Comments on: Bissap Baobab: Reviews

By: Eva

Eva — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 04:20:59 +0000

My partner and I went to Bissap Baobab for dinner and waited at our table for exactly 35 minutes and nobody came to take our order. We tried to smile and make eye contact with the staff, and then politely signaled them that we were ready to order cocktails and dinner after about 20 minutes of sitting with no contact. We eagerly watched as the table of 5 right next to us (who sat down 5 minutes after us) was served. We are patient people who both have worked in restaurants, so we waited 15 more minutes. No water, no drink order, no contact whatsoever. It was the first time I had ever left a restaurant because of poor service, and I will not be back.

By: Dawn

Dawn — Thu, 07 Dec 2006 21:26:48 +0000

The owner, Marco, is a wonderful man that continually strives to make his restaurants the best he can for his (often extremely loyal) customers. That being stated, I’ve been here a few times because my friends seem to like it and each time it has been a disappointment. The food tends towards bland and the rice portions are tiny ice cream scoops that somehow are supposed to sop up the larger portion of entree served. The price is mid-range but in my opinion, for what you get, is overpriced ($11-$20 for the average entree). I’ve had a lot of home-cooked West African food and for some reason, the stuff here just pales in comparison. Maybe it’s the current cooks in the kitchen because I’ve been told they have a Senegalese woman who cooks like a goddess so I’m not sure where she’s been hiding the times I’ve gone. If you like being crammed in and rushed through your meal because there’s a long line of folks who don’t know any better, this is the place for you! Oh yeah, if you want to join a group of friends having dinner by having a drink and not eating, good luck because they don’t allow you to sit with your party unless you’re ordering food. Bon appetit!

By: Sila

Sila — Tue, 14 Nov 2006 04:12:48 +0000

Eating at Bissap Baobab is like taking a visit home to West Africa and stopping by a the village where your mom is the head chef. It’s very likely that if you are willing to dish out $150/person at a stuffy, over-rated restaurant that you won’t like the “vibe” or the food at Bissap. There’s a good reason why it’s packed almost every night with people happy to wait an hour for a table. The service is non-pretentious, the food is tasty and affordable and the atmosphere is casual and welcoming. I’d love to see guests who truly respresent the demographic and diversity of this city on the show.

By: nicole

nicole — Tue, 06 Jun 2006 01:52:46 +0000

I am not from the city sf but this is my favorite resturant to go to I travel all the way from Santa Rosa an hour away just to eat there. I’m sorry to say the last time I went there was about a week ago and when I ordered my food the hostess brought me the wrong thing and when I told her what I really wanted she started to fight with me. I was so upset I ended up leaving without even eating and it was the worst time I’ve ever had in a resturant. So long story shot I’m said to say but I will no longer be traveling an hour to my favorite resturant.:(

By: Julia

Julia — Sat, 29 Apr 2006 20:19:24 +0000

Baobab is tight and then some. Inhale real big, exhale, and then relax….it’s not meant to be anything but what it is. Enjoy it, preferably with a Seneglaese “guide” to complete the experience. Baobab is a delight for the senses.

By: Clarke

Clarke — Mon, 06 Feb 2006 04:53:36 +0000

baobab is tight. just don’t hold your breathe on the wait service. that, however, is this sign of a great restaurant.

By: Caroline

Caroline — Fri, 03 Feb 2006 00:26:03 +0000

None of your reviewers mentioned the existence of Little Baobab, Bissap Baobab’s little sister on 19th Street. It is, if this is possible, even warmer and more joyous than Bissap Baobab and it has the same amazing cocktails and satisfying dishes. Also, since it’s tiny, it’s quieter and the servers are less pressed for time. And if you stay late enough, there’s dancing! For my money it’s the best spot in the city for a festive dinner with friends.

By: Leah

Leah — Wed, 01 Feb 2006 15:48:57 +0000

What is so beautiful about Baobab is the delicious and cheap food and the crazy, happy energy that the place exudes. Set your expectations accordingly - Postrio it ain’t, but then it doesn’t cost the earth and isn’t in one of those neighborhoods. Thank you Marco and Co. for a different style of food in an atmosphere that never fails to feel celebratory of life, friends, fried plantains, etc etc.