Review - Restaurant - Otter Rock Cafe

The Otter Rock Cafe falls about half-way between the restaurants on the Embarcadero. The first time I dined here I had been fasting for a blood test, and had a craving for breakfast. So, I was lucky that I went to the Otter Rock Cafe. I don't normally order breakfast, so this was an unusual dining experience for me. I ordered the french toast, egg, and bacon meal. Boy was it good, the french toast was crispy and flavorful on the outside and still soft on the inside. They cooked the eggs just to my liking, which is difficult because I order broken-over-hard. The bacon was good, too. I liked my meal so much that I immediately ordered a second round!! So, I will definitely go back to this restaurant -- especially for their breakfast offerings. They now have a coupon for breakfast in the local mailer and I plan on using that soon.

The second time I dined here I ordered the chicken strips with a salad rather than the fries. I had to order these from the kids menu because they didn't have them on the regular menu. Their fries are lightly seasoned, and could have been crispier (I also ordered the fish and chips to try them out), but the salad was good. The chicken strips automatically came with BBQ sauce, and I had them bring me some ranch dressing instead. I ordered the salad without tomatoes, and it came with olives and shredded cheese. Their blue cheese dressing was good, although it did have a lot of cheese in it (which most people would like). The strips were thick and crispy and tasted great with the ranch dressing. They also have free refills on the sodas, which I always appreciate.

Both times I have dined here there were bad odors, either from the bar area as you walk by or in the whole restaurant from cigarettes. They have a smoking patio and the way it is designed the smoke comes into the restaurant through the open-roofed-patio. I think that for the night crowd, and the daytime bar crowd, this is a great feature, but not for most families or non-smokers. Oh, and one more weird thing, a guy came in and went out to the smoking patio with his two dogs. One of the dogs proceeded to "do his thing" right there while I was trying to eat my meal on the other side of the glass!! The guy picked it up right away, but I lost my appetite real quick!!

This is a great place for people to have a drink (full bar), enjoy a band or karaoke, or have a nice meal with a good view (see shot at top of page). I think the best tables if you want to avoid the smoke smell and have a nice view are inside on the right, at the window. The chairs are better there, too, and they don't cut into your legs as you sit. Breakfast is served until 1:00 pm daily so I was lucky that I chose this restaurant that day. There are lots of fish and seafood options, and some Mexican items.

I have a feeling that this place is hopping at night on the weekends, or on karaoke night. The first time I dined here I would have to say that the music was a bit loud, seeing that there was not a partying crowd there at the time. But it wasn't so bad the second time I tried it out. There is also an odd echo thing happening, when I was seated nearer the bar I could hear every word of the loud-talking business meeting that was happening by the window on the right. The service was helpful and pleasant, and I will definitely return here, perhaps just for breakfast next time though.