09/08/08

Terrible service with ok food

by wineanytime

I was so excited to check out this restaurant, since I live in the neighborhood. So I made reservations for four of us (two young couples). Our evening was almost ruined by the rude service that we received. Restaurants need to realize that although we may be young, but we enjoy nice dinners and expect friendly service, just the same. The waiter failed to say hello (or provide any sort of greeting to us). He simply walked up to our table and just stared at us with this look like "what do you want?" He didn't bring us water or bread, and we waited at least 20 minutes before he even came to take our order. We had to ask the host for both, which he was very nice and brought some for us. I was starving by the time our entrees came. Despite my terrific hunger, the lamb that I ordered wasn't anything memorable. It was sort of tough, and didn't have a great flavor. The salmon was ok. The mashed potatoes were the best thing on the table. Oh, and did I mention that I almost fell over when one of the waitresses slammed into me as I passed her as I was coming from the restroom and she was heading back to the kitchen? It would have been nice if she had scooted over so we could both pass, rather than trying to beat me to the door. Unfortunately, I don't think I'll be going back to this place anytime soon. There are too many other restaurants in the city with great food, prices, AND service. Sorry Chenery Park, looks like West Portal is going to get more of my business.

• Pros: Cute upstairs seating
• Cons: The staff would probably throw you off the balcony if you were in the way.

08/01/08

Great Neighborhood Spot

by zoesfbay

Great slightly upscale neighborhood restaurant. And on Friday night's there is free Jazz at Bird & Beckett Bookstore right up the street.

10/19/07

great food, poor service

by apple415

We had dinner on Friday night. We waited for half an hour even we had a reservation. After we were seated, we had to wait another hour for food to be served. No complain about food but the wait wasn't fun.

I would like to go back on weekdays, not on weekends.

• Pros: food
• Cons: service (waiter and hostess)

10/17/07

I am hard to impress; and this place blew me away!

by ddtex

My friend and I ate at Chenery Park last Sunday and I can not wait to go back! Every person that we interacted with (the host, bartender, waiter, and busboy) was warm, friendly and treated us as if we were the only people in the place. And the food was wonderful!! The pork chop was the best I have ever had. Next time I'm in SF, you will find me here!

• Pros: food, service, value, cocktails
• Cons: I live a thousand miles away from this place

07/17/07

I was very exicted about the "southern" menu... yet the resulting food was less than expected.

by foodcritter

We were all very excited to dine here as the reviews were good, and really, who doesn't like southern cuisine? Yet, the food was far from "excellent"... dry pork chops, flavorless black eyed peas... over cooked lamb. Too bad, because the menu really sounded like a dining experience.

I will admit the pricing was very fair, lower than typical market value, but still.

We had to wait 20 minutes for our table, for which we had a reservation. The bar tender pushed flavored spirits for every drink... including a gin and tonic, and come on... really?

All in all, I am very disappointed that this restaurant isn't living up to it's reputation...

• Pros: good prices
• Cons: food wasn't great

03/26/07

Great neighborhood restaurant!

by horan

I just went to Chenery Park for the first time last night and I am kicking myself for all of the missed dinners that I could have eaten there. My wife and I went with another couple. We were seated promptly. The service throughout was friendly and knowledgeable. For starters we had the shrimp and tasso beignets and a small plate of mac and cheese. All of which were great. We had four different entrees and shared bites. I'd say three of the four (beef brisket, pasta, and gumbo) were excellent. One person ordered the catfish with a panko crust. I am not a huge catfish fan and thought it was just okay. For dessert, I had the house tarte tatin with mixed fruit that really fresh and tasty. Chenery Park gets a 22 in Zagats which I think might be a point or two low. The wine list was small but wisely selected. Overall I thought the prices were very reasonable. Parking can be tough.

• Pros: Great food in the style of Boulevard. Friendly service.
• Cons: Tough to find parking.

12/22/06

Flawless Food, Exemplary Service, and Highly Recommended

by lrauls

Joe Kowal, the fantabulous food, and staff are exceptional! I reserved the entire restaurant for a family event and Joe made sure that everything was as promised...and more! The atmosphere is warm and inviting and the staff obviously enjoy working there and contributing to the positive vibe...there were so many compliments from guests throughout the day regarding Joe, the staff, and the FOOD (I didn't have to do a thing other than enjoy the event)!!! From picky toddlers to those with restricted diets...Joe had something for everyone. I am looking forward to my next family event next year because Joe's restaurant is the only location that I will consider. We lucked out on parking but trust me, it is well worth it to circle the block a few times...BART and Muni are close by and I really and truly mean it when I say that you will not regret dining at this restaurant. This is my first time ever reviewing an establishment on City Search but I want to ensure that others are aware of this gem in the City. Wonderful!!!

• Pros: Varied Menu, Owner/Staff are Great, Full Bar, Upstairs/Downstairs with Areas for Intimate & Group Seating
• Cons: Parking

12/05/06

Comfort food gets a touch of Southern flavor at cozy Glen Park eatery.

by Contributor

The Scene
Muted green walls, dimmed lighting and colorful paintings create a warm ambience for middle-aged patrons and families, who congregate at small wooden tables downstairs, at the small bar in the rear or at bigger tables upstairs. Servers can lag on taking orders and dishes often arrive late to the table.

The Food
The often-rotating menu offers updated versions of Southern favorites. Small plates include the baked macaroni and cheese--chewy pasta and four cheeses sprinkled with light, crisp bread crumbs. Entrees are hit and miss. The Panko-crusted catfish has a delightfully crispy batter and is served with fresh-cut french fries and a tart tartar sauce. The spicy seafood gumbo doesn't nearly live up to its heat claims, but its scallops, shrimp and catfish taste fresh. Lamb sirloin is tender, but its red wine rosemary sauce lacks flavor.

11/12/06

Best Restaurant in the Area

by ddp65

Wonderful food and service, moderate prices, easy parking, warm comfortable environment, close to Glen Park BART Station and several MUNI lines.

• Pros: Food, Price, and staff
• Cons: none

11/09/06

Great neighborhood restaurant

by sfnative718

The service was attentive and friendly. There is an extensive wine list, good food, and fun dessert (rootbeer floats).

• Pros: Food, Service
• Cons: Parking