Marlowe: Where the Past Is Mixed With Pleasure
Just the name Marlowe conjures up of characters from classic black and white movies. And, much like the witty and somewhat whimsical scenes from the past, Marlowe is perfect place to enjoy a fabulous meal with friends.
Hidden away, south of Market and north of the Ball Park, Marlowe is a gem waiting to be discovered by folks who take their food seriously but enjoy dining in a relaxed bistro setting. The venue is tucked inside a rustic brick building, with a large glass window etched with pithy quotes from notable characters. The quotes truly set the tone for a relaxing, great meal in an intimate space.
Anna Weinberg, the restaurateur, named Marlowe–not after a famous actor or movie–but after her great-grandfather’s butcher shop in Boston.
The theme of “meat” is one that Executive Chef Jennifer Puccio has perfected. Her famous “Marlowe burger” has become legendary, and fans include the very-hard-to-please San Francisco Chronicle food critic Michael Bauer.
For those whose taste buds also enjoy seafood, Marlowe’s Baked oysters will put a big grin on your face. These creamy morsels are stuffed with New England chowder and then baked with a few extra surprises. Oh, and the Brussels sprout chips are surprisingly delicious, says I who can’t stand Brussels sprouts. Jennifer carefully flash fries each delicate leaf to perfection, then lightly dusts them with lemon and sea salt.
Other delightful treats include the Spiced prawns served in a “hot n’ boozy” cocktail sauce that is sure to wake up the taste buds. As for my favorite dish, I must say that the “Poulet vert” (roast chicken, fingerling potatoes, olives and chicory) is sensational.
While dining I looked around to see what others were eating, the two ladies sitting next to us were devouring the warm, open-faced deviled egg sandwich with pickled chili, bacon and aged provolone. They confessed that they take the train up from San Mateo just to enjoy these sandwiches every few weeks. It is their guilty pleasure. Speaking of pleasures, Marlowe also has a fun little cocktail called “the Butcher’s Mistress.” It is called that because every week it changes. The week we were there, the cocktail was a tangy combination of cava, elderflower, and ruby red grapefruit.
If you are looking for a unique dining experience that is somewhere between casual and cocktail, then Marlowe is the ideal destination. Think first dates, girls’ night out, after work drinks, and pre or post baseball game dining. It’s across the street from Caltrans Station and parking is not a problems (unless there is a baseball game). Sharing courses perfect, because the dishes are all so tasty, that you’ll want to try a few different ones.
Located @ 330 Townsend Street, San Francisco, CA 94107
1-415-974-5599
info @ marlowesf.com
Lunch: Monday – Friday
11:30am to 2:30pm
Dinner: Monday – Wednesday
5:30pm to 10pm
Dinner: Thursday – Saturday
5:30pm to 11pm
Online reservations: Opentable
