Cherylynn N.
Yelp
4.5 STARS
Someone I know ALWAYS goes to The Dorian for Hendrick's Martinis...
But, they left out one VERY important detail...
It's ONLY $6 during Golden Hour ("happy hour")!!!!
Shoot, had they told me, I would be pounding them down right alongside 'em.
Come to think of it, maybe that was the point tho...they wanted to keep that deet on the DL because I don't think they want to be anywhere near me after several dranks.
¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Every time I pass by The Dorian (Palm House's sister resto), it's always poppin' with a hip, young crowd so I made a rezzie just in case. Got there early and was seated promptly. They're open for takeout, delivery, indoor dining, and outdoor dining. Dog-friendly!
M E N U
New American Cuisine. Full bar with craft cocktails.
Golden Hour aka Happy Hour Specials are available Tuesday - Friday, 4 pm - 6 pm:
* $6 Tito's or Hendrick's Maritinis, $5 Fort Point KSA, $6 House Wine, $11 Select Cocktails
* Discounted Apps (the only thing not "discounted": fried chicken sliders; $5 for one during golden hour and $15 for three during dinnertime).
* Available at the bar/lounge and patio only.
Weekend brunch but no bottomless mimosas. BUT, the price does down the more bottles of mimosas you order (1st bottle: $48, 2nd bottle: $38, 3rd bottle: $28, 4th bottle: $20, etc).
5.5% SF Health Ordinance added to bill.
D R I N K S
* Hendrick's Vesper Martini (Golden Hour - $6): https://tinyurl.com/mvfhh8mw
*** $1 from each martini dollar goes to charity (LOVE THAT!)
*** Limit two per person
For $6, I was prepared for the Hendrick's Vesper to be weak but it wasn't. It was stiff so the value is unbeatable (I've paid up to $18 at others bars).
F O O D
* Hog Island Sweetwater Oysters w/ cocktail relish, horseradish, umami mignonette (Golden Hour - $1.75 ea / Reg. - $3.50 ea): https://tinyurl.com/c4mmtshz
Clean, sweet, and briny with the umami mignonette adding a savory tangy punch.
* Truffle Fries w/ parsley, parmesan, truffle aioli (Golden Hour - $5 / Reg. - $12): https://tinyurl.com/2hcw788e
Hot and crispy with a delicious saltiness and savory, earthy umami. The truffle oil didn't have that fake gasoline taste to it. Can't beat it for $5!
* Blistered Shishitos w/ calabrian chili yogurt, fried mint, lemon (Golden Hour - $6, not on regular menu): https://tinyurl.com/pdtsjpfb
The shishitos packed a good mild heat. The calabrian chili yogurt was the perfect accompaniment with its cooling tangy, creaminess.
* Turmeric Hummus & Seeded Flatbread w/ garam masala, coconut (Golden Hour - $6 / Reg. - $13): https://tinyurl.com/2p8sfna8
Lots of rave reviews for this app but it was my least fav one. It wasn't not bad tho. The turmeric hummus had a good creamy texture but the flavor profile was on the sweet (coconut) and sour (pickled peppers) side. Not used to that for hummus so I think it's just something that needs to grow on me. The seeded flatbread was slightly undercooked so it had a gummy texture.
S E R V I C E
Fantastic service from our upbeat and cheerful server, Jacob. I asked if they could make a Gibson. No pearl onions but he offered to look for shallots to make it. I didn't want to trouble the staff so I declined but I appreciated the offer.
The busboy, Jerad was also very kind and quickly whisked away our empty plates. Patrick wasn't our server but came over to say, "Hi" Tater Tot which he loved.
Quick drink and food service.
A M B I A N C E
I remember when this spot was Circa...oof aging myself.
Large modern Victorian vibes - indoor dining room has a beautiful opulent chandelier, and the bar/lounge area has comfy booths and TVs. There's also a photobooth and additional seating in the mezzanine area.
Even cold out, the outdoor seating was comfortable (each table has their own overhead lamp) and tables were spaced out.
Thank you for the hilarious restroom decal. Keepin' it PG: kitty = ladies, rooster = men.
P A R K I N G
Very, very difficult street parking. Beware of the 4-6 pm weekday tow-away zones!
Nearest garage: Lombard/Webster (2 blocks away) and Pierce/Chestnut (2.5 blocks away).
Overall, restaurants in The Marina/Cow Hollow can be a hit or miss (IMO more so the latter). BUT, The Dorian exceeded expectations. The awesome Golden Hour deals is totally worth going across the city for. 4.5 stars rounded up.