The Tipsy Pig

Date & Time: Sunday March 8, 2009 @ 8:00pm
Company: Steve
Crowd: "Marina" crowd who are convinced that the relative new-ness of the bar compensates for the fact that they're sitting at a bar drinking all day
Vibe:Very loud, crowded bar in a pub-like setting; Large outside drinking garden will be a bonus on warm nights
Decor: Kitschy with a hodgepodge of old pictures and memorabilia on the walls & a dining room dressed up as a library
Service: Need help spotting a server? Look for the girls in mismatched vests
Devour: Roasted Vegetables with rosemary, lemon zest and chili flakes & Seared Day Boat Scallops with romesco, blood orange and fennel-watercress salad, accompanied by a glass of Baker Lane Syrah from the Sonoma Coast

My first thoughts? Wow, this place is loud. The entrance leads directly to an uber-bustling bar, which is then separated from 2 different dining areas, as well as an outdoor 50-seat patio. The different zones mean the dining noise-level is a lot more manageable. While most soak-up the gastropub atmosphere with a beer or cocktail, I ventured into their fairly extensive wine list. With over 20 different wines by the glass, I was able to pick out a smooth Baker Lane Syrah - a nice pick for syrah fans.

I told the waitress that my gluten allergy expanded beyond the typical wheat/rye/barley items as I'm also sensitive to vinegar, which is distilled from wheat. She made special note of this fact and made 2 substitutions for my entree - olive oil vs vinegar on the salad & romanesco sauce (which includes vinegar) on the side. Without the romanesco sauce, I could tell I was missing a key flavoring ingredient - but the scallops were cooked perfectly and still blended well with the blood orange salad. Plus, I ordered the roasted vegetables as a side & they came out fresh and savory. The blend of brussel sprouts, parsnips and potatoes meshed very well.

It's one of the places you think about going to go because it seems convenient (being a laid-back restaurant on Chestnut St), but then you get there and it's packed and you wish you had a reservation. Ya know, one of those places.

http://www.thetipsypigsf.com/
2231 Chestnut St
San Francisco, CA 94123
415.292.2300