Peg Wallace: Bashful Bull

Always in search of a good burger, I headed over to the Bashful Bull on Noriega Street. Mind you, I consider myself a connoisseur when it comes to burgers and I'm happy to report that I was not disappointed.

I ordered the bacon cheeseburger with fries, and my friend opted for a double cheeseburger with onion rings instead of French fries, which was no problem. We also ordered a side of chili cheese fries, which came smothered in meaty chili and melted cheese. The bacon cheeseburger was excellent, a juicy burger served with crisp bacon and cheddar cheese.

The hamburgers are made with generous portions. Mine was cooked exactly as I ordered it, medium rare, and served with crisp lettuce, tomato, onion and pickles. The burgers at Bashful Bull can be ordered with a double or triple patty and there are nine different burgers to choose from, with toppings that include cheese, mushrooms, bacon, chili, avocado and teriyaki sauce. For non-meat eaters, there are chicken, salmon, fish and veggie burgers on the menu.

A variety of hot dogs are on the menu, including cheese dogs, chili cheese dogs, bacon cheese dogs, avocado cheese dogs and a garlic beef sausage dog. Standard sandwiches are also available, ranging from egg salad to corned beef. The menu has an extensive list of hot sandwiches, including grilled cheese, with everything from tuna to turkey, BLT, barbeque beef and Philly cheese steak.

On a recent visit I opted for the French dip, and requested cheddar cheese and sautéed onions on top. The sesame seed bun was toasted and covered with a mound of thinly sliced beef, melted cheddar cheese and sweet onions. It was served with a side of au jus and a dish of homemade coleslaw. Both hot and cold sandwiches are served with a choice of French fries, potato salad, soup or green salad.

Vegetarian sandwiches are available, including a grilled eggplant with tomato and cheese; grilled cheese with pineapple, tomato and avocado; and a cold vegetarian sandwich comprised of bean sprouts, tomato, avocado and cheese.

Dinner entrees cover a variety of cuisines. Chicken Parmigiana for $6.99 is a large breaded and deep fried chicken breast, covered with a tangy tomato sauce and lots of melted mozzarella cheese. My recommendation is the Bull's Chicken, a simple yet flavorful dish of tender diced chicken sautéed in fresh garlic with mushrooms.

Other dinner entrees include: rib eye steak with sautéed mushrooms, meat loaf, grilled salmon and a variety of other dishes. All dinners are served with soup, fruit salad or tossed green salad, potato or rice, vegetable and garlic bread. The vegetables are all steamed and served crisp and delicious.

There are several deep fried chicken and seafood selections on the menu, including fried chicken, prawns, scallops and filet of sole. You'll also find pasta on the menu, including fettuccine with chicken and broccoli in a garlic and wine sauce, fettuccine and prawns in a basil cream sauce, spaghetti with meatballs and a pasta with a bit of a twist - fettuccine with beef covered with oyster sauce.

Breakfast is one of the best deals in the Sunset. Breakfast specials are offered for $3.99, Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. Included are three-egg omelettes; two eggs any style accompanied by bacon, sausage, ham or a hamburger patty; waffles, pancakes and French toast.

The Bull's Combination Breakfasts are served all day, and give you enough food to keep you full all day. One combination serves three pancakes, three eggs, three sausages, three pieces of bacon and a biscuit and gravy for $6.75. Another offers two eggs, two bacon, two sausages, two pancakes, biscuit and gravy and ham for $7.25.

The regular breakfast menu is served all day, and includes traditional egg dishes and omelettes, served with a choice of hash browns, country potatoes, pancakes or rice and toast and jelly. The omelettes are generous with fillings, and the accompanying mound of potatoes is equally as generous.

Also on the menu are Eggs Benedict, breakfast sandwiches, oatmeal, cream of wheat and cereal. The Irish breakfast includes two eggs, three Irish sausages, three pieces of Irish bacon and country potatoes, toast or pancakes.

There are now two locations of the Bashful Bull in the neighborhood. The original Bashful Bull is on Noriega Street, and a new location opened a few months ago on Taraval Street. The new location is bright and spacious, with plenty of booths. Both locations offer inexpensive meals and serve great food - and plenty of it. You'll never leave hungry.

Bashful Bull

1222 Noriega St., at 19th Avenue

Phone: 564-1584

Food to go available

Beer and wine available

Cash and bank cards only

Hours: Monday - Friday, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.;

Saturday - Sunday, 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Bashful Bull Too

3600 Taraval St., at 46th Avenue

Phone: 759-8112

Beer and wine available

MasterCard/Visa

Hours: Every day, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.