Leah N.
Google
My very pregnant best friend is turning 40, and we were on the hunt for a chill, comfortable dinner spot in the Mission that still felt special. Big Finish Wine Tavern understood the assignment.
Making a reservation online was seamless. I was initially intrigued by the advertised "$7 x 7" happy hour... which, unfortunately, does not exist. The only $7 item available was a pimento cheese dip that, frankly, was disgusting and didn't measure up to the quality of any of the items on the regular menu. It might be time to retire that sign.
Now for the good news: everything else was fantastic.
The wings and burrata were a strong start- flavorful, well-executed, and a solid appetizer choice.
The pork chop was phenomenal. There's a reason it's the signature dish. It had depth, richness, and the kind of bold flavor that made you pause to admire its complexity and simplicity. Absolute standout.
The halibut and pappardelle were clean, well-prepared, and crowd-pleasing, though they didn't deliver the same punch as the pork chop. I'd put the broccolini in that category as well. nicely done, but not the star of the show.
The salads, on the other hand, are destination-worthy. The chicory salad alone is enough to get me back to the Mission again and again. big, bold flavors with just the right balance. The tavern salad leaned heavily into pickle-forward territory, which I loved, but it may not be for everyone.
Dessert? Whew. The sticky date cake was hands-down the best dessert I've had in a long time and a clear winner over the pot de crème. No contest.
We also sampled a couple of N/A drinks, and each one was thoughtful and genuinely delicious- not an afterthought, which I always appreciate.
And for my fellow Star Trek fans: do not skip the bathroom. Trust me.
Huge thanks to the hardworking team at Big Finish Wine Tavern for making my bestie's prego-40th celebration feel special. I can't wait to see how the menu evolves. This place is such a bright spot in the SF dining scene.