Social Media and Twitter steered us to Michael Mina’s Bourbon Steak for dinner while in San Francisco last weekend. It was perfect, only steps from our hotel at the Sir Francis Drake. Bourbon Steak is inside the Westin St. Francis on Powell Street just a revolving door away from some magnificent dining.
When photographing the sign, I realized I was familiar with another Michael Mina Restaurant, RN74 also in the city. Though I didn’t dine there, I did have a behind the scenes opportunity to see Chef Jason Berthold film a promo for the Food Network, as well as make my own video for a contest.
The restaurant was gorgeous with stunning columns and large mirrors reflecting light, making a dramatic atmosphere. The menus reflected local ingredients that would make your mouth water, check it out online!
Traveling with my family, I did make sure there was indeed a children’s menu. Sent via email as it isn’t published on the website, I was happy to see the selection was going to work perfectly for my 11 and 6 year old.
Starting off with drinks, my husband settled for a local brew despite the novel that is the cocktail menu and wine list. I chose the “Peculiar Purple Pie Man” that the server delightfully explained was a play on the Strawberry Shortcake character, I did expect a purple drink, but the coral hues were pleasant. The drink with Flor de Cana Rum, strawberries and a few other ingredients I had to ask about was delicious, not too sweet and a bit tart. My daughter and son wanted to join in the fun with their choices of a Shirley Temple and a strawberry lemonade presented grandly to their bulging eyes!
Soon came our appetizer, our server explained the french fries were a style of Michael Mina’s, a signature dish style he calls “trios” presented in three different ways on the same plate that takes simple up a notch. Duck fat fried, onion dusted fries were crispy and happily palatable to even the little guys who are used to their happy meal style. A sour cream dipping sauce was okay, though the kids opted for the spicy ketchup that appealed to their sense of normalcy and was actually sweet rather than spicy. The herb flaked fries were a close second place and the paprika hit very hot on the tongue for all of us, though the presentation and uniqueness of the appetizer was an overall hit.
I ordered BBQ chicken that came with two large pieces of breast as well as a glazed thigh that was amazing. I almost asked for more of just the sauce to dip my drier white meat pieces, but I was pleased by the portion. To add to our duck-themed weekend (staying at the Sir Francis Drake, duck fat fries, heading to Ride the Ducks), my husband ordered duck for dinner. The crispy duck breast comes medium rare though he ordered it cooked a little longer. The fat just under the crisp skin was so full of flavor, I tasted not one but two of his sliced bird. Excited about the promise of chorizo flavors, none were boldly detected.
The kids were presented with a cream corn with popcorn and sweet pork rind side dish that looked exciting. The corn was sweet, popcorn just a hint of salt, plus the added crunch of the pork rind was a flavor trio in my mouth as well as the kids’. My daughter’s mac and cheese was creamy and “perfect” according to her rave review, just the right amount for her. My son’s steak and potatoes were cooked perfectly though he was hoping for a mound of mash, he’s a growing boy! Before I knew it, he had cleaned the plate and even had some of his sisters dinner.
Satisfying meal with stellar attention to service, what a lovely night. Though our stomachs were too full for an entire dessert, we promised to come back just for beignets, blueberry-peach cobbler, and the signature root beer float! 
To kiss our sweet tooth and cap off the night, bourbon caramels for mom and dad and sugared strawberry gels for the kids, thank you I’ll have another!
After a day of shopping at Union Square, step into Bourbon Steak and enjoy a meal!
Our dining experience was hosted to facilitate our review. Alcohol and gratuities our own, opinions are our own.
