Burdell

Review summary

1. M

   Michael

   San Francisco4 reviews

   3.0

   Dined today

   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.
   

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2. N

   Nicole VIP

   San Francisco1 review

   5.0

   Dined 1 day 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.
   

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3. j

   jeffrey VIP

   San Francisco9 reviews

   3.0

   Dined 1 day ago

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

   Everything was pretty average except the cornbread was amazing.
   

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4. J

   John VIP

   San Francisco17 reviews

   5.0

   Dined 1 day 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.
   

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5. k

   katie

   San Francisco6 reviews

   5.0

   Dined 2 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!!
   

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6. S

   Sophia

   San Francisco17 reviews

   5.0

   Dined 2 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
   

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7. J

   Jack

   San Francisco3 reviews

   5.0

   Dined 7 days ago

   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.
   

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8. m

   melinda

   San Francisco1 review

   5.0

   Dined 7 days ago

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

   Lovely birthday meal! We enjoyed everything including the wine choice.
   

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9. S

   Stephanie

   San Francisco1 review

   5.0

   Dined on March 29, 2025

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

   We literally licked plates! We couldn’t decide what we liked best because everything was phenomenal! I can’t recommend Burdell enough. The service was wonderful. Everyone was incredibly friendly. They didn’t judge us for licking plates :) (There was also some eating crumbs off of the table because we couldn’t get enough!)
   

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10. GP

    GaryP

    San Francisco1 review

    5.0

    Dined on March 24, 2025

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

    Didn’t quite know what to expect. Pleasantly surprised and thoroughly impressed!
    

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