Primo Patio Cafe
214 Townsend St
(at Colin P Kelly Jr St)
(415) 957-1129
Closed Sundays
If you’ve got a hankering for a combination savory ‘n sweet brunch, Caribbean food will hit the spot. Humbly situated next to the “Marina in South Beach” wine bar known as District, Primo Patio serves its food on a covered back patio with decorated walls that are supposed to make you think you’re in Jamaica somewhere, as opposed to some urban jungle in San Francisco. We were the first ones there Saturday morning and the heat lamps were still firing up, but by noon, the place was packed. Luckily I had my puffy vest or I would’ve had to swap seats with Stein-er.
Not really a grub bargain bite, but the friendly service and different take on brunch plates made the adventure worthwhile. WE got some jalapeno corn muffins upon seating, to get your tastebuds in the right mood. We ordered the Picadillo off the breakfast menu: “Cuban style hash with ground beef, onions, garlic, raisins, green olives, carrots, spices. Served over cumin rice with fried eggs & black beans,” for $7.95. In addition, we got the Grilled Jerk Chicken entree, for $8.25. Both came with a generous portion of Caribbean rice and black beans. Enough, I must add, for a mini-meal of leftovers. Throw in some (canned) exotic fruit juice for almost $2.00 each and you’re easily pushing $15 person with tax and tip.
So again, go for brunch to try something out (though vegetarians may find less options). Bring a lot of layers in case you’re not directly under a heat lamp…or wait until it’s a nice spring day. But the tasty food, fun decor, and pleasant staff make these things worth it.
