Karaoke aside, 7 Mile House is worth the drive to brisbane

Oakland Tribune, Jun 14, 2006 by Christine Morente, STAFF WRITER

WHERE CAN YOU FIND a restaurant that looks like a dive, but has high-end quality -- and a waitress that can belt out Patsy Cline's "Crazy" while she works?

Brisbane's Historic 7 Mile House, of course.

Out in the middle of nowhere -- and with PG&E's Martin Service Center behind it -- the 7 Mile House has character and a light- hearted atmosphere that makes it a fun experience every time.

Recently, my boyfriend and I went on Karaoke night. We ate our meals while one man sang Guns N' Roses' "Welcome to the Jungle," and other 1980s hits. We laughed, cringed, and maybe even teared up a little. Some people were that bad.

The restaurant has a colorful history that once revolved around gangs, and was one of the few businesses licensed to sell whiskey during Prohibition in the early 1920s.

The 7 Mile House was established in 1853 as a stage coach stop where mail was delivered. A mile house was built based on its location from the stage terminus in downtown San Francisco. The 14 Mile House, also a restaurant, is in Millbrae.

Now a sports bar and grill, the 7 Mile House's diverse menu choices range from hamburgers to seafood to such Filipino favorites as pork adobo ($7.95). The dishes are presented so beautifully, you don't want to ruin the presentation when it's time to eat.

I chose the adobo, a dish made up of pork marinated in soy sauce, white vinegar, and spices over rice. My boyfriend chose the Classic Louie Salad with Dungeness crab ($9.95), which he enjoyed. Other dishes include: Calamares Fritas ($7.50), chicken quesadillas ($6.50) and the Famous 7 Mile Burger ($6.95).

We left the restaurant full and happy. I would go back and maybe sing a bit.

The Historic 7 Mile House is on 2800 Bayshore Blvd. (at Geneva Avenue). It's open from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Thursday; from 11:30 a.m. to 2 a.m. Fridays; from noon to 2 a.m. Saturdays; and from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sundays. For more information, call (415) 467-2343.

Do you know where to have a meal for $7.50? E-mail starvingreporter@sanmateocountytimes.com.