Jackson Fillmore

2506 Fillmore Street (between Jackson & Pacific)
(415) 346-5288
jacksonfillmoresf.com/

When J chose Jackson Fillmore for dinner club, I sighed but decided I'd be willing to give this place a second chance. I really really wanted to love it so was hoping that this experience would be better than the last which was just so-so.

The best part about Jackson Fillmore is the bruschetta they bring out for the table - garlicky tomato, olive oil, and basil atop a nicely buttered thick crostini. We then shared two of the stuffed artichokes, filled with proscuitto, bread crumbs and parm. There was no way to go wrong here as J and I proved.

The entrees however are consistently average. Jackson Fillmore's menu changes frequently, and this time I chose the mixed grill with chicken, peppers, garlic, potatoes and sausage. I sampled K's meat tortellini in cream sauce (seriously, how can you over-cheese something?), J's spaghetti in "chicken bolognese" with a touch of cream, and M's spicy chicken (really? Tabasco in an Italian dish?) and while nothing was really bad, nothing was really good either.

Dessert nearly saved this meal. Because while I'm not a tiramisu fan, the tiramisu here - with chocolate chips...YES! - was amazing. As was K's fave, the chocolate torte. But desserts do not a good meal make.

The Verdict: Almost Worth It