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Chez Maman Potrero Hill
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Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Chez Maman Potrero Hill
8.2
Neighborhood French bistro with classic plates, crisp frites, and photogenic crêpes in a cozy corner setting. Locals come for reliable comfort dishes, a solid wine list, and brunch that photographs well.
Must-Try Dishes:
Steak Frites, Mussels Marinière, Crêpe Complète (ham, egg, Gruyère)
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 6.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Classic bistro fare made for overhead shots and cozy date nights.
Who should go: Bistro lovers and weekend brunch shooters
When to visit: Weekend brunch or golden-hour dinner
What to order: Steak frites; mussels; crêpe complète
Insider tip: Ask for a window table for softer, photo-friendly light.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited on 18th Street—expect to circle evenings and weekends. No valet service.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans are fine but many lean slightly dressy for dinner dates.
Noise level: Moderate—conversation friendly, though brunch rush can feel lively.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation; tables fill quickly after 7 pm.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, especially before 12:30 pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—salads, omelets, and a few classic crêpes work well.
Vegan options: Limited—about 1–2 adaptable items; best to confirm with server.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated prep area, but some dishes can be adjusted.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—the cozy bistro setting, wine list, and photogenic plates create a relaxed but romantic vibe without being overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekdays often allow walk-ins; weekends strongly benefit from a reservation, especially for brunch and dinner peak hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Best for older kids and teens—menu skews adult, no high chairs or play space, but staff is accommodating.
Best For
Better for: Reliable French comfort classics and brunch plates that look great on camera, with a more intimate neighborhood feel than larger downtown bistros.
Skip if: You’re looking for very quiet dining, expansive vegan/gluten-free menus, or ample parking nearby.
Chez Maman Potrero Hill
8.3
Neighborhood French bistro for classic crepes, burgers on French rolls, mussels, and wine in a cozy Potrero Hill room. Reliable execution and warm service make it an easy, unfussy date play.
Must-Try Dishes:
Moules frites, Savory crêpe complète (ham, egg, Gruyère), Le Burger on brioche
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Classic French comfort plates and crepes in a cozy bistro setting.
Who should go: Couples craving casual, classic French
When to visit: Weeknights 6–8 pm or late after 8:30
What to order: Moules frites; crêpe complète; steak-frites
Insider tip: Bar seats are first-come and perfect for a spontaneous date.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in Potrero Hill is possible but competitive after 6pm; no valet service offered.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans and casual wear are fine, but many opt for a slightly polished look on date nights.
Noise level: Moderate – generally easy to hold a conversation, though it can get lively on weekends.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: No wait or very short wait most days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several crepes, salads, and sides are vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Limited – a few items can be customized but the menu leans heavily on butter, cheese, and cream.
Gluten-free options: Some dishes can be modified (e.g., mussels, salads), but crepes and burgers are not gluten-free.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes – the cozy bistro atmosphere, approachable French comfort food, and warm service make it a relaxed yet charming choice for a first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, especially if you’re flexible with bar seating or dining later in the evening, but prime weekend slots fill quickly.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat – while the menu has approachable items like burgers and crepes, the intimate dining room is better suited for adults or older children rather than very young kids.
Best For
Better for: Cozy, unfussy French comfort food in a neighborhood setting where you can relax without pretense.
Skip if: You’re seeking fine dining French or a wide array of vegan/gluten-free options – this is more about traditional comfort classics.
Chez Maman Potrero Hill
8.3
Neighborhood French bistro with a dressed-up burger that pairs brie, caramelized onions, and a sturdy bun. Consistent execution and friendly service make it a comfortable pick for a casual date or weekend brunch.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chez Maman Burger with Brie, Truffle Fries, Savory Crêpe
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: A French bistro burger with rich brie and onions.
Who should go: Francophiles and neighborhood regulars
When to visit: Weeknights before 7 or after 8:30
What to order: Brie burger; mussels; truffle fries
Insider tip: Add truffle fries as a side to any burger.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Potrero Hill is limited—metered spots nearby, but expect competition during peak hours. No valet service.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans and nice tops are common. Slightly dressy works well for date night.
Noise level: Moderate—conversation is possible at most tables, though weekend brunch can get lively.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation; longer at peak times
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, walk-ins are fine
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several French bistro options including salads, omelets, and veggie-forward starters.
Vegan options: Limited—only a few side dishes and salads can be modified.
Gluten-free options: Yes—gluten-free modifications are available on some mains and salads, but no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—cozy, candlelit, and not too noisy. The French bistro vibe feels intimate without being overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? On weeknights you usually can, but weekend evenings and brunch benefit from booking ahead.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly geared toward children; no kids’ menu and the space is compact. Best for adults and older teens.
Best For
Better for: Chez Maman excels at elevating comfort food—especially burgers—with French flair and consistency.
Skip if: Skip if you’re looking for extensive vegan options or large group dining space; alternatives nearby may fit better.
Chez Maman Potrero Hill
8.4
Neighborhood French bistro known for crepes, mussels, and its dressed-up burger on a ciabatta roll. Since 2002, the Potrero Hill original has delivered reliable comfort with brisk, friendly service and a solid wine list.
Must-Try Dishes:
Moules marinières, 8oz Angus burger with egg & brie, La complète buckwheat crêpe (ham, egg, gruyère)
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Classic crepes, mussels, and a beloved dressed burger in a true neighborhood bistro.
Who should go: Francophiles and comfort-seekers
When to visit: Weeknights before 7 or late after 8:30
What to order: Mussels, burger with brie, savory crêpe
Insider tip: Ask for truffle fries upgrade with any burger or moules.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; generally available in Potrero Hill but can get tight after 6pm on weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans and sweaters are fine, but many guests dress slightly up for dinner.
Noise level: Moderate—can carry on a conversation, though weekend evenings run lively.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, especially between 7–8pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; walk right in.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several crepes, salads, and meatless starters are available.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 options, though modifications can sometimes be made.
Gluten-free options: Partial—some dishes can be adapted, but no dedicated gluten-free prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—its cozy bistro feel and polished but unfussy service make it intimate without being overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but waits can build at peak dinner hours. Arrive before 6:30pm or after 8:30pm for best chances.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for adults and older kids; no kids’ menu, but service is accommodating. Not ideal for toddlers.
Best For
Better for: Chez Maman excels at delivering French comfort food in a true neighborhood setting—more intimate and charming than larger brasseries downtown.
Skip if: If you’re looking for cutting-edge tasting menus, extensive vegan options, or a very quiet setting, this isn’t the right fit.
Hours
Monday11:30am - 10pm
Tuesday11:30am - 10pm
Wednesday11:30am - 10pm
Thursday11:30am - 10pm
Friday11:30am - 10pm
Saturday11:30am - 10pm
Sunday11:30am - 10pm