Restaurant Review: Bullshead Restaurant, San Francisco, California

840 Ulloa Street

San Francisco, CA 94127

415.665.4350

www.bullsheadburgers.com

Tucked into a tiny storefront on Ulloa Street at West Portal is Bullshead Restaurant, a fixture in San Francisco since 1979. This area of the trendy West Portal neighborhood is home to many wonderful restaurants. While many living in San Francisco prefer vegetarian fare, Bullshead is the place to go for reallygreat beef. There's a reason why I have bolded and italicized that adjective; in my opinion, Bullshead is one of the best steak houses west of Colorado.

Don't let the Spartan furnishings and close quarters fool you. Even though Bullshead's ambiance is closer to that of a neighborhood diner, the food here is fabulous. Did I say just "fabulous?" The food here is also huge. Bullshead is not the place for a fancy little chi-chi piece of meat; this is the place big, grown men come to satisfy their protein craving. Here you will find a full menu of gourmet burgers with inventive toppings, from pepper jack cheese to Hawaiian to sautéed with garlic. All of the beef offerings, from burgers to steaks, are 100% organic. For those non-red meat eaters, Bullshead's menu includes freshly-ground-on-premises turkey, and of course, a garden burger. Bullshead also offers a large selection of buffalo (bison) meat on the menu. Buffalo has less cholesterol than chicken, beef or turkey, and more protein than traditional beef.

Our party chose a variety of items the night we visited, ranging from the extra-large rib eye steak, filet, New York strip, and salmon. All dinners are served with choice of soup or salad, and choice of baked potato, rice pilaf or French fries. Sauteed vegetables and bread are included.

The steaks were wonderfully cooked to order, tender, juicy and delicious. If you're a fan of French fries, I would recommend Bullshead's. These are hand cut and absolutely perfect.

The service here is both quick and friendly. My only (small) complaint would be that the tables are really close together. Don't think you'll be able to have a private conversation or a romantic moment here, because you won't. While Bullshead is a "neighborhood" restaurant, entrée prices here tend to be in the mid-to-high range. Steaks range in the mid-$20, and burgers start at $7.95 for beef, $8.95 for ground turkey, buffalo or 100% certified organic. Bullshead accepts major credit cards.

In past years, Bullshead has been awarded "Best of the Bay" by the San Francisco Bay Guardian. Bullshead is open for lunch or dinner, but get there early or you'll be waiting in line.