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This eatery is a really nice addition to the neighborhood. I have been here for lunch several times, and have sampled a good variety of…
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This eatery is a really nice addition to the neighborhood.
I have been here for lunch several times, and have sampled a good variety of their menu offerings. The sandwiches skew Asian (Thai), though there is also an American theme with several of the offerings, and other eclectic outliers that rotate in and out.
The penang fish sandwhich is by far my favorite - it's on the smaller side, but not too small, and one of the cheaper menu options. While it could perhaps use a little slaw or something for crunch, the fish is well-cooked, meaty, and a total flavor bomb.
The chicken Tsukune and Shrimp Ball sandwiches are larger, savory, and delicious. Today I tried a pulled chicken sandwich with peanut and pickles on toast. It was fantastic and filling.
The prices average around $8.50 for a sandwich. While that seems like a bit much, that's really in line with just about every other sandwich of this quality you'll get in the city, and is therefore competitive. Also, unlike competing sandwich places in the surrounding neighborhoods, 903 offers both nice tables, as well as a certain amount of table service. You also get a refreshing little side salad.
I would note that actual sides, while delicious, seem a bit pricey at $2.75 apiece...however, their storage space is limited, and it might well be that they are priced purposely high to lower demand to what their kitchen can comfortably stock.
The ambiance is relaxed, but with a bit of style - comfortable and massive wood tables, including 2 2-tops and one larger communal table.
I should note that 903 also offers several breakfast items, and has a dinner menu. I have not yet sampled either.
Overall, 903 represents what I have come to expect from Mutsumi and her team: Well executed, well edited, and well conceived dishes prepared with quality ingredients. 903 will be a regular stop for us.
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I wanted to love this place given that Sandbox is a such a great breakfast place. But, at least right now, I can't recommend. The space is…
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I wanted to love this place given that Sandbox is a such a great breakfast place. But, at least right now, I can't recommend. The space is dark, the staff uninviting, and the food overpriced and not that good.
What's even more disappointing: the great pre-made sandwiches Sandbox used to sell are gone. Now, they direct you to this place where you have to wait 10 minutes to get your food, including a more limited sandwich selection.
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Sandbox has opened a little restaurant!!!!! The the food is wonderful and delicious. It's a very cute little place with four tables and a…
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Sandbox has opened a little restaurant!!!!! The the food is wonderful and delicious. It's a very cute little place with four tables and a counter with stools. We has the Liege style waffles with fruit and the shrimp ball sandwich, both were delish!!!! The waffles were cake-like wonders. The shrimp balls were dim-sum-esque with a sweet sauce and a hot sauce. So good.
We live in Bernal Heights, and were so excited when we learned that the owner of SB was opening a restaurant!!!!!!
Only one gripe: the soy dressing on the salad was way too salty. Well, maybe two: I miss the pork sandwich from sandbox, the little one with carrots (I think). So, the gripes weren't really gripes :)
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903 takes the Japanese bakery concept of nearby Sandbox to the next level, offering a diverse list of Asian fusion sandwiches in a communal…
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903 takes the Japanese bakery concept of nearby Sandbox to the next level, offering a diverse list of Asian fusion sandwiches in a communal table-style space. If you like Sandbox's small offering of preciously composed savory comfort foods, you'll dig 903.
903 makes good use of the awkward space formerly occupied by the previous occupant, a thoroughly mediocre ice creamery. Freshly remodeled, the small timber-paneled room is dominated by several large woodblock tables and benches that invite separate parties to join up at a common table. The place was crowded and I sat at the counter, a good place for a quick nosh.
I came for lunch during the first week of operation, and the service workflow was still rough around the edges, with difficulties in communicating my order between the cashier and line cook leading to a delay. They'll iron this out, as their format lends itself to quick service and rapid customer turnaround.
My sandwich-- smoked brisket on a seedy, crumbly rye bread and a spicy spring green salad--- was rich and flavorful, though too heavy on the horseradish/mustard sauce. I got a fairly ordinary bento box to take home to the Mrs. Other attractive options include a burger-like sandwich with rice patties for buns (familiar from Sandbox) and a two-egg and vegetable bowl.
The business is cash only (a minor annoyance) and the enticing Sapporo beer tap proved a tease--- I imagine that the liquor license kicks in next month. Dinner service will be offered eventually.
903 is pricey ($7-$10 for most items) and the servings are small, but the unusual menu and stylish presentation make it a worthwhile lunch stop.
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903
Mike C.
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Elite '12
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223 friends
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429 reviews
Calling Sandbox Bakery to order a couple sandwiches, I was told to pick up my order at this location, their new dine-in spot just a half…
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Calling Sandbox Bakery to order a couple sandwiches, I was told to pick up my order at this location, their new dine-in spot just a half block away. They do not have a working telephone so they advised me to either leave my order with them (Sandbox) or try doing it on line.
The kitchen is by the entrance (left) with several tables in back and counter seating to the right of the walkway. There is also a small refrigeration unit with drinks and prepared food boxes for takeout. Hope to come back another time to try other menu items soon.
Update, 2/7/12 - After being closed for remodel, they reopened this week. Still no telephone available yet, but scheduled to be installed the week of 2/13/12. Will update.
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The thing that Sandbox has always been missing was indoor seating. This is an extension of Sandbox bakery a few doors down with more of a…
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The thing that Sandbox has always been missing was indoor seating.
This is an extension of Sandbox bakery a few doors down with more of a savory focus.
At the opening day party they featured small servings of various finger foods ( mostly sandwiches ) and a spicy but amazingly tasty soup.
This should be a great neighborhood place for dinner and with only a few small community tables a good place to go mingle with the denizens of Bernal
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903
Golden Gate Properties I.
Great local restaurant. The food is great! Everything is perfect but only four stars because of the limited space to sit. It can only…
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Great local restaurant. The food is great! Everything is perfect but only four stars because of the limited space to sit. It can only accommodate roughly 4 groups.
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Had some delish scrambled eggs, maple bacon, OJ and an english muffin. The bacon was great, not cripsy but still very good. Price was…
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Had some delish scrambled eggs, maple bacon, OJ and an english muffin. The bacon was great, not cripsy but still very good. Price was reasonable and the location is really nice.
My husband tried the brisket, he said it tasted like "meat juice" which is a weird statement. It looked pretty good, but he didn't seem overly impressed.
It's not very clear what you should do with your plates once you're finished eating.
We'll still be back to check it out again.
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So excited for this place, but so uninspired and overpriced. I am a regular at the Sandbox and love it. Yeah, its not cheap, yet the goodies…
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So excited for this place, but so uninspired and overpriced. I am a regular at the Sandbox and love it. Yeah, its not cheap, yet the goodies are worth it.
As a long time bernal guy, new places to eat in the hood gets me excited. Couldn't wait for this place. Last night we picked up a roast chicken to go. $18 plus tax, came with chili that was too hot to eat, was moist and unseasoned. Really disappointed. This is not a Bernal place. Maybe Noe.
Cant get past a boring, overpriced bird. Bummer.
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Exceeded my hopes & expectations. Last night I had Mike's brisket. It was fork tender, juicy, & delicious. Served with green beans cooked…
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Exceeded my hopes & expectations. Last night I had Mike's brisket. It was fork tender, juicy, & delicious. Served with green beans cooked just right & finished in the saute pan with just the right amount of caramelization. Low priced, too.
Full disclosure: I live around the corner, & am a big fan of Sandbox. My neighbors & I have been jonesing for a place like this for a long time. I'll be back - expecting a line.
