Bar Agricole

I really liked this place! Came with a bunch of friends and loved the fact that they served everything family style. They also gave us the option to basically «let the chef choose» what to serve us. It was all very good, tasted like the only cheese I’ve ever liked lol (and it was sheep cheese!).
The place had a cool vibe too, great for big groups, although admittedly it can get quite loud. The amount on the bill was FULL price — tax and tips all included which is GREAT.
Drinks were good/​interesting, although not the best I’ve ever had.

Hands down the best cocktails ever! The Daisy, Opera, and Derby were my favorites. This is my second time here. Craig is a phenomenal bartender. Adam was our server and he was awesome too.
The Beef Ragu toast, sausage appetizer, and gouda cheese were delicious. I enjoyed the Reggae music playing. The denim napkins were a nice touch. The tables are small and very close to each other. Props to the host for accommodating my husband and I even though we were an hour late. I screwed up the reservation time.

I think it was expecting more.
For $ 277 you can get 4 drinks, 3 appetizers, 3 entrees and 3 desserts. The portions are quite small and for the price, I’d say «sf pricing at its finest» (aka welcome to San Francisco).
The food was fine. And be fine I mean 3 stars. The food was fresh and somewhat imaginative, which I did appreciated. Unfortunately no dish stood out to me.
Appetizers: oily, small and overpriced. This restaurant like to fatten you up with butter.
Entrees: the steak was cooked very nicely but my favorite part was the carrots… And I don’t think that’s a good thing. The salmon was just so so. It was flavorful but not in the right way, the after taste was too fishy instead of that nice solid after taste you get from eating a perfectly fresh cooked salmon.
Dessert: We got chocolate pudding which was more like a cake, it was ok the rum was a little overpowering. The strawberries and cream were excellent but what’s to mess up there except for the $ 9 price tag. The pana cotta was decent. I liked the rhubarb and oat crisp the best.
Drinks: holy how talk about $$$. Some favors overpowered other. Overall decent.
As for the ambience, it is definitely a young person crowd that shows up. The staff is great and very knowledgeable.
Overall I don’t think I’d go back… Maybe if they were more reasonable with quantity and price per plate.

Decent place to grab drinks/​happy hour with friends — there’s a nice variety of wines and cocktails that are priced fairly, but the food offerings fall a bit short.
The dishes focus on fresh ingredients with a farm-​to-​table concept. Although the food isn’t bad, the portion sizes are rather small for the price. The king salmon tartare ($ 12) featured a meager heap of salmon and 3 small endive leaves, and the soft-​boiled eggs ($ 11) consisted of 3 half-​eggs, each topped with a tiny piece of cod. The preparations were rather simple, and the ingredients themselves did not stand out in terms of freshness or taste.
That being said, our server was friendly and engaging, coming by frequently to check on our table. The overall ambiance of the restaurant is also unexpectedly upscale given the location, with high ceilings, grand modern lighting fixtures, and a spacious layout.

Queen Charlotte, Planters punch, goat cheese toast, flatbread, ricotta salad, farinata, roths reserve and pear tart.

Really enjoyed the attentive service and the relative creativity of the dishes here, however I just think the menu prices are far too high to be justified. I do love the interior décor and in particular the giant light fixture/​chandelier hanging high above the central part of the indoor space. The high-​backed booths are also ideal for a long group chat & catch-​up session. Drinks were just okay and again more expensive than you would bargain for, especially in this part of deep SoMa. Hopefully the menu prices come a bit back down to Earth, or perhaps the portion sizes could increase, but I don’t think I’ll be coming back until something changes along those lines.

I’ll say this off the bat, it’s a 5 star place in terms of interior fit out, ambience and general coolness. coming as a big group where food isn’t the main priority then yes, come.
On the food side though, it was just ok… when you remember the bread as being really good, it tells you
A) the bread was really good
B) the rest of the meal didn’t surpass it
Pasta was acceptable, as were the meatballs, none of this to me was spectacular nor outstanding.
The memories I’ll take away from this visit was the actual dining room itself… which was pretty special.

The daily farm-​to-​table menu was Just the right size with an interesting mix of options. The two of us shared some oysters (a mix of less-​common varieties), the avocado-​fava-​beet salad, then the artichoke & ricotta flatbread. All just perfect. For main we split the roasted Dungeness crab, which was truly one of the best things I’ve eaten. Ever.
We shared 3 of the desserts — because I couldn’t fit all 5. Enjoyed the olive oil cake, though the ice cream was our favorite: rose geranium and buttermilk ice creams with lovely, crisp corn meal shortbread cookies. M-​mmmmm!
Mike was a wonderful server, giving us plenty of space and time to enjoy our evening, while still being there when we needed him. The support staff was amazing, too! Friendly, gracious, fun and quick to our aid when we had a red wine explosion caused by animated talking with hands.
The kitchen staff did such an excellent job with everything.
They made our anniversary dinner such a lovely evening, much thanks to you all!

This is a pricey endeavor for what I would term as mediocre food. Frankly I am not the greatest fan of this area as it is loaded with dubious clubs that can get pretty rough (just look at the side walks which can go toe to toe with the filthiest of sidewalks in the city). The space itself is nice and open.
Now for the food I tried the following
Baked Crab. Meh nothing special here considering the $$$ they charged one would expect a much intricate prep.
Chitarra. Quite oily for a place that leans towards promoting the local flavors and healthy items.
The bread was OK so was the beef on the toast.
I wish I had just stuck to the apps (maybe oysters) as the mains disappointed.
2.5 Stars

We came in here for a bachelorette party, and immediately overheard a group of hipsters talking about us and snickering about how «we were all dressed up for a Saturday night.» Well, yes– in fact, we were dressed-​up for a Saturday night because it WAS Saturday, and we were going out to celebrate! Just not a good atmosphere to walk into when you first step into a restaurant.
The food and drinks were good, but the portions were tiny for what we paid. We were originally planning to order small plates, but ended-​up having to get entrees at $ 30 – 40 a plate. The pâté, also, was not what we had expected. We were hoping for a more spreadable pâté with a «liver-​y» taste, but the pâté came out in a solid block, almost reminiscent of Spam. Bread was also not complimentary; you had to order the bread separately.
The outdoor patio which everyone raves about was unfortunately rained out and closed the night we went, so we did not get to sit out there at all.
I recommend Bar Agricole if you’re looking for a super casual place with good drinks and good food, but be prepared to pay a high price tag.

I really hope the owner (s) of this establishment read this review.
1. We were a party of 3 without reservation. The host «made us a favor» by seating us and warning us we had to leave by a certain time, because he had events happening after. What the extremely rude part was he came right as we were about to order desert (15 minutes before the time he said he needed the table back) and said «You do remember our arrangement, right?» Of course we said «no» to desert, as the servers had already started cleaning the table and making it pretty obvious we had to leave.
2. This is the first restaurant I’ve been to in the U.S., where they charge you for bread … and they serve pâté’ without bread or crackers …
3. The menu was very limited, the portions were small and overpriced. However, the taste was good (not phenomenal, but good).
4. Otherwise, the overall ambiance is nice, but due to the above-​mentioned experience, I am never going back. Neither are any of my friends.

I’m a snooper. Aka I listen in on your conversations because you are interesting.
I eased dropped three tables saying to their waiters, «everything was so good.»
Everything was so good.

They change their menu daily… When we all sat down (party of four) we looked puzzled as to what to order. I was unhappy about the menu, so I just ordered the seafood soup as my meal. a little bowl of what they call «stew» was $ 20
Citrus salad, which were only different types of sliced oranges drizzled with olive oil was $ 19
Spagetti (brussel spouts and breadcrumbs) $ 22, but i must say, it was tasty.
This place is so overpriced for what it is. I have been to alot more better places — i left still hungry and was tempted to get a slice of pizza at the DNA Pizza lounge.
The ambience is nice and the outdoor dining is pretty cool.
Food = average
Not going there again!

We were a party of 7 and we all agreed on this. Let’s start with the food —
We were sat down promptly and we were very happy as it was not crowded at all. Our server Kristen came by promptly. Explained the menu and everything was set. We all knew what we wanted and then she disappeared for a bit. I know she must have gotten busy. But no service for 15 mins, the server has already lost points. I specifically asked her about a particular dessert and she said that she will hold one for me right away. When two from our group wanted to order the duck she said it was out and was replaced with some other meat. Well maybe the chef should prepare a little bit more?
The food was ok. Literally. There are a lot of other restaurants in the city serving way more delicious dishes for the price that bar agricole charges. The portions were a disaster. The small portion pasta is probably good for a kid. The server had mentioned to one of the guest that she should get the small portion. Well, she was still hungry at the end of the meal. My fish dish had five tiny pieces of the cod and more beans. It almost felt like I had ordered a bean stew that was garnished with some fish on top. $ 30 for that. Chef, what’s up? Cost control eh?
Now to the service —
Well the server already had lost points in the beginning. We wanted to order some more food but she never showed up until the plates were cleared up. She came with the dessert menu and told me the chocolate tart was already over. I laughed. She said, «thank you for your flexibility». The menu itself is so small. How can you not stock your kitchen? She brought in a plate of cookies as a kind gesture. Which was nice of her. But then, she dropped the check with a 20% gratuity added to the check. I know that federal law states that you cannot add automatic gratuity to any checks. Doesn’t matter how big the party is. This has been in practice since January 2013. Well this explained why she had disappeared and didn’t pay much attention to our table. We of course gave her the 20% tip. We would have had anyways.
Will never go back and will never recommend. We should have believed on the three and a half stars.
Bottom line — NOT WORTH THE MONEY

Bar Agricole serves great food and cocktails, but does so in a visually pleasing, green-​built, sustainable way. There is a well lit outdoor covered patio with heat lamps when needed decorated with many plants and urban art, it is definitely a hidden gem. The menu has two prices after every entrée. The first is a single portion the second is for two… or more, depending on appetite. A few snacks I liked:
~olives marinated in preserved lemon
~soft-​cooked egg topped with chopped mint and chiles
~Sheep’s milk ricotta & anchovy toast with Perigord black truffles
The rest of the choices generally consist of 10 appetizers and main courses, three cheeses and four desserts.
Delish appetizers to try:
~Farinata & arugula salad
~Pomelo salad was refreshing
~Pork pâté since I am a pâté lover was mouth-​watering with the wild greens pesto toast & endive salad
~interesting to my taste buds the grilled flatbread with all the things I like combined: mashed garbanzos, beets & yogurt as a spread
Mains:
Ordered the Spaghetti with Clams, the Wild Trout and also the Roast Pork Loin equally delicious.
Dessert:
The evening was complete with one order of the Amaranth cake that my friends and I shared.
Bar Agricole known for their hand-​crafted cocktails and cool SoMa vibe. Their menu changes very regularly so you can expect some new things every time you visit. Their cheese plate selection is always good. This place is pricey but dishes are shared family-​style with traditional dishes prepared in new ways. I would recommend this place for the experience of eating in a nice cool hip place with good food, not really exceptional. Go with a group of friends to share the bill so it doesn’t hurt your wallet. Definitely worth a try! Four stars!

This is a review of the bar on a Friday night.
PSA: THEY HAVE PURSE HOOKS UNDER THE BAR TABLE! Score!
Stood/​half sat at the full bar after starting out our night sipping wines at Tank18 and Jamber. Switched up after dinner to cocktails, and had pleasant service with Chris, our informative bartender!
He custom-​made two drinks for us, while my other girlfriend got a specialty cocktail on the menu. I thoroughly enjoyed my tequila fix which was citrus-​y and a tad spicy with some type of chile bitters. It was a basic lime juice and tequile drink with the special bitters that got my approval. Ambiance is great, the more I stood at the bar and got a chance to look around. I loved the outdoors section – but it was reserved for a private party… great use of space! I also liked the sleek and modern/​dim lighting of the area. They had different levels of sections, so it made it seem like you’re underground in some seating areas, or up in a loft as in the case with the bar.
We only had one drink here because our friend was hoping to see someone she knew who worked at the bar, but that person wasn’t working that day. This place isn’t my vibe exactly (a bit fancier), and I saw mostly yuppies in casual suits as well as an older 30’s crowd at the bar/​sitting to enjoy dinner. Nor am I a big fan of the lack of space and pricey food menu (if you sit down in an actual table to get full service), but I’m down to visit again for a fabulous drink by Chris and with the right company!

That’s the problem with what I consider good recipes and full-​plates of good food in the Bay Area: the prices rise like insane. Too expensive for what it is. Yes certainly they serve meals and dishes that are more of a full-​plate lamb and to make it a balanced meal, some potatoes and salad on the side, but it shouldn’t cost 45 bucks the plate! Well just to give you an idea, for two, we paid 90 bucks with my bf…
That’s what I miss about Europe really. Especially in France and Paris you can find the exact content of the plate 20 bucks cheaper.
So, in a nutshell, I would rather cook my own meal for 10 bucks at home than paying that expensive.

This place was really expensive for the quality, quantity and options. It had a great atmosphere and great service but the spaghetti I got was pretty pricey for being mediocre spaghetti I could have made at home.
And you had to pay for the bread! What an outrage!

Parking is free. Woke up late and went to run some errands before hand in Richmond and felt a bit sweaty, weather is super warm this part of the year, so many joggers on the road, 3.3 mile across town and my brain already turned into mush. Such was how I started my day on Sunday. Surprisingly mellow atmosphere that offers a great deal of cocktails — it is a 2015 James Beard winner for cocktails spot. Decidedly simple but to the point brunch menu. Radish with salt and butter reminded me of France. Scone with honey butter was not only tasty but a bit too decadent. Girlfriends are dashingly stylish. I bear gifts. I was happy that they were liking these Parisian style scarves I got for them.
Waitstaff are hipsters straight out of Portlandia, they offer water in a jar and coffee strong and black. All refilled seamlessly. Having just returned from Norway, where labors are hard to find and people are used to waiting for a long periods of time before getting served, it’s nice to know that this society is still a service oriented society.
We ordered the egg dishes — baked and fried. Delicious.
No one is rushing us so we spent nearly 3 hours catching up. It’s been over 8 weeks, so much has happened. One girlfriend is dreading her upcoming line dance for her son’s school’s fund raising, one girlfriend is battling raccoons in her newly purchased multi million dollar home, one girlfriend is getting all the permits pulled and getting ready to sell her Marin home, I’m too busy fingering out what time of the day it is and what time zone I’m at to notice that I’ve got a big o’ stain on the front of my dress.
Perfect afternoon brunch place. Well cooked eggs.
French toast as dessert, completely unnecessary but totally worth it nonetheless.
Making plans for an autumn get away to the wine country.
I take photos and put them on instagram and FB. They all look million bucks. Some of us, thankfully, age gracefully and beautifully, so much so that they cause envy among their peers. I love my lady friends who love to dine in posh places like this.
I get the wait staff to recommend a cocktail that would rock my world towards the end. It was made of Jamaican rum and is James Beard worthy.
I’m reminded by my friend’s parting words earlier, «Have fun with your girlfriends, but don’t have too much fun.» How could I not?!

For cocktails, these guys are pioneers.
Legendary, even. They brought the organic element into the mix. Literally.
The cocktail program here is one that is widely respected, has been written up in magazines, & is often used as a bar of measure for other establishments; at least the ones w high aspirations & ambition.
The patio out front is where you want to be on just about any given night. Especially if it’s nice out.
It’s also where you want to be on any sunny day, too.
The food is comfort driven, clean, & modern.
I thought I’d try the patio for weekend brunch.
Baked eggs. Planter’s Punch.
It’s a brunch of champions.
Special love for the pork belly & eggs, too.
And in the evening, the chicken liver is absolutely the perfect partner for a cocktail.
Brandon Jew is long gone, but Bar Agricole is still going strong.
4 stars.