Jennifer H.
Yelp
Consider this a 0-star review and also a warning on Presidio Bowl's unsanitary and unhygienic practices. They also displayed a dismal response when we alerted them to the issue.
When we went to pick up a food order, the kitchen staff took a piece of food off of our order to taste it. Meaning, the order was on the countertop for pick up, and he used his bare hands to take a piece off of the plate and put it in his mouth. This all took place in plain view, so my partner immediately asked why would he do such a thing?
If the kitchen is concerned about the quality of the food, would it not make more sense to serve a portion to themselves, before placing the food on a tray to be picked up? Or if concerned about the taste, maybe use a fork or utensil to try a piece? And do this BEFORE serving? Or how about say to the customer "the color on this looks a little different to me - do me a favor and taste one and let me know what you think?"
As the kitchen kept insisting "I wasn't having a snack" all I could do was look at his hands, his yellow nails, and wonder why we had ordered food in a bowling alley.
That aside the way Presidio Bowl handled this issue was so poor. I asked for a refund, because after that, I had no trust in the cleanliness of their pours or food. The "day manager" came by to our lane and said "I looked at the tape and the guy was just doing quality control" I asked "is it normal to put your hands on the food like that?" to which he asked "did he use his hands?" You said you looked at the tape, why don't you tell me what you observed?
You know when "the cover-up is worse than the crime?" This is one of those instances where the kitchen did something they shouldn't have and then the entirety of the staff could not make a wrong situation right. We left early because it was off-putting.
We have been trying out all the bowling alleys in SF. Lucky Strike in Mission Bay has amazing table service direct to your lane, akin to a restaurant. Mission Bowling Club in the Mission has an excellent vibe, super helpful staff, and a cool bar adjacent to the lanes that is worth a visit even if you're not bowling. Try their photobooth too!
I had not been to Presidio Bowl in decades and - based on this unsanitary experience and the poor follow through - we will never frequent it again.