Sol Food
Categories: Pet-Friendly Businesses
811 4th St
San Rafael, CA 94901
San Rafael, CA 94901
(415) 451-4765
http://www.solfoodrestaurant.com/
http://www.solfoodrestaurant.com/
Hours:
Mon-Sun 11:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Price Range:$$
Good for:small dogs, large dogs
Services Offered:Outdoor Seating
Accepts Credit Cards:Yes
All Reviews
I've been really torn about Sol Food in recent months as the popularity of this local phenomenon has skyrocketed (along with prices) and quality and portion sizes have plummeted. They've opened several new locations on the same block (the pop-up dining room being a disaster full of unapologetic mistakes) and even pushed out a crazy popular promo which I bought into. Unfortunately it was restricted to the new Fourth Street location so my lady and I scooted over to give it a try.
I wanted to order the Friday fish special, but somehow they were already sold out early into dinner service. I defaulted to their popular two-piece chicken dish instead, the price of which recently increased a ridiculous 25% along with the rest of the menu. The food was delicious of course, but the dining experience has suffered as Sol Food continues to grow and improvise new dining locations. The new location has a "sort of" dog-friendly patio out back that you're forced to round the block to access. Annoying I admit, but I was eager to try the outdoor dining experience. Unfortunately it was windy and the heatlamps were either not on or not working, causing a lot of mumbling from the diners. Service was also really spotty but food arrived quickly, actually a little too quickly leading me to believe that the food was pre-cooked and being run out.
Sol Food's insane growth has also been it's crucial fault as it rockets toward being the most profitable restaurant in Marin. They're alienating locals like myself by increasing prices as aggressively as they are (did I mention 25% across the board??) and opening a bunch of spots with sub-par dining experiences. I've always loved Sol Food, but as things progress for them, they're clearly losing a bit of what made them so special...namely the soul.
Food: 8/10
Service: 7/10
Price: $$
Atmosphere: 6/10
I wanted to order the Friday fish special, but somehow they were already sold out early into dinner service. I defaulted to their popular two-piece chicken dish instead, the price of which recently increased a ridiculous 25% along with the rest of the menu. The food was delicious of course, but the dining experience has suffered as Sol Food continues to grow and improvise new dining locations. The new location has a "sort of" dog-friendly patio out back that you're forced to round the block to access. Annoying I admit, but I was eager to try the outdoor dining experience. Unfortunately it was windy and the heatlamps were either not on or not working, causing a lot of mumbling from the diners. Service was also really spotty but food arrived quickly, actually a little too quickly leading me to believe that the food was pre-cooked and being run out.
Sol Food's insane growth has also been it's crucial fault as it rockets toward being the most profitable restaurant in Marin. They're alienating locals like myself by increasing prices as aggressively as they are (did I mention 25% across the board??) and opening a bunch of spots with sub-par dining experiences. I've always loved Sol Food, but as things progress for them, they're clearly losing a bit of what made them so special...namely the soul.
Food: 8/10
Service: 7/10
Price: $$
Atmosphere: 6/10
Copyright © 2012 Yapsie
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And this new location is a bit...awkward. I'm not sure how to describe it. They have a patio where dogs are allowed on one side - which is nice since the main location doesn't have outdoor seating. But then you realize you're sitting in some weird corner behind the restaurant where the garbage cans usually live. No amount of lime green paint and banana leaves can hide the chain link fences, garbage cans, and Mexican guy peeing on the opposite wall.
Last year I would have easily given Sol Food five stars for awesome food, atmosphere and service at a reasonable price. The food is still good...but the rest? Not so much.