When Selby’s (on El Camino Real on the Redwood City-Atherton border) first opened in July of 2019, the restaurant’s signature burger with a huge price tag definitely raised eyebrows and curiosity across the Bay Area. Like thousands of other restaurants in our region though, Selby’s was forced to close in March of last year because of the pandemic. And after a brief reopening in October, it was forced to shut down once again.
But now, according to Eater SF, the extravagant eatery will reopen on Tuesday, September 7th. Selby’s is expected to serve a three-course experience on reopening night at the price of $65. The cost seems reasonable for what you get, which is a choice of eight starts including a wedge salad, tuna tartare, and caviar service (which comes with a supplemental charge); and a choice of entree including chicken parmigiana, poached Atlantic salmon, a bone-in pork chop, and the aforementioned luxe burger — which comes topped with black truffles and Epoisses cheese. Eater reports that opening night will also other classic high-end menu items, like lobster vol-au-vent and beef Wellington.
The burger that brought Selby’s so much hype when it first opened came with a price tag of $50 dollars. According to SF Chronicle, chef Mark Sullivan uses five ounces of shaved Australian black truffles on top of a custom-made Selby’s patty, which contains dry-aged hanger steak, short rib, and chuck. “The burger is best eaten rare or medium-rare, right in that sweet spot. The meat is so good you can eat it rare, honestly. But that taste with the caramelization, that added sweetness, is just what makes it great,” Sullivan told SF Chronicle.
Before Selby’s, Sullivan had been slinging noteworthy burgers at other restaurants in the Bacchus Management Group, like Spruce and The Saratoga in San Francisco.
He wanted to elevate the burger experience even more at Selby’s. “I was really focused on the idea of a burger, but taking it to the next level in terms of quality and flavor. I wanted to make it this kind of luxurious dining experience,” Sullivan told SF Chronicle.
After opening night on September 7th, Selby’s will be open from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m for indoor dining Tuesday through Saturday. The restaurant recommends you make a reservation but you are welcome to walk in as well.
