We went to Jasper's Corner Tap and Kitchen on the corner of Taylor and O'Farrell (formerly the location of Ponzu), which just opened a week ago. The restaurant serves upscale pub food, (a "gastropub") and a variety of cocktails and beers from around the world. I had sort of forgotten to make a reservation, and the website didn't have any availability, but when we got there, they were able to seat us immediately. The decor was great - plenty of space, simply decorated and was packed without seeming too crowded. There are a total of 137 seats in the restaurant, including the bar, a lounge area and two communal tables.
We decided to forgo the cocktail list, aptly named "The Beverage Book" at 16 pages and started with a couple of beers. I got the Barney Flats Oatmeal Stout, which was great - it tasted like a Guinness but was much smoother - and Kevin got an ale.
The waitress brought them over in these glasses and explained that the restaurant gave smaller pours because the beers had a higher alcohol content and they wanted the clientele to be able to enjoy multiple drinks. Which basically was her way of telling us we were getting ripped off. KF of course told her he wouldn't mind a bigger glass of beer and he would still be able to enjoy multiple drinks and then she fake laughed and walked away.
While recovering from the $7 mini-beer slap in the face we'd just been blown, we enjoyed the following appetizers: berkshire pork ribs with a scallion citrus rub and a salted warm soft pretzel with a side of smoked gouda and cheddar fondue. The fondue was incredible - it was warm and viscous without being too sharp and cheesy, and its mellow flavor complemented the soft pretzel well. The riblettes were my favorite of the entire meal: the meat fell off the bone and the scallion citrus rub was tangy and zesty.
After appetizers, Kevin ordered another beer, hoping to get in at least a full pint of beer for the night and we settled in for the entrees: fish & chips and bangers & mash. The fish & chips were decent - the fish was tender and crispy (made with a polenta crust) and came with a tart dipping sauce. The bangers and mash were pretty amazing: spicy pork and beef sausage with an onion sauce, mashed potatoes with chives mixed in, and peas and fancy mini carrots. The sausage had a surprising kick and the assertive taste was balanced by the smoothness and richness of the potato puree.
Overall, it was a pleasant dining experience - I would go back. Jasper's fulfilled my expectations of an "upscale" gastropub, particularly when we received the check. (Kevin started crying when he saw it and then remembered he wasn't on a KPMG salary anymore) Although the meal fell on the pricey side, any place that can bring me back to memories of being a 20-year old study abroad college student in a seedy London pub on a foggy night gets my approval.
| Restaurant: | Jasper's Corner Tap & Kitchen |
|---|---|
| Location: | 401 Taylor Street, SF, CA |
| Items ordered: | Berkshire Pork Ribs, Soft Pretzel with Fondue, Fish & Chips, Bangers & Mash, Barney Flats Oatmeal Stout |
| Pricing: | $10-$30 |
| Grades: | Taste: A; Cleanliness: A-; Service: B+ |
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