My husband, two adult daughters and I had dinner at Al's Place on Sat night June 18. My daughter who lives in San Francisco had been dying to try it because of the fabulous acclaim it had revived and so the only time we could get a reservation was 9:45 pm. The small restaurant was packed when we arrived and remained so until we left after 11. While the food was some of the most interesting and creative we had ever experienced, we were disappointed by the somewhat abrupt service-- but perhaps it had already been a long night for our server so we will cut her a bit of slack. However, even if that is the case, when asked for recommendations of the small plates we should have gotten more than" everything is good, order more." You will either need to google the menu terms and preparation styles or get a more helpful server, as the dishes are like nothing you have ever tried before. Everything is amazingly fresh and beutifully prepared. My husband, who is our wines expert, was surprised by how limited the wine menu was as we are in CA after all. I would like to try this restaurant again on our next trip to visit our daughter but we will book earlier!