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Spruce
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Spruce
8.8
Polished Presidio Heights dining room offering refined weekend brunch with a deep wine program. Technique-first cooking and attentive service make it a special-occasion standby.
Must-Try Dishes:
Prix-Fixe Brunch Course, Brioche French Toast, Pastry Basket
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 9
Consistency: 8.9
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 9.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Fine-dining polish meets a composed, seasonal brunch format.
Who should go: Special-occasion brunchers
When to visit: Reserve; arrive 10 minutes early for smooth seating
What to order: Prix-fixe; French toast; pastry basket
Insider tip: Bar and lounge accept walk-ins if reservations are tight.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet service available at $15; limited metered street parking nearby, tight during brunch hours.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning upscale—blazers and dresses fit in, jeans acceptable if polished.
Noise level: Moderate; comfortable for conversation though the room hums during peak brunch.
Weekend wait: Reservation essential; 45–60 minute wait for bar or lounge seating without one.
Weekday lunch: Smooth flow—typically seated within 5–10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several seasonal starters and entrées are vegetarian by design.
Vegan options: Limited—typically one entrée and a few modifiable sides; confirm with server.
Gluten-free options: Yes—many dishes can be adapted; gluten-free bread available upon request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice—refined ambiance, attentive pacing, and candlelit tables make it ideal for an elevated first impression.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible but tough; bar and lounge offer first-come seating, but prime hours book out a week ahead.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for small children; older kids or teens accompanying adults for special occasions are fine.
Best For
Better for: Upscale brunches where service, wine, and polish matter—more refined than most neighborhood cafés.
Skip if: You want a casual, walk-in brunch or are dining with toddlers—other Richmond cafés suit that better.
Spruce
8.6
Fine-dining institution offering a polished weekend brunch with a prix-fixe format. Refined technique, attentive service, and a deep wine program elevate the experience.
Must-Try Dishes:
Prix-fixe brunch entrées (seasonal), Steak & eggs when offered, Pastry basket
Scores:
Value: 7.3
Service: 9.2
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 9.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Michelin-recognized dining room serving a refined weekend brunch.
Who should go: Special-occasion brunchers
When to visit: Book ahead; arrive ten minutes early for seating
What to order: Prix-fixe brunch, pastry basket, seasonal entrée
Insider tip: Bar and lounge take walk-ins if reservations are tight.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet available for $14; limited 2-hour metered parking on Sacramento Street; residential blocks fill by 10am on weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual with a polished edge—collared shirts and blouses preferred; athletic wear stands out.
Noise level: Low to moderate—easy to hold conversation even during peak brunch hours.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without reservation; bar seating often opens sooner.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait if arriving before noon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several mains and sides adapt easily; kitchen accommodates substitutions.
Vegan options: Limited—can modify a few dishes but no dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Yes—clearly marked items and staff trained to handle requests.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice for an elegant first date—quiet atmosphere, attentive staff, and a polished setting that feels special without being pretentious.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Reservations are highly recommended, but bar and lounge areas often have open seats for walk-ins, especially before 11am.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young children—menu and ambiance cater more to adults, though well-behaved older kids are welcome at brunch.
Best For
Better for: Upscale brunch occasions and refined dining where service, presentation, and atmosphere matter as much as the food.
Skip if: You’re seeking a casual, quick breakfast or hearty diner-style portions—Spruce is formal and paced for leisurely dining.
Spruce
8.6
Upscale Laurel/Presidio Heights destination where the famed Spruce Burger lands with impeccably crisp kennebec fries. Locals treat the bar for a burger-and-fries ritual, or pair frites with steak in the dining room.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spruce Burger with kennebec fries, Steak frites, Truffle-parmesan fries (bar)
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 8.9
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Benchmark kennebec fries served alongside a top-tier burger and steak frites.
Who should go: Burger traditionalists and fine-dining fry seekers
When to visit: Bar seating at lunch or early dinner
What to order: Spruce Burger, classic frites, steak frites
Insider tip: Order at the bar for fastest access to the burger-and-fries combo.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet available after 5pm ($15); limited metered street parking on Sacramento and Spruce Streets; neighborhood spots fill quickly during dinner service.
Dress code: Smart casual; jackets common, no need for a tie; jeans acceptable if paired with dress shoes or a blazer.
Noise level: Moderate – lively at the bar, quieter in the main dining room; easy to hold a conversation in most sections.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation; bar seats occasionally open faster.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait if seated before 12:30pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several composed vegetable dishes and sides, including salads and truffle fries.
Vegan options: Limited – a few adaptable options; ask server to modify salads or sides.
Gluten-free options: Yes – many dishes can be prepared gluten-free; fries use dedicated oil separate from breaded items.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The bar and dining room balance elegance and warmth, with low lighting and polished service creating an ideal atmosphere for conversation and connection.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly. Bar seating is first come, first served and a popular option for walk-ins; reservations are strongly recommended for the main dining room.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly geared toward children; best suited for adults or older teens. No children’s menu, though staff can adjust portions upon request.
Best For
Better for: Impeccably executed fine-dining takes on casual fare—particularly the burger and kennebec fries, which set the local standard for luxury comfort food.
Skip if: You’re seeking a casual or budget-friendly fry spot; Spruce is a refined, high-end experience where the fries shine alongside premium entrées.