Restaurant Review: Magnolia Pub and Brewery, San Francisco, California

Because my boyfriend lives just three blocks from the infamous Haight-Ashbury, we spend many of our meals in one of the varied restaurants of the area.  One of our hands-down favorites is Magnolia Pub and Brewery, a small and quirky restaurant and bar on the corner of Haight and Masonic.  I had many times passed over the restaurant upon viewing the menu outside the door, but I am under the impression that the restaurant has undergone a significant makeover since my disregards.

About twenty to twenty-five tables are stuffed inside, and five or so metal tables and chairs are outside for the nicer days on Haight.  Dark wood decorates the interior, bringing the patron mind to reminisce of an old English pub.  Small quirks add finishing touches of charm to Magnolia, such as the dishtowels for napkins and old alcohol bottles for serving water.  They brew their own beer and declare a significant fondness for the drink on their website; I am not twenty-one yet, but intend to try their beer immediately upon turning so.  Judging by the food, I'm assuming their beer is damn good.

The first time James and I tried Magnolia was for lunch; I had a chickpea sandwich that is no longer on the menu and James had the sausage and sauerkraut sandwich.  We vowed to return.  My favorite time to eat there is for breakfast, as they do my favorite meal vast justice with their unique menu items, such as fig-stuffed french toast and crispy pork belly.  I applaud James because he is braver than I am with ordering daunting food; I am always afraid to find a rogue onion that was ignored by the person creating the menu options.  He ordered the crispy pork belly one day for breakfast, and he had a hard time keeping my fork away.  The pork crisps sit atop a bed of black-eyed peas and chimichurri and are coated with a fried egg.  It is an impeccable dish and my favorite from Magnolia.  Highly, highly recommended.

Another excellent (but very very sweet) dish is the stuffed french toast.  What exactly it is stuffed with varies, but whether it is caramelized figs and pear sauce or peaches and apples, it is very good.  It is huge, though, served as giant triangular cakes, and so heed this warning: only order the french toast if you are sharing or if you have a high metabolism and a gigantic sweet tooth.

One dish I will advise future patrons to stay away from is the duck egg and toast.  Perhaps it was just the one day, but Magnolia seems to apply the vinegar quite generously when they poach their eggs; this leaves a very acidic taste in one's mouth--none too pleasant when you are trying to enjoy your eggs.  The staff is very accommodating, however, as when the duck egg was returned, they took off its charge as well as the charges for the two coffee pots we ordered--this brings me to another breakfast staple: coffee.  I don't drink it, but James raves about Magnolia's coffee (Bluebottle), which has apparent San Franciscan fame for being something special.  I prefer the orange juice, which at Magnolia is just sweet enough and not too sour.

Also try the sides; the bacon and homemade sausage are VERY GOOD, but beware of the sausage if you do not like spicy food.  With a side of (non-poached) eggs, it makes a fantastic breakfast.  Sides are also cheap, at $4 each or three for $10.  I have been told the pancakes, while small, are also delicious, but I don't think one can go wrong with much of anything on Magnolia's menu.

For lunch, strong recommendations lie in the fried chicken and blue cheese sandwich and sausage and sauerkraut sandwich, which are both favorites of James.  Their french fries are superb, and it is worth going for lunch just to try them.

But, restaurant-goers, beware!  Come your check, you will find that Magnolia has charged you an extra 4% to donate to their current passion-cause: a San Francisco health care initiative for workers.  They are very involved in liberal causes around San Francisco, and by exploring their website, you can find out more and support them if you desire.

I have not yet tried dinner at Magnolia, but I promise that another update on this magnificent pub will come after my November birthday (my 21st), when I can enjoy their beer and their food.  For now, go!  And enjoy a unique and delicious breakfast (or lunch!).