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Brenda's Meat & Three
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Brenda's Meat & Three
8.0
Southern-leaning comfort plates from the Brenda’s team with choose-your-sides flexibility and daytime value plays. It’s a Western Addition staple for casual, hearty meals and brunch-friendly crowd favorites.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fried chicken platter, Beignets, $5 breakfast sandwich (weekday mornings)
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Build-your-plate Southern comfort with standout deals and generous portions.
Who should go: Hungry diners chasing value and flavor
When to visit: Weekday mornings for the $5 sandwich club
What to order: Fried chicken plate; beignets; daily veggie sides
Insider tip: Join the weekday breakfast-sandwich deal window for the best value.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Divisadero and nearby blocks can be tough during peak brunch hours; try nearby paid lots on Grove or McAllister for easier access.
Dress code: Casual—jeans, tees, and relaxed weekend wear are perfectly fine.
Noise level: Moderate to lively, especially during brunch rush; expect buzz but conversation is manageable.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, especially on Sunday brunch crossovers.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait, especially before noon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple sides and veggie plate options; daily specials often include meat-free mains.
Vegan options: Limited—some sides like greens and fries work, but most dishes are butter-based.
Gluten-free options: Partial—fried items use shared oil; safe options include grilled meats and salads.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for a casual brunch or low-key comfort meal than a romantic date—fun vibe but not intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are common; aim for early or late meal windows to avoid the brunch line.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—families are frequent; high chairs available and portions generous for sharing.
Best For
Better for: Value-driven Southern comfort plates and customizable combos that feel homemade yet polished.
Skip if: You’re looking for quiet ambiance or lighter, health-oriented fare—this is hearty dining.
Brenda's Meat & Three
7.9
Southern comfort plates where smoky BBQ spare ribs share the stage with classic sides. Casual service and steady turnover make it a reliable Western Addition rib fix.
Must-Try Dishes:
BBQ Spare Ribs Plate, Buttermilk Biscuits, Mac & Cheese
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Flexible meat-and-sides format with legit saucy ribs.
Who should go: Casual diners craving rib plates
When to visit: Early supper to avoid peak lines and sellouts
What to order: BBQ spare ribs, collards, biscuit
Insider tip: Ribs sell out—order at counter first on busy nights.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; spots along Divisadero fill quickly during dinner hours. Best luck within a few blocks before 6pm or on adjacent residential streets.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable—jeans, sneakers, and weekend attire are standard.
Noise level: Moderate—steady chatter and background music but still fine for conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes during peak hours; add your name early and explore nearby shops while you wait.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait; quick counter service keeps turnover steady.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several Southern sides like mac and cheese, greens, and mashed potatoes can make a full plate.
Vegan options: Limited—most sides include butter or cream; ask staff for off-menu vegetable options.
Gluten-free options: Some items naturally gluten-free (ribs, collards, meats) but no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual or second date—laid-back energy, hearty portions, and no pretense. Save fine-dining vibes for elsewhere.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins only. Lines move steadily thanks to counter ordering; off-peak visits mean faster seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—high chairs available, noise covers little ones’ volume, and sides like mac and cheese or cornbread keep kids happy.
Best For
Better for: Hearty rib plates with real smoke and generous sides in a relaxed setting—ideal for comfort seekers or family groups.
Skip if: You’re after upscale BBQ presentation or craft cocktail pairings—this is more about Southern warmth than polish.
Brenda's Meat & Three
8.5
A Southern-inspired eatery offering fried chicken with a crispy crust and juicy meat. Known for its comforting sides and warm atmosphere.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fried Chicken Plate, Mac & Cheese, Cornbread
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Southern comfort food with a focus on quality and flavor.
Who should go: Those craving hearty, home-style cooking.
When to visit: Great for casual dinners or weekend brunch.
What to order: Array
Insider tip: Pair your meal with a side of collard greens for an authentic experience.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is available, but can be difficult after 6pm. There is a parking lot nearby with limited space.
Dress code: Casual, with jeans and comfortable attire being perfectly acceptable.
Noise level: Moderate - conversation is possible, but it can get a bit lively during peak hours.
Weekend wait: Expect a 45-60 min wait without a reservation, especially during dinner rush.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, but can get busy around noon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - there are a few vegetarian-friendly options, including some of the sides like Mac & Cheese.
Vegan options: Limited - while most dishes are meat-based, there are a few vegan sides available upon request.
Gluten-free options: Yes - there are gluten-free options available, with some dishes being prepared in a separate area to avoid cross-contamination.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, it's a cozy, casual atmosphere perfect for a laid-back first date. The comfort food makes it a relaxed dining experience, ideal for getting to know each other.
Can I get a table without a reservation? It’s possible, but especially on weekends, you may have to wait. If you're planning to go during peak times, it’s recommended to make a reservation in advance.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes, it’s great for families. The portions are generous, and the casual atmosphere is welcoming to kids. High chairs are available.
Best For
Better for: This place excels in providing Southern comfort food with a focus on classic, hearty dishes like fried chicken and cornbread, which set it apart from other local comfort food spots.
Skip if: If you're looking for a quick meal or a modern twist on comfort food, you may want to try places that focus on faster service or more contemporary dishes.