BRUNCHING AT STARBELLY |WHAT TO EAT WEDNESDAY

I spent my Sunday off heading to an early work meeting (funny how that works out) and then off to a lovely brunch date with one of my besties.

We decided to try something new and as I often I am, I was surprised to find Starbelly in a neighborhood I frequent. I must have walked by a million times without even stopping to check out the menu. I am apparently very oblivious to my surroundings . Thank god for the internet or I would never be able to find a new restaurant!

Starbelly is located on 16th in the Castro with decent parking a few blocks down if you’re driving. It has this industrial/minimalist chic thing going on without being overly pretentious. Very open and bright with a lovely outdoor seating option (it was windy so we sat inside). Also, huge bonus: there wasn’t a wait. We did go at around 11 so I can’t speak for the wait time if you’re a late bruncher.

We sat down on really high stool style seats which is always a physical challenge for me but I made it through, don’t worry. Their menu has a really good balance of breakfast classics and lunch options (I was so close to getting the pizza margherita and fulfilling all of my childhood dreams but chickened out at the last minute) so it definitely took some deliberating before I ultimately went with the chicken and waffles, a fan favorite.

My friend got the french toast with a side of fruit. But obviously we began with some delish morning cocktails. I’m usually one to request a bloody mary and would do so at every meal if it was socially acceptable but I was very intrigued by their white sangria with ginger, vanilla and seasonal fruit. It was so refreshing and tasty! The ginger helps balance the flavors so it wasn’t too sweet. Also, very instagram worthy. Just saying.

Once our food arrived we got serious and gave it our full attention. Okay, well I may or may not have inquired about my friend’s love life and then proceeded to enjoy my meal while making her spill all of the details which looking back now I realize was wrong because I broke the cardinal rule of brunching which is to gossip before or after the actual meal as to pay proper respects to your food and your appetite. Sorry dude.

While I listened to her update I soon discovered that this was my favorite chicken and waffles I’d ever had! And it was at this restaurant I had walked by and never even looked in before that day! I had no idea they had such delicious things in there.

The boneless chicken breast is so tender and flavorful with crunchy, satisfying texture from the breading that wasn’t too greasy. The waffle was very crisp and sturdy enough to handle the weight of the chicken (never eat soggy waffles is a thing for a reason people) but still fluffy and decadent. I appreciated the syrup amount as well; the perfect balance of sweet and savory. Plus the proportions are perfect which makes it really easy to cut into and eat. It was very filling but I didn’t feel like I was going to roll over and die afterwards which is a feeling I often get after brunching (my name is Sheila and I’m an overeater).

I did not taste my friend’s french toast (forcing her to wait to eat so I could selfishly listen to her boy stories and then asking for a bite would have been too much) but she ate it so fast I’m pretty sure it was also delicious. I did have a few bites of her fruit and it was fresh and juicy. As it should be!

The service was also a great bonus. They were so fast with our food that I was actually surprised to see it after only 10 minutes. Maybe even less, honesty, it was a real shock. They were friendly and efficient and didn’t make us wait six hours for the check, which is always appreciated.

The price was moderate, my meal and drink came to around $25 which is not bad for a brunch in San Francisco.

I can’t wait to go back and try that pizza! I will keep you posted.

Xoxo,

She