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Asqew Grill

3.5 star rating
based on 105 reviews

Categories: American (New), Barbeque  [Edit]

Neighborhood: Castro
3583 16th St
(between Market St & Noe St)
San Francisco, CA 94114
(415) 626-3040
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  • Hours:
    Mon-Thu 11:30 a.m.-10:00 p.m.
    Fri-Sat 11:30 a.m.-10:00 p.m.
    Sun 11:30 a.m.-9:00 p.m.
  • Price Range: $$
  • Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
  • Parking: Street
  • Attire: Casual
  • Good for Groups: Yes
  • Good for Kids: Yes
  • Takes Reservations: No
  • Delivers: No
  • Take-out: Yes
  • Waiter Service: No
  • Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
  • Outdoor Seating: Yes
  • Good for: Lunch, Dinner
  • Alcohol: Beer & Wine Only

105 Reviews for Asqew Grill

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One of Asqew Grill's Favorite Reviews

Photo of Earline A.

 

1

49

Earline A.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
02/18/2008

I like Asqew Grill in general, and I love this particular one.  The folks who work there are nice and helpful, and the food is reliable.  Grilled meat/tofu/veggies with good sauces and decent salads and good starchy things.  Comfortable, casual atmosphere.  Last time I was there I asked about the house red, a Cabernet Sauvignon.  The fellow behind the counter offered me a taste--a really classy touch, and the kind of thing that will keep me coming back.  Thanks, you guys.

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Elite '08

39

162

Monica S.

San Francisco, CA

2 star rating
09/04/2008

I don't understand how Asqew Grill ever gets more than 2 stars
The meats are always pretty dry.. OHH right, it may be the service. The service can be considered 5 star if you walk in with low expectations.. BUT people seem to love this place.. not me!

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3

16

Annie S.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
08/24/2008

Great food.  
Exactly what we were lookling for.  The grilled veggies are SO good, I wanted to get some to go, but showed some restraint!
They're served with a soy beurre blanc that I could just drink by the bucket full, again, showed restraint!
I was very pleased with the cilantro lime chicken skewers on caesar salad, my friends also really liked the bbq chicken skewer, the mac and cheese and the mashed potatoes.
Great service, good staff.
I liked it!

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1

3

Ralph D.

San Francisco, CA

2 star rating
08/26/2008

I have to give them a tough review so someone takes notice. I've eaten at this location a few times in the past and it was great. However, I was there recently (8/22/08) and this was the first time since the menu change - I don't really care for the change, I preferred the mix-n-match of before.

The food was fine, however, the waiter or someone had the order screwed up. He brought my friend the wrong dish and set the plate down, then took it back up - my friend was beyond disbelief. His line was once you set the plate down, it's mine!

After dinner, my friend noticed a cockroach on the floor some 8' from us, I went over and stepped on it. I checked other review before writing this, I'm not the only one to have spotted a roach at this location - another review stated a two time sighting on (8/24/08) Sunday.

Asqew, pull yourselves out of the nosedive!

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9

28

Lauren S.

San Francisco, CA

3 star rating
08/24/2008

I really wanted to give this place four stars, I really did.

Went here last night for a quick dinner with Boyfriend.  I informed the cashier that we were Asquew Virgins, so he gave us a quick overview: order a dish off the menu board (which revolves around you guessed it, a lot of skewer/kabob choices), pay, grab a number for your table, and park it somewhere while you wait for your food to be ready.

I ordered the Texas BBQ chicken skewers ($10.79) over mashed potatoes.  It was stellar- the skewers contained chicken, onions, and corn on the cob, and sat over a bed of garlic-y mashed potatoes.  The whole damn thing was drowned in BBQ sauce- and despite my intolerance for giant pools of BBQ sauce, I liked it enough to keep on truckin' and finish my meal.

Halfway through my dinner, Boyfriend points out the fact that there's a cockroach-like bug crawling on the wall behind me.  So okay, at this point, I'm slightly turned off to my food because of the insect issue, but to be honest, I'm not really the kind of gal that docks huge points for this kind of thing.  I'm a big believer in the 30 Second Rule, so obviously I'm not  really into food cleanliness.  I decide to forget about the cockroach thing and just enjoy the rest of my meal.

Then I go up to the cashier's counter to break a $20, and as I'm waiting in line, I spot it-  another goddamn cockroach, crawling around gleefully under the register, as if to say, "Suprise, beotch.  It's a party in here."  Made me think about what could have possibly been swimming around in my mashed potatoes besides the onions and corn, so I can't help it- I've got to dock another star and bump this place down to three.

That said, I'll probably go back to Asquew -- though I might try another location.

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8

35

Mindy L.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
08/25/2008

"Asqew people are beautiful people", says the sign above the patio door.

Agreed.

I love this place. Delicious, simple food. Everything comes on a skewer. They have a selection of meat, seafood and veggie options, with different sauces and marinades, and a selection of starches. (Wonderfully flavorful cous cous, jasmine rice, garlic mashers, etc) Ordering is simple. You choose a type of protein, and what kind of sauce you want on it, and the menu tells you what starch goes best with it (though you can pick whatever you like). You can order half orders, and full orders.

What comes out is a kabob of meat (or protein of choice) spaced by onions, tomatoes and the like, over a bed of your starch, with the sauce poured over the kabob. Everything here is clean and yummy. I've never ordered something I don't like. Ever.

Food this good is rarely found with such a decent price tag. And if you're looking for quick bite to eat - it doesn't get much faster than this!

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3

29

JP T.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
08/05/2008

my mouth literally made love to the chicken cilantro skewer(s) beautifully paired with the cilantro jasmine rice.

That's all.

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1

7

Nikki C.

San Francisco, CA

2 star rating
Updated - 07/31/2008

Asqew Grill USED TO BE one of my favorite places to enjoy a delicious and casual dinner... but my favorite dish-- the Ahi Tuna Skewers-- has gone very down hill.  The last few times I've been, the fish has been VERY fishy and inedible...  I won't be back for a while...  I'm not into fearing for my life with every bite I take.

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1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 4 star rating 02/02/2008

    I like to keep it simple, and once I find something I like, I tend to revisit!  Occasionally the… Read more »

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2

84

Eric C.

Norfolk, VA

4 star rating
08/08/2008

Asqew specializes in skeweres (if you couldn't deduce that from the name) and has a variety of different choices to choose from. Not too pricey, the one on the Castro is a great place to pick up food, eat with friends and then head out for a night on the Castro. If you are into desserts, I suggest trying any of their brownie/cookie sundaes. Beware, however, that a single person will NOT be able to finish an entire dessert. So bring friends to share!

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13

43

Arturo A.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
08/06/2008

Went there once- was disappointed.

Went back last week- amazing. The ahi tuna salad= to die for. Really good for a quick bite. The patio in the back= love it on a nice, sunny day.

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24

11

Dan A.

San Francisco, CA

2 star rating
07/08/2008

This used to be a mainstay of ours, but the quality seems to have fallen off a bit lately. The streamlined menu definitely is a bit lacking: they managed to drop not one but two of our favorites, both the buffalo chicken and the roasted new potatoes have disappeared. Then, last time we were in it seemed like there were just two people there, running around like crazy, and the artichoke (which is normally just outstanding) was still tasty but tiny and tough. Maybe that should be a seasonal item? And the garlic mashed potatoes were even iffy, it was almost like they were made from a mix or undercooked, or something.

We'll definitely give them another shot just because we love it - it's delicious, fresh and cheap - but hopefully they can turn around the slide.

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Elite '08

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69

Valeria R.

San Francisco, CA

3 star rating
06/15/2008

Not a destination, but definitely worth dropping in if you're in the neighborhood and craving something healthy.  You can tailor your portions...1 or 2 skewers over rice.  One is appetizer size and two make a decent meal.  I ordered the Thai beef skewers and they were pretty good, albeit a tad chewy.  Big chunks of nicely marinated meat with red peppers, zucchini and mushrooms.  My gay ordered the special salad, which had a super-tasty non-creamy dressing that tasted homemade.  The service is fast-food style and efficient.  All in all, a nice place for a quick, satisfying, reasonably-priced bite.

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6

39

Tom D.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
07/03/2008

I freakin' love this place.  If you like chicken, ribs and mashed potatoes, this is another great place to go to.  Especially if you're in the hood!

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15

47

Bryan B.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
04/28/2008

I was told to come to Asqew Grill by a friend; his drag queen friend was hosting an event at the Grill as part of the "DINING OUT FOR LIFE" event that happened last week. Not wanting to pass up an opportunity for food, drag and charity, I showed up at Asqew.

It's really hard critiquing a restaurant on a dining experience when the workers are aware that it will be a busy night. OF COURSE everyone will be on their best behavior. OF COURSE our food will arrive in a timely manner. OF COURSE the waitress will bring me a fresh piece of bread because mine got contaminated by my friend's tuna. OF COURSE the manager will offer to refill our drinks at a self-serve soda machine. OF COURSE we'll be handed $5 Off coupons "just because."

But at least the food backed it up. As we waited for the drag queen to show (the hostess did remark that the drag queen was supposed to show up at 5:30pm, but she wasn't sure what that meant in 'drag time.' I ordered the marinated tofu skewer with sat on top of a pile of garlic mashed potatoes. The skewer had several pieces of tofu, onions, broccoli, and peppers. I scarfed it down faster than you could say "faux-fur scarf."

I'm not sure if it was the gimmicky and over-courteous staff or the actual food that made me enjoy Asqew Grill. It certainly wasn't the drag queen, who, 1.5 hours after the commencement of her event, was still missing in action (a true diva). Either way, I'm down to ive it another go.

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6

13

Mira B.

San Francisco, CA

3 star rating
05/01/2008

When I started to go here two years ago, the menu was twice as big, and the items were more tasty.  I am not a huge fan of the new menu, but I eat there if I am not inspired by anything else in the hood.  Good comfort food, and if I am craving potatoes, this is the place to go!

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Elite '08

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473

Andy F.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
04/05/2008

In the middle of a sunny Thursday, we found ourselves with our dogs, wandering around the Castro district..As this is our first full week in our new home, SF..We're packing a lot of "stuff" into these first few weeks to better acclimate ourselves with the city...Of course, we would start our first full day of exploring in the gayberhood!

For anyone reading this as a traveller to SF...be warned...there are hills..lots and lots of hills..Some hills seem to carry with them an 80 degree steep incline. I can attest because not only were me and the man a lil' sore, but the boys crashed as soon as we got home! WEAR COMFORTABLE SHOES!~

Sorry..I digress.

So..after perusing a few stores around the area and cruising a few boys, we were ready for a nosh. As we had the dogs, we needed to find outdoor seating. Within three blocks of Askew Grill, we noticed at least three other establishments that had patio seating. These patios were also consumed by mobs of people. As our dogs tend to get a tad bit overwhelmed around so many people, we realized that we needed a more calming atmosphere for the boys.

As the old adage goes.." Ask and you shall recieve.."

We were smack in front of Askew Grill..and their patio was off to the side (*two seats)..slightly shaded and no one around, nor was it a busy intersection.

I ran inside to double check that dogs were allowed..(I know, I know. I come from the Mid-West where they freak out if you have your dog on the patio with you...)..I was told, " OF COURSE!"...and we sat immediately...and we stayed that way for about ten minutes waiting for someone to greet us, bring us water...say hello...Sick of waiting, I walked in and asked for some water for my dogs and asked if someone could come out and take our order.." Silly, you give ME your order and then I'll bring it to you!"...Oh, I see..I thought to myself...This is one of those places!

We placed our orders; Him: Texas BBQ Chicken Skewer. Me: Thai BBQ Chicken Skewer...only one, per would do it! and grabbed two beers and enjoyed the sights and sounds of our new surroundings.

The server brought out two small plates brimming with a massive skewer and a startch. Mine came with broccoli, yellow zuchinni, pea pods and some well-seasoned chicken parts. This was all dressed with a slightly sweet sauce and accompanied with coconut milk flavored Jasmine rice that was studded with shreds of cilantro. The guys was a heaping plate of slightly watery garlic mashed potatoes that were holding a skewer of chicken, perfectly cooked corn on the cob and red onions. This was all smothered in a sweet BBQ sauce. We were both more than pleased with our entrees..actually very pleased...As we both knew we had a bit of a hike still to get to our car and we were grateful that we didn't partake in a large lunch.

The portions are what blew me away. Again, we're from Chicago..and as many of you know..we like to eat and eat a lot. So, when my plate arrived, I had to laugh. I laughed because if you were to have this same exact plate set in front of you in a restaurant in Chicago, it would be considered an appetizer!

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93

149

Adam B.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
05/06/2008

I have been to several locations in the city and have always had positive experiences.  This location is not upscale but more casual.  You order the food at the register and then you wait for it to be ready. The wait is not terrible and I dont mind if I know they are actually cooking food instead of heating it up from yesterday.
The service is always given with a smile. The last time I was there, the nice man behind the counter explained that I could mix and match my orders so I was very pleased.
Its definitely not a 5 star eatery but I really think it has a unique charm.

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13

230

Dong T.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
04/29/2008

I LOVE their plates.  They don't tell you this, but you can mix and match the plates, too.  I like to get their tofu skewers over rice.  

The wait for the food can be kinda long, though.  I guess they have to cook it.  Pabst PBR and some other stuff on tap.  Yey.  Parking sucks.

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2

Kasey S.

San Francisco, CA

2 star rating
07/16/2008

This was the place to go awhile ago, but the quality has gone way down.  We placed an order to go and when we got home the Thai BBQ had absolutely no sauce on it.  Our first mistake was that we did not check our order before leaving.  We called Asqew to question the sauce and the guy had no idea what we were talking about.  So, we decided to put soy sauce on it to choke it down.  Asqew use to be way better, and I was very disappointed.  I highly doubt I will go there again.

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12

34

Michael W.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
03/13/2008

Good, inexpensive food.  I'm very visual, so I ordered the special that was displayed right there on the countertop.  A fresh, mixed green salad with big chunks of salmon on top.  

The place was mostly devoid of customers post lunch-rush, and the patio in back was the perfect place to chat with a friend I hadn't seen in a while.

The staff (well, the one girl running the dining area) was very courteous and the food arrived SUPER quickly.

While the food was of good quality, there was nothing that vaulted it into a highly memorable experience, but maybe it's because I was so focused on the conversation at hand.

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140

GEMINI A.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
03/08/2008

Asqew Grill has been very consistent. I've been to their location in the Haight, Castro, and also inside Westfield Center. They always deliver the same fresh and tasty salads. I especially like the fact that you can choose to order one skewer on your salad (if you're not that hungry) or two skewers (if you're really hungry). And you can mix and match on their menu with your choice of starches too, like rice or mashed potatoes. Yum!

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584

Fannie S.

San Francisco, CA

3 star rating
01/15/2008

Order up front, and grab a table.  Quick in and out.

Service = mostly self-service.  Get your own silverware, water, drinks, etc.  But they'll bring you the food and whatever else is necessary with the plates.

Food = good.  Not too greasy.  Simple flavors.  Plenty of different choices in types of meat, sides and sauces.  Good quantity and decent quality.

Price = okay.  

Overall, I find it to be a good place if you want something simple and quick, but nothing to write to mom and dad about.

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905

matt G.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
12/23/2007

Asqew Grill catered Wife's company's Christmas Party at midday. She also invited the rest of the Fantastic-4 to feast. The only catch was that Matt had to pick up all the hot foods from the restaurant. Not a bad trade-off.

There were 8 long foiled trays loaded with their popular hottest food and sides. Each foiled tray holds approximately 15-20 assorted shish kebobs. And there were 3 trays with sides, including the popular Cilantro Jasmine Rice (Matt's favorite), Grilled Corn on a Cob and Grilled Asparagus.

One of the tasty shish kebob that Matt enjoyed had a Beef marinated with Balsamic Vinegar and joined with Crimini Mushrooms, Zucchini, and Red-Peppers poked on one skewer. Wife enjoyed the Chicken Parmesan, which had grilled Artichoke-Hearts, Mushrooms and Sliced Red Onions. The kids each enjoyed the Marinated Tofu, which had Red-Onions, Broccoli, and Red-Peppers.

Everybody, including us was targeting the popular rice dishes. And having a majority of females working with wife, there were plenty of food leftover.  

We had mixed reactions of eating at the Asqew Grill. But since her company paid a hefty price, it was ok, not just for the free meal, but finding a good AG in the Bay Area.

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10

150

m r.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
03/12/2008

{I've only gone to the one on Castro..so this is regarding that one}

Great for Lunch! Always friendly service no matter who is there!! Food is quick and not too expensive! I have to drive there and I usually find parking right across the street (the farthest one block away).

I'm addicted to the BALSAMIC BEEF and the MASH POTATOES!!!
When you have a sweet tooth and you need a quick fix, the brownies aren't too bad! But I love, love, love the Balsamic Beef! I've tried the other types they've had, but yeah you get it i heat the Balsamic Beef! The rice and salad are good, too!

Oh, on nice days the back patio is a nice place to eat and be happy in the sun. (There are also ash trays for those who smoke!)

I love their sense of humor because during the endless rainless days we had a few months back, their umbrella rack/holder had a sign that said, "UMBRELLA, ELLA, ELLA, EH, EH!"...you know that annoying Rihanna Umbrella song! I took a picture of it and sent it to my friends for a quick laugh!

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Elite '08

56

326

Lisa N.

San Francisco, CA

3 star rating
02/08/2008

Asqew Grill is simply delicious, fast and casual. The prices here are also easy on the wallet. For $12 you get your 2 skewer dinner entree and leave happy.

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0

14

Victor S.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
03/28/2008

What's not to like about this place?  Great, simple food without a long wait prepared and served by friendly people.   Gotta love the ginger basil lamb skewers and the grilled asparagus!   Yummy.  Try the brownie for dessert.  

My only complaint...  the one time I ordered "Peppercorn Encrusted Ahi Tuna" skewers, there wasn't a peppercorn to be seen...  much less the ahi being "encrusted".   Even so, it was still enjoyable.

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Elite '08

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949

Ed U.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
10/13/2007

Somehow, serving hot, juicy meat speared helplessly on a painful stick seems most appropriate in the Castro. Maybe that's why this is my favorite of the three locations I've tried of this Bay Area mini-chain. Either that or the fact that this is the only one that offers free refills on my Diet Coke. At least I assume they provide free refills since no one yelled at me when I filled my glass up with liberal abandon and frequency.

Otherwise the menu is the same. I had the Ginger Basil Lamb - two skewers with crimini mushrooms and yellow squash chunks alternating between the grilled meat - all piled over a heaping serving of garlic mashed potatoes. It was pretty delish when my only other dining option was a six-month old Lean Cuisine in my freezer.

With the Diet Coke, the tab ran me about $14. Pretty reasonable for the quantity and the flavor if you ask me. The staff is much friendlier here, and it was more brightly lit than the other locales. Not sure why except it feels like a place that encourages a lot of socializing among big parties. They have salads for the healthier minded, and there are veggie options as well. I say check it out if you're hungry and not willing to take a second on your mortgage.

FOOD - 4 stars...good hearty skewers of meat in the Castro...who da thunk it?
AMBIANCE - 4 stars...a more open, social space than the dour Westfield or the snooty Marina locales
SERVICE - 4 stars...friendly and efficient
TOTAL - 4 stars....check it out when you need meat to eat

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John S.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
02/10/2008

Of the three locations I've been to (this one, the Haight, Emeryville), the Castro Asquew is definitely the largest.  The decor at all of them is basically the same, although this one has been pretty devoid of customers each time I've visited, so it's felt kind of weird.

The food is good, as it always has been.

I'm still really sad that they got rid of the berry drink they used to carry before the whole chain was sold.  When you go, ask about the berry drink.  Even if you don't want it, maybe enough people asking about it will make them bring it back.

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6

15

Castro S.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
02/20/2008

Asqew Grill is quick and tasty.  I've had several business lunch and dinners here and everyone walked away with their tummies full and a smile on their face.  The food is healthy and the staff friendly.  The place itself is clean and well lit.  I've always had great experiences when I visited.  Asqew Grill in the Castro has participated in the Dining Out For Life event for the past few years and continues to be a community supporter.

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13

96

Ken p.

San Francisco, CA

3 star rating
01/15/2008

Good solid, not fancy food.  Some people love it, I thinks its OK.

The meat is actually done well, points for the concept.

Never a bad meal, never a memorable one.

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6

18

L Boogie ..

Oakland, CA

5 star rating
01/21/2008

Oh how i love thee, let me count the ways!
1. Root beer floats
2. Waiters wearing coveralls
3. Nice outside seating
4. Artfully executed Thai Salmon/Marinated Tofu/Portabello Mushroom Skewers
5.Quick service on call in orders (ready in 20 min)
6. Laidback, well adjusted staff (5 stars just for the banter)
7. People Watching (i.e. gay guys straight from the gym across the way)
8. Really helpful when I catered a small party at my house (drove from Oakland to pick up )
9. Clean bathroom
10. Quiet and roomy in the afternoons

If this restaurant where a person... and propositioned me at a bar... I would seriously consider tongue kissing (maybe even heavy petting).

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5

2

Karen U.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
10/13/2007

This is the best Asqew in the city. Haight is second and the new Market one at the mall is definitely last. Also, asqew is a great place to take out-of-towners to eat (especially if they're scared of anything ethnic).
The 16th St. Asqew stays consistent in their grilling, they have a nice cute outside patio and it's never packed in here. At Haight, it's soo packed and I've had a plate or two that I haven't been happy with. Of course at Market, they don't cook it when you order it. Some stuff is already pre-cooked and just sits there as oxygen and carbon destroy its asqew goodiness.
My favorities, any of the Thai skewers, grilled asparagus, artichoke or zuchinni and that delicious soy blanc butter sauce that comes with it and of course the mashers!!!

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157

Alicia k.

Cupertino, CA

4 star rating
10/03/2007

I love it when I put Michael in charge of picking where we go to lunch!

We headed out for lunch today, the weather was awesome and I didnt want to waste it at our usual "close to work" places.  I didn't think I could stomach another subway sandwich from the subway in the train station.  Yes, you read that right, sometimes I eat sandwiches from the train station.

I had my little dog with me at work so we knew Asqew welcomed dogs on the patio, which it an instant star. Once we found parking, which was the only real hassle we ran into, we headed into the back patio.  They weren't to crowded which gave me plently of time to go over the menu.

I decided on the blacked salmon skewers on top of the grilled pear salad, which came with a creamy gorgonzola sauce.  Sounds awesome huh?  IT WAS!  

I also ordered a side of mac and cheese to share with Michael, all I can say is daaaaaamn! So Good.  It tasted like the mac and cheese you get at good cafeterias.

The food was not greasy or oily, it was really fresh and healthy. I can't wait to go back.  I also picked up their catering menu, I am hoping to get them to do the food at some upcoming work functions.  

Getcha ass there already! Yum!

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Robert G.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
01/26/2008

I was joined by a few friends last week.   I had the ful rack of ribs with mashed potatoes.  My friends had the chicken and beef kabobs.  We shared and all the food was great.   Washed it down with a Stella and could not have asked for a better meal.

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lauren v.

San Francisco, CA

2 star rating
11/16/2007

For some reason everytime I think I want to eat here I realize I am confused about wanting to eat here because I really don't.

they are bbqish, but not really.they do serve ribs, but who the fuck really orders ribs to take out, and ribs usually scare me they are too messy.

So really everything is skewers and sides. They have normal bbqey skewers and then they get all foo foo with like fusiony skewers.

everytime i eat the food ,i throw it out about half way of ingestion because it's not that good. I should tattoo on my body do not eat here you don't really like it.

I am giving two points for very nice staff who hustles hustles hustles, and the great locale and they keep their restaurant clean

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5

Steven T.

San Francisco, CA

2 star rating
01/26/2008

Wow, has the quality and menu of this place gone down hill.  I would have given this four starts 6 months ago.  You used to be able to combine different skewers with different sides.  I generally wanted the caesar's salad with beef or salmon.  The castro location isn't overrun like the Haight one, and generally you'd get your food within 15 minutes at the worst.  It's loud, but it was relatively cheap.

Unfortunately, they've decided to remove the mix-and-match ability of their menu, matching the extraordinarily bland sides with the good meat options, and the good sides (salads and potatoes).  They took the horrid combos (and service) from the SF Shopping Center and forced it on all locations, while raising the prices 20% .  

The service was horrid as well.  They were doing a lot of to-go orders, but they screwed up my wife's order and overroasted the chicken to bone-dry.  They brought out the second skewer with a half-hearted apology 10 minutes after the rest of our food.  There was only one other group in the restaurant!  This used to be a fun hip restaurant that had a coherent theme, menu, and vision.  Now it's warmed over, overpriced mall food.

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Elite '08

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198

Steven K.

San Francisco, CA

3 star rating
04/04/2008

I understand this is a chain but nonetheless, of course there is one in the Castro because the food is just ok.  This seems to be a trend with Castro dining, poor taste and service similar to any fast food place.  I mean, to begin with the food takes forever, literally!  One could go shopping, prepare and plate the food in their home in the same amount of time, if not quicker.  The 'grilled asparagus' was soft and lacked flavor, it felt like it was sitting for too long.  The  'spinach with peppercorn encrusted ahi tuna' (with walnuts, cranberries, crumbled blue cheese and Asian vinaigrette) actually was not too bad.  However, they ran out of spinach and had to use mixed greens instead, also not a problem.  I wish the tuna would have been grilled a little less but it was an improvement.  I guess in the end if you need a not quick bite but something cheap and light this could be an option.  It's not life changing though by any means..... :)

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27

Rick A.

San Francisco, CA

2 star rating
05/01/2008

Pros:

Reasonably tasty
Friendly Staff
Quick Service
Relatively inexpensive

Cons:

Food kind of fatty (i.e., not the choicest cuts, seemingly)
Overbright atmosphere
Zero ambiance
Seriously limited menu

In short - it'll do if you're in the area and need a quick bite, but definitely not worth making a special trip for.

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Matt V.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
11/18/2007

it's rare to find a good restaurant that is generally healthy across the board.

I like this place and frequent it on occasion.  

Good food, good service.

what more could you want?

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5

126

Love Muffin ..

San Francisco, CA

3 star rating
08/22/2007

Tasty (for the most part).  

While working at home, my boyfriend, his boss, and I ordered take-out from here.  

I had the prawn skewer (4 prawns per skewer with tomatoes, onions, and some other stuff I forget).  Very good.

We split a ceasar salad.  Bland.  Avoid this.

We also shared breadsticks.  Soo yummy.  Definitely get them.  And the marinara the come with is delicious, too.

BF got the ribs.  A regular order is two racks (is that what they're called?  like two attached rows of ribs?) over garlic mashed potatoes.  The ribs and mashed potatoes are both very good.  Oh, and there's coleslaw in there, too.  But neither one of us like coleslaw so I can't say if it's any good.  But the boss said it's good...

The boss, who's an AG regular, got their basalmic beef and green salad, which must mean they're good.

It's quick, cheap (I assume), healthy, and near our place.  I'd go again.

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