Burdell

Burdell reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Review summary

1. j

   javier

   San Francisco3 reviews

   3.0

   Dined today

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 3
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 3

   Way over rated. Food was ok. Nothing too special.
   

   Is this helpful?

2. k

   kathy

   San Francisco1 review

   5.0

   Dined today

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   love it here!!! tastes so good. you can tell everything is done from the heart
   

   Is this helpful?

3. R

   Rachel

   San Francisco2 reviews

   2.0

   Dined 1 day ago

   1. Overall 2
   2. Food 1
   3. Service 2
   4. Ambience 3

   I was so excited to visit Burdell after reading all the reviews and press. Unfortunately, it absolutely did not live up to the hype. My chicken was severely undercooked and my partner’s cod was “just ok.” I would have sent the chicken back had someone checked in on us before the meal was done but that opportunity never came. To their credit, the manager did ask if everything had been ok after our plates were cleared and most of my (still pink) food was still on mine. However, rather than being comped we got an “I wish you would have told us” and offer for dessert. Not really in the mood for dessert after cutting into raw chicken though. Overall, $120 for cornbread, cod and chicken that I couldn’t eat most of. I want so much to support this business but I won’t be going back.
   

   Is this helpful?

4. M

   Michael

   San Francisco4 reviews

   3.0

   Dined 1 day ago

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 3
   3. Service 3
   4. Ambience 5

   We saw all the recent raving reviews about Burdell being the best soulful in America. So we were excited to try it out for our anniversary. Our server, Rosie did an amazing job I really appreciated her expertise on each dish and recommendations. Unfortunately, the owner Geoff did not speak to us or anyone else he just delivered the food, not making eye contact, or speaking or greeting guest at his restaurant. That was the most offputting thing about the experience was the owner himself didn’t really seem happy to be at his own restaurant. He was not friendly at all. Despite winning multiple awards in the last year. The food was subpar, my favorite dish was the cornbread and the greens. But the atmosphere was fire! Great aesthetic.
   

   Is this helpful?

5. N

   Nicole VIP

   San Francisco1 review

   5.0

   Dined 2 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   This place never disappoints. The food is creative and elevated, but has integrity with its soul food roots. The food and the atmosphere give a nod to the history of North Oakland, a historic Black community, which was once adorned with Blues clubs and soul food restaurants. My favorite things were the duck with dirty rice, the greens, the cornbread, the rice grits, and the cookies. All of the food was great!! So happy to have this place in Oakland.
   

   • 

   Is this helpful?

6. j

   jeffrey VIP

   San Francisco9 reviews

   3.0

   Dined 2 days ago

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 3
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 2

   Everything was pretty average except the cornbread was amazing.
   

   Is this helpful?

7. J

   John VIP

   San Francisco17 reviews

   5.0

   Dined 2 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Our first time here. We really enjoyed everything we had and the whole experience. We dined early on a Friday night—at opening time. We particularly enjoyed the service—very “hip”’staff that was friendly, attentive and knowledgeable. A rarity these days. Ayee thing are different when the place is absolutely full which we are sure happens all the time. We liked the boiled peanuts but these were not our favorite. We enjoyed lightly battered and fried mushrooms, the BBQ shrimp, grits with mushrooms and asparagus, collard greens and cornbread more. All of these dishes were terrific. The collard greens were the best we’ve had maybe ever, including those we had in Chapel Hill NC a few times ten years ago or so, which we thought were the global standsrd! Amazing. And the cornbread was also amazing. Not a cheap eat but compared to most restaurants in the Bay Area it really delivered value for us. We will return when and if we are able to get it. Note that the bar (6-8 seats) seems unreserved. Also, the bar seats, same as the high top tables, are unusually comfortable.
   

   Is this helpful?

8. k

   katie

   San Francisco6 reviews

   5.0

   Dined 3 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Fantastic dinner…best asparagus I have ever had. Delicious duck and fantastic banana pudding (definitely get the cookies to go with the bread pudding!). Proving once again that simple deliciously prepared foods with great ingredients wins every time:) Great waitstaff too!!
   

   Is this helpful?

9. S

   Sophia

   San Francisco17 reviews

   5.0

   Dined 3 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 4

   Amazing fried onions and mushrooms. Amazing cornbread. Food is solidly good and interesting. Drinks are also good. Restaurant seems understaffed Best restaurant in the country?? Hmm not sure, but worth a visit for sure
   

   • 
   • 

   Is this helpful?

10. J

    Jack

    San Francisco3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 30, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5

    My wife and I had brunch there on Sunday and found the entire experience wonderful. We had the Aunt Marys (Bloody Mary), the beignets with coffee custard, The Hangtown Fry Toast, Pimento Omelet, and hash browns. Everything was excellent, though the pimento cheese omelet was a bit understated for my taste (a very minor critique) though cooked to a soft perfection. I need to go back for the biscuits and gravy, and shrimp and grits. Every dish was based on a standard or classic brunch dish but very creatively reimagined and done to perfection.
    

    Is this helpful?