Bryan’s Grocery

Tucked away in the charming Laurel Village shopping center is Bryan’s Grocery, a true San Francisco institution. For decades, Bryan’s has been respected for its extremely high food quality, particularly that of its proteins and fresh produce. Seafood is so fresh and the variety so wide, that you will find it difficult to go anywhere else. Even vegetarians’ carnivorous nature will kick in walking past their impeccable selection of Prime and Choice and even Wagyu beef cuts. Staff are like the waiters at Cheers – from cashiers to fishmongers, they remember your name and ask about your family once they get to know you. Prices certainly reflect the high quality standards and relative operating costs as one of few remaining independent grocers (that is also situated adjacent to the city’s most expensive real estate). You probably don’t want to buy rolls of paper towels here, but for a special dinner, skip the Ferry Building or that overhyped hipster grocery store that just opened up last week and check out Bryan’s (did I mention that parking is also a breeze?).

I love Bryan’s for meat and fish. They have the best — I never had a concern about quality… until yesterday. Yes, it was busy Christmas Eve. That doesn’t mean that rules for safe-​handling of raw
Poultry can be suspended.
The young man helping me picked up raw chicken thighs with his hands, put them in a plastic bag, wiped his hands on his apron, and proceeded to wrap the package in paper. I instructed him to wash his hands and call a manager — who immediately saw the error when I relayed this to him. He said the employee was new (and apparently untrained) and it was a busy day… but he quickly agreed that this was no excuse.
I have been instrumental in getting the health department to come out twice to the meat purveyor inside Cal-​Mart for persistently atrocious poultry handling.
Bryan’s — don’t be next!

Acquaintances have said this store was great, particularly the seafood counter. However, I didn’t find that to be the case.
The fish monger who helped me was gruff, lacked social skills and not very nice. Then, the fish was cut all wrong. We got the mahi mahi and it was just a very odd cut, with the blood line right in the middle of the filet. The selection of fish was average but the price was decent.
I probably wouldn’t go back. As a pescetarian family, the seafood department would keep me returning but with subpar knowledge there and a produce department equal to Whole Foods in price, I’ll just go to Whole Foods.

Rip off for the wealthy. Organic chicken for $ 13 a pound? Crazy prices. Meat at over $ 20 a pound. No thanks.

The nicest guy in the world. He is truly doing the lord’s work. Awesome to treat yourself.

Yes, Bryan’s is very expensive. Super meat counter with very smart professionals… high quality and diverse. Produce is top drawer. We go to Wine Impressions Near by — for all our wine needs, easy parking, great neighborhood.

Strengths, on of the best butcher, seafood, deli counters. Just a great all around supermarket.

Just entered Bryan’s through the rear entrance and stepped on a rodent under my foot. At first I thought it was a mouse but it was almost the size of my foot, so on second guess I think it was a rat. Not only were the meat guys chuckling at my outburst but no one seemed to really be surprised, which is more troubling. Still bought a $ 52 bag of groceries. Always assumed Bryan’s was about customer service… guess I was wrong.

I love Guerra and Drewes both, but Bryan’s was the only place in town I could find Prime rib-​eye, and quail, on no notice.
Nuff said.

I was recommended to come here by a high end meat purveyor. Great selection of beef, and hi quality food goods.
Some of the selection is pricey, but you know the old saying «you get what you pay for». If you want the best authentic beef you come here.
Waygu beef is just yums.

One of the only places I know of where you can buy Japanese Wagyu Beef (complete with cert. of authenticity). Great store in general.

It’s Bi-​Rite without the attitude. Great selection of everything. Just the right size — not so big that you’re lost, and not so small that it’s too specialized. Love this place!

Initially, I was turned off by Bryan’s. The first couple times I went in, I thought, «Ooof! This is too rich for my blood.» But you know what? Given this is San Francisco, I’ve become accustomed to these prices. (Sigh.) You think I’m being sarcastic or joking? No, I’m not. For better or worse, their prices are comparable to many area grocery stores these days and the quality is among the best. From their meat to produce to foodstuffs, Bryan’s has a solid selection of high quality goods. Interestingly enough, some of their produce prices are actually LOWER than Trader Joe’s or Cal-​Mart nearby (*gasp* «quelle surprise!»).
I also like the fact that they sell a variety of frozen homemade seafood– and meat-​based stocks, cheeses (quite superior in their selection!), imported items, and fresh herbs (not everyone has fresh marjoram, chervil, or tarragon all seasons of the year — not just the holidays).
I’ve also interacted with some of the staff and cashiers. Many of them are quite knowledgable about their products and some of them are much friendlier than you’d think for a somewhat-​gourmet store like this. I’ve become quite a fan of Bryan’s and I am now grateful that this is just around the corner from my apartment.

I discovered Byran’s a few years ago when I was working out at the JCC down the block. Although it’s expensive, I really love this little market and it’s my go-​to when I’m in the neighborhood. They have a wonderful selection of specialty items and foods from small purveyors. For instance, I love Rancho Gordo and they have an amazing variety of their heirloom beans.
Bryan’s is definitely the type of store where you will go in looking for one thing and end up with something completely different. I was in the store this afternoon after I had an appointment at CPMC across the street, and I treated myself to a delicious macaroon that was made locally in San Francisco. I love all of the goodies at Byran’s and I’m grateful that it’s a part of the neighborhood!

A few years ago, my Realtor was showing me a condo, and as a selling point she really hyped up that we were going to be walking distance to Bryans… Bryans?! A grocery store… ?
Three years later, I hate to say it, but I am totally sold.
After a visit to this place, your reaction will be Whole Foods who?! You’ll never want to shop anywhere else.
It’s great for all of those specialty items, some you didn’t even know you wanted! Pure heaven for anyone who loves good food, good products, and loves to cook

I was visiting friends in Presidio Heights, and decided to give Bryan’s a second try.
I was very impressed with the produce department; it’s almost like a farmer’s market: broad selection of high quality, very fresh produce. The staff was also very helpful. The produce department is 5-​stars
Now to the meat department. The butchers were as rude and abrupt as I had remembered from my first visit here. I asked for boneless skinless chicken breasts and asked the butcher to pound them as thin as possible. He grunted, grabbed four breasts; threw them down and whacked each one a couple of times; NOT a proper or professional way to pound chicken breasts. He then grabbed the group of them and wadded them together, wrapping them crudely and almost threw them on the counter.
I looked at the package and said, what a mess.
Oh and I almost forgot: does it bother anyone else that flies just hover around in the meat case – Disgusting!
Meat department: One Star

Most people wouldn’t expect to find a great lunch deal in a fine foods supermarket in Laurel Heights, which is why I’m here to talk about Bryan’s.
I work in the area, and I find that affordable and good lunch is really hard to find. Rigolo, Beautifull, Pasta Pomodoro, even AG Ferrari, all just-​okay but completely overpriced.
I walk into Bryan’s not expecting much as its a grocery store, but behold, a tri-​tip steak sandwich for 6.50 at the deli counter!
The sandwich is about 8 inches long on a nice baguette with baby greens, tomato, cheese, spread, and PLENTY of nicely cooked tri-​tip steak. I’m telling you– if you work in the area, go get this sandwich! If tri-​tip isn’t your thing, I notice they have other sandwiches that look good, but I haven’t tried them as I am such a fan of the steak.
The ONLY reason I give 4 stars is because they tend to run out of these delectable sandwiches by 2 PM, so I encourage them to keep more in stock!

Don’t get me wrong guys, this store is beautiful and has a lovely variety of seafood and meats that no one can really complain about. I guess you could liken it to a high class combination Pizza Hut and Taco Bell? It’s got something for everyone.
The one thing I do take umbrage with? Attitude. I came in here to buy lamb shanks for an oven braise I was doing that night and they surprisingly looked a bit tired in the case. I settled because I was in a bit of a rush but asked for them to be Frenched/​French trimmed. The guy rolled his eyes and gave me some lecture about how you don’t French, but crack lamb shanks so you can braise them for a long time and get tender.
Oh really? ‘Cause I was totes going spend $ 60 on lamb shanks just to deep fry them. I appreciated the concern but could have been spared the eye roll and condescending lecture. I may look young but I know my way around the kitchen, which is why I asked him to French them for me to begin with. I don’t blame people for not knowing what they apparently don’t know, as long as they don’t treat me like an idiot as a result of it. It was cool though because I just cut them myself when I got home, and my oven braise was delicious despite the initial side of ‘tude the lamb was served up with.
My overall impression? Come here if you need good stuff in a jiffy, but if you’ve got the time, spend it at other specialty meat and seafood places in the Bay Area who will give you excellent quality and will treat you with the respect you deserve.

Came here years ago to get some kobe (style) beef. I got a ribeye and it was decent. This time, they had both ribeye (good) and flatiron (HFS!!!). Their kobe flatiron was one of the best (if not THE best) steaks I’ve ever bought in my life. Like 60% marbling, the way kobe is supposed to be. Nice work.
The attached grocery store has a pretty great selection too.
UPDATE (Dec 2013): I came again to see if they had kobe beef, and boy did they ever. $ 125 a pound for NY strip, and the uncut piece even had the wagyu association certification including birth certificate and registration number of the cow. (Yes, I looked it up online.) If you are a skeptic on imported kobe beef like me, you’ll want to check out the photo I’m attaching of this steak… seeing is believing!

Select fruit and veggies, staple groceries, great quality cut and potted flowers and a butcher section from a grocery that’s well-​known among chefs and foodies.
Deli food is good, but often underseasoned because it caters to the older, well-​heeled clientele, which is sodium-​conscious. Some of the meat items are partially cooked so you can finish them off at home. (Like the meat and fish counters, pay for your deli items at the cashier in the grocery section of the store).
Free parking lot in back, but it fills up quickly during peak times.