp Poboys, love the Beignets,everything is good, especially the daily specials, great Chef and staff make you feel at home.

by tfletch

I have been there for lunch everyday I have been in the City for the last month (three days a week) and I am still wanting more. I am working my way through the menu, with an occassional daily special, and will start all over again once I have worked my way through everything. Best Shrimp Poboy I've had, even better than those in Louisiana, great Beignets, better than Cafe du Monde. If you are lucky to be there when Chicken-fried Chicken is the daily special, do yourself a favor....order it if there is any left....mine came with unbelievable mashed potatoes....better than grandma ever made. Staff is friendly and make you feel at home. Small and crowded, but worth being a bit cramped and the occassional wait.

• Pros: Best I've had for comfort and soul food.
• Cons: Can be a bit cramped and crowded, sometimes a wait.