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side a - Reviews

2814 19th St, 90110 San Francisco
All reviews at a glance
317

Reviews

77.6%

Satisfaction

60

negative

11

neutral

246

positive

What people say about side a

Service Type
  • Dine-in
Oliver L.
Review date: 10/25/2025
2
Excessive Surcharges Ruin Experience
My experience at the restaurant was marred by too many extra charges. They added a 6% surcharge for "comprehensive healthcare benefits" and to "offset operating costs, " and then another 3% surcharge for credit card processing. I believe these should simply be rolled into the already high prices. The justification of "operating costs" as anything other than normal business expenses is laughable. This situation encapsulates everything that is wrong with restaurants in San Francisco.
  • extra charges1
  • 6% surcharge1
  • 3% surcharge1
Visit Type
  • Food Exploration
Service Type
  • Dine-in
Wait Time
  • Long (31+ min.)
Connie W.
Review date: 10/20/2025
8
Divine Food, Slow Service
My experience at this restaurant was marked by incredible food. While the service was a little slow due to a small team, the dishes themselves were exceptional. The bone marrow, chicken cutlet, and carrot cake dessert were all divine!
  • food10
  • bone marrow10
  • chicken cutlet10
  • service4
Visit Type
  • Food Exploration
Service Type
  • Dine-in
JK A.
Review date: 10/17/2025
6
Good food, high prices and fees
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The food was good, and the soundtrack was great, which contributed to an otherwise nice meal. However, the overall experience was significantly marred by the pricing and additional fees. The restaurant charges over $20 for salads and sides, and $18 for desserts, which I found to be more expensive than necessary. Adding a 6% surcharge and a 3% credit card processing fee felt like being taken advantage of, leaving me with a negative impression despite the pleasant atmosphere and food.
  • food8
  • soundtrack8
  • salads and sides3
  • desserts3
  • 6% surcharge2
Visit Type
  • Regular Visit
Service Type
  • Dine-in
Michael M.
Review date: 10/10/2025
10
Excellent Food and Service!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic. The food was excellent, and the service was incredible. Chef Parker is an absolute mensch. I will definitely go here again and again.
  • food10
  • service10
  • Chef Parker10
Price per Person
  • $51–$60
Visit Type
  • Casual Outing
Service Type
  • Dine-in
Meal Type
  • Dinner
Noise Level
  • Moderate
Vivan T. T.
Review date: 10/05/2025
5
Mixed Feelings: Good Vibes, Mediocre Food
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The ambiance and tunes were definitely a vibe, creating a pleasant atmosphere. I also enjoyed the wine and fries, finding them to be quite tasty. However, the staff weren’t the most welcoming, which detracted from the overall experience. Furthermore, the food was just 'meh' and felt overpriced for the quality received.
  • ambiance8
  • tunes8
  • wine7
  • staff3
  • food4
  • price3
Visit Type
  • Food Exploration
Service Type
  • Dine-in
Meal Type
  • Dinner
Wait Time
  • Immediate (0–5 min.)
Danny P.
Review date: 10/04/2025
9
Neighborhood Gem with Standout Dishes
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's a great neighborhood gem we discovered on a walk through the Mission on a Sunday night. The inside has a busy, New York City kind of vibe, and the service was friendly. We walked in with no reservations and were immediately sat at the counter, which was fun as we watched all the action take place in front of us. The chicken cutlet and gnocchi were standouts. I’m already thinking of coming back soon!
  • chicken cutlet10
  • gnocchi10
  • service8
Price per Person
  • $71–$80
Visit Type
  • Food Exploration
Service Type
  • Dine-in
Meal Type
  • Dinner
Grace O.
Review date: 09/21/2025
9
Neighborhood Gem with Delicious Food
My experience at this little neighborhood gem was fantastic! The staff has a cool vibe, and the atmosphere, enhanced by their record player music, was a delight. I particularly enjoyed the gnocchi, which were perfectly soft and crispy. The halibut and butter beans were mouthwatering, and the broccolini salad offered a fun mix of raw and cooked broccoli in a tangy dressing. Overall, a rich and enjoyable dining experience.
  • gnocchi10
  • halibut and butter beans10
  • broccolini salad8
Service Type
  • Dine-in
Noise Level
  • Loud
AE
Review date: 09/16/2025
2
Disappointing Experience at New Universal Café
My experience at this restaurant was quite disappointing and frankly, appalling. The amateur service is in dire need of substantial training. The food was barely edible, overshadowed by an excessively loud and unappealing music selection. The overall atmosphere is far from enjoyable, especially when compared to the previous Universal Café, which we greatly miss.
  • amateur service2
  • food3
  • music selection2
Price per Person
  • $61–$70
Visit Type
  • Food Exploration
Service Type
  • Dine-in
Wait Time
  • Immediate (0–5 min.)
J A.
Review date: 09/15/2025
7
Mixed Experience: Salad Star, Halibut Disappointment
My experience at this newer establishment was a mixed bag. The ambience was top-notch, with excellent decor and music creating a most pleasant space to spend a meal. The Garbage Salad was an absolute standout, excellent and a large enough portion for two, serving as a great opener. I would return solely for this salad, as it was one of the superior examples I have ever had. The bone marrow had a bit too much going on, but its texture was great and served as a solid counterbalance to the bread. The risotto was thick and creamy with a marked sweet and spiciness to it. However, the halibut was a distinct disappointment; it was unevenly cooked with a dry exterior and undercooked interior. This establishment clearly has a few things to work out.
  • ambience10
  • Garbage Salad10
  • bone marrow6
  • halibut2
Price per Person
  • $41–$50
Visit Type
  • Food Exploration
Group Type
  • Couple
Group Size
  • Couple
Service Type
  • Dine-in
Meal Type
  • Dinner
Noise Level
  • Loud
Will S.
Review date: 09/09/2025
9
Life-changing Carrot Cake and Great Vibes!
What a spot! I don't even like carrot cake, and this carrot cake is life-changing. The music, vibes, and food were all on point.
  • carrot cake10
  • music9
  • vibes9

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