Surrounded by the hustle and bustle of one of the busier neighborhoods in the Sunset district is the subtle yet satisfying experience that is Ave. 9. Now in its fifth year, this bistro steadily serves up an entirely new menu of comfort food staples prepared with a California cuisiney twist every month, ensuring a regularly rotating culinary experience.

The Menu

Ave. 9's initial offerings set the tone for the entire meal. With such classic comfort foods as cheese fries, dressed up with garlic and Maytag bleu, you can indulge in a little binge cuisine while still feeling like you're getting the San Francisco dining experience. Ave. 9 also serves up a tasty latke with smoked salmon. Garnished with the usual suspects, chives and sour cream, this griddled potato pancake satisfies.

For the main event, Ave. 9 offers a chicken breast stuffed with goat cheese, chard and bacon. Accompanied by a savory and generous portion of potato gratin complemented by the sweet sensation of green beans and caramelized onions, the chicken breast offers an array of well-matched, rich flavors.

The dessert menu is too tempting to attempt just one. The "gooey" chocolate cake, however, was on the dry side, caught between trying to be spongy yet also wanting to be dense. The mocha pot de crème more than makes up for the sad wedge of cake, gratifying with every heaping spoonful. Served with a superfluous biscotti (more for aesthetics than taste) in a cappuccino cup, this is one délectable dessert.

The Milieu

The sights, sounds and wonderful aromas of Ave. 9's busy kitchen immediately greet patrons. Once past the kitchen, however, the atmosphere becomes soothing and restful. Lit by hand-blown glass sconces, the main room affords the perfect setting for that second or third date--after you've gone through the preflight check list (does he/she have a job, a life outside of his/her job, a significant other, etc.).

If you peek in and all the tables are occupied, don't worry. There is additional seating in back.

The Men's Room

Attention to detail is not reserved to the plating of their delicious dishes. Those who are aware of interior design will no doubt appreciate the way Ave. 9 uses a changing color palette, going from yellows and oranges to purples and black, to distinguish between the restaurant and restroom experiences. The dispenser for paper toilet seat covers matching the tile baseboard should not go unnoticed. Bravo! Ave. 9's restroom scores extra points for handicap accessibility.