Maverick

(Mission)
3316 17th St.  
415-863-3061 Map it
www.sfmaverick.com

E + D Award Winner
$$$
American
bar scene, brunch, notable wine list, open 7 days, romantic

2008 & 2007 EAT + DRINK AWARDS: Best Brunch

SCENE: Owners Scott Youkilis and Michael Pierce, who previously waited tables at Sociale, have made over these tiny digs into the image of an ultraluxe lodge. Warm pumpkin walls and an illuminated map of the US provide the backdrop for the sophisticated set that stops by.

EATS: Refined American classics dominate the menu, which changes daily. Crab cakes get a sophisticated update in the surprisingly light “Baltimore crab fluffs,” made with deep-fried lump blue crab and served with a tangy tartar sauce. Touches of luxury accent the entrées, such as Amish pork tenderloin with a saffron stuffing, and grilled lamb chops are butter-knife tender. Maverick’s brunch has a cult following, and we know why: who wouldn’t want to wake up with scrambled eggs and house-made chorizo, green onion and cheese, pecan-crusted French toast and blackberry mimosas?