Outerlands: because people in the Outer Sunset have to eat too

San Franciso is 7x7. But that's doesn't stop people from limiting themselves to a 3x3 radius. The frequented neighborhoods: SOMA, the Marina, Nob Hill, the Mission, and the up and coming Hayes Valley. Yet this is just a small portion of the magnificent food (think Burma Superstar), parks (Golden Gate, which is literally the best), and activities (bike ride along Ocean Beach) that grace the inner and outer Sunset and Richmond.

In true due diligence, my rooomates and I decided to take a classic San Francisco activity: brunch and make it even that more SF: biking to brunch (I was going to say "hipster" or "cool", but we were really just wearing yoga pants with helmets, no makeup, and freezing our hands off, so I'm not sure how "cool" it was).

We ventured to Outerlands, the place that EVEN in the Outer Sunset (45th and Judah) has a brunch line. And boy was it true. We arrived at opening time and we were on the second page of the waitlist. We waited for about an hour before being seated. Note: the neighboring coffee shops were also packed because it was freezing and everyone waiting for Outerlands needed somewhere warm to be. Bring an extra jacket.

I absolutely loved the design and decor of Outerlands. It was open and airy with exposed wooden ceilings. The kitchen was in the center of the restaurant with a bar wrapping around. The three of us took a seat at the bar.

I ordered the Dutch Pancake with bacon. Presentation received an A+. The pancake was beautiful. However, if I'm being perfectly honest I thought it was pretty average. The pancake itself was very doughy without much flavor, it lacked dimension. I have a sweet tooth for sure, but I don't drown my pancakes in syrup. However, this pancake needed SOMETHING sweet. Only the very bottom had any flavor.

Next up, my roommate ordered the Eggs in Jail (bacon, aioli, charred cabbage, balsamic vinaigrette). Again, presentation was on point. I had a bite, and it was good, but I wasn't blown away. I was impressed by the bread though, it was towering and the perfect size to hide an egg.

The last order was eggs with black beans, cojita cheese, celery root and tortilla strips.

In staying with my theme, I admit a mouth watering presentation. This dish was also tasty, but it wasn't anything I haven't made for myself before (and with ease).

Overall, this restaurant and the food they prepared was quite beautiful. I really enjoyed the atmosphere, the clean, and quiet appearance. However, the food didn't stand up. And there are just too many great brunch options in San Francisco to make it worth standing in line for a place that is just good (especially in the Outer Sunset *gasp*).

But don't let that deter you! There are some great options in the Outer Sunset (and who knows, maybe I came to Outerlands on a bad day). Devils Teeth Baking Company has one of my favorite breakfast sandwiches, served on biscuits (YES). And on Sundays they have made-to-order beignets (YES YES). If that doesn't get your butt out of bed, then you and I have very different feelings about the importance of a delicious breakfast.

Goodbye Outerlands, we are out for now.