RANT - Presidio Social Club

This place is a time machine - and not in a good way.

Built in 1903, frequented by a clientele that's got a 50s feel about it, and with a menu straight out of the 70s, The Presidio Social Club reveals all that's bad with American habits. Just like gun laws, the Bible Belt, and Country & Western music, there's such a huge number of prospective buyers and marketing dollars to spend in their direction that literally anything will sell, and often in large volumes.

Added to that you have the herd instinct. It may be the same in your town, but here in San Francisco there are lines of wannabe diners outside the dullest establishments, simply because they've been pronounced THE places to eat. That can be the only reason places like Presidio Social Club, Town Hall, Bi-Rite Creamery et al are so popular. Maybe the food was once the best that could be had, but most - if not all - of these places have long been eclipsed by better alterantives.

Having said that, my Gruyere cheese toast with tomato fondue dip was a tasty, if un-adventurous appetizer. On the other hand, my Prime rib was fatty and devoid of anything approaching flavor. My date was once again the brightest thing in the busy room, but her food was similarly lackluster.

Needless to say, we will not be making the trek to this outpost again for a long while.