Spruce

"Spruce may be on the fancier side, but its burger is accessible to all at lunch or at the bar. The patty is made with a blend of brisket, short rib, and sirloin, and served on a housemade English muffin. Spruce’s fancy restaurant touches can be found throughout, like in the turmeric-pickled zucchini, the pickled red onion, the beefsteak tomato, and thrice-cooked fries that come on the side." - Lauren Saria, Eater Staff, Paolo Bicchieri

"Spruce is an upscale American restaurant in Presidio Heights that caters to the neighborhood crowd, so you’re likely to see Billionaire’s Row homeowners and 15-year regulars perched on heavy leather chairs here nightly. Their $125 prix fixe dinner menu—three courses of things like crudo, duck breast, and chocolate tartelettes—is a fine way to spend a dressed-up night, but the food won’t change your life. Instead, you should walk up to the bar, order the flawlessly executed burger (it’s one of the best in the city), and sip on a crisp Boulevardier. You can also order entrées a la carte at the bar—you’ll get a full meal without the tasting menu price tag. Or stop in for lighter prix fixe menus at brunch ($98 per person) or lunch ($65). Food Rundown photo credit: Infatuation Spruce Burger This is only available at the bar, so plan accordingly. The english muffin it comes on soaks up all the aioli and beef drippings, and the caramelized onions are a nice touch. It also comes with thick, salty, perfect fries. Baby Kale Caesar Salad You’re at Spruce, so of course even a kale salad is going to be extra fancy. This one is finished off with a crispy parmesan and anchovy tuile on top. photo credit: Infatuation Honey And Pistachio Glazed Duck Breast This is an occasional entrée option at dinner, and you won’t be mad about it. It’s a very nice piece of duck—evenly pink with crisp skin on top." - Julia Chen

"In Spruce’s front dining room (they call it the “Library”), patrons ask to be seated in front of the fireplace as they enjoy the award-winning restaurant’s excellent burger or fixed-price brunch." - Paolo Bicchieri, Dianne de Guzman

"In Spruce’s front dining room (they call it the “Library”), patrons ask to be seated in front of the fireplace as they enjoy the award-winning restaurant’s excellent burger or fixed-price brunch." - Paolo Bicchieri, Dianne de Guzman

"Set in one of San Francisco’s snazziest neighborhoods, Spruce draws a regular following thanks to its elegant take on Californian cuisine, matching refined simplicity with impeccable seasonal ingredients. Lunch is more casual, with approachable options like salads and sandwiches; the experience at dinner has a more elevated air; a starter of fluffy ricotta gnudi is bathed in a tangy sauce vierge and capped with crisp guanciale, displaying a keen sense of balance. A main course of roasted duck breast, crusted with coriander seed and pistachio, served with stone fruit gastrique, pairs bold flavors with careful technique. For dessert, a decadent crème fraîche cheesecake is thick and creamy with sweet vanilla flavor and a classic graham-cracker crust. Cocktails and California wines round out the experience." - Michelin Inspector