After 3 experiences, I think I can admit that I am not crazy about St. Francis. This last meal confirms it and is by far the most telling. First of all, our server ranted and raved about the cioppino. When she said she got to enjoy one after "winning a contest" at which point I should have know she was more of a saleswoman than a true guide of the menu. She ranted and raved about the cheesy bread included in the dish, not exactly a traditional staple of cioppino but I thought I'd give it a try. It tasted like delicious cheese bread in the middle of Ragu and old seafood. Good cioppino is rare, but it's not rocket science. This was easily the worst dish St. Francis has done in my experience and for the price and reputation they try to uphold, this is inexcusable.
Happy hour at St. Francis? Good. Pizza? They use the crust from LGO so it better be decent. It's a good thing St. Francis has a good location, beautiful building, hipster popularity and great happy hour... General Phoenix diners will be able to look past the low quality food for those reasons. True quality food-seekers will look elsewhere. I'll give you a try again in a few months St. Francis, I hope you can hold on to a few decent cooks and a chef long enough to make some changes.